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CHS News

August 23, 2024

CHS News August 23, 2024
CHS NewsAugust 23, 2024

November 21, 2025 November 21, 2025

CELEBRATIONS! CELEBRATIONS!

First Ever CHS Flag Football Team!

Congratulations to our flag football team for their efforts last weekend! Even though we came up short, it was a great experience.


Congratulations to Maliyah Edmunds for scoring the first-ever touchdown for the Centennial High School girls’ flag football team, and to Kaitlyn McManus for scoring a touchdown as well.

Congratulations to Daejah Breland and Chaitra Naini for making key plays on defense.

Thank you to ALL the girls for their hard work yesterday on offense and defense.


The team plays next on Sunday, November 23, at Rockburn Park, 11 AM and 12 PM.

Speech and Debate Team Shines at Competition

Our Speech and Debate Team competed in BCFL 3 held at Arundel Mills High on Saturday, November 8.


Congratulations to:

  • Shubha Kadari for winning gold in Original Oratory
  • Aleena Idrees and Diya Bollam for winning Bronze in JV Public Forum
  • Alice Han for Honorable Mention in Declamation


Great job! We are proud of ALL of our competitors!

Student of the Month!

Congratulations to the 88 outstanding students who were recognized as Student of the Month for October!


Students are nominated by staff members for academic achievement, as well as positive attitudes that highlight leadership in class, modeling positive participation, and supporting classmates and teachers.

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Multilingual Parent Leadership Progam

The 26th cohort of the Multilingual Parent Leadership Program (MPLP) held its graduation today, Friday, November 21, at the Miller Library. Congratulations to the four CHS parents who participated and successfully graduated:

  • Mrs. Lina Zhao
  • Mr. Virgil Saliscan
  • Mrs. Andra Eftimie
  • Mrs. Qing Zhao
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Mrs. Lina Zhao

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Mr. Virgil Saliscan

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Mrs. Andra Eftimie

IMPORTANT DATES IMPORTANT DATES

  • November 21 - CHS First Ever Lip Sync Battle, 7 PM, Auditorium
  • Novmber 23 - PTSA Plant Sale Orders Due
  • November 24 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early; In-person Parent-Teacher Conferences
  • November 25 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early; Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences
  • November 26 - Schools Closed for Students; Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences
  • November 27 - 28 - Schools and Offices Closed
  • December 3 - Senior Portraits
  • December 4 - Spaghetti Dinner before Performing Arts Winter Showcase, 6 PM, tickets
  • December 4 & 5 - Performing Arts Winter Showcase, 7 PM
  • December 5 - PTSA See's Chocolate Orders Due
  • December 8 - Winter Band Concert, 7 PM
  • December 9 - Winter Orchestra Concert, 7 PM
  • December 10 - Winter Choral Concert, 7 PM
  • December 24 - January 2 - School Closed for Students for Winter Break
  • January 5 - School reopens
  • May 18 - June 4, 2026 - Class of 2026 Graduation Window

ATHLETICS WEEK AT A GLANCE ATHLETICS WEEK AT A GLANCE

November 21 - December 1

Friday, November 21, 2025

7:00PM Centennial’s first LIP SYNC BATTLE!


Saturday, November 22, 2025

2:00PM Wrestling Scrimmage vs Arundel HS and C. Milton Wright HS


Sunday, November 23, 2025

11:00AM Girls Flag Football vs Guilford Park HS @ Rockburn Park Field 5

12:15PM Girls Flag Football vs Hammond HS @ Rockburn Park Field 5


Monday, November 24, 2025 - 3-hour early dismissal; Conference Night 1

1:00PM Wrestling to Hammond HS for Weight Certifications

4/5:30PM JV/V Boys Basketball Scrimmage vs Century HS

4/5:30PM JV/V Girls Basketball Scrimmage @ Century HS


Tuesday, November 25, 2025 - 3-hour early dismissal; Conference Night 2


Wednesday, November 26, 2025 - Conference Day 3


Thursday, November 27, 2025 - Happy Thanksgiving!

Schools and offices are closed!


Friday, November 28 - Sunday, November 30, 2025

Friday & Saturday athletic practices may be held–check with your coach!


Monday, December 1, 2025

3:00PM Allied Bowling vs Marriotts Ridge HS @ Normandy


HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEK…

Congratulations to the Varsity Boys Soccer Program for an OUTSTANDING season! Their hard work took them far this season–we loved cheering them all the way to the State Championships!


ATHLETICS NEWS

It was great to see so many parents/guardians come out to the Winter Athletic Orientation Meeting! Special shout-out to Boosters for setting up spiritwear and sharing all the exciting ways families can support their favorite athletes and teams. AND many thanks to the AMAZING coaching staff that has worked so hard to make the start of the Winter Season great!


Did you miss the meeting? Use this link to access the Winter Athletics Folder.


Let’s Go, Eagles!!

NEWS NEWS

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Lip Sync Battle: November 21!

Centennial's first ever lip sync battle will be held on Friday November 21st, at 7 PM in the auditorium. Come watch your teachers (and some fellow classmates) compete for the title of Lip Sync Battle Champion!


The event is free, and the winner is decided by you!

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Performing Arts Department Winter Showcas: December 4 & 5!

You are invited to purchase tickets in advance for the Performing Arts Department Winter Showcase on Thursday, December 4 and Friday, December 5 at 7:00pm!

Ticket Pricing (Online Advance Sale Only):
• General Admission: $10 per ticket
• Senior Citizens: $5 per ticket

Online ticket sales close on Wednesday, December 3.

Purchase Tickets:
https://osp.osmsinc.com/HowardMD/BVModules/ProductTemplates/Bvc2013/Product.aspx?productid=DA041-1461

Flower Pre-Orders (to support our Dance students):
Carnation bouquets may be purchased in advance to celebrate your performer after the show:
• 3 carnations for $5
• 7 carnations with a bow for $10

Only single carnations will be sold at the event.

Flower Pre-Order Link:
https://osp.osmsinc.com/HowardMD/BVModules/ProductTemplates/Bvc2013/Product.aspx?productid=DA041-1844

Thank you for supporting our students and helping make this performance a success!



If you have a performer:

When purchasing online, please make sure to enter your performer’s name and discipline (ex. choir, orchestra, etc.) so they receive credit for the sale. Please share this information with family and friends as well.

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Spaghetti Dinner to Support CHS Wind Ensemble – December 4th!

Performing Arts Winter Showcase Spaghetti Dinner supporting CHS Wind Ensemble – December 4th 6pm

♫ Come share a meal with family and friends before the CHS Performing Arts Winter Showcase on December 4th! Money raised from this event will benefit Centennial High School Wind Ensemble's Midwest Clinic Performance in Chicago.

All tickets to the Spaghetti Dinner include pasta with your choice of meat or red (vegetarian) sauce, salad, garlic bread, and drinks. Catering by Squisito Restaurant. Gluten-free pasta is available. Tickets are $15 and pre-sale only by November 30th. They will not be available at the door. Purchase tickets here: https://www.centennialmusic.org/tickets.html

Proceeds from the Spaghetti Dinner will directly support the CHS Wind Ensemble’s upcoming trip to The Midwest Clinic in Chicago where our students will perform a 60-minute program of new and traditional music, showcasing their talent on an international stage. Funds raised will help cover essential costs such as new instruments, travel expenses for guest conductors, programs, and formal attire for our musicians. Thank you for your support.
♫

Dinner is available for performers only @ 5pm. Purchase discounted tickets for performers ONLY here: https://tinyurl.com/CHSdec4

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CHS Dance Clinic: December 10

Interested in dance? Not sure what it's all about?


The CHS dance program is hosting a dance clinic for students to try dance in a low-pressure environment. The program will be held in the CHS dance studio on Wednesday, December 10:

  • 9th - 12th Graders form 2:45 - 3:45 PM
  • 7th - 8th Graders from 4:00 - 5:00 PM


Email Director Ms. Nachlas at haley_nachlas@hcpss.org to sign up!

Register now for the CHS GT Advanced Research Information Night!

You’re invited to the GT Advanced Research Information Night!

Learn about the GT Advanced Research options at CHS from the comfort of your own home!


  • Who should attend?

    • Students, and parents of students, who are college bound and want a leg up on the competition!

    • Students/parents of students who love research.

    • Students/parents of students who are currently working or would like to work in a professional internship


  • What will students do in Advanced Research?

    • Learn and use college-level research skills

    • Develop and deliver professional presentations

    • Build a professional network with professionals

    • Write a fully-sourced synthesis essay

    • Develop a product to showcase their research


  • Why should students take GT Advanced Research?

    • To choose their own area of study and spend a whole year researching it

    • To learn the process and practice of college-level research while still in high school!

    • To learn the “soft skills” employers are looking for in today’s job market

    • To practice independence and time management--needed in college and beyond

To find out more, please plan to attend one or both of our virtual GT Information Nights:

  • CHS Presentation: Thursday, December 4, 2025 @ 7 PM

    • Please register HERE

    • Google Meet Join code: meet.google.com/rqn-smmj-jde

  • Countywide Presentation: Presented by the HoCo GT Office, Tues. Dec.9th @ 7PM

    • Please register HERE: Link to presentation will be available upon registration.

Planning ahead: the GT Independent Research and for GT Intern/Mentor courses require an application. Interested students should list the course on their course selection sheet and start the application process early as there are multiple steps involved. Applications for GT Research will be accepted until Friday, January 23rd, 2026.

Applications for both courses are available here or on the CHS website:

  • Independent Research Application

  • Intern/Mentor Application

Please contact Toni Ireland, the CHS G/T Resource Teacher at toni_ireland@hcpss.org or visit our school website at https://chs.hcpss.org/academics/gt if you have any questions.

ARL Information Night: DECEMBER 10

ARL Career Academy Info Sessions:

November 11 and December 10 from 6:15-7:30

Current 8-11 grade students and their parents/guardians are invited to check out ARL’s Career Academies at our in-person Information Sessions.


Are you interested in an immersive, hands-on, and project-based learning experience? Are you looking for real-world experience and credentials in a career field?


Schedule

6:15-6:30 pm Walk around to explore academies and find first session

6:40-7:00 pm Session I

7:05-7:25 pm Session II


From Biotech to Health Professions, Heating, Ventillation, and Air Conditioning, Cybersecurity, Graphic Design, Animation, Automotive Technology, Agricultural Science, Construction, Finance, Aerospace and Civil Engineering and Architectural Design, our programs are designed to provide high school students with opportunities to earn college credit, scholarships, and industry-recognized credentials, participate in worksite and mentorship experiences, and become creative problem solvers by participating in hands-on project-based learning.


Come see what we offer! More information about ARL and the Career Academies offered can be found on the

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Holiday Thrift House: December 13

We’d love for you to join us on Saturday, December 13th, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the CHS Cafeteria for a festive holiday event!


Enjoy holiday shopping with brand-new and gently used treasures—candles, children’s games, small household items—and so much more! Plus:
✨ Mr. and Mrs. Claus
🎶 Live musical performance
🎨 Face painting and crafts
🎁 Free gift wrapping (while supplies last)


It’s sure to be a joyful celebration, and ALL proceeds will benefit Grassroots, supporting those in need in our community.

CCEIS Resources Available at CHS

CHS is among a select group of schools that receive extra support from a team called CCEIS (Comprehensive Coordinated Early Intervening Services). This team works alongside school staff to provide additional resources, strategies, and professional development that strengthen how we support all students, especially those receiving special education services.


The goal is simple: to ensure every student has what they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Students may notice new tools, activities, and supports designed to help create even stronger learning environments.

NEWS FROM STUDENT SERVICES NEWS FROM STUDENT SERVICES

Carson Scholars Program

Are you in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade with at least a 3.75 GPA and are involved with your community? You might be a great nominee for a $1000 Carson Scholarship! In order to be considered for this nomination, students will need to provide a resume and list of community service activities to school counselor, Mrs. Jones, in Student Services by November 21st. Find more information about the program here: Carson Scholarship Information.


HCPSS Academy Info Sessions:

Calling all 10th, 9th, and 8th graders interested in an ARL Academy Program: Visit an information session on 12/10 from 6 - 7:30 PM at the ARL building next to the board of education off of Route 108. For more information visit the following link: https://arl.hcpss.org/event/2025/11/11/calling-all-10th-9th-and-8th-graders



EAGLE SOAR TUTORING

Join us for after-school tutoring every Tuesday and Thursday in the Media Center from 2:35 PM – 4:00 PM! This is a great opportunity to finish homework, get expert help in any subject from your teachers and peers, work on organization and enjoy free snacks.


After-school buses will be available on Tuesdays. Buses leave at 4:00 PM on Tuesdays and will use the following hub stop for drop off:

  • Miller Branch Library

  • Roger Carter Center

  • Normandy Woods Dr. @ Wheaton Way

  • Wheatfield Way @ Rolling Meadows

  • Brittany Dr. @ Roberts Rd.

NEWS FROM THE CHS PTSA NEWS FROM THE CHS PTSA

Fall Conference Baked Potato Bar

Please help us to feed our busy staff during conference time on Monday, November 24.


Items can be dropped off at CHS between 11 - 11:25 AM on Monday, November 24. Food can also be dropped off to Karyn Hobson. Please email her at hobsoncentral@gmail.com to make arrangements.


Baked Potato Bar Sign-up

CHS Holiday Cookie Call!

The CHS PTSA Staff Appreciation Committee will spread holiday cheer by giving a delicious box of homemade cookies to all staff members and bus drivers.


We ask volunteers to donate 4 dozen homemade cookies. We also welcome special items like candy and fudge. Drop off donations between December 12, and December 15. More information may be found in the Holiday Cookie Sign-Up.


Holiday Cookie Sign-Up

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Ready, Set, Go for the Holidays with Our PTSA Fundraisers!

PTSA's annual Holiday Plant Sale is back! Beautify your home in time for the holidays, and/or provide lovely gifts for friends and family.


Order in our Givebacks store (Givebacks) by November 23 and your plants will be ready for pickup the week of December 8. Make sure to leave email and/or a phone contact so we can notify you of the exact pickup date at CHS.

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Sweeten your holidays with some of the finest candies available. Order your See's chocolates in the CHS PTSA Holiday Storefront (CHS PTSA 2025 Holiday Storefront | See's Candies Yum-Raising) through December 5, and they will be shipped direct to your door.


These chocolates are a delicious indulgence (WYKYK), and make amazing gifts.

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Enter the National PTA Reflections Art Contest

Hey artists! National PTA Reflections Art Contest is going on now. This year's theme is "I Belong!"

Reflections invites entries of original work in the categories of


  • Dance Choreography
  • Film Production
  • Literature
  • Music Composition
  • Photography, and
  • Visual Arts


Submit your artwork by December 8. Winners at the school level advance to the State level, and from there to National. For more information on how to participate, see Reflections | Centennial HS PTSA.

NEWS FOR SENIORS NEWS FOR SENIORS

Class of 2026 Graduation Window, May 18-June 4, 2026

HCPSS has received confirmation from Merriweather Post Pavilion of the window for the Class of 2026 high school graduations as May 18-June 4, 2026.


Confirmed dates and times are typically available in the early spring, once Merriweather finalizes its events schedule and provides HCPSS with specific dates for use.

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ATTENTION SENIORS: CAP & GOWN LATE ORDERS due by DECEMBER 12, 2025

Jostens has provided our school with one last late order cap and gown package, which includes the CHS red custom design cap, gown, and tassel.


The orders must be paid by Credit Card, Venmo, or Zelle, no later than December 12, 2025!


Please email our Jostens representative at: karen.stewart@jostens.com, Monday thru Friday between 9 AM and 7 PM. Be prepared to pay in full when you email Karen. She will take your order and give you a confirmation.


Please, do not wait...place your order as soon as possible!


If you are planning to wear a cap and gown from a sibling or a friend, please see Ms. DeVore in Student Services so we can update our list with your information!

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Schedule Your Formal Yearbook Picture

Senior Portraits are available through Legacy Studios. Photo session are available at our school on the following dates:

  • December 3


Please go to www.seniors.legacystudios.com to book your appointment today (make sure you select "Centennial High School - Ellicott City" when you type in your name in the search bar).


Numerous packages are available, so please review all of your options!


Questions? Please contact Mr. VanWestervelt (VW), CHS yearbook sponsor, directly at rus_vanwestervelt@hcpss.org.

NEWS THAT'S WORTH REPEATING NEWS THAT'S WORTH REPEATING

Action Items for Students and Families

1. Update Your Student/Family Emergency Information Today

Parents/guardians must verify and/or update emergency information for each child every school year.

This is completed online in Family File, which has several new updates including how and where to access. Full details on updating your Family File are available online.


One exciting new feature is that families now can submit a change of address via Family File, rather than completing a separate form and sending to their school. Full directions and information for families on this new process can be found online.


2. Apply for Financial Aide

The HCPSS participates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. Students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals.

Parents/guardians must submit a new application every school year to maintain their student’s eligibility.


3. Update Your Medication Forms

Students who require medication to be administered during the school day need to have new forms (dated on or after July 1st) completed for this fall. For your convenience, you can find these forms on-line at the HCPSS website. Medical Forms.


4. Parking Permits

Permission for students to drive and park vehicles on school system property is a privilege. Parking spaces for students at Centennial High School are limited. Accordingly, in order to be granted this privilege, applications for parking permits will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis in priority order: 1) Seniors; 2) Students enrolled in Work Study/Intern Mentor Programs; and, 3) Juniors.

Permits will be issued in this order through the end of the third week of school. Beginning September 18th, remaining permits will be issued in the order applications are received. Permits will not be reserved for students who do not yet have a valid Maryland Driver's License. Students ARE NOT required by the school system to attend a ‘Safe Driving’ presentation this school year.


To apply for your permit:

  • Login to HCPSS.me.
  • Complete the application packet and save as a pdf.
  • Take a photo of your driver’s license.
  • Follow this link to submit the online application. The information collected through the online application is required by HCPSS.
  • Your submission will be reviewed, and you will be notified via email once it is accepted.

For questions about applying for a parking permit at CHS please contact Marie Dow at marie_dow@hcpss.org.

Information Finder

Keep current on news and events throughout the school year by checking the CHS website: https://chs.hcpss.org. We have added an A to Z Reference Guide to the website as your one-stop information finder: attendance policies, parking permit applications, food and nutrition services, student technology support, and much more.

Important Back to School Information for CHS Students & Families

Getting to School

The official school hours for Centennial High School for the 2025-2026 school year, as set by the HCPSS Board of Education, will be 7:50 AM to 2:35 PM. Bus schedules will be available online.

We believe that the safest way for students who do not drive themselves to get to school is by accessing the transportation provided. However, we do understand that there may be occasions when it is necessary to drive your student to school. When that happens, please follow the procedures listed below to help ensure the safety of all students during school arrival time.


Students who must be driven to school are to be dropped off from the sidewalk next to Burleigh Manor, along the tennis courts, and to the auditorium entrance at the side of the building following the established traffic pattern. Drivers are NOT to use the parking aisles to drop off students.

Students may NOT be dropped off along Centennial Lane. Parents are to refrain from making U-turns on Centennial Lane as it impedes traffic and contributes to unsafe conditions for students and drivers.


Students who are driving themselves to school are encouraged to arrive early to avoid being tardy. Traffic jams occur daily during the morning rush along Centennial Lane. We very much appreciate your partnership to ensure our commitment to student safety.


Students who arrive at/after 8:00 AM are considered tardy and may receive disciplinary consequences.


Students can arrive as early as 7:00 AM, as our cafeteria is open. Between 7:00 AM and 7:40 AM, students are permitted to wait outside or go to the cafeteria. Students enter through the main doors in the bus loop area (they have to walk on the sidewalk at the auditorium entrance to the front) that lead directly into the cafeteria. Students may NOT go to classrooms before 7:40 AM unless they have a pass from a teacher.


Bus Locator

The online HCPSS bus locator tool is now available and can be found on the HCPSS Transportation webpage. Bus information also can be found in Family File via HCPSS Connect Synergy. With some overlapping school start times and/or transportation exemptions, it is possible that buses for different schools will arrive at bus stops around the same time. Please review your child’s bus number and be sure they know it and check before boarding the bus.


Student Technology Devices

To help remove technology barriers and advance equitable student learning outcomes, HCPSS has moved to a 1:1 student-to-device ratio. All students have or will be provided with a Chromebook. These devices are required for all county and state testing and assessments. HCPSS Technology and Devices information


Students who do not currently have an HCPSS issued device should report to the Media Center to have one assigned on Monday, August 25.


Lockers

All students will be assigned a locker. Students may come to the front office before the school day begins, during their lunch shifts, or during Eagle Time to report a broken locker or request help with a locker.


Attendance

Please follow these procedures to report an absence:

Absence notes and tardy notes for excused absences are to be emailed to CHSabsence@hcpss.org. Students who bring in physical notes may drop them off in the front office before the start of the school day.


Discretionary absence requests must be completed and attached through email in advance of the absence. The last possible day of school for the 25/26 SY is June 18th. If there are any make-up days added to the end of the year, we need you to be available to take exams on any day from June 7-18. Any requests for Discretionary Absences during that window of time will not be approved. Likewise, Discretionary Absences will not be granted during the week of January 16th, mid-term exam week. For questions about attendance, please reach out to our Attendance Secretary, Diane Howse at diane_howse@hcpss.org.


Support the Groups Who Support Us

The CHS PTSA offers programs, services, and supports to enhance the high school experience for all students, teachers, and parents. Join the PTSA now by logging into the CHS PTSA website.

The CHS Boosters serve all student extracurricular activities, including sports teams, school clubs, and student organizations. Join the Boosters now by logging into the CHS Boosters website.

Friends of Music supports vocal and instrumental music at CHS to guarantee the sustainability of these programs and to provide vital support to our music directors. Help our talented musicians thrive by joining us today through the FOM website: http://www.centennialmusic.org/.

It is important to support organizations that do so much for us and our students. We are a community!

Underclass School Pictures

Legacy Studios was at school on September 18 and 19, taking underclass pictures. Families should receive notification that their pictures are ready to view by October 1.


View your portraits online: LegacyFindMyCode.com


Picture retakes are scheduled for Tuesday, October 28.

Information for ARL Students

As a student who attends ARL, there are some important things you need to know to start the school year off right.


On the Regular Bell Schedule:

  • AM ARL bus departs at 7:50 AM and returns to CHS at 9:35 AM
  • PM ARL bus departs on A DAYS (M, T, TH, F) at 12:45 PM and returns at 2:30 PM
  • PM ARL bus departs on B DAYS (M, T, TH, F) at 11:15 AM and returns at 2:30 PM

On the Eagle Time Schedule – Wednesdays:

  • AM ARL bus departs at 7:50 AM and returns to CHS at 9:35 AM
  • PM ARL bus departs on A DAYS at 12:55 PM and returns at 2:30 PM
  • PM ARL bus departs on B DAYS at 11:20 AM and returns at 2:30 PM


Transportation to ARL


The ARL bus leaves Centennial High School promptly at 7:50 in the morning. Students are responsible for arriving in time to board the ARL bus before it departs. Students who arrive at Centennial before the departure time may wait in the cafeteria, but should be sure to set alarms and monitor the time to make sure they don’t miss the ARL bus, which leaves our school at 7:50 AM.


Parents/Guardians are welcome to transport their students to the ARL in the morning. There is a designated Student Drop Off lane closest to Route 108 ( follow the signs). Do not pull into the bus lane that is directly in front of the building. Be aware that traffic around campus can be busy in the morning. Parents/guardians should plan on arriving at the ARL campus between 7:55 and 8:00 for morning classes. Students are expected to be walking into the ARL no later than 8:05 and in class by 8:10. Students arriving in class after 8:10 are tardy to the ARL.


Students who wish to drive themselves to ARL must complete a parking permit application. ARL does not have a dedicated student parking lot, and spots are limited. Priority for parking permits will be given to students currently attending HCC dual enrollment programs and to those students who have off-site internships as a part of their academy program. Students who wish to apply for a parking permit should submit an application found linked on the ARL Website. Students will be notified if they are approved or denied a parking permit, and will receive information on how to pick up their parking permit. Please note that student drivers are not able to leave the parking lot until all buses have departed.

COMMUNITY NEWS COMMUNITY NEWS

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HoCo Film Festival: May 1, 2026

Do you enjoy watching films? Do you like making films? The HoCo Student Film Festival is now accepting submissions!


The deadline to submit your films is April 7th, 2026 and the film festival will be held at the Miller Branch of the Howard County Library on May 1st at 7:00pm. Check out our website: https://hocofilmfest.weebly.com/ or go see your library media specialist for more information.

So grab that camera and start filming YOUR story!


Films can range from:


  1. Genre story-based films: Students create a fictional story-based film under the genre of their choosing. (Comedy, Drama, Romance, Horror, etc.)


  1. HC Drug Free PSA’s: Students can submit PSA’s under the HC Drug Free category, highlighting the theme: In the Know: Fake Pills, Real Danger. If you would like to reach out to your health teachers, here is a PSA lesson for possible collaboration.


  1. A story-based or documentary style video for the HoCo 250 Commission celebrating America’s 250th year: The Howard County Student Film Festival is honored to collaborate with the Youth Engagement Committee on the HoCo 250 Commission to create a category for Howard County students honoring this anniversary. Students can create story-based or documentary-style films encompassing the theme: Redefining Patriotism.

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Donate to Support the HoCo Film Festival

Please consider donating to support the HoCo Film Festival. All proceeds go directly to monetary prizes and trophies for students.

HC DrugFree

FREE Parenting Classes for Parents and Grandparents

Raising preteens and teens is tough. Wouldn't it be great if adults could attend a class to learn how to help their kids/grandkids avoid risky behaviors? There is.


HC DrugFree's FREE classes for Howard County parents, guardians, and grandparents are back!


The Fall 2025 series will run (Tuesdays and Thursdays): November 11, 13, 18, 20 and December 2 from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom.


While the curriculum is for adults with 9-14 year olds, HC DrugFree strongly encourages HoCo adults with students in K-12 to try to attend all 5 classes. Some families have attended more than one series!


Remember, parents or grandparents living out of the area can join us on Zoom during their lunch break.


Guiding Good Choices® is an evidence-based, interactive prevention program that helps you build a stronger bond with your child/grandchild, while also providing skills proven to reduce the risk of youth engaging in substance use or other risky behaviors.


Learn how to:

• Strengthen Family Bonds

• Develop Healthy Beliefs and Clear Standards

• Avoid Trouble and Respond to Peer Pressure

• Manage Conflict and Express Feelings Constructively

• Prevent Drug Use in Your Family

• And More!


Learn more and register


Drive-Thru Medication Disposal: Saturday, October 25 in the Wilde Lake Village Center Parking Lot near the Swim Center from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medication, vitamins, pet meds, vape devices, inhalers, and more. Unlike previous events, we will not collect sharps (needles, syringes and EpiPens). Need student, adult, and medically-trained adult volunteers. Earn Community Service Hours! Giving away 100 medication lockboxes. For more information and to volunteer visit HC DrugFree's website: https://hcdrugfree.org/drug-take-back-day-1/


Teen Advisory Council:

To RSVP/register to receive the Monday, November 3 TAC meeting Zoom link, click here. Meetings will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Each meeting has a unique link, so members must RSVP/register before each meeting.


Students: If you have not submitted a new 2025-26 registration, please complete this form to register for the coming school year. Even if you have been a member for several years, we need a new registration each school year.


Members of TAC attend our monthly meetings and serve as student ambassadors in their schools and in the community.


Why join TAC?


  • Earn Community Service Hours
  • Gain experience for job & college applications
  • Volunteer opportunities year round
  • Be a leader and role model in Howard County


Learn more


Free Newsletter: Stay up to date with HC DrugFree's free events offering Community Service Hours to HoCo students, resources, and a variety of substance use and behavioral health information! Sign up for HC DrugFree's free digital newsletter: https://hcdrugfree.org/enews-signup/


Know what's happening in Howard County. Sign up for HC DrugFree's free newsletter at tinyurl.com/HCDFNews or follow us on social media to get updates on events as well as information to keep your family safe and informed:

  • Facebook: facebook.com/HCdrugfree
  • X: twitter.com/chdrugfree
  • LinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/ch-drugfree

STAY CONNECTED STAY CONNECTED

  • Centennial High School’s website is a great source of information at https://chs.hcpss.org.
  • Instagram @CentennialHS
  • Facebook @www.facebook.com/chs.hcpss.org
  • Read the Wingspan, CHS student newspaper
  • CHS PTSA https://www.chs-ptsa.org/and CHS Boosters https://www.centennialboostersonline.com/.
  • CHS Friends of Music http://www.centennialmusic.org/
  • Register to receive school system updates and alerts at https://www.hcpss.org/hcpss-news/, click on Subscribe and select Centennial High School.
Anouska Kurer
Implementation Manager @ Smore

👋 Need more help? Reach out to support@smore.com

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