Centennial Lane Elementary:

Centennial Lane Elementary School

Mrs. Debra Anoff, Principal

Mrs. Siobhan Drumgoole, Assistant Principal

3825 Centennial Lane

Ellicott City, MD 21042

(410) 313-2800

(410) 313-2804 - Fax

(410) 313-1710 (Health Room)

Student Hours: 8:45a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

cles.hcpss.org

Centennial Lane Elementary Read-A-Thon Success!

We want to THANK our entire Centennial Lane Elementary community for an amazing and very successful school-wide Read-A-Thon! Our students not only met our goal but exceeded it by a long shot!

Throughout the Read-A-Thon, our students engaged in daily reading activities here at school while also reading at home. Many participated in the Daily Reading Challenge on their student Read-A-Thon website page, showing dedication, excitement, and a love for reading!

Celebrations are in order!

Yesterday, Thursday, March 19th: Students enjoyed a spontaneous school-wide “Dance Party” at the end of the day to celebrate their incredible efforts.
Next week, Friday, March 27th: Each team will host a “Snuggle Up and Read” event. Look for details from your child’s team on their Canvas page with specifics for each grade.

We are thrilled to share that our students raised just over $37,000, with 75% of those funds going directly to support Centennial Lane Elementary! These funds will enhance student activities, school-wide events, instructional materials and resources, PBIS initiatives, and so much more.

As a special celebration of our school community, each new incoming Kindergartener will receive their very first Spirit Wear Dolphin t-shirt to start their elementary journey with Dolphin Pride!

Thank you again for helping make our Read-A-Thon such a remarkable success. Together, we are fostering a love of reading and building a stronger, more vibrant school community!

With Dolphin Pride,

Debra A. Anoff, Principal

Siobhan Drumgoole, Assistant Principal

For a complete list of dates and events visit cles.hcpss.org/calendar

March

20-Ada Ari Book Orders Due
25-Spirit Day-Maryland Day-Wear red, black and yellow
27-Spirit Day-MLB Day-Wear your favorite baseball team

March 30th - April 5th- Spring Break, schools closed -UPDATED

April

6-School Reopen after Spring Break UPDATED
7-PTA Meeting
11-PTA International Festival (risk of being cancelled)
14-End of 3rd Quarter
15-3hr Early Dismissal-CLES dismisses at 12:10 pm UPDATED
22-Report Cards Issued
23-PTA Science Fair Registrations due
25- PTA Earth Day Garden Cleanup
28 & 29- Spring Portraits & Class Pictures-Schedule will be shared closer to picture day.
30- PTA Science Fair

May

5- PTA Meeting
6-Band and Orchestra Concert for Students
6-Spring Evening Band Concert 6:30 PM @CHS
7-Spring Evening Orchestra Concert 6:30 PM @ CHS
13-Chorus Concert for Students
14-CLES Field Day
15-Spring Choral Concert 6:30 PM @CHS
16-CLES PTA Spring Fair
25-Memorial Day-Schools & Offices Closed
27-Eid al-Adha-Schools & Offices Closed

June

2-CLES Spring Showcase Concert 6:30 PM @ CHS - more info coming soon
3-CLES 5th gr. Music Department Pancake Breakfast- more info coming soon
5-5th Gr. Simulated Congressional Hearing
8-Professional Work Day-2 HR Early Dismissal- CLES Dismisses @ 1:10 PM
15-5th Gr. Promotion Ceremony-9:15 am more info coming soon
16-3 hr Early Dismissal-CLES Dismisses @ 12:15 pm
17- 3 hr Early Dismissal-CLES Dismisses @ 12:15 pm
18-Last Day of School 3 hr Early Dismissal-CLES Dismisses @ 12:15 pm
19-Juneteenth School Offices Closed
23-Primary Election DAy-School Offices Closed

Newsletter Translation

For another language, click "Translate Newsletter" tab and select the language of choice at the top of this page.

Spanish

Para otros idiomas, haga clic en Traducir Newsletter y elija el idioma que prefiera.

Korean

다른 언어의 경우 뉴스 레터 번역을 클릭하고 원하는 언어를 선택합니다.

Chinese

对于其他语言，请单击翻译新闻通讯，然后选择所需的语言。

Urdu

دوسری زبانوں کے لئے ، نیوزلیٹر کا ترجمہ کریں پر کلک کریں اور اپنی پسند کی زبان کا انتخاب کریں۔

HCPSS Calendars

There will be no printed 2025-2026 calendars. Staff, students, and families may add our online calendar to their own mobile/online calendar by

Going to https://www.hcpss.org/calendar/
Scrolling down to Subscribing to a Calendar
Right-clicking on the calendar you wish to subscribe to
Selecting Copy Link Location/Address/Shortcut
Adding to your calendar of choice (See your calendar for specifics on adding a new calendar)

You also may view and/or download printable PDFs of the full calendar and/or important dates only. Updates to the PDFs will be noted on the HCPSS calendar page .

PLEASE NOTE! The calendar is subject to change. The online calendar reflects the most recent version.

Calendars in Spanish, Chinese, and Korean

Calendario en español

西班牙语日历

스페인어로 된 달력

HCPSS Calendar

The HCPSS Pre-K program is provided, per Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) regulations, to any child who meets first priority criteria (income eligible, homelessness, and foster care). This eligibility is based on information submitted on the HCPSS Pre-K Early Admission application and the supporting documentation that is provided.

The Pre-K application will be available online for families beginning Monday, March 9, at 9:00 am. The online application is the preferred method of submission. However, families may request a downloadable application by emailing hcpss_pk@hcpss.org.

For more information on Pre-K Eligibility and Requirements, please visit the HCPSS website Pre-K Registration page here.

Brainfuse HelpNow is now available 24/7 for all library users, expanding access beyond the previous 2 p.m.–midnight live tutoring hours. This means students and caregivers can connect with live online tutoring and academic support anytime that fits their schedule. Brainfuse HelpNow is available on the HCLS website, and video and written instructions on how to use the resource are available here. First-time users will need to create a username and password.

As a reminder, for the safety and security of our students and staff, all visitors must sign in at the Sign-In computer located in the front lobby using a government-issued photo ID. Please be sure to bring your ID with you whenever you visit. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and secure learning environment for everyone.

Want to help Centennial Lane and clear out your closets at the same time?

Drop your items in our yellow donation bins! Our donation box collects clothing, shoes, and textiles, and Centennial Lane earns money based on the total weight collected each month.

Please note: All donations must be bagged before being placed in the bin.

Parents can email CLESabsence@hcpss.org to report a student’s absence. Please include your child(ren)’s full name, parent’s/guardian’s full name and phone number, the date your child(ren) was absent and the reason. Parents may instead choose to send in a paper excuse note to their child’s teacher with the same information when the student returns to school.

For families requesting local discretionary absences, please complete a Local Discretionary Absence Request Form and submit it to the front office at least one week in advance.

PTA Executive Board

President - Karen Franchetti: president@clespta.org

1st VP - Karen Patel: 1stvp@clespta.org

2nd VP - Tanya Smith: 2ndvp@clespta.org

Treasurer - Mike Reed: treasurer@clespta.org

Secretary - Victoria Ahn: secretary@clespta.org

PTA Questions: Questions@clespta.org

PTA website: www.clespta.org

PTA EVENTS SECTION

Ada Ari Book Order (Cultural Arts Program)

Did you miss the deadline to order an autographed book by Ada Ari? Good news - the deadline has been extended to 3/20!!! Click here for more details: http://clespta.org/ada-ari

Also, here’s a recap of the in-school program that our CLES students attended: The CLES PTA’s Cultural Arts Committee was pleased to host children’s author Ada Ari for her program “African Storytelling Reimagined" this morning. The school wide assemblies featured a reading of Ghana’s folktale about Anansi the Spider, as well as an African dance lesson, cultural and geography lesson, and touch/feel session with authentic clothing and instruments. It was super interactive with lots of opportunities for student volunteers! Such a great morning filled with learning and fun.

PTA BMMS/CLES International Fest

Saturday 4/11 from 12:00-2:30 p.m.

THIS EVENT IS AT RISK OF BEING CANCELLED!

We need highly motivated volunteers to pull this off: 1-2 chairs and 3-5 volunteers on the planning committee. Please email if interested by this Saturday, 3/21. If we don’t get the volunteers we will sadly have to cancel.

CLES PTA and Burleigh Manor Middle School (BMMS) PTA will co-host this year’s International Festival Family Event on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 12-2:30 p.m. at BMMS. The event will include: cultural performances, a fashion show, table displays, food tasting, and other activities which celebrate the rich cultural heritages and diversity of CLES & BMMS families.

All families interested in participating should complete the BMMS/CLES International Fest - Family Interest Survey (Google Form) to indicate your family’s level of interest in participating in the event, including the cultural performances, fashion show, and volunteer opportunities. EARLY BIRD SIGNUP: Families who complete the interest survey by March 22nd will receive early access to sign-up details and information the week of March 23rd. For questions please contact: social@clespta.org.

Science Fair

Thursday 4/30

START THINKING ABOUT YOUR PROJECTS!!! More info found here:

www.clespta.org/events-list/pta-science-fair

Little Dolphins

We invite you to join the CLES Little Dolphins to help with the transition to CLES!

We help incoming kindergarten students and their families get to know one another. During the spring and summer of 2026, the CLES Little Dolphins group will host play dates, info sessions, and family activities.

HOW TO JOIN: Visit our website and fill out the survey: www.clespta.org/little-dolphins We will email you with little dolphin event dates and other important info.

Questions: little.dolphins@clespta.org

Crowd Managers Needed for Large PTA Events!

The CLES PTA needs trained Crowd Managers to support upcoming large PTA events (all you have to do is be present at the event). Please consider supporting our CLES PTA by becoming trained - especially if you already plan to attend an upcoming event (e.g., International Fest April 11, Spring Fair May 16, etc.).

Training is FREE for HoCo residents if you get trained by HoCo Fire & Safety -- click here for upcoming training dates/times (2-hour class): https://www.howardcountymd.gov/.../crowd-manager-safety

Please email social@clespta.org if you are already trained, or willing to get trained, and can help out the PTA!

Spring Fair Sponsorship Opportunities for Families and Businesses!

We are actively seeking businesses, community organizations, families, groups, and individuals to support our biggest fundraiser of the year. If you are interested, or know a business interested in sponsoring the Spring Fair please click here:

If sponsorship isn't for you, but you have a service or item to donate– like a piano lesson, tickets to a sporting event, or other special experience– please consider it for our silent auctions.

Please contact us to arrange drop-off: silent.auction@clespta.org

Spring Fair website: clespta.org/spring-fair

Spring Fair Volunteer Needs!

We still need to fill many volunteer positions in order to hold a successful Spring Fair, including:

Ticket Sales - Organizes ticket and wristband sales, pre-sales, and cash handling
Volunteers Captain - Organizes and leads our army of day-of volunteers
Silent Auction on-site Lead - Organizes set up and coordinates day-of
We also need volunteers to co-lead food, prizes, entertainment and more!

Email Spring Fair Co-Chairs Katy Long and Rica Liu if you can help: spring.fair@clespta.org

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ADVOCACY SECTION (Stay connected)

Howard County PTACHC (PTA Council of Howard County)

Budget:

Superintendent Barnes is presented his budget request at the 1/8/2025 BoE meeting. Additional dates and public hearings are listed on our PTA advocacy page.

Effective Advocacy for Budget/School Funding:

Superintendent Barnes attended the 1/5/2026 PTACHC meeting. When asked how we can most effectively advocate for school funding, he recommended asking for dollars that we can use toward interventions and support in math and reading.

Write to council members and the executive. Follow up with phone calls.
Attend public hearings or write in testimony at BudgetTestimony@howardcountymd.gov.
Important dates can be found on our PTA advocacy page.
Email your state senators and delegates.

More info: https://www.clespta.org/advocacy

Questions: contact our PTACHC chairs at ptachc@clespta.org

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Howard County SECAC (Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee)

SECAC is a parent-driven advisory council advocating for special education issues in HCPSS. It collaborates with community groups to enhance special education services and outcomes. All community members are welcome to attend the SECAC monthly meetings. SECAC also regularly appears before the Howard County Board of Education to ensure the voices of students with disabilities, their families, and educators are heard at the decision-making table.

More info: https://www.clespta.org/sped

Questions: contact our SECAC chair Shirley at SECAC@clespta.org

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PTA Committee Leads Needed

Communications (ongoing - newsletters, etc.)
Treasurer (needed ASAP)
Community Outreach (flexible commitment)
International Festival (April)
Fundraising Chair (ongoing)
And more…just ask!

Without you, these events can’t happen. Reach out to learn more about these roles or any others: Questions@clespta.org

The PTA Website is linked HERE.

Join the CLES PTA

In alignment w/ Policy 10010, the following announcements have been approved by the Public Information Office for distribution.

The below community notices are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the HCPSS.

HCPSS Community Programs

Centennial Lane Elementary: