Centennial School District's (CSD) hosted the 2025 AI Symposium with the Capital Area Intermediate Unit for approximately 40-50 Superintendents and Educational Leaders on April 4, 2025, outlining the district's remarkable 21-month journey implementing AI in the school district. Attendees learned how CSD moved beyond viewing generative AI as just another tech trend, recognizing it as a fundamental shift impacting teaching, learning, operations, and student preparedness for the future. Please take a moment to enjoy this short video recap of the successful event.

Dear Parents/Guardians, Staff, and Community:

I am writing again to inform you about recent developments regarding Title VI certification requirements from the U.S. Department of Education (USDE).

Recent Communication from PDE

On, April 9th, our district received notification from Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe that the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has responded to the USDE's recent request for all State Education Agencies (SEAs) and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to certify compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Key Points from PDE's Response

The PDE has reaffirmed its commitment to fully complying with all civil rights laws, as our district does as well. In their response to the USDE, they clarified several important points:

1. PDE and all Pennsylvania education agencies already certify compliance with Title VI through the acceptance of federal grant funding.
2. PDE views any certification requirements that go beyond the legal obligations of Title VI as an improper attempt to change federal award terms without following proper administrative procedures.
3. While the USDE referenced "certain DEI practices" and "illegal DEI" in their request, they did not define these terms or identify specific practices. There are no federal or state laws that generally prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
4. Recent federal court decisions have either enjoined similar certification requests or interpreted them to require only certification of compliance with existing civil rights laws.

What This Means for Our District

No further action is required from our district at this time.

PDE has confirmed that our district, like all education agencies in Pennsylvania, is already in compliance with our legal obligations regarding Title VI. We remain committed to providing an educational environment that respects the rights of all students and staff while following all applicable laws.

We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates should any new developments arise that affect our district operations.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Dana T. Bedden, Ed.D., CAA

Superintendent of Schools

Introduction

I am writing to make you aware of an important new initiative that we will be implementing at the high school to enhance our school safety, maximize instructional time, and promote student accountability. After careful consideration of the current challenges presented to me by the WTHS administration and an evaluation of potential solutions, I decided to present for approval to the board (passed 6-2-1) a proposal to implement the SMARTPASS digital hall pass and student accountability system.

Identified Challenges

We currently face several challenges related to our traditional paper hall pass system:

1. Significant instructional time is lost through the disruptive process of writing physical passes
2. Limited accountability for students' time spent outside the classroom
3. Ongoing bathroom vandalism issues that divert maintenance resources from educational priorities
4. Difficulty tracking student whereabouts during emergency situations
5. Challenges in preventing unauthorized student gatherings in hallways and bathrooms

These issues not only affect our educational environment but also represent a substantial drain on our resources. Currently, we have spentt approximately $27,154 on bathroom repairs including 500 hours of maintenance labor.

The SMARTPASS Solution

SMARTPASS is a comprehensive digital accountability system designed specifically for K-12 educational environments. It is not merely a digital version of a hall pass but a sophisticated platform that transforms how we manage student movement throughout our building.

Key benefits include:

• Enhanced Student Accountability: Creates a transparent digital record of all student movement, helping foster responsibility and better time management skills
• Maximized Instructional Time: Streamlines the pass request process with minimal classroom disruption
• Improved School Climate: Features innovative "Encounter Prevention" that automatically identifies and blocks potential student meetups in hallways or bathrooms
• Enhanced School Safety: Provides real-time student location information during emergencies and enables instant system-wide lockdown if needed
• Data-Driven Insights: Offers comprehensive analytics on student movement patterns to inform interventions and policy decisions

Implementation Cost and Funding

The three-year subscription cost for SMARTPASS is $28,430 (covers 3 years), which has been secured through existing budget savings by re-allocating funds from the four-month communications office vacancy. This means no new budget allocations are required for the three-year agreement.

The company also reported that schools using SMARTPASS typically see maintenance costs drop by 60-70% within the first year, which, for us, could represent potential savings of approximately $8,173 based on this year's cost. However, the true value extends far beyond these direct savings through improved instructional time and enhanced safety measures.

Professional Development

We will be offering comprehensive professional development sessions for all staff as soon as possible. The system features an intuitive interface that requires minimal training, and SMARTPASS provides dedicated account managers who will support our implementation process.

Training will include:

• Basic system navigation and pass approval
• Setting appropriate time limits and restrictions
• Utilizing analytics and reporting features
• Integration with emergency protocols

Implementation Timeline and Expectations

We plan to begin the implementation process with the company within the next 14-21 days, with full deployment for next school year. The system works on any internet-connected device, including our existing Chromebooks, iPads, and smartphones, so no new hardware is required.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The success of this system depends entirely on our consistent and faithful implementation. Even the best technology solution will fail if not used with fidelity. I must emphasize that all staff will be expected to use SMARTPASS exclusively for hall passes once implementation is complete. Paper passes should no longer be used except in rare circumstances when technology is unavailable.

The company shared that schools that have implemented the system with strong fidelity have reported:

• 65% reduction in office referrals for hall pass-related disruptions
• 42% less time students spend outside of instructional settings
• 89% of teachers reported improved classroom management

Conclusion

While I will not be present for the implementation, my hope and intent are that SMARTPASS will significantly enhance our school environment while addressing several persistent challenges. This initiative aligns with our broader commitment to creating a safe, efficient, and accountable learning environment where both students and staff can thrive. Ultimately, if all goes well it may be something CSD can deploy to all schools.

I appreciate your support as CSD implements this important system. If you have questions, please direct them to the high school principal.

Dear CSD Parents/Guardians, Faculty, Staff, and Community,

I am writing to inform you about another important policy change that may affect our school district and to share guidance recently provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

Recent Policy Change

On January 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinded its "sensitive locations" policy, which previously limited immigration enforcement actions in schools and other designated areas. In response to this change, PDE has developed guidance to help school districts navigate this new landscape while continuing to provide safe and welcoming learning environments.

What This Means for Our District

As we review this policy change, I want to emphasize a fundamental principle that remains unchanged: every child of school age residing in Pennsylvania is entitled to a public school education, regardless of immigration status. This right is firmly established, and our district remains committed to upholding it.

PDE Guidance and Next Steps

PDE has issued comprehensive guidance addressing several key areas that may require review:

1. Responding to enforcement personnel on campus
2. Handling requests for student records
3. Communication protocols with families and staff
4. Protecting student privacy and minimizing disruption to learning

Important protections remain in place, including:

• Federal and state laws prohibiting schools from inquiring about immigration status during enrollment
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) restrictions on disclosing student information without proper consent

Our Action Plan

Our administrative team will:

• Continue to work with our district solicitor, special legal counsels to review and update relevant policies and/or administrative regulations as necessary
• Share with our school board on any necessary policy changes
• Coordinate with Pennsylvania education associations for additional guidance
• Provide training to staff on updated procedures as necessary

Our Commitment

Our district remains steadfast in our mission to provide a school climate where all students feel safe, supported, and able to learn. We recognize the potential concerns this policy change may raise for some families, and we are committed to addressing those concerns while maintaining our focus on educational excellence for all students.

We will continue to provide additional updates as we develop our specific response to this policy change. If you have questions in the meantime, please contact [appropriate contact person/office].

Sincerely,

Dana T. Bedden, Ed.D., CAA

Superintendent of Schools

In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, Mrs. Collins’ 7th grade ELA students came together with the Autistic Support and Life Skills classrooms for a powerful and heartwarming activity focused on promoting understanding, acceptance, and appreciation of neurodiversity.

The students worked side by side to explore the theme “No Brain is the Same,” a concept that emphasizes the beautiful diversity of how people think, learn, and experience the world. Through a collaborative activity, each student drew or wrote about the traits that make them unique, highlighting their strengths, interests, and the qualities that make them who they are.

This exercise wasn’t just about creativity—it was about connection. By sharing what makes each of them special, students recognized that everyone brings something valuable to the table. Whether someone is great at solving puzzles, has a big imagination, shows kindness, or remembers amazing facts, every gift matters.

The message was clear: neurodiversity is a strength. Autism is just one part of the broad spectrum of how our brains work, and understanding that helps build a more inclusive and compassionate school community. The students learned that acceptance means more than just awareness—it’s about celebrating differences and making sure everyone feels seen, valued, and included.

This meaningful experience was turned into a bulletin board display in the Klinger hallways. It is a reminder to everyone that when we embrace our differences, we create a stronger, kinder, and more vibrant school community.

On Wednesday, April 9th a team of scholars from Log College Middle School competed in the Bucks County Reading Olympics. Nearly 250-teams comprising of 4,000 students participated throughout the county. It was a rigorous quiz bowl; testing the students' abilities to recall facts from twenty-five books, which were read during the school year.

A loud round of applause and congratulations was earned by the Log College team as they earned the top score of the competition, an astounding 64-points. That mark indicates how well the students prepared for the event and the time they devoted to reading.

Of special note, the moderators and judges were sure to remark upon the fine sportsmanship and composure of the group, The students represented themselves and their school with grace and consideration. Our entire CSD community is proud of what these students accomplished.

Last weekend, the William Tennent Robotics team participated in their first ever FIRST Mid Atlantic District Championship. The top 60 teams in our Mid Atlantic district qualified, and we learned that we qualified as #57. The team traveled to Lehigh University for 3 days of competition. The field was extremely competitive and showed us that while we still have a lot to learn as a team, we've come a long way in a little bit of time. Congratulations to the seniors who have wrapped up their robotics career, we wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors!

If you are interested in joining the high school robotics team, especially as someone who is interested in promotions or business opportunities trying to build your portfolio, or if you have a passion for Computer Aided Design, please email wtrobotics@centennialsd.org for information on how to join our team in the future.

If you have a student entering 4th-6th grade who is interested in attending our LEGO robotics summer camp this summer, please check out the attached flyer. Registration can be found here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelyzWRPNEAinwNUcR7L0kjmQ-m0yoismWiWoowqjTx5Rw3pw/viewform?usp=dialog

On Thursday April 10, McDonald 4th and 5th graders filled the auditorium with beautiful music at their annual Spring Concert. The 4th grade Band, 4th & 5th grade Orchestra, 5th grade Band, and 5th grade Chorus started off the day with a concert for their peers, and ended the evening with a performance for friends and family. All performers did a fabulous job and Mrs. Murr and Mrs. Seramba could not have been more proud!!

Last week, the William Tennent Band Program hosted the first Jazz Fest, presented through Cavalcade of Bands. A total of nine bands had the opportunity to perform on the WTHS stage in front of a panel of experienced adjudicators. Congratulations to the jazz bands from Pottsgrove, Cherry Hill East, Pennridge, Central Bucks, and Abington on their fantastic performances, and all the outstanding soloists featured throughout the night. The jazz festival also included great performances by our very own Log College and Klinger Middle school jazz bands in front of a hometown crowd. The show ended with a spectacular performance by our own WTHS Jazz Ensemble.

We would like to thank all of the students and family members that volunteered to make this event a great success, especially members from the WTHS stage crew and marching band who were instrumental in our hosting. We would also like to thank Cavalcade of Bands for the opportunity to host, and for providing both of our middle schools with free registration to the festival. And of course, thank you to all our parent volunteers, to Jazz Fest Co-Chair Andrea Hillman, and especially WTMBA President Michele Gregory, for her incredible effort in chairing our festival, organizing our volunteers, and making a legendary amount of pasta!

The jazz band will finish their season with a side-by-side performance featuring the Drew Sedlacsik quartet. This jazz combo will be coaching our students in the afternoon, then presenting a concert in the evening. The performance is open to the public on Wednesday April 16th, and will begin at 5:30 PM.

We are also less than a month away from the first meeting of the 2025 marching band, which will be on Tuesday April 30th at 6:00 PM. As always, if you want to learn more about music at William Tennent, please visit our website at wtmb.org, or contact Mr. Seifert!

Our K-12 Fine Arts Showcase is coming up Friday May 2nd. Is an event our Art and FCS departments are super proud of and we have been lucky enough to have tons of support for the 40 years we've been running it.

On April 4, 2025, Klinge Middle School hosted its much-anticipated annual Mini-THON, raising an impressive $7,120.54 for Four Diamonds, an organization that supports children battling cancer. Over 100 enthusiastic students participated in the event, dancing and playing games for three straight hours to show their support for this worthy cause.

The excitement didn’t stop there—over 120 students and teachers packed the event space as spectators, cheering on the participants and eagerly awaiting the final fundraising total. The energy in the room was electric, and the big reveal of the final total far exceeded the initial goal, leaving everyone in awe.

Special recognition went to the event's top fundraisers: Giuliana Lynch, Ellie Feldman, and Jacob Feldman, who went above and beyond to raise funds for the cause.

The event was a huge success, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the students, teachers, and community who came together to support Four Diamonds. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this event such a memorable and impactful experience. Your generosity will make a real difference in the lives of children and families affected by pediatric cancer.

We look forward to another successful Mini-THON next year!

Would you like registration assistance or do you require an interpreter? Attend one of our in-person registration events!

If you plan to attend an in person event, you will need the following:

1. Email address & password (if you already have one, if not we will help you create one)

2. Skyward username & password (if you already have one, if not we will help you create one)

3. ALL of the REQUIRED documents listed in the "Online Registration" section of http://www.centennialsd.org/registration (if you are unable to make copies, we will scan the document for you)

Looking for more information and a free copy of A Parent’s Guide to Phonics: Understanding How to Help Your Child with Reading and Spelling?

Centennial School District is proud to offer:

• follow-up videos on the CSD YouTube Channel

• a free book for each family (contact your child’s school office)

Thank you to the CSD Elementary Reading team members who created these videos: Kim Flounders, Miriam Infanti, Dawn Kremer, Lisa Laatsch, Erin Landy, Danyel Masey, Jennifer McArdle, Rose Miele, Kelley O’Leary, and Susan Stackhouse.

On April 7, Giant had awarded Centennial School District funds that will go towards enriching the food services of our William Tennent students. Thank you to Giant and the community for the ongoing support!

The Centennial School District uses Raptor Volunteer Management System to provide a more efficient and effective process to verify and track volunteer clearances. Please visit our website (scroll down to see "How Do I Submit My Paperwork?" to learn more about our volunteer guidelines and/or to upload your clearances to Raptor Volunteer Management System.

Student Registration

Employment at CSD

District eFolder (Community Flyers)
Student and Staff Wellness
Free & Reduced Lunch Information
Lunch Menus
2024-2025 Bus Schedules

April

April 17-21: All Schools & Offices Closed (Spring Break)

April 22: CSD School Board Meeting, 7:00 pm

May

May 13: CSD School Board Meeting, 7:00 pm

May 20: All Schools Closed & Offices Open

May 23: All Schools Closed & Offices Open (Grs. K-12 Inservice Professional Learning)

May 26: All Schools & Offices Closed (Memorial Day)

May 27: CSD School Board Meeting, 7:00 pm

May 30: Early Dismissal Grs. K-5; Grs. K-5 Grading Day; Grs. 6-12 Full Day of School

On Tuesday, February 25, 2025 the Board of School Directors approved the district calendar for the 2025/2026 school year. I want to thank the committee members for their time and efforts in developing the calendar.

The committee was charged with developing a calendar that maintained a continuity of student learning and continuity of professional learning to improve student learning and growth.

(Back row from left to right): Mr. Flemming Godiksen (Vice President), Mr. Mark Gindhart (Assistant Secretary), Dr. Kathleen Maguire, Mr. Michael Hartline (Front row from left to right): Mrs. Jane Schrader Lynch; Mrs. Patti Crossan; Dr. Dana T. Bedden (Superintendent), Mr. Tony Sadowski, Mrs. Mary Alice Brancato (President), Mr. Charles H. Martin not pictured.

Are you multilingual? Would you like to earn $ and help CSD families?

Do you know someone who is multilingual and available to provide interpretation or translation services during or after school hours?

We would like to grow the list of interpreters & translators that we call upon on an as needed basis. Please share our job posting: https://www.applitrack.com/centennialsd/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Independent+Contractor

Spread the word that Centennial School District is hiring!

Check out our employment webpage for a complete list of vacancies. https://www.centennialsd.org/employment

If you know anyone who might be interested in these positions, please have them apply. We offer competitive rates, excellent perks, and benefits, including a pension. For questions, please call 215-441-6000, Ext. 11034.

Enter to win the Ultimate Disney Experience and support education!

We've partnered with Tix for Good to bring you this fun and exciting vacation!

The trip consists of:

Vacation for a family of five, including -

*6 days & 5 nights of Disney magic - (August 21–26, 2025)

*Park Hopper Passes - to all four iconic Disney parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney Studios

*Luxury accommodations at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

This fundraiser supports grants and scholarships for students.

Every donation brings you closer to winning this unforgettable adventure while helping a great cause. Don’t miss out, enter today and make dreams come true for your family!

Enter here: https://tixforgood.org/product/disney25?npo=cedf

Contest/Raffle Drawing Rules:

1. Winner must be 18 or older.

2. Prize does not include airfare, meals, parking, etc.

3. Taxes are the responsibility of the winner.

4. Winner must sign a publicity & liability release

For full contest rules visit: https://tixforgood.org/official-sweepstakes-rules

Thank you for supporting the Centennial Education Foundation.

Don't miss our 5th Annual Bruce Beaton Memorial Golf Outing on Monday, June 16th, 2025!

Registration includes:
*18 holes of Golf
*Golf Cart
*Breakfast & Lunch
*Hit it to Win it Green
*Prizes, 50/50 and Silent Auction

All proceeds benefit Centennial Education Foundation and our mission to provide educational opportunities and programs for the students of the Centennial School District.

Link to register: https://centennialef.networkforgood.com/events/79109-5th-annual-bruce-beaton-golf-outing

Each year, more and more people and organizations are turning to our District to help get the message out about various activities, events, fundraisers, etc. The intent of this process is to support student achievement and to provide mutual assistance and benefit through shared information. Our district spends a great deal of time collecting, reviewing, and posting flyers to the District eFolder. The District no longer is posting eFlyers to any social media outlets or the District cable channel. You may refer to Policy 913 for additional information.

Please click on this link to connect with all the community eFlyers of the month

Website: www.centennialsd.org
Location: 48 Swan Way, Warminster, PA, USA
Phone: (215) 441-6000
Facebook: facebook.com/centennialsd
Twitter: @Centennial_SD