CHS News

Mrs. Hui Liang received the 2025 Outstanding Chinese Teacher Award from the Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools (CLASS). Ms. Liang will receive the award on on Saturday, November 22, in New Orleans.

CLASS advances and promotes the teaching and learning of Chinese language and culture at pre-K-12 schools in the United States.

Congratulations to the following students who were inducted into the Scholars Leadership Honors Program:

• Fatima Adil
• Kinley Agent
• Souleika Aliate
• Sophia Clare
• Blen Dawit
• Jada Franklin
• Deborah Ikoghode
• Nya Jancewicz
• Zoe Kuria
• Bradley Lyle
• Rayka Magalhaes Service
• London McGriffin
• Kylie Moore
• Elizabeth Ogunduyile
• Adeola Olukoya
• Cynthia Robinson-Smith
• Kyndal Sumter
• Aniyah Walton
• Brooklyn Williams
• Afidi Wonam

The Scholars Leadership Honors Program is an honors program for female students in grades 10-12 with a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher. The program seeks to promote continued academic excellence, increase African American cultural awareness, and develop leadership skills through participation in workshop presentations, projects, and community service.

On October 1, 2025, 16 new members were inducted into the CHS chapter of Delta Eta Pi National Dance Honor Society.

Congratulations to:

• Kinley Agent

• Srinka Das
• Bria Franklin
• Jada Franklin
• Emma Gluck
• Nia Gunter
• Cora Jackson
• Akshara Nama
• Elizabeth Ogunduyile
• Laikha Patel
• Alisson Veronica Rubio Pineda
• Talia Roy
• Adele Seybold
• Juliana Vargas
• Madison Wade
• Rachel Weintraub

Delta Eta Pi is dedicated to the advancement of dance and dance education in secondary schools, studios, colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher learning. It recognizes and encourages academic excellence and scholarship, dance technique or technical support, choreography, and service to the school and community.

Students from CHS volunteered to fundraise for Akshaya Patra Foundation, the NGO school meal program focused on providing nutritious mid-day meals to school children in India. This past weekend, the CHS student group raised $2,025.

Congratulations to: Cate Wang, Swara Rawat, Sarasa Nauen, Neha Parepally, Camila Fitchett, Archana Nair, Ana Gonzalez, Maria Jin, Pavithraa Saravanan, Shreeya Regmi, Sylvia Johnson, and Alina Saksena.

Congratulations to junior Valentina Peniche who has published her first book, words that eased the fall, a collection of her poems.

Valentina has been writing short stories for as long as she can remember, and started writing poetry a year ago. She believes poetry is a place for expression and invites readers into moments they might recognize but have yet to address.

Our CHS staff keeps growing!

We are so excited to welcome Ms. Haley Nachlas, our new dance teacher!

And Ms. Melissa Affolter, our testing paraeducator!

We are excited to see so many Future Eagles at our games!

• October 5 - Emily Scott Memorial Walk, 11 AM
• October 6 - CHS Boosters Meeting, 6 PM, Media Center
• October 8 - Senior Crab Feast, 6 - 8 PM
• October 8 - Friends of Music General Meeting, 7:30 PM, Choir Room
• October 13 - Fall Band Concert, 7 PM
• October 14 - Fall Orchestra Concert, 7 PM
• October 15 - PSAT Day
• October 15 - Fall Choir Concert, 7 PM
• October 17 - School Closed for Students
• October 20 - Schools and Offices Closed
• October 24 - National Writing Day
• October 28 - Underclass Picture Retake Day
• October 31 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early
• October 31 - End of First Quarter
• November 5, 7, 7 - Senior Portraits
• November 10 - Report Cards Issued

Saturday, October 4, 2025

SATs at CHS!

Cross Country @ Carey, NC Invitational

Sunday, October 5, 2025

11:00 AM Emily Scott Memorial Walk

Monday, October 6, 2025

4:00/5:30 PM JV/V Field Hockey @ Mt. Hebron HS

4:00/5:00/6:00 PM Fr/JV/V Volleyball @ Reservoir HS

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

4:00/5:30 PM JV/V Girls Soccer vs. Mt. Hebron HS **Senior Night**

4:00/5:30 PM JV/V Boys Soccer @ Mt. Hebron HS

4:00/5:00/6:00 PM Fr/JV/V Volleyball vs. River Hill HS **Future Eagles Night**

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Senior Crab Feast, 6 - 8 PM

Thursday, October 9, 2025

3:30 PM Golf vs. Oakland Mills HS & Guilford Park HS @ Willow Springs **Senior Night**

4:00/5:30 PM JV/V Boys Soccer vs. Oakland Mills HS **Senior Night**

4:00/5:30 PM JV/V Girls Soccer @ Oakland Mills HS

4:00/5:00/6:00 PM Fr/JV/V Volleyball @ Wilde Lake HS

Friday, October 10, 2025

4:00 PM JV Field Hockey vs. Marriott Ridge HS

4:00/5:30 PM JV Girls Soccer/JV Boys Soccer @ Atholton HS

4:30/6:30 PM JV/V Football @ North East High School (Anne Arundal Co.)

Saturday, October 11, 2025

9:00 AM Cross Country @ Shawan Downs (Timonium, MD)

Follow your favorite teams on Fan Hudl

Club Sponsors, Coaches & Directors–please share your events with Rebecca Clark so they can be included in our Week At-A-Glance!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEK:

Our athletic teams have been on fire on the fields and courts – if you haven’t made it to a game this season, make sure to mark your calendar and come out to cheer our athletes on! Our SHOUT-OUT of the Week goes to JV FOOTBALL: Centennial High School’s Junior Varsity football team made history on Monday night, securing their first JV football win in seven years with a decisive 20–0 victory over Poolesville High School. The shutout also marked Centennial’s first homecoming weekend win in more than 15 years, electrifying the Eagles’ home crowd.

(Asst. Coach Derrick Hamlin)

ATHLETICS NEWS:

Howard County Recreation & Parks is excited to launch the NEW Girls High School Flag Football league this late Fall in partnership with the Baltimore Ravens and Howard County Public School System. Complete the Interest Form!

NEW CLUB ALERT: The Athletics Department is looking for responsible students interested in our new Game Day Operations Club. If you know a student interested in pursuing a career of Athletic Management or simply wants to be part of the CHS Athletic Program's day-to-day management, please reach out to rebecca_clark@hcpss.org

We're looking for singers at our home athletic contests! Complete the form if you're interested in auditioning to sing the National Anthem at sporting events. This audition is open to CHS students.

Let’s Go, Eagles!!

Join us this Sunday, October 5th at 11 AM on the track right here at CHS for the 4th Annual Emily Scott Memorial Walk. All proceeds from the event go towards the Emily Scott Memorial Scholarship fund for graduating senior in the HCPSS. We hope to see you Sunday!"

Centennial Friends of Music: General Meeting Oct 8 – 7:30 PM in the Choir Room

Centennial Friends of Music supports music programs through volunteer efforts and financial contributions. Parent-led, we cultivate interest and participation in vocal and instrumental music at CHS, recognizing the profound impact of music education on students' emotional, intellectual, and social growth.​

Looking for concert dates, Friends of Music updates, or ways to get involved? You’ll find it all on the CHS Music website—your one-stop resource for everything happening in our vibrant music community. Explore the site to learn how you can support our talented students and the programs that make CHS so special. Stay connected with exciting events, news, and opportunities all year long!

👉 September News: https://www.centennialmusic.org/news/september-2025-friends-of-music-news

📅 Explore the performance calendar: don’t miss upcoming Choir, Band & Orchestra concerts Oct 13–15

🙌 Learn how you can get involved: Join us at the next Friends of Music General Meeting Oct 8 – 7:30 in the Choir Room

PSAT testing will take place at CHS on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, and will be administered for10th and 11th grade students only. The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), administered by the College Board and co-sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, is a standardized assessment that provides valuable information on student progress toward proficiency on the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards.

The PSAT this year will be fully digital. Students will access the test with the BlueBook app on their HCPSS Chromebooks. The digital test has 2 sections, Reading & Writing, and Math with a break in between. Students are encouraged to come prepared with their Chromebook, a charger, a pencil and a calculator if you have one (although a calculator is embedded in the Bluebook app). Taking the PSAT is a great opportunity for students to see how they might do on a future college entrance exam. This is at no cost to the student.

12th Grade Students:

Please use PSAT day as an opportunity to explore post-high school options. In the past many students have used this day to visit college campuses, explore or apply for career opportunities, and work on college applications. Our English Department and Student Services will host a college essay workshop while the PSAT is underway for students that would like assistance with completing their essays. Please join them in the cafeteria.

9th Grade Students:

Will follow their regular schedule on PSAT day.

Parents:

Please make sure students attend school on October 15th and are ON TIME! We will begin testing at 7:50 so it is important that students are present and seated. There are no make-ups. Once directions are completed, students will no longer be allowed in the testing room. Linked here is the online PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide. This link provides information, practice tests, and other resources that can be helpful to students and families.

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 starting October 6th. Buses leave at 4:00 PM on Tuesdays and stop at:

• Miller Branch Library
• Roger Carter Center
• Normandy Woods Dr. @ Wheaton Way
• Wheatfield Way @ Rolling Meadows
• Brittany Dr. @ Roberts Rd.

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.

SENIORS Applying to College This Fall

Just a reminder that students who are applying to colleges this fall can use this resource as a guide.

Seniors Taking Classes at HCC

If you are a senior taking classes at HCC this fall and intend to continue at HCC beyond graduation, please complete the following form: Freshman Dragons 2026 Intent to Continue - Intellistack.

Doing so will allow students to continue their studies without reapplying while accessing all of the special services reserved for freshman students. In addition, there will be a Freshman Dragons enrollment night on May 1, 2026 for those students planning to attend HCC after graduation. More information to come!

Admission representatives from the following colleges will be in Student Services at CHS on the days listed below. Seniors and juniors may sign up for the visits in Naviance (click on COLLEGES and then VISITS, and click "SIGN UP" for visit). Passes will be given to student during Period 1 the day of the visit.

Monday, 10/6

• Shippensburg University @ 10:10 AM
• University of Mary Washington @ 1:10 PM

Tuesday, 10/7

• Ursinus College @ 8:15 AM
• Wellesley College@ 9:10 AM
• Plymouth State University @ 10:10 AM

Wednesday, 10/8

• Vanderbilt University @10:10 AM
• High Point University @ 1:10 PM

Thursday, 10/9

• University of Rochester @ 8:15 AM
• Dickinson College @ 9:10 AM
• Drexel University @ 10:10 AM
• The George Washington University @ 1:10 PM

Friday, 10/10

• Syracuse University @ 8:15 AM
• Catholic University @ 10:10 PM

ARL Information Nights will be held on November 11, and December 10, from 6 to 7:30 PM. These meetings are for freshmen and sophomores who may be interested in requesting one of the academies. Stay tuned... more information will be coming!

Hearts In Action is thrilled to announce the return of our beloved holiday fundraiser — the CHS Holiday Thrift House — happening on December 13 from 9 AM to 12 PM! All proceeds will benefit Grassroots, a local organization dedicated to supporting individuals in crisis.

We’re currently accepting donations of new or gently used items that can be resold at low cost. Suggested donations include:

• Toys
• Arts & crafts supplies
• Board games
• Candles
• Books
• Picture frames
• Other small, giftable items

Donation drop-off: Please place items in the collection box located outside the main office.

Thank you for helping us spread holiday cheer and make a meaningful impact in our community!

Yep, Let's Do College Prep!

Attention Eagles! Please note the announcement from the PTSA concerning SAT and ACT preparatory classes. Indeed, scoring well on these important exams strengthens your applicant profile. Please note the special offers below as well since these can potentially save you money. Best wishes, and best of luck! You got this!

Skyward Theatre at Centennial High School is back and ready for another year filled with fun, color, and surprises! With both Robin Hood and The Cat in the Hat showing up in character this year, there are SO MANY ways you can get involved. Read our August 2025 Newsletter (linked here) for all the information on Skyward Theatre and how YOU can collaborate with us. Students, parents, friends, and family are encouraged to read our newsletter for audition and performance dates, club information, and more!

Link just in case the above hyperlink doesn't work: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1w0_-LbTK1Qn1zlrOc2HBkqg8lgsblr7r4XDcm3HP_Vg/edit?usp=sharing

In an effort to begin to expose students to the wide range of careers in today's society we are looking for in person speakers to partner with us to engage students. We also want to leverage the resources within our own community. If you are interested in helping to broaden student exposure through your career journey, please take a few minutes to complete this form. We’re looking for careers that students can access from any of the post high school pathways (Military, Job, 2yr/4yr, Trade school, Apprenticeship).

The waiting is over... on-line ordering for your Seniors begins this Monday, September 15th and ends on Friday, October 10th.

Counselors held a senior parent information night on September 10th to provide families with information about post high school planning and the college application process. Please review the following presentation information for those who could not attend. Additionally, here is a copy of the printed handout that was available for families at the parent night.

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

• November 6
• November 7
• 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Howard County Recreation & Parks is excited to launch the NEW Girls High School Flag Football league this late Fall in partnership with the Baltimore Ravens and Howard County Public School System.

Registration is right around the corner, so use the link below to complete the interest form for Centennial's team. The season starts soon!

https://www.hcrpsports.org/girlshsflagleague

Check out all of the dates and locations for the Howard County Health Department Flu Clinics.

Support Howard County FFA at the Paint Night fundraiser on October 9, 6:30 - 8:30 PM!

Parenting Classes: Free! On Zoom and open to parents, guardians and grandparents residing in HoCo or with school-age children/grandchildren residing in HoCo. Evidence-based, interactive prevention program that provides families with the skills and knowledge to reduce the risk that their children will use drugs and alcohol or engage in other dangerous behaviors. The curriculum was written for families with children 9-14 years old, but it is appropriate for K-12 families. Class dates: November 11, 13, 18, 20 and December 2 from Noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. Visit HC DrugFree’s website for more information and register at https://tinyurl.com/GGC-Fall2025

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: Open to Howard County students in grades 8-12. Earn Community Service Hours and make meaningful contributions to the community. Next meeting: Monday September 29, 2025 from 5:30-7:00pm on Zoom. Earn Community Service Hours. Register to receive the meeting link: https://forms.gle/SgMrjdeo11JpNuuV8 For more information, visit HC DrugFree's website: https://hcdrugfree.org/teen-advisory-council/

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

• 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.