CHS News

The Korean American Parent Association (KAPA) provided the staff with a delicious lunch.

The volunteers team was amazing!

The meal offered a wonderful opportunity for staff to experience traditional Korean food and culture. Their generosity and thoughtfulness were greatly appreciated by everyone!

And check out Dr. Miller, front and center for all the action!

Congratulations to all of our Centennial Artists who participated in this year's first ever Fine Arts Decision Day celebration!

We are so proud of each of these students for choosing to continue their passion for performing or visual arts at the college-level.

Vanessa Gonzalez Garcia received a recognition from Howard County Executive, Calvin B. Ball for earning her Gold Award!

Vanessa's Gold Award project focused on creating and presenting financial literacy session for the Latino community in Howard County.

AP Government students are currently engaging in the Financial Literacy Curriculum after AP exams. This gives a foundation to build financial understanding and future prosperity. They started with creating Dream/Goal Vision Boards that projected a variety of accomplishments they would like to obtain looking 10 to 15 years in the future.

The picture represents 99 of those hopes and dreams.

On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the BSU and BSAP hosted its third Kente Graduation Celebration, also referred to as a Sankofa Ceremony. This ceremony is a customary event in the United States, typically observed by African-American graduates from high school or college. During this ceremony, participants are bestowed with a Kente stole to drape over their graduation gown. While a conventional stole might symbolize academic accomplishments, a Kente stole showcases the vibrant, intricately woven patterns of the traditional West African Kente cloth.

Congratulations to the class of 2026!

Congratulations to Sylvia Johnson, who won the 2026 HCYO Concerto Competition, and will now be the featured soloist at the Howard County Youth Orchestra Spring Concert!

The concert will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the James Rouse Theatre at 2:00 PM.

Sylvia will be performing Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso Saint-Saens by Camille Saint-Saens.

CHS Boys and Girls Lacrosse teams claimed the title of 2A Region Champions!!

For the boys, this was their first Region Title since 2018 and for the girls, it was their first since 2008! What an incredible journey for these teams.

Congratulations to the Girls Lacrosse Team:

Evy Armstead, Jane Baldy, Caroline Cudzillo, Alexandra Fishman, Katie Foy, Sarah Mahaney, Emi McManus, Kaitlyn McManus, Bea Petrlik, Ella Petrlik, Drew Raschka, Maria Rubio-Oino, Elise Rudy, Heidi Simpkins, Maddie Stachera, Samantha Taylor, Claire Wagner, Claire Whipkey, Blythe Zheng

Congratulations to the Boys Lacrosse Team:

Jackson Bade, Logan Brown, Ben Carlson, Christian Cha, Alton Crawley, Colby Dabbs, Biruk Dinku, Alex Dong, Nathan Doss, Ryan Foy, Mason Gardner, Max Garcia, Lee Godschall, Ahmed Ibraham, Jameson Ivy, Owen Ivy, Julius Killian-Centeno, Brayden Koenig, Jasper Krantz, Dominic McDonald, Daniel Oladapo, Amore Pride, Lincoln Prodoehl, Litish Rajesh Deepa, Charles Sandersen, Erik Steensen, Advaith Thambisetty, Sam Voeltner, Sharavan Yoagentharan,

The CHS Girls Lacrosse team went on win the State Quarterfinals and were name the 2026 2A State Semifinalists after their game on Wednesday night!

Best wishes to the girls as they continue their journey tonight at Glen Burnie High School!

Student of the Month

Congratulations to all of our students who were recognized as Student of the Month for April!

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.

• May 15 - CHS PTSA Restaurant Night at YU NOODLES, 4:30 - 9:30 PM

• May 18 - Choir Pops Concert, 7 PM

• May 18 - 22 -Senior activities and exams (2026 CHS Grid Senior Calendar.docx)

• May 20 - Senior Sunset/Picnic, 5 - 8 PM

• May 25 - Memorial Day - Schools and Offices Closed
  

• May 26 - Last Day of School for Seniors
  

• May 27 - Schools and Offices Closed, Eid ul Adha
  

• June 1 - Class of 2026 Graduation, 7 PM, Merriweather Post Pavilion
• June 8 - CALENDAR CHANGE - Full Day of School for Students; B Day
• June 16- CALENDAR CHANGE - Inclement Weather Make-up Days; 3-Hour Early Dismissal Days for Students; A Day
• June 17 - CALENDAR CHANGE - Inclement Weather Make-up Days; 3-Hour Early Dismissal Days for Students; B Day
• June 18 - CALENDAR CHANGE - Inclement Weather Make-up Days; 3-Hour Early Dismissal Days for Students; LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS; A Day
• June 19 - Juneteenth National Independence Day; Schools and Offices Closed

Final Exams will be administered as follows:

Monday, June 15 - Morning ARL students go to ARL to complete their exams; report back period 3.

7:48 - 9:30 AM PERIOD 1 EXAM

9:34 - 10:20 AM PERIOD 2

10:25 - 11:10 AM PERIOD 3

10:15 AM - 12:45 PM PERIOD 4 B

12:50 - 1:40 PM PERIOD 5

1:45 - 2:35 PM PERIOD 6

Tuesday, June 16 - Morning ARL students go to ARL and report back at normal time
7:48 - 9:30 AM PERIOD 2 EXAM

9:30 - 9:50 AM BREAK/BRUNCH

9:55 - 11:35 AM PERIOD 3 EXAM

11:35 AM DISMISSAL

Wednesday, June 17 - No morning ARL

7:48 - 9:30 AM PERIOD 4B EXAM

9:30 - 9:50 AM BREAK/BRUNCH

9:55 - 11:35 AM PERIOD 5 EXAM

11:35 AM DISMISSAL

Thursday, June 17 - No morning ARL

7:48 - 9:30 AM PERIOD 4A EXAM

9:30 - 9:50 AM BREAK/BRUNCH

9:55 - 11:35 AM PERIOD 6 EXAM

11:35 AM DISMISSAL

Make-up final exams will be administered from 8 AM to 1 PM on the following days during the summer:

• June 30
• July 14
• August 4

If you cannot make these dates, please call your administrator to arrange a time.

The Howard County Public School System Class of 2026 graduation ceremony schedule is now available!

The CHS graduation ceremony is on Monday, June 1, at 7 PM at Merriweather Post Pavilion.

The last day for seniors is Tuesday, May 26.

Please check here for the CHS 2026 Graduation Calendar.

The Board of Education has made adjustments to the school calendar. Specifically, to account for the four-hour total deficit in high school the following adjustments have been made:

• Monday, June 8 - full day of school
• Beginning Monday, May 4, the high school student day will begin at 7:48, two minutes earlier than the current 7:50 AM start time.

HCPSS Calendar Adjustments

Friday, May 15, 2026

Tennis Regional Championships @ Linganore HS

5:00PM Girls Lacrosse 2A State Semifinal vs Stephen Decatur HS @ Glen Burnie HS

Tickets are $8 (+$1 service fee) for this level of play. They can be purchased through gofan.co Once there, search MPSSAA. Any spectator 7 years of age and older must have a ticket! Only MPSSAA State Passes are accepted.

NOTE: The use of noisemakers and other distractions which disrupt the orderly progress of the game, i.e. whistles and air horns similar to those used by the officials and timer, are prohibited.

Saturday, May 16, 2026

Sunday, May 17, 2026

Track & Field State Meet Seeding

Monday, May 18, 2026

Tennis Seeding

3:00PM AAPI Banquet

7:00PM Choir Pops Concert in the auditorium

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Thursday, May 21, 2026

3:00PM Student Choreo Showcase & Banquet in the dance studio

Tennis State Finals @ Wilde Lake Tennis Club

Friday, May 22, 2026

Track & Field State Championship @ Morgan State University

Tennis State Finals @ Wilde Lake Tennis Club

Saturday, May 23, 2026

Track & Field State Championship @ Morgan State University

Tennis State Finals @ Wilde Lake Tennis Club

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEK…

Congratulations to our 13 Fine Arts seniors who plan to continue their art in college. Last Friday’s Fine Arts Decision Day celebration was awesome. Thank you to Mr. Goldman for helping to organize our first decision day, and Mr. Traver and Mr. Hanssen for hosting this event!

Our Varsity Tennis team has continued their success this week at Regionals! We’ll know more about results as the matches wrap up on Friday.

Congratulations to our Track & Field athletes for their amazing finishes at the Regional Championship this past week!

Congratulations to our seniors on the varsity girls lacrosse team as they are named REGION CHAMPIONS! The girls continued their success when they took on C Milton Wright on Wednesday and came out on top as 2A State Semifinalists! Best of luck as they compete against Stephen Decatur on Friday at the designated neutral site, Glen Burnie High School!

Boys varsity lacrosse were named REGION CHAMPIONS after their win against RHHS on Monday! Congratulations to the coaches and the team on an outstanding season!!

What a season for varsity softball and varsity baseball! Both teams had an incredible run which continued into the post-season! Congratulations to the coaches and the teams!

HUGE Shoutout to the members of our Gameday Operations Club! Lucas, Sam, Destiny, Elizabeth, and AJ were an AMAZING addition to our spring events in the stadium. If you don’t know, these students ran the press box–the clock, the announcements, and the music for every varsity lacrosse game this season! Bravo!

ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES NEWS

Post-Season Playoff Brackets and schedules are available on mpssaa.org Please know that tickets are required for all stadium events for anyone 7 years of age and older. Tickets can be purchased through gofan.co

Let’s Go, Eagles!!

Follow your favorite teams on Fan Hudl

Is your family planning to move over the summer? Once you have moved, please complete a Change of Address Form and email it, along with your new, complete lease or deed and current utility bill to CHSregistrars@hcpss.org.

If you are moving and your student will be attending a new school outside of HCPSS, please complete a Withdrawal Request Form and email it, along with a copy of your photo ID, to CHSregistrars@hcpss.org. If given enough notice, the Registrars will prepare a withdrawal packet for your student to pick up on the last day of school to assist in registering at their new school.

Interested in exploring hands-on, career focused, immersive education that meets graduation requirements?

ARL, Howard County's Career and Technical Education Center, has openings for rising 11th grade students (current 10th graders) in the following academies for the 2026/2027 school year:

Agricultural and Animal Sciences

Animation and Interactive Media/3D Game Design

Graphic Design and Production

Cybersecurity Networking Academy

Want more information? Check out our website, talk to your counselor, call us at 410-313-6998 or email us at erin_coleman@hcpss.org or mikaela_lidgard@hcpss.org.

We have just 41 yearbooks to sell for the 2025-2026 yearbook, and once they sell out, we will not be able to take any more orders! We sold 15 books just yesterday, so I expect they will sell out early next week.

You can order your book directly at jostens.com/orderybknow.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Mr. VanWestervelt at rus_vanwestervelt@hcpss.org.

The Class of 2026 is looking for a few parents to help with the Senior Sunset/Picnic on May 20!

The event will be at CHS and volunteers are needed from 5 - 7PM.

Please sign up here. If you have questions, please contact elizabeth_engle@hcpss.org

Ever wanted to try golf? Now is your chance!
Centennial High School is looking for students of all skill levels—from beginners to experienced players—to try out for the Boys and Girls Golf Teams.

✅ Free instruction
✅ Practice 4 days per week August - October
✅ Play FREE golf at county courses
✅ No prior experience required

This is a great opportunity to learn a lifelong sport, improve your skills, and be part of a team—at no cost to you.

Interested? Fill out the form below to get started.

Questions? Contact Coach Slopek at rslopek@hcpss.org.

Give golf a try—you might be surprised how much you love it!

https://forms.gle/rJeYWcapiNnB1zsN6

As we approach the final months of the school year, we are entering testing season. Students enrolled in Algebra I, Algebra II, Biology, and/or Government will be participating in these required assessments.

The Biology (MISA) and Government assessments will serve as final exams and count for 20% of the final course grade. The Algebra I, Algebra II, assessments determine College and Career Readiness (CCR) status, which will be noted on your high school diploma. Please note that all required assessments must be completed in order to graduate.

Assessment Schedule:

• Biology (MISA):

• Make-Ups: May 18th - May 21st

• American Government:

• May 18th, 19th, 20th, & 21st

• Make-Ups: May 26th, 28th, and 29th

• Algebra II:

• April 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd

• Make-Ups: April 28th , 29th , 30th

• Algebra I:

• May 18th, 19th, 20th, & 21st

• Make-Ups: May 26th, 28th, and 29th

What to Bring:

• School-issued Chromebook (fully charged)
• Chromebook charger
• Personal reading material for after testing
  (Headphones and pencils will be provided.)

Important Testing Expectations:
All electronic devices—including phones, smartwatches, tablets, and AI glasses—must be turned off and placed in backpacks. Backpacks will be stored at the front/back of the room during testing. The use of any electronic device during testing will result in the assessment being invalidated, and the student will be required to retake it.

Please take these assessments seriously, come prepared, and do your very best.

The Shrine of St Anthony allows photography sessions on its grounds and courtyard. This is a lovey spot that is frequently used by our students for prom and graduation photos.

Unfortunately, on the following dates, the Shrine will be closed to the public due to special events taking place on the property: Saturday, April 4th , Saturday, April 25th, Saturday, May 16th, Saturday, May 23rd, and Friday and Saturday, June 12th and 13th

The Shrine property will not be open for photos on the dates listed above. If you wish to visit the property another time for photos, please call the Shrine Office at 410-531-2800.

Our heartfelt thanks to the families who have sent tissues to our school!

It was a long winter and we are all looking forward to warmer weather, which of course, means that allergy season will be upon us! That being said, we will need plenty of tissues on hand!

Are you participating in a summer program, a pre-college summer program, or applying for a summer internship which requires an official high school transcript? Please use the link below to request official transcripts (this link is not to be used for requesting transcripts for college applications). Questions? Contact the CHS registrars.

https://forms.gle/HuJRySbPYwAkScZu9

The HCPSS Hispanic Achievement Program is pleased to offer sarapes (stoles) for purchase by Hispanic and Latino graduating seniors. The cost per sarape is $22.25.

Wearing a sarape over their graduation gown allows students to:

• Celebrate their accomplishments.
• Share joy with their families.
• Connect with their cultural roots.
• Recognize their contributions to the Hispanic community.

Please bring your check made out to HCPSS to the front office by May 20.

Stoles will be available to pick up in the office on May 22.

Seniors, do not forget about the Senior Sunset on Wednesday, May 20 at 5PM.

There will be games, Qdoba, snowballs, karaoke, and one last chance to make memories with your class.

All seniors should attend.

The Howard County Public School System Class of 2026 graduation ceremony schedule is now available!

The CHS graduation ceremony is on Monday, June 1, at 7 PM at Merriweather Post Pavilion.

The last day for seniors is Tuesday, May 26.

Please check here for the CHS 2026 Graduation Calendar.

Summer camp registration has begun! Sign up now for early bird prices before May 1. https://www.centennialboostersonline.com/summer-camps

THIS FRIDAY is PTSA's May Restaurant Night at Ellicott City's newest noodle and dumpling house, YU NOODLES on Rte 40 in the St. John's Shopping Center!

Treat yourself and your family, and enjoy a delicious start to the weekend! From 4:30 - 9:30 PM. just mention that you are there for the Centennial High School fundraiser, and the owners will donate a generous portion of the sale to PTSA.

Thank you for your support!

Are you ready to navigate the college application and admission process?

The Answer Class will be hosting "Inside the College Admission Maze: A Parent's Road Map" on April 20, from 7 - 8:15 MP in the CHS Media Center.

Sign up for Free @ www.theanswerclass.com or use the QR code on the flyer.

REMINDERS WHEN DROPPING OFF STUDENTS IN THE MORNING:

Parents - PLEASE stay in your lane. Do NOT drop students off in the left lane. This is dangerous. Stay to the right. Do NOT cut through the parking lot.

Drop-off occurs only in the right lane. Students who must be driven to school are to be dropped off either on the sidewalk next to Burleigh Manor or at 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.

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.

In partnership with the Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity (OHRE), the inaugural Belonging Architect program is being offered for the 2026-27SY, kicking off with a summer institute at Oakland Mills High School during the week of July 13th through July 17th.

The application for student participation is an open invitation to any student who will be in high school in HCPSS during the 2026-27SY. Our goal is to have representation from each high school.

Below you will find relevant information:

• Application (open until May 8, 2026)

• Fliers: English, Spanish, Korean, and Chinese

• Website

The purpose of the Belonging Architect program is to:

• Establish channels of collaboration between students and school administration to co-create cultures of belonging.

• Provide access to professional training to level up student driven outcomes.

• Expand student definition of leadership to encompass key concepts of equity through strategic HCPSS partners.

Questions? Please contact Shannon Keeny and Danielle DuPuis.

For more information on how high school students can join the HC DrugFree team, as well as information on free Narcan training and kits, safe storage of meds, sharps disposal, and more, visit the HC DrugFree website.

Join us to learn new techniques that really work!!!

Raising, or helping to raise, a K-12 child?

Then this is for you.

HC DrugFree’s Guiding Good Choices® program is open to:

✨ Out-of-state parents (including military families)

✨ Grandparents supporting from near or far (Grandparents enjoy this class!!)

✨ Stepparents, guardian, and caregivers (Adults who influence K-12 youth)

✨ Wondering if this is for you? Register and we'll contact you!

FREE - Easy - On Zoom

Parents like YOU asked us to offer classes online during their lunch breaks so kids weren't listening in the background.

Participate from anywhere:

...your office desk...parked car...back deck enjoying the sun!

It's free, so attend a class to decide if this is for you.

We're confident that you'll want to attend all classes.

Must-See Videos!!

This interactive, evidence-based program helps you:

✔ Strengthen Family Bonds

✔Manage Conflict and Express Feelings Constructively

✔ Develop Healthy Beliefs and Clear Standards

✔ Avoid Trouble and Respond to Peer Pressure

✔ Prevent Drug Use in Your Family

...And More!

Designed for ages 9–14, but appropriate for families with children in K–12.

Class dates: April 14, 15, 21, 22 (and optional class on April 28)

Learn More and Register

Adults are encouraged to attend as many classes as possible. We understand your schedules are busy but give it a try. Please include any questions or comments on the registration form and we'll get back to you.

In collaboration with the Autism Society of Maryland, the Howard County School System (HCPSS) has resources available online to support conversations with children and families. The HCPSS Family Support and Resource Center is available to help families of children with special needs.

Services include workshops, IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) assistance, IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plans) assistance, newsletters, a lending library, facilitation of parent support groups, and community resources and service referrals. The center is open during the school year, Monday through Friday, and during the summer by appointment. Email fsrc@hcpss or call 410-313-7161. Learn more

Free! HC DrugFree invites all Howard County students in grades 8-12 to join our Teen Advisory Council (TAC).

There will be no April meeting because we have other teen events scheduled, so save the date for May 4 TAC meeting and be sure to volunteer for our Saturday, April 25 medication collection.

Students: If you have not submitted a 2025-26 registration, please complete this form. 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.

• 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.