CHS News

Watch the ceremony at: https://www.hcpss.org/commencements/chs/

The photos from Centennial's Graduation can be found at this link:

https://events.legacystudios.com/

The code for CHS is 4778H26.

On Thursday 6/4, CHS hosted a celebration for five of our 10th grade students from the Humanities program who earned national recognition in C-SPAN’s 22nd annual Student Cam documentary competition.

Representatives from C-SPAN were joined at the ceremony by Superintended Barnes, BoE members McCoy and Chen, as well as officials from Senator Van Hollen, Representative Elfreth and State Delegate Watson to honor the winning teams. This year, in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, students were challenged to explore the American story through the lens of the principles of the Declaration of Independence.

Out of more than 1,800 submissions nationwide, our students secured the following awards:

• Third Prize East High School Division: Alara Kocoglu, Angela Yang, and Satvik Jain for their documentary, "Removed: The Past, Present, and Future of Book Censorship in America".

• Honorable Mention: Katie Fishman and Rachel Weintraub for their work, "The 51st Star: D.C. Statehood and the Broken Promise of the Declaration".

  
  

  
  

Congratulations to Rohan Sengupta, who presented their research in the recent American Society of Plant Biologists ( ASPB) Mid-Atlantic Conference at the University of Maryland, College Park, on Wednesday , May 27th.

Rohan's presentation was “ Cutting the Waste - CRISPR-Cas9 Editing to Maximize Anti Malarial Artemisinin”.

The 2026 Joint MAS-ASPB and UMD Plant Symposium is an annual event co-organized by the ASPB Mid-Atlantic Section and UMD. The meeting has a tradition of showcasing major plant research advances in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond and welcomes the participation of underrepresented minorities and junior scientists. The meeting consists of keynote talks, invited talks, abstract talks, posters, and workshops.

Congratulations to Mr. Will Funk-Heiser on being selected as one of three recipients of the 2026 German Embassy Teacher of Excellence Award.

This honor was highly competitive, and we are proud of this outstanding achievement. Mr. Funk-Heiser will attend the 2026 AATG Annual Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, taking place July 11–14, 2026.

Students in Ms. Smith's Foundations of Tech classes designed, built, and successfully launched kites to demonstrate Bernoulli's Principal: pressure decreases when flow speed increases.

• 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.

Saturday, June 6, 2026

SAT Day!

Monday, June 8, 2026

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Eagle Time - Beginning Band Concert in the Auditorium

Eagle Time - Spring Athlete Celebration in the Cafeteria

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Friday, June 12, 2026

Saturday, June 13, 2026

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEK…

Congratulations to CHS female swimmers who attended the annual HoCo Swim Meet for their 3rd place overall finish last weekend! Points were earned by Alyse Woodland, Quinn Carson, and Finlay Babik’s first place finishes and a women’s 200 medley relay including Quinn Carson, Grace Jackson, Sara Kesarkar, and Alyse Woodland’s 2nd place finish.

Additionally, the mixed medley relay that included Finley Babik, Brooke Norton, Caleb Jackson, and Kyle Otten placed 2nd as well!

Congratulations to all of these swimmers!!!

It was great to see so many 8th grade families at our Fall Sports Open House on Tuesday night! Thanks to our coaches, athletes, trainer, and our Boosters for showing up and greeting our soon-to-be CHS athletes and their families! Go Eagles!!

ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES NEWS

FALL TRYOUTS are right around the corner and ONLINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Tryouts begin bright and early on Wednesday, August 12th. EVERY athlete (new and returning) must be registered to participate in Fall Athletic Tryouts for Allied Soccer, Cheerleading, Boys and Girls Soccer, Football, Field Hockey, Volleyball, Cross Country, and newly sanctioned, Girls Flag Football!

Complete the following before Monday, August 10th to make sure you're ready for tryouts:

1. Using a COMPUTER and not a mobile device, register for Athletics through Synergy's Parent Portal. Directions for Registration

2. Make sure your Physical is fully completed on the HCPSS form and uploaded to the portal! You must use this Physical Form–other forms will not be accepted. Physical exams must be dated AFTER 8/12/25 to be accepted. Physical Exams MUST be completed by a medical professional–either your personal provider or a clinic will do. University of MD Sports Medicine will hold Pre-Participation Clinics, for your convenience.

3. Upload a current utility bill (BGE/Constellation, Water/Sewer, Wifi/Cable) to the portal–due dates in June, July or August.

4. If you are missing any paperwork, you may not participate in tryouts! Don't wait until it's too late!!

Reach out to Centennial's Athletics & Activities Manager, Mrs. Clark, if you have any questions! You can reach her at rebecca_clark@hcpss.org

Our Spring Athlete Celebration will take place during Eagle Time on Wednesday, June 10th! Use the link to sign up to send in snacks and breakfast items for the athletes.

Let’s Go, Eagles!!

Follow your favorite teams on Fan Hudl

Thank you!!!

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Now that graduation is over are you wondering what to do with your cap and gown?

We are accepting donations to help future Eagles! Please drop off items in the front office.

Thank you!

We will have tables out in the hallway at the front entrance with all of the items that are in our Lost & Found. All items that are not claimed by the end of the year will be donated to charity.

FALL TRYOUTS are right around the corner! Tryouts begin bright and early on Wednesday, August 12th.

EVERY athlete (new and returning) must be registered to participate in Fall Athletic Tryouts for Allied Soccer, Cheerleading, Boys and Girls Soccer, Football, Field Hockey, Volleyball, Cross Country, and newly sanctioned, Girls Flag Football!

See the information below to register, and be sure to come by our Fall Open House at 5pm on Wednesday, 6/3 in the cafeteria for more information about tryouts!

Complete the following before Monday, August 10th to make sure you're ready for tryouts:

1. Using a COMPUTER and not a mobile device, register for Athletics through Synergy's Parent Portal. Directions for Registration

2. Make sure your Physical is fully completed on the HCPSS form and uploaded to the portal! You must use this Physical Form–other forms will not be accepted. Physical exams must be dated AFTER 8/12/25 to be accepted. Physical Exams MUST be completed by a medical professional–either your personal provider or a clinic will do. University of MD Sports Medicine will hold Pre-Participation Clinics, for your convenience.

3. Upload a current utility bill (BGE/Constellation, Water/Sewer, Home Internet/Cable) to the portal–due dates in June, July or August.

4. If you are missing any paperwork, you may not participate in tryouts! Don't wait until it's too late!!

Reach out to Centennial's Athletics & Activities Manager, Mrs. Clark, if you have any questions! You can reach her at rebecca_clark@hcpss.org

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!

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.

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

Here is the direct link https://events.legacystudios.com/ to view the photos taken at graduation by Legacy Studios.

The online gallery password for CHS: 4778H26

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

The PTSA is hosting the annual End of Year Staff Luncheon on Tuesday, June 16th at 11:45am. Please help show appreciation to our staff!

Thank you!!!

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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.

HC DrugFree: Keeping Howard County in the KNOW!

...knowledge is power, so just say KNOW!

There are a variety of programs and supports available to the community.

Free! HC DrugFree invites all Howard County students in grades 8-12 to join our Teen Advisory Council (TAC). Our next meeting will be held on Zoom on June 1 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

RSVP/register to receive the June 1 Zoom link.

New!!!

Register Now: 2026-2027 TAC Membership

As this school year comes to a close, please submit our new 2026-2027 TAC Registration. To do so, complete this form. Members of TAC attend our monthly meetings and serve as student ambassadors in their schools and in the community. We need a new registration from you every school year so even if you submitted one recently, please resubmit!

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

Want real-time updates and powerful stories from our community?

Follow HC DrugFree on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about important events, helpful resources, and prevention news as it happens.

From last-minute event info to tips that keep your family safe, our social media is your fastest way to stay connected. Join the conversation: be informed, inspired, and part of the movement.

One-Click Links!

Facebook: HC DrugFree

Instagram: @hc_drugfree

LinkedIn: HC DrugFree

Twitter: @HCdrugfree

For more information, contact

Joan Webb Scornaienchi

Executive Director

HC DrugFree

5305 Village Center Drive, Suite 206

Wilde Lake Village Center

Columbia, MD 21044

Admin@hcdrugfree.org

www.hcdrugfree.org

• 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.