CHS News

We are incredibly proud to announce that six of our outstanding teachers have achieved National Board Certification, the highest professional credential in education. This rigorous accomplishment reflects their deep expertise, unwavering commitment to student success, and dedication to continuous growth.

Earning National Board Certification requires months of reflection, evidence of effective instructional practice, and demonstration of a meaningful impact on student learning. Our six educators exemplify the very best of Centennial—passionate professionals who elevate our classrooms and inspire both colleagues and students every day.

Please join us in congratulating these amazing teachers on this well-deserved achievement. Their work strengthens our entire school community, and we are grateful for the excellence they bring to Centennial!

As a winner at the BMTG International Music Competition, Anlan Zhang, grade 9, performed a piano concerto at Carnegie Hall in November!

The mission of the BMTG (Brooklyn Music Teachers' Guild) Intercontinental Music Competition is to promote music by immortal masters and today's living composers,

offering young musicians a unique platform to perform diverse, global music, often with unique opportunities like performing with a chamber orchestra. They focus on showcasing music from various cultures and styles, bridging traditional and contemporary classical music for young talents worldwid.

Congratulations Anlan!

Congratulations to Rohan Sengupta, grade 10!

Rohan's abstract, "In-silico Analysis of Small Heat Shock Protein 20 (sHSP20) Derived from Pantoea brenneri Grown at the International Space Station ," was accepted for a poster presentation at the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR) 2025 conference. Rohan traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, on December 3-6, 2025, to participate in this remarkable opportunity for networking and scientific exchange among researchers, trainees, and professionals in the field.

Rohan's research was on the heat shock proteins on a specific bacterium, which is found in space. This research was done in collaboration with a group of faculty members and graduate students in the Department of Natural Sciences under the College of Arts and Sciences at the Bowie State University in Maryland.

Students in Dr. Cummings' Food and Nutrition classes shared their work with students in the community in a cooperative learning experience.

It was meaningful to be part of a community activity that inspired many students who may be interested in pursuing a culinary career.

As President of President of Akshaya Patra Ellicott City, CHS sophomore Satvik Jain has been working to extend the reach of Akshaya Patra, a non-profit dedicated to ending hunger amongst school children in India. Started 25 years ago, they now have over 70 kitchens across India that feed 2.3 million meals every day.

Youth ambassadors from CHS include: Alara Kocoglu, Alina Saksena, Ana Gonzalez, Ana Lagos, Camila Fitchitt, Elaine Zhang, Esha Hegde, Henry Berger, Katie Fishman, Leo Beschorner, Maria Jin, Melinda Liu, Neha Parepally, Pavi Saravanan, Rachel Weintraub, Rohan Sengupta, Rosa Kurish, Sabrina Wang, Sahil Prasad, Sarasa Nauen, Shreeya Regmi, Simrah Noor, Swara Rawat, Sylvia Johnson, Vaishnavi Mukherjee, Yukti Walvekar, and Zunairah Noor.

We are proud of this dedicated group that is united in one mission: to feed dreams.

On Tuesday, December 9, an information session was hosted for students interested in earning the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy by taking the HCPSS Avant language assessment from home. A total of 47 students signed up and received information on test registration, required proficiency scores, and how to submit their results to have the Seal added to their transcript at graduation.

Dr. Ha, CHS Multilingual Achievement Liaison, led the presentation and answered student questions about eligibility, testing procedures, and the overall process for earning the Seal of Biliteracy.

Our Music Department started off this week with concerts on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Band performed on Monday, featuring students in Symphonic Band, Symphonic Winds, and Wind Ensemble. Orchestra's concert was Tuesday, featuring String Ensemble, String Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra. Our choir students sang Wednesday, featuring Concert Choir, Bella Voce, and Chamber Choir. Additionally, small student groups C# a cappella, Resonance, Centennial Six and Vocal Jazz performed.

We are grateful for the support of our incredible parent volunteers in CHS Friends of Music, and are proud of our teachers, David Matchim, Matt Boggs, and Becca Vanover!

• December 13 - Hearts in Action Holiday Thrift Shop, 10 AM - 1 PM
• December 15 -19 - Wind Ensemble at Midwest in Chicago
• December 24 - January 2 - School Closed for Students for Winter Break
• January 5 - School reopens
• January 6 - 8th Grade Parent Night
• January 16-23 - Mid-term Exams
• January 19 - Schools and Offices Closed
• January 22 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early
• January 23 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early
• January 26 - Schools Closed for Students
• February 3 - WorldFest
• February 3 - Report Cards Issued
• February 16 - Schools and Offices Closed
• February 17 - Schools and Offices Closed
• February 4 - Schools Closed for Students
• February 28 - Friends of Music BINGO
• May 18 - June 4, 2026 - Class of 2026 Graduation Window

Friday, December 12, 2025

4:30/6:00PM JV/V Boys Basketball vs Mt. Hebron High School

4:30/6:00PM JV/V Girls Basketball @ Mt. Hebron High School

7:00PM Performing Arts Winter Showcase

Saturday, December 13, 2025

9:00AM Wrestling Tournament @ Walkersville High School

2:45PM Indoor Track Winterfest Invitational

9:00-3PM DC Integirls Mathematics Competition in Germantown, MD

Sunday, December 14, 2024

4:00PM Flag Football vs. Reservoir High School @ Cedar Lane Park 5

2:00 PM UMCP - Wind Ensemble Mid-West Conference Performance

Monday, December 15, 2025

3:00PM Allied Bowling vs River Hill HS @ Normandy

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

4:00/5:30PM JV/V Wrestling Tri-Meet @ OMHS with RHHS

6:00PM Boosters Meeting (rescheduled from 12/15)

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

4:00/5:30PM JV/V Boys Basketball vs Marriotts Ridge HS

4:00/5:30PM JV/V Girls Basketball @ Marriott Ridge HS

Thursday, December 18, 2025

3:00 Allied Bowling vs Marriotts Ridge HS @ Normandy

4:00/5:30PM JV/V Wrestling vs Wilde Lake HS

Friday, December 19, 2025

4:30/6:00PM JV/V Girls Basketball vs River HIll HS

4:30/6:00PM JV/V Boys Basketball @ River Hill HS

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Sunday, December 21, 2025

Girls Flag Football Championship @ Cedar Lane Park Turf Fields 5 & 6

Summit vs Sierra

Summit Division: Reservoir, Guilford Park, Mt. Hebron, Oakland Mills, Glenelg, Hammond

Sierra Division: Long Reach, Atholton, Howard, River Hill, Centennial, Wilde Lake

Sierra Division

Games:

12pm - 4 Seed vs 5 Seed

12pm - 3 Seed vs 6 Seed

2pm - 4 Seed vs 5 Seed winner vs 1Seed

2pm - 3 Seed vs 6 Seed winner vs 2 Seed

4pm - Championship

Monday, December 22, 2025

9:00AM Girls Wrestling @ Tuscarora HS

3:00PM Allied Bowling vs Glenelg HS @ Normandy

3:45PM Indoor Track @ PG Complex

4:00/5:30PM JV/V Boys Basketball vs Glenelg HS

4:00/5:30PM JV/V Girls Basketball @ Glenelg HS

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEK…

Thank you to our Performing Arts Team for the fantastic assembly! I’m always amazed by the talent I see in these programs and appreciate Directors Matchim, Boggs, Vanover, Traver, and Nachlas for organizing pieces that highlight just how SPECTACULAR our students are!

Our band, orchestra, and choral programs had an outstanding week of performances!

Best wishes to our CHS Wind Ensemble and their director, Mr. Matchim as they head to the Mid-West Clinic in Chicago! We know you’ll be AMAZING!!

Congratulations to Varsity Boys Soccer for winning the Summit Division for Boys Soccer

AND for receiving the Steve Malone Sportsmanship Award recipient for 2025!!

Well done, boys - WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!

ATHLETICS NEWS

Did you miss the Winter Athletic Orientation Meeting?

Use this link to access the Winter Athletics Folder.

Let’s Go, Eagles!!

We’d love for you to join us on Saturday, December 13th, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the CHS Cafeteria for a festive holiday event!

Enjoy holiday shopping with brand-new and gently used treasures—candles, children’s games, small household items—and so much more! Plus:
✨ Mr. and Mrs. Claus
🎶 Live musical performance
🎨 Face painting, crafts, and photo booth
🎁 Free gift wrapping (while supplies last)

✨ Bake Sale and hot chocolate

It’s sure to be a joyful celebration, and ALL proceeds will benefit Grassroots, supporting those in need in our community. Cash and credit accepted.

Winter is here and we our supply of tissues is running low.

We are grateful for the donations you have sent already, and hope that you can send a few more boxes to the front office again!

Sponsored by the Howard County Literacy Association, the 25-25 CHS Young Author's contest gives young writers the chance to showcase original short stories or poems. All submissions are due to Mr. VW by December 15, and a complete update of contest details and deadlines may be found HERE is an updated CHS-specific slide show with all of the contest details and deadlines.

Beginning Dec. 1 and continuing through Dec. 15, Mr. VW will open his room after school (until 3:30) for impromptu writing workshops for contest participants. Feel free to stop in to write, collaborate, or discuss your work! In addition, participants are encouraged to attend the Writing Club's sessions on Thursdays in Mr. O'Brien's classroom. Questions? See Mr. VW before or after school, or email him at rus_vanwestervelt@hcpss.org.

DATE CHANGE!

You’re invited to the GT Advanced Research Information Night!

Learn about the GT Advanced Research options at CHS from the comfort of your own home!

• Who should attend?

• Students, and parents of students, who are college bound and want a leg up on the competition!

• Students/parents of students who love research.

• Students/parents of students who are currently working or would like to work in a professional internship

• What will students do in Advanced Research?

• Learn and use college-level research skills

• Develop and deliver professional presentations

• Build a professional network with professionals

• Write a fully-sourced synthesis essay

• Develop a product to showcase their research

• Why should students take GT Advanced Research?

• To choose their own area of study and spend a whole year researching it

• To learn the process and practice of college-level research while still in high school!

• To learn the “soft skills” employers are looking for in today’s job market

• To practice independence and time management--needed in college and beyond

To find out more, please plan to attend one or both of our virtual GT Information Nights:

• CHS Presentation: January 8, 2026 @ 7 PM (please note date change!)

• Please register HERE

• Google Meet Join code: meet.google.com/rqn-smmj-jde

• Countywide Presentation: Presented by the HoCo GT Office, Tues. Dec.9th @ 7PM

• Please register HERE: Link to presentation will be available upon registration.

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Planning ahead: the GT Independent Research and for GT Intern/Mentor courses require an application. Interested students should list the course on their course selection sheet and start the application process early as there are multiple steps involved. Applications for GT Research will be accepted until Friday, January 23rd, 2026.

Applications for both courses are available here or on the CHS website:

• Independent Research Application

• Intern/Mentor Application

Please contact Toni Ireland, the CHS G/T Resource Teacher at toni_ireland@hcpss.org or visit our school website at https://chs.hcpss.org/academics/gt if you have any questions.

Beginning December 16th at 8 AM, rising 9th - 12th grade students may view course recommendations in synergy and begin submitting course requests for the 26-27 school year.

Students can log into Synergy. Select "More Options" from the left panel, then click on "Course Requests" on the right. This High School Online Course Registration Guide is also available as a reference showing all of the steps. Students will need to request 7 credits and 3 alternate credits for the next school year regardless of things like intending to take a Jumpstart class or seniors requesting work release/ aiding for a teacher.

All course requests and alternate course requests should be submitted by Jan. 12, 2026 by 4:00 PM. On Dec. 17, during Eagle Time, students will watch a video which outlines the course request process. Linked below are some helpful resources: Student Scheduling Resources.

Holiday gathering can often be tiring for students in junior and senior years applying to college, when well-meaning relatives and guests may ask over and over about plans and giving a lot of opinions on what you should be doing. Here are some ideas of ways to take the pressure off you and also learn about how they got where they are today.

“So! Where are you applying/thinking about applying to college?”

• I am trying to be thoughtful about my list. Everyone has strong feelings about it. If you had to go to college today, which ones would be on your list? Do you think you would have listed them when you were 17? What draws you to them now?
• It is crazy applying for college. Just a lot of pressure. What was it like for you?
• The Adam Grant approach: What was the worst advice anyone gave you during your college search? (Adam Grant is a social psychologist and he always asks podcast guests the worst advice they have received. It is so illuminating!)
• What do you wish you had asked or considered when you were looking at colleges?
• Was there something you were able to do at your college that you think every college student should do? Like studying abroad, an internship, research, a student group you loved?
• Do you work with college students at your job? What are they or the most entry team members doing?
• I am thinking about essay topics. Did you have to write one? Do you remember what it was about?

You will be amazed at how quickly the spotlight on you shifts to a conversation about another person’s history, values, and experiences. There are many, MANY colleges out there, and there are many successful people in the world who attended a wide variety of institutions. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more.

From the Georgia Tech Admissions Blog, read full article here: https://sites.gatech.edu/admission-blog/2024/12/20/a-winter-break-survival-kit-a-guide-to-holiday-conversations-about-your-college-search/

Join Us for New Student Information Night!

Centennial High School will host its New Student Information Night on Tuesday, January 6th from 6:00–7:30 PM in the Centennial High School Auditorium. All students who will be attending Centennial next year and their parents/guardians are encouraged to join us for this informative evening.

Meet our Administrative, Student Services and 9th Grade teams and learn what a typical day at Centennial looks like, explore the Humanities program, and get guidance on registering for classes. Following the presentation, stay for a Q&A session with teachers and current students representing a variety of courses and clubs. The full presentation will be posted on our website after the event if you can't make it. We look forward to welcoming our future Eagles!

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. Buses leave at 4:00 PM on Tuesdays and will use the following hub stop for drop off:

• Miller Branch Library

• Roger Carter Center

• Normandy Woods Dr. @ Wheaton Way

• Wheatfield Way @ Rolling Meadows

• Brittany Dr. @ Roberts Rd.

HCPSS has received confirmation from Merriweather Post Pavilion of the window for the Class of 2026 high school graduations as May 18-June 4, 2026.

Confirmed dates and times are typically available in the early spring, once Merriweather finalizes its events schedule and provides HCPSS with specific dates for use.

Jostens has provided our school with one last late order cap and gown package, which includes the CHS red custom design cap, gown, and tassel.

The orders must be paid by Credit Card, Venmo, or Zelle, no later than December 12, 2025!

Please email our Jostens representative at: karen.stewart@jostens.com, Monday thru Friday between 9 AM and 7 PM. Be prepared to pay in full when you email Karen. She will take your order and give you a confirmation.

Please, do not wait...place your order as soon as possible!

If you are planning to wear a cap and gown from a sibling or a friend, please see Ms. DeVore in Student Services so we can update our list with your information!

Dust off your best recipes...PTSA's Annual Cookie Event for Faculty and Staff is here!

Staff are treated to walk through a display of assorted cookies, and given a box to fill with their own choices.

Use this link to volunteer to bake 4 dozen homemade cookies or candy of any variety.

This CHS holiday tradition is beloved by bakers and recipients alike!

Our online holiday spirit wear store is open!

Shop here:

https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/CApvBwrK4u

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!

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.

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.

Do you enjoy watching films? Do you like making films? The HoCo Student Film Festival is now accepting submissions!

The deadline to submit your films is April 7th, 2026 and the film festival will be held at the Miller Branch of the Howard County Library on May 1st at 7:00pm. Check out our website: https://hocofilmfest.weebly.com/ or go see your library media specialist for more information.

So grab that camera and start filming YOUR story!

Films can range from:

1. Genre story-based films: Students create a fictional story-based film under the genre of their choosing. (Comedy, Drama, Romance, Horror, etc.)

1. HC Drug Free PSA’s: Students can submit PSA’s under the HC Drug Free category, highlighting the theme: In the Know: Fake Pills, Real Danger. If you would like to reach out to your health teachers, here is a PSA lesson for possible collaboration.

1. A story-based or documentary style video for the HoCo 250 Commission celebrating America’s 250th year: The Howard County Student Film Festival is honored to collaborate with the Youth Engagement Committee on the HoCo 250 Commission to create a category for Howard County students honoring this anniversary. Students can create story-based or documentary-style films encompassing the theme: Redefining Patriotism.

Please consider donating to support the HoCo Film Festival. All proceeds go directly to monetary prizes and trophies for students.

FREE Parenting Classes for Parents and Grandparents

Raising preteens and teens is tough. Wouldn't it be great if adults could attend a class to learn how to help their kids/grandkids avoid risky behaviors? There is.

HC DrugFree's FREE classes for Howard County parents, guardians, and grandparents are back!

The Fall 2025 series will run (Tuesdays and Thursdays): November 11, 13, 18, 20 and December 2 from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom.

While the curriculum is for adults with 9-14 year olds, HC DrugFree strongly encourages HoCo adults with students in K-12 to try to attend all 5 classes. Some families have attended more than one series!

Remember, parents or grandparents living out of the area can join us on Zoom during their lunch break.

Guiding Good Choices® is an evidence-based, interactive prevention program that helps you build a stronger bond with your child/grandchild, while also providing skills proven to reduce the risk of youth engaging in substance use or other risky behaviors.

Learn how to:

• Strengthen Family Bonds

• Develop Healthy Beliefs and Clear Standards

• Avoid Trouble and Respond to Peer Pressure

• Manage Conflict and Express Feelings Constructively

• Prevent Drug Use in Your Family

• And More!

Learn more and register

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:

To RSVP/register to receive the Monday, November 3 TAC meeting Zoom link, click here. Meetings will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Each meeting has a unique link, so members must RSVP/register before each meeting.

Students: If you have not submitted a new 2025-26 registration, please complete this form to register for the coming school year. Even if you have been a member for several years, we need a new registration each school year.

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

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.