CHS News

Check out our new newsstand - and pick up a copy of the Wingspan!

Many thanks to Hannah Elpus (pictured left) and Kaitlyn McCanus (pictured right) for making the Wingspan available to students and visitors by placing a newsstand in the hallway near the concession stand. We are excited to share the news, as well as to showcase our talented writers, photographers, and editors.

The Centennial Math Team evened up the race for the county championship with a big win over River Hill at the 5th meet of the season on Wednesday, January 14th. Juniors Joe Li, Nathan Lu, and Jeremy Yang led the charge with perfect scores in the individual round. Those 3 then teamed up with senior Albert Cao and freshman Leo Su to earn full points during the team round to seal the win!

Way to go, Eagles!

Front row (L-R): Joe Li, Ming Sun, Lyra Su, Amy Park, Simmren Otal, Albert Cao

Back row (L-R): Matthew Yang, Nathan Lu, Justin Lee, Andrew Ying, Evan She, Leo Su, Jeremy Yang

Congratulations to the Allied Bowling Team and Coach Engle for being named COUNTY CHAMPIONS at the final contest of the season!

Way to go, Eagles

On Tuesday, January 13th, our chapter of the National English Honor Society (NEHS) hosted the annual Poetry Out Loud Schoolwide Competition! This year, we had 16 amazing participants from grades 10-12 and in addition to poetry we had the pleasure of having performances from the dance companies, Bella Voce, and the Chinese Honor Society and Culture Club.

After two fierce rounds of poetry recitation and performance, Alexander Hobson and Madeline Salter prevailed and will move on to the regional competition next month. NEHS Advisor and Poetry Out Loud Coordinator Dr. Kelli McDonough-Johnson says, "This was our greatest POL event to date! We had more classes represented at the school competition and more overall students engaging with the study of poetry. I look forward to working with Alex and Madeline as they move on to the next level and watching them continue to grow in their love of poetry!"

• January 16-23 - Mid-term Exams
• January 19 - Schools and Offices Closed
• January 20 - Boosters BINGO
• January 21 - Restaurant Night at Shake Shack, The Mall in Columbia, 10:30 AM - 10:30 PM
• January 22 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early
• January 23 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early
• January 24 - Boosters hosts Pickleball at Dill Dinkers in Columbia, 1-3 PM
• January 26 - Schools Closed for Students
• January 28 - Celebration for Fall Athletes and Managers, Eagle Time
• January 28 - Centennial Choral Festival, 7 PM
• February 3 - Final In-school senior portraits by Legacy
• February 3 - WorldFest, 4 - 8 PM
• February 3 - Report Cards Issued
• February 4 - Schools Closed for Students
  
• February 13 - Lunar New Year Celebration, 5:15 - 8:30 PM, tickets
• February 16 - Schools and Offices Closed
• February 17 - Schools and Offices Closed
• February 20 - Food for the Soul, Words for the Heart
• February 23 - Spring Sports Registration Due
• February 28 - Friends of Music BINGO, 7 PM (doors open at 6 PM)
• February 28 - Spring Sports Tryouts Begin
• March 6 - ASVAB Testing, periods 1 - 4
• March 7 - One Centennial Career Day, - 11:30 AM
• March 12-14 - Spring Musical Production of Seussical, 7 PM
• March 15 - Spring Musical Production of Seussical, 2 PM
• March 23 - Orchestra Spring Concert, 7 PM
• March 24 - Band Spring Concert, 7 PM
• March 25 - Choir Spring Concert, & PM
• March 26 - Dancing With the Staff, 7 PM
• April 17 - GT Student Learning Conference
• April 25 - Prom
• May 18 - June 4, 2026 - Class of 2026 Graduation Window

Thursday, January 15, 2026

2:45 Spring Interest Meetings: Girls Lacrosse & Softball (location TBD)

4/5:30PM JV/V Wrestling vs Atholton HS

Friday, January 16, 2026

3:45PM Indoor Track @ PG Complex

4:30/6PM JV/V Girls Basketball vs Oakland Mills HS

4:30/6PM JV/V Boys Basketball @ Oakland Mills HS

Monday, January 19, 2026 SCHOOLS & OFFICES CLOSED

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 EXAM WEEK

Regular practices permitted; NO games or events!

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 EXAM WEEK

90-minute conditioning permitted

Thursday, January 22, 2026 EXAM WEEK

90-minute conditioning permitted

Friday, January 23, 2026 End of EXAM WEEK

4:00PM JV/V Wrestling @ Archbishop Curley HS

Saturday, January 24, 2026

8:00AM JV & Girls Wrestling @ Montgomery Blair HS

Monday, January 26, 2026 - Schools Closed for Students

3:45PM Indoor Track @ PG Complex (make-up meet)

4/5:30PM JV/V Boys Basketball vs Guilford Park HS (MAKE-UP GAME)

4/5:30PM JV/V Girls Basketball @ Guilford Park HS (MOVED TO 1/27)

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

4/5:30PM DOUBLE DUAL: JV/V Wrestling vs Long Reach HS & JV/V Wrestling vs Howard HS

4/5:30PM JV/V Girls Basketball @ Guilford Park HS

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

4/5:30PM JV/V Boys Basketball vs Winters Mill HS

5/6:30PM JV/V Girls Basketball @ Winters Mill HS

7PM Centennial Choral Festival

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Friday, January 30, 2026

4:30/6PM JV/V Boys Basketball vs Reservoir HS **Future Eagles Night**

4:30/6PM JV/V Girls Basketball @ Reservoir HS

3PM JV/V Wrestling Tournament @ Severn Run HS

Saturday, January 31, 2026

9AM JV/V Wrestling Tournament @ Severn Run HS

7PM* Howard County Dance Festival @ Guilford Park HS

*this is an all-day field trip for dancers with a 7PM public concert.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEK…

Congratulations to Coach Engle and the Allied Bowling Team–they were named County Champions at Wednesday’s “Super Bowl!” We’re so proud of you all ❤️💙

Thank you Coach Phillips for all your work with the Friday Lift Club! ANYONE can join this club to improve their health, get stronger, and prepare for the upcoming athletic seasons! Softball, Baseball, Boys & Girls Lacrosse and Football are beginning conditioning workouts. Reach out to Mrs. Clark for more information.

Don’t forget–CHS also offers Strength & Conditioning classes as well! It’s a great addition to any athlete’s daily schedule!

Have you noticed our student assistants at our athletic events? The Game Day Operations Club is in full swing! Shoutout to Harper, Sam, Lucas and AJ for assisting with the set-up, tickets, clock, officials, and visiting team at our events! Contact Mrs. Clark, if you’re interested in joining the club.

Our beautiful singers have returned to our athletic events to sing the National Anthem, and we are so happy to have you at our events! It’s not too late to audition. See Ms. Vanover or

Mr. Traver if you’re interested in performing.

ATHLETICS NEWS

Make sure to add our FUTURE EAGLES NIGHTS to your calendar!

BOYS BASKETBALL - Friday, January 30 at the 6:00 Varsity Game

CHEERLEADING - Monday, February 2 at the 5:30 Varsity Game

WRESTLING - Thursday, January 5 at the 6:00 Varsity Meet

GIRLS BASKETBALL - Friday, February 13 at the 6:00 Varsity Game

UPCOMING EVENT:

We’re holding a Fall Celebration for all our Fall Athletes and Managers on Wednesday, January 28th in the cafeteria during Eagle Time! Families interested in donating food items, please reach out to the CHS Boosters at chsboosterspresident@gmail.com

SPRING TRYOUTS BEGIN ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH–

Make sure you're ready to participate in Spring Athletic Tryouts for Allied Softball, Boys and Girls Lacrosse, Baseball, Softball, Tennis and Track & Field!

Complete the following before Monday, February 23rd to make sure you're ready for tryouts:

1. Register for Athletics through Synergy's Parent Portal. Directions for Registration

2. Make your Physical is completed on the HCPSS form and up-to-date! The 'medical eligibility' page is a MUST and needs to include your name, eligibility box checked, medical professional/doctor's name and signature, the date of the exam, and the address of the doctor or stamp from the office.

3. 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 or 410-313-2865

Let’s Go, Eagles!!

The mid-term exam window begins on January 16, 2026.

Scheduled exams are as follows:

• Wednesday, January 20 - Period 3 exam
• Thursday, January 22 - Periods 1, 2, and 4A exams
• Friday, January 22 - Periods 5, 6, and 4B exams

Check here for the detailed Adjusted Bell Schedule and Mid-term Exam Schedule. Please note that to best accommodate the ARL exam schedule, Period 4A exams will be administered on a B Day, and Period 4B exams will be administered on an A Day.

Centennial High School is seeking professionals to participate in our annual One Centennial Career Day on Tuesday, March 7, 8:00–11:30 a.m.

Speakers will lead three 55-minute interactive workshops sharing their career path, education and training, and real-world insights with students.

If you are interested in inspiring the next generation—or know someone who might be—please contact Lisa Clearfield, Career Readiness Advisor (Lisa_Clearfield@hcpss.org), to learn more.

2026 marks the Year of the Horse. According to the Chinese Horoscope for 2026, the horse symbolizes persistence, a balanced life, and long-term success.

The National Chinese Honor Society CHS Chapter cordially invites you to join us in celebrating Lunar New Year on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 5:30-8:30 PM. The event is hosted in collaboration with the Baltimore International Academy, Meade High School, and the Chinese Bridge Club in Maryland.

The Lunar New Year Gala includes enriching cultural activities, authentic Chinese catering, and riveting student and community performances. We will begin the night with Chinese calligraphy, Chinese Yo-Yo, face painting, a photo booth, Chopsticks competition, and more. Participants of the activities will receive awesome prizes.

Afterwards, we will serve authentic Chinese food such as stir-fried rice, kung pao chicken, and more. As the gala comes to a close, the auditorium will come alive with entertaining performances and live trivia—with exciting prizes. Let's celebrate the Year of the Horse together!

EVENT DATE AND TIME: Friday, February 13, 2026, from 5:15 pm - 8:30 pm

EVENT LOCATION: Centennial High School Cafeteria and Auditorium

4300 Centennial Lane; Ellicott City, MD 21042

TICKETS: $15 per person. Available online on OSP.

Rising Seniors - Do you want to apply for an Apprenticeship for next school year? Complete this interest form NOW!

Will you be a 12th grader next school year? Do you want to enter the workforce while still in high school? Do you want to work with a mentor in a specific career field? Do you want to get a jumpstart into an existing registered apprenticeship program?

Apprenticeship Maryland is a graduation pathway for seniors, who are interested in employment and further education in a career pathway. Students participating in the Apprenticeship Maryland Academy will earn a salary while learning valuable and marketable industry skills. The program includes a combination of on-the-job training and one year of industry related classroom instruction.

For more information, click here: HCPSS Apprenticeship Links to an external site.

Please complete the following form to indicate your interest in the program: 26-27 Apprenticeship Application Interest Form Links to an external site.

Once this form is completed, Ms. Clearfield, Career Readiness Advisor and Ms. Kochanski, Career Coach, will be in touch to schedule an appointment to complete the application, resume, and cover letter. Ms. Kochanski will also work with you on interview preparation.

Please do not hesitate to ask any questions.

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!

Hearts in Action Holiday House was a HUGE success, and planning for next year's Holiday House is underway.

Following the holiday break, we will happily accept any holiday bags for use next year. Bags can be placed in the drop-off box outside the main office. Thank you!

Mid-year reports (quarter 1 and quarter 2 reported grades) will be sent through Naviance for all seniors with a college listed in Naviance. The Mid-Year Reports will be sent on Friday, February 13. There is no need to alert counselors that a mid-year report has been requested. Mid-term exams are not a part of the Mid-Year Report.

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.

Mid-year reports (quarter 1 and quarter 2 reported grades) will be sent through Naviance for all seniors with a college listed in Naviance. The Mid-Year Reports will be sent on Friday, February 13. There is no need to alert counselors that a mid-year report has been requested. Mid-term exams are not a part of the Mid-Year Report.

Calling all Class of 2026 seniors!

Senior shirts are now on sale until January 26th. Show you senior pride by purchasing a shirt to wear for the rest of the year. This is a sprint shop and all orders will be shipped within a week of purchase. In keeping with a new tradition started by the Class of 2025, there will be sharpies available for signing these shirts at your Senior Breakfast. Shirt sales will not be extended, and this is the only opportunity to purchase. Act fast!

To purchase, visit: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/MdkTpSSUhr.

If you have questions, please see Mr. Moe or Mrs. Engle in Room 502.

Attention seniors! Auditions for speaking and performance roles for graduation are open. See Canvas for a link to the application form and additional information. For Graduation we are looking for a Master of Ceremonies, Keynote Speaker, and Turning of the Tassels speaker. If you have a unique message for the Class of 2026 we want you to audition! We also need a student performance. Ensembles of all seniors are preferred over a single performer.

https://forms.gle/EAcdECLKfGWM4twz5

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.

Bring your families and your hungry appetites to Shake Shack at The Mall in Columbia on Wednesday, January 21 (10:30 AM - 10:30 PM) and support your CHS Eagles PTSA!

Use the code DONATE when you place your order.

Attention Eagle SAT Test-Takers! Please take note of SAT Prep classes being held at Centennial High School. Get ready, get prepared, you got this!

Register for any class and the CHS PTSA receives a donation.

Boosters is hosting a Pickleball event to celebrate the end of Midterms at Dill Dinkers in Columbia, Saturday, January 24.

Who: Any high school student (invite your friends!)

When: Saturday, January 24 from 1:00-3:00pm

Where: Dill Dinkers, 9179 Red Branch Road, Columbia, MD

Cost: $20 in advance or $25 at the door

Important info:

• Loaner paddles provided at no charge.
• Must wear athletic shoes.
• An adult will need to sign a waiver for students under 18 years of age.

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.

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.

• 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.