CHS News

Many thanks to the talented students, dedicated staff, and all of our supportive families and friends for making WorldFest a true community event!

Kalina Kostova has been awarded the AATG Endowed Scholarship award, which allows her to attend a 3-week German immersion program in Germany at a Gesamtschule or Gymnasium (high school) and stay with a host family this summer. Fewer than 10 students from the entire country are selected as "Endowed Scholars" by the American Association of Teachers of German each year, and Kalina is the first from Centennial!

In addition to recommendation letters, Kalina had to write an essay in German without assistance about why she wanted to study in Germany and how she would benefit.

Wunderbar, Kalina! We are so excited for you!

The Centennial High School Robotics Team, R.I.P. (Robot in Pieces), is headed to the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Chesapeake Regional Championship this weekend in Doswell, Virginia — the first time the team has advanced to regionals in its history!

FTC is a competitive robotics program where middle and high school students design, build, and program robots to compete in a game-based engineering challenge. Often described by participants as “the hardest fun you’ll ever have,” FTC combines engineering, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. Since the fall, the R.I.P. team has been preparing through months of design, fabrication, coding, and competition at multiple qualifying events.

At the Union Bridge Qualifier hosted at Francis Scott Key High School, the team won the Design Award for excellence in engineering and documentation and was selected to compete in the finals as part of an alliance, where their robot’s performance helped secure their invitation to the Chesapeake Championship.The Chesapeake Championship is a three-day event that brings together 96 teams from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

A full event schedule and links to the live YouTube stream are available at https://ftc-events.firstinspires.org/2025/USCHSCMP for anyone who would like to watch the robots compete.

Good Luck, R.I.P.!

Congratulations to the following students who were recognized in this year's Young Author's Contest!

1st Place Short Story:

• Grace Ko, grade 9, "The End and a Beginning"
• Sukaina Hussain, grade 10, "Orchard of Forgotten Apples"
• Jamie Ye, grade 12, "Pi(e)"

2nd Place Short Story:

• Haashir Mohammed, grade 10, " HallStatt"

1st Place Poem:

• Lope Ajibade, grade 9, "I still love you, I promise"
• Nesochuku Onyeuche, grade 11, "Flaked on Corn Flakes"

2nd Place Poem:

• Caroline Jenkins, grade 10, "Freedom in Invisibility"
• Jamie Ye, grade 12, "There is No Utopia"

Students in grades 1-12, may submit original short stories and poems to the Young Author's Contest, a county-wide competition. First and second place winners are chosen in each category and grade level. First place winners advance to the state-wide competition.

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

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.

February's HCPSS Staff Focus featured our very own Haley Nachlas!

We have five dancers chosen as "All County Dancers" representing Centennial in a special opening number at the Howard County Dance Festival on February 7, at 7 PM at Guilford Park HS:

• Lacey Dagenais

• Mallory Goldman

• Yuval Rozenberg

• Fiona Zheng

• Gia Morabito

These dancers were chosen in an audition with all schools from the county!

Congratulations!

• Congratulations to our Senior Wrestlers:

• Christian Cha
• Grady Conrad
• Sophia Cortez
• Justus Hwang
• Bryce Johnston
• Dominic McDonald
• Ryan Povalac

We are so proud of your accomplishments!

Congratulations to the following students who were accepted into a 2026 Maryland State Ensemble!

Senior Band: Charlie Bell, Connie Bell, Mehdi Ibrahim, Akis Kyperountas, Claire Lee, Justin Plunkett, Helen Zhu

Senior Orchestra: Hannah Choi, Sylvia Johnson, Andrew Y Li, Shreya Sundaram

Senior Treble Chorus: Sabrina Wang

Junior Orchestra: Amelia Chang

Junior Orchestra: Louis Liu, Nathan Liu, Mary Yang

All state ensembles represent the best of the 7th through 12th grade musicians from across the state of Maryland. Thousands of students audition with 970 accepted across nine ensembles. It is a tremendous honor for the students and their music educators!

We are so proud of these students who participated in the 3rd annual HCPSS Gospel Choir Festival on February 4, at Wilde Lake High School! Students worked all day with clinician Dr. Michele Fowlin, learning about the history of Gospel Music and presenting an evening concert.

• Arion Jancewicz

• Beatrice Kena

• Zoe Kuria

• Alexandra Levin-Lozovatsky

• Louis Liu

• Kristina Lu

• Christine Ma

• Daniel Kai Marshall-Villanueva

• Emily Park

• Ben Strong

• Tobi Viatonu

Zoe Kuria had a solo on one of the pieces! Congratulations, Zoe!

• February 7 - Howard County Dance Festival, 7 PM at Guilford Park HS
• February 9 - Report Cards Issued; visible to students and families at 4 PM

• February 13 - Lunar New Year Celebration, 5:30 - 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 20 - Boosters hosting Trivia Night, 7 PM, Kiwanis Wallas
• 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 3 - One Centennial Career Day, 8 AM - 11:30 AN
• March 6 - ASVAB Testing, periods 1 - 4
• March 7 - HBCU Career Fair, Sponsored by HCPSS, Guilford Park HS, 9 AM - 2 PM
• March 12-14 - Spring Musical Production of Seussical, 7 PM
• March 15 - Spring Musical Production of Seussical, 2 PM
• March 18 - Senior Luau, 6-9 PM, tickets
• 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

Friday, February 6, 2026

4:30/6PM JV/V Girls Basketball vs Mount Hebron HS

4:30/6PM JV/V Boys Basketball @ Mount Hebron HS

5:00PM Lunar New Year Celebration

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Science Olympiad @ Princeton University

10:00AM Girls Wrestling @ Oakland Mills HS

12:00PM V Wrestling vs Long Reach HS @ Mount Hebron HS (rescheduled from 1/27)

1:00PM V Wrestling vs Howard HS @ Mount Hebron HS (rescheduled from 1/27)

7PM Howard County Dance Festival @ Guilford Park HS (rescheduled from 1/31)

Monday, February 9, 2026

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

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

6:00PM Boosters Meeting in the Media Center

7:00PM Jazz Feeder Concert

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Eagle Time Fall Athlete Celebration in the Cafeteria

4/5:30PM JV/V Boys Basketball vs River Hill HS

4/5:30PM JV/V Girls Basketball @ River Hill HS

6:30PM PTSA Meeting in Student Services

7:00PM NHS Meeting in the Media Center

Thursday, February 12, 2026

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

Friday, February 13, 2026

4:30/6PM JV/V Girls Basketball vs Wilde Lake HS **Future Eagles Night**

4:30/6PM JV/V Boys Basketball @ Wilde Lake HS

Saturday, February 14, 2026

Science Olympiad @ University of Pennsylvania

ADDITIONAL GAME/EVENT SCHEDULE CHANGES DUE TO WEATHER:

Girls Basketball @ GPHS was 1/27 NOW AT CHS on Thurs. 2/19 at 4/5:30pm

Boys Basketball vs Reservoir HS was 1/30 NOW on Sat. 2/21 at 11/12:30pm

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEK…

Wednesday, February 4th was National Girls and Women in Sports Day--sending a giant shoutout to all of our fantastic female athletes who represent CHS and/or participate in the area club teams! Our Lady Eagles topped off the day with JV and Varsity wins on the

basketball court against Winters Mill HS. Way to fly high!!

Indoor Track attended their Regional Competition on Thursday, 2/5 and made us proud ❤️💙

Congratulations to Coach McCoy, Coach Eudell, and the Boys & Girls Indoor Track Teams!

We celebrated our Senior Wrestlers at Thursday night’s meet against Boonsboro HS. Congratulations to Christian, Grady, Sophia, Justus, Bryce, Dominic, and Ryan!

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 have started 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!

The Game Day Operations Club is in full swing and we’re looking for students interested in assisting with the set-up, tickets, clock, officials, and visiting team at our upcoming Spring 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 - Thursday, February 12 at the 5:30 Varsity Game

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

UPCOMING EVENT–NEW DATE DUE TO SNOW!!

We’re holding a Fall Celebration for all our Fall Athletes and Managers on Wednesday, February 11th 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

Check out @centennial_hs_boosters on Instagram for the most up-to-date tryout schedule!

Let’s Go, Eagles!!

Follow your favorite teams on Fan Hudl

Attention 9th, 10th and 11th grade students! Would you like to represent Centennial High School and participate in nominating the next Student Member of the Board of Education?!

Student Delegate Applications are now being accepted through February 20, 2026. Here is the link to apply!!!!!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qS6Y5vKST2tYupfNzBWJKGYZO_3P1IL4/view?usp=sharing

Once the application window closes, applicants will have a 15-minute in-school interview with Dr. Miller, Mr. Parker and two senior students. If chosen, the six delegates will attend the SMOB Convention in March/April and gather feedback from our student body to take to the Convention.

See Dr. Miller for any questions.

The Howard County Dance Festival has been rescheduled for this Saturday, February 7, at 7 PM Guilford Park High School. Our Junior Company and Senior Company will be presenting work. If you would like to see a beautiful celebration of dance with schools across the county, you can purchase tickets from the link below:

https://hcpss.booktix.com/dept/hcpssdance/e/HCDF26

We have 5 dancers chosen as "All county dancers" representing Centennial in a special opening number. These dancers were chosen in an audition with all schools from the county!

HCPSS is thrilled to host the annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College and Career Fair on Saturday, March 7 from 9 AM - 2 PM at Guilford Park High School! This dynamic event offers students and their families a unique opportunity to connect with HBCU representatives and a wide variety of career and trade professionals from across the nation.

Attendees will meet HBCU representatives ready to share insights about their universities, along with career and trade organizations representing fields such as the Armed Services, Baltimore County EMT, Construction, Howard County Emergency Dispatch, and more.

The excitement continues with interactive workshops focused on financial aid, scholarships, essay writing, and college applications. Students will also gain practical skills through sessions on creating a standout résumé and cover letter, as well as tips for mastering a successful interview.

Don’t miss this powerful opportunity to explore pathways, build connections, and plan for the future! For more information, please visit our website (Click Here).

Are you a current sophomore that’s ready to take the next step of your leadership journey? Leadership U [LU] is a transformative 5-month leadership program for high school juniors in Howard County, MD, offering opportunities to activate your leadership skills, network with peers and community leaders, and make a difference through student-led team projects.

Applications for the 2026 program are open! Current sophomores can apply on the LHC website at Leadership U - Leadership Howard County. The application process will be open for students until April 6, 2026, with interviews taking place in late April and the program commencing in Summer 2026 as students begin their junior year.

Want to learn more? Join us for a Leadership U 2026 Info Session on Wednesday, January 28th at the Elkridge Branch Library (6540 Washington Blvd, Elkridge, MD 21075) beginning at 6:00pm in the Belmont room. Students and parents are invited to learn more about the program and hear from recent graduates about their LU experience. Register here: https://www.leadershiphc.org/event/leadership-u-january-information-session/ (encouraged but not mandatory). Bring a friend and bring your questions! Additional info sessions to follow in February and March with updates located on the LHC website. Questions? Contact Program Coordinator, Alli Eastham, at aeastham@leadershiphc.org and follow us on social media @lhcleads.

The Scholars Leadership Honors Program would be delighted if you would join us in our observation of Black History Month at the tenth annual Food for the Soul, Words for the Heart. It is an evening of cultural cuisine (fried chicken, baked macaroni and cheese, candied yams, collard greens, cornbread, and an assortment of desserts) and performances. This event will occur on Friday, February 20th, from 6 PM -8 PM in the cafeteria.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Use the link below to purchase your additional tickets:

Food for the Soul, Words for the Heart Online Tickets

Online ticket sales will end on February 19th, and remaining tickets may be available at the door. We encourage you to buy tickets online to save your spot at the event.

We hope you can join us!

Centennial High School is excited to host our annual One Centennial Career Day on Tuesday, March 3rd, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and we are seeking parent and community volunteers to serve as career speakers.

Career Day allows students to explore a variety of careers through interactive, small group workshops. Speakers are invited to share their career journey, education or training experiences, and answer student questions. Demonstrations or hands-on activities are welcome but not required. Speakers may be paired with another professional if preferred.

If you are interested in participating or would like to recommend someone, please contact Lisa Clearfield, Career Readiness Advisor, at lclearfield@hcpss.org. Thank you for supporting our students and the One Centennial community!

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!

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.

We are excited to announce that the Emily Scott Memorial Scholarship is open!

We award two $2,500 scholarships to graduating seniors. Application closes on March 22nd.

See the attached flyer with the information and QR code for students to access the scholarship.

Who: SENIORS!

What: Senior Luau hosted by Class of 2026

Where: Centennial HS Cafeteria

When: Wednesday, March 18th from 6-9pm

Why: Celebrate the kick-off to spring of senior year with a laid-back Senior Luau! Enjoy Mission BBQ favorites (Vegetarian options available), great music, karaoke fun, and a photo booth to capture the memories as we soak up the good vibes. It’s the perfect way to relax, laugh, and celebrate how far we’ve come—luau style.

Price: $30 - tickets will be on sale on the OSP from Thursday, February 5th - Wednesday, March 11th

BUY TICKETS HERE THROUGH THE OSP

DISCLAIMER: This event will only go on if 150 tickets are sold! We know you can do it, as you were able to for the Senior Crab Feast in the fall. Show off your pride and get graduation season started with your fellow seniors! Refunds will be made if the event is cancelled"

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.

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.

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.

The CHS Boosters will host a trivia night that is on Friday, February 20th, 7 PM at Kiwanis Wallas. Tickets are $50.

Teams have 10 people.

Sign up now!

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.

Skyy 2 Win Youth Foundation is excited to once again offer our Spring Break Basketball Camp, returning for its 9th year!

This year’s camp will run Monday, March 30 through Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The camp is open to boys and girls in grades 3–9 (ages 9–14) and is a great way for kids to stay active during spring break while improving their basketball skills.

• SPRING BREAK BASKETBALL CAMP

All families are welcome to attend the HCPSS SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCE FAIR!
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Location: Cedar Lane School, 11630 Scaggsville Road, Fulton, MD

This free HCPSS Special Education Resource Fair provides families with information available from the community and HCPSS to support their students receiving special education and related services. Get connected to services for students with a developmental delay or disability including:

• Services within HCPSS

• Recreational Activities

• Camps

• Community Groups

• Service Providers

• Transition Information

• Assistive Technology

• Behavioral Health

• Howard County Government Resources

For information, please contact FSRC@hcpss.org. Registration is not required. This event is part of the HCPSS Parent Empowerment Series including training sessions related to special education and events for families of students with an IEP or IFSP.

Calendar of Events:

• January 1-31 - National Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Month

• January 1-31 - National Stalking Awareness Month

• January 23 - Maternal Health Awareness Day

• February 25 - Free Life Skills Classes first day of series (see update below)

• April 7, 2026- HoCo Student Film Festival/HC DrugFree Category Submission Deadline

• May 1, 2026 - HoCo Film Festival at Miller Library

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.

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.