CHS News

Spirit Week and the Pep Rally were Spectacular!

Families and friends, join us on Saturday for the Pancake Breakfast, Parade, and Football Game! Students, don't forget that the Homecoming Dance is 7 - 10 PM!

Look for pictures of all the events next week in a special Homecoming Edition of the CHS News.

The CHS Empire Mock Trial team will be representing the state at the Constitution Classic this Thursday through Monday in Philadelphia!

Best of luck to:

• Ana Gonzalez – witness

• Alice Han – lawyer; captain

• Lauren Ho – witness

• Daniel Hong – witness

• Shalisa Ibad – witness; captain

• Jada Jackson – lawyer; captain

• Sandy Jayaprakash –lawyer; captain

• Ellie Namkoong – lawyer)

• Razann Nayfeh – lawyer

• Justin Plunkett – witness

• Jacob Rigney – witness

• Madeline Salter – witness

• Gaby Saskiewicz – lawyer

• David Showunmi –lawyer

• Cal Stewart – witness

• Rishabh Vallabhaneni –witness

• Yukti Walvekar – lawyer

We are so proud of you!

Our sincere thanks to CHS Senior, HANNAH ELPUS, who has taken it upon herself to decorate our student section each week!!!!

We are so excited and proud of her Centennial spirit!!!!!

Maryland Winds is a professional concert band based in Howard County that exists to bring world-class wind band music to the residents of Maryland. The CHS Wind Ensemble performed alongside the ensemble on Wednesday night on "Sea Songs" by Ralph Vaughan Williams and "Pines of Appian Way" by Respighi.

The Howard County Board of Education recognized two CHS Bright Mind Grant winners!

Lori Rudolph, Vision Specialist, was awarded a grant for “Nuts and Bolts”, an initiative empowering high school students with visual impairments to perform their own home repairs, home maintenance, and gardening tasks using basic hand tools.

Stacy Rosuck was recognized for the Hearts in Action “Mind Matters” initiative, which is a school club that promotes mental health awareness, emotional well-being, and social responsibility among high school students while strengthening connections within the broader community.

Sanika Shah, grade 10, co-wrote the grant with Ms. Rosuck. We are so proud of Sanika – she was the only student to participate and be recognized.

Left to Right: Lori Rudolph, Stacy Rosuck, Sanika Shah

• September 27 - Homecoming Pancake Breakfast Sponsored by PTSA, 8 - 11 AM, tickets here
• September 27 - Homecoming Parade, 10:15 - 11:15 AM
• September 27 - Homecoming Football Game v. Poolesville, 12 PM
• September 27 - Homecoming Dance, 7 - 10 PM
• September 29 - Scholars Leadership Honors Program Welcoming Ceremony, 6 PM
• October 5 - Emily Scott Memorial Walk, 11 AM
• October 8 - Senior Crab Feast, 6 - 8 PM
• October 13 - Fall Band Concert, 7 PM
• October 14 - Fall Orchestra Concert, 7 PM
• October 15 - PSAT Day
• October 15 - Fall Choir Concert, 7 PM
• October 17 - School Closed for Students
• October 20 - Schools and Offices Closed
• October 24 - National Writing Day
• October 28 - Underclass Picture Retake Day
• October 31 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early
• October 31 - End of First Quarter
• November 5, 7, 7 - Senior Portraits
• November 10 - Report Cards Issued

Sunday, 9/28/2025

It’s Academic Regional Tournament here at CHS!

Monday, September 29, 2025

3:00 PM Allied Soccer Home Opener vs. OMHS 🎉

4:00/5:00/6:00 PM Fr/JV/V Volleyball @ Mount Hebron HS

4:30 PM Cross Country @ Reservoir HS

5:00 PM JV Football vs Poolesville HS

5:00 PM Scholars Induction Ceremony in the Cafeteria

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

2:30 PM Golf vs Hammond HS @ Timbers of Troy

2:35 PM Eagles Soar- Media Center

4:00/5:30 PM Boys Soccer vs Marriotts Ridge HS **Future Eagles Night at Varsity Game**

4:00/5:30 PM Girls Soccer @ Marriotts Ridge HS

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Yom Kippur Begins–events must end by 5:30PM

2:45 PM Science National Honor Society Induction Meeting in the Cafeteria

3:00 PM Delta Eta Pi (National Dance Honor Society) Induction Ceremony in Dance Studio

3:30 PM Howard County Mathematics League at Long Reach HS

4:00 PM Varsity Volleyball vs Oakland Mills HS

4:00 PM Varsity Girls Soccer vs Glenelg HS

4:00 PM Varsity Boys Soccer @ Glenelg HS

Thursday, October 2, 2025- NO SCHOOL

No practices, rehearsals, events or activities!

Friday, October 3, 2025

4:00/5:30 PM JV/V Field Hockey vs River Hill HS **Senior Night celebrated at Varsity Game**

4:30/6:30 PM JV/V Football @ Southern HS

7:30 PM Marching Band Youth Night

Saturday, October 4, 2025

SATs at CHS!

Cross Country @ Carey, NC Invitational

Sunday, October 5, 2025

11:00 AM Emily Scott Memorial Walk

Follow your favorite teams on Fan Hudl

See the full Fall Athletic Schedule

Let’s Go, Eagles!!

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.

Seniors interested in applying for the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy should review the following information: *2025-2026 Maryland SoBL Program - Students and Families

Just a reminder for seniors applying to college with early deadlines: please check out the class of 2026 college application website linked below for answers to frequently asked questions: https://sites.google.com/hcpss.org/24-25college-app-process/home

Counselors met with 11th graders through English classes this past week to prepare students for junior year. Here is the presentation that was shared in classes.

Eagle Soar Tutoring Support: Starting Tuesday, September 16, 2025, every Tuesday and Thursday staff and honor society students will be on hand for tutoring support in the media center from 2:35 - 4 PM. A bus will be available and will stop at four hubs beginning October 6th.

Admission representatives from the following colleges will be in Student Services at CHS on the days listed below. Seniors and juniors may sign up for the visits in Naviance (click on COLLEGES and then VISITS, and click "SIGN UP" for visit). Passes will be given to student during Period 1 the day of the visit.

Monday, 9/29

10:10 AM – Binghamton University

1:10 PM – Frostburg State University

Tuesday 9/30

8:15 AM – Gettysburg College

10:10 AM – Seton Hall University

1:10 PM – Rutgers University

Wednesday, 10/1

1:10 PM – Hood College

Friday, 10/3

8:15 AM – Carnegie Mellon University

10:10 AM – College of Charleston

Student groups, clubs, and teams from CHS and our surrounding community are invited to take part in our annual Homecoming parade. If you are part of a local community group that would like to walk with us, please complete this form no later than 12pm on Wednesday, September 17th. Priority will be given to CHS student groups, but we will try to make room for everyone who would like to take part in this event if the form is completed on time. More information about our route can be found here.

Parade Route:

• Proceed out of the bus loop turning left onto Centennial Lane towards Century Drive.

• Turn right onto Century Drive

• Turn right onto Maxine Street

• Turn right onto Centennial Lane

• Turn left into the CHS bus loop (finish)

Traditional Homecoming Football Starts at 12 PM!

The fun continues as our varsity football team takes on Poolesville at 12 PM. Catch the spirit with our Cheerleaders, and watch the spectacular halftime show by the Marching Eagles:2025 show "Star Wars" that features music from the Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens.

Students Can Finish the Day at the Homecoming Dance

The SGA presents Hollywood Lights Homecoming on Saturday, September 27th, from 7 PM-10 PM. Early bird tickets are on sale now through September 17th, for only $13 on OSP, with ticket prices rising after the 17th to $15.

Guest forms for non-CHS student guests are available in the Front Office and online, and due no later than Monday, September 22nd.

Star Passes are also on sale for only $6 and include a slice of pizza, bottle of water, bag of chips, and coat check, and additional pizza, drinks, and snacks will be available for cash purchases at the event. Contact Dr. McDonough or Mrs. Holt with any questions.

The CHS Homecoming Pancake Breakfast is coming, Saturday Sept 27, 8-11 AM! This is a CHS community tradition, not to be missed! It's an all-you-can-eat extravaganza of pancakes, sausage, fruit, muffins, and drinks. Everyone is welcome!

Tickets are available on the PTSA website.

PTSA will need a small army of volunteers so if you can, PLEASE donate a couple of hours to help us make this event a big success! Middle and high schoolers are welcome to volunteer as well as parents: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044BA9A723A7F85-58151472-2025

Please join us for the 4th Annual Emily Scott Memorial Walk on Sunday, October 5th at 11AM on the track in the CHS stadium. Help us memorialize CHS Alumni, Emily Scott '18, and earn funds to give out scholarships to graduating Howard County seniors. To sign up, visit the Online Payment System.

If you have questions, please reach out to emilyscottmemorialscholarship@gmail.com.

Thanks!

ARL Information Nights will be held on November 11, and December 10, from 6 to 7:30 PM. These meetings are for freshmen and sophomores who may be interested in requesting one of the academies. Stay tuned... more information will be coming!

Hearts In Action is thrilled to announce the return of our beloved holiday fundraiser — the CHS Holiday Thrift House — happening on December 13 from 9 AM to 12 PM! All proceeds will benefit Grassroots, a local organization dedicated to supporting individuals in crisis.

We’re currently accepting donations of new or gently used items that can be resold at low cost. Suggested donations include:

• Toys
• Arts & crafts supplies
• Board games
• Candles
• Books
• Picture frames
• Other small, giftable items

Donation drop-off: Please place items in the collection box located outside the main office.

Thank you for helping us spread holiday cheer and make a meaningful impact in our community!

Yep, Let's Do College Prep!

Attention Eagles! Please note the announcement from the PTSA concerning SAT and ACT preparatory classes. Indeed, scoring well on these important exams strengthens your applicant profile. Please note the special offers below as well since these can potentially save you money. Best wishes, and best of luck! You got this!

Centennial Friends of Music: General Meeting Oct 8 – 7:30 PM in the Choir Room

Centennial Friends of Music supports music programs through volunteer efforts and financial contributions. Parent-led, we cultivate interest and participation in vocal and instrumental music at CHS, recognizing the profound impact of music education on students' emotional, intellectual, and social growth.​

Looking for concert dates, Friends of Music updates, or ways to get involved? You’ll find it all on the CHS Music website—your one-stop resource for everything happening in our vibrant music community. Explore the site to learn how you can support our talented students and the programs that make CHS so special. Stay connected with exciting events, news, and opportunities all year long!

👉 September News: https://www.centennialmusic.org/news/september-2025-friends-of-music-news

📅 Explore the performance calendar: don’t miss upcoming Choir, Band & Orchestra concerts Oct 13–15

🙌 Learn how you can get involved: Join us at the next Friends of Music General Meeting Oct 8 – 7:30 in the Choir Room

Skyward Theatre at Centennial High School is back and ready for another year filled with fun, color, and surprises! With both Robin Hood and The Cat in the Hat showing up in character this year, there are SO MANY ways you can get involved. Read our August 2025 Newsletter (linked here) for all the information on Skyward Theatre and how YOU can collaborate with us. Students, parents, friends, and family are encouraged to read our newsletter for audition and performance dates, club information, and more!

Link just in case the above hyperlink doesn't work: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1w0_-LbTK1Qn1zlrOc2HBkqg8lgsblr7r4XDcm3HP_Vg/edit?usp=sharing

In an effort to begin to expose students to the wide range of careers in today's society we are looking for in person speakers to partner with us to engage students. We also want to leverage the resources within our own community. If you are interested in helping to broaden student exposure through your career journey, please take a few minutes to complete this form. We’re looking for careers that students can access from any of the post high school pathways (Military, Job, 2yr/4yr, Trade school, Apprenticeship).

The waiting is over... on-line ordering for your Seniors begins this Monday, September 15th and ends on Friday, October 10th.

Counselors held a senior parent information night on September 10th to provide families with information about post high school planning and the college application process. Please review the following presentation information for those who could not attend. Additionally, here is a copy of the printed handout that was available for families at the parent night.

The Senior Crab Feast will take place on Wednesday, October 8th, from 6-8 PM in the CHS cafeteria!

We'd love for all seniors to join us. There will be BBQ, crabs and sides. Tickets are on sale now on OSP for an early bird discounted price of $40.00. Ticket prices go up on 9/8/2025. If you have questions, please contact Elizabeth_Engle@hcpss.org

Senior Portraits are available through Legacy Studios. Photo session are available at our school on the following dates:

• November 6
• November 7
• December 3

Please go to www.seniors.legacystudios.com to book your appointment today (make sure you select "Centennial High School - Ellicott City" when you type in your name in the search bar).

Numerous packages are available, so please review all of your options!

Questions? Please contact Mr. VanWestervelt (VW), CHS yearbook sponsor, directly at rus_vanwestervelt@hcpss.org.

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.

Check out all of the dates and locations for the Howard County Health Department Flu Clinics.

Support Howard County FFA at the Paint Night fundraiser on October 9, 6:30 - 8:30 PM!

The Salvation Army will sponsor their annual Angel Christmas Tree program, providing gifts to families in need for children 12 and under. Registration is September 24 - 30.

New Date: Friday, Sept. 27, 9:00 am–12:00 pm

Location: Oakland Mills High School

This districtwide event is open to all HCPSS families and will feature:

• A session with Superintendent Bill Barnes

• Resource tables hosted by HCPSS offices and local organizations

• Information on programs, resources, and services available throughout the school year

• Childcare and language access provided

For additional information, please visit the Family Academy Kickoff HCPSS News Post

Parenting Classes: Free! On Zoom and open to parents, guardians and grandparents residing in HoCo or with school-age children/grandchildren residing in HoCo. Evidence-based, interactive prevention program that provides families with the skills and knowledge to reduce the risk that their children will use drugs and alcohol or engage in other dangerous behaviors. The curriculum was written for families with children 9-14 years old, but it is appropriate for K-12 families. Class dates: November 11, 13, 18, 20 and December 2 from Noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. Visit HC DrugFree’s website for more information and register at https://tinyurl.com/GGC-Fall2025

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: Open to Howard County students in grades 8-12. Earn Community Service Hours and make meaningful contributions to the community. Next meeting: Monday September 29, 2025 from 5:30-7:00pm on Zoom. Earn Community Service Hours. Register to receive the meeting link: https://forms.gle/SgMrjdeo11JpNuuV8 For more information, visit HC DrugFree's website: https://hcdrugfree.org/teen-advisory-council/

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.