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CSD Weekly Update

CSD Weekly Update
CSD WeeklyUpdate

CELEBRATING CENTENNIAL CELEBRATING CENTENNIAL

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Dear Centennial Families and Community,


As I approach the end of my twenty-two years of service as a school district superintendent, including my five-year tenure as Centennial School District's superintendent, concluding on June 30, 2025, it is with tremendous pride and heartfelt gratitude that I reflect on some of the extraordinary accomplishments our school district has achieved during our journey together. These milestones represent the hard work of our students, teachers, and staff, the unwavering support of our entire community, and the collective vision we've pursued together. I want to take a moment to remember several of our firsts and the re-establishment of another recognition.

Historic Achievement: 100% of PVAAS Performance Targets Met!

For the first time in Centennial School District history, we met 100% of Pennsylvania's Value-Added Assessment System (PVAAS) performance targets! This remarkable accomplishment demonstrates our commitment to ensuring every student experiences significant academic growth.


PVAAS is a powerful educational tool that measures how much students grow academically from one year to the next based on Pennsylvania state assessments. Unlike traditional metrics that only measure achievement at a single point in time, PVAAS evaluates our effectiveness at fostering growth for ALL students, regardless of their starting point. Meeting all PVAAS targets confirms that we're successfully helping students progress on their educational journeys across all subject areas and grade levels.

Recognition from Niche: Among the Best School Districts!

Adding to our celebrations, Centennial School District has been recognized as one of the best school districts by Niche! The Niche rankings are particularly meaningful because they combine quantitative data with qualitative input from students, parents, and alumni to provide a comprehensive assessment of educational quality.


Niche evaluates schools based on academics, teacher quality, resources, facilities, extracurricular activities, and more. This recognition validates our holistic approach to education, where we focus not just on academic excellence but on developing well-rounded individuals prepared for future success.

William Tennent High School: Recognized by U.S. News & World Report!

Our commitment to excellence is exemplified by William Tennent High School, recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best High Schools in America, marking the third time in the past five years! This prestigious honor reflects the dedication of our students and staff to academic excellence, innovation, and opportunity. William Tennent is also proud to be among a select group of high schools nationwide that offer the AP Capstone Diploma, providing students with a rigorous, research-based academic experience that prepares them for future success.

Log College Middle School: A Historic First!

In what marks another first in our district's history, Log College Middle School has received the 2025 Best Middle School recognition from U.S. News & World Report! This prestigious honor places Log College among the top 35% of middle schools in Pennsylvania and acknowledges the school's commitment to academic excellence, student engagement, and preparation for future success.


These recognitions are especially meaningful given Log College's rich history in our community. It was Pennsylvania's first college and one of America's oldest educational institutions, established in 1727.

What This Means for Our Community

These achievements represent more than just rankings and recognition—they reflect our collective commitment to educational excellence and the journey we've been on together these past five years. By meeting 100% of the PVAAS targets, we demonstrate the changes we have made. Our instructional approaches, which we implemented effectively, serve ALL students, helping each student progress regardless of their starting point, social-economic or demographic background.

External recognition from state and national professional organizations and publications such as PDE, Lerner Education, CollegeBoard, the BCIU, NABSE, etc., confirms our progress toward success in meeting our mission, vision, and belief statement.


Mission

The Centennial School District will build intellect, forge partnerships, and engage students to be Future Ready by implementing a coordinated and articulated academic, athletic, and arts program that provides instruction aligned with Pennsylvania Academic Standards.


Vision

The Centennial School District will ensure students are prepared for post-secondary education, career, and life readiness.


Beliefs

We believe all students and staff have the capacity to grow as thoughtful, creative, and responsible learners and citizens.


During my tenure, we've worked diligently to enhance curriculum alignment, increase professional development opportunities, upgrade our facilities, expand technology access, strengthen community partnerships, and create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. These recent recognitions affirm that our strategic initiatives have moved us in the right direction and positively impacted student outcomes.


A Community Effort

None of this would be possible without the dedicated efforts of our entire school community:

  • Our outstanding teachers and staff, who go above and beyond every day

  • Our students, who show up ready to learn and challenge themselves

  • Our administrators, who provide leadership and vision

  • Our parents and guardians, who partner with us in education

  • Our community members, who support our schools in countless ways


Looking Ahead: A Personal Reflection

As I reflect on my time serving as your superintendent, I am filled with immense pride in what we have accomplished together. Over these past five years at Centennial, we have navigated unprecedented challenges while continually raising the bar for educational excellence. We've upgraded our facilities, increased our investment by over $1.5 million in safety and security enhancements, kept tax increases below the Act 1 index every year, sustained strong bond ratings while saving taxpayers over $4 million, expanded program offerings, strengthened community partnerships, implemented innovative instructional approaches, and most importantly, kept student success at the center of every decision.


These recent recognitions are not isolated accomplishments but the result of thoughtful planning, strategic decision-making, seamless coordination, open communication, and the relentless dedication of our entire school community. When I first joined the Centennial School District, we set ambitious goals together - and today, I’m proud and honored to witness how far we’ve come in bringing that shared vision to life.


A Personal Thank You

Beyond my time as a middle school teacher, I have had the great opportunity to spend twenty-two years as a school superintendent in districts ranging in size from 5,000 students with as few as six schools up to 36,000 students and as many as sixty schools. As I prepare to close this journey in my career and move on to the next chapter in my life, please accept my deepest gratitude for the privilege of serving this exceptional community. I have been truly blessed to work alongside such dedicated administrators, faculty, and staff who consistently go above and beyond for our students. To our school board members who allowed me to lead and be the Chief Education Officer, thank you for your support of the decisions we made that were focused on “Keeping the Main Thing, The Main Thing,” improving our student and school district outcomes.


To our students, you inspire me every day with your curiosity, resilience, and potential. To our parents and guardians, thank you for entrusting us with your children's education and being our partners in this important work. And to our broader community, your support has been the foundation upon which we've built this renewed foundation of excellence.


While leadership transitions are natural in the life of any organization, I am confident that the strong foundation we've established together will continue to serve Centennial School District well into the future. The culture of excellence, innovation, and care that defines our district doesn't reside in any one person—it lives in all of you! Please continue to hold us accountable for doing the right thing for students first.


Moving Forward Together

None of this would be possible without the unwavering dedication of our entire school community. I am confident that the Centennial School District is poised to reach even greater heights in the years ahead. The systems we’ve established, the culture of continuous improvement we’ve fostered, and the strong sense of community we’ve built together form a solid foundation for sustained excellence.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of this remarkable journey. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as your superintendent.


With profound gratitude and pride,


Dana T. Bedden, Ed.D., CAA

Superintendent of Schools

Celebrating Student Leadership: Nick Mento Recognized for His Contributions

At the May 13, 2025 School Board meeting, Dr. Bedden proudly presented Nick Mento with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his exceptional dedication and service to the Centennial School District.


Throughout the year, Nick consistently delivered monthly reports on behalf of William Tennent High School and Middle Bucks Institute of Technology (MBIT), keeping the Board and community informed about student activities and achievements.


Dr. Bedden and the Board sincerely thank Nick for his commitment to student voice and communication. We are also thrilled to congratulate him on his decision to attend American University. We know he will continue to do great things—look out, world!

ACADEMICS ACADEMICS

On May 13, 2025, a 6th grade class from Klinger Middle School visited The Franklin Institute Science Museum in Philadelphia, exploring a range of engaging exhibits that blend education with hands-on experiences. The visit provided students with a comprehensive understanding of various scientific principles through interactive and engaging exhibits. The Franklin Institute continues to be a valuable resource for fostering curiosity and learning in the sciences.

Klinger Middle School Hosts NAMI’s Ending the Silence Program

Klinger's 8th-grade students recently participated in Ending the Silence, an evidence-based presentation by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The program included a brief discussion, short videos, and a moving personal story from a young adult speaker. Students learned about mental health conditions, the importance of seeking help, and how to support others. We’re grateful to NAMI for helping reduce stigma and promote mental wellness in our school community. Many thanks to our social worker, Mrs. Riggs, for bringing this program to life.

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Klinger vs. Log Steam Boat Showdown

On May 13th, STEM students from Klinger Middle School and Log College Middle School met up at Craven Hall and the John Fitch Steamboat Museum for their 9th annual Steamboat Race Competition. Students have been learning about how steam power can be harnessed and its local history. Thanks to the generosity of the Centennial Education Foundation, students got to experience the process of creating a steamboat, much like John Fitch. They were able to use a variety of materials to build a boat and create steam power via a copper coil and heat source. Select students were then invited to race each other in a best-of-seven series, with Klinger's student-created boats taking the win for the third consecutive year! Boats from both schools will be featured on display in the John Fitch Museum for the next year. This is a project that we look forward to every year as a way to connect our students with our local history, and we are grateful to CEF for helping to make it happen!

Willow Dale Silver Spoon Award Winners

Congratulations to Mrs. Capriotti & Ms. Ricci's class on winning the Silver Spoon. One of our initiatives through Schoolwide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) is positive behavior in the lunchroom. Mrs. Capriotti and Ms. Ricci's classes have shown their PAWSOME behavior for the month of April. They were awarded a special table set up, lunch served, and a HUGE Silver Spoon to be held in the class for the month of May.

Feedback Requested: 2026-2029 Comprehensive Plan Feedback Requested: 2026-2029 Comprehensive Plan

Dear Centennial Parents, Guardians, Families, Community, Faculty, Staff, and Students,


Every three years, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requires school districts to complete and update their Comprehensive Plan —a roadmap that guides our goals, strategies, and priorities across academics, operations, and community engagement. For a more detailed description of what is included in the plan, please visit Comprehensive Planning | Department of Education | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania


Since 2023, we have successfully implemented our 2023-2026 Comprehensive Plan Priorities, Goals, and Action Steps at the central office, building, and classroom levels. This successful implementation has led our district to achieve 100% of all students meeting or exceeding the standard for growth on PVAAS across grade-level growth measures. This includes 100% of students with GIEPs, 93% of English Learners, 87% of Economically Disadvantaged and Lowest Performing 33% of students, and 80% of students with IEPs. For a full look at our data, please visit our November 26, 2024, Committee of the Whole Board Meeting.


To keep in alignment with the Board-approved Centennial School District Mission, Vision, Beliefs, Values, Goals, we are shifting our 2026-2029 Comprehensive Plan Priorities to Achievement and Growth | Access and Engagement.

As we work with our Comprehensive Planning Steering Committee, composed of faculty, staff, administration, students, parents, community members, and community partners, to finalize our plan for the next three years, your voice matters! This short survey is an opportunity for all stakeholders to share feedback, highlight needs, and help ensure our schools are moving in the right direction—together.


To best answer the questions in the short survey, please review the following Goals:

By the end of the 2025-2026 school year,

  1. We will have demonstrated annual progress and growth in board-approved Excellence through Equity Quality Review conducted by the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.

  2. Centennial will have established and annually implemented identified equitable practices and action steps to engage our diverse stakeholder groups: Families (Parents, Guardians, Students), Community, and Faculty / Staff.

  3. All schools will annually meet or exceed the statewide average(s) as outlined in the PA Future Ready Index

  4. All schools will annually meet or exceed the statewide growth expectations as outlined in the PA Future Ready Index.

https://tejoin.com/scroll/485205010


This survey will be open until Monday, May 19, at 11:59 pm


Participants needing this survey in a different language will have the ability to choose that language as a drop-down option once in the survey.


Thank you for taking a few minutes to contribute your perspective!

ATHLETICS ATHLETICS

Congratulations to the WTHS Boys Volleyball Program for a Successful Season!

The William Tennent Boys Volleyball program wrapped up another successful season this week. Qualifying for the District Playoffs for the sixth consecutive season, the #11 ranked Varsity team was eliminated by #6 ranked Spring Ford High School after falling two points short in a tightly contested five-set match (Game Recap). The team finished the season with a 10-7 overall record. The coaching staff would like to acknowledge the contributions of the 2025 senior class (Ryan Bula, Nick Rich, Tristan Ziegler, Andrew Shostak, Luis Isaac, AJ Cutillo, Xavier Cao) for their efforts over the past four years. Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!


On Saturday, May 10th, the William Tennent Junior Varsity team finished in 1st place out of 15 teams in the end-of-season Pennridge JV Volleyball Tournament. The team finished pool play with a 7-1 record and then recorded victories over Quakertown in the semi-finals and Pennsbury in the championship. In addition, the JV team finished the regular season with an impressive 15-1 record! The coaching staff is looking forward to watching these players rise to the Varsity team next year and carry on the traditions of our program.


Boys volleyball is a new sport for many high school athletes. Our coaching staff provides many opportunities to learn the sport through summer camps, open gyms, and clinics throughout the year to prepare for tryouts in March 2026. If you would like additional information about the boys volleyball program at William Tennent, visit our team webpage. If you would like to be added to our email distribution list to receive player updates, please fill out this player interest form. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Jim Creighton (creija@centennialsd.org).

SPRING SEASON - COACHES CONTACTS

SPRING SEASON - COACHES CONTACTS

THE SPRING 2025 PIAA SEASON STARTS ON MONDAY, MARCH 3RD. YOU MUST HAVE ALL APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTS ON FILE WITH OUR ATHLETIC TRAINER PRIOR TO ANY PARTICIPATION: PIAA PHYSICAL CONCUSSION TEST SECTION 7 - RETURNING ATHLETES FROM THE FALL AND / OR WINTER SEASONS.

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THE ARTS THE ARTS

2025 William Tennent High School Arts Hall of Fame 2025 William Tennent High School Arts Hall of Fame

The Very Best Pet Show Ever!!

This week Kindergarteners from McDonald Elementary took the stage to present their Musical, "The Very Best Pet Show Ever!" The students did performances for the school, and for their families. They sang several songs about all different kinds of pets. Their performance was Purrrr-fect.

Jazz Band takes 1st Place at Music in the Parks

Friday, May 9th the Log College jazz band participated in the Music in the Parks competition at Dorney Park. The band was awarded the highest rating of SUPERIOR, as well as a 1st place finish. The judges commented on the difficulty level of the music the band performed as well as the attention to detail the band displayed in their performance. In addition, 8th grader, Charlotte Schofield won an outstanding soloist award for her trumpet solo in “Li’l Darlin”.

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Log College Spring Choral Concert

The LCMS Community was treated to a wonderful performance on Monday night courtesy of the Log College Singers and choir groups.

Log College Instrumental Spring Concert

Log College hosted its Spring Instrumental Concert on Monday evening in front of a packed auditorium. This is a highly-talented group that truly performs above expectations with regularity. What a show!

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SUPERINTENDENT CANDIDATE MEET & GREET REMINDER SUPERINTENDENT CANDIDATE MEET & GREET REMINDER

OFFICE OF TEACHING AND LEARNING OFFICE OF TEACHING AND LEARNING

2025-2026 School Year Registration is OPEN: The deadline to register for current residents is June 15, 2025

The district is migrating to an updated Student Information System. Due to this migration, new student registration will be closed starting June 15, 2025.


If your child will be new to the Centennial School District for the fall of 2025, we encourage you to register AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Please visit our registration website at https://www.centennialsd.org/registration.


If you have questions with regard to registration, you can contact our Registrar:

Phone: 215-441-6000 x 11046

Email: csdregistration@centennialsd.org


If you are in need of language interpretation services, you can contact our Community Liaison:

Phone: 215-441-6000 x 11037

Email: tapial@centennialsd.org

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A Parent's Guide to Phonics Videos

Looking for more information and a free copy of A Parent’s Guide to Phonics: Understanding How to Help Your Child with Reading and Spelling?


Centennial School District is proud to offer:

  • follow-up videos on the CSD YouTube Channel

  • a free book for each family (contact your child’s school office)


Thank you to the CSD Elementary Reading team members who created these videos: Kim Flounders, Miriam Infanti, Dawn Kremer, Lisa Laatsch, Erin Landy, Danyel Masey, Jennifer McArdle, Rose Miele, Kelley O’Leary, and Susan Stackhouse.

SUMMER SUMMER

LEGO Robotics Camp

Join us this summer for LEGO Robotics Camp! Students entering grades 4th-6th can learn some engineering and programming basics while working collaboratively to tackle a FIRST LEGO League Challenge! Learn from high school students and experience a demonstration from our high school robot. Every camper receives a t-shirt! Register now at www.centennialsd.org/wtrobotics

William Tennent Boys Soccer Program

Now is the time to sign up for one of the best youth soccer camps! The William Tennent Soccer Camp is here! Scan QR code for more information.

Summer Camp

Summer Camp

The Fab Lab Center is offering exciting, unique, FUN weeks of Summer Camps with a different theme every week.

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FOOD AND NUTRITION FOOD AND NUTRITION

ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS

Volunteer at Centennial
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The Centennial School District uses Raptor Volunteer Management System to provide a more efficient and effective process to verify and track volunteer clearances. Please visit our website (scroll down to see "How Do I Submit My Paperwork?" to learn more about our volunteer guidelines and/or to upload your clearances to Raptor Volunteer Management System.

IMPORTANT LINKS IMPORTANT LINKS

Student Registration

Employment at CSD

District eFolder (Community Flyers)
Student and Staff Wellness
Free & Reduced Lunch Information
Lunch Menus
2024-2025 Bus Schedules

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

May

May 20: All Schools Closed & Offices Open

May 22: Superintendent Candidate Meet & Greet

May 23: All Schools Closed & Offices Open (Grs. K-12 Inservice Professional Learning)

May 26: All Schools & Offices Closed (Memorial Day)

May 27: CSD School Board Meeting, 7:00 pm

May 30: Early Dismissal Grs. K-5; Grs. K-5 Grading Day; Grs. 6-12 Full Day of School

2024-2025 Academic Calendar
Calendar Snapshot
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2025/2026 School Year Instructional Calendar

On Tuesday, February 25, 2025 the Board of School Directors approved the district calendar for the 2025/2026 school year. I want to thank the committee members for their time and efforts in developing the calendar.


The committee was charged with developing a calendar that maintained a continuity of student learning and continuity of professional learning to improve student learning and growth.

2025-2026 Academic Calendar

UPCOMING SCHOOL BOARD MEETING UPCOMING SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

CSD Board

(Back row from left to right): Mr. Flemming Godiksen (Vice President), Mr. Mark Gindhart (Assistant Secretary), Dr. Kathleen Maguire, Mr. Michael Hartline (Front row from left to right): Mrs. Jane Schrader Lynch; Mrs. Patti Crossan; Dr. Dana T. Bedden (Superintendent), Mr. Tony Sadowski, Mrs. Mary Alice Brancato (President), Mr. Charles H. Martin not pictured.

Event Information

School Board - Committee of the Whole

  • This meeting is public and can be viewed on the CSD Cable Stations or via the CSD Website or YouTube Channel.
  • Click HERE for CSD Public Comment Procedure.

When?

Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 07:00 PM

Where?

730 N Norristown Rd, Warminster, PA 18974, USA

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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CSD is Looking for Interpretation Contractors

Are you multilingual? Would you like to earn $ and help CSD families?

Do you know someone who is multilingual and available to provide interpretation or translation services during or after school hours?

We would like to grow the list of interpreters & translators that we call upon on an as needed basis. Please share our job posting: https://www.applitrack.com/centennialsd/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Independent+Contractor

Start Your Career at Centennial!

Spread the word that Centennial School District is hiring!

Check out our employment webpage for a complete list of vacancies. https://www.centennialsd.org/employment

If you know anyone who might be interested in these positions, please have them apply. We offer competitive rates, excellent perks, and benefits, including a pension. For questions, please call 215-441-6000, Ext. 11034.

Walk-in Wednesdays

CENTENNIAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION CENTENNIAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION

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Ready to go to the happiest place on Earth?

Enter to win the Ultimate Disney Experience and support education!


We've partnered with Tix for Good to bring you this fun and exciting vacation!

The trip consists of:

Vacation for a family of five, including -

*6 days & 5 nights of Disney magic - (August 21–26, 2025)

*Park Hopper Passes - to all four iconic Disney parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney Studios

*Luxury accommodations at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

This fundraiser supports grants and scholarships for students.

Every donation brings you closer to winning this unforgettable adventure while helping a great cause. Don’t miss out, enter today and make dreams come true for your family!

Enter here: https://tixforgood.org/product/disney25?npo=cedf

Contest/Raffle Drawing Rules:

1. Winner must be 18 or older.

2. Prize does not include airfare, meals, parking, etc.

3. Taxes are the responsibility of the winner.

4. Winner must sign a publicity & liability release

For full contest rules visit: https://tixforgood.org/official-sweepstakes-rules


Thank you for supporting the Centennial Education Foundation.

Register to golf with us now!

Don't miss our 5th Annual Bruce Beaton Memorial Golf Outing on Monday, June 16th, 2025!


Registration includes:
*18 holes of Golf
*Golf Cart
*Breakfast & Lunch
*Hit it to Win it Green
*Prizes, 50/50 and Silent Auction

All proceeds benefit Centennial Education Foundation and our mission to provide educational opportunities and programs for the students of the Centennial School District.


Link to register: https://centennialef.networkforgood.com/events/79109-5th-annual-bruce-beaton-golf-outing

2025 CEF Grant Awards Breakfast

Last week, we had a wonderful morning celebrating with teachers, educators, supporters and sponsors at the 2025 CEF Grant Awards Breakfast.

BIG THANKS to Ann's Choice for hosting and presenting a hearty breakfast for everyone!!
THANK YOU to all of our board members who work all year long to keep the mission of delivering above and beyond experiences for the students of the Centennial School District!
THANK YOU to our individual and community business partners who sponsored these awesome grants!
CONGRATULATIONS to all the teachers and educators who received grants for the upcoming 25-26 school year.


YOU ARE ALL SUPERHEROES! Keep being super!

2025 VIP Seating William Tennent High School Graduation Raffle!

William Tennent High School seniors only get 4 tickets to graduation. Graduation is such a special time that most families want/need more tickets.


NOW IS THE TIME TO WIN THOSE EXTRA TICKETS!!!

Win VIP seating for 4 people at graduation with RESERVED PARKING!!! Raffle tickets are $5 each or 6 for $20 Winner will be chosen on May 30th


All proceeds benefit the Centennial Education Foundation (CEF)

Buy a raffle ticket here.

CEF
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We provide “ABOVE AND BEYOND” educational experiences! We provide “ABOVE AND BEYOND” educational experiences!

CENTENNIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT eFOLDER CENTENNIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT eFOLDER

Each year, more and more people and organizations are turning to our District to help get the message out about various activities, events, fundraisers, etc. The intent of this process is to support student achievement and to provide mutual assistance and benefit through shared information. Our district spends a great deal of time collecting, reviewing, and posting flyers to the District eFolder. The District no longer is posting eFlyers to any social media outlets or the District cable channel. You may refer to Policy 913 for additional information.


Please click on this link to connect with all the community eFlyers of the month

CSD eFolder - Community Flyers
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Centennial School District

Website: www.centennialsd.org
Location: 48 Swan Way, Warminster, PA, USA
Phone: (215) 441-6000
Facebook: facebook.com/centennialsd
Twitter: @Centennial_SD

Centennial School District
www.centennialsd.org
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