CHS News

David Riddler was awarded $1,400 from the Bright Minds Foundation for their project: Building Global Competence Through ICONS Simulations and Cross-School Collaboration.

This Bright Minds Foundation grant award will provide funding to integrate online and in-person crisis simulations into the AP Comparative Government & Politics curriculum to foster students’ global competence. Developed by the University of Maryland, ICONS offers interactive, online role-based simulations that engage students in realistic political decision-making, negotiation, and crisis management exercises.

The Bright Minds grant will fund four crisis simulations that will connect students within CHS, across the district and, potentially, internationally

Congratulations, Lori Rudolph!

This is the third year that Ms. Rudolph is receiving a grant from Bright Minds Foundation. The project is called "Meet Me in the Middle - Making the Most of the Middle School Years." It establishes an after-school peer group for low vision and blind students to develop social and independent living skills through experiential learning opportunities. Building on the success of a SY25-26 Bright Minds grant, this grant will focus on middle school students to begin building these skills earlier in life alongside high school peer mentors.

Seven outstanding CHS Seniors worked in the front office throughout the school year, answering telephones and doorbells, greeting guests, delivering packages, and SO MUCH MORE!

Thank you Carter Bade, Adelle Cai, Vanessa Gonzalez Garcia, Simon Graham, Angela Huang, Sam Rubio Pino and, Zi Ling Ye.

Best of luck to you next year. We will miss you!

A BIG shout out to Mr. Will Funk-Heiser for his amazing language program!

Last weekend was the annual AATG award ceremony at UMBC. The school with the most recipients every year is a private German immersion school in Montgomery County, but Mr. Funk-Heiser always brings the second largest contingent of award winners. He has also consistently grown the number of winners every year through his teaching and initiative.

In the words of a CHS parent:

I credit Mr. Funk-Heiser for creating this amazing educational experience that covers language, culture, current events, and travel. He even successfully engages remote students from across Howard County, essentially making CHS the Howard County German language academy.

Congratulations to CHS Sophomore Sahil Prasad, who placed third in the JV division of the National Humanities Bee!

The questions in this buzzer-based competition focued on literature, art, music, philosophy, and social sciences.

The Class of 2026 Senior Sunset and Picnic went off in style on Tuesday night, despite the heat. The seniors spent time together, socialized, danced, took lots of pictures, played games, and soaked in one of their last sunsets on the Centennial campus.

A special thanks to The Class of 2029 for keeping us cool making snowballs throughout the night, The Class of 2026 parents who came and braved the heat to help serve dinner, Dr. Joelle Miller and Mr. Matt Sillers for helping to supervise to help with clean- up efforts, Ms. Cheryl Beall for her unwavering support throughout the picnic, Mr. Eddie Fowler for help with set up throughout the day on Tuesday, The Night Custodial Staff for helping to keep our campus clean, and most importantly, The Senior Class of 2026 for showing up, showing out, and having a great time together before graduation!

And of course, Mr. Moe and Ms. Engle are the best class advisors ever!

We can't wait to see you all graduate on June 1st!!!! "

• May 25 - Memorial Day - Schools and Offices Closed
  

• May 26 - Last Day of School for Seniors
  

• May 27 - Schools and Offices Closed, Eid ul Adha
  

• June 1 - Class of 2026 Graduation, 7 PM, Merriweather Post Pavilion
• June 8 - CALENDAR CHANGE - Full Day of School for Students; B Day
• June 16- CALENDAR CHANGE - Inclement Weather Make-up Days; 3-Hour Early Dismissal Days for Students; A Day
• June 17 - CALENDAR CHANGE - Inclement Weather Make-up Days; 3-Hour Early Dismissal Days for Students; B Day
• June 18 - CALENDAR CHANGE - Inclement Weather Make-up Days; 3-Hour Early Dismissal Days for Students; LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS; A Day
• June 19 - Juneteenth National Independence Day; Schools and Offices Closed

Final Exams will be administered as follows:

Monday, June 15 - Morning ARL students go to ARL to complete their exams; report back period 3.

7:48 - 9:30 AM PERIOD 1 EXAM

9:34 - 10:20 AM PERIOD 2

10:25 - 11:10 AM PERIOD 3

10:15 AM - 12:45 PM PERIOD 4 B

12:50 - 1:40 PM PERIOD 5

1:45 - 2:35 PM PERIOD 6

Tuesday, June 16 - Morning ARL students go to ARL and report back at normal time
7:48 - 9:30 AM PERIOD 2 EXAM

9:30 - 9:50 AM BREAK/BRUNCH

9:55 - 11:35 AM PERIOD 3 EXAM

11:35 AM DISMISSAL

Wednesday, June 17 - No morning ARL

7:48 - 9:30 AM PERIOD 4B EXAM

9:30 - 9:50 AM BREAK/BRUNCH

9:55 - 11:35 AM PERIOD 5 EXAM

11:35 AM DISMISSAL

Thursday, June 17 - No morning ARL

7:48 - 9:30 AM PERIOD 4A EXAM

9:30 - 9:50 AM BREAK/BRUNCH

9:55 - 11:35 AM PERIOD 6 EXAM

11:35 AM DISMISSAL

Make-up final exams will be administered from 8 AM to 1 PM on the following days during the summer:

• June 30
• July 14
• August 4

If you cannot make these dates, please call your administrator to arrange a time.

The Howard County Public School System Class of 2026 graduation ceremony schedule is now available!

The CHS graduation ceremony is on Monday, June 1, at 7 PM at Merriweather Post Pavilion.

The last day for seniors is Tuesday, May 26.

Please check here for the CHS 2026 Graduation Calendar.

The Board of Education has made adjustments to the school calendar. Specifically, to account for the four-hour total deficit in high school the following adjustments have been made:

• Monday, June 8 - full day of school
• Beginning Monday, May 4, the high school student day will begin at 7:48, two minutes earlier than the current 7:50 AM start time.

HCPSS Calendar Adjustments

Friday, May 22, 2026

Track & Field State Championship @ Morgan State University

Tennis State Finals @ Wilde Lake Tennis Club

Saturday, May 23, 2026

Track & Field State Championship @ Morgan State University

Tennis State Finals @ Wilde Lake Tennis Club

Monday, May 25, 2026 - Memorial Day

School & Offices Closed - No Activities or Events

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

6PM Boosters Meeting

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Schools & Offices Closed - No Activities or Events

Thursday, May 28, 2028

Friday, May 29, 2026

Saturday, May 30, 2026

10AM College Prep Seminar hosted by the CHS Chinese Parent Association

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEK…

CONGRATULATIONS to our State Finalist Girls Lacrosse Team! Not only an incredible season on the field, but in the record book as well! It’s the first time in program history our Girls Lax team has made it to this level–and we are so proud of you! Cheers to each and every one of you!!!

Congratulations to Ariela Dumesh for pushing all the way up through the Tennis State Tournament. Ariela is a finalist for Girls Singles–best wishes as you compete this upcoming weekend!

Congratulations to our Track & Field athletes as they head to States this weekend! They will compete at Morgan State University. Use the gofan.co link to purchase tickets.

Athletic Awards…

Carter Bade, 2026 Distinguished Male Athlete

Jane Baldy, 2026 Distinguished Female Athlete

Sam Rubio Pino, 2026 Service & Leadership in Athletics

CONGRATULATIONS to these 3 seniors who were

recognized at Wednesday’s Senior Awards Assembly!

ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES NEWS

Post-Season Playoff Brackets and schedules are available on mpssaa.org Please know that tickets are required for all stadium events for anyone 7 years of age and older. Tickets can be purchased through gofan.co

Let’s Go, Eagles!!

Follow your favorite teams on Fan Hudl

Is your family planning to move over the summer? Once you have moved, please complete a Change of Address Form and email it, along with your new, complete lease or deed and current utility bill to CHSregistrars@hcpss.org.

If you are moving and your student will be attending a new school outside of HCPSS, please complete a Withdrawal Request Form and email it, along with a copy of your photo ID, to CHSregistrars@hcpss.org. If given enough notice, the Registrars will prepare a withdrawal packet for your student to pick up on the last day of school to assist in registering at their new school.

Interested in exploring hands-on, career focused, immersive education that meets graduation requirements?

ARL, Howard County's Career and Technical Education Center, has openings for rising 11th grade students (current 10th graders) in the following academies for the 2026/2027 school year:

Agricultural and Animal Sciences

Animation and Interactive Media/3D Game Design

Graphic Design and Production

Cybersecurity Networking Academy

Want more information? Check out our website, talk to your counselor, call us at 410-313-6998 or email us at erin_coleman@hcpss.org or mikaela_lidgard@hcpss.org.

The Shrine of St Anthony allows photography sessions on its grounds and courtyard. This is a lovey spot that is frequently used by our students for prom and graduation photos.

Unfortunately, on the following dates, the Shrine will be closed to the public due to special events taking place on the property: Saturday, April 4th , Saturday, April 25th, Saturday, May 16th, Saturday, May 23rd, and Friday and Saturday, June 12th and 13th

The Shrine property will not be open for photos on the dates listed above. If you wish to visit the property another time for photos, please call the Shrine Office at 410-531-2800.

Our heartfelt thanks to the families who have sent tissues to our school!

It was a long winter and we are all looking forward to warmer weather, which of course, means that allergy season will be upon us! That being said, we will need plenty of tissues on hand!

Are you participating in a summer program, a pre-college summer program, or applying for a summer internship which requires an official high school transcript? Please use the link below to request official transcripts (this link is not to be used for requesting transcripts for college applications). Questions? Contact the CHS registrars.

https://forms.gle/HuJRySbPYwAkScZu9

The Howard County Public School System Class of 2026 graduation ceremony schedule is now available!

The CHS graduation ceremony is on Monday, June 1, at 7 PM at Merriweather Post Pavilion.

The last day for seniors is Tuesday, May 26.

Please check here for the CHS 2026 Graduation Calendar.

Summer camp registration has begun! Sign up now for early bird prices before May 1. https://www.centennialboostersonline.com/summer-camps

Are you ready to navigate the college application and admission process?

The Answer Class will be hosting "Inside the College Admission Maze: A Parent's Road Map" on April 20, from 7 - 8:15 MP in the CHS Media Center.

Sign up for Free @ www.theanswerclass.com or use the QR code on the flyer.

REMINDERS WHEN DROPPING OFF STUDENTS IN THE MORNING:

Parents - PLEASE stay in your lane. Do NOT drop students off in the left lane. This is dangerous. Stay to the right. Do NOT cut through the parking lot.

Drop-off occurs only in the right lane. Students who must be driven to school are to be dropped off either on the sidewalk next to Burleigh Manor or at 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.

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.

In partnership with the Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity (OHRE), the inaugural Belonging Architect program is being offered for the 2026-27SY, kicking off with a summer institute at Oakland Mills High School during the week of July 13th through July 17th.

The application for student participation is an open invitation to any student who will be in high school in HCPSS during the 2026-27SY. Our goal is to have representation from each high school.

Below you will find relevant information:

• Application (open until May 8, 2026)

• Fliers: English, Spanish, Korean, and Chinese

• Website

The purpose of the Belonging Architect program is to:

• Establish channels of collaboration between students and school administration to co-create cultures of belonging.

• Provide access to professional training to level up student driven outcomes.

• Expand student definition of leadership to encompass key concepts of equity through strategic HCPSS partners.

Questions? Please contact Shannon Keeny and Danielle DuPuis.

There are a variety of programs and supports available to the community.

In collaboration with the Autism Society of Maryland, the Howard County School System (HCPSS) has resources available online to support conversations with children and families. The HCPSS Family Support and Resource Center is available to help families of children with special needs.

Services include workshops, IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) assistance, IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plans) assistance, newsletters, a lending library, facilitation of parent support groups, and community resources and service referrals. The center is open during the school year, Monday through Friday, and during the summer by appointment. Email fsrc@hcpss or call 410-313-7161. Learn more

Free! HC DrugFree invites all Howard County students in grades 8-12 to join our Teen Advisory Council (TAC).

There will be no April meeting because we have other teen events scheduled, so save the date for May 4 TAC meeting and be sure to volunteer for our Saturday, April 25 medication collection.

Students: If you have not submitted a 2025-26 registration, please complete this form. Members of TAC attend our monthly meetings and serve as student ambassadors in their schools and in the community.

Why join TAC?

• Earn Community Service Hours
• Gain experience for job & college applications
• Volunteer opportunities year round
• Be a leader and role model in Howard County

Learn more.

• 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.