CSD Weekly Update: April 10 2026

Reminder: Schools are Closed for Students on Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Centennial Fine Arts Week
From April 13th to 16th, we are delighted to present the Centennial Fine Arts Week, a celebration of our talented student musicians’ creativity through various shows throughout the week. It is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to come together, appreciate the arts, and support the incredible dedication of our students. The events are listed below:
- Monday, April 13th - Orchestra Night 7:00 pm at WTHS
- Tuesday, April 14th - Jazz Night 7:00 pm at Log College MS
- Wednesday, April 15th - Chorus Night 7:00 pm at WTHS
- Thursday, April 16th - Band Night 7:00 pm at WTHS
Happy Assistant Principal Appreciation Week! This week, the Centennial School District took time to celebrate the incredible dedication, hard work, and leadership of our Assistant Principals. They are the everyday heroes who work tirelessly to keep our schools running smoothly, support our educators, and foster a positive learning environment for our students. Please join us today in expressing our gratitude for everything they do to make our district a wonderful place to learn and grow!
Behind every "lightbulb moment" in the classroom is an educator who has worked tirelessly to build a child’s confidence. For Maria Stratton, a Special Education Teacher at McDonald Elementary School, those moments are what make teaching a true calling.
With nearly two decades of experience in education, Maria brings a wealth of knowledge, a collaborative spirit, and a deep-seated belief that every child deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued. We asked Maria about her journey as a teacher and what inspires her the most about her career/
Could you introduce yourself? Please tell us your name, your current role, and which building or school you work My name is Maria Stratton, and I am a Special Education Teacher at McDonald Elementary School in the Centennial School District. I work with students across multiple grade levels (this year K, 1, and 4), providing support in literacy and helping students build the academic and social-emotional skills they need to be successful in the classroom.
How long have you been a part of the Centennial School District family, and what originally drew you to a career in special education?
I have been in Centennial for almost two years. Prior to working for Centennial School District, I served other districts. I have worked in Philadelphia and Montgomery County for 17 years. Prior to joining Centennial, I also worked with Wilson Language Training for two years and continue to support them part-time.
I have always been drawn to helping others learn and grow. Special education, in particular, allows me to meet students where they are and help them discover their strengths. I enjoy finding creative ways to make learning accessible and meaningful for every student. Most importantly, I want students to feel safe, respected, and valued, and to recognize their own worth and potential.
What brought you to Centennial specifically?
Centennial has a strong reputation for supporting both students and staff, and I was really drawn to the collaborative environment within the district. From the beginning, I could see that Centennial truly puts children first and is deeply committed to supporting the whole student. The district’s mission to empower the growth of every student through exceptional teaching and learning experiences strongly aligns with my own beliefs as an educator. I also appreciate Centennial’s vision of providing access and opportunity for every student to develop their unique potential in academics, athletics, and the arts. Most importantly, I value the district’s belief that all students and staff have the capacity to grow as thoughtful, creative, and responsible learners and citizens. Being part of a district that prioritizes growth, opportunity, and the success of every learner is something I am proud to be a part of.What is your absolute favorite part of your typical workday?
My favorite part of the day is working in small groups with students and watching their confidence grow. Those “lightbulb moments” when a student realizes they can do something they once thought was too difficult are incredibly rewarding. I also really value the time I spend checking in and checking out with students throughout the day. These small moments give students the opportunity to share how they are feeling, reflect on their progress, and know that someone is truly listening and supporting them. Building a child’s confidence so they feel safe, respected, and nurtured in a learning environment is just as important as academic growth—if not more. When students feel secure and believe in themselves, they are much more willing to take risks, persevere through challenges, and fully engage in their learning.Can you share a specific, memorable moment from your time here that reminded you why you do what you do?
One memorable moment that stands out to me was watching a student who had been struggling socially and emotionally in the classroom begin to experience consistent success with the support of a collaborative team. Through intentional planning, positive support, and ongoing communication among teachers, specialists, and support staff, we worked together to create an environment where the student felt safe, understood, and supported. Over time, we began to see meaningful progress—more positive interactions with peers, increased confidence, and a growing sense of belonging in the classroom. Moments like that remind me how powerful a team-based, inclusive approach can be and reinforce why this work is so meaningful.
What do you hope students and colleagues take away from their interactions with you?I hope students feel supported, encouraged, and confident in their abilities after working with me. I want them to know that mistakes are a natural part of learning and that growth happens through persistence and effort. Most importantly, I hope every student feels safe, respected, and that they truly belong in our school community. When students feel secure and valued, they are more willing to take risks, believe in themselves, and reach their full potential. For colleagues, I hope they see me as someone who is collaborative, supportive, and always willing to work together to problem-solve and find the best ways to support our students.
Centennial Education Foundation Celebrated the 2026 Grant Awards
On Thursday, April 9th, Centennial Education Foundation (CEF) celebrated the 2026 Grant Awards Breakfast at Ann's Choice with Centennial School District educators, sponsors, and community members. CEF awarded $78,663 in grants to fund innovative classroom programs for students in our district from kindergarten through high school. More than 80 grants were provided and will lead to creating "above and beyond" learning experiences for our students.
Be Red Cross Ready at Willow Dale!
Our Willow Dale 2nd-grade students recently welcomed a special guest through the American Red Cross “Prepare with Pedro” program. This engaging, age-appropriate lesson teaches students how to be prepared and take action in the event of emergencies such as home fires or local hazards.
Using a story featuring Pedro the Penguin, students learned important safety concepts along with simple strategies to help them stay calm and think clearly in unexpected situations. Each student also received a storybook to bring home and share their learning with their families.
Our 5th-grade students also recently participated in the American Red Cross “Be Red Cross Ready” program, where they learned important skills to help them prepare for emergencies.
Through these informative and engaging sessions, students explored how to recognize potential hazards, make a plan, and take action in emergencies. They also discussed how emergencies can feel stressful and learned strategies to stay calm and respond safely.
At Willow Dale, we are committed to helping our students build not only strong minds and bodies, but also the confidence and skills to stay safe in real-life situations. We encourage families to continue these conversations and review emergency plans together.
Catch the Wonder: Join Us for a FREE Science Day at Tennent!
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable day of discovery and free family fun! The Science National Honor Society at William Tennent High School is thrilled to invite our entire community to Science Day on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
This exciting, FREE event is open to all K-12 students, and we encourage parents, friends, and families to come along for the fun. Get ready for a spectacular “Day of Science Experiments & Fun for All.”
As a special treat, the Huf Planetarium at William Tennent High School will be open, hosting FREE planetarium shows for all attendees!
Senior Receives Silver Servant Award
WTHS Senior Rylee Small is the recipient of the Peter R. Marsh Foundation Silent Servant Scholarship Award.
The Silent Servant Award honors students who demonstrate selfless service within their school and community. Rylee exemplifies these qualities in every way. She consistently goes above and beyond for her classmates, is actively involved both in and out of school, and carries herself with grace, kindness, and a positive spirit.
Rylee’s strong sense of empathy, emotional awareness, and commitment to supporting others reflect the core values of this award. She represents what it means to be a true “silent servant,” making a meaningful impact without seeking recognition.
In accordance with the foundation’s mission, Rylee was honored in the presence of her peers, teachers, and members of the community she has served. We are proud to celebrate her achievements and this well-deserved recognition.
Klinger Middle School Held Their 11th Annual Mini-THON!
Klinger Middle School proudly hosted two impactful student-led fundraising events this spring, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and community spirit together for a meaningful cause.
On March 19th, the school held its second annual Color Run, with 70 students participating. Despite chilly temperatures, students embraced the day with excitement—running, walking, and getting covered in vibrant bursts of colored powder along the course. By the time of the event, participants had already raised an impressive $3,652.
Just a couple of weeks later, on April 1st, Klinger held its 11th annual Mini-THON—and no foolin’, it was another incredible success. Students came together to raise a total of $5,670.04 in support of Four Diamonds, helping Penn State Hershey Medical Center cover the costs of pediatric cancer care and fund critical research toward finding cures.
We would like to recognize our top fundraisers: Vincent Lynch, MaKenzie Reinhener, and Lorenz Wirgau, whose efforts helped make these events especially successful.
Klinger Middle School is deeply grateful for the support of our school community, families, and donors who made these events possible. We look forward to continuing this tradition and making an even greater impact at our next events in 2027!
Let’s hear it for our Willow Dale Elementary Students of the Month!
Let’s hear it for our Willow Dale Elementary Students of the Month!
We celebrated the hard work, kindness, and dedication of these outstanding students. They were chosen for going above and beyond, being fantastic role models, and bringing so much positivity to their school community.
We are incredibly proud of the leadership you show in our classrooms and hallways every single day. Keep shining bright, Willow Dale!
Davis Elementary's Reading Olympics!
In-Person Registration Events for the 2026-2027 School Year
For families that do not have access to a computer, need technical or translation support, the Centennial School District is providing in-person registration events on the following nights. If you are in need of support, but cannot attend one of the dates/times listed below please contact the Registrar at 215-441-6000 x 11046, or email csdregistration@centennialsd.org, or click here to email CSD Registration.
If you plan to attend an in person event, you will need the following:
Email address & password (if you already have one, if not we will help you create one)
Skyward username & password (if you already have one, if not we will help you create one)
ALL of the REQUIRED documents listed in the "Online Registration" section above (if you are unable to make copies, we will scan the document for you)
DAY, DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION
Thursday, March 19, 2026 5:30PM-8:00PM
McDonald Elementary School - Gymnasium
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 6:00PM-8:00PM
Willow Dale Elementary School - Gymnasium
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 6:00PM-8:00PM
CSD Administration Center, 48 Swan Way, Warminster - Board Room
Virtual Learning at Centennial School District!
High School Talent Shines in Mean Girls
Photos by Gryffen Wilson '27
By Kyle Mulholland '27
Get ready to look back on an unforgettable weekend of talent and energy as our High School musical, Mean Girls, took the stage on March 27th and 28th! From start to finish, the show delivered an incredible mix of humor, music, and standout performances that had the audience wanting more.
A huge congratulations goes out to the talented cast who brought the story to life, including Madison Picozzi ‘26 as Cady Heron, Molly Green ‘26 as Regina George, and Omi Mosquera ‘27 as Gretchen Wieners. The dynamic duo of Michael Betschner ‘27 as Damian Hubbard and Kalena Viera ‘26 as Janis Sarkisian added both humor and heart, while Nadine Reale ‘27 as Karen Smith kept the crowd laughing throughout the night. Jack Tittelmayer '28 shined as Aaron Samuels, with Ezra Galrom ‘28 bringing great energy to the role of Kevin G. Jillian Twigg '26 as Mrs. George, Grace Riker ‘26 as Ms. Norbury and Bryan Sadowski ‘26 as Mr. Duvall rounded out the lead cast with strong and memorable performances. Special thanks to the Seniors who took their final bow on the WTHS Stage, including cast members: Mariela Karlick, Maya Simononis, Donny Rank, Lex DiPaolo, Madison Kellogg, Caroline Moritz, Rylee Small, Marilyn McNamee.
Shoutout to the awesome members of the orchestra, whose live music really brought the show to life. Their playing added so much energy to every number and made both the big moments and the funny ones even better. Senior orchestra members: Grace Sabara, Paige Mattis, Ava Weissman, Haley Wyman, and Taylor Greiner.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the dedicated crew working behind the scenes, whose hard work ensured every scene change, lighting cue, and musical moment ran smoothly. Their effort helped turn an already great performance into a truly polished production.
A special congratulations and thank you goes out to directors Mrs. Hoban, Mrs. McCaffery, and Mr. Abrahamson. Their guidance, creativity, and countless hours of work played a huge role in bringing this production to life and making it such a success.
Overall, the show was a huge success and a testament to the creativity and commitment of everyone involved. It was clear that months of preparation paid off, and the result was a fun-filled, high-energy production that will be remembered by all who attended. Congratulations again to the entire cast and crew on an amazing show!
Sophomore Wins Congressional Art Competition
We are incredibly proud to share that sophomore Max Bollendorf has been named the winner of the Congressional Art Competition for Pennsylvania’s 8th District!
Max’s stunning drawing, “Apis” (Latin for “bee”), was selected as the top piece to represent our district. His artwork will be displayed for one year in the corridors of the Cannon Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol, an extraordinary honor that highlights his talent on a national stage. Max created this exceptional piece in Art 2 with teacher Ms. Janna Francis, and it is truly an outstanding work.
Max’s piece was selected through the 31st Annual Bucks County High School Art Exhibition, currently on display at the Hicks Art Gallery at Bucks County Community College. This exhibit features student artwork from across the county, with each high school submitting pieces that showcase the creativity and skill of their artists. From this impressive collection, one piece is chosen to represent the region in Washington, D.C., and this year, that honor belongs to Max.
On March 29, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick presented Max with his award during a reception at the Hicks Gallery. Our school had 17 student works on display, and it was wonderful to see so many students and families celebrating the arts together.
Congratulations, Max, on this incredible achievement!
2026-2027 School Year Registration is OPEN
The due date to register for current residents is June 15, 2026
In order to appropriately place your child and ensure adequate staffing, the due date to register is June 15, 2026. If your child will be new to the Centennial School District for the fall of 2026, we encourage you to register AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Please visit our registration website at https://www.centennialsd.org/registration. Dates, times, and locations for our in-person registration nights will be posted on this website by the end of January.
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
Fall Sports Begin August 17th (Football & Golf 8/10/26)
ALL Physicals MUST BE DATED AFTER MAY 1, 2025.
Liberty Urgent Care will continue to provide athletic physicals for the District at a cost of $55 per student. All students should indicate that they are from the Centennial School District when scheduling or arriving for their appointment.
Do you have Specific Questions About a Sport?
Anyone who is interested in joining sports at William Tennent and has questions should contact the following coaches for more details specific to your sport. Visit our Contact a Coach webpage today.
For more information on daily game schedules, stories, and accomplishments, visit our William Tennent Athletics website at https://williamtennentpanthers.com/ or Instagram - @wths_sports
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.
ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS
IMPORTANT LINKS
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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
CENTENNIAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Grab a Gift Card and support CEF!
Over 750 stores and restaurants like Target, Walmart, Amazon, Starbucks, Disney, Gap, Dominos, Chilis, just to name a few!
Help Centennial Education Foundation raise funds by buying gift cards from RaiseRight. Holiday gifting made easy!
How it works:
· Buy gift cards at full value from 750+ brands. Pick from eGift cards and physical gift cards.
· CEF earns up to 20% on every gift card you buy.
· Use gift cards at full value for your everyday purchases.
· Know that you are supporting CEF’s mission to raise funds for education throughout the year, thanks to the brands that give back to support our community!
Create a free account on the RaiseRight mobile app or at www.RaiseRight.com or scan the QR code to be taken to our sign up page.
Enter our organization code: TE1M6NDES2SG
Happy Shopping and thank you for your support!
We provide “ABOVE AND BEYOND” educational experiences!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
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
UPCOMING SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
Event Information
- 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.
Website: www.centennialsd.org
Location: 48 Swan Way, Warminster, PA, USA
Phone: (215) 441-6000
Facebook: facebook.com/centennialsd
Instagram: @centennialsd