Centennial HERO News Aug. 17, 2026
August 17, 2026

From our Executive Director
The World is Waiting! Learn More About Study Abroad
Centennial families, we are excited to share an incredible opportunity for our scholars to learn beyond the classroom and experience the world through study abroad!
Families of eligible scholars are invited to join us for an upcoming Zoom Information Session to learn more about the study abroad experience, what scholars can expect, and how your family can get involved.
Whether you're ready to start planning or simply curious about the opportunity, we encourage you to join us, learn more, and ask questions.
See the flyer for Zoom meeting details and information on how to sign up.
We can't wait to share more about this exciting opportunity to take learning beyond Centennial—and into the world! 🌍✈️
This opportunity is exclusively available to scholars who are CURRENTLY in 5th, 6th, or 7th grade.
SY 26-27 Scholar/Parent Handbook
From our K-5 Admin Crew
Beginning of the Year MAP Testing
This week, our scholars will participate in the Beginning-of-Year MAP Assessment. Please help set your scholar up for success by ensuring they arrive at school daily, on time, and well-rested.
🎉 MAP Incentive: Scholars who complete their MAP assessments will be invited to enjoy lunch and music on Friday!
Thank you for helping our scholars show what they know and start the year strong!
From our K-8 Leadership Crew
⏰ Every Minute Matters: Attendance & On-Time Arrival
Families, daily attendance and arriving on time are critical to scholar success! Instruction begins promptly at 8:00 AM, and our main doors lock at that time.
Scholars arriving after 8:00 AM must be walked into the building and signed in by a parent/guardian.
Please help your scholar start the day strong—don’t let them miss those critical first minutes of learning! 💙💛
From our Family Engagement Crew
Upcoming Engagement Opportunities for Scholars!
The wait is finally over! Adventure Hours clubs begin this Wednesday, August 19! 🎉
Dear Adventure Hours Families,
We have nearly 175 scholars signed up and ready to learn, create, explore, and, most importantly, have some fun!
A few important reminders as we get started:
- Snack: A snack will be provided to scholars before clubs begin.
- Pick-Up: Pick-up is promptly at 4:45 PM in front of the school. Please make sure your scholar’s ride is ready and waiting.
- Changes in Participation: If your scholar is no longer able to participate, please email njackson@centennial.academy as soon as possible. This will allow us to offer the spot to a scholar on the waitlist.
- Looking Ahead: Registration for this semester is now closed, but don't worry! We will have a brand-new selection of exciting clubs next semester with new opportunities for scholars to explore their interests and try something new.
Thank you for helping us make Adventure Hours such an exciting experience for our scholars. I can't wait to see all of our little adventurers this Wednesday!
Let the adventures begin!
Warmly,
Ms. Jackson
Adventure Hours Coordinator
Centennial Academy
Calling all interested scholars to serve as Scholar Ambassadors
Eligibility: Grades K–8
Purpose: The Voice. The Face. The Heart of Centennial.
Scholar Ambassadors serve as representatives of Centennial Academy and model the character, communication, professionalism, hospitality, and servant leadership expected of a Centennial Hero. Throughout the year, scholars develop authentic leadership skills while welcoming visitors, leading school tours, supporting family and community events, emceeing schoolwide programs, and representing Centennial throughout the broader community.
Selection Criteria
Scholar Ambassadors will be selected based on their demonstrated readiness to represent Centennial Academy with excellence.
Candidates should demonstrate:
Consistent modeling of Centennial's HERO Habits: Helpful, Engaged, Responsible, and Open-Minded
Positive behavior and adherence to school expectations
Consistent attendance and punctuality
Academic effort and responsibility
Strong or developing communication skills
Willingness to speak and interact with adults, peers, visitors, and community members
Dependability and ability to follow through on assigned responsibilities
School pride and a positive attitude
Willingness to receive coaching and feedback
Commitment to servant leadership
Selection will consider the whole scholar. Scholars do not have to enter the program as polished public speakers or experienced leaders. The Scholar Ambassador pathway is designed to identify leadership potential and intentionally develop those skills throughout the year.
Got questions? Email Ms. S. Hodges at shodges@centennial.academy.
SCIENCE OLYMPIAD IS BACK!
🔬 5th–8th Grade Scholars — Join Science Olympiad!
Does your scholar love science, building, problem-solving, or figuring out how things work? Science Olympiad may be the perfect fit!
🏆 We have a title to defend! Centennial Academy is a two-time Regional Champion, and we're looking for curious, committed scholars ready to learn, work hard, and compete as part of our team. No science expertise required—just curiosity and commitment!
Come See What It’s All About!
📅 Thursday, August 20
⏰ 3:00–5:00 PM
📍 LL1
Scholars will explore competition events, meet the coaches, and learn what it takes to join the CA Science Olympiad Squad.
Bring your curiosity, commitment, and love of science—we hope to see you there!
Ms. Jackson, Science Olympiad Coach
njackson@centennial.academy
CA NEWS CREW!
We're looking for 3rd- 8th-grade anchors to join our CA News team. Scan the QR code to sign up. Auditions begin the week of August 24th at 7:40 AM. Please be prepared to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and the HERO Creed.
Parents, we NEED you! Seeking VOLUNTEERS!
All parents are encouraged to complete the required volunteer and chaperone requirements so they can participate in classroom activities, attend field trips, take part in Field Day, and volunteer or chaperone throughout the school year. Completing these requirements ensures that parents have the opportunity to be actively involved in supporting all of our scholars and the Centennial Academy community.
Mandated Reporter Training: Mandated Reporter Training please email certificate upon completion.
From our Operations Crew
- In accordance with policy GAMA Safe and Drug-Free Workplace, visitors shall not possess weapons on APS property, in a school or other APS facility, or at any school or district-sponsored activity in accordance with O.C.G.A. §16-11-127.1, any other applicable laws and administrative regulations issued by the Superintendent. Note: This includes all school grounds including carpool lane and anywhere on campus. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to maintaining a safe campus environment.
- Please refrain from dropping off or picking up scholars on Luckie Street, as this is strictly prohibited.
From our PTA Crew
Join PTA, TODAY!💙💛
Help Us Grow Our PTA Community
If you’ve already joined—thank you! One of the easiest ways you can help us right now is by sharing our membership information with someone else who hasn’t signed up yet.
Membership is just $10 for the entire school year, and the first 100 members to join will receive a complimentary PTA T-shirt!
Join or Share the PTA Membership Form
Pay the $10 PTA Membership Fee
Let’s Stay Connected
Connecting our families is a priority for us. We want PTA to be more than events and fundraising—we want it to be a resource for our families and a place where you can connect, share ideas, get involved, and feel supported throughout the school year.
If you need anything, have a question, want to get involved, or simply need help getting connected, please feel free to reach out to us at CAcademyPTA@Gmail.Com.
We’re excited about what’s ahead and look forward to another great year of connecting families, supporting our scholars, and building a stronger Centennial community together.
Warmly,
Centennial Academy PTA
From our Athletic Crew
This Week at Centennial
Monday, Aug. 17
Uniform Attire
Athletic Practices
Tuesday, Aug. 18
Uniform Attire
Wednesday, Aug. 19
- Uniform Attire
- Athletic Practices
- Adventures Hours - pickup at 4:45
- Back to School Bash. - Title I/PTA 5:30
Thursday, Aug. 20
- Uniform Attire
- Athletic Practices
- Science Olympiad Practice
Friday,Aug. 21
- CA Spirit Shirts with with grey uniform bottoms
- Grade Band Meetings/Community Circle
On the Horizon
Families, add these important dates to your calendar:
- Aug. 19 - Title 1 Parent Meeting /Back to School Bash
- Aug. 26 - Convocation (Dress Uniform Attire)
- Sept. 2 - DEE Parent Meeting
- Sept. 4 - Asynchronous Learning Day
- Sept. 7 - Labor Day
- Sept. 8 - Progress Reports
- Sept. 9 - Parent Mixer
- Sept. 11 - Grandparents Day
- Sept. 21 - CA Governing Board Meeting
- Sept. 30 - Leadership Day (Dress Uniform Attire)
Stay Informed and Be a Partner!
Be a Partner in Your Scholars Education
Please ensure that your scholar attends school regularly and arrives on time each day.
Become involved - Check out next week's newsletter for details on how to join our amazing PTA and volunteer opportunities for the school year
Save our 2026 - 2027 School Calendar
Download the Infinite Campus Parent App (Search under Georgia, then Atlanta City)
- Apple - Campus Parent
- Google - Campus Parent
Ensure that your contact information in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal is updated!
Stay Informed
Remember to use a wide variety of online resources and social media sites to stay informed about school news and events.
School website: www.centennialacademycharter.org
Facebook: @CentennialAcademy
Twitter: @CentennialAtl
Instagram: @CentennialAtl
Weekly Hero News Bulletin
Follow Us!
Website: https://www.centennialacademycharter.org/
Location: 531 Luckie St NW Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: 404.802.8550
Fax: 844.932.2312