CSD Weekly Update

Dear Centennial Families and Staff,

I hope this letter finds you all doing well as we enter November; across our district, there are many exciting things happening, thanks to our dedicated staff, our involved students, and our supportive parents and community. I encourage you to come out for concerts, plays, games, and other events that showcase the talent across our six schools - I promise you will be impressed and feel a sense of pride!

VETERAN’S DAY

Before I get to the main purpose of this letter, I first want to honor and thank all the brave men and women who have served our country as we look ahead to Veteran’s Day on Tuesday, November 11th. We have a strong legacy of military service within the Centennial community; many of our own staff members, parents, and community members are veterans, and we are deeply grateful for everything they’ve given to our nation and our schools. Because of their service, we are able to learn, work, and live in freedom.

If you know a veteran, please take a moment to thank them. Respect is the foundation of civility, and a kind word, a handshake, or even a simple expression of appreciation goes a long way. May we all carry the spirit of service and gratitude into our classrooms, our homes, and our community, and to all our veterans, we honor you, on Veteran’s Day, and always.

STATE BUDGET CRISIS

While we are grateful for all the positive things occurring across the district, there is a looming issue that I want to be certain you are aware of, an issue that, if left unresolved for much longer, will have a negative impact on our ability to deliver the high-quality education our students and our families deserve.

For over 120 days, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has been operating without a fully approved state budget for fiscal year 2025-26, resulting in the state delaying and withholding billions of dollars in payments to school districts across Pennsylvania. In Centennial, we have felt this impact as it relates to basic education funding, transportation, block grants, and title grants that support our most vulnerable students. To date, the state has withheld approximately 10 million dollars from us, and while we remain in good financial standing, it will become increasingly difficult to maintain it if our legislators cannot come to a resolution and release these needed funds to our schools.

Across the Commonwealth, many districts are being forced to borrow short-term, incur interest and fees, freeze hiring, postpone capital repairs and technology upgrades, and cut non-essential programs. The ability of districts to plan for the school year is also compromised; for example, without knowing what state support will arrive and when, making decisions about staffing, programs, maintenance, and investments has become far more difficult.

We will continue to prioritize core instructional services, and ensure that our most vulnerable students who depend on additional services, interventions, and support receive it; however, as this impasse drags on, it will become increasingly difficult to maintain the level of service we expect. We are communicating regularly with our local and state legislators, our school board, and partners so that we are prepared to act quickly if further funding delays or cuts occur. Please know that through all of this, we are keeping the focus on students. Our goal remains maintaining high-quality instruction, supporting teachers and staff, and preserving core learning experiences.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Many people have asked what they can do to assist. First, stay engaged and advocate. Contact your state and federal representatives and let them know what this issue means for our community. When lawmakers hear from parents, educators, and taxpayers, it creates added urgency. Let them know that state budget delays and federal shutdowns create a burden on our schools, staff, and students. Secondly, donate food. Here in Centennial, one of our largest challenges in food insecurity. We can all help by donating to our food pantry, located at McDonald Elementary, and our Farmers Market at Klinger Middle School. Together, through community, staff and parent-volunteer efforts, we can make a meaningful difference in addressing these pressing needs.

It is our hope that the state budget impasse will be resolved soon and that federal appropriations will be restored. Until then, we will continue to act prudently, thoughtfully, and with a focus on minimizing disruption to student learning. Thank you for your understanding, your engagement, and your partnership. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas about how we can work together during this period of fiscal uncertainty, please do not hesitate to reach out.

With appreciation,

Abe Lucabaugh, Ed.D.

We are pleased to announce that a group of third-grade students at Willow Dale has been selected to participate in an exciting year-long pen pal project with Warminster Avenue Primary School in England. This collaborative initiative pairs our students with their peers across the Atlantic, providing a unique opportunity to engage in regular written correspondence.

Throughout the academic year, students will exchange letters to share experiences, cultural insights, and personal stories. This meaningful interaction aims to enhance their writing and communication skills while fostering a greater understanding of global perspectives and cultural diversity.

We look forward to witnessing the development of these international friendships and the valuable learning experiences they will bring to our students.

Once again, during its annual Veterans Day Ceremony, Log College faculty, staff, and students honored America's brave fighting force with a ceremony. Heather Sliwinski, Founder and CEO of the Honor and Courage Foundation, along with Captain Danielle Wysokinski spoke to all present about the importance of remembering and caring for our veterans.

Log College Middle School's Music Department was the recipient of a $1,250 grant from the Peter R. Marsh Foundation. This Middle School Music Grant Program supports the efforts of teachers in leading their students to a life of kindness by performing for senior citizens in our community. Log College musicians, directed by Ms. Gina Lenox and Ms. Cara Tyson, have been serving their community through performance, most recently at the Ben Wilson Senior Center and the Masonic Village nursing home.

On November 5, 2025, the Chief Science Officers from the Centennial School District spent the day at Bucks County Community College for an exciting learning experience focused on biotechnology and leadership. The visit began with a guided tour of the campus, where students learned about the history of the college and explored a variety of academic programs offered there.

Students then had the opportunity to work in a real science laboratory. During the lab, they extracted DNA from strawberries while learning about the structure of DNA and why it is essential to all living things. Following this hands-on experiment, students used the NCBI genetics database to research specific genes and examine the DNA base sequences that help determine traits, such as blue eyes or red hair. To help model these gene sequences, students created bracelets that represented the order of DNA bases within the gene they selected.

Students also had the opportunity to explore STEM career pathways through virtual reality experiences. Using VR headsets, they investigated careers in fields such as forensics, food science, clinical research, and biochemistry, gaining insight into the wide range of opportunities available in STEM.

The day concluded with each CSO team presenting and developing their action plans for the 2025–2026 school year. Centennial’s CSOs are already hard at work this year and are currently exploring three innovative ideas to enhance STEM opportunities across the district. Their dedication and leadership continue to inspire a culture of curiosity, creativity, and scientific thinking in our schools.

In Klinger's 7th-grade Culture class, students engaged in creative activities while learning about the connection between marigolds, monarch butterflies, and Día de los Muertos. Through learning the legends behind these symbols, students reflected on themes of remembrance, love, and cherishing those who came before us. They created bright marigold flowers out of coffee filters, designed 3D monarch butterflies with messages of gratitude, and decorated skull sugar cookies.

Trick or Treat…Klinger style! Klinger Middle School hosted its annual Halloween parade on Friday, October 31, 2025. The Halloween parade provides the staff and students with an opportunity to build community, encourage student engagement, and create safe, memorable experiences for all. Each year, the students and staff at Klinger dress up in some amazing costumes with the hopes of being crowned best costume of the year! This year, the costumes ranged from giant inflatable dinosaurs and chickens to lampshades and Lego heads. The students and teachers marched through the halls of Klinger proudly showing off their creative and, in some cases, interesting, costume ideas. The best costume award is always a tough decision for the judges. Ultimately, the winning team this year was just a notch above the rest. The winner of this year’s staff costume prize went to the Special Education team and their students. It was obvious that they really put a lot of thought and effort into their costumes! Stay tuned for next year’s Halloween at Klinger.

Please be aware that billing for intentional device damage has begun. Should you be required to pay a fee for intentional device damage, you will be billed via our Skyward Q system and sent communication from your building's Assistant Principal. Students will not be able to participate in end-of-year activities (i.e., field trips, school dances, graduation, etc.) if they have an outstanding balance in Skyward Q.

Families can review our district's 1:1 Device Agreement, which includes prices for technology repairs, on our CSD website.

Join us on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Klinger Middle School for a powerful and inspiring evening featuring the film See Her, Be Her. This free event celebrates the stories of seven trailblazing female athletes who defy stereotypes and redefine what’s possible—on and off the field. Witness their courage, resilience, and fight for gender equality in sports.

Location: 1415 Second Street Pike, Southampton, PA 18966
Admission: Free

Don’t miss this unforgettable journey of empowerment and perseverance!

Please take a moment to ensure you’ve completed the Nurse Card, which includes permissions for over-the-counter medications during the school day. You can find it under Family Access > Beginning of the Year Information.

As a reminder for our younger students, please pack an extra set of clothing to keep in their backpack in case it’s needed during the school day. We also kindly ask that students wear closed-toe shoes to help prevent injuries and falls during recess.

We look forward to another great year working together with you!

As the fall season brings beautiful changes to our surroundings, it can also bring an unwelcome challenge — head lice.

The image below provides guidance on effective care and treatment at home. Families are encouraged to contact their building nurse with any questions or for additional support.

William Tennent High School is proud to introduce our students, staff and community to our new touchscreens located outside the gymnasium and auditorium. All teams, clubs, activities, records and hall of fame inductees will be on display for your enjoyment! Our first homescreen slideshow will feature our Fall Seniors for Athletics.

You are able to take a look at the content via a web based link as we build it out by visiting:

https://display.gogipper.com/245/8350/

We are very excited to promote this community engagement project to everyone that walks the halls at Tennent!

Liberty Urgent Care will continue to provide athletic physicals for the District at a cost of $45 per student. All students should indicate that they are from the Centennial School District when scheduling or arriving for their appointment.

Anyone who is interested in joining sports at William Tennent and have more questions should contact the following coaches for more details specific to your sport. Visit our Contact a Coach webpage today.

Field Hockey

Football

Soccer (B)

Soccer (G)

Volleyball (G)

Daily Game reports in SOL

If you plan on participating in a winter sport and have not completed your concussion test this year, it’s time to sign up using this link to schedule your testing, if you have any questions please contact our trainer, Joslin Poole.

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.

Free and Reduced Meals

• Applications may be submitted any time during the school year.

• All information is confidential.

• Meal transactions are computerized—there is no identification of free or reduced-price meal participants.

• More information: www.centennialsd.org/page/free-reduced-meals

• Questions? Contact the Food & Nutrition Assistant ☎ 215-441-6000 ext. 11023.

Free School Breakfast Program 2025 - 2026

• All Centennial School District students will receive free school breakfast for the 2025–2026 school year.

• Funded through the USDA, the PA Department of Education, and a $46.5 million state budget increase signed by Gov. Shapiro.

Program Requirements:

• Operates on an offer vs. serve basis – schools must offer all 4 breakfast components daily:
  

1. Fruit/Vegetable

2. Milk

3. Protein

4. Grain
   

• To count as a free meal, students must take at least 3 components, and one must be a fruit or vegetable.

• Example: 2 fruits + milk = a meal.

Making a Payment to your Child's Food Service Account

• Paying cash: For elementary students, put money in an envelope with your child's name, keypad number and the word "Cafeteria" written on the outside and send it to school. For secondary students, money can be paid at the register.

• Paying by check: Make checks out to "CSD Food Service" and use the instructions above.

• Paying on-line: See information below to pay with schoolcafe.com.

• SchoolCafe Tutorial: https://www.centennialsd.org/page/payment-options

• School Cafe contact information: ☎ (855) 729-2328 or email at customercare@schoolcafe.com

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.

Student Registration

Employment at CSD

District eFolder (Community Flyers)
Student and Staff Wellness
Free & Reduced Lunch Information
Lunch Menus

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

Eagles fans, get ready for the ultimate gameday experience! We’ve teamed up with Tix for Good to bring you an incredible opportunity — and it’s all for a great cause!

Win 4 Club Level Tickets + 4 Pregame Field Passes to see the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Las Vegas Raiders at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, December 14, 2025!

So don’t fumble this chance — enter today, show your Philly pride, and make a real difference for local students!

ENTER HERE by December 7, 2025https://tixforgood.org/product/birds25?npo=cedf

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

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