Centennial Lane Elementary:
September 12, 2025
Centennial Lane Elementary School
Mrs. Debra Anoff, Principal
Mrs. Siobhan Drumgoole, Assistant Principal
3825 Centennial Lane
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 313-2800
(410) 313-2804 - Fax
(410) 313-1710 (Health Room)
Student Hours: 8:45a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Message From School Administration
Dear CLES families,
Twenty-four years ago, on September 11, 2001, the United States was attacked. Since that day in 2001, September 11 has been designated as Patriot’s Day across the United States. On this day, we honor the memory of all of the courageous people, both in and out of uniform, who work to keep our country safe and free, especially those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. This day is a reminder of both challenges and the resilience that can be found within our country and our communities.
As we reflect, it’s important to acknowledge that many difficult and challenging events, past and present, can weigh heavily on our hearts. As school staff and parents, our role is to protect our children from overexposure to media and experiences that may feel frightening or confusing. We encourage families to be mindful of the way information is shared with young students, and to consider what is developmentally appropriate for them to know and understand.
Please remember that our school’s student services staff are always here to help. If your child is struggling with emotions, questions, or experiences that feel overwhelming, our counselors and support staff are available to listen and care for your child and guide you.
We are proud to be a part of a strong school community that values safety, belonging and connection. We are grateful to partner with you each day in nurturing our students and helping them feel and do their best at school!
Warmly,
Mrs. Anoff, Principal
Mrs. Drumgoole, Assistant Principal
Important Upcoming Dates and Events
For a complete list of dates and events visit cles.hcpss.org/calendar
September
- 17- Professional Work & Wellness Day, schools close 3 hours early (12:15 p.m.)
- 19 - PTA Dolphin Dash & Movie Night 5:30 p.m.
- 23-Rosh Hashanah, schools & offices closed
October
- 1- Walk and Wheel Wednesday (Walk/Bike to School)
- 1 - PTA 5th grade t-shirt logo design contest due
- 2 -Yom Kippur, schools & offices closed
- 7- PTA Meeting 6:30 p.m.
- 17 - Professional Work Day, schools closed for students
- 20- Diwali, schools & offices closed
- 29- PTA Trunk of Treat Family Heritage Event (joint with CHS)
- 31 - Professional Work Day, schools close 3 hours early (12:15 p.m.)
Newsletter Translation
For another language, click "Translate Newsletter" tab and select the language of choice at the top of this page. Spanish Para otros idiomas, haga clic en Traducir Newsletter y elija el idioma que prefiera. Korean 다른 언어의 경우 뉴스 레터 번역을 클릭하고 원하는 언어를 선택합니다. Chinese 对于其他语言，请单击翻译新闻通讯，然后选择所需的语言。 Urdu دوسری زبانوں کے لئے ، نیوزلیٹر کا ترجمہ کریں پر کلک کریں اور اپنی پسند کی زبان کا انتخاب کریں۔
HCPSS Calendars
HCPSS Calendars
There will be no printed 2025-2026 calendars. Staff, students, and families may add our online calendar to their own mobile/online calendar by
- Going to https://www.hcpss.org/calendar/
- Scrolling down to Subscribing to a Calendar
- Right-clicking on the calendar you wish to subscribe to
- Selecting Copy Link Location/Address/Shortcut
- Adding to your calendar of choice (See your calendar for specifics on adding a new calendar)
You also may view and/or download printable PDFs of the full calendar and/or important dates only. Updates to the PDFs will be noted on the HCPSS calendar page.
PLEASE NOTE! The calendar is subject to change. The online calendar reflects the most recent version.
Calendars in Spanish, Chinese, and Korean
Calendario en español
New Information
25-26 Back to School Night Information
Hispanic Heritage Month
Check out these websites for more information about Hispanic Heritage Month and how you can celebrate virtually and at home!
Birthdays at CLES
Student birthdays are announced during the morning announcements. Students receive a birthday pencil and a sticker in recognition of their day. All celebrations are encouraged to take place outside the school building. Class lists are not provided to parents for birthday invitations, and school staff do not participate in disseminating birthday party invitations or hand out any birthday goodie bags. The School Directory is available in Family File to help families with birthday celebrations outside of school. Balloons, helium, or latex are not allowed in the school building.
MAP Testing
Beginning Sept 16, 2025, students in grades 1-5 will be participating in the fall administration of the MAP assessment. MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is an untimed, computer-adaptive assessment that provides our teachers with detailed, specific information about where your child is performing in Reading and Mathematics. Our grade-level teams collaborate with administrators as well as the Literacy Coach to analyze the data from the MAP assessment and plan instruction that builds on your child’s strengths and supports areas where there is room for improvement.
Though the assessment is un-timed, students typically finish each session in approximately one hour. There are two sessions scheduled for each grade level: one for reading and one for mathematics. Make-up sessions have been scheduled for students who are absent on specified assessment dates.
Below, please find the specific dates that MAP will be administered to each grade level.
You do not need to do anything special to prepare your child for the MAP assessment other than ensure that they have a good breakfast and a good night’s rest the night before. We do ask that you avoid scheduling appointments on the day when your child will be assessed. Students who are absent on the day their grade takes the assessment will be afforded the opportunity for a make-up session on another date.
Parents will receive a report on their child’s performance on the MAP assessment in the coming weeks. More information about MAP, how it is scored, and how you can interpret your child’s performance is available at https://www.nwea.org/map-growth/
Information Worth Repeating
DIBLES Universal Screener Information
In accordance with Maryland’s Ready to Read Act (2019), COMAR (2021) and the direction from the Howard County Board of Education, all Howard County Public School System students in kindergarten to grade 5 will participate in the 2025 - 2026 administration of the Amplify mClass with DIBELS 8th Edition universal screener to identify potential reading difficulties during the following windows.
- Beginning of the year (BOY) - September 8, 2025 - September 22, 2025
- Middle of the year (MOY) - January 12, 2026 - January 30, 2026
- End of the year (EOY) - May 18, 2026 - June 2, 2026
Amplify mClass DIBELS 8th Edition has identified students for whom mClass is not an appropriate assessment. Students for whom this is true include those with limited verbal language skills, with fluency-based speech disorders or oral apraxia, and/or who are blind and/or deaf.
Please see below for screening areas measured in each grade. Students will complete the screener in four to twelve minutes and will be screened three times this year during the windows indicated above in the chart.
How will the results be used?
Performance is an indicator of overall reading status and is not intended to be an in-depth or comprehensive measure of reading. Just like using a thermometer to take a temperature, which provides a quick indicator of general health, these quick assessments provide information about reading health on particular early reading skills.
A student’s scores on the screener give school staff information about whether or not a student is on track for grade-level reading success. School staff can quickly identify students who may require extra help. Parents and guardians will receive a home report with their child’s scores.
Some information on this parent notification is taken directly from the Ready to Read Act and COMAR, while other content was summarized to reflect HCPSS procedures.
COMAR 13A.03.08 - Students at Risk for Reading Difficulties
Screening Measures by Grade Level
Volunteering Requirements
Volunteers coming to CLES or chaperoning a field trip are required to complete two training sessions. Please follow the steps below to complete and submit the training certificates.
Step 1: Complete the required Confidentiality Training for volunteers & chaperones.
https://www.hcpss.org/parents/volunteer-information/
Step 2: Complete the Confidentiality Training Certificate to verify you completed the training. https://www.hcpss.org/f/parents/volunteer-confidentiality-certificate.pdf
Step 3: Review the Training Powerpoint about How to Report Child Abuse
MD State Law & HCPSS Policy 1030 (PDF)
Step 4: Complete the Abuse Training Certificate to verify you completed the training. Abuse Training Certificate (PDF)
Step 5: Complete and submit this Volunteer & Chaperone Google form below to submit your certificates: https://forms.gle/EJwVvp2sqq4isZS98
HCPSS Policy 9400: Student Behavior Intervention
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is committed to providing a safe, engaging, and supportive school environment that fosters the social and emotional safety, dignity, and well-being of all students. HCPSS acknowledges the need for employees
to use an array of research-based positive behavior interventions, strategies, and a tiered system of supports to address student behaviors and keep students safe and free of harm
to minimize the practice of exclusion from the classroom environment
to minimize the use of physical restraint (which may only be used when necessary to protect a student or other person from imminent, serious, physical harm and only after other less intrusive, nonphysical interventions have failed or been determined inappropriate).
.
It is the expectation of the Board that HCPSS employees will be knowledgeable of and implement proactive positive behavior interventions in an effort to reduce the need for exclusion or physical restraint.
Additional information can be found at HCPSS Policy 9400 - Student Behavior Intervention. If you have any questions regarding this policy or its implementation, please contact a school administrator.
Student Handbook/Code of Conduct
The online Student-Parent Handbook and the online/PDF Student Code of Conduct are updated for the 2025-2026 school year and available online.
Zum RFID Cards and Zum App
All students who ride Zum buses (6 digit number) will use an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) card. This card allows families to track their child’s ride to and from school.
Returning students in grades 1–5 who already have an RFID card from last year should bring and use the same card starting on the first day of school. Please secure the card to your child’s backpack.
Kindergarten students and new students will receive their RFID cards within the first few weeks of school.
Download the Zum App
Download the Zum - Student Transportation App in the Google Play Store or Apple Store.
Bus Stop Expectations
Safety at our bus stops is essential. For younger children (elementary and middle school students), HCPSS recommends that parents/guardians or another trusted adult wait at the bus stop with the students to supervise their behavior and to help with any problems that may arise, such as a delayed bus or injury while waiting. Both adults and students should stand at a safe distance from the roadway.
Please see the info here about parent/guardian expectations that support bus stop safety. Thank you!
Change of Address
Please note, any change of residency/address must be reported through Family File within 10 school days of the move. Current residency documentation must be provided to the school each time residency changes. Also, please call the office so we can assist you with navigating how your child might remain at CLES for the duration of the school year.
Family File
Please assist us by completing your Family File ASAP.
- 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 it to their school. Full directions and information for families on this new process can be found online.
Student Meals & Payments
For the 2025-2026 school year, HCPSS will be using LINQ Connect for all things food and nutrition. LINQ Connect is a secure, online portal that allows families to make online payments to their child’s meal account, monitor their child’s account, schedule automatic recurring payments, set up low balance alerts, submit a Free and Reduced Meals program application, and more.
Free and Reduced Meals-check your eligibility today!
Students whose families do not qualify for free or reduced lunch will be required to pay the daily meal price. Many HCPSS families are eligible to participate in the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) program, which provides children with a wide range of benefits including free or discounted college tuition, testing and application fees, academic and athletic program fees, and many others in addition to free or discounted meals. Families are urged to check their eligibility and complete a FARMs application as soon as possible. Families must submit a new application every school year. Details on the Free and Reduced Meals program, including a link to apply, are available online.
Student Personal Device Policy
This summer, the Board of Education agreed to continue with the policy that implements strict limitations on the personal use of devices by students during the student day. Per the policy, students may be in possession of personal devices, but they must be “away and silenced,” meaning devices are not able to be seen by either the student or staff member and are set to make no noise. Additionally, devices may not be a distraction. Smart watches will be permitted to be worn to check time but may not be a distraction. More information about the policy may be found on the HCPSS website.
Academy Kickoff Rescheduled
New Date: Friday, Sept. 27, 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Location: Oakland Mills High School
This districtwide event is open to all HCPSS families and will feature:
- A session with Superintendent Bill Barnes
- Resource tables hosted by HCPSS offices and local organizations
- Information on programs, resources, and services available throughout the school year
- Childcare and language access provided
For additional information, please visit the Family Academy Kickoff HCPSS News Post.
Health Room Reminders
Any medications required during school hours including prescription, “over-the-counter” (OTC) and homeopathic/herbal medications require a medication order signed by an approved health care provider and are subject to the HCPSS medication policy and procedure.
- Have a student with allergies? Learn more about ordering an epipen and our allergic reaction protocols.
School health room staff administer medications, store medications in the school’s health room and keep records of when medications are taken by the student.
Approved Non-Medications:
The items below are not considered medications. Students may bring the items to school without a medical prescription. Health Services requests that a parent/guardian note accompany the item to serve as permission to bring to school.
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick
- Hand lotion
- Non-medicated cough drops
- Saline contact solution
Sunscreen must be supplied by an individual student and is not to be shared with other students due to potential allergens and skin reactions.
Please contact the health room at 410 313-1710 if you have any questions.
Reporting Absences
Parents can email CLESabsence@hcpss.org to report a student’s absence. Please include your child(ren)’s full name, parent’s/guardian’s full name and phone number, the date your child(ren) was absent and the reason. Parents may instead choose to send in a paper excuse note to their child’s teacher with the same information when the student returns to school.
For families requesting local discretionary absences, please complete a Local Discretionary Absence Request Form and submit it to the front office at least one week in advance.
PTA News
PTA Executive Board
President - Karen Franchetti: president@clespta.org
1st VP - Karen Patel: 1stvp@clespta.org
2nd VP - Tanya Smith: 2ndvp@clespta.org
Treasurer - Mike Reed: treasurer@clespta.org
Secretary - Victoria Ahn: secretary@clespta.org
PTA Questions: Questions@clespta.org
PTA website: www.clespta.org
CLES Family Event - Dolphin Dash & Outdoor Movie Night
Friday 9/19 5:30-9:15pm at CLES (Outdoor Grassy Area & Blacktop)
Celebrate the new school year at the CLES PTA Dolphin Dash & Outdoor Movie Night FREE FAMILY EVENT! See separate email blast and website below for details!
Many helping hands are needed to make this event a success so please consider volunteering for a 45-minute shift using this SignUpGenius link.
Full details are on the CLES website: www.clespta.org/events-list/dolphin-dash
CLES Staff Coffee Bar
As the new school year starts, we are restocking our coffee bar for all of the amazing CLES staff. Last year the coffee bar was a simple pleasure for staff and they were so grateful for your contributions. Everyone enjoys a little pick-me-up throughout their day!
We appreciate any donations you are willing to provide for the CLES Staff Coffee, Tea, and Beverage bar.
Click on the link below to view the Amazon wish list:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1T3AJH1CKVMWR?ref_=wl_share
(Please ship all items directly to: 3825 Centennial Lane Ellicott City, MD 21042 to the attention of ATTN: CLES Coffee Bar or drop them off in the front corridor.)
Second PTA Meeting (PTA Members Only)
Tuesday 10/7 at 6:30pm at CLES (blacktop/picnic tables)
THANK YOU for such an amazing turnout for our 1st Meeting…we loved seeing so many new faces! And the kids had a BLAST! For any ideas about what we should cover in our next meeting, please email us at Questions@clespta.org. Save the date for our next meeting in October!
Walk and Wheel
Our first walk/bike to school event is Wednesday morning on October 1st and we plan to have these every month with a break for winter. If you’d be willing to display a sign on your lawn (especially good in high traffic areas), please email walkandwheel@clespta.org
5th Grade T-shirts
The PTA will be purchasing custom t-shirts for all 5th graders again this year. Keep a lookout for order forms (for size) and the t-shirt design contest information (open to all 5th graders and due October 1st). Any questions: graderep5@clespta.org
The Importance of Being a PTA Member
Joining the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to support our school community. PTA members help strengthen the connection between home and school, ensuring that families have a voice in decisions that impact students. Membership directly supports programs, events, and resources that enrich the learning experience for every child. Whether you attend meetings, volunteer, or simply join to show support, your membership makes a difference—it demonstrates a shared commitment to student success and a thriving school community. We are hoping to have over 80% of our school community in our PTA this year, so please join today!
As a friendly reminder.... Membership must be renewed every school year!
Help Needed:
The PTA has many leadership roles still open including: Communications, DEI, Community Outreach, PTACHC chair, Reflections, and more! We are at risk of cancelling events that we have hosted in the past. Reach out if interested in learning more about these roles or any others: Questions@clespta.org
The PTA Website is linked HERE.
Community Notices and Programs
In alignment w/ Policy 10010, the following announcements have been approved by the Public Information Office for distribution.
The below community notices are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the HCPSS.