CHS News

Last Friday night, the CHS Marching Eagles performed their fall 2026 show The Incredibles, at their annual Pass & Review. It is a time-honored tradition that not only kicks off the new school year, but also reminds us that it's GREAT TO BE AN EAGLE!

A special shout-out and thanks to Maria Jin, who designed our performance logo!

Kalina Kostova won a full scholarship to study in Germany this past summer for a month and stayed with a host family. The scholarship was provided through the AATG and the German Society of Maryland and Kalina won due to her consistent top scoring on the National German exam (one of the top in the country this year and last). She also ran the SPARK program, which was an after school program for CLES kids.

She spent the month in Heidelberg and got to attend German high school, and already tested for the Seal of Biliteracy (and hopefully got it!)

Each year, our school receives folders for all of our students from J.M. Gaske, Inc. This is a generous donation, which showcases the spirit of support in our community.

Many thanks to the following donors who work with the Gaske company to sponsor our school folders:

• Bare Bones Grill, 9150 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City

• The Flower Basket, 69141 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City
• Jiffy Lube, 9267 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City
• Rob’s Barber Shop, 3424 North Chatham Road, Ellicott City
• Rosario Realty, 3635 St. John’s Lane, Ellicott City

• Shannon’s Saloon & Restaurant, 9338 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City

• Tri-County Roofing, 45 Magna Way, Westminster

Seniors have an exciting year ahead...enjoy the journey!

• September 3 - Boosters Meeting, 6 PM
• September 7 - Labor Day: Schools and Offices Closed
• September 8 - ARL Back to School Night, 6:30 PM
• September 8 - CHS PTSA General Meeting, 6:30 PM
• September 9 - Senior College Parent Night at CHS, 6:30 PM
• September 17 & 18 - Underclass Picture Day
• September 21 - Yom Kippur: Schools and Offices Closed
• September 30 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early, Staff Professional Day
• October 4 - 5th Annual Emily Scott Memorial Walk
• October 6 - Maryland Winds, 7:30 PM
• October 10 - Homecoming & 50th Celebration - Pancake Breakfast, Parade, Game, Dance
• October 12 - Choir Concert, 7 PM
• October 13 - CHS PTSA General Meeting, 6:30 PM
• October 14 - PSAT Day (Grades 10,11); 9th Grade Field Day: Senior College Day - writing workshop at CHS, college visits off campus
• October 16 - School Closed for Students
• October 27 - End of First Quarter
• October 28 - School Closed for Students
• October 29 - Fall Theatre Production: Failure: A Love Story - Opening Preview, 7 PM
• November 1- Fall Theatre Production: Failure: A Love Story, 2 PM
• November 3 - Election Day; Schools and Offices Closed
• November 5 - Fall Theatre Production: Failure: A Love Story, 7 PM
• November 6 - Fall Theatre Production: Failure: A Love Story, 7 PM
• November 7 - Fall Theatre Production: Failure: A Love Story, 2 & 7 PM
• November 10 - Underclass Picture Retake Day
• November 13 - ASVAB Exam

• Link to HCPSS Calendar for 2026-27

CHS Athletic Calendar

HOPE TO SEE YOU AT A GAME/MEET!

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Freshmen Volleyball Playday @ WLHS 9AM

Monday, August 31, 2026

JV/V Field Hockey Scrimmage v Huntington HS 4:30/6PM

Fall Play Audition Workshop 2:45-5PM

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

JV/V Girls Soccer Scrimmage @ LRHS 4/5:30PM

JV/V Boys Soccer Scrimmage v LRHS 4/5:30PM

Fall Play Auditions 2:45-5PM

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Golf v MHHS @ Willow 3:30PM

Fall Play Auditions 2:45-5PM

NHS Virtual Meeting 7PM

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Fall Play Callbacks 2:45-5PM

Boosters Meeting 6PM in Student Services

Friday, September 4, 2026

Theatre Tech Interest Meeting 2:45-5PM

Varsity Football Home Opener v HaHS 6PM

Saturday, September 5, 2026

XC @ Top of the Hill at RHHS

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEK…

The fall season has started off strong! Congratulations to the Marching Eagles on completing their 2 weeks of Band Camp in preparation for their INCREDIBLE halftime show!!

We’re looking forward to seeing them out on the field for our home opener on Friday, September 4th as our Varsity Football team hosts the Hammond Bears!

Football, Field Hockey, Soccer, Golf, and Volleyball have faced opponents in pre-season scrimmages. If this is a preview of what they can accomplish, we’re in for a great season!

ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES NEWS

ALLIED SOCCER–make sure to register athletes BEFORE 9/4/26!!! Coach Fowler is excited to see you on the field this season 😀

Use the directions below to complete the registration or reach out to Mrs. Clark for assistance.

1. Using a COMPUTER and not a mobile device, register for Athletics through Synergy's Parent Portal. Directions for Registration

2. Make sure your Physical is fully completed on the HCPSS form and uploaded to the portal! You must use this Physical Form–other forms will not be accepted. Physical Exams are good for 1-calendar year. Physical Exams MUST be completed by a medical professional–either your personal provider or a clinic will do.

3. Upload a current utility bill (BGE/Constellation, Water/Sewer, Wifi/Cable) to the portal–due dates in July, August, or September.

4. If you are missing any paperwork, you may not participate in Allied Soccer! Don't wait until it's too late!!

GAME DAY OPERATIONS

Calling all students who want to be part of the athletic management team…

If you're interested in the behind-the-scenes operations of athletic events, Game Day Operations is for you! The CHS Athletic Program is looking for responsible students interested in running the game clock, checking in tickets, announcing the games, and setting up and breaking down after events. Complete the application to join our team!

Service hours may be requested for this position.

NATIONAL ANTHEM

Last year we were able to coordinate with our incredible Performing Arts Team to bring live student performances of the National Anthem to several of our varsity games. I’d love to continue this again this year, and see if we can make it a regular part of Centennial athletic events! If you’re interested in auditioning, please complete this form.

Reach out to Centennial's Athletics & Activities Manager, Mrs. Clark, if you have any questions! You can reach her at rebecca_clark@hcpss.org

Let’s Go, Eagles!!

Let’s Go, Eagles!!

Follow your favorite teams on Fan Hudl

Parents/guardians must verify and/or update emergency information for each child every school year.

Keeping your Family File up-to-date is crucial, so please prioritize updating it as soon as possible.

Follow these instructions:

Family File User Guide - https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-quick-reference.pdf

Family File Guía del Usuario - https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-quick-reference-spanish.pdf

HCPSS 가족 파일 (비상 연락 서식) 작성하기 - https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-quick-reference-korean.pdf

家庭档案 - 用户指南 - https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-quick-reference-chinese.pdf

Show your school spirit and rep your class -- CHS Class Shirts & Sweatshirts have been part of the CHS tradition for almost 20 years! Get yours in time for Homecoming 2026!

This year we will be offering:

• Class T-shirt - $15
• Class Long-Sleeve T - $20
• Class Crew Sweatshirt - $25
• Class Hoodie - $30

Colors: Seniors - Red; Juniors - White; Sophomores - Blue; Freshman - Black

Order today using this link: https://centennialclassshirts.itemorder.com/shop/sale/.

The order deadline is midnight on September 13th.

Students and Parents/Guardians:

The 2025-2026 yearbooks will be available for pick up on Saturday, October 10, during our Homecoming Day celebrations.

If you paid for the book to be shipped to your house, you should have already received your yearbook.

Any and all questions about the 2025-2026 yearbook distribution should be emailed directly to Mr. VanWestervelt, our yearbook advisor, at rus_vanwestervelt@hcpss.org.

Fall Athletic Pictures will be on 9/14. Coaches will let their teams know which date their team is assigned.

See the attached flier for the QR code to order pictures.

Be prepared for underclass picture days on September 17 & 18!

Parents of Seniors planning to apply to college are invited to join us on Wednesday, September 9th, at 6:30 PM in the auditorium to hear about the college application process used at CHS.

We are very excited to take over as the class sponsors for this incoming freshman class. We just wrapped up sponsoring the graduating Class of 2026, our third group of seniors, and know how much hard work this will take. Fundraising must start now in order to ensure a great four years for the incoming freshman class, and we are asking for your help!

The following incentives are being offered to those that are willing to help kick the fundraising off to start the 2026-2027 school year:

• A donation of $50 earns a Class of 2030 t-shirt

• A $100 donation earns a Class of 2030 sweatshirt

• A $150 donation earns both the Class of 2030 t-shirt and sweatshirt

• NEW THIS YEAR!!! A $250 donation earns the Class of 2030 t-shirt, sweatshirt AND a Prom ticket for Junior Prom!!!!

To donate, please complete the attached form and return it to Lizz Engle or Colin Moe, the Class of 2030 sponsors. You may send it by mail to Centennial High School Attn: Lizz Engle/Colin Moe or drop it off in the front office, with your check for donation. You may also make donations online via credit card. Please note there is a processing fee charged by the payment system.

To donate online:

1. Visit chs.hcpss.org

2. Scroll to the bottom and click “online payment” under Essential Applications

3. Sign in or create an account

4. Select Class of 2030 Donation and enter the amount you’d like to donate. Please put your size for t-shirt or sweatshirt in the comment box!

5. Click submit (we will receive an email confirmation with your donation)

Emily Scott was a 2018 graduate of Centennial High School in the Academic Life Skills class. For the past four years, the Emily Scott Memorial Scholarship committee has hosted a walk at Centennial High School to raise funds to give out scholarships to graduating HCPSS seniors.

Registration is open now! The event will cost $20 per registrant. The $20 price will guarantee a t-shirt for the walk up until Monday, September 14th, 2026 at 11:59pm. After September 14th, a t-shirt will not be guaranteed as our vendor needs a few weeks to fulfill our order.

The link to register is located here. If you are registering more than one participant for the walk, please make sure you add each walker to your cart. Once you add registrants to your cart, you will check them all out at the end. Please add the name of each walker to the “description box” in order to expedite the process when distributing shirts at the event.

If you have any questions please reach out to us at emilyscottmemorialscholarship@gmail.com.

HCPSS Seeks Advisory Committee Members by Sept. 11.

HCPSS is seeking community members to serve on curriculum advisory committees, which provide a forum to share ideas and support continuous academic excellence. Interested stakeholders should submit an online interest form by September 11.

Please click here for more information and to submit your application.

Our students benefit from hearing directly from professionals in our community. If you're interested in sharing your career journey, hosting a workplace experience, or participating in one of our career readiness events, please complete this CHS Career Readiness Volunteer Interest Form. We appreciate your willingness to inspire the next generation!

Ms. Clearfield, Career Readiness Advisor, HCPSS and Ms. Kochanski, Career Coach, Howard County Office of Workforce Development

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all students. Preventing bullying is an important part of this goal. HCPSS Policy 9460 states that bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation are prohibited in HCPSS. Our administration and staff have been trained and made aware of this policy as well as preventative and responsive measures.

We know how important your role is in not only supporting your children, but also reporting possible incidents as you become aware of them. The Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment and Intimidation (BCHI Reporting Form should be used to report all alleged incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation that occur at school or have a connection back to the school setting that create a risk of harm to other students while they are at school or interfere with the educational environment.

An online version is available and can easily and confidentially be used by students, staff, and family members. Hard copies of this form are available in the main office, staff workroom, school counseling office, media center, and health services office. If you believe your child has been bullied, please complete and submit this form as soon as possible and/or assist your child in doing so.

Once the form is submitted, school administrators will ensure the parent/guardian of both the alleged target and alleged offender are aware of the report and will begin an investigation within two school days of receiving the report. Parents/guardians can expect a school administrator to reach out to them during the investigation. Once the investigation is completed, parents/guardians will be provided with written notice of the outcome of the investigation within fifteen days of receiving the complaint, excluding extenuating circumstances.

There are times when incidents of peer conflict or code of conduct offenses may occur that may not be bullying but may need follow up action. If you become aware of something that falls under conflict and/or a code of conduct offense, please notify a school administrator via email or phone call so that they can become aware and follow up as needed.

Lastly, cyberbullying is bullying using electronic media like computers, cell phones, and game systems. Our digital interconnectedness makes bullying different and more damaging than it’s ever been before. It allows hatred and publicly humiliating gossip or photos to be instantly far-reaching and inescapable as electronic media is everywhere. It can NOT simply be ignored. In October 2013, the State of Maryland enacted Grace’s Law, making misuse of interactive computer services a criminal offense. Its purpose is to prohibit anyone from using electronic media (computers, tablets, phones, etc.) to maliciously engage in conduct that inflicts serious emotional distress on a minor and/or places that minor in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury. A person who is found guilty of violating this law is subject to imprisonment and/or fines.

While all of this information will be reviewed with students at school, we are asking you to do the same at home. Thank you for your partnership in ensuring all of our students feel a sense of safety and belonging in their school communities! More information can be found on the HCPSS Stop Bullying website. If you have any questions regarding this policy or its implementation, please contact a school administrator.

Attention Seniors!

Get your Class of 2027 spirit wear HERE! Red is your class color so make sure to represent your last year at CHS!

Sales end September 10th, and orders should be delivered prior to homecoming!

Senior Portraits are available through Legacy Studios. Photo session are available at our school on the following dates:

• November 4
• November 5
• November 6
• December 2

Please go to www.seniors.legacystudios.com to book your appointment today (make sure you select "Centennial High School - Ellicott City" when you type in your name in the search bar).

Numerous packages are available, so please review all of your options!

Questions? Please contact Mr. VanWestervelt (VW), CHS yearbook sponsor, directly at rus_vanwestervelt@hcpss.org.

Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming College Visits

Admission representatives from the following colleges will be in Student Services at CHS on the days listed below. Seniors and Juniors may sign up for the visits in Naviance (click on COLLEGES and then VISITS and click "SIGN UP" for visit). Passes will be given to student during Period 1 the day of the visit.

Wednesday, September 2

• 12:00 PM – HCC Nursing & Allied Health Info Session
• 1:10 PM – Purdue University

Friday, September 4

• 10:10 AM – University of Maryland Eastern Shore

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 Jill Cipriano at jill_cipriano@hcpss.org.

Skyward Theatre is back and ready to showcase our students in performances and productions on the stage! Check out the Newsletter from Skyward Theatre — Centennial's Theatre program — for information about shows, auditions, merch, and more!

Here is the link to our August Newsletter: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17CZhQ3vS-nRaFjxscOdDxD3XNxUtGZJaYtYpEZit1a0/edit?usp=sharing

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.

Know what's happening in Howard County. Sign up for HC DrugFree's free newsletter at tinyurl.com/HCDFNews or follow us on social media to get updates on events as well as information to keep your family safe and informed:

• Facebook: facebook.com/HCdrugfree
• X: twitter.com/chdrugfree
• LinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/ch-drugfree

• 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://sites.google.com/chs-ptsa.org/chs-ptsa/home; 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.