CSD Weekly Update
October 18th, 2024

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Ongoing Bus Driver Shortage and Its Impact on Transportation Services
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am writing to keep you informed about the continued challenges surrounding school transportation due to a significant and ongoing shortage of bus drivers. This issue is not unique to our district; it is being felt across the nation, state, and county. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, this shortage has continued to impacted our ability to provide timely and consistent transportation services. I understand how frustrating and inconvenient these disruptions can be for you and your children.
Please know that we are actively working to address these challenges by exploring every available solution, including adjusting routes, recruiting more drivers, and potentially collaborating with transportation partners to ensure students are transported as efficiently as possible.
I deeply appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Your cooperation and flexibility have been invaluable as we navigate this complex situation. I will continue to keep you updated on any developments and improvements to our transportation services.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are committed to working together to support our students and ensure they have access to the services.
Thank you once again for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Dana T. Bedden, Ed.D., CAA
Superintendent of Schools
Stop The Prop!
"Stop the Prop" is a safety initiative developed by the PA School Safety Institute, implemented in the Centennial School District (CSD), to enhance the security of our school buildings. This campaign focuses on the importance of keeping exterior doors closed and locked at all times to prevent unauthorized access. By ensuring that doors are not propped open, CSD aims to maintain a secure learning environment for all students, staff, and visitors. The district is emphasizing awareness and accountability among staff and students through training and regular reminders, reinforcing that safety is everyone's responsibility. This proactive approach is part of our commitment to creating a safe and secure atmosphere in our schools.
This video was produced by WTHS Advanced Media Production students: Thomas Schlippert, Aidan Wilkowski, and Colin Matz.
How CSD Tax Dollars Are Spent!
CENTENNIAL HIGHLIGHTS
ACADEMICS
Panther Writing Lab - Students Helping Students
I love that topic! It's something different and it will really jump out to the admissions officers. Let's pick an opening that makes them want to read more. Conversations like these occur in a cozy corner of the WTHS Library. Three seniors, Nina Fox, Madison Pirolli, and Briena Zenszer work as student mentors in the Panther Writing Lab. Daily during third period, these mentors help seniors with “the essay” of all essays.
With college applications due beginning November 1st, many seniors have already finished writing this important personal piece to introduce themselves to college admissions departments in the dreaded 650 words or less. Though the lab sees mostly seniors at this time of year, the Panther Writing Lab was created as a space for all students to come and get help from peers or have a quiet place to write. Whether it is an essay for class or a creative piece, the student mentors are available to conference and edit.
Last year, 36 students visited the Writing Lab for help with their college essays from September 20 - October 16, 2024. This year, that number has nearly tripled. Seniors began visiting the Panther Writing Lab on the third day of school, and so far, 108 seniors have visited the library for help with their all-important college essay.
The mentors hosted four days of workshops for seniors to receive help with every phase of the writing process: brainstorming, conferencing, drafting, revising, adding detail, and hitting the 650-word mark. WTHS English teacher, Mrs. Eriksson, brought her class to the workshops and commented that ¨After going to the Panther Lab, students' essays are more coherent with specific details and even more exciting to read. The finished piece is much more polished.¨ If any student hasn't completed their essay, the Writing Lab welcomes all students to stop in, no matter what phase of the college essay process they are in.
After the holidays and winter break, the Writing Lab mentors will help students review their essays in the scholarship application process. Hopefully, with this additional writing help, seniors will have stronger essays and a better chance to win scholarship money.
Seniors worked with Writing Lab student mentors for peer conferencing with the college essay.
Article Written by Madison Pirolli '25
A Parent's Guide to Phonics Videos
Looking for more information and a free copy of A Parent’s Guide to Phonics: Understanding How to Help Your Child with Reading and Spelling?
Centennial School District is proud to offer:
follow-up videos on the CSD YouTube Channel
a free book for each family (contact your child’s school office)
Thank you to the CSD Elementary Reading team members who created these videos: Kim Flounders, Miriam Infanti, Dawn Kremer, Lisa Laatsch, Erin Landy, Danyel Masey, Jennifer McArdle, Rose Miele, Kelley O’Leary, and Susan Stackhouse.
ATHLETICS
Log College Sports
Log College Soccer picked up its first win of the season with an impressive home victory over Tohickon. Football continued its winning streak with an impressive 24-12 victory over Tamanend. Volleyball and Field Hockey were also in action this week.
THE ARTS
Log College Baking Club
The LCMS Baking Club made tasty s'mores brownie bites this week. It has a graham cracker crust, brownie middle, and roasted marshmallow on top!
OFFICE OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
October's SEAL Focus For Our Elementary Schools:
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
FOOD AND NUTRITION
National School Lunch Week!
Davis Elementary Kitchen Staff - Celebrating National School Lunch Week with the theme "School Lunch Pirates!"
CSD IN THE NEWS
We are excited to announce a new way for families to receive important updates and school communications! Download the free ReachWell app today then tap the plus button to search for the Centennial School District AND your child's individual school name. We’ll share relevant notifications, upcoming events, updates, due dates, and much more! Download today at http://reachwellapp.com/app!
To see instructions on how to Download the ReachWell App in other languages please use this link to find your language.
ReachWell verification codes are being sent out weekly to those who are not yet verified! Please check your email inbox or SMS text messages for your unique verification code. If you did not receive your code, we encourage you to submit a ticket through IncidentIQ as soon as possible. Our dedicated tech support team is ready to assist and ensure you are properly connected. Please understand that this is a slow rollout, and faculty/staff who choose to incorporate ReachWell will utilize it at their convenience. In order to get access to the new ReachWell App, you need to update a cell phone number in the second space for each guardian in Skyward. For directions, see the Skyward section below.
ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS
IMPORTANT LINKS
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
November
November 1: Early Dismissal Grs. 6-12; Grs. 6-12 Grading; Grs. K-5 Full Day of School
November 5: All Schools Closed; K-12 Inservice - Professional Learning
November 22: Elementary Schools Closed; Grs. K-5 Inservice - Grading Day; Grs. 6-12 Full day of School
November 26: Early Dismissal Grs. K-5; Grs. K-5 Conferences; Grs. 6-12 Full Day of school
November 27: All Schools Closed; Grs. K-12 Conferences
November 28-29: All Schools & Offices Closed (Thanksgiving)
For the Full Calendar Click HERE.
UPCOMING SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
(Back row from left to right): Mr. Flemming Godiksen (Vice President), Mr. Mark Gindhart (Assistant Secretary), Dr. Kathleen Maguire, Mr. Michael Hartline (Front row from left to right): Mrs. Jane Schrader Lynch; Mrs. Patti Crossan; Dr. Dana T. Bedden (Superintendent), Mr. Tony Sadowski, Mrs. Mary Alice Brancato (President), Mr. Charles H. Martin not pictured.
Committee of the Whole
- 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.
Tuesday, Oct 22, 2024, 07:00 PM
48 Swan Way, Warminster, PA, USA
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Are you looking to give back to the community and make some money in the process? Then we have the job for you! Join Centennial School District's FREE CDL training program to become a bus driver! If interested in becoming a bus driver or a bus aide, please let us know by clicking CSD Interest or joining us in person at our next Walk-In Wednesday, November 13 anytime between 8 am-12 pm at 48 Swan Way, Warminster PA 18974. Also, please feel free to explore the CSD employment page for any other opportunities that may interest you. We hope to hear from you or see you soon!
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.
CENTENNIAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION
CEF Puzzle Competition
Sign your team up for the Centennial Puzzle Competition on Saturday, October 26th!
Get ready for a serious but fun afternoon of speed puzzling!
Can you and your team be the fastest to complete your puzzle first?
REGISTER NOW
https://www.centennialef.org/events/2024/8/29/centennial-puzzle-competition
We provide “ABOVE AND BEYOND” educational experiences!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
A Child's Place 2024-2025 School Year
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
Centennial School District
Website: www.centennialsd.org
Location: 48 Swan Way, Warminster, PA, USA
Phone: (215) 441-6000
Facebook: facebook.com/centennialsd
Twitter: @Centennial_SD








