CHS News

CHS has published its 10th Math Journal! The students began in 2015-2016. CHS should have the 2025 Journal from the printer early November. Anyone with this link can view pdf versions of the CHS journals.

The CHS Math Journal served as the template for HCC's math journal, the basis of success for two NSA grants for expansion to the RHHS and Countywide math journals. And our HCPSS's students work inspired students at Walter Johnson High in MCPSS to create their own journal. Anyone with this link can view the other journals.

Congratulations to Aditri Maiti (pictured left) and Alara Kocoglu (pictured right) for ensuring the CHS Math Journal's continued success.

Centennial It's Academic sent one JV Team to Georgetown Day School for the Regional International Academic Competitin (IAC) History Bowl and Bee on Saturday October 25. Thirty teams competed over 12 hours. CHS had a historic day at this event!

Congratulations to our JV Team: Henry Berger (10th), Joshua Jon (9th), Sahil Prasad (10th), Satvik Jain (10th) who earned these fantastic results:

• The team went undefeated beating perennial rivals like Richard Montgomery, Montgomery Blair, and Poolesville, as well as new rivals like Fairfax High School!

• The team won the regional championship!
• Their total point accumulation of 2360 for the first 5 rounds was the highest we have ever seen and will garner us a very high seeding for the National Tournament in Crystal City, Virginia, at the end of April!

But that was not all...

In the Individual History Bee Competition, we had 2 medal winners:

• Sahil Prasad, Gold Medal

• Satvik Jain, Bronze Medal

Thank you to the Prasad family (Anu and Sri) for moderating at the tournament.

It will be hard to top these results from an amazing day!

Our school's creative writing class, Advanced Composition, hosted a National Writing Day Celebration on October 24, that encouraged staff and students to embrace the values of creative writing through a variety of activities like the annual Haiku Competition and class takeovers where AC students taught a variety of subjects throughout the day using creative writing activities to enrich the curricular objectives.

Well done to the young writers and thank you to the staff for your support!

On Monday, October 27, representatives from the Baltimore Ravens and the Baltimore Ravens Marching Band attended our end-of-year Marching Band Banquet to show their support for both our Marching Band and the students who also participate in Wind Ensemble.

The Ravens generously presented the Wind Ensemble with Ravens bags, letters of encouragement, and sweatshirts to wear during their upcoming trip to the Annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago this December.

We are deeply grateful for their continued support of music education and for recognizing the accomplishments of our Wind Ensemble!

Centennial Dance had five dancers chosen as Howard County Dance Festival All County Dancers, which is such an honor! Dancers auditioned at Wilde Lake high School with other schools in the County.

Congratulations to Lacey Dagenais, Gia Morabito, Mallory Goldman, Yuval Rozenberg, and Fiona Zheng, who will be representing Centennial at Howard County Dance festival in January. We are so proud!

Wow!!! A big Eagle shout out to both the Girls and Boys Varsity Cross Country teams on winning the region championship!

Congratulations to both teams, Coach Kevin McCoy, and Coach Chris Graff!

Best of luck to both teams as they head to the State Championship next week.

Congratulations to our Boys Varsity Soccer team on winning the region championship!

We are so proud of the team, as well as head coach Justin Thomas, and assistant coaches Will Funk-Heiser and Bryson Baker.

Best of luck at the State Quarter Finals!

Fall Sports Senior Nights

Congratulations to all of our talented Senior athletes who are playing their last season of fall sports for CHS. We are so proud of you!

FOOTBALL

Congratulations to the following Football Seniors:

Angelo Coates, Jeremy Dai, Alex Dong, Kyle Fant, Peace Funso-Ore, Aiden Gauthier, Wesley Harris, Jack Kelly, Colin Marr, Ezekiel Noa Paz, Qwinten Phillips, Benjamin Pidel, Ayden Reeves,Charles Sandersen, Jasiel Sudhakar, Theo Thomas, Brenden Watkins.

MARCHING EAGLES

Congratulations to the following Senior Marching Eagles:

Prithvi Ahirrao, Julia Ayers, Connie Bell, Ethan Burgoon, Ariela Camacho Bucks, Ian Doll, Katie Genovese, Vanessa Gonzalez Garcia, Mounira Hima, Justus Hwang, Shalisa Ibad, Josephine Ko, Srihas Kodali, Sanvi Kolhatkar, James Kuo, Owen Landle, Adam Lazzaro, Aiden Lee, Evan Liu, Eli Lucarelli, Aditri Maiti, Veronica Merkin, Eamonn O'Bryan, Joshua Oh, Emma Qiu, Teju Reddi, Anna Samuel, Annabella She, Hannah Shiau, Stella Snydal, Nayeon Song, Lexi Tribble, Maddie Tseu, Tobi Viatonu, Rawin Wiriyacoonkasem, Ramon Wiriyacoonkasem, Emma Yan, Will Yarlott, Jamie Ye, Olivia Zhao.

CHEERLEADERS

Congratulations to the following Senior Cheerleaders:

• Brianna Gauthia
• Angela Huang
• Madaline Reese
• Madison Wade
• Aniyah Walton

Our recent event, “Scare Away the Mental Health Stigma,” brought students together to create and share positive affirmations, practical self-care and self-management strategies, and tips for helping others in need.

The first 120 students who participated walked away with valuable mental health resources.

Remember: You Are Not Alone. Help is Always Available.
Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Many thanks to our fantastic PTSA for treating the staff to a sweet Halloween surprise on Friday afternoon!

A huge thanks to Uber Bagels for donating fresh bagels to our staff on Friday morning! What a perfect start to the last day of the first quarter!

Located at 9851 Broken Land Parkway in Columbia, Uber Bagels is "Simply the best bagels this side of New York."

A big shout out to the KC and Victoria for providing extraordinary customer service and making each customer feel special.

We are especially grateful to you for supporting CHS!

• October 31 - End of First Quarter
• November 1 - Cap & Gown Orders due for Seniors - final deadline extension!
• November 5, 6, 7 - Senior Portraits
• November 7 - Scheduling for Parent-Teacher Conferences Opens at 8:00 AM
• November 7 - Deadline for ASVAB Testing Registration
• November 10 - Report Cards Issued
• November 12 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early
• November 12 - PTSA Meeting 6 - 7:30 PM, Student Services
• November 13-15 - Fall Production of Ken Ludwig's Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood, tickets here
• November 14 - ASVAB Testing, 7:50 AM
• November 15 - Spaghetti Dinner before the Show, 5:30 PM, tickets
• November 20- Scheduling for Parent-Teacher Conferences Closes at 4:00 PM
• November 21 - CHS First Ever Lip Sync Battle, 7 PM, Auditorium
• November 24 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early; In-person Parent-Teacher Conferences
• November 25 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early; Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences
• November 26 - Schools Closed for Students; Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences

• November 27 - 28 - Schools and Offices Closed
• December 3 - Senior Portraits
• December 8 - Winter Band Concert, 7 PM
• December 9 - Winter Orchestra Concert, 7 PM
• December 10 - Winter Choral Concert, 7 PM
• December 24 - January 2 - School Closed for Students for Winter Break
• January 5 - School reopens

GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL PRACTICE BEGINS THIS WEEK!

Best of luck to Coach Taylor, Assistant Coach David, and the team!

Friday, October 31, 2025

5:00 PM V Boys Soccer vs Chesapeake HS for the 3A State Quarterfinals Buy Tickets!

5:00 PM V Volleyball at Franklin HS (Baltimore Co.) for the 3A Region Semifinals Buy Tickets!

6:30 PM V Football at Manchester Valley HS (Carroll Co.) Buy Tickets!

Saturday, November 1, 2025

Model UN Conference at CHS

Monday, November 3, 2025

5:30 PM Girls Soccer Banquet (cafe)

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

5:00 PM Golf Banquet (cafe)

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

3:00 PM Math League at Mt. Hebron HS

Thursday, November 6, 2025

5:00 PM NHS Induction Ceremony (auditorium & cafe)

Friday, November 7, 2025

Saturday, November 8, 2025

SATs!!

Girls and Boys Cross Country State Championships at Hereford HS (Baltimore County)

Sunday, November 9, 2025

It’s Academic Tournament at CHS

Follow your favorite teams on Fan Hudl

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEK…

Thank you to Ms. Carr, Ms. Stevens, and their class board for a hauntingly fun SPOOKTAKULAR! Wednesday’s event brought families from all around our community together!!

Congratulations to golfer Makayla Robinson as she made her debut at

State Semifinals! What an amazing season it’s been!

The Allied Soccer team finished in 2nd place at Wednesday’s

County Cup hosted by Guilford Park High School! We are so proud of you!

Cross Country girls and boys teams finished as Region Champions after

Thursday’s XC Region Championships held at River Hill High School!

Next up–States on November 8th at Hereford High School in Baltimore County!

ATHLETICS NEWS

Make sure you're ready to participate in Winther Athletic Tryouts for Allied Bowling, Cheerleading, Boys and Girls Basketball, Wrestling, and Indoor Track!

Complete the following before Monday, November 10th to make sure you're ready for tryouts:

1. Register for Athletics through Synergy's Parent Portal. Directions for Registration

2. Make sure your Physical is completed on the HCPSS form and up-to-date! The 'medical eligibility' page is a MUST and needs to include your name, eligibility box checked, medical professional/doctor's name and signature, the date of the exam, and the address of the doctor or stamp from the office.

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

Reach out to Centennial's Athletics & Activities Manager, Mrs. Clark, if you have any questions!

You can reach her at rebecca_clark@hcpss.org or 410-313-2865

Check out @centennial_hs_boosters on Instagram for the most up-to-date tryout schedule!

NEW CLUB ALERT: The Athletics Department is looking for responsible students interested in our new Game Day Operations Club. If you know a student interested in pursuing a career of Athletic Management or simply wants to be part of the CHS Athletic Program's day-to-day management, please reach out to rebecca_clark@hcpss.org

We're still looking for singers at our home athletic contests! Complete the form if you're interested in auditioning to sing the National Anthem at sporting events. This audition is open to CHS students.

Playoff Ticket Information:

All Playoff Tickets MUST be purchased online!

The Centennial HS athletic program will be participating in a variety of playoff contests this year.

• Individuals 7 years of age and older will be charged an admission fee of $6, $8, or $10 (plus $1 service fee) depending on the level of the contest.

• Only individuals with MPSSAA state passes will be allowed free admission.

• Tickets MUST be purchased online, and No cash will be accepted at the gate.
  
  

Purchase tickets:

• Go to gofan.co and search the school or use a direct link or QR code

• There will be a QR code at the entrance to the stadium for those who do not purchase tickets prior to coming to the game. It is highly recommended to purchase tickets prior to coming to the contest.Your ticket(s) will be sent to your email or mobile device. Present your electronic ticket at the gate to a staff member who will redeem your ticket onsite. Please do not redeem your ticket before entering the contest.

Spectator Guidelines

• ALL HCPSS policies, rules, and guidelines are in effect for athletic contests

• Elementary and middle schoolers MUST be accompanied by an adult for admission into the event

• No backpacks and outside food or drinks are allowed in the contest

• No pets are permitted on school grounds

• No re-entry once you leave the stadium/school building

• Spectators MUST be in the bleachers while attending athletic contests

• No spectators are allowed on track during an athletic contest

• UNSPORTSMANLIKE behavior, taunting, inappropriate language, targeting specific athletes/spectators/coaches/officials will not be tolerated and will result in immediate removal from the contest, and possible future contests.

Please understand that this is an MPSSAA event and staff members are only following guidelines from the MPSSAA.

Let’s Go, Eagles!!

Follow your favorite teams on Fan Hudl

Club Sponsors, Coaches & Directors–please share your events with Rebecca Clark so they can be included in our Week At-A-Glance!

Let’s Go, Eagles!!

We are fortunate to have representatives from HCC's Financial Aid Office at CHS on Tuesday, November 11th, from 9 AM-2:30 PM to help students and their families complete their FAFSA Application. If you would like to work with one of the representatives, please sign up using the following link: FAFSA Application Help

All students planning on attending college next school year should complete this form regardless of whether you will qualify or not. Often for colleges to award a student merit money (as well as financial aid), this form must be submitted.

We encourage students/parents to bring the following information with them:

1. A laptop/chromebook, if you have one (your student can use their school issued Chromebook)
2. You Student Aid Account Information - to create one please go to StudentAid.gov
3. A copy of the student and/or the parents 2024 Tax Returns

Make sure you're ready to participate in Wither Athletic Tryouts for Allied Bowling, Cheerleading, Boys and Girls Basketball, Wrestling, and Indoor Track!

Complete the following before Monday, November 10th to make sure you're ready for tryouts:

1. Register for Athletics through Synergy's Parent Portal. Directions for Registration

2. Make sure your Physical is completed on the HCPSS form and up-to-date! The medical eligibility/clearance page is a MUST and needs to include your name, eligibility box checked, medical professional/doctor's name and signature, the date of the exam, and the address of the doctor or stamp from the office.

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

Reach out to Centennial's Athletics & Activities Manager, Mrs. Clark, if you have any questions!

You can reach her at rebecca_clark@hcpss.org or 410-313-2865

Check out @centennial_hs_boosters on Instagram for the most up-to-date tryout schedule!

Centennial's Skyward Theatre is proud to present Ken Ludwig's Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood. The show runs Thursday, November 13th, 14th, and 15th, at 7:00 PM and November 15th and 16th, at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available via HCPSS Booktix (https://hcpss.booktix.com/dept/chs/e/SHERWOOD) and can be bought at the door for $15.00.

Show T-Shirts can be ordered ahead of the show via HCPSS OSP (https://osp.osmsinc.com/HowardMD/BVModules/ProductTemplates/Bvc2013/Product.aspx?productid=DA041-1424). Shirts will be available in limited quantity and sizes at the show.

Synopsis of Play: Packed with thrills, romance, laughter, and immortal characters like Little John, Friar Tuck, and Maid Marian, Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood tells the enduring story of a hero of the people who takes on the ruthless powers that be. So, get ready to duck a quarterstaff or two – you won’t want to miss a moment of the swashbuckling fun! (From Concord Theatricals).

Dinner & Show: Spaghetti Dinner supporting CHS Wind Ensemble - Sherwood Performance November 15th at 5:30 PM!

♫ Come share a meal with family and friends before the fantastic performance of CHS Skyward Theatre's "Sherwood"! Money raised from this event will support Centennial High School Wind Ensemble's Midwest Clinic Performance in Chicago.

All tickets to the Spaghetti Dinner include pasta with your choice of meat or red (vegetarian) sauce, salad, garlic bread, and drinks. Catering by Squisito Restaurant. Gluten-free pasta is available. Tickets are pre-sale only and will not be available at the door.

Proceeds from the Spaghetti Dinner will directly support the CHS Wind Ensemble’s upcoming trip to The Midwest Clinic in Chicago, the largest international music education conference in the world. With over 17,000 attendees each year, this event represents the highest honor a high school band can receive—only five ensembles nationwide are invited annually. This December, our students will perform a 60-minute program of new and traditional music, showcasing their talent on an international stage. Funds raised will help cover essential costs such as new instruments, travel expenses for guest conductors, programs, and formal attire for our musicians.

Purchase tickets here: https://www.centennialmusic.org/tickets.html

Current 8-11 grade students and their parents/guardians are invited to attend in-person information sessions on HCPSS career academies on Tuesday, Nov. 11, and Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Applications and Research Laboratory, 10920 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City. The evening will include two 15-minute information sessions beginning at 6:40 PM.

Are you interested in an immersive, hands-on, and project-based learning experience? Are you looking for real-world experience and credentials in a career field?

Participants will learn how Career and Technical Education (CTE) career academies provide high school students with opportunities to earn college credit, scholarships, and industry-recognized credentials, participate in worksite and mentorship experiences, and become creative problem solvers by participating in hands-on project-based learning.

Complete information on all career academies is available online. Students/parents are encouraged to review the Career Academies Overview.

Schedule-Agenda

• 6:15-6:30 PM Walk about to explore academies and find first session
• 6:40-7:00 PM Session I
• 7:05-7:25 PM Session II

From Biotech to Health Professions, Heating, Ventillation, and Air Conditioning, Cybersecurity, Graphic Design, Animation, Automotive Technology, Agricultural Science, Construction, Finance, Aerospace and Civil Engineering and Architectural Design, our programs are designed to provide high school students with opportunities to earn college credit, scholarships, and industry-recognized credentials, participate in worksite and mentorship experiences, and become creative problem solvers by participating in hands-on project-based learning.

Come see what we offer! More information about ARL and the Career Academies offered can be found on the ARL website.

Hearts In Action is thrilled to announce the return of our beloved holiday fundraiser — the CHS Holiday Thrift House — happening on December 13 from 9 AM to 12 PM! All proceeds will benefit Grassroots, a local organization dedicated to supporting individuals in crisis.

We’re currently accepting donations of new or gently used items that can be resold at low cost. Suggested donations include:

• Toys
• Arts & crafts supplies
• Board games
• Candles
• Books
• Picture frames
• Other small, giftable items

Donation drop-off: Please place items in the collection box located outside the main office.

Thank you for helping us spread holiday cheer and make a meaningful impact in our community!

CHS is among a select group of schools that receive extra support from a team called CCEIS (Comprehensive Coordinated Early Intervening Services). This team works alongside school staff to provide additional resources, strategies, and professional development that strengthen how we support all students, especially those receiving special education services.

The goal is simple: to ensure every student has what they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Students may notice new tools, activities, and supports designed to help create even stronger learning environments.

Parents of seniors:

The FAFSA is open for the Class of 2026!

Here are some resources to support families with the completion of the FAFSA:

• Create a StudentAid.gov account (if you don’t already have one).

• Learn about the documents you may need to fill out the FAFSA form.

• Determine your dependency status and whether your parent(s) or spouse will be required to contribute information on your FAFSA form.

• If you’re a dependent student, use the Who’s My FAFSA Parent? wizard to identify which parent(s) will be a required contributor on your form.

• Start a 2026–27 FAFSA® Form

Upcoming Financial Aid Support Sessions:

• ONGOING/Virtual and In person Options: HCC DROP IN Support- All students (even those not planning on attending HCC) can access these supports.

• Self-guided Financial Aid : Coalition for College self-guided sessions on various topics INCLUDING FINANCIAL AID

  
  

ASVAB testing offered for students, 11/14: Centennial High School will be offering an administration of the ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP) to interested students on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 7:50 a.m. Please use the following link: ASVAB Sign Up to reserve a spot for this free test by Friday, November 7, 2025. This assessment is a great tool to enhance career exploration and planning based on your results.

The ASVAB CEP, sponsored by our Department of Defense, is a public service provided to our nation’s schools at no cost and no obligation. The ASVAB, the world’s most widely used aptitude battery, consists of eight subtests that yield three Career Exploration Scores (Verbal Skills, Math Skills, and Science and Technical Skills). These three scores, combined with results of an interest inventory, will assist your child when exploring a wide variety of educational and career options.

Research has shown that students who participate in the ASVAB Career Exploration Program enjoy greater confidence in making career decisions, experience less career indecision and more thoughtfully consider their options than do students who do not participate in the ASVAB CEP. After the ASVAB test, students receive Exploring Careers: The ASVAB Career Exploration Guide with their test results. Class time will be scheduled to complete a workshop to help students explore careers. To learn more about the student benefits of ASVAB CEP participation, please view the program website and visit “Info for Parents” at https://www.asvabprogram.com/parentsLinks to an external site..

Our goal at Centennial High School is to provide quality career planning resources, such as the ASVAB Career Exploration Program. When students are able to connect their present education to their future plans, they select more classes based on future plans, participate in more career exploration activities, and see more relevance for the need to get a good education and take the next steps for a satisfying career. As a parent, your experiences in the world of work make you a valuable resource. I encourage you to talk with your child about their career options and plans beyond high school.

The ASVAB will only be administered to students who have registered through the link above. The results of our ASVAB testing is for the student and family for career planning purposes ONLY and WILL NOT be shared with the military as this is NOT a military recruitment tool.

EAGLE SOAR TUTORING

Join us for after-school tutoring every Tuesday and Thursday in the Media Center from 2:35 PM – 4:00 PM! This is a great opportunity to finish homework, get expert help in any subject from your teachers and peers, work on organization and enjoy free snacks.

After-school buses will be available on Tuesdays. Buses leave at 4:00 PM on Tuesdays and will use the following hub stop for drop off:

• Miller Branch Library

• Roger Carter Center

• Normandy Woods Dr. @ Wheaton Way

• Wheatfield Way @ Rolling Meadows

• Brittany Dr. @ Roberts Rd.

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.

November 3rd – 7th

Monday, 11/3

• Apprenticeship Info Session @ 9:10 am
• York College of Pennsylvania @ 1:10 pm

Tuesday, 11/4

• Lincoln Technical School – Columbia @ 11:30 am

• Maryland Service Gap Year @ 8:45 am

CHS PTSA Meeting: November 12

Please join us for our next PTSA meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 6:00 - 7:30 PMin the CHS Student Center (near the Front Office). The dial-in details are below:

Meeting link:

meet.google.com/pcs-jgzp-rco

Join by phone:

(US) +1 402-821-1196

PIN: 717773315

Yep, Let's Do College Prep!

Attention Eagles! Please note the announcement from the PTSA concerning SAT and ACT preparatory classes. Indeed, scoring well on these important exams strengthens your applicant profile. Please note the special offers below as well since these can potentially save you money. Best wishes, and best of luck! You got this!

In an effort to begin to expose students to the wide range of careers in today's society we are looking for in person speakers to partner with us to engage students. We also want to leverage the resources within our own community. If you are interested in helping to broaden student exposure through your career journey, please take a few minutes to complete this form. We’re looking for careers that students can access from any of the post high school pathways (Military, Job, 2yr/4yr, Trade school, Apprenticeship).

Attention Senior Families:

We are fortunate to have representatives from HCC's Financial Aid Office at CHS on Tuesday, November 11th from 9am-2:30pm to help students and their families complete their FAFSA Application. If you would like to work with one of the representatives, please sign up using the following link: FAFSA Application HelpLinks to an external site.

All students planning on attending college next school year should complete this form regardless of whether you will qualify or not. Often for colleges to award a student merit money (as well as financial aid), this form must be submitted.

We encourage students/parents to bring the following information with them:

1. A laptop/chromebook, if you have one (your student can use their school issued Chromebook)
2. You Student Aid Account Information - to create one please go to StudentAid.govLinks to an external site.
3. A copy of the student and/or the parents 2024 Tax Returns

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Lisa Clearfield, Career Readiness Advisor, at lclearfield@hcpss.org.

Jostens has extended the order deadline one last time to November 1, so that ALL of our seniors have their caps and gowns for graduation.

Please, do not wait...place your order as soon as possible!

If you are planning to wear a cap and gown from a sibling or a friend, please see Ms. DeVore in Student Services so we can update our list with your information!

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

• November 6
• November 7
• December 3

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.

1. Update Your Student/Family Emergency Information Today

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 to their school. Full directions and information for families on this new process can be found online.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 Marie Dow at marie_dow@hcpss.org.

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.

Getting to School

The official school hours for Centennial High School for the 2025-2026 school year, as set by the HCPSS Board of Education, will be 7:50 AM to 2:35 PM. Bus schedules will be available online.

We believe that the safest way for students who do not drive themselves to get to school is by accessing the transportation provided. However, we do understand that there may be occasions when it is necessary to drive your student to school. When that happens, please follow the procedures listed below to help ensure the safety of all students during school arrival time.

Students who must be driven to school are to be dropped off from the sidewalk next to Burleigh Manor, along the tennis courts, and to the auditorium entrance at the side of the building following the established traffic pattern. Drivers are NOT to use the parking aisles to drop off students.

Students may NOT be dropped off along Centennial Lane. Parents are to refrain from making U-turns on Centennial Lane as it impedes traffic and contributes to unsafe conditions for students and drivers.

Students who are driving themselves to school are encouraged to arrive early to avoid being tardy. Traffic jams occur daily during the morning rush along Centennial Lane. We very much appreciate your partnership to ensure our commitment to student safety.

Students who arrive at/after 8:00 AM are considered tardy and may receive disciplinary consequences.

Students can arrive as early as 7:00 AM, as our cafeteria is open. Between 7:00 AM and 7:40 AM, students are permitted to wait outside or go to the cafeteria. Students enter through the main doors in the bus loop area (they have to walk on the sidewalk at the auditorium entrance to the front) that lead directly into the cafeteria. Students may NOT go to classrooms before 7:40 AM unless they have a pass from a teacher.

Bus Locator

The online HCPSS bus locator tool is now available and can be found on the HCPSS Transportation webpage. Bus information also can be found in Family File via HCPSS Connect Synergy. With some overlapping school start times and/or transportation exemptions, it is possible that buses for different schools will arrive at bus stops around the same time. Please review your child’s bus number and be sure they know it and check before boarding the bus.

Student Technology Devices

To help remove technology barriers and advance equitable student learning outcomes, HCPSS has moved to a 1:1 student-to-device ratio. All students have or will be provided with a Chromebook. These devices are required for all county and state testing and assessments. HCPSS Technology and Devices information

Students who do not currently have an HCPSS issued device should report to the Media Center to have one assigned on Monday, August 25.

Lockers

All students will be assigned a locker. Students may come to the front office before the school day begins, during their lunch shifts, or during Eagle Time to report a broken locker or request help with a locker.

Attendance

Please follow these procedures to report an absence:

Absence notes and tardy notes for excused absences are to be emailed to CHSabsence@hcpss.org. Students who bring in physical notes may drop them off in the front office before the start of the school day.

Discretionary absence requests must be completed and attached through email in advance of the absence. The last possible day of school for the 25/26 SY is June 18th. If there are any make-up days added to the end of the year, we need you to be available to take exams on any day from June 7-18. Any requests for Discretionary Absences during that window of time will not be approved. Likewise, Discretionary Absences will not be granted during the week of January 16th, mid-term exam week. For questions about attendance, please reach out to our Attendance Secretary, Diane Howse at diane_howse@hcpss.org.

Support the Groups Who Support Us

The CHS PTSA offers programs, services, and supports to enhance the high school experience for all students, teachers, and parents. Join the PTSA now by logging into the CHS PTSA website.

The CHS Boosters serve all student extracurricular activities, including sports teams, school clubs, and student organizations. Join the Boosters now by logging into the CHS Boosters website.

Friends of Music supports vocal and instrumental music at CHS to guarantee the sustainability of these programs and to provide vital support to our music directors. Help our talented musicians thrive by joining us today through the FOM website: http://www.centennialmusic.org/.

It is important to support organizations that do so much for us and our students. We are a community!

Legacy Studios was at school on September 18 and 19, taking underclass pictures. Families should receive notification that their pictures are ready to view by October 1.

View your portraits online: LegacyFindMyCode.com

Picture retakes are scheduled for Tuesday, October 28.

As a student who attends ARL, there are some important things you need to know to start the school year off right.

On the Regular Bell Schedule:

• AM ARL bus departs at 7:50 AM and returns to CHS at 9:35 AM
• PM ARL bus departs on A DAYS (M, T, TH, F) at 12:45 PM and returns at 2:30 PM
• PM ARL bus departs on B DAYS (M, T, TH, F) at 11:15 AM and returns at 2:30 PM

On the Eagle Time Schedule – Wednesdays:

• AM ARL bus departs at 7:50 AM and returns to CHS at 9:35 AM
• PM ARL bus departs on A DAYS at 12:55 PM and returns at 2:30 PM
• PM ARL bus departs on B DAYS at 11:20 AM and returns at 2:30 PM

Transportation to ARL

The ARL bus leaves Centennial High School promptly at 7:50 in the morning. Students are responsible for arriving in time to board the ARL bus before it departs. Students who arrive at Centennial before the departure time may wait in the cafeteria, but should be sure to set alarms and monitor the time to make sure they don’t miss the ARL bus, which leaves our school at 7:50 AM.

Parents/Guardians are welcome to transport their students to the ARL in the morning. There is a designated Student Drop Off lane closest to Route 108 ( follow the signs). Do not pull into the bus lane that is directly in front of the building. Be aware that traffic around campus can be busy in the morning. Parents/guardians should plan on arriving at the ARL campus between 7:55 and 8:00 for morning classes. Students are expected to be walking into the ARL no later than 8:05 and in class by 8:10. Students arriving in class after 8:10 are tardy to the ARL.

Students who wish to drive themselves to ARL must complete a parking permit application. ARL does not have a dedicated student parking lot, and spots are limited. Priority for parking permits will be given to students currently attending HCC dual enrollment programs and to those students who have off-site internships as a part of their academy program. Students who wish to apply for a parking permit should submit an application found linked on the ARL Website. Students will be notified if they are approved or denied a parking permit, and will receive information on how to pick up their parking permit. Please note that student drivers are not able to leave the parking lot until all buses have departed.

Howard County Recreation & Parks is excited to launch the NEW Girls High School Flag Football league this late Fall in partnership with the Baltimore Ravens and Howard County Public School System.

Registration is right around the corner, so use the link below to complete the interest form for Centennial's team. The season starts soon!

https://www.hcrpsports.org/girlshsflagleague

Check out all of the dates and locations for the Howard County Health Department Flu Clinics.

FREE Parenting Classes for Parents and Grandparents

Raising preteens and teens is tough. Wouldn't it be great if adults could attend a class to learn how to help their kids/grandkids avoid risky behaviors? There is.

HC DrugFree's FREE classes for Howard County parents, guardians, and grandparents are back!

The Fall 2025 series will run (Tuesdays and Thursdays): November 11, 13, 18, 20 and December 2 from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom.

While the curriculum is for adults with 9-14 year olds, HC DrugFree strongly encourages HoCo adults with students in K-12 to try to attend all 5 classes. Some families have attended more than one series!

Remember, parents or grandparents living out of the area can join us on Zoom during their lunch break.

Guiding Good Choices® is an evidence-based, interactive prevention program that helps you build a stronger bond with your child/grandchild, while also providing skills proven to reduce the risk of youth engaging in substance use or other risky behaviors.

Learn how to:

• Strengthen Family Bonds

• Develop Healthy Beliefs and Clear Standards

• Avoid Trouble and Respond to Peer Pressure

• Manage Conflict and Express Feelings Constructively

• Prevent Drug Use in Your Family

• And More!

Learn more and register

Drive-Thru Medication Disposal: Saturday, October 25 in the Wilde Lake Village Center Parking Lot near the Swim Center from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medication, vitamins, pet meds, vape devices, inhalers, and more. Unlike previous events, we will not collect sharps (needles, syringes and EpiPens). Need student, adult, and medically-trained adult volunteers. Earn Community Service Hours! Giving away 100 medication lockboxes. For more information and to volunteer visit HC DrugFree's website: https://hcdrugfree.org/drug-take-back-day-1/

Teen Advisory Council:

To RSVP/register to receive the Monday, November 3 TAC meeting Zoom link, click here. Meetings will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Each meeting has a unique link, so members must RSVP/register before each meeting.

Students: If you have not submitted a new 2025-26 registration, please complete this form to register for the coming school year. Even if you have been a member for several years, we need a new registration each school year.

Members of TAC attend our monthly meetings and serve as student ambassadors in their schools and in the community.

Why join TAC?

• Earn Community Service Hours
• Gain experience for job & college applications
• Volunteer opportunities year round
• Be a leader and role model in Howard County

Learn more

Free Newsletter: Stay up to date with HC DrugFree's free events offering Community Service Hours to HoCo students, resources, and a variety of substance use and behavioral health information! Sign up for HC DrugFree's free digital newsletter: https://hcdrugfree.org/enews-signup/

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://www.chs-ptsa.org/and 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.