Centennial Lane Elementary:
May 8, 2026
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
A Proud Week for Our Band and Orchestra Students
This past week, our school community had the pleasure of celebrating the incredible musical talents of our fourth and fifth grade students during our evening Band and Orchestra concerts. These performances were a wonderful showcase of the hard work, dedication, and growth our students have demonstrated throughout the year.
We are so proud of all of our Band and Orchestra students for their outstanding performances. Our fourth and fifth graders showed confidence, teamwork, and perseverance as they shared their musical talents with family, friends, and staff. Their commitment to practicing and preparing for these concerts was evident in every note played.
A special thank you goes to our amazing Orchestra teacher, Mrs. Lahan, and our outstanding Band teacher, Mr. Henley, for their dedication, passion, and leadership. Their hard work in preparing students for these performances and their commitment to building a love of music in our school is truly appreciated.
We would also like to thank our staff members who came out to support our students during the evening concerts. Your presence meant so much to our students and families and reflects the strong sense of community we value so deeply.
Finally, thank you to all of our families for attending and cheering on our students. Your encouragement and support help make these moments even more meaningful for our children.
Congratulations again to all of our Band and Orchestra students on a job well done! We are incredibly proud of you and look forward to watching your musical talents continue to grow.
With appreciation and Dolphin Pride,
Debra A. Anoff, Principal
Siobhan Drumgoole, Assistant Principal
Important Upcoming Dates and Events
For a complete list of dates and events visit cles.hcpss.org/calendar
May
- 11 & 18 -Mental Health Awareness-Wear Green
- 13-Chorus Concert for Students
- 14-CLES Field Day
- 15 - Fair Friday - Wear red clothing or CLES Spirit wear to enter the raffle
- 15-Spring Choral Concert 6:30 PM @CHS
- 16-CLES PTA Spring Fair & Silent Auction
- 25-Memorial Day-Schools & Offices Closed
- 27-Eid al-Adha-Schools & Offices Closed
June
- 2-CLES Spring Showcase Concert 6:30 PM @ CHS - more info coming soon
- 3-CLES 5th gr. Music Department Pancake Breakfast- more info coming soon
- 3-PTA Walk & Wheel Wednesday
- 5-5th Gr. Simulated Congressional Hearing
- 5-Spirit Day-Wear Red, White & Blue to support our 5th graders during SCH!
- 6-PTA 5th Gr. End-of-Year Party
- 8-UPDATED-Full Day of School
- 12-2nd Gr. End of Year Celebration-More info coming soon
- 12-3rd Gr. End of Year Celebration-More info coming soon
- 15-5th Gr. Promotion Ceremony-9:15 am more info coming soon
- 15-1st Gr End of Year Celebration-More info coming soon
- 15-4th Gr. End of Year Celebration-More info coming
- 16-3 hr Early Dismissal-CLES Dismisses @ 12:15 pm
- 16-Kindergarten End Of Year Program and Picnic-More info coming soon!
- 17- 3 hr Early Dismissal-CLES Dismisses @ 12:15 pm
- 18-Last Day of School 3 hr Early Dismissal-CLES Dismisses @ 12:15 pm
- 19-Juneteenth School Offices Closed
- 23-Primary Election Day-School Offices Closed
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
Celebrating Our Incredible PTA During Staff Appreciation Week
This past week at Centennial Lane Elementary School, our staff felt truly celebrated, supported, and appreciated thanks to the incredible generosity of our amazing PTA and our wonderful school community during Staff Appreciation Week. From the moment the week began, our PTA went above and beyond to make every staff member feel special. The beautiful bagel breakfast was the perfect way to start the week, bringing everyone together with delicious food and warm smiles. The cookie bar was a huge hit, offering sweet treats that everyone enjoyed throughout the day. From donuts and candy to thoughtful gifts and special surprises, every detail reflected the care and appreciation our PTA has for our staff. These gestures may seem simple, but they mean so much. They remind our teachers, support staff, and all employees that their hard work is seen, valued, and appreciated by the community they serve each and every day. At CLES, we know that strong schools are built through strong partnerships, and our PTA continues to be an extraordinary example of that. Their dedication to supporting not only our staff, but also our students and families, helps make Centennial Lane such a special place to learn and grow. We want our PTA and our entire Centennial Lane community to know just how grateful we are. Your kindness, generosity, and commitment do not go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do for our staff, our students, and our school community. We are so lucky to have such an amazing PTA and such a supportive school community standing beside us. With heartfelt appreciation, thank you for making Staff Appreciation Week so special!
News Worth Repeating
Student Arrival Reminder
Just a reminder that as we begin the 4th quarter, it is important for students to arrive at school on time each day. Recently, we have seen an increase in students arriving after the late bell. Prompt arrival helps students start their day smoothly and ensures they do not miss valuable instructional time.
As a reminder, students are expected to be in their classrooms by 8:45 a.m. If you arrive at 8:45 a.m. or later, parents should escort their students into the building and sign them in.
We appreciate your support in helping all students finish the school year strong.
Parking Reminder for Student Pick-Up
We kindly ask for your cooperation during student pick-up to help ensure a safe and respectful environment for everyone in our school community.
Please be mindful not to park too close to the ends of neighbors’ driveways or block access in any way while picking up students in the neighborhoods surrounding our school. Additionally, we ask that you do not use private driveways to turn around or park while waiting for students. Our neighbors rely on clear access to their homes, and your courtesy is greatly appreciated.
When parking along the street, please follow all posted regulations, avoid double parking, and be considerate of traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain a positive relationship with our neighbors and a safe dismissal process for all students.
CLES Field Day
We’re excited to invite parents to be part of our upcoming Field Day at CLES! Volunteers can assist with running activity stations, helping keep events organized, and cheering on our students. Whether you can join us for a short time or the whole event, your support makes a big difference. If you would like to volunteer, you will also need to complete the volunteer training found here.
**We are still in need of volunteers for Grades 3-5***
If you’re interested in volunteering, please sign up for an activity or to help deliver water using the link below:
You must be pre-registered as a volunteer to attend the field day event and are required to sign-in at the table on the blacktop. Parents will not be authorized to only watch the festivities. Parent volunteers may not bring younger siblings with them. We encourage families to allow students to go home by their usual means at the end of the day, in order to avoid long lines or delays in the office area.
Mathematics Policy Family Information Sessions
MSDE will host virtual Math Policy Family Information Sessions in June 2026 to support family understanding of upcoming mathematics initiatives and updates for the 2026–2027 school year. Participants must register in advanceLinks to an external site. to receive session links. Click hereLinks to an external site. for details and dates/times.
Band News
Calling all rising 4th and 5th graders! CLES Band registration is just around the corner! Students in 3rd and 4th grade will attend a band assembly on Wednesday, May 20 to learn about the band program and hear all of the instruments offered. Registration will open at 4pm on May 20. Sign-up as soon as you can before spots fill up! To get started, I invite you to explore the following links on the band website:
Learn about the amazing programs in middle and high school! If your student starts now, they will be a part of these as well!
Learn about why it is important to play an instrument.
Here, you will find where the registration link will appear, as well as the instruments offered and demonstration videos.
As we approach band registration, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Henley with any questions at brandon_henley@hcpss.org
Department of Special Education Notices for Families
- Make Your Voice Heard! Your Opinion Matters!: Parents and guardians of children receiving special education and related services were mailed the Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey from the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services. Parents are asked to complete the survey and return it in the postage paid envelope by Friday, June 5, 2026. The survey can also be completed onlineLinks to an external site.. Your feedback will help guide efforts to improve special education and related services in HCPSS. Your voice can make a real difference for your child and many other children across the state of Maryland.
CLES Donation Bins
Help CLES while doing your Spring Cleaning!
Drop your items in our white donation bins! Our donation box collects clothing, shoes, and textiles, and Centennial Lane earns money based on the total weight collected each month.
Please note: All donations must be bagged before being placed in the bin.
Pre-K Registration 2026-2027 SY
The HCPSS Pre-K program is provided, per Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) regulations, to any child who meets first priority criteria (income eligible, homelessness, and foster care). This eligibility is based on information submitted on the HCPSS Pre-K Early Admission application and the supporting documentation that is provided.
The Pre-K application will be available online for families beginning Monday, March 9, at 9:00 am. The online application is the preferred method of submission. However, families may request a downloadable application by emailing hcpss_pk@hcpss.org.
For more information on Pre-K Eligibility and Requirements, please visit the HCPSS website Pre-K Registration page here.
Visitor Sign In
As a reminder, for the safety and security of our students and staff, all visitors must sign in at the Sign-In computer located in the front lobby using a government-issued photo ID. Please be sure to bring your ID with you whenever you visit. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and secure learning environment for everyone.
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
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
PTA EVENTS SECTION
2026 Spring Fair
Saturday, May 16, 2026
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at CLES
Spring Fair Tickets are on sale now!
Pre-order your wristbands and tickets online to avoid the long lines, and to get the early bird discount by Saturday 5/9!! More information at clespta.org/spring-fair
Silent Auction:
Do you have a service or item to donate to our Silent Auction? A gift card or new board game? Ravens/O’s Tickets?? A beach rental?? A cool experience?? Please consider it for our silent auction. Contact us to arrange drop-off or for questions: silent.auction@clespta.org
Day-of-Fair Volunteer Shifts - Just 1 hour of your time!
Sign-up for a volunteer shift (adults & high school students are welcome to sign up for volunteer shirts at the fair - community service hours available!)
CAKE WALK .... Cookies, cakes & pies, OH MY!!
Our most popular Spring Fair event is back! Calling all bakers and treat-lovers! Donate cakes, pies, cookie cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes — homemade or store-bought — to our Cake Walk! Check out our Cake Walk SignUp HERE!
Questions? Email Spring Fair Co-Chairs Katy Long and Rica Liu: spring.fair@clespta.org
Spring Fair website: clespta.org/spring-fair
CLES Fair Fridays are back! May 1, May 8 & May 15: Any CLES student wearing red clothing (or any color CLES Spirit wear) on Fair Fridays will be entered into a raffle at lunchtime. Winning tickets will be drawn each lunch period to win cool prizes. Participate every Fair Friday to increase your chances of winning the special grand prize on Friday, May 15th. CLES staff wearing red or CLES Spirit wear can also enter their name for a chance at a prize! Parents can sign up to volunteer with the PTA at lunch time here: Fair Friday volunteer sign up
5th Grade End of Year Party
Save the Date! 🎉 5th Grade End-of-Year Celebration
Dear 5th Grade Families,
We are excited to celebrate our amazing 5th graders as they wrap up their elementary school journey!
📅 Date: Saturday, June 6th
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Supreme Sports Club 7080 Deepage Dr, Columbia, MD 21045
This will be a fun-filled event with activities, memories, and a chance for our students to celebrate together! More details, including ways to contribute or volunteer, will be shared soon.
5th Grade Rep: Jen Anisko
graderep5@clespta.org
Little Dolphins Group for Incoming Kindergarten Families
We invite you to join the CLES Little Dolphins to help with the transition to CLES!
We help incoming kindergarten students and their families get to know one another. During the spring and summer of 2026, the CLES Little Dolphins group will host play dates, info sessions, and family activities.
HOW TO JOIN: Visit our website and fill out the survey: www.clespta.org/little-dolphins We will email you with little dolphin event dates and other important info. Direct link to survey.
Questions: little.dolphins@clespta.org
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ADVOCACY SECTION (Stay connected)
Howard County PTACHC (PTA Council of Howard County)
Effective Advocacy for Budget/School Funding:
Write to council members and the executive. Follow up with phone calls.
Attend public hearings or write in testimony at BudgetTestimony@howardcountymd.gov.
Important dates can be found on our PTA advocacy page.
Email your state senators and delegates.
More info: https://www.clespta.org/advocacy
Questions: contact our PTACHC chairs at ptachc@clespta.org
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Howard County SECAC (Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee)
SECAC is a parent-driven advisory council advocating for special education issues in HCPSS. It collaborates with community groups to enhance special education services and outcomes. All community members are welcome to attend the SECAC monthly meetings. SECAC also regularly appears before the Howard County Board of Education to ensure the voices of students with disabilities, their families, and educators are heard at the decision-making table.
More info: https://www.clespta.org/sped
Questions: contact our SECAC chair Shirley at SECAC@clespta.org
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PTA Committee Leads Needed
International Festival (for NEXT YEAR!)
And more…just ask!
Without you, these events can’t happen. Reach out to learn 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.