News from Principal Knoebel

Dear Elementary Families,

One of my favorite things to do at the start of the school year is viewing our 5th graders' personal timeline projects. These timelines offer a wonderful window into the significant and memorable events that have shaped our students into who they are today. Reading through them provides incredible insight into both the unique, varied journeys of each child and the shared experiences that connect them all. From the excitement of losing a first tooth or winning a medal, to the joy of welcoming the birth of a sibling, to the tender, deeply meaningful moments like grieving the loss of a grandparent. It is an extraordinary activity that reminds us of the rich stories every student brings to our classrooms.

Just as families nurture these unforgettable milestones at home, our goal as an educational community is to build memorable, lasting experiences here at school. These special programs, field trips, and campus traditions are made possible through the generous financial support of our parent community and the hard work of our CEPO group. Please consider supporting the Centennial Stroll, our important fall fundraiser organized by CEPO, and becoming involved with this event. See detailed information below in the CEPO section to find out how you can help. Thank you.

With gratitude,

Peter Knoebel

Principal

Centennial Elementary School

Calendar

September

24: Parent Info Night for Grade 5 from 5-6 pm

30: Unclaimed Lost & Found items donated after 4 pm

October

1: MyConferenceTime opens at 6 am to sign up for Parent Teacher conferences

2: Stroll donations due to the office by 4 pm to be eligible for prizes: CHS Homecoming parade @ 4:15 pm

6: Lifetouch Student Picture Retake Day 9:30-11 am

7: Centennial Stroll @ CHS track 1:30-2:30 pm.

8: Stroll rain date

9: MyConferenceTime closes at 10 pm

15 & 16: No School/MEA break

20: Parent Teacher conferences and Book Fair 4-8 pm

22: Parent Teacher conferences and Book Fair 4-8 pm

Growing Up Digital

Come join us for a discussion at Centennial Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 1st on how to help our kids navigate the world of technology.

This parent workshop will combine the latest brain research with strategies to help families create healthy digital habits.

School Picture Retakes

If your student was absent on Picture Day (Sept. 15th), please click on the link below to sign up for retakes.

Parents may contact Lifetouch's Customer Success team with any questions at 1-800-736-4753.

Lifetouch Retake Photo Day Sign Up Link

CEPO

Save the Date for our October Meeting!

When: Thursday, October 1 at 5:30 PM
Where: Centennial Elementary Media Center

Whether you're a returning parent or brand new to CTE, we would love to see you there. The more, the merrier—grab a friend (or two!) and bring them along.

Fundraiser notice for Centennial Stroll with cougar mascot

CTE Stroll!

Get ready to walk, run, and have a blast at the 21st Annual Centennial Elementary (CTE) STROLL, our biggest fundraiser of the year! The STROLL is a fun and active way for students to raise money for our school.

Here's how it works:

Students collect donations of any amount.
They celebrate their hard work by walking the high school track with their classmates.
Family and friends are invited to cheer everyone on from the bleachers!

100% of all donations go directly to Centennial Elementary. These funds support so many of the fun events and programs our kids love, like the Back-to-School Ice Cream Social, Family Fun Nights, school assemblies, and classroom enrichment activities.

Important Dates:

Donations Due: Friday, Oct 2, 2026

Donations can be accepted via cash, check, Venmo @CEPO_CTE and/or PayPal @teamCEPO

STROLL: Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at the Centennial High School Track.

Learn more at https://isd12cepo.com/stroll/

Volunteers Needed

CEPO needs your help to make the STROLL a success! The more volunteers we have (Parents, Grandparents, Aunts/Uncles, Friends, Neighbors, etc), the more FUN we can have at the STROLL. We request that volunteers are 18+ years old.

We are looking for 10+ volunteers to help run an activity station at the STROLL (12:45 PM to 2:45 PM). All volunteers will have the opportunity to purchase a STROLL T-shirt at cost. If you're able to help, please email CEPO at TeamCEPO@gmail.com or complete the google form.

Please contact CEPO if you have any questions or ideas for the STROLL!

District Office News

What maintaining student learning looks like

Question 1 is a districtwide operating levy that would help maintain teachers, programs, services, reasonable class sizes, and daily operations.

ELEMENTARY: classroom teachers, literacy and math support, special education, and multilingual learner services.
MIDDLE SCHOOL: core instruction, counselors and student supports, exploratory learning and activities.
HIGH SCHOOL/ALC: a broad course range, career-connected and advanced learning, counseling, fine arts and co-curricular opportunities.

Review the needs and financial information at isd12.org/centennial-forward.

The Centennial School Board has brought forward two critical referendum questions for the November 2026 ballot to address long-term operational and facility needs:

QUESTION 1: OPERATING LEVY
The district is asking voters to authorize an additional $375 per pupil operating levy to maintain strong educational programming and support student learning.
QUESTION 2: FACILITIES BOND
The district is asking voters to authorize $108.9 million in building bonds to maintain safe, functional learning environments through school facility improvements.

TOUR:

See our schools. Learn about identified needs. Ask questions.

Join us for a walking tour of Centennial High School and Centennial Elementary to learn more about the two referendum questions and see the areas identified through the Centennial Forward planning process.

Upcoming Tours

Thursday, October 8 at 6 p.m.

Location: Meet in the Learning Commons at Centennial High School (4757 North Road, Circle Pines)
During the tour, community members will have an opportunity to learn more about:

The two referendum questions on the November 2026 ballot
How proposed improvements address identified district needs
How school spaces and facilities support students, staff, and the community

Preparing Students for Their Future
Preparing students for tomorrow begins with meaningful learning today. See how Centennial students build knowledge, solve problems, collaborate and explore future pathways through engaging learning experiences.

Student working at small table with others

Student Experience
Learning environments shape the student experience every day. See how flexible, functional spaces can support collaboration, individualized learning and the many ways students learn today.

Immunization Information

Minnesota law requires children enrolled in childcare, early childhood education, or school to be immunized against certain diseases, unless the child is medically or non-medically exempt. If proper documentation is not provided, students will be unable to attend school after October 30, 2026. Contact your student’s school with questions.

Make a Difference and be a Substitute in Our Schools!

Don’t miss this chance to get involved and make a difference in the Centennial School District. No experience necessary; training provided.

Available substitute positions (apply at My Kelly):

• Substitute Teachers: To qualify, you must have bachelor’s degree with MN Teaching or Substitute License; you can obtain a Short Call License if you have a bachelor’s degree.

• Substitute Paraprofessionals: To qualify, you must have a HS Diploma/GED.

Substitutes are also needed for Kids Club, food service, custodial, administrative assistants, and nurses. Application information for these positions can be found on the Centennial website.

Community Education

Wolf Howl Bonfire (all ages/family)

Meet and learn about some of Minnesota’s most fascinating wildlife during a bonfire program at the Wildlife Science Center, including wolves, mountain lions, coyotes, foxes and more. Sit fireside and roast marshmallows while listening for the wolves. This activity is held Friday, Sept. 25.

Clay: Monster Mash (ages 7+)

Join Stacy to build and paint your own silly monster keepsake. Your piece will be fired at the studio and ready to pick-up in a couple of weeks. Enjoy the fun and relaxation of working with clay. This activity is held Oct. 10 at Blue Turtles Art and Wellness.

More happening soon:

Sept. 29- Say it in Song Spanish (gr. 1-5)

Oct. 5- Karate (ages 4-12)

Oct. 10- Family LEGO Night (all ages/family)

Oct. 12- Camp Rock Musical Theater (ages 7-11)

Oct. 14- Skyhawks Floor Hockey (ages 3-8)

Oct. 24- DASH Volleyball (ages 6-12)

Skyhawks Basketball (ages 3-12)

Oct. 26- Fall Soccer Skills (gr. K-2)

Oct. 29- Fencing (gr. 2-8)

Go online to view all fall activities and to register, community.isd12.org.

Student Day Letter Calendar 2026-27

September Lunch Menu

CTE Cub Connections

Sept. 23, 2026

News from Principal Knoebel

Calendar

Growing Up Digital

School Picture Retakes

CEPO

CTE Stroll!

District Office News

What maintaining student learning looks like

Immunization Information

Make a Difference and be a Substitute in Our Schools!

Community Education

Resources

News from Principal Knoebel News from Principal Knoebel

Calendar Calendar

Growing Up Digital Growing Up Digital

School Picture Retakes

CEPO CEPO

CTE Stroll!

District Office News District Office News

What maintaining student learning looks like

Immunization Information

Make a Difference and be a Substitute in Our Schools!

Community Education Community Education

Resources

News from Principal Knoebel

Calendar

Growing Up Digital

CEPO

District Office News

Community Education