CHS News

A huge congratulations to senior Albert Cao (left) and junior Nathan Lu (right) who both advanced to the USA Mathematics Olympiad!

Only the top 11% in the nation advance to this round, which is held over two days and consists of six proof-based questions to be completed in nine hours.

Good luck to Albert and Nathan in the next round on March 21st and 22nd!

Alex Hobson took first in the regional Poetry Out Loud contest on February 21.

There were 16 students who competed in the regional competition. This is the third year in a row that a CHS student has qualified for the state championship!

Alex goes on to compete at the state level on Saturday, March 7, at Montgomery College.

Wishing you all the best, Alex. We are so excited for you!

Centennial sent two teams on Saturday February 28, to History Bowl Regionals in Maryland in order to qualify both teams to the National Tournament at the end of April (we had already qualified 1 team in the fall).

Mission accomplished! Both JV teams had to defeat the best JV team from our rival Montgomery Blair, which they did, and when the dust settled, we came in first place (A Team) and second place (B Team). In the individual Bee tournament sophomore Sahil Prasad won the Gold Medal, and freshman Joshua Jon won the Bronze Medal.

Our all sophomore A Team: Henry Berger, Sahil Prasad, Rosa Kurish, Satvik Jain

Our all freshman B Team: Swara Rawat, Joshua Jon, Vikaas Srinivas, Eshan Prasanna

Congratulations for both teams qualifying to Nationals!

Two CHS students are AFCEA Central Maryland Scholarship winners! Congratulations to:

• Albert Cao (left), who was selected to receive the AFCEA Central Maryland Chapter (CMD) Timothy Sheahan STEM Scholarship.
• Tommy Diep (right), who was selected to receive the AFCEA Central Maryland Chapter (CMD) Cyber Studies STEM Scholarship.

AFCEA Central Maryland Chapter awards merit-based STEM scholarships to graduating high school seniors for their past achievements and to aid aspiring engineers, technicians, programmers, and military in accomplishing their career goals. Each scholarship is valued at $12,000 or $3,000 for each year of an undergraduate degree program.

We are so proud of you!

The Competitive Coding Club came in #3 (out of 30) at University of Maryland, winning $1000 for the club!

Congratulations to our team:

• Albert Cao

• Jayson Liu

• Zach Schmelzer

This is the third year in a row that CHS won third place.

They did a great job, and were even a team member down so had to pull extra weight this year.

The Chinese Parents Association at CHS hosted their annual Dumpling Day celebration to kickoff Staff Appreciation Week!

The celebration — a time-honored CHS tradition — included marvelous spread for all teachers and staff, including fresh dumplings, fried rice, fried noodles, General Tso’s chicken, and a fun surprise! Much of the food was catered from Royal Buffet and Grill.

We are so grateful to the Chinese Parent Association and all that they do throughout the year to always support or students, staff, and community.

Wen you mention hospitality at CHS, three names immediately come to mind: Karyn Hobson, Lorri Raney, and Martha Love! All three were here on Thursday to celebrate Staff Appreciation Week and to remind us that bing part of the CHS community is a remarkable gift!

Congratulations to our sensational senior athletes! We are so proud of your accomplishments!

BOYS BASKETBALL

Keyaan Haider, Evan Ruiz, Ryan Doody, Mason Gardner, Kyle Fant, Obi Agbim, Khan Bayasgalan

DRILL TEAM

Jay Molyett, Alisson Rubio, and Hannah Zhou

CHEERLEADING

Aniyah Walton, Brianna Gauthia, and Angela Huang

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Bea Petrlik, Sanvi Kolhatkar, and Abby Hitzelberger

Congratulations — our wrestlers are state finalists!

Sophia Cortez, Katelyn Parbuoni, Anthony Parbuoni, Grady Conrad, and Justus Hwang with Coach Kraisser and Coach Shapiro.

The Wingspan, our CHS school newspaper, released their 2nd print edition this week.

The issue is twelve pages of exceptional student reporting and writing, packed with news, features, opinion, A&E, sports, and activities!

You can view the issue at chswingspan.com or pick up a print copy from the rack in the hallway by the concession stand.

• March 7 - HBCU Career Fair, Sponsored by HCPSS, Guilford Park HS, 9 AM - 2 PM
• March 10 - Spring Athletic Orientation, 6 PM
• March 12-14 - Spring Musical Production of Seussical, 7 PM, tickets
• March 15 - Spring Musical Production of Seussical, 2 PM, tickets
• March 16 - Alpha Achievers Induction Ceremony, 6 PM
• March 18 - Senior Luau, 6-9 PM, tickets
• March 23 - Orchestra Spring Concert, 7 PM
• March 24 - Band Spring Concert, 7 PM
• March 25 - Choir Spring Concert, & PM
• March 26 - Dancing With the Staff, 7 PM
• April 6 - CALENDAR CHANGE - Full Day of School for Students
• April 10 - ASVAB Testing
• April 15 - CALENDAR CHANGE - 3-Hour Early Dismissal for Students
• April 17 - GT Student Learning Conference
• April 22 - Pre-Prom Assembly for all Juniors and Seniors, 8:30 -10:30 AM
• April 23 & 24 - Spring Dance Concert, 7 PM
• April 25 - Prom
• April 27 - Athletics Decision Day, 3 PM, gym
• May 14 - CALENDAR CHANGE - Full Day of School for Students
• May 18 - June 4, 2026 - Class of 2026 Graduation Window
• June 16- 18 - CALENDAR CHANGE - Inclement Weather Make-up Days; 3-Hour Early Dismissal Days for Students

Friday, March 6, 2026

1:00PM Wrestling State Tournament @ The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro

Saturday, March 7, 2026

2:00PM Maryland State Finals for Poetry Out Loud @ Montgomery College Rockville Campus

Sunday, March 8, 2026

Monday, March 9, 2026

4:00PM V Softball vs Middletown HS (scrimmage)

4:15PM V Baseball @ Glenelg Country School (scrimmage)

6:00PM Boosters Meeting in the Media Center

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

6:00PM Spring Athletic Orientation – ALL parents/guardians of Spring Athletes should attend!

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

FBLA State Competition in Ocean City, MD!

4:30PM JV Softball vs Linganore HS (scrimmage)

4:30PM V Softball @ Linganore HS (scrimmage)

6:30PM PTSA Meeting in Student Services

7:00PM NHS Meeting in the Media Center

Thursday, March 12, 2026

FBLA State Competition in Ocean City, MD!

7:00PM Opening Night for Seussical, presented by Skyward Theatre

Friday, March 13, 2026

FBLA State Competition in Ocean City, MD

4:15PM JV Baseball vs Westminster HS (scrimmage)

7:00PM Seussical

Saturday, March 14, 2026

SAT Day!

8:00AM Girls Lacrosse Play Day

12:00PM V Baseball @ Westminster HS (scrimmage)

7:00PM Seussical

Sunday, March 15, 2026

2:00PM Seussical

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEK…

Congratulations to our Wrestling State Contenders 🎉

Grady Conrad & Katelyn Parbuoni and alternates Sophia Cortez, Justus Hwang, and Anthony Parbuoni!

The Game Day Operations Club is in full swing and we’re looking for students interested in assisting with the set-up, tickets, clock, officials, and visiting team at our upcoming Spring events! Contact Mrs. Clark, if you’re interested in joining the club!

Our beautiful singers have returned to our athletic events to sing the National Anthem and we are so happy to have you at our events! It’s not too late to audition. See Ms. Vanover or Mr. Traver if you’re interested in performing.

ATHLETICS NEWS

The State Wrestling Tournament continues through the weekend at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD! Best wishes to Katelyn and Grady as they advance to the next round!

Please make sure to purchase your tickets through GoFan. State events require that ALL

individuals 7 years of age and older are required to purchase a ticket.

We are excited to celebrate our student-athletes on Decision Day, which will be held on April 27th at 3:00 p.m. in the Centennial High School gymnasium. This is a special opportunity to recognize your athlete’s hard work, dedication, and accomplishments as they continue their athletic journey beyond high school. If your student is committed to playing a competitive sport at the next level, please take a moment to fill out the Decision Day form. Please be sure to complete the form by April 10th so we can include your student in the celebration!

Let’s Go, Eagles!!

Follow your favorite teams on Fan Hudl

Want to see your favorite staff member dance to Iconic musical showtunes and compete for the title of Dancing with the Staff Champion?! Come out and support the dance program by attending our biggest fundraiser of the year dancing with the Staff: On Broadway, Thursday March 26th, at 7PM.

Admission is free, so please join us to cheer on our participants. You can purchase votes to be sure your favorite dancing staff member wins! Pre-order your discount voting bundles on OSP available now! Rates will go up during the show. All proceeds go to Centennial Dance, thank you in advance!

Link to purchase: https://osp.osmsinc.com/HowardMD/BVModules/ProductTemplates/Bvc2013/Product.aspx?productid=DA041-1592

Current voting rates: 1$ - 2 votes

5$ - 10 votes

10$ - 22 votes

20$ - 46 votes

50$ - 120 votes

Many thanks to the amazing staff at Edible Arrangements in Elkridge! You have touched our hearts with your generosity and support of our school.

Don't forget to support those who support CHS!

Edible Arrangements

6010 Meadowridge Center Dr, Elkridge, MD 21075

410-799-1057

The Shrine of St Anthony allows photography sessions on its grounds and courtyard. This is a lovey spot that is frequently used by our students for prom and graduation photos.

Unfortunately, on the following dates, the Shrine will be closed to the public due to special events taking place on the property: Saturday, April 4th , Saturday, April 25th, Saturday, May 16th, Saturday, May 23rd, and Friday and Saturday, June 12th and 13th

The Shrine property will not be open for photos on the dates listed above. If you wish to visit the property another time for photos, please call the Shrine Office at 410-531-2800.

Centennial High School is seeking volunteers from our community to serve as interviewers for our upcoming Junior Interview Day, and we would greatly value your participation.

As part of the Howard County Public School System’s Graduation Requirements (Policy 8030: Career Preparation Requirements), all students complete structured career preparation activities, including developing a four-year plan, preparing a résumé, and participating in a job interview simulation. Our Junior Interview Day gives 11th-grade students the opportunity to practice professional interview skills in a realistic, supportive setting with adults from a variety of career fields.

We are looking for volunteers who are willing to conduct short mock interviews, ask prepared questions, and offer brief, constructive feedback. No prior interviewing experience is required — all questions, scoring guides, and a brief orientation will be provided.

Event Dates & Volunteer Shifts:

• Tuesday, March 17 — 8:00–11:00 AM (arrive at 7:45am)

• Tuesday, March 17 — 11:30 AM–2:30 PM (arrive at 11:15am)

• Wednesday, March 18 — 8:00–11:00 AM (arrive at 7:45am)

If you are interested, please let us know which time slot(s) you are available by completing the following form: CHS Junior Interview Day Volunteer Form.

Your involvement makes a meaningful difference by helping students build confidence and connect their learning to real-world career expectations. Thank you for considering this opportunity to support our students.

Tickets are available for purchase at https://hcpss.booktix.com/dept/chs/e/SCHS

Now one of the most performed shows in America, Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! Tony winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once on This Island, Ragtime), have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.

The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many "thinks." Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant. (From mtishows.com)

We hope to see you there and thank you for your continued support.

HCPSS is thrilled to host the annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College and Career Fair on Saturday, March 7 from 9 AM - 2 PM at Guilford Park High School! This dynamic event offers students and their families a unique opportunity to connect with HBCU representatives and a wide variety of career and trade professionals from across the nation.

Attendees will meet HBCU representatives ready to share insights about their universities, along with career and trade organizations representing fields such as the Armed Services, Baltimore County EMT, Construction, Howard County Emergency Dispatch, and more.

The excitement continues with interactive workshops focused on financial aid, scholarships, essay writing, and college applications. Students will also gain practical skills through sessions on creating a standout résumé and cover letter, as well as tips for mastering a successful interview.

Don’t miss this powerful opportunity to explore pathways, build connections, and plan for the future! For more information, please visit our website (Click Here).

Are you a current sophomore that’s ready to take the next step of your leadership journey? Leadership U [LU] is a transformative 5-month leadership program for high school juniors in Howard County, MD, offering opportunities to activate your leadership skills, network with peers and community leaders, and make a difference through student-led team projects.

Applications for the 2026 program are open! Current sophomores can apply on the LHC website at Leadership U - Leadership Howard County. The application process will be open for students until April 6, 2026, with interviews taking place in late April and the program commencing in Summer 2026 as students begin their junior year.

Want to learn more? Info sessions will be held in February and March with updates located on the LHC website. Questions? Contact Program Coordinator, Alli Eastham, at aeastham@leadershiphc.org and follow us on social media @lhcleads.

Rising Seniors - Do you want to apply for an Apprenticeship for next school year? Complete this interest form NOW!

Will you be a 12th grader next school year? Do you want to enter the workforce while still in high school? Do you want to work with a mentor in a specific career field? Do you want to get a jumpstart into an existing registered apprenticeship program?

Apprenticeship Maryland is a graduation pathway for seniors, who are interested in employment and further education in a career pathway. Students participating in the Apprenticeship Maryland Academy will earn a salary while learning valuable and marketable industry skills. The program includes a combination of on-the-job training and one year of industry related classroom instruction.

For more information, click here: HCPSS Apprenticeship Links to an external site.

Please complete the following form to indicate your interest in the program: 26-27 Apprenticeship Application Interest Form Links to an external site.

Once this form is completed, Ms. Clearfield, Career Readiness Advisor and Ms. Kochanski, Career Coach, will be in touch to schedule an appointment to complete the application, resume, and cover letter. Ms. Kochanski will also work with you on interview preparation.

Please do not hesitate to ask any questions.

Winter is here and we our supply of tissues is running low.

We are grateful for the donations you have sent already, and hope that you can send a few more boxes to the front office again!

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.

Class of 2026 Senior banners on sale now at a DISCOUNT price of ONLY $35. Save $10 by ordering by March 15. Standard price ($45) begins on March 16 through March 27.

These banners hang in our Gym/Auditorium halls from April 13, until distributed at your graduation rehearsal. Banners are 36 X 24 vinyl and perfect for either an indoor or outdoor graduation celebration events.

Order yours now through our OSP store with this direct link: https://osp.osmsinc.com/p/DA041-671.

Remember to complete the Google Form (on OSP) when placing your order so we can print your congratulatory quote as requested.

The Matthew W. Watson Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Matt Watson, Class of 2005. He was a loving son, brother, friend, and beloved member of the Centennial High School Community. This scholarship supports undergraduate students attending the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD). The scholarship award is up to $2,000 and is renewable based upon availability of funds and recipients maintaining good academic standing. Special consideration is given to applicants who demonstrate the passion, humor, and talents that Matt Watson exemplified, and those who provide compelling, thoughtful, genuine, and thorough essay responses.

Applications due by May 1st, link here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfmxszFmZUsX71R_IvHGmaoknCMTazaoa-dKOLe8Lg7KMiPuA/viewform

The Charlotte Spitalnic Memorial Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Centennial High School class of 2025 student, Charlotte Spitalnic. One or more scholarships of $2,500 will be awarded.

CHS seniors with a passion for choir and/or theater and willingness to share how they have demonstrated leadership and compassion for others are invited to apply.

The application is available at: application

The Emily Scott Memorial Scholarship honors the life and legacy of 2018 Centennial High School graduate, Emily Scott.

CHS seniors in good academic standing and willing to share how they have demonstrated kindness and acceptance of others are invited to apply.

Two graduating seniors will be awarded scholarships of $2,500.

APPLY HERE BY MARCH 22nd!"

The Class of 2026 will be hosting a senior-only event on Wednesday, March 18th from 6-9 PM in the cafeteria.

Come and enjoy some Mission BBQ, music, karaoke, and photo booth - luau style. No sporting events or practices will be affected. Tickets will be on sale until March 11th for $30 on the OSP.

We must sell 150 tickets for this event to go on. To date, only 18 tickets have been sold. Talk to your friends and come enjoy a fun night to kick off the spring of your senior year!"

Attention seniors! Auditions for speaking and performance roles for graduation are open. See Canvas for a link to the application form and additional information. For Graduation we are looking for a Master of Ceremonies, Keynote Speaker, and Turning of the Tassels speaker. If you have a unique message for the Class of 2026 we want you to audition! We also need a student performance. Ensembles of all seniors are preferred over a single performer.

https://forms.gle/EAcdECLKfGWM4twz5

HCPSS has received confirmation from Merriweather Post Pavilion of the window for the Class of 2026 high school graduations as May 18-June 4, 2026.

Confirmed dates and times are typically available in the early spring, once Merriweather finalizes its events schedule and provides HCPSS with specific dates for use.

After Prom will be here before you know it!

We are excited to host After Prom this year at the Supreme Sports Club on Saturday, April 25th, from 10:30 PM-2:00 AM. We are currently looking for help organizing After Prom and for getting raffle donations for the event. Please see the Signup Genius links below to sign up to volunteer and to donate for the raffle.

If you are interested in helping with After Prom, please sign up below or email afterprom-chair@chs-ptsa.org.

Volunteer Signup Genius link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A45AAAB2FABF4C07-61632066-2026#/

Donation Signup Genius link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A45AAAB2FABF4C07-61632566-after#/

Attention all Juniors and Seniors!

We are excited to host After Prom this year at Supreme Sports Club. We need your help to make this the best experience for you by knowing what you want! Answer the questions below before March 6th to give your input and be entered to win a free ticket to After Prom.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEcEtNRxRZeKkJLhhCaioXML1G5-LrkauzJgoiXaI-nLE1Kw/viewform?usp=header

Please join us in the Centennial HS parking lot on Tuesday, March 3rd before and after school for two awesome refreshment trucks!

Before school, starting at 7:00 AM, we will be having the Travelin’ Toms Coffee Truck. Directly after school we will be having Kona Ice.

Proceeds of all sales will go to support CHS PTSA After Prom.

Attention Eagle SAT Test-Takers! Please take note of SAT Prep classes being held at Centennial High School. Get ready, get prepared, you got this!

Register for any class and the CHS PTSA receives a donation.

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!

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.

In partnership with the Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity (OHRE), the inaugural Belonging Architect program is being offered for the 2026-27SY, kicking off with a summer institute at Oakland Mills High School during the week of July 13th through July 17th.

The application for student participation is an open invitation to any student who will be in high school in HCPSS during the 2026-27SY. Our goal is to have representation from each high school.

Below you will find relevant information:

• Application (open until May 8, 2026)

• Fliers: English, Spanish, Korean, and Chinese

• Website

The purpose of the Belonging Architect program is to:

• Establish channels of collaboration between students and school administration to co-create cultures of belonging.

• Provide access to professional training to level up student driven outcomes.

• Expand student definition of leadership to encompass key concepts of equity through strategic HCPSS partners.

Questions? Please contact Shannon Keeny and Danielle DuPuis.

Your support is needed for a Jason's Deli Fundraiser happening next Thursday, March 12th from 5:00PM - 9:00PM at Jason's Deli in Columbia. Please show this linked flyer or mention HCPSS Belonging Architects at the checkout to ensure we receive credit for your purchase. Funds raised from this event will go towards funding food for our Belonging Architect Program for high schoolers this summer.

If you are unable to support the fundraiser, please forward this message to a friend who might be interested.

There will also be another opportunity to show your support next month at the Ellicott City Chipotle on Tuesday, April 14th from 5:00PM - 9:00PM.

West Point Leaders of Character Seminar (WPLCS), hosted at Loyola University Maryland in partnership with Loyola University Maryland Army ROTC.

Date/Time: Wednesday, March 25th from 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Loyola University Maryland, McGuire Hall, 4501 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21210
Cost: Free

The West Point Leadership and Character Seminar (WPLCS), co-hosted by United States Military Academy cadets and Loyola University Maryland ROTC cadets, is a full-day leadership development experience designed for high school students in grades 8–11.

Participants will engage in interactive breakout sessions, hear from keynote speakers, and take part in meaningful discussions focused on leadership, character, and decision-making. Guided by cadets preparing to become Army officers through both West Point and ROTC, students will gain practical tools they can apply in school, athletics, and their communities.

The program highlights the Army’s dual pathways to officership while reinforcing timeless values of integrity, service, resilience, and teamwork.

Following the seminar, students and families are invited to attend an optional West Point information session. Students may also register separately to complete the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) HERE.

Here is the registration link: WPLCS Registration Form.

West Point Leadership and Character Seminar Scholarships of $2,500, $1,500, and $1,000 Awarded!

Skyy 2 Win Youth Foundation is excited to once again offer our Spring Break Basketball Camp, returning for its 9th year!

This year’s camp will run Monday, March 30 through Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The camp is open to boys and girls in grades 3–9 (ages 9–14) and is a great way for kids to stay active during spring break while improving their basketball skills.

• SPRING BREAK BASKETBALL CAMP

All families are welcome to attend the HCPSS SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCE FAIR!
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Location: Cedar Lane School, 11630 Scaggsville Road, Fulton, MD

This free HCPSS Special Education Resource Fair provides families with information available from the community and HCPSS to support their students receiving special education and related services. Get connected to services for students with a developmental delay or disability including:

• Services within HCPSS

• Recreational Activities

• Camps

• Community Groups

• Service Providers

• Transition Information

• Assistive Technology

• Behavioral Health

• Howard County Government Resources

For information, please contact FSRC@hcpss.org. Registration is not required. This event is part of the HCPSS Parent Empowerment Series including training sessions related to special education and events for families of students with an IEP or IFSP.

Calendar of Events:

• April 7, 2026- HoCo Student Film Festival/HC DrugFree Category Submission Deadline

• May 1, 2026 - HoCo Film Festival at Miller Library

For more information on how high school students can join the HC DrugFree team, as well as information on free Narcan training and kits, safe storage of meds, sharps disposal, and more, visit the HC DrugFree website.

Do you enjoy watching films? Do you like making films? The HoCo Student Film Festival is now accepting submissions!

The deadline to submit your films is April 7th, 2026 and the film festival will be held at the Miller Branch of the Howard County Library on May 1st at 7:00pm. Check out our website: https://hocofilmfest.weebly.com/ or go see your library media specialist for more information.

So grab that camera and start filming YOUR story!

Films can range from:

1. Genre story-based films: Students create a fictional story-based film under the genre of their choosing. (Comedy, Drama, Romance, Horror, etc.)

1. HC Drug Free PSA’s: Students can submit PSA’s under the HC Drug Free category, highlighting the theme: In the Know: Fake Pills, Real Danger. If you would like to reach out to your health teachers, here is a PSA lesson for possible collaboration.

1. A story-based or documentary style video for the HoCo 250 Commission celebrating America’s 250th year: The Howard County Student Film Festival is honored to collaborate with the Youth Engagement Committee on the HoCo 250 Commission to create a category for Howard County students honoring this anniversary. Students can create story-based or documentary-style films encompassing the theme: Redefining Patriotism.

Please consider donating to support the HoCo Film Festival. All proceeds go directly to monetary prizes and trophies for students.

• 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.