EAGLES NEST  

December 14, 2018

 

From the Principal’s Desk…

 

I would like to take some time to follow up on last evenings message about the school safety concern. As I shared in my message to you last night, we received reports of a post circulating social media outlets warning of a threat to our school. Specifically, the post stated, “Today at lunch I overheard some guys joking about shooting up the school at lunch on friday (sic).” In collaboration with the Howard County Police Department and school based administrators, we confirmed the origin of the rumor, communicated with students and their families, and determined there was no credible threat to the school. In order to support students, staff, and families, the police department increased visibility here at Centennial today.

 

We are extremely happy several students immediately alerted their parents last evening when the screenshot of the social media post started circulating: this is precisely what we want students to do. Please help us reinforce this message by discussing the following with your child:

 

• Unfounded statements create anxiety and fear, so it is imperative students do not joke about threats or acts of violence.
• Making statements or accusations, particularly without evidence, that someone could be a school shooter or that there could be a school shooting or other threat to a public building or group of people is not only irresponsible, it’s unsafe and could result in consequences.
• Students are to report concerns immediately to a trusted adult: an administrator, counselor, teacher, SRO or security assistant. Outside of the school day, serious concerns about the safety and well being of an individual or the security of our campus should immediately be reported to the Howard County Police Department.
• Social media posts, reposting (the main issue in this instance), and other methods of spreading rumors may be considered a ‘Disruption’ under the HCPSS Code of Conduct and may be subject to school consequences and police charges.

 

My original message to you was about using the grade reports coming out next week to ensure your student is on track, but I’m saving that one for another day. Same with the second revision that was about gratitude. Right now, our focus needs to be on the topic at hand. I suspect you’ve already engaged in some degree of discussion with your children about their personal safety. If you haven’t made an attempt because you weren’t sure about the words to choose, we are linking a resource for you to refer to from the National Association of School Psychologists (Tips for Parents and Teachers). Raising awareness of safety and security is never a bad idea. I encourage you to find a time to talk, even if it appears your student doesn’t need to. High schoolers are stereotypically reluctant to talk about feelings and fears (but are really good at talking about their perceived rights). Reports such as those that flooded our community last night are not only alarming, but confusing and complex. Letting them know how you are feeling - even if you’re not really sure - is a good way to open the door to a rich conversation.

 

Finally, as the winter break approaches, I would like to send the warmest of wishes for a safe and happy holiday season on behalf of the staff of Centennial High School. We would like to thank each student, parent, and community member who has honored our staff with well wishes, kind words, and tokens of appreciation. We are sincerely appreciative of your thoughtfulness and, more importantly, your support. This business of education is only possible with the help of our parent base. Thank you for all you do to support our school community.

 

Next week, we will not be sending out a full Friday newsletter. You can expect regular communication to resume in 2019.

 

Best to you and yours,

Cindy Dillon

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

See what’s happening at CHS! (and add our Google Calendar to your phone!)

 

Friday, December 14th   

5:15/7:00PM – JV & Varsity Girls Basketball HOST Long Reach HS

5:15/7:00PM – JV & Varsity Boys Basketball @ Long Reach HS, Bus Departs @ 4:15PM

 

Saturday, December 15th   

8:00AM – Boys & Girls Indoor Track Meet @ PG Sports Complex, Bus Departs @ 6:30AM

 

HCPSS Admission Policy - $4.00 Adults, $3.00 Students

PG Sports Complex Admission - $5.00 All

 

 

CELEBRATE CENTENNIAL:

• Noni Grimes and Gabrielle Cherry have had their work selected for a competitive art exhibition at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore. Each produced powerful artworks inspired by the Harlem Renaissance artist Romare Bearden. Their masterpieces will be on display at the museum and will celebrated at the exhibition opening on January 21st (Martin Luther King day) from 11 - 4 PM.
• Congratulations to the following Centennial orchestra students on being accepted into Maryland Junior/Senior All-State Orchestra. Kudos to their hard work and being accepted to such a prestigious ensemble!

Junior. All State Orchestra: Brandon Du, Ethan Li, James MacLellan, Jonathan Mei, Eddy Qiu, Julia Ye, Cecilia Wang

Senior All State Orchestra: Emily Kim,  Eric Kim, Hannah Kim, Helen Li, Vicki Li, Ethan Lin, Justin Liang, Katelyn Moon, Joshua Qiu

• CHS has been ranked as a Top 10 Source School for the University of Maryland College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences for the  2018-2019 academic year.
• CHS has also been ranked as a Top 25 Source School for the University of Maryland A. James Clark School of Engineering for the 2018-2019 academic year.
• The US EPA has awarded CHS the Energy Star for our energy consumption rating. We use 35% less energy and generate 35% less greenhouse gas emissions than similar buildings across the nation.

EAGLE NEWS

LOST & FOUND

Our Lost & Found items are growing exponentially…..If you are missing an item(s) or think your student has misplaced their jackets, lunch boxes, water bottles, tennis shoes, etc. please stop by the Cafeteria to look for the missing items.  ALL Lost and Found items not claimed by end of the school day on Wednesday, December 19, will be donated.  Thanks for your cooperation.

 

Bike Racks

We have several bike racks located in the front of the school.  If you choose to ride your bike to school, please note that bikes need to be locked on the racks in the front of the building.  Bikes not secured in the assigned location are at risk of having the locks cut in order to remove them.

 

Federal Impact Aid Forms

Federal Impact Aid forms will be coming home for parents who have indicated via the Family File that they are employed on federally owned property in the State of Maryland or are an active duty member of the military.  Additionally, students whose families did not provide eligibility information via Family File are receiving a form.  In order that full funding is assured, we are asking that every eligible family in the Howard County Public School System return a signed form to their student’s school by Friday, December 21, 2018.   Thanks for your cooperation.

 

Recycled Treasure Sale

Each year the Homewood School holds a "Recycled Treasure Sale" for their students to go "shopping" for gifts for the holiday season.  This sale consists of lightly used or new items that people have donated.  See flyer for gift suggestions. Homewood Treasure Sale

 

If you would like to make a donation, please drop items off to me by Tuesday, December 18th, in Room 913.

 

2019 Graduation

The window for graduation dates for the Class of 2019 is Monday, May 20 - Friday, May 24 and Tuesday, May 28 - Friday, May 31.  Read more

 

After School Activity Bus

The after school activity bus is running for students on Tuesdays and Thursdays afternoons.   Read more

 

Midterm Review

Each year we offer optional, after school midterm review opportunities for 9th graders. Read more

PTSA/Boosters News

See what’s happening with CHS PTSA or CHS Boosters by clicking the names.

 

BONUS MONEY FOR YOUR STUDENT!?!?!  GIVE BACK WITHOUT SPENDING EXTRA!

Did you know… that EVERY SINGLE ITEM you purchase using our personalized AMAZON LINK GIVES MONEY BACK to the CHS PTSA?  Read more

 

Clothing to Cash UPDATE

Hello, Eagles! In the month of November, we collected a total of 2029 pounds of goods for Clothing to Cash.  Pretty amazing! Other local schools collected even more, putting CHS in 3rd place. We earned a $25 bonus, making our check $227.90. Good work!  Please remember to continue dropping off items in the white bin - Thank you!

 

Half Price Chick-fil-A gift cards for sale

The PTSA is selling packs of ten gift cards for good for one Chick-fil-A sandwich or one 8 count nuggets for $15.  Read more

 

CHS Booster Annual Christmas Fundraiser

Christmas Trees for the holidays. Christmas Tree Flyer.png

 

New CHS Spiritwear

In stock just in time for the HOLIDAYS including our popular quarter zip sweatshirts in light gray and a new darker heather gray.  Check out our current inventory on the Centennial Boosters website at www.centennialboostersonline.com.   From there you can view (but not purchase) items from the website and then shoot an email to Michelle Berry at shelberry@verizon.net with your order.   All orders are first come, first serve and final sales.

 

CHS Boosters Adult Trivia Night

Join us for our second annual CHS Boosters Adult Trivia Night!  We will be having trivia night on Sat. January 5th at Kiwanis Wallis Hall in Ellicott City. Doors open at 6pm, trivia starts at 7pm.  Your  $40 ticket includes professionally run trivia and dinner.  This adult only event is BYOB.  This great event is the perfect way to both support our teams and clubs while having fun with all the adults in our amazing community! Registration is now open and we are limited to the first 200 participants!  So send in your registration asap!  Return the attached flyer and payment to the CHS front office.  Questions contact Meg Roth megroth@comcast.net  Trivia Night Flyer

 

It's Holiday Cookie Time!

The PTSA Staff Appreciation Committee would like to spread some holiday cheer by giving a delicious box of homemade cookies to all staff members and bus drivers to celebrate the holidays. We ask volunteers to bake and donate 4 dozen homemade cookies. We also welcome special items like homemade candy and fudge (need 4 dozen pieces, please). Sign up here.

• Homemade only! Please, no store bought or "slice and bake" cookies.

• Drop off your donations from Friday, December 14th through 2 pm Sunday, December 16th at 3710 Takoya Drive
• We will also need help packing the cookie boxes on December 16th, 3:30 to 5:30. You can sign up for this too.

For questions, please contact Eileen Singleton (eileenmgs@gmail.com) or Pauline Chan (chan052596@yahoo.com).

Community News

Please visit the Community News and Programs page on the HCPSS website for announcements of upcoming events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations (http://www.hcpss.org/community-news-and-programs/).

Ellicott City Rotary Club

The Ellicott City Rotary Club is looking for CHS sophomores and juniors interested in developing leadership
skills. We are offering a $360 scholarship to participate in RYLA, the Rotary
Youth Leadership Award Weekend. This event is held in Chevy Chase, February
16-18, 2019.   Visit RYLA to learn more: www.ryla7620.com.

 Interested 10th and 11th graders should contact Temrah Okonski:  okonskitg@verizon.net.  There will be a brief application and/or interview process. This is a great opportunity to enhance leadership skills while having fun and meeting new friends.  Students will grow, discover, practice communication, team building, all while learning about community and worldwide service.