EAGLES NEST
January 11, 2019
From the Principal’s Desk…
On November 14, I wrote to you to share the results of a water quality study conducted here at Centennial (re-posted on our website for your convenience). Last week, the Baltimore Sun and Howard County Times re-published those results and it seems their report, coupled with a headline that is a bit misleading, has some of us confused. Therefore, I’d like to take this opportunity to give you a summary of what has taken place in addition to a quick status update in hopes of clarifying what has transpired and to share what we can expect in terms of remediation.
In November, the school system conducted state mandated lead testing of all water outlets used for drinking water or food preparation. Of the the 57 outlets tested, 10 came back with lead levels above 20 ppb. These outlets were immediately shut off and have not been in use since the results were received. One test sample was voided due to a testing error (they tested the wrong spigot). The correct outlet was subsequently tested and the test results (received in mid-December) indicated levels below the threshold. Accordingly, that outlet remains in use. There are currently no unsafe outlets in use at Centennial.
The HCPSS Office of the Environment is currently working to remediate these issues. The steps that are in process include identifying the cause of the presence of lead in the water supply and then repairing the issue or permanently closing the outlet. We have been assured the school system is in the process of carrying out those corrective actions. Once again, the outlets that failed to meet standards have been closed and will not be in use again until remediation has taken place.
In other news related to safety and well-being, each of you received a message from the school system last week pertaining to the government shutdown and resources/programs available to those in need. As the mother of a furloughed government worker, I know how stressful the uncertainty of the shutdown and suspended paychecks can be. There is no doubt that today, the first day folks are being denied their salary, is going to start taking its toll. This situation is clearly having an impact on our friends and neighbors. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to support you. The school system has already offered to provide expedited approval of Free and Reduced Meals for students of impacted families. Further, if you become aware of any of our students who experiencing stress or anxiety, whether connected to this matter or not, please feel welcome to contact our Student Services team.
As we head into the weekend, with our eye on the first significant winter weather event of 2019, I wish you a safe and comfortable weekend. I also leave our students with this piece of advice: there is never a snow day when you fail to do your homework. So, proceed accordingly.
Best,
Cindy Dillon
PS Read on for information and updates about weather related cancellations of weekend activities, an update on the overcrowding options for SY 19-20, and more.
UPCOMING EVENTS
See what’s happening at CHS! (and add our Google Calendar to your phone!)
High School Exams
High school exams will begin on Tuesday, January 22nd and go through Friday, January 25. Please see the schedule below:
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
● Period 1 Exam; Bell Schedule #1
● Full day of school
● No extracurricular activities, including practices, rehearsals, events, etc.
● AM & PM ARL Classes in Session
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
● Periods 2 & 3 Exams; Bell Schedule #2
● High schools close 3 hours early
● No extracurricular activities, except 90 minute conditioning practices which may begin at 2:45 p.m.
● No PM ARL Students
Thursday, January 24, 2019
● Periods 4A & 4B Exams; Bell Schedule #2
● High schools close 3 hours early
● No extracurricular activities, except 90 minute conditioning practices which may begin at 2:45 p.m.
● No AM ARL Students
Friday, January 25, 2019
● Periods 5 & 6 Exams; Bell Schedule #2
● All schools close 3 hours early
● All extracurricular activities resume at 2:45pm
● No AM ARL Students
Class of 2022
The Class of 2022 will be hosting a pancake breakfast at Glory Day on Saturday, February 2nd from 8-10am. Tickets are $10 with proceeds going to the Class of 2022. With the purchase of a ticket you receive pancakes, bacon or sausage, OJ, coffee, or soda. Members of the Class of 2022 will be serving your breakfast!
Tickets will be available until January 30th online at https://osp.osmsinc.com/HowardMD/BVModules/ProductTemplates/Bvc2013/Product.aspx?productid=DA041-625 or checks can be made out to “Centennial High School” and dropped off in Mr. Moe or Mrs. Engle’s mailbox. Please denote on the bottom of your check how many family members are attending.
This is a great opportunity to have breakfast with members of the Centennial community and support the Class of 2022. Any questions please contact Colin Moe (colin_moe@hcpss.org) or Elizabeth Engle (Elizabeth_engle@hcpss.org). Thanks for your support and we look forward to seeing you on February 2nd!!!
CELEBRATE CENTENNIAL:
Congrats to Jillian Sanders, a Centennial junior. Her Reflections dance choreography entry titled “Brother” won first place in the county high school division and is advancing to the state level competition. Good Luck Jillian!
Please congratulate the following students on their results at the FBLA Region 5 Conference.
Kenneth Xue Accounting 1st place
Ryan Yu Computer Problem Solving 1st place
Edward Du Computer Problem Solving 2nd place
Talia Andrews Cybersecurity 1st place
Abhiram Metuku Introduction to Information Technology 2nd place
Anudeep Metuku Organizational Leadership 2nd place
Ashwin Iyer Political Science 1st place
Team Event:
Ana Cunningham, Anika Huang, Kiran Vepa Business Ethics 1st place
All of these students have qualified for the state competition.
EAGLE NEWS
Support for Families during the Government Shutdown
The ongoing shutdown of the federal government has caused financial hardship for too many of our friends and neighbors. Additionally, we know that students are experiencing anxiety and fear for their family's financial situation. We want to let you know of a few supports that are in place to help at this time.
Howard County families who have lost pay due to the shutdown may immediately apply for the Free and Reduced-Priced Meals (FARMs) program and the HCPSS Food and Nutrition Office will determine their eligibility status within 24-48 hours. Families that would not ordinarily qualify for the FARMs program could be eligible for the remainder of the school year because of the current loss of income.
Families that are adversely impacted, including those who do not receive FARMs assistance, will have the remainder of the school year to pay off any meal balances incurred during the government shutdown.
Additionally, many students may be suffering fear or anxiety about their family’s current financial situation. Student Services staff at each school are prepared and available to assist students at any time during the school day. Additionally, numerous resources for families are identified on the HCPSS website, and other supports are available through the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to support you, your family, or members of our community.
Overcrowding Update
Due low numbers of applicants, HCPSS will not move forward with the following options for students at Centennial and Howard High Schools:
1) Biomedical Science, Computer Science, and Aerospace Programs at Marriotts Ridge HS open to CHS, HoHS, and MRHS students.
2) Reassignment to Glenelg or Marriotts Ridge HS with transportation provided by HCPSS.
HCPSS will allow CHS and HoHS students request Reassignment to GHS or MRHS under the existing Policy 9000, “Student Residency, Eligibility, Enrollment and Assignment” procedures. Families will need to provide their own transportation but students would be immediately eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics and other activities as a member of the GHS or MRHS community, as reassignment would fall under a Board of Education approved special exception. Interested students and families should email student_reassignment@hcpss.org with questions.
Weekend Snow Emergency Procedures
If a snow emergency is in effect for Howard County at 7 a.m., all activities in schools, both school-sponsored and community-sponsored, are canceled for the entire day. This includes high school athletic practices and games.
Snow Emergency Information Site
http://www.chart.state.md.us/StormInfo/snow_emergency_plans.asp
HCPSS Information Hotlines
School Facilities/Fields Closings - 410-313-6827
Important:
1) If a snow emergency is lifted after 7 a.m. that same day, all activities remain canceled for the remainder of the day.
2) If a snow emergency goes into effect after 7 a.m. on any Saturday or Sunday, all activities
thereafter are canceled for the remainder of the day. If the activity is already in session the onsite administrator or designee can determine if the event should be continued or ended.
Black History Month
If your students enjoy writing, this is a wonderful opportunity to grow creatively, showcase their skills, participate in Black History Month and win cash. Read more
Peer Relationships and Substance Abuse Parent Workshop
Please join The Council of Elders of the Black Community of Howard County and Howard County Public School System in a workshop on what parents need to know about peer relationships and substance abuse. Read more
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.
Clothing to Cash Update
Happy New Year, Eagles! Way to start off the year right - number 1! In December, 1899 pounds of goods were donated to Clothing to Cash. With the bonus $100, CHS will receive a check for $289.90. Thank you!
SAVE THE DATE for our upcoming PSAT/SAT/ACT Prep Courses! Registration will open soon.... If you have any questions please contact Jackie Crispell at jcrispell@verizon.net - A Portion Of The Proceeds Benefits CHS PTSA! Read more
TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR THE ANNUAL CENTENNIAL BOOSTERS GALA: Saturday, March 9th at the Ten Oaks Ballroom in River Hill. Read more
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
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.
Leadership U Class of 2019
Is your student looking for leadership opportunities? Does he or she want to make a difference in our Howard County community?
Consider joining the Leadership U Class of 2019! Leadership U is an exciting, unique, experiential leadership, teambuilding, and community service opportunity for current high school sophomores. This unique four-month program involves a week-long summer program of hands-on activities, as well as involvement in a team community service project. This program is for students with leadership potential, a desire to learn with others, and for those with an interest in the community. Come to learn more and speak to some of our grads at one of our information sessions: January 31 at Miller Library, February 11 at Central Library or March 7 at Miller Library. All sessions are from 7-8pm. Parents and students in both 9th and 10th grade are encouraged to attend. Additional information is available at http://www.leadershiphc.org/leadership-u-2/ or email Meg Ignacio mignacio@leadershiphc.org. Applications are due March 14, 2019.
ISO Student Member of the Howard County Board of Education - Could you be the next SMOB?
Attention sophomores and juniors: Are you interested in helping to shape county education policies? Applications are now being accepted for the Student Member of the Howard County Board of Education. The student elected by the students of Howard County will serve a one-year term on the Howard County Board of Education, July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019. Applications are available in Student Services. Completed application packets must be received by Ms. Cindy Drummond, HCASC Advisor, HCPSS, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042 or by email (cindy_drummond@hcpss.org), no later than 4:00 pm on Friday, February 9, 2018.
2019 Day of Service - MLK Jr Day
The FIFTH Annual, Day of Service will be sponsored by Glen Mar Church, Ames Memorial UMC, St John Baptist Church, and Terps Against Hunger. This event allows families to serve together with hands-on service opportunities that will make a positive difference in our community.
All ages are welcome! Volunteering with family and friends sets positive examples by helping other people and serving the world. So, come for one hour or come for the day!
Monday, January 21, 2019 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
COST: Free
WHERE: 4701 New Cut Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043
ON-SITE LUNCH: Pizza and bottled water can be ordered at the sign-in table for $5
VISIT US: www.glenmarumc.org/gmcevents/dayofservice/
The Borgen Project
The Borgen Project is a nonprofit organization that works towards reducing global poverty and malnutrition by raising funds and mobilizing congressional support for foreign aid and legislation. From January 10th to January 13th, Glory Days will be holding a fundraiser where 10% of purchased food and beverages will be donated to the Borgen Project. Flyer