Centennial Community,

The school year has officially been rebooted! Aside from a couple of coding glitches, the day proved to be a success. The administrative team was able to pop in on almost 30 classroom meets over the course of the morning and it was so great to see the classrooms were filled. I have to confess, until I saw the faces of our students this morning, I didn’t realize the full extent of how much I miss seeing them. 

I know there has been a lot of concern about students being able to handle the information overload of the past few days. Keeping track of class times and  join codes for their meets looked to be challenging as teachers devised a variety of methods for sharing and posting that information. Beginning next week, all class meets should be posted in Canvas calendars. This will make it easier for students and staff to find and manage these codes. As we continue to work to create a continuity plan that meets the needs of our learners, we appreciate your patience and feedback. 

Last week, I wrote to you about a virtual lobby designed to help give you face-to-face support. It was a great idea while it lasted. Sadly, we have been advised to discontinue the open meeting room due to safety and security concerns. We will still be here for you. All you have to do is send an email and we’ll write back, give you a call, or set up a quick video chat to help you. 

This next bit is for our students: I’ve been hearing from you and your parents that you are worried about things like your grades and when and if you’ll be able to (re)take the SAT and earn that super score you think you need to get into the college you’ve always dreamed of. You’ve sent messages asking whether you should take the AP exam and expressing feelings of anxiety over the fact that you don’t have the service hours required by your honor society or for graduation. While we are in uncharted territory, I want to assure you of one thing that is an absolute fact: this is happening to everyone. What is occuring in our little corner of the planet is a world-wide issue. While there may be school districts somewhere in the US - or even in our state - that started their online learning a week or two ahead of you, they are not at a particular advantage. We know you may not have everything you need right now, but we’re figuring it out for you. And, to be honest, in the end, it’s very likely you won’t even need all of those things you’re worrying about. 

Colleges and other institutions are working on addressing these unique circumstances to take into account this unprecedented disruption. They are actively adjusting their admissions requirements in order to account for the creative solutions schools systems are adopting in order to help get you through this (including not requiring SAT scores). The Maryland State Department of Education is continuing to make decisions about waivers for certain graduation requirements so no harm comes to your academic record as a result of this novel virus. Your teachers are making sure they offer you chances to turn in work needed for your third quarter grades to be an accurate reflection of your effort as we move forward into the final quarter of the school year. I guess what I’m trying to say is the best way forward is to focus on what you can control right now. You can establish a healthy routine that includes attending your class meets, staying on top of your coursework, and making sure you engage in activities that are safe (socially distant) and active. You can stay informed and continue to meet application deadlines. And, you can stay connected with and support one another. You are all very capable and extremely caring people. You are going to do well, I promise. 

That said, I am happy we are able to be together again as a school community - even if it is virtually. As we adjust to this new way of learning, let me know if you need anything. Below are a few informational items about a number of food pantries to support our communities as well as the process for requesting transcripts during the school closure. 

Be well and stay safe, Centennial! 

Cindy Dillon, Principal

Transcript and Recommendation Requests: 

All official transcripts will be sent via Naviance or emailed to designated colleges/scholarships/summer programs. Copies of transcripts can be emailed to students, but these will be unofficial copies. To make a request for a transcript fill out and submit this form. Be prepared to provide the name and email address for the institution receiving the transcript.

There is no cost for transcript requests at this time. Please allow at least 48 hours for all requests to be processed.   

Support for families: 

The Salvation Army has announced a food distribution site will take place tomorrow, April 15 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at their Ellicott City location (3267 Pine Orchard Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21042). There will be fresh produce along with canned goods. Community members in need should bring a form of Howard County identification and should arrive no earlier than 12:45 pm. For more information, please call 443-656-3376.

The Indian Origins Network of Howard County will host a Pop-up Food pantry at the Long Reach Village Center daily beginning April 18 from 6:00-8:00. Dates and times are subject to change, please call 410-340-0529 to confirm the pantry will be open. To donate, contact PravinPonnuri@hotmail.com

Mount Zion United Methodist Church will be hosting The Open Doors Food Pantry on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Check-in from 9:00 am – 11:00 am, Please bring ID with you to check-in. If you need transportation to the food pantry, contact the Rotary Club at ctcrotary@gmail.com.