EAGLES NEST
From the Principal’s Desk…
As we roll into the winter break, and associated holidays that involve coming together with family and friends, I’ve been thinking about cell phones. I know that sounds weird, but truthfully, I’ve been thinking about passing a basket at dinner time to collect devices as my children flock back to the nest from the three corners of the world they currently inhabit. Perhaps it’s on my mind because we’ve been having trouble with students managing their devices here at school: this school year, the number one conduct infraction has been for cell phone violations. Shocked? Me either.
Helping students learn to navigate the digital world and develop digital ethics and citizenship is critical. Appropriate use of technology is something ALL OF US must teach them; parents and teachers alike. That means we have to not only set expectations, but we also must set an example. Hence, my thoughts about passing a basket at dinner. Bonnie McCarthy at AOL.COM reported that according to a past survey, it “(t)urns out, 66% of students surveyed revealed they have received text messages from their parents during school hours.” Let me share a story that occurred at previous school where I was serving as principal that has stayed with me since it occurred because it illustrates the impact of our behavior on student learning perfectly:
Students entered a class and prepared to take a test by storing personal items inside their desks. As the test commenced, one phone began buzzing ceaselessly. The student, flustered at the realization they’d forgotten to silence or turn off the device, didn’t know what to do about it. They didn’t want to reach into their desk during testing, lest they be accused of cheating, so it continued to buzz. The teacher finally identified the source and took the phone to remove the class distraction. As the teacher was walking to her desk to stow the phone, another text came in. It was from ‘Mom’ and it read, “Why aren’t you answering me?!”
As a parent, I was absolutely guilty of texting my children during the school day. However, I made a concerted effort to send texts that didn’t require an immediate response. That way, I could be sure they wouldn’t feel pressure to reply at inappropriate times - like during instruction. This is all I ask of you: if there is an urgent matter that truly requires an immediate response, call the front office. We’ll help you get emergency information to or from your student. If it’s something you wouldn’t call us for, think about waiting for a reply. HCPSS permits free use of cellphones during non-instructional time. That means: before and after school, between classes, and during lunch time. If you need help predicting when you can reasonably expect a response to your text message, check out the bell schedules posted on our website.
One final word on cell phones and personal belongings: this year, several individuals have had belongings that were not properly secured taken from the locker room or other parts of the building. Students must understand that the school system is not responsible for the safekeeping or replacement of valuable property should it be lost or damaged. Care must be given to keep personal items secure in lockers or on one's person. Cell phones and security codes, like locker combinations, must not be shared. Thank you for helping us to reinforce expectations for responsible use and ownership. For more information about system policies and guidelines, refer to the student Agenda Book or the the HCPSS Student and Parent Handbook.
Moving on, how about a free night of great music and fellowship? Join us for our annual Winter Band Concert on Monday, December 10th at 7:00pm in our auditorium. It’s free and we know you will be impressed by our students. Look for more upcoming events on our school Events Calendar linked below. We’ll also be sending an email of events at the beginning of each week. We hope to see you around!
TTYL,
Cindy Dillon
UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, December 7th
5:15/7:00PM – JV & Varsity Girls Basketball @ Atholton HS, Bus Departs @ 4:15PM
5:15/7:00PM – JV & Varsity Boys Basketball HOST Atholton HS
CELEBRATIONS
EAGLE NEWS
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
CHS Spring Musical
"Shrek" auditions are December 13-14; Open to all students! Read more
After School Activity Bus
The after school activity bus is running for students on Tuesdays and Thursdays afternoons. Read more
PSAT Results for Fall 2018
On October 10, 2016, 9th, 10th and 11th graders participated in the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) assessment. The scores for students who participated in the assessments have been posted at http://www.hcpss.org/connect/.
Midterm Review
Each year we offer optional, after school midterm review opportunities for 9th graders. Read more
Screenagers - Screen time and the impact on our children
In collaboration across schools, CLES, BMMS and CHS are presenting a screening of the movie SCREENAGERS on December 13, 2018 at 6:30 p.m at Centennial High School. Our goal is to engage our community (parents, students, and teachers) in conversations around the technology topics highlighted in SCREENAGERS that are meaningful for our families. We are here to process the information in the documentary by asking questions, sharing ideas, and sharing stories with one another in order to help navigate the ever complex world of raising and educating teenagers.
CHS Wind Ensemble performs at Peabody on Thursday, December 13, 2018
The Centennial High School Wind Ensemble will be performing Tutti: Prelude to the Midwest Clinic, a spectacular send-off concert celebrating their trip to Chicago for The Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra and Music Conference. These amazing student musicians will be performing in Peabody’s historic Friedberg Concert Hall on Thursday, December 13th at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10 and available from the Peabody Ticket office. https://peabody.jhu.edu/event/tutti-prelude/
PTSA/Boosters News
See what’s happening with CHS PTSA or CHS Boosters by clicking the names.
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.
Catalyst’s FREE Webinar for Understanding the PSAT results
When students get their PSAT scores back this month, many may be wondering what's next. To answer some of those questions, Catalyst's Founder & CEO, Jared Friedland, will be hosting a FREE webinar on December 13th for high school students and their parents. Read more
Gift Cards Fundraiser Supporting CHS-PTSA
Do you know “Gift Cards” are a top choice for the Holiday Shopping Season? Plan ahead and prepare early by purchasing Gift Cards from Centennial High School PTSA. When you purchase Gift Cards at face value, the CHS-PTSA will earn an instant rebate. Send in your Gift Cards order by 11/14 for delivery on 11/21, or place order by 12/7 for delivery on 12/14.
See Gift Cards selection CHS Gift Card Selections.pdf . Place your Gift Cards order CHS-PTSA GiftCard Order Form 2018.pdf or via www.chs-ptsa.org
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.
For questions, please contact Eileen Singleton (eileenmgs@gmail.com) or Pauline Chan (chan052596@yahoo.com).
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.
Becca’s Closet
We will be holding a dress drive December 8th from 8-11 AM in the front lobby of Atholton High School. In- school community service hours can also be earned just for donating! Students can earn three service hours for donating one prom or homecoming dress and an additional hour for each additional dress donated (hour validity must be confirmed with each school’s individual NHS advisor).
Wednesday 12/12 Leadership and Service Opportunity
Middle and High School students interested in:
· Sharing the Student Voice on HCPSS Policy and Community Issues
· Gaining Leadership Skills
· Practicing Community Service
· Working with student leaders from across HCPSS
We welcome all interested students to attend Howard County Association of Student Councils (HCASC) meetings throughout the year on the second Wednesday evening of each month.
Next Meeting Wednesday 12/12 7-8:30 at the Homewood School 10914 Clarksville Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21042. For more information please contact cindy_drummond@hcpss.org