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CHS eNEWS  
September  2016

CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL PTSA'S ONLINE NEWSLETTER

Bring the Kids and Enjoy
Centennial High School's
Homecoming Parade
Friday, September 23rd at 5:45pm
  • View the parade from the sidewalk along Scott Road between Centennial High School and Hillside Elementary
  • Bring a bag to collect candy!
  • Stay for dinner! Food Trucks will be selling dinner and snacks from 5 - 7:30pm. Delicious food from Tex's Tacos, Grubbin' Out, the Mellow Mushroom Bake Bus, and Kona Ice!
  • Cheer for the Knights to beat Cambridge High School! 
Avoid ticket lines... Buy your tickets online today!!

There's something for everyone...
Food   Marching Band   Friends   Cheerleaders   Football   Music
Good Old Fashioned Friday Night Fun!


 
** Attention Students: You must be out of the parking lot by 4:00pm on Friday for the food trucks to be able to come and set up.


  CENTENNIAL KNIGHTS HOMECOMING TRADITIONS
 
Homecoming Dress up Themes  for the Week
  • Monday - Movies
  • Tuesday - Tacky Tourist
  • Wednesday - Seasons
  • Thursday - Rio (Olympic)
  • Friday - Blackout 

Tacky Tourist Day!

Hallway Decorating Information  
The Homecoming Theme this year is Board Games Gone Bad.  Students will decorate their class hallways Thursday evening based on the following:
  • Freshman - Battleship
  • Sophomore - Monopoly
  • Junior - Candyland
  • Senior - Jumanji 
Homecoming Court
Here's who has the honor of participating in the parade and are escorted by parents at half time of the game:
 
Seniors: Ben Davidson, Meghan Dougherty, Connor Evans, Grant Harney, Rachel Howell, Ayah Ibrahim, Isabelle Lee, Damani Phillips,
Jamari Ross, Lourdes Tyler
  Homecoming Parade 2015
Juniors: Alaina Booth, Connor Caddell, Reese Crawford, Noland Deas, Ana Hansil, Daniel Sandfelder
 
Sophomores:  Zach Armbruster, Walker Garrison, Alex Harvil, Marianne LaMarche, Luke VanDresser, Karis Wang
 
 


Homecoming Dance!
  • When & Where:  The Homecoming Dance is in the CHS Cafeteria 8-11pm
  • Food & Beverage: Desserts and water will be served.
  • What to Wear: Attire is dressy but not formal. No jeans, please.
  • How to Buy: Tickets are on sale this week during lunch or in Room H-04
    • Cost: $20
    • Tickets will also be sold at the door on September 24th for $20
    • Cash or Check made out to CHS-Homecoming are both accepted  
IT IS ALWAYS A GOOD DAY TO BE A KNIGHT!
GO KNIGHTS!!

Upcoming Parent Nights
 
Sept 28: Freshmen Parent Night
CHS Counselors will host a "Freshman Parent Night" on  Wednesday, September 28 at 6:00 in the CHS auditorium . Counselors will present information about grading policies and expectations, credits and graduation requirements, intr o to choosing courses for 2016-2017,  parent concerns and so much more including speaker Jill Howgate from Grow Counseling.

Oct 13: Junior Parent Night
Overview on College preparation for juniors- Applerouth Tutoring Services
·       Admission Process
·       Test Preparation Tips
·       How most colleges evaluate Applicants
·       Summary of what will be taking place at CHS for juniors (Hella Peart):

Nov 29: Financial Aid Night

Feb 2: Freshmen Parent Night Part 2 (4 year plan)

Feb 8: AP Night

More Dates For Your Calendars:

 

Prom -  March 25, 20173 at the Fox Theatre. 

For juniors and seniors.


 
Graduation  - May 20, 2017

New Location: Verizon Amphitheater

Due to construction and scheduling conflicts, we are unable to use Mt Pisgah. We are aiming for a morning graduation: Saturday, May 20th at 10am. 

Unfortunately, we will not receive confirmation from Verizon until mid-February as this is their policy. They do have us penciled in. Alpharetta HS has used them for 9 years and have never been turned away. 

This is also the 3rd year for Chattahoochee HS to graduate at Verizon. We will all be confirmed in February. Plan B: Graduate in our stadium - also in the morning. We are very excited about this new tradition!

Centennial Governance Council (SGC)

When you are at Centennial, come to the Learning Commons and check out our new, amazing creation SPaCE. We have the Studio, the Surge, and the Shop and they are AWESOME!! 

They are still in the process of being set up, but there are plenty of cool tools already in place and students already creating away.  We are so excited about the experiences that our students will be able to have in the SPaCE.  The SPaCE comes to us through your Governance Council and the Seed Fund Grant.
FCS MC_09072016
FCS MC_09072016


Do you know that ALL Fulton County High Schools now have a Learning Commons like ours? Centennial is continuing to make district wide impacts. Check this video out on Fulton County School's homepage. https://vimeo.com/181760395 


Currently, the Centennial SGC is working on RFF (request for flexibility) and Seed Fund ideas for this year. If you have any suggestions, please contact Caroline Truax at caroline.truax@gmail.com . Our SGC is also trying to connect with the City and Businesses of Roswell to find more internship opportunities for Centennial students.
Progress Reports came home!

Make sure that you check them out!  You can also monitor grades throughout the year on Fulton County School Home Access.

Surface 3's Have Been Distributed!

The Surface 3 devices were distributed to the students last week!
Thank you to Laura Wood and everyone else who made this happen. The students are so happy to have their devices again. Please consider signing up for insurance on the device - it is worth it for peace of mind.
Excellent Study Skills Suggestions
This document was developed by Centennial's Biology teacher, Mr. Kuhn.  It is how to study based on current research into how people learn. Please take the time to check it out!

Colleges Visiting Centennial

So many fantastic colleges come to Centennial in the fall. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about colleges without having to travel there. 

The college reps that come are oftentimes the ones who will be reviewing applications, so it is always good for students to meet them. Please encourage your juniors and seniors  to sign up at the counseling office for these visits.
9/20
12:30
Washington University
9/21
12:00
Georgia College and State Univ
9/21
2:00
Tulane
9/26
9:00
Valdosta
9/26
2:00
Alabama
9/27
2:00
Drew University
9/28
1:00
University of Mississippi
9/28
2:00
Emory University
9/29
10:00
American University
10/3
11:30
Agnes Scott
10/12
1:00
Chapman University

PSAT Tests at Centennial

The PSATs will be administered on  Wednesday, October 19, 2016  in the student's advisement.
 
All 9th, 10th, and 11th graders take the PSAT.

Student attendance is critical during the PSAT.
 
The PSAT provides feedback on the students' strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study. The feedback helps the students to prepare on areas they
need additional study or practice on.  The students will see how their performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college. 

The PSAT allows the students to compete for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (grade 11 only). If the student plans to take the SAT, the PSAT is a helpful tool to help the student become familiar with the kinds of questions and exact directions on the SAT.
 
Students will need to get plenty of sleep and have a healthy breakfast the morning of the PSAT administration. Students will also need to arrive to school on time and they should bring extra #2 pencils. 

Congratulations to Centennial's 2017 National Merit Semi-Finalists:
Karl A. Jacobi, Kyle Qian, Justin Simard, Caroline Wittschen

2016-17 Mock Test Schedule at Centennial High School


Mock tests are an excellent tool for sophomores and juniors 
to use in determining their test prep strategies for their college exams.  College bound students should try to take one of these practice exams prior to taking the real thing.


October 1 - Mock SAT Saturday, 9am - 1:30 am
E-31 classroom (event code M227579) 
(October 12 - Wednesday follow up meeting with parents/students, 6:30pm, Learning Commons)

October 29 - SAT/ACT Diagnostic Test Saturday, 9am-1:30pm
Cafeteria (event code M227580)

November 5 - Mock ACT Saturday, 9am - 1:15 pm
 E-31 classroom (event code M227581)
(November 17 - Wednesday follow-up meeting with parents/students, 6:30pm, Learning Commons)

February 4 - Mock SAT Saturday, 9am - 1:30 pm
 E-31 classroom (event code M227582)
(February 15 - Wednesday follow-up meeting with parents/students, 6:30pm,
Learning Commons)

March 4 - Mock ACT Sturday, 9am - 1:15 pm
 E-31 classroom (event code M227586)
(March 15 - Wednesday follow-up meeting with parents/students, 6:30pm, Learning Commons)

March 25 - SAT/ACT Diagnostic Test Saturday, 9am-1:30pm
Cafeteria (event code M227587)

To register, go to applerouth.com/signup and enter the event code. Cost is $5.

ATTENTION SENIORS: 
READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION

Senior year is so busy, please take our advice and Pay your dues now and write everything in your calendar. Create a note on your phone's notepad listing all of the items that you have already paid for, because you will not remember.  The list right now is:

                          
  • Senior Pictures- should be done already 
  • Graduation Dues - mandatory to participate in graduation ceremony  
    $115 payable at GABalfour.com - this price will go up to $170 in March 2017 so save money and pay early. 
      Graduation Dues  include the following:
  • Graduation cap and gown
  • Class of 2017 tassel
  • Leather diploma cover
  • Centennial's graduation medallion
  • Rental of graduation facility, tickets, programs, etc.
  • Senior Dues - mandatory to participate in senior week activities 
    Senior Dues pays for all senior week activities.  You will not be  able  to participate unless this fee is paid. Bring $40  payments to Ms. Jimenez in I-58 or Mrs. McKay in the Learning Commons   (Make checks payable to Centennial
    High School)   Pay by December 22nd to avoid $5 Late Fee!
      Pay by Oct. 1st and you get to sign up for a Senior Service Day site one day earlier than the rest!   Save money and pay early.
     
  • Sign up for Remind 101 and Google Classroom
    To receive text messages on Remind 101 by... Texting @e96g to 810-10
    To join our Google Classroom   Use  Class Code: uj382qi to get information on  Senior Service Day,  Homecoming Week,  Senior Week  and Graduation
     
  • Yearbook - create and purchase your senior ad as well as order your yearbook at http://www.jostens.com
  • Senior Service Day - On Senior Service Day, Centennial sends all 450 of our seniors out into the community to volunteer at more than 20 sites around Roswell and the greater Atlanta area. Some of the sites that we will be working at include: our local elementary schools, Foster Cares, North Fulton Community Charities, Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity, SafeHouse Outreach, and Homestretch (and many more). 
    What we need now is help with adult supervision. We cannot have a successful event without the help of our senior parents. We need parent volunteers to chaperone our seniors on Wednesday, Oct. 19th from 8 am to 2 pm (most sites ask for 8 am to noon commitments).Please fill out the form attached here and contact Sheila Jimenez jimenezs@ fultonschools.org if you are interested.
For additional senior information please contact the following teachers who are the Senior Co-Sponsors this year:
Sheila Jimenez - jimenezs@fultonschools.org
Stephanni Prelac - prelac@fultonschools.org

****************************************
Early Action Applications for UGA and GA TECH are due 10/15. Get your applications in now - don't wait until the last minute, Knights!



Centennial Course Catalog


Check out the course catalog document located on the school's website http://www.chsknights.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/CHS-Course-Catalog-for-School-Year-2016-2017.pdf . It is full of very important information not only about courses, but also about graduation requirements, sample schedules, etc.


Did you know that Centennial offers the following Career Tech and Arts pathways?  (a pathway consists of 3 classes that allow a student to become very proficient in an area of interest)
  • Audio-Video Technology and Film - Audio-Video Tech & Film I, II, and III
  • Financial Services - Intro to Business & Tech, Financial Literacy, and Banking, Investing & Insurance
  • Engineering and Technology - Foundations of Engineering & Tech, Eng. Concepts, Eng. Applications
  • Law Enforcement Services/Forensic Science - Intro to Law, Public Safety, Corrections and          Security, Criminal Justice Essentials, Forensic Science & Criminal Investigations
  • JROTC/Army - JROTC I, II, and III
  • Food and Nutrition - Food, Nutrition & Wellness, Food for Life, Food Science
  • Computer Science - Intro to Digital Tech, Comp Sci Principles, AP Comp Sci
  • Game Design - Intro to Digital Tech, Comp Sci Principles, Game Design: Animation & Simulation
  • Web Development - Intro to Digital Tech, Comp Sci Principles, Web Development
  • Emergency Medical Responder - Intro to Healthcare Science, Essentials of Healthcare, Emergency Medical Responder
  • Allied Health and Medicine - Intro to Healthcare Science, Essentials of Healthcare, Allied Health & Medicine
  • Journalism - Journalism or Photo I, II or Newspaper, Lit Magazine, or Yearbook
  • Visual Arts - Into to Art, Painting, Ceramics, Photo, Art History, etc.
  • Performing Arts - Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Guitar, Piano, Acting, Advanced Drama, or Tech Theatre

Free and Reduced Lunch Applications due NOW

If you need your child to receive free & reduced lunch benefits, a new application must be completed each school year.

It is strongly suggested that you go online to  www.fulton.schoollunchapp.com   to complete an application which is the fastest way to obtain eligibility status for this school year. You may also complete an application and return it to your child's school cafeteria manager immediately. The household is responsible for payment of meals until the application is approved.  Once the eligibility status is determined, you will be notified. 

Even if you have temporary Free/Reduced meal status, your child will be assigned the status of full meal pay beginning Tuesday, September   20 if you have not submitted the new application.  Households are responsible for all meal payments once student meal benefits are terminated. The cost of full price breakfast is $1.20 and lunch is $2.60. 
 
If you have questions, please email our Cafeteria Manager, Ms. Peggy Hicks.

Did you know that the Centennial Guidance Counselors visit your students during class frequently throughout their time in high school?

Here are the list of classroom guidance activities:
  1. Senior (September): College Application Process
  2. Freshman (October): Knowing Your #'s for Academic Success - graduation requirements, tracking credits, the power of zeroes, goal setting
  3. Junior (October): College Selectivity - factors that colleges consider in admission
  4. Sophomore (November): Cyber Safety
  5. Freshman (December): Signs of Suicide - suicide prevention program designed to 1) decrease suicide and suicide attempts by increasing student knowledge about depression, 2) encourage personal help-seeking and/or help-seeking on behalf of a friend, 3) reduce the stigma of mental illness and impress the importance of seeking help. CHS Counseling has been implementing this program since 2006 during Freshman Health classes.
  6. Junior (January): Finding the Right Fit - factors that students should consider in their college search process
  7. Senior (January): Scholarships and Financial Aid
  8. Freshman (February): 4 Year Academic Plan
  9. Sophomore (February): PSAT score interpretation, resources for test prep, college search
  10. Freshman (March): Signs of Suicide

School officers 2016
Thank you so much to Officer Callahan and Officer Forbes 

for working so hard to keep us safe!! The Centennial Community appreciates all that you do!

Secretary of State Student Ambassador Program

The following students participated in the Secretary of State's Ambassadors Program and attended a training at Kennesaw University on August 30 th , 2016:
  • Conner Evans
  • Peter Tilly
  • Grace Truax
  • Christine Pang
  • Rogan Munro-Foulis
  • Duncan Hemauer
  • Jacob Mershon
  • Oscar Lee
The goal of the Secretary of State's Ambassadors Program is to provide high school students an opportunity to engage as a leader within their school and community. They will learn about teaching Georgia civics to their peers and promoting students to register to vote. Student leaders will work in a team environment to create a dialogue that gets first-time high school voters educated, excited, and engaged about elections.
 
We look forward to their student leadership!

Centennial Athletics

BOYS LACROSSE
Division I Commitments
Some of the top players of the class of 2017 have made their college commitments heading into their final spring season. It with great honor to acknowledge these student athletes for their continued success both in the classroom and on the lacrosse field. The Knights senior class expects to have a handful more committed players before the start of the season.
  • Mack Dickie, 2017 Defense has committed to Jacksonville University in Florida.
  • Luke Sadd, 2017 FO/Midfield has committed to Mercer University in Georgia.
  • Eric Cecere, 2017 Goalie has committed to Siena College in New York.
The Knights will return to action in the new 6A-7A alignment in Region 8 for the spring of 2017.

VOLLEYBALL
Olivia Diaz named to AVCA Phenom List
Congratulations to Centennial sophomore volleyball player Olivia Diaz on being named to the 2016 AVCA Phenom List. The AVCA Phenom List is comprised of underclassman who have received recognition for their outstanding play.  

Olivia has been a standout player on the Knights this year, coming off her freshman year performance where she was named the Region 6 AAAAAA Freshman of the Year. Olivia is now invited to attend the 2016 Phenom Program where she can interact with AVCA All Americans, attend NCAA championship games, and get prepared and educated for life as an NCAA college athlete.    Congrats Olivia!!!

Paint Can Recycling Fundraiser
  • Sunday 9/25
  • 1 pm - 5 pm
  • Centennial High School
  • (Front of school, bus ramp)
For a fee drop off that old latex or oil based paint to support the CHS Volleyball Team.  Check out our flyer!    Visit Centennialathletics.com/girls_volleyball for pricing information.

GIRLS LACROSSE

  • September 22, 2016
  • California Pizza Kitchen
  • Dine In or Take Out
  • Northpoint Mall Location
Bring in this flyer and present to your server. 20% of your check is donated to Centennial Girls Lacrosse.


SWIM/DIVE
Swim and Dive Registration was Sept. 8. Contact Chan Deas at
nolandchan@bellsouth.net if you are interested in joining.
Our Coaches this year are Coach Slade Dale and Coach Jordan Najafe.   Swim Dive Parent is Damon Thomas.

Swim and Dive Team will be in the Homecoming Parade and will meet to prepare a float-email with info coming soon. Participants need to be at the high school on Sept 23, Friday at 5 and lined up for the parade at 5:30.

Monday Oct. 3 conditioning practice begins after school. Registration forms including physicals should be filled out prior to practice.

Junior Noland Deas III was named to the Men's 2016 USA Swimming Scholastic Academic All America Team.
Go Knights!

BASEBALL  

The First Annual CHS Baseball Golf Classic is coming up quickly, Tuesday November 1 st Download more information here!

Your Dugout Club Board is very excited about this inaugural event as we have a great day planned for all participants at a beautiful golf course, Rivermont Golf & Country Club.

Please visit the following link to register  http://www.planmygolfevent.com/29030-CentennialBaseballGolfClassic/index.html    This event will be a fun community event and a fun day of golf!

SOCCER 
Save the Date - 'Cornhole and Food in the Fortress' presented by the Knights Soccer program.

All students and surrounding community are invited to join the party and/or participate in the first annual Centennial Knights "Cornhole Tournament and Food Truck Rally", Friday November 4 th from  7:00 to 10:00 PM.  It will be held on the stadium field.  Stay tuned for more info on signing up and getting tickets over the next few weeks.

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Lady Knights Basketball getting it in early this year! 

CHS Basketball program has had a great turnout so far with strength, conditioning and agility workouts. We are so excited for the upcoming season and are preparing to go a lot farther this year. No time for sleep, they've been clocking in for work 3 times a week and going hard. Preparing to be bigger, stronger, faster, and tougher this year. 

We can't stop, won't stop putting in work  #allworknoplay #ballerslife #ladyknightballers #fallgrind

The Arts at Centennial

BAND
Tanner Family Portrait Event - Support the Marching Band
Don't blink!   Time flies, and sooner than you think, your student will be out of the house!  Now's the time to take a great family portrait ! Pets are welcome!  Tanner Photography is offering family sittings and an 11" x 14" print for a tax-deductible $25 donation to the Marching Band. 

Portrait Date: Sunday, September 26 th from 10 am - 1:30 pm
L ocation: Outdoors at Pool's Mill Park - 30000 Mill Creek Ave., Alpharetta, GA 30022
This is a deal that can't be beat!  Don't miss out; march on over and    sign up now!   Direct Questions to Lee Siegel at sedator1@comcast.net

Midas Oil Change Fundraiser:   NOW through September 23rd!  This fall, the CHS marching band is participating with  Katz Midas  in a unique fundraising program: selling Midas oil change discount cards. Each card is good for one free oil change and one discounted oil change ($12.99 or $15 off any service). All services are donated by Midas, so 100% of the proceeds benefit the band/students, AND - you get a great discount! So find a band student and get your card! Or  contact Amy Kennedy (Band VP of Ways and Means/Fundraising) at  kennlong4@comcast.net As always, we appreciate the support!

8th Grade "Knight"
What a GREAT night:  Friday September 16th was the annual 8th Grade "knight"! 8th grade band students from both Holcomb Bridge and Haynes Bridge Middle Schools joined the CHS band to play the National Anthem and stand tunes as the Knights took on Johns Creek. All the students had a great time, and represented their schools well!

Fulton County Marching Band Exhibition

CONGRATULATIONS ON A JOB WELL DONE! 
The marching band performed their first exhibition of the year, at the Fulton County Marching Band Exhibition at Tri Cities H.S. Saturday, September 17th. It was also streamed live, and we hope many people had a chance to see how well the students did, as they performed their halftime show "Pirates" for all other Fulton County bands!

THEATER
Centennial Theatre presents

November 3-5th, 2016 at 7pm
CHS Auditorium


FOUNDATION FOR THE FINE ARTS (FFA)
The Foundation for the Fine Arts (FFA) is a non-profit, volunteer organization that supports the Fine Art Department (Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Theater, & Visual Arts) by contributing both volunteer hours and monetary assistance with significant capital investments. We raise money primarily though membership and donations, so we would love for you to join our organization and support our efforts.

Support the FFA at Centennial by joining today at http://www.chsffa.org/  at the following membership levels:
  • NOBLE $25 - FFA Magnet and Recognition in the Programs
  • HEROIC $50 - Reserved Parking for One Concert/Performance, FFA Magnet and Recognition in the Programs
  • GALLANT $100 - 4 Reserved Seats for One Concert/Performance, FFA Magnet and Recognition in the Programs
  • CHIVALROUS $150 - 4 Reserved seats and reserved parking for one Concert/Performance, FFA Magnet and Recognition in the Programs
  • LORDS AND LADIES $200 - 4 Reserved Seats and reserved parking for two Concerts/Performances, FFA Magnet and Recognition in the Programs
  • MAJESTIC $300 - Gold Brick, 4 Reserved Seats and reserved parking for two Concerts/Performances, FFA Magnet and Recognition in the Programs
  • ROYAL COURT $500 - Reserved Seats and Reserved Parking for ALL Concerts and Performances, Gold Brick, FFA Magnet and Recognition in the Programs
We are always looking for people to join The FFA Board and further the Arts mission here at Centennial.  Please contact Charly Rowlands at centennialffa@gmail.com.


PTSA Volunteers

If you are interested in volunteering in one of the following areas, please contact Ellen Rickles at ellenrickles@comcast.net  and she will forward your contact information onto the appropriate chairs:
  • Counseling/College Visits - Attend visits college reps make to CHS
  • Front Office Support
  • Hospitality - Bake & deliver goods for special events
  • Media Center - Daily support - early morning or any scheduled time
All volunteers must register through Fulton County Schools - Go to the Fulton County Schools Volunteer Registration website  and follow all of the prompts. Be sure to select all the schools you plan to volunteer at before you submit your application. This process must be completed at the beginning of every school year! The process will take about 10 minutes. Thank you!



Over ¼ of all money that we receive goes directly into the classrooms and school through our very generous Mini Grant program. Additional PTSA funds go towards Teacher and Staff Events and Appreciation, School Grounds Improvements, Senior Scholarships, Senior Treats, Honor Roll Breakfast, etc. 

Please support our school by joining the PTSA.
Mini Grant Donations

The PTSA is currently receiving Grant Applications from Centennial Teachers and Staff for items that they feel will enhance our students' learning experiences. The amount requested is always much more than the PTSA has to donate. Teachers often then either do without or fund themselves. 

So, if you are interested in making a personal donation to help fund any of the items that are currently being requested, please contact Catherine Smith at catksmith@hotmail.com .   Currently requested items are:
  • Calculators
  • Lab goggles
  • Science experiments
  • Software for World Languages
  • International Night supplies
  • Literary Magazine printing fees
  • Tools to assist at-risk students

Holcomb Bridge Color Run
Come support a new community event supporting one of our cluster schools! 

Hol comb Bridge MS PTA is hosting a Color Run & Fall Festiva l at their school on Saturday, October 22! 

Bring the whole family and friends to enjoy a 1-mile Color Run around the track and a Fall Festival with our community and local business partners.

There will be a DJ - Post Race Refreshments - Carnival Games - Giant Inflatables!

Register online at  active.com .   Registration fee is only $25!  

Don't miss out on a Color Run and fabulous festival close to home!! 
Questions, please contact  hbmscolorrun@gmail.com .


Color 
for Cure
Run/Walk Color Festival for Cure Childhood Cancer  - the Sam Robb Fund

When: November 12 at 9am

REGISTRATION FEE $25/person Now thru November 5
START/FINISH LINE Centennial High School, 9310 Scott Rd, Roswell 30076
I NFORMATION Philippe Lamarche, Michael Keramidas, Brandon Semones Philippe.lamarche12@gmail.com

LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRTS will be distributed at registration. Runners who register on race day, run t-shirts will be available first-come, first-served basis


Hillside Elementary has been named as a National PTA School of Excellence

The National PTA School of Excellence Program supports and celebrates partnerships between PTAs and schools that enrich the educational experience and overall well-being of all students. 

Schools receiving the designation are recognized for empowering families to support student success, working collaboratively with PTA as partners for continuous school improvement and achieving the PTA's National Standards for Family-School Partnerships. 

The program also provides guidance to assist schools in engaging families in local school decision-making, and helps schools build inclusive policies related to education, health, safety or the arts.  Congratulations Hillside!


PTSA 2016 Reflections Theme -
"What is YOUR Story?

Students can choose from 6 areas of interpretation for their entry:
  • Literature
  • Musical composition
  • Photography
  • Visual arts (include drawing, painting, print making and collage)
  • Dance choreography
  • Film/video production 
Students' works are judged at the local level and the winning entries advance to the council and state PTA levels.  Top state award winning entries advance to the national level of judging.
Entries are due  October 14  and will be collected in the Learning Commons.
For questions please contact the Reflections chair, Rachael King, at  rsk30319@yahoo.com .
For entry forms and additional info please check out  http://www.nfcpta.com/reflections-2/ .

Guaranteed Way to Reduce Stress  
Believe it or not, stress isn't caused by a situation itself, but instead it comes from how we think about the situation. For some of you, your child is about to start applying to colleges for the first time. This is an exciting, but also stressful time for most students. Their worrisome thoughts include "what if I don't get into my dream school?", "what if my resume isn't good enough" or "should I have taken that extra AP class last semester?" Their minds can be consumed by the "what ifs" instead of dealing with "what is." One way you can help your child reduce their stress is to model a skill called mindfulness. 

In a nut shell, mindfulness is being consciously present in what you're doing, while you're doing it, as well as managing your mental and emotional state.  Managing your mental and emotional state is simply recognizing and acknowledging your emotions and thoughts in each moment-to-moment experience, without judgment. Mindfulness is the opposite of multi-tasking. As life continues to get busier and technology tries to keep us more connected, it may feel counterproductive to slow down and only focus on one thing at a time. However, research shows that practicing mindfulness regularly can actually improve concentration and increase productivity, reduce the symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression, reduce impulsivity, and increase overall happiness. One study even found that students who engaged in a mindfulness meditation before taking an exam actually performed better than students who did not.
When you notice your child starting to worry about the "what ifs" of getting into college, acknowledge and validate their feelings of worry and doubt. They've spent the last 4 years of high school preparing for this, so of course they're worried about this next step! Then, in a supportive and loving way try to redirect their attention to the "what is" of the situation, meaning what do I actually know for a fact in this very moment? For example, this is a new experience and they don't know what to expect. What they do know is their GPA and the admission requirements of the school they are applying to. They're freaking out, and you probably are too! ☺ Helping bring their attention back to the present moment will keep their brains from going down the rabbit hole of worry.  

  The Summit Counseling Center has partnered with Fulton County Schools to offer "Summit Onsite", which provides mental health counseling for students at 6 of the Fulton County Schools, including Centennial. Call the Summit at 678-893-5300 or visit our website for more details  www.summitcounseling.org 


September is Attendance Awareness Month!

September is the month that Fulton County Social Workers remind schools and families of the importance of  EVERYDAY  attendance for students. Being present at school is the essential first step for learning. College and career ready indicators show that students who have 5 or less absences a school year are more on track to graduate high school and prepared for what comes next. We want to encourage families and students to keep  ALL  absences at 5 or less days for the whole school year.
 
Please work with Centennial staff to have your child in school as much as possible:

1.  Schedule appointments outside of school hours as much as possible.

2.  Only keep your child home if they are truly sick and/or contagious to others.

3.   Utilize home access on the Fulton County website, to keep track of your child's attendance (if you need your access username or password, please contact Lisa Bucknor at (470)252-4194).

4.  For more information about chronic absenteeism and for strategies to help both parents and students to help improve school attendance, visit   http://absencesaddup.org. 

5.   If your student arrives late or needs to check out early, they need to visit the attendance office so we will ensure that they are not skipping class.
If your child needs to be absent for an excused reason, please remember to provide documentation to the attendance office within 5 days of your child returning to school so it will be marked as excused. Without documentation it will be counted as unexcused. Please be aware of the GA Compulsory attendance law which required that parents or guardians of children between the ages of six and  sixteen to have their child enrolled in and regularly attending a public or private school during the regular school day (O.C.G.A § 20-2-690.1). After 10 unexcused absences your child may be referred to juvenile court for truancy.

If you have any questions about attendance, please feel free to contact our attendance clerk, the school social worker, or an administrator.


On the Georgia Ballot in November:

In November, voters will be asked to approve a state constitutional amendment that would allow the state of Georgia to take over chronically failing schools. 

This measure, which provides for the creation of a state-run Opportunity Sch ool District, represents a potentially important change for schools and families. 

As such, we wanted to provide information to help you make informed decisions on whether to support or oppose the amendment.
 
Below are a series of links to sites for and against the measure. We hope you will find these helpful:
 
1.  Governor Nathan Deal's website  -- Provides an overview, frequently asked questions, list of schools currently targeted, and the enabling legislation.
 
2.  Georgia PTA  -- States its opposition to the amendment, explains why and advocates methods for getting the message out.
 
3.  Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education  -- Provides a variety of perspectives both for and against.
 
4.  Professional Association of Georgia Educators  -- Provides Opportunity School District facts and the reasons for the group's opposition.
 
5.  Georgia School Boards Association  -- Gives a breakdown of the OSD legislation's provisions (this group is opposed to the OSD).
 


Voter Registration Drive
Centennial High School PTSA will be holding a voter registration drive for students who will be at least 18 on or before Tuesday, November 8, 2016.  We encourage all our members to become educated on the issues and candidates and to CAST THEIR VOTE. 

This year, in addition to the presidential, congressional, and state legislator races, there will also be four constitutional amendments on the ballot. One, if passed, would allow state takeover of public schools.  Georgia PTA has taken a position on this amendment; you can find out more about the amendment and PTA's position at  http://www.georgiapta.org/issues-action/opportunity-school-district-legislation/

Please speak with your student on this important aspect of citizenship.  If you are not registered to vote or would like to help your student fill out the form, you can register on-line at 
  https://registertovote.sos.ga.gov/GAOLVR/#no-back-button  and you can find a sample ballot at Georgia's "My Voter https://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do

FCS School Board Community Meetings 

Centennial High School is represented by three FCS school board members.  Each board member holds monthly community meetings to keep residents informed about issues and gives citizens the opportunity to comment on Board agenda items.  
  • Julia Bernath - Tuesday, October 18, 9:30 AM at River Eves Elementary 
  • Linda McCain - Tuesday, October 18, 7:00 PM at Chattahoochee High School
  • Katha Stuart - Wednesday, October 19, 6:30 PM at Mountain Park Elementary 

  Fundraising at CHS
Accident Avoidance Workshops

Educators know kids learn better when they're having fun ... so how effective can "driver's ed" be if your student complains about how boring it is? Just how comfortable will you be sending them out on the road with the absolute minimum required training? 

They will learn more in the Accident Avoidance Workshops. Don't let what you know about "driver's ed" set your expectation of the Accident Avoidance Workshops.  This is not "driver's ed" ... this is "driver trainin' the way it ougth'a be." We will completely and forever change the way both you and your student look at driving.

Don't take our word, here is what parents just like you have to say about the Workshops.
 
"You think you know what this program is ... but you don't.  This has teeth." -D. Kliewer; Parent
"There's a reason this is the highest-ranked program in the U.S.  You can't understand until you take it." -D. Aaze; Parent
"I had no idea there was a program like this out there.  No kid of mine will ever go without it." -C. Abernathy; Parent
"My son needed to be knocked down a few pegs.  Mission accomplished." -J. Wright; Parent

The Workshops are coming back to Centennial High School this October; spaces will go fast. Don't delay, sign up today.  One semester free parking pass will be raffled to one Centennial student .   Click here  for more information and for a complete schedule, or call  770-262-7009 .  If you are ready to register you may  click here .

We're adding another class in February as well, since there was so much demand generated at Curriculum night.

Remember to Use your Publix Scan Cards!

Do you know that the CHS PTSA has received over $14,000 from Publix over the years?!  That is a lot of money - and it takes no effort at all.  Just use your scan card every time that you make a purchase at Publix.  If you do not have a scan card, you can get one at the front desk.  They are available throughout the school year.  You or your student can pick up extra cards for grandparents, friends and neighbors to use.  Everyone buys groceries, and having these cards scanned when you shop at Publix is an easy way to help CHS PTSA!


Check out our Website! www.centptsa.org

We hope that along with the official Centennial High School website, the PTSA website will help provide you with all the information you need from CHS.  We are always looking for ideas to increase content, so please let us know what you want to see and how. centennialptsacommunications@gmail.org


Do you want Up to Date Information about Centennial?

 

http://www.centptsa.org/- everything PTSA (including a calendar) and more!

 

http://www.mycentennialcounseling.com - Very valuable counseling office information including: college, financial aid and scholarships; test prep; graduation requirements; class scheduling; parent nights and much more.


 www.centennialathletics.com Official Centennial Athletics Website

 

http://www.chsknights.com - Official Centennial High School Website.


 

Like us on Facebook     Centennial PTSA Face Book page
 

Follow us on Twitter     Ms. Crumbley's CHS Twitter Page
 

 

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