Christ the King School Newsletter - August 20, 2019
Dear Christ the King School Families,
Much happiness and hope presides in my heart today as we commence a new school year. My prayer is a simple one: May this year’s theme of the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit and sub-theme of unity envelope our days and be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. So great having you all return yesterday, safe and rested, from summer break. It was an awesome beginning to the new school year with our Prayer of Blessing at church leading the way. Very grateful for you all, and truly honored for us to embark on a new and exciting school year. 

Today’s photo of our eighth grade class reminds us all that we are on a journey of learning and discovery that becomes more profound when we wrap it around Catholic education. Our community is irreplaceable, and what sets us apart, as we lean toward our mission and charism each day. Your children are remarkable and miracles in our lives! We thank God, and you for entrusting each child to our care and vocation as Catholic educators.

Abundant blessings,

Mr. Silveira
Principal 
Christ the King Catholic School
Communication
We would like to present some important information pertaining to communication(s) via social media and technology use. We welcome communication as it is a cornerstone to our mission and success. The main venues of communication for Christ the King Catholic School are the school newsletter, constant contact notifications, and teacher/room parent emails. All official communication needs to go through these channels to ensure consistent and accurate information.  

If you are hosting a social event that is not CTK School sponsored please refrain from representing CTK School’s name and logo with such communications. When communicating regarding Non-CTK School sponsored events, please respect the privacy of all school families both in content and contact information. 

We would also ask that you refrain from negative comments or communications pertaining to our school via social media. If you have concerns please bring them to us in person. With our theme of the Holy Spirit and sub-theme of Unity, we are called to build each other up.

We thank you in advance for following this request and protocol.   
Prayers
Please join us in praying for all our families and friends, for the special intentions of our school and parish staff, for the needs and cares of others, and for all those who are suffering from illness, loss, loneliness or other challenges. May God keep us all in His tender and loving care.
Important Dates
Wednesday, August 21 - Friday 23 - Kindergarten schedule 8am-12pm.
Wednesday, August 21-  2:15pm early dismissal grades 1-8.
Thursday, August 22 - No Hot Lunch, bring a packed lunch!
Friday, August 23  - Dress uniform, Liturgy 8:00am, SL prep.
Sunday, August 25  -   CTK Community Welcome Mass 9:15am.
Monday, August 26  - Kindergarten begins all day schedule
Wednesday, August 28  - Dress uniform, School Pictures, 2:15pm early dismissal
Thursday, August 29 -  Pizza Hot Lunch, Back to School Night 6:30pm.
Friday, August 30  - Dress uniform, liturgy 8:00am.   12pm minimum day dismissal
Monday, September 2  NO SCHOOL  in observance of Labor Day .
CTK Community Welcome Mass
Please join us in celebrating and welcoming everyone to our CTK Community on Sunday, August 25th at 9:15am. Our Student Leadership Team will be leading us in prayer and we look forward to seeing all our students and their families. Welcome!!
Reminders
Student Emergency Information Forms: (In your Family Envelope) Please check your form for accuracy and make any needed changes. Please sign both sides and return the form to the office tomorrow.

Directory Forms: (In your Family Envelope) Parent contact information is included in our School Directory. Please check your form for accuracy and make any needed changes. Please sign and return the form to the office tomorrow. Directories are to be used for school related business only. Any use of the directory for commercial, solicitation or personal mailing list purposes is strictly prohibited. It is our expectation that families will keep the directory in a secure place and use good judgment with respect to all matters concerning the contents of this booklet.

Teacher Appreciation: (In your Family Envelope) Please see the letter for more information. Thanks for your participation!

Parent Student Handbook: The 2019-2020 Parent Student handbook is now available on the school website at ctkschool.org . Please scroll to the bottom of the home page for a direct link. We will be sending out a form next week for you to sign confirming that you have read all about our school!

Emergency Notification: Opt-in for emergency notifications by text! This will be our primary mode of communication in the event of a major emergency situation or natural disaster. In order to receive these notifications text “y” to 68453 .

Reporting an Absence: If your child is absent from school it is important to notify the school by 8:30am. You may notify the school by emailing attendance@ctkschool.org , submitting the online attendance form or by calling the school at (925) 685-1109. 
School Pictures
School Pictures will be taken on Wednesday, August 28. It is a Dress Uniform Day for all students. You may purchase these pictures but purchase is not required. Instructions were sent home in today's family envelope. You can also access them here . If your child is absent on picture day, we have a makeup day scheduled for September 25th.
Walking or Public Transportation to or from School
Walking of Campus: If your child will be walking or biking off campus they must have a "Walk of Campus" form on file in the office. Click here for the form. 

Students using Public Transportation: Students taking transportation such as Uber or Lyft must have a Parental Request for Transportation and Release form on file in the school office. Click here to download the form.
Health & Safety Notes
All student medications, EPI Pens and Inhalers must be check in through the School Office . If your child requires an epi-pen or inhaler and attends CLUB CTK, you will also need an epi-pen or inhaler in CLUB CTK.  Click here  for medication on file form.
Back to School Night
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT!  Back to School Night for all Grades will be Wednesday, August 29 th , beginning at 6:30 pm in the Church.  This is your opportunity to meet your children’s teachers and hear their expectations first hand. This evening is for parents only. Please make childcare arrangements for your children. 
Club CTK
Club CTK is excited to welcome everyone back to school. Our hours are 7:00 - 7:45 am each morning and from dismissal time until 6:00 pm. each afternoon. If you have not yet registered for Club CTK click here .
PTG
PTG President Kirsten Sawyer is to be commended for her leadership, commitment to our school, and awesome spirit.  Kirsten and many of our parents most recently planned and were highly involved with the hospitality for our Kindergarten Orientation, our Annual Ice-Cream Social, and yesterday’s community celebration prior to our Prayer of Blessing.  We admire Kirsten and her team’s kind hearts, giving ways, and loving actions. For this we are truly blessed. To see them in action reflects all that is right with our school’s mission and charism. Tremendous respect goes out for their humility and conscientious work ethic. 
Spirit-wear Sale now open until September 15th, don't miss your chance to buy some fun school gear! We have some new items, check them out here:
 
https://grycosportswear.itemorder.com  and enter sale code: RSH9V
 
Proceeds go to Teacher Bonuses, Art and Garden Awareness....
 
The Parent Association is excited to announce Spirit-wear Sales for CTK Students and Family. 
• Spirit-wear can only be purchased through an online store through September 15th and should be delivered in 3-4 weeks
• Adult and Child sizes are available, there are no returns or exchanges so please review the sizing charts on the website. 
• Spirit-wear will not replace uniform requirements, but will share our schoo l spirit outside of school and on the occasional free dress day.
Monsignor Wade Golf Tournament
Sign up for the 23rd Annual Monsignor Wade Golf Tournament at Contra Costa Country Club on Monday, October 21. Register for the event at  www.ctkgolf.org  by August 31 for the early-bird rate of $195. Thanks to our new sponsor, Los Panchos, the Breakfast Burritos are back!

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact Raul Ortega at  golf@ctkgolf.org  for more information.
Volunteer Opportunities
Lots of opportunities to help!  If you are interested and able to help with any of the following, please email Mrs. Rubino at vrubino@ctschool.org . Thank you!!

Choice Lunch Helper : Help serve Choice Lunch approximately once per week 11:30-12:30 pm on Tuesday or Friday.

Unstuffing Family Envelopes:  We need regular Family Envelope unstuffers (and subs) one hour every other Wednesday morning at 8:20 am.

Picture Day Assistants: Two parent volunteers are needed to help on picture day on August 28th from 8:15am-11:00am. As a reward you will get 1 free picture packet.
Choice Lunch
Choicelunch   is available for students  including Kindergarten  this year Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday of each week. Click here  for more information. Registering is easy at www.choicelunch.com . The first day of service will be Wednesday, August 21st.
Orange Ticket Hot Lunch
Thursday Hot Lunch: There will be NO special "Thursday Orange Ticket Hot Lunch" this Thursday, August 22nd. Orange ticket hot lunch will begin next week on August 29th. Thursday hot lunch is available to all students. Cost of the lunch is one orange ticket. If your child would like an extra entree, they may bring $1 with their orange ticket . Extra entrees are with an orange ticket only. No single entree purchases. Tickets can be purchased here and will be delivered to your child unless you state that you will pick them up from the office.
Ice Cream
popsicle_stick.jpg
Ice Cream will be available for sale starting Tuesday, August 27th. Ice cream is available for grades 1-8 only. Click here for ice cream order form. Ice cream requires 2 green tickets. Orders received tomorrow will be sent home with your child at the end of the day.
CTK School Choir
Welcome back!! 

Hello Parents of existing Choir members and those interested in joining Choir, 

I am so excited to join the CTK family this year and be working with the Choir! We will be kicking off the year on Wednesday, August 28th from 2:20pm - 2:50pm in the CTK church. All students, 2nd-8th grade are welcome to join! Students must REGISTER for choir for the 2019-2020 school year. Please turn in the forms to the homeroom teacher (NOT THE MAIN OFFICE) by Tuesday, August 27th. Click here for new Registration Form.

For Wednesday, please have students meet at 2:20pm at the orange basketball hoop.

Thank you and I look forward to meeting you and your students!

Miss Halsey
Eagle Scout Project in Honor of Father Brian Joyce
Jake King and his family presented Father Paulson our Pastor with two handsome benches that now preside in front of our church.  Jake is to be commended for his workmanship and great intentions of the heart. Countless hours were committed to building the benches with care, quality design, and with a classy placard in honor of Father Brian Joyce our Emeritus Pastor.  Presently, Jake is attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. As a graduate of CTK School’s class of 2019 we are so proud of Jake’s accomplishments, and send many blessings of gratitude to Jake’s family.
Advisory Council Opportunities
School Advisory Council – Opportunities for 2019-2020

The CTK School Advisory Council (SAC) is an advisory body to the Pastor and Principal of Christ the King, and is focused primarily on the long-term mission, goals, finances and outlook for CTK School. We are looking for parents or community members interested in joining or working with us this year. The opportunities for involvement are outlined below. An application form can be found here .

·        Principal Appointed Representative (Full Member):  The SAC has one open position for an appointed representative. This representative would be a full member of the committee – i.e., he or she would attend all regular SAC meetings, and chair or co-chair a standing committee. The ideal candidate for this opening would have experience with fundraising and development, particularly in a non-profit or educational setting. Applicants can be part of the school or local community, and are asked to complete a short application form and interview with Fr. Paulson and Mr. Silveira. If you have questions or would like to apply, please contact Sue Weiler-Doke (SAC Chair) at suewdoke@gmail.com .

·         Committee Members:  The SAC is also seeking members of the community to join one of the standing committees that work towards advancing particular goals. This is a great opportunity for individuals who have particular skills or interest in each committee’s area, and are passionate about the future of CTK School. A list of standing committees, a brief description of their responsibilities, and their Chairs are listed below. Please reach out directly to a Chair if you’d be interested learning more and potentially getting involved.

·        Advancement & Development (development planning, alumni/stakeholder outreach, annual fund, fundraising oversight) - contact Sue Weiler-Doke ( suewdoke@gmail.com )

·         Finance (creation and review of financial statements, financial reports, and capital budget) – contact Joe Reid (dawg19gone@gmail.com)
·        Innovation (technology and needs assessment planning and implementation) – contact Katie Thornbury ( kthornbury@ctkschool.org )

·        Marketing & Communication (marketing and communications planning and implementation, branding and social media oversight) – Jennifer Bennett ( jenniferbennett1011@gmail.com )

If you have any questions about the SAC or the opportunities above, please reach out to any of the members listed below, Mr. Silveira, or Father Paulson. We look forward to working together this year and beyond!

Sue Weiler-Doke (SAC Chair) – suewdoke@gmail.com
Jennifer Bennett – jenniferbennett1011@gmail.com
Kate Halfon – katehalfon@comcast.net
Paul Nuti – p_nuti@yahoo.com
Joe Reid – dawg19gone@gmail.com
Kirsten Sawyer – kirs431@aol.com
Megan Symonds – megansymonds@gmail.com
Katie Thornbury – kthornbury@ctkschool.org
CTK Faith Formation Opportunities
The CTK Religious Education program is in need of catechists for all grades, 1 through 8. Being a catechist is a fun and rewarding vocation, and a great way to learn our faith at a deeper level. Classes for grades 1 through 5 are offered on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday from 3:30 until 5:00 PM. Grade 6 classes are held on Wednesday evening from 7:00 until 8:15 PM and 7th & 8 th  grade classes are held on Tuesday from 7:00 until 8:15 PM. Please consider this opportunity and get in touch with Deacon John to volunteer or to discuss the details of the program.  faithformation@ctkph.org  or (925) 682-2486, ext. 107.”
After School Opportunities
Christ the King CYO Basketball.

For more than 20 years, The Christ the King Parish has participated in the Oakland Diocese CYO basketball season. The program is available for girls and boys in grades 3 through 8. To register, simply go to the Christ the King CYO website:  CTKCYOHOOPS.ORG . There you will find a specific link to the organization's sportability page. 

Registration is open through September 5, 2019.

For questions, please email  ctkcyohoops@gmail.com. Thank you.
“Disney’s Frozen, Jr” After School Theatre Enrichment
Class Begins September 13th, 2019
Registration begins now! - Limited Spots Available

Who: Grades 2-9 Students from Christ the King School and Parish and Friends  are invited to participate in the class. 

What:  The enchanting modern classic from Disney is ready for Broadway Junior stars! Frozen JR. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. A story of true love and acceptance between sis- ters, Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! Audition materials can be found at  www.mtishows.com .

When and Where:   Musical Theater will be held on  Fridays  (from 3:00-5:00PM) at Parish Hall Rooms A/B.

How:   If you are interested in having your child participate in Musical Theater with Phyllis Gurnett, please call (925)451-3027 or email  pgurnett6@aol.com  to inquire on availability or to receive a brochure.