Dear Christ the King Catholic School Community,

This week we look forward to honoring black history month with special prayers and inspiring quotes at morning assembly.  In addition, Father Lee and our 8th graders will be leading us at Friday’s mass with a special tribute to Mrs. Bucci.  Further, myself and four faculty members will be attending (Thursday through Saturday) the 2025 Learning and the Brain Conference in San Francisco, California.  Having attended twice over the last three decades, this conference is truly, in my opinion, the best educational professional development opportunity nationally.  The cool part, as stewards of our school’s funds, the whole conference is paid from US Department of Education Title 2 Funding.  The ideal is to continue to take CTK School faculty members annually to this highly prestigious and enlightening conference.

Shifting gears, with immense gratitude to God and immense blessings to you all, I am continually reminded and inspired by what God and “we” have accomplished in our modern school history, as follows:

During the 2018-2019 school year two full-time reading specialists were hired to enhance early literacy and our strong educational footprint in Catholic education.  A Christ the King Catholic School Endowment Fund was established.  In addition, a stealth safety committee was created whereby a robust emergency operation plan (new to CTK school) exists in all school building locations; with strong safety initiatives and goals shaping our days. Both CTK School and CTK Parish oversaw the completion of numerous construction and maintenance projects. A new roof for the main school building was completed in the summer of 2018. Further, solar panels were installed on both the school and gym, benefiting both CTK School and the parish. Additional bandwidth, a new public address system, and a new bell system were also installed during the year.

In the spring of 2019, the parish opened the new parish Ministry Center, further strengthening the spiritual foundation of our parish and school community. A comprehensive renovation of the gym complex—including the restrooms, foyer, and Parish Hall—was initiated.  In addition, new plexiglass backboards were installed to all outdoor basketball court locations creating a modern-look.  Lastly, in the summer of 2019, new flooring was installed in the main school building, and a new sewage system was implemented for both CTK School and CTK Parish.

The 2019-2021 school years presented unique challenges with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, schools were forced to close, and instruction was delivered virtually until March 2021, when students returned to campus for a modified hybrid learning model. Despite these challenges, CTK remained committed to academic excellence and Catholic faith-based education.  A gifted and experienced CTK medical team of experts and school senior leadership met often as a committed Covid health task force leading the way.  A fiber network was installed for faster internet access, new Promethean Smart Boards were placed in all classrooms, and all students transitioned to 1:1 devices to support at-home learning. The use of online technology increased exponentially. Thanks to the faith, perseverance, and dedication of our students, families, faculty, and staff, we overcame these difficulties with resilience and strength.

The 2021-2022 school year marked a return to a fully in-person learning environment, allowing students to once again experience the rich, faith-filled academic atmosphere that defines CTK School. Our library’s physical setting was updated, and funds were allocated to enhance literacy resources and materials in all classrooms. Additionally, a marketing and communication plan led to the launch of The CTK Ray, a biannual publication highlighting the school's Catholic identity, legacy, traditions, and commitment to academic excellence, distributed to all stakeholders. A new school logo, brand, and mantra—"One Community One Family"—were adopted to strengthen our marketing and communication efforts.

Two major capital projects were completed this year: the repaving and striping of campus-wide asphalt and a complete renovation of our outdoor Garden of Blessing, which now includes a greenhouse, outdoor classroom and benches, and a designated learning environment where students can connect faith with stewardship of God’s creation.

During the 2022-2023 school year, as part of our marketing and communication efforts, new signage was affixed to outdoor areas of the school, highlighting Christ the King Catholic School’s faith-centered mission, commitment to academic rigor, and community values. Additionally, four new water dispensing/filling stations were installed throughout the school and outdoor campus, and new air-conditioning units were installed in the middle school.

Following an 18-month in-depth study and report, CTK received high commendations for academic excellence and Catholic identity and was granted full-term, six-year accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) through June 30, 2029.

The 2023-2024 school year was marked by extensive campus improvement projects. Faculty and staff reviewed and adopted a new math curriculum—enVision by Savvas Learning—selected for its rigorous academic standards and ability to support diverse learners within our Catholic school environment. This new program was chosen for implementation in the 2024-2025 school year, accompanied by ongoing professional development opportunities. A math specialist was also hired to support differentiation and learning for students in grades 4-7.

A furniture committee selected and purchased new desks, chairs, outdoor tables, and umbrellas schoolwide, which were funded through a successful Fund-a-Need campaign and installed in the summer of 2024. The technology department focused on enhancing connectivity, efficiency, security, and network stability. Improvements included extending the Wi-Fi, phone, and loudspeaker system to the Parish Hall and gym, updating access points for faster speeds and greater coverage, improving security measures, and installing Redcat speaker systems in each classroom to enhance the learning experience within a Catholic academic environment.

The 2024-2025 school year began with maximum enrollment and active waitlists, a testament to the strength of CTK’s Catholic faith and academic tradition and commitment to excellence. Faculty and staff continued professional development initiatives, focusing on mathematics instruction, writing literacy, and faith-based formation. Additionally, new student leadership and academic initiatives were introduced, including the Moderator and Student-Led Spiritual Council, an Academic Decathlon Team, Art in Action, and Catholic Virtue Programming, reinforcing intellectual growth and moral development.

Educational sessions for parents and students were conducted, covering topics such as drug awareness through the Song for Charlie program and responsible social media use guided by Catholic ethical teachings. The year’s capital project, led by an ad hoc steering committee, focused on replacing the school’s "Big Toy" playground while integrating environmental enhancements that align with faith-based learning and stewardship principles. In addition, plans for a CTK Vacation Bible Camp are in the works for a June 2025 week of fun and spiritual discovery.  CTK Vacation Bible Camp allows our students to feel empowered in learning and living their faith.  Further, planning is in session regarding a late Spring 2025 CTK Arts Festival that profiles our students' creative works based on master artists; and expanding their knowledge in art techniques, cultural understanding, and creative design.

As we look ahead, Christ the King Catholic School remains steadfast in its mission to provide a faith-filled, academically rigorous learning environment where students develop the skills and virtues necessary to lead with faith, knowledge, and service in the world.  We are inspired and immensely grateful for our students, present and past, who continue to excel and accomplish great heights of learning and discovery within and beyond our walls. 

All glory to God, and much gratitude, respect, and abundant blessings for each of you,

Mr. Joseph M. Silveira Ed.D.

Principal

Christ the King Catholic School

Dear Heavenly Father, it is that time of year when our mornings are cold yet we feel the warmth in the afternoon. That warmth is a promise of Spring and all the new beginnings it brings. We look to You to protect us and guide us in Your light. As we approach the promises of a new day let us remember to honor our past and make a difference with our futures. Please hear the intentions in our hearts for our CTK community.

 If you have special intentions please email Mrs. Meran here so we can include them in our next newsletter.

The 2025-2026 school year will be here before we know it. Please click here to see tuition rates. We look forward to continuing to learn and grow together!

Magnificence



Magnificence in the eyes of a child - something is very beautiful, impressive, or grand.

Wednesday, February 19 - CTK Spirit Wear, Ice Cream Sales Grades 1 - 8, 2:15pm Dismissal, Dine & Donate Zachary's Pizza

Thursday, February 20 -HL - BCR's, Vision Testing Grades K, 2, 5 & 8

Friday, February 21 - 8:00am Liturgy Grades K - 8, Dress Uniform

Monday, February 24 - Kindergarten In House Field Trip

Wednesday, February 26 - CTK Spirit Wear, Ice Cream Sales Grades 1 - 8, 2:15pm Dismissal

Thursday, February 27 - Kindergarten Acceptance Letters Mailed Out, HL - Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

Friday, February 28 - 8:00am Liturgy Grades K - 8, Dress Uniform

Saturday, March 1 - 10:30am & 1:30pm First Eucharist Retreat, Middle School Academic Decathlon

Save the date!  

CTK / St. Stephen Vacation Bible Camp

June 23 - 27, 2025

Stay tuned for registration information 

Campers: incoming grades 1 - 6

Student Counselors: incoming grades 7-12

Are you interested in volunteering to be an Adult Counselor? Adult Counselors who volunteer all week will fulfill their Personal Hours for the 2025/2026 school year. All Adult Counselors must have current volunteer requirements on file. Please contact Heidi Nuti if you are interested.

Save the date for CTK's Annual Social Media Safety Night.

We invite all parents

of our 5th - 8th graders

to come to this informational evening.

March 27th

CTK Church

More information to come

The school calendar has now been updated with important dates for the 2025-2026 school year! 

Please note that parents (and students for grades 4-8) are required to attend conferences with their students' homeroom teachers in person, on campus on either 10/9/25 or 10/10/25. 

Teachers dedicate these two days to meet with parents and they work very hard to provide useful insights about students' progress, so we kindly ask that all families schedule weekend travel plans to begin after their conferences. Thank you so much for your support!

Attention parents of 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders:

We are excited to announce that once again students in 5th grade and Middle School will prepare and present speeches for our 13th Annual Speech Competition! Students will receive instructions during class, and will have time during class as well as at home to prepare and practice.  Speeches will be presented live in front of individual classes, and judges will select three finalists from each grade, who will then present at the Speech Showcase in early April. This year’s topic is: 

The Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). It is so important for us to show gratitude for all of God’s creation and for the gifts He has given us.

Write and present a speech that reflects on the theme of gratitude. One or more of the questions below can be used for inspiration (but are not required, as long as the speech relates to gratitude).

• What of God’s creation are you most grateful for and why?
• What makes you happy, and how does God help you see that?
• Where do you see light and joy in your life? (Not just what brings you joy, but where you see it in other things or people.)
• How do you show gratitude towards people, objects, or experiences in life?
• What gifts has God given you that you are grateful for, and how do you hope to use these gifts in the future?

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s homeroom or ELA teacher, or Speech Competition coordinators Katie Thornbury at kthornbury@ctkschool.org or Heidi Nuti at hnuti@ctkschool.org.

Want to help out with Choice Lunch? It's a fun way to get your volunteer hours. Shifts are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Click here to sign up!

Reminder, Milk & Ice Cream tickets will be available for purchase online through Raise Right ONLY. Parents will be able to purchase tickets online in quantities of 20 or single tickets.

How will this work?

Milk & Ice Cream tickets can be purchased through the RaiseRight website. If you have not signed up for a RaiseRight account, our school Enrollment Code is: L54D412C9999. Tickets can be purchased in groups of 20 or single tickets. Once purchased online, they will be delivered in the same process as other Scrip orders and can be picked up at the Front Office or delivered in the Tuesday Envelope after signing the Scrip Waiver here.

What is the deadline to order?

Orders are fulfilled on Monday mornings by 8:00am. Similar to the Scrip program, once orders are fulfilled they will be delivered through the Tuesday Family Envelope.

What if I miss the order deadline?

We want to encourage all parents to place Milk & Ice Cream orders on time. Every possible opportunity to send reminders will be taken as we all become oriented with this new process. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Demi Marquez directly dmarquez@ctkschool.org.

EARLY BIRD AUCTION TICKETS 

GO ON SALE IN 2 WEEKS

February 27, 2025 at 5:00 pm

$150/person

Christ the King Tuition Assistance Program

Diocesan and School financial aid programs may be available for families who qualify. While the primary responsibility for financing a student's Catholic education rests with the student's family, Christ the King Catholic School will make every effort to see that no child is denied access to a Catholic education based solely on lack of funds to pay tuition.

There are three types of Tuition Assistance available to Christ the King families: BASIC, FACE, and the CTK Children’s Fund. 

• BASIC (Bay Area Scholastic Inner City) is an outside source available to all new students in Grades K-8 whose families qualify for the free/reduced hot lunch program and/or meet the income criteria set by Basic Fund. The Basic Fund application income criteria guidelines are strictly adhered to. Applications are available online only at How to apply for BASIC and must be filed by March 31, 2025.

• Diocese of Oakland FACE (Family Aid for Catholic Education) Grant is a Diocesan sponsored tuition assistance program available to all qualifying families requesting financial aid. A FACTS application is required (see below) and is due no later than March 31, 2025.  The FACE Financial Aid Timeline for 2025-2026 school year can be found here.  FACE qualifications are here.

• The CTK Children’s Fund is tuition assistance sponsored by Christ the King Catholic School and is primarily available to students currently attending Christ the King. A FACTS application is required (see below) is due no later than March 31, 2025.

FACTS application instructions: FACTS applications are available online only here:

FACTS Application. Applicants must check the box for FACE under “Other Organizations”. Applications must include a copy of the family's most recent federal income tax return in order to verify the family's financial status and are due no later than March 31, 2025. Application instructions can be viewed here: Application Instructions. For more information please read the FACTS flyer here.

To equitably distribute the available CTK Children’s Funds, it is important that the Principal and Pastor have adequate information. Therefore, the school requires documentation of family financial resources in order to make determinations on applications for these funds. In addition to a family's financial resources, the Principal and Pastor will consider any other relevant family circumstances in making determinations on applications.

The amount of assistance awarded will vary from family to family and will depend upon the family's financial status, the family's particular circumstances and the amount of money the school has available for tuition assistance in a given year. Christ the King School will not discriminate in the administration of its Tuition Assistance Program on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or age in violation of existing state or federal laws or regulations.

All information regarding applications for Tuition Assistance will be held in strictest confidence by the Principal and Pastor. Parents are also expected to keep confidential the amount of any Tuition Assistance award that is given. Families will be notified of the determination made by the Principal on their request for a tuition grant, including the amount of any award for the upcoming school year by May 30, 2025.

Volleyball Season is HERE! 

CTK Volleyball Registration: Open to CTK school girls in 6th, 7th and 8th grade. The season will run from March through May. 5th grade girls are eligible for a volleyball clinic (No Jersey). This is a great opportunity to play a sport with your classmates. If interested, complete the three registration forms listed below along with a $40 check made out to CTK. If your daughter is new to volleyball this year or needs a new jersey please add $25 to your check and write your jersey size on the top of the registration form. 

Parental Permission and Medical form

Code of Conduct

Concussion Information

Please return the registration forms and payment labeled volleyball to the office no later than Friday, February 21st.

If you have any questions, please contact Amerita Santos -ameritaiyoki@gmail.com

Note from Josten's



Due to an increase from Josten's credit card provider that processes the online payments, they unfortunately, will be increasing the fee the parents will be charged to purchase a book online to $1.99 per transaction. This fee will go into effect immediately.

Young Children - please join CLOW the following upcoming Sundays Spring 2025:

February 23

March 2

April 6

April 27

May 18

At the 9:00 a.m. mass, children will have the opportunity to join a special Children's Liturgy. They will listen to the readings of the day in an interactive, child-friendly way so they can better understand God's Word and strengthen their faith.

CLOW details

Time: Sundays at 9:00 a.m. Mass

Ages: 4 years old - 4th Grade

No registration necessary. Children will be called forward at the start of mass, and will return to the church to present the Gifts and sit near the Altar during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. They will return to their families during Peace be with You.  CLOW is optional, children may participate if they'd like, or remain with their families throughout mass in the church. Questions? Please contact Heidi Nuti.

De La Salle Camps are back and better than ever for the summer of 2025! De La Salle Camps offers a wide range of athletic camps from Football Camp to Wrestling Camp to All Sports Camp. We also will offer a variety of enrichment camps from our CSI Science Camp, to Woodshop Camp, to Band Camp. Our camps are offered to grades K-12 (depending on the camp) and are open to boys and girls. REGISTER BEFORE MARCH 1 FOR A 10 PERCENT DISCOUNT ON ALL CAMPS! Visit our website at https://www.dlshs.org/athletics/camps-clinics/summer-camps for more information and to sign up!

Help Write the Ray! 

Calling all writers and photographers! Please help us tell the story of Christ the King Catholic School by submitting your ideas for articles and photos for the June 2025 issue of the CTK Ray! 

The Ray is an annual publication designed for Christ the King families, friends, alumni, prospective students, parishioners, and neighbors. The CTK Ray features a collection of news articles, stories, and reflections by students, teachers, and parents, as well as a message from the Principal, an update on CTK alumni, and information about upcoming events.

Please share your photos of students at school events (in class, on campus, field trips, Festival, WAJAT, etc.) here: https://www.dropbox.com/request/Gx9rGrRSOItxvLfGDLmT  

A Dropbox account or log-in is NOT needed. You simply click the link and upload your photos. Please name the files or let us know the name of the student featured. 

Please share your story ideas or sign up to write an article by contacting Jennifer Ortega. All articles will be due no later than April 11. 

Thanks for your help in showcasing our amazing community! 

We've added a new LOCAL vendor to RaiseRight, King Pizza & Gyro! They are located on the corner of Gregory Rd. and Pleasant Hill Rd. across from 7-Eleven, perfect walking distance from the school. Gift certificates can be purchased in the amount of $20 through RaiseRight and you will receive 15% rebate towards your $250 School Fund Assessment goal for the 24-25 school year. Visit www.RaiseRight.com now to purchase your gift certificates!

Click here for a copy of our Scrip delivery calendar

Our school submits orders by 8:00am on Monday mornings and the cards are delivered the following week. If you would like your Scrip order delivered in your Tuesday Family Envelope, please click on the link here to sign the Scrip Waiver form. 

Please complete the form here if you are requesting reimbursement for school activities (for example, PTG events). After requests are reviewed and approved, your reimbursement will be ready within 7-10 business days. 

Thank you to everyone that has signed up to help our teachers and school! Your time and commitments help us to have the best school year possible. 

When you are finished with your volunteer service, remember to fill out the google form that records your Family Service Hours. You can find the form here. This form can be completed after each volunteer opportunity or your earliest convenience so that your hours are recorded and not forgotten! 

As a reminder, each family is responsible for 17 volunteer hours during the school year in the following categories: 

Fundraising - 5 hours

Festival - 4 hours

Personal Choice - 8 hours 

All hours must be logged and recorded by May 31, 2025. If you have any questions regarding totals or accumulations please reach out to Kim Anderson at kanderson@ctkschool.org

CONSIDERING BECOMING CATHOLIC? INVESTIGATE RCIA



Have you considered becoming Catholic but are not sure how to proceed? Possibly married to a Catholic or have children in Christ the King School – and interested in sharing their faith? Or possibly just looking to clarify your own faith journey?

Investigate our RCIA program, which facilitates your consideration of baptism or conversion. Learn more by emailing Tom Bobich at RCIA@CTKPH.org.

CTK Parish Newsletter: Please click here for the February 12th Parish Newsletter

February Partner's in Faith: Click Here

Parent Student Handbook: Click Here

School Supply List Grades K-8: Click Here

Club Registration Form: Click Here

Walk to School Form: Click Here

Student Medication Form: Click Here

Hot Lunch Orders: Click Here

Off Site Events: Click Here

Virtus Safe Environment Training: Click Here to access the online training site and Click Here for instructions.

Diocese of Oakland Volunteer Application form: Click Here

TB Assessment Form: Click Here

CTK Parish Prayer Line: Please email prayer requests to Rosa Grand via prayerline@ctkph.org.