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January 23rd ~ Newsletter
One Community One Family
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Dear Christ the King Catholic School Community,
This Sunday, January 28, 2024, at 9:00am. mass, followed by our school’s Open House at 10:00am., we will unite with Catholic schools around our Diocese and the world in celebrating Catholic Schools Week.
This faithful beginning reminds us of the importance that we need each other and cannot live our lives alone. We are called to be children of the light and called to be in communion with God and equally as important -- in communion with each other.
One thing that truly defines us as a church and school that I believe is difficult to replicate elsewhere, is the gift of community. Whereby our school’s daily mantra and lived experience is One Community One Family. This virtue calls each of us to walk together in faith, ignited by hope, and united in love.
We thank God for the endless blessings that we have received here at Christ the King Catholic Parish and School. The word Catholic in Greek means “universal” or “for all”. Within this context, no one is excluded, and we are all accepted in God’s embrace and welcomed by Christ’s light of salvation.
This is our gift from God that transcends it all with an invite to follow in Christ’s footsteps, every moment of our days; by word, action, witness, and service to our loving God and each other. The amazing power of prayer and the mysterious grace of the blessed sacraments are our guide. Each morning we begin in prayer as a faculty and staff, where the holy word commences our day and creates a space to place our intentions upward. Next, our student council leads morning prayer and assembly, rain or shine, as we gather as a community of believers.
I am truly amazed and touched by our students, faculty and staff, and parents who come each day with open hearts and minds. How awesome it is to celebrate a weekly Friday mass as a parish and school community throughout the school year. To enter our ministry center chapel and witness a singular class celebrate mass or experience a question and answer session with Father Paulson is very sacred, too. How amazing that we witness our children be baptized in our faith and receive the sacraments of first reconciliation and first holy communion. Transformative retreats for our students, faculty, and staff; catechesis, schoolwide reconciliation services, faith families, religion lessons, legacy-driven events, and so much more light our way each day! These spiritual milestones are not meant to end but are here to receive as sacramental offerings and mysteries of our faith.
Lastly, this quote by Saint Mother Teresa is a wonderful reminder that ties a bow around Catholic Schools Week and unites us all in – community, “Yesterday is gone, tomorrow has not yet come. We only have today.” When we shift our focus solely to God, as Jesus did while living here on earth, we now see clearly and can fully embrace the tender love of a Father, the healing power of reconciliation, the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit, the blessings of the sacraments, and the lived experiences of faith.
I am continually reminded how loving and faithful our pastor, Father Paulson, and our beloved priests, sisters, and clergy are. How gifted and dedicated our faculty and staff are. How committed and caring our parents, grandparents, and parishioners are. How truly special and incredibly important God’s children, your children, and our students are to the lived experiences of Catholic education.
A community where Catholic beliefs unite with Catholic virtues in providing an educational journey that will last a lifetime. May we never let go of the loving embrace of our risen King and Savior, Jesus Christ as we celebrate the special events surrounding Catholic Schools Week 2024.
Abundant blessings,
Mr. Joseph M. Silveira Ed.D.
Principal
Christ the King Catholic School
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You can RSVP to Fr. Paulson's Birthday Celebration by Clicking Here | |
Prayers for Catholic Schools Week | |
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Heavenly
Father,
You sent forth your Son as a beacon of hope for all people.
As a Teacher, He has given us the prime example of the importance of education.
As disciples, we look to Him for inspiration and strength.
Thank you for the many sisters, brothers, priests, and laypeople
who have dedicated their lives in service to our Catholic schools.
Thank you for the teachers and administrators who sustain our schools today.
Thank you for the parents who have given support and witness
to the importance of Catholic education in their daily lives.
Thank you for the students who work hard to further their education.
Bless our Catholic schools and the many people who advance our mission.
May our buildings be homes for those who seek to grow in faith, knowledge, and service of others.
May our school communities always support one another and exhibit hospitality to newcomers.
Fill our minds with knowledge and wisdom.
May our understanding of the world help us to grow in appreciation for it.
Fill our hearts with gladness.
May we always turn to you in times of need.
Fill our hands with the tools we need to serve others.
May we show them your unceasing love through our actions.
Amen
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Dear Heavenly Father, it is easy to get caught up in our daily lives and forget to see the blessings that are all around us. Help us to keep our eyes open to the miracles that surround us. Let us open our hearts and live our lives in your image. Please hear the intentions in our hearts for our CTK community.
Compassion and healing grace to Sister Kathy Lang, Sister Carmel Garcia, Sister Joanne Gallagher and Sister Anna Marie Gillett. We ask God to hear our prayers and provide the love and support we are seeking.
If you have special intentions please email Mrs. Meran here so we can include them in our next newsletter.
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Wednesday, January 24 - 49er Faithful Day Wear Red, Gold or White with Free Dress, Ice Cream Sales Grades 1 - 8, 2:15pm Dismissal
Thursday, January 25 - Graduation Pictures, HL - Fried Rice & Egg Rolls (Panda Express)
Friday, January 26 - 8:00am Liturgy Grades K - 8 (Grade 2 prepares), Dress Uniform
Sunday, January 28 - Catholic Schools Week, 9:00am Mass, 10:00am Open House, Dress Uniform
Monday, January 29 - Catholic Schools Week, Comfy Clothes with a $1 Donation, 7:00pm PTG
Tuesday, January 30 - Catholic Schools Week, Disney Day, 2:00pm Spelling Bee Grades 5-8
Wednesday, January 31- Catholic Schools Week, Jersey Day, 2:15pm Dismissal
Thursday, February 1 - Catholic Schools Week, Silly Socks with Dress Uniform, 8:15 Open House School Tours, HL - BCR's, 7:00pm Parent Sacrament Meeting, 2024-2025 Applications Due
Friday, February 2 - 8:00am Liturgy Grades K - 8 (Grade 1 prepares) Dress Uniform with Divine Mercy Rosary Bracelet, 6th Grade Field Trip, Kindergarten Sibling Interviews
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Come on CTK its time to show your support! Lets celebrate our San Francsico 49ers as they continue on the road to the Super Bowl! Tomorrow wear red, gold or white with free dress.
Go Niners!
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CTK is not just our school but our community. To attend CTK is so much more than just going to class. Now is our time to shine! We look forward to our Open House on January 28th. Please join your fellow classmates for mass at 9:00am. Open House will follow from 10:00am-12:00pm.
Please let your friends and families know that applications are available now here. It's an honor to be building the Class of 2033!
We look forward to meeting all our new applicants!
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The CTK Spelling Bee is coming up! Students in grades 5-8 will have the option of competing in a classroom spelling competition in the next few weeks. The top two students from each grade will then participate in a school spelling bee on January 30th at 2pm in the gym. The top three spellers in this competition will qualify for a regional semi-final, which includes an online qualification round and then an in-person competition for the top scorers. We are excited to host this academic challenge for our students!
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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 12th 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 March. This year’s topic is:
The Bible says, “Remember your leaders…think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith” (Hebrews 13:7). God has provided us with so many role models to help guide us as we climb towards His kingdom. Take some time to think about what important lessons you have learned from people you look up to.
Who is a hero in your life, someone you admire or someone who has had a positive influence on you? What have you learned from this person, and why are they important to you?
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.
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Choir will be on Wednesday January 24th
from 2:20pm -3:00pm
At this rehearsal we will be practicing for 2 masses: our regular Friday mass on January 26th and our Catholic Schools Week mass on Sunday January 28th at 9:00am (please be in church by 8:30am)
We need all of our choir members so please join us for both masses. Thank you! Keep on Singing!
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Parents of students in grades 4-8 are invited to attend a presentation about how to keep our children safe online. On Tuesday, February 20th at 7:00pm. CTK parent and Contra Costa DA Inspector Darryl Holcombe will share information about the dangers of social media and other concerning trends law enforcement officials are confronting.
Topics will include: protecting your child’s identity and reputation, cyberbullying, sexting, the misuse of AI, tools for monitoring your child's online activity, and steps you can take right now to limit your child’s exposure and risk.
Join us:
Tuesday, February 20th, 7:00pm-8:00pm
CTK Church (this is an in-person event)
Please note, this event is for parents only. Please do not bring children. Students in grades 6-8 will receive an age-appropriate presentation about similar topics later this spring.
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Join the PTG team! We are currently filling two open positions on PTG: Vice President and Secretary. If you are interested in learning more about these roles, please click on the descriptions. You can also reach out to PTG President, Carolyn Della Maggiore, at ptgpresident@ctkschool.org for more information.
Join us at our next PTG meeting which is on Monday, January 29th at 7:00pm via Zoom. A meeting link will be shared in next week’s newsletter.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
We need volunteers to help with Choice Lunch. This is a great way to get your service hours and earn credit for free lunches with Choice Lunch.
If you are interested in volunteering for
Choice Lunch
please click here to sign up.
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Hot Lunch & Ice Cream Tickets | |
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As a friendly reminder please check your supply of hot lunch and ice cream tickets before your child needs them. Tickets can be purchased through the family envelope and will be sent home with your child. We understand that sometimes tickets will need to be purchased in the office but please use the family envelope as your first option. When purchasing tickets please make sure you have the proper form filled out. Please do not send your child to the office with money and not a form.
Hot lunch ticket form is here
Milk & ice cream form is here
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It’s officially time to start ordering your CTK 23-24 yearbooks!
All those precious memories captured in one keepsake to treasure.
Order yours by visiting the site below and entering our school code.
If this is your first time accessing the site, you’ll need to register first.
Click here to order
School Code: 214115M
Price: $20.00
Last Day to Order: 4/1/24
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2024-2025 School Year Calendar Update | |
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The school calendar has now been updated with important dates
for the 2024-2025 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 10/10/24 or 10/11/24. 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.
Please click here for our school calendar.
Thank you so much for your support!
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Tuition Assistance Program 2024-2025 | |
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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.
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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, 2024.
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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, 2024. The FACE Financial Aid Timeline for 2024-2025 school year can be found here. FACE qualifications are here.
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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, 2024.
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, 2024. 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, 2024.
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Don’t miss out on a CYO favorite! Secure your tickets today for our annual CTK CYO Crab Feed on Saturday, March 2! We will have delicious crab courtesy of Fa Get About It Catering, dancing, raffle prizes and more! Registration is now open - secure your tickets today at our early bird prices until January 31! Tickets and sponsorship information can be found here and any questions, please contact cyo@ctkph.org.
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Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest | |
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2024 Basketball Free Throw/Competition
Sunday, February 4th in the
Christ the King Gym-7:30am-11:30am
No fee or pre-registration required.
Registration forms will be available on the day of the event.
Girls and boys ages 9 to 14 are invited to participate in the
Free-throw competition. Questions? Contact
Roberto Bracamontes rbracamontes@mac.com
Prizes for this competition donated by Nadine Masarweh,
Realtor with Compass Realty
www.compass.com/agents/nadine-masarweh/
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Sports Basement has now been added to our list of vendors on Raise Right! Gift cards can be purchased through your Raise Right app and you will receive 20% rebate.
CTK School is part of the Sports Basement Basementeers program. If you are a Basementeer, you will receive 10% off your purchase and they will donate 10% of your purchase to CTK. Click here for more information.
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Did you know that our school is enrolled in the BoxTops program? You can download the BoxTops app, scan your receipts and our school receives a portion of profits twice a year. our school ID is 197834
Click here to sign up.
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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!
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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.
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CTK Parish Constant Contact: Click here to view the January 17th parish news.
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