Dear Christ the King Catholic School Community,

Yesterday, we experienced Saint Patrick’s Day with his prayer of protection to begin our day – followed by a spirit rally in the afternoon. My prayer is that your families can seek some rest and truly enjoy the beauty of the Bay Area this weekend as the hills in their glorious green beckon for a car ride, visit to Briones or Tilden, a family walk, and simply downtime to focus on family and our Lenten promises and spiritual journey toward Holy Week and Easter.  

Saint Patrick's powerful words are a reminder that faith, hope, and love of God are the highest virtues of a fulfilled life, “Christ beside me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, and Christ above me.”

Today, we experienced a wonderful faith family experience whereby our 8th graders led a recitation of the Holy Rosary. In addition, Father Paulson and 4th grade will be leading us at Friday’s mass. Further, our 2nd graders and their families will be experiencing a First Holy Communion Retreat in preparation for this sacred sacrament in the month of May.

This past Friday, we were blessed to have Cooper Flanagan and his mom Mrs. Flanagan returned home to CTK. Cooper is attending Notre Dame as a scholar athlete and is an integral member of the Fighting Irish Football team. He presented an empowering message to our middle schoolers and was truly amazing. To witness his growth, sincerity and humility, an articulate and powerful message was awesome! Today, we send abundant blessings to Cooper, Carter, Mr. and Mrs. Flanagan, and family. 

Next Thursday, we have a parent and student evening planned from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in our church surrounding social media and digital safety. Please attend and please read the flyer in today’s newsletter. 

This past week, Dr. Andrew Currier and I visited St. Mary’s College and met with and observed professor Steve Cortright and Michael Riley with regard to the Integral and Seminar Programming surrounding the Great Books. We are hopeful to inculcate the Socratic and higher order thinking elements into our curriculum – especially at the middle school level. Not to supplant curriculum/learning, but more importantly enhance and heighten learning in the process. In fact, Dr. Currier will be teaching 8th grade over four sessions, in the coming weeks, on Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. Dr. Currier plans to utilize these aforementioned methods and techniques toward a critical/analytical argument for the case for a life of truth vs a life of illusion. Dr. Currier is a brilliant man with an Augustine heart and our 8th graders are blessed to have him lead such sessions as our 8th graders are a blessing to us as well.

Our virtue this week is sincerity, also known as genuineness. In the eyes of a child sincerity is found in truthfulness and actions and with honesty/enthusiasm toward others. A quote from Saint Patrick’s Confessions underscores sincerity well, “You know, as God does, how I went about among you from my youth in the faith of truth and in sincerity of heart.”  

Abundant blessing as we will soon begin and experience Spring in all of its glory,

Joseph M. Silveira Ed.D.

Principal 

Christ the King Catholic School

Dear Heavenly Father, we are so thankful for all of Your blessings. Please continue to shine Your light upon us. Hold our hand so we can lend a hand to others, listen to our intentions so we can hear those around us. Guide us in Your image as we all try and make our world a better place.

We pray for Pope Francis as he battles illness.

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

Sincerity



Sincerity in the eyes of a child - a mix of seriousness and honesty

Wednesday, March 19 - CTK Spirit Wear, Ice Cream Sales, 2:15pm Dismissal

Thursday, March 20 - HL - Pesto Pasta

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

Saturday, March 22 - 10:30am & 1:30pm First Eucharist Retreat

Wednesday, March 26 - CTK Spirit Wear, Ice Cream Sales, 2:15pm Dismissal

Thursday, March 27 - HL - Chicken Tacos, 7:00pm Social Media Parent Night

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

Saturday, March 29 - 6:00pm Father Daughter Dance

Monday, March 31 - Cesar Chavez Day, School Holiday

Tuesday, April 1 - Last day to order yearbooks

We have a few openings that have come up for our Kindergarten class for the 25/26 school year. This is an exciting opportunity to join the CTK community. If you know anyone who is interested please have them contact Mrs. Meran here.

Congratulations to Emma (1st) and the entire Vado Family!

Welcome Baby Joey to the CTK community!

We can't wait to see you in the Class of 2039!

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!

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.

Campers and Adult Volunteers - it is not too late to sign up!

Please note: Student Counselor Volunteer spots are full, but you may sign up for the waitlist.

Come join in the fun at our very own

Vacation Bible Camp

as we celebrate God, our True North!  

Song and Prayer

Bible Stories and Skits

Science Experiments

Outdoor and Water Fun

Crafts

Yummy Snacks

and so much more!

Each Camper will receive a complimentary t-shirt and music download.  

See below for more information:

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.

Get ready to lace up your sneakers and kick off the excitement! Our school’s annual Walk-A-Jog-a-Thon fundraiser is officially here, and it’s time for everyone to get moving and raise money for two amazing causes: sending our 6th graders to Camp Caritas and replacing the Big Toy! This year, we will only be collecting online pledges, so be sure to create your fundraiser page here and start collecting donations from now until April 4th. Instructions for creating your child’s page can be found here and in the Family Envelope. Curious where your child is on the leaderboard? Check it out!

There are awesome prizes up for grabs, so be sure to check out the prize list. Plus, if you create your page and get at least one donation by Friday, March 21st, you’ll score a FREE DRESS PASS!

Interested in earning some fundraising hours? We have a few volunteer spots left, and we’d love your help to make this event a huge success. 

Let the fundraising fun begin!

If you have any questions, please contact Ryann Day. 

VIP Cabanas and Fire Pit Lounges are officially on sale! 

Secure your exclusive seating now for the CTK Music Festival + Auction before they’re gone.

VIP Cabanas – $2,500 (Seats 8)

Plush private seating, private passed appetizers, and reserved premium wine and spirits for an unforgettable night.

Fire Pit Lounges – $500 (Seats 8)

A cozy retreat in comfortable, reserved area, perfect for relaxing, enjoying drinks, and soaking in the festival ambiance.

Limited availability – book now before they sell out!

https://paybee.io/@ctkauction@128

Please note, there will be comfortable seating and spaces for all guests at CTK Music Festival + Auction. 

These VIP seating arrangements are designed as an elevated experience and donation opportunity. 

Auction Tickets—Early Bird Pricing Update

We apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced purchasing your auction tickets before early bird pricing ended. Due to a brief technical issue, we understand some families may have had difficulty accessing the discounted pricing.

We would like to honor early bird pricing for anyone who encountered trouble. If you experienced issues, please reach out directly to Chelsea Ratilainen for assistance in receiving the correct pricing.

Contact Chelsea:

• Text: 510-417-7771
• Email: Auction@ctkschool.org

Thank you for your patience and understanding—we look forward to seeing you at the auction!

Save the date!!!

Join us for a fun-filled evening of mini golf! Moms and sons will pair together to play a friendly game on the greens while enjoying delicious eats from our taco truck on site! Don’t miss this chance to make special memories together - we can’t wait to see you there!

When: Friday, May 16th, 5-7 PM

Where: Putter’s Goat Track Mini Golf in Walnut Creek

• Event hats for all participants (included with ticket)
• Delicious Taco Truck dinner with sides and drinks (included with ticket) 
• Raffle baskets and more!

$70 for one mom/son pair. $25 each additional son.

If you have any questions please contact Kristine Baldacci (Kristine.baldacci@gmail.com) or Kim-Mai Underwood (kmuwedding@gmail.com).

Tickets will go on sale March 27th!

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.

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. 

Buffalo Wild Wings and many other vendors are on sale/increased rebates in promotion of March Madness. 

Reminder, the $250 SFA requirement deadline for the 24-25 school year is April 30, 2025. That's just a little over 8 weeks away! You can contribute towards this requirement through RaiseRight, eScrip or Corporate Match. Any purchases/contributions made after April 30th, will count towards the 25-26 school year. 

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. 

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

Congratulations to Carondelet High School and our very own Celeste Alvarez (Class of 2023) and Janel Nevares (Class of 2023) for winning the D1 Girls State Championship!

De La Salle also did great in their playoff run with Jason Brown (Class of 2021) and Brady Orr (Class of 2021). Way to go Spartans!

We want wish our Galloping Gaels of St. Mary's College good luck as they enter the March Madness Tournament! Go SMC!

We are pleased to invite 7th-grade students to participate in a Practice HSPT

Exam on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Carondelet High School. This is a great opportunity for students to experience the format and

content on the 8th-grade High School Placement Test.

Event Details:

● Date: Monday, April 28, 2025

● Location: Carondelet High School - Garaventa Center

● Arrival Time: 3:45 PM

● Testing Begins: 4:00 PM

● Duration: Approximately 3 hours

● Pick-Up Time: 7:00 PM - we will have students text parents when they begin the last section

Practice Test Information:

● This is a practice test designed to familiarize students with the HSPT format.

● Scores will not be reviewed by Carondelet or De La Salle Admissions and are for personal use

only.

● Accommodations are not available for this practice exam.

● Student scores will be sent directly to families by Scholastic Testing Service after the exam.

Registration:

To participate, students must complete both:

Carondelet Registration

STS Registration Access Code: ZA

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Lesley Schooler

Director of Enrollment & Engagement

admissions@carondeleths.org

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! 

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



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.

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 March 12th Parish Newsletter

CHILDREN'S STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Are you a 2nd through 8th grader who is looking for a way to grow in your faith this Lenten season? 

Participate in the parish Stations of the Cross!

When: Friday, March 28, 2025

Time: 5:30pm

Where: Christ the King Church

Who: 2nd - 8th grade boys and girls

How: reading or singing

Please contact Lynn Guidi at: lynnoguidi@gmail.com

to sign up and for more information. Deadline to sign up is Monday, March 17th.

March Issue of Partners in Faith: Click Here

Family Lent Calendar: 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.