Dear Christ the King Catholic School Community,

Thank you all for attending Catholic Schools Week Mass and our Open House last Sunday.  Thank you for your support and positive feedback as the day was filled with great energy, positivity, and awesome intentions of the heart.  

Incredibly proud of our pastor/faculty/staff/students/parents/community for such an amazing mass and great lessons/projects/artwork being displayed in our classrooms.



It was a pleasure to see our parents, grandparents, students, and faculty/staff interact with each other and prospective students and families as well.  This week we have wonderful events planned surrounding the celebration of Catholic Schools Week; including new family applicants visiting our classrooms/campus this Thursday as planned.

Gratefully and humbly, there is high interest in joining our school’s community, and I look forward to interviewing kindergarten parents commencing this  Friday and extending to Monday and throughout the following week.  Please remind family/friends of this awesome opportunity to experience our One Community One Family by applying now.

So many fun events planned this week, that are located in this week’s newsletter, as we celebrate our school community and our Catholicity as One Community One Family.  We will end our week with Father Paulson and first grade leading us in a special mass with Saint Blaise’s blessing of our throats this Friday.  

A special announcement is as follows:

• Mrs. Jeanne Bucci after thoughtful prayer and discernment has made the decision to retire after four plus decades of service and commitment as our beloved Algebra, middle school mathematics and previous fifth and sixth homeroom teacher here at Christ the King Catholic School.  Over the years Mrs. Bucci has held key senior leadership positions as assistant principal, level coordinator, and homeroom teacher.  I admire Mrs. Bucci’s beautiful family, strong faith and Catholic roots, longstanding commitment to Catholic education, conscientious work ethic, wisdom, grace, intrinsic kindness, and gentleness.  A true iconic figure in our school’s rich history; and so beloved by generations and committed to our school’s faith/mission/charism.  We will celebrate Mrs. Bucci throughout the year.  I met Jeanne for the first time in 1992 at a Bay Area Mathematics Conference at Saint Raymond School in Dublin, California.  During my years at Carondelet High School, Mrs. Bucci’s students were always at the top of their class – thriving, growing , and excelling.  We all simply love Jeanne Bucci!!

• Mrs. Dana Urbina and her family have made the decision after thoughtful prayer and counsel to have Mrs. Urbina homeschool their amazing children.  I value Mrs. Urbina’s brilliant mind, ability to communicate both written and verbally, her wonderful Catholic faith with roots from Franciscan University, and her affable/kind/joyful spirit.  Her role/love of the Holy Sacraments have led our community so spiritually and wonderfully.  We will certainly celebrate Mrs. Urbina as well. 

In closing, Pope John Paul II stated this about Catholic education, “The mission of the Catholic school is the integral formation of students, so that they may be true to their condition as Christ’s disciples and as such work effectively for the evangelization of culture and the common good of society. Catholic education aims not only to communicate facts but also to transmit a coherent, comprehensive vision of life, in the conviction that the truths contained in that vision liberate students in the most profound meaning of human freedom.”

Abundant blessings and much love and respect,

Mr. Joseph M. Silveira Ed.D.

Principal

Christ the King Catholic School

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

Dear Heavenly Father, we are thankful for all of the blessings You have provided to our CTK community. Please continue to guide us on Your path, to trust in You and see the world as You created it. Please hear the intentions in our hearts.

 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!

Perseverance



Perseverance in the eyes of a child - the ability to keep working towards a goal, even when it's difficult or takes a long time.

Wednesday, January 29 - Catholic Schools Week, Jersey Day, Ice Cream Sales Grades 1 - 8, 2:15pm Dismissal, Dine & Donate King Pizza and Gyro

Thursday, January 30 - Catholic Schools Week, Dress Uniform with Silly Socks, 2025/2026 Applications Due, 8:15am - 9:00am Open House and School Tours, HL - Lumpia and Fried Rice, Dine & Donate King Pizza and Gyro

Friday, January 31 - Catholic Schools Week, 8:00am Liturgy Grades K - 8, Dress Uniform, Kindergarten Evaluations for Siblings, Grade 5 Field Trip, 6:00pm PTG Family Bingo Night in the Parish Hall

Monday, February 3 - Kindergarten Evaluations for Siblings, 7:00pm PTG Meeting

Tuesday, February 4 - Kindergarten Evaluations for New Families, 7:00pm Auction Meeting

Wednesday, February 5 - CTK Spirit Wear, 8th Grade Graduation Pictures, Principal of Day, 12:00pm Noon Dismissal

Thursday, February 6 - 3rd Grade In House Field Trip, HL - Mac N Cheese

Friday, February 7 - 8:00am Liturgy Grades K - 8, 8:45am Coffee & Donuts with PTG, Dress Uniform

Saturday, February 8 - Diocesan Science Fair

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!

We would like to congratulate all of the students who participated in the school Spelling Bee on Thursday January 16th! It was an exciting competition, and all of the students did a fantastic job. We would particularly like to congratulate our three Spelling Bee finalists who will go on to represent Christ the King at the regional level:

• 1st Place: Will Minami (6th Grade)
• 2nd Place: Stella Osipa (8th Grade)
• 3rd Place: Alysandra Laman (5th Grade)

Thank you to everyone for their hard work and participation

We are so proud of all of our middle school students for their hard work at the Science Fair. All of the projects were so fun to see. Congratulations to our winners:

6th Grade:

-1st: Marco Galleno: AI, For Real?

-2nd: Will Minami: The Warmup Challenge

-3rd: Nicky Della Maggiore, Brycen Dwyer, and Jake Meran: Unleash the Orbeez

7th Grade:

-1st: Carson Cote & Nathan Patania: Identify AI

-2nd: Kai Abellera & Sebatasian Gonzalez: Beat the Bot!

-3rd: Quinn O’Hara: Bean Buster

8th Grade:

-1st: Weston Demeyere: The Invisible Threat: Measuring UV Radiation Through Glass

-2nd: Iris Wesley: She Sells Seashells

-3rd: Tea Nuti: Sugar High

We like to thank all those who attended the evening. We would also like to thank our judges for their expertise!

Judges:

-Alyssa Belz

-Jeanne Bucci

-Juan Duque de Estrada

-Trisha Fernandes

-Leila Makhoul

-Kim Peña

-Spencer Shively

-Dr. Sergio Urcuyo

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.

Jesus calls us to help those who aren't as fortunate as us and the ones affected by the fires in Southern California.  The 8th grade project this year is to raise money and awareness for people affected negatively in Los Angeles. As many as 12,000 homes, businesses and other structures may have been destroyed. We are working to raise as much money as we can to help the victims from the fire. Give what you can and every dollar matters. We are working towards the class that donates the most money will get a cookie party with the 8th graders. We can’t wait to help the fire victims. With your help we know we can make a big impact on the victims lives.

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.

AUCTION MEETING NEXT TUESDAY

February 4, 2025 at 7:00 PM - Parish Hall

It is not too late to get involved! 

Please come by if you are available.

We have a lot of fun dreaming and doing. 

We have come a long way and we still have plenty more to do. 

If you have questions, or are just curious, please join!

Have a donation or interested in Sponsorship? 

Please sign up here: DONATION FORM

Have any questions? 

auction@CTKSchool.org

Family Bingo Night

Join us for a fun, FREE evening of Family Bingo this Friday, January 31st from 6:00pm-9:00pm in the CTK Parish Hall. Prizes, snacks and more will be provided. Evelyn's Food Truck will be on site with food available for purchase. Limited space available so RSVP here! If you are interested in volunteering that night, please sign up here. 

Dine & Donate

Take a break from cooking and join us this week on January 29 & 30 at King Pizza & Gyro! This is a great new restaurant that offers many options for you and your family including fresh fruit juices, Mediterranean cuisine and pizza. Every purchase for both days will give back 15% to our school. Don’t forget to mention ‘CTK’ at check out. Thank you for dining local and supporting our school community!

The next PTG meeting is on Monday, February 3rd at 7:00pm in the Media Room.

"Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and Kendra Scott is hosting their CTK Give Back event next Thursday, February 6th, 5:00pm-7:00pm where 20% of sales will be donated to the school. 

Spread the word as friends and family can also shop online 2/6/25 - 2/7/25 using code "GIVEBACK-IMSOC" and 20% of their purchases will also be donated to CTK."

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.

CTK Crab Feed & St. Patrick's Day

Celebration

Saturday, March 8th

In CTK’s Gym

Join us for a delicious feast of Fresh Crab, Kinder's Ball Tip, Homemade Irish Bread & Soup & more - it's gonna be a shell of a good time!

Click here for tickets

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

February 2

February 9

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.

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! 

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 January 22nd Parish Newsletter

January 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.