Christ the King School

HISTORY OF CHRIST THE KING SCHOOL

Christ the King Parish, located at Morell Avenue and Chestefield Road in Philadelphia, PA, came into existence on June 17,1963. Reverend Arthur J. Woods, Pastor, offered the first Mass of the parish at St. Michael's Chapel, Shrine of the True Cross, on June 23, 1963. The use of the Shrine continued from the foundation of the parish until December, 1965. Weekday Masses were said in the temporary rectory chapel at 3622 Morrell Avenue.

Ground breaking ceremonies took place on September 13, 1964. Christ the King School opened for its first session on September 13,1965. The dedication of the parish buildings and the first Confirmation took place on May 15, 1966 at 4:00 P.M., administered by Archbishop John Krol.

Christ the King School from the outset was comprised of a lay and religious faculty (Sisters of St. Joseph). By September, 1967 twenty-four classrooms were in use; the enrollment of the schol was between twelve hundred and thirteen hundred students who were taught by a faculty of twenty-four. In September, 1968 two temporary classrooms wre completed in the basement auditorioum. School opened with twenty six classrooms.

Reverend Robert J. McGee was appointed pastor in May, 1970. Reverend Henry G. Birkhead was appointed pastor on June 3rd, 1987. Upon his retirement Reverend James A. Callahan was appointed pastor on June, 2000.

A two-session kindergarten program was established in September, 1985 with a total enrollment of fifty students. In September of 1992 a second kindergarten opened. By September 1993 both kindergartens had a full day session. In September of 1996, there were eighteen classrooms with three special rooms, Art, Music and Computer. Gym with a full time teacher was held in the basement. The librarian was also full time. In September of 2007 the enrollment was 460 students with 2 classses of each grade K-8.

The parish community of Christ the King works continually for the improvement and enrichment of its members. With a conscious, unified effort we will continue to support the present and future goals of our parish family.

  ABSENCES

On the day a child is absent the parent is required to phone the school at 215-632-1161 before 9:00 o'clock. The phone tape is available 24 hours a day.

A pupil, who has been absent from school, even for one day, is required to present a written note to his/her homeroom teacher. This is a school, state, and Office of Catholic Education requirement. A physician must confirm absences of an extended nature. The school nurse should also be informed.

An absence without a note is considered an unexcused absence.

No student may leave school at any time without permission from his or her teacher and a note from a parent. An adult must come to the school office and sign a child out. Parents are requested to send in a note the morning of a dental or doctor appointment during school hours.

In case of illness, the nurse or school office will contact the parents or an adult whose name has been submitted to the office.

ADMISSIONS

Christ the King School adheres to the directives of the Office of Catholic Education with regard to admission to Grade One. Each child must be 6 by September 1.

The principal determines whether a child should be admitted if there is evidence of an academic or emotional problem or if present class size is prohibitive.

To be admitted to Christ the King School the following is necessary:

*Grade One

1. Membership in the parish

2. Birth Certificate

3. Baptismal Certificate if not Christ the King

4. Immunization Record

 *Other than Grade One

1. Report Card from previous school

2. Final approval of the pastor of Christ the King

 Registration - Kindergarten registration takes place during the month of January each year. Grades 1 through 8 registration is on the first Sunday of February. Notification of dates is in the Church Bulletin.

Back to School Night - Parents of incoming students in kindergarten and grade one meet with the teacher before the school year begins.

 Testing - An oral assessment is given to incoming first graders. The purpose of this assessment is to get a general view of where each child is prior to coming to school.

AFTER SCHOOL CARE

Reliable school personnel provide an after-school program that begins the first full week of school and ends the last full week. Detailed information is available through the business office to interested families. Information is also listed on our website.

ALTAR SERVERS

Students entering the sixth grade, who have a desire to represent the people of Christ the King Parish in the liturgy, are invited to become altar servers.

The student is expected to be:

1. Respectful

2. Punctual

3. Attentive while learning the proper functions

4. Reliable to assignments

5. Accurate in following the schedule

6. Dependable in finding a substitute

7. In proper school uniform when serving

 

BELL SCHEDULE

 

 

Morning Bell	7:55 AM
Lunch	11:55 AM - 12:35 PM
Dismissal - Monday through Thursday	2:35 PM
Dismissal - Friday	1:35 PM

 

BICYCLES

Children from grades 5 - 8 only may ride bikes to school. Students must wear a bike helmet. Bicycles are to be parked and locked in the schoolyard. Children walk bicycles in and out of the schoolyard. The school is not responsible for any theft or damage, and parents are responsible for their own child's safety. Children who ride bicycles follow the safety guidelines for bicycles.

 The principal may take away the privilege of bringing a bicycle to school.

BOOKS

TEXTBOOKS AND WORKBOOKS

 The school through the efforts of the State of Pennsylvania, tuition, parish subsidy, and Fund Raising furnishes all secular textbooks and workbooks.

 The student must pay for lost or damaged books. The school makes a charge at the rate by which the books were purchased. All students must have a book bag for the protection of the books.

 A workbook is considered a contract between teacher and student, and must be handed in at the close of the school year.

CALENDAR

A tentative yearly calendar is placed on the web site the last day of the school year. This gives the parent an opportunity to plan for the family in advance.
An updated monthly calendar is also found on our school web site. CTK follows the holidays planned by the Archdiocese.
Our School website is www.christthekingschool.net

CARS

A.M.

In the A.M. drop the children off in the schoolyard.

·        Enter by the south driveway staying close to the grassy area

• Drive toward the Dumpster lining up in a straight line.
• When all the cars are stopped in front of you, allow your children to exit your vehicle
• Exit by the Church driveway
• For those who need to walk their child to a line, park out on the street
• Do not enter the circular driveway unless parking for Mass

 DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

Individuals picking students up for appointments, sickness, etc.:

·        Ring the bell at the center entrance in the circular driveway.

• When parking there, be cautious, as this area is used for funerals.
• At NO time park in the path of doors are these are designated FIRE EXITS.

 P.M.

Follow the same procedures as the A.M. except the cars form lines perpendicular to the school.

·        Six cars can fit in each line

• Please use seat belts at all times
• Come to the beginning of your line so students can see where you are parked
• All engines should be turned off until you are ready to move
• NO CHILD SHOULD BE PICKED UP ON THE STREET
• Share these rules with everyone who picks your child up during the course of the school year.
  
  

CLASS TRIPS

The purpose of every class trip is to broaden the intellectual, cultural and social experiences of each child. Written permission is required of each child's parent or guardian for participation.

 A class trip is a privilege, which a student may have taken away if a teacher so requests. If for a serious reason a parent does not wish a child to go with his/her class, the child must come to school.

Drivers must park along the back section of the field when taking bus trips. This keeps the school yard clear for the children at lunch recess.

CELL PHONES

Listing under telephone

CONFIRMATION

The students of CTK and C.C.D. Religion Classes are confirmed in grade 6. Any student entering CTK without the required religious background is tutored during class with an assigned teacher. Attire for Confirmation is a robe. The students are required to offer service to the community in preparation for the sacrament. The student chooses a Confirmation name and sponsor. The name chosen is to be a saint's name and the sponsor is to be a practicing Catholic, at least sixteen years of age. A sponsor is not to be the child's parent.

CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE
C.C.D.

The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine program is established to provide religious instruction for those children of the parish who attend public school grades 1 through 6. Classes for students in grades 1 through 6 are held in CTK each Sunday after the 10:00 Liturgy until 12. Classes for grades 7 through 12 are held at Our Lady of Calvary School on Tuesday evenings from 7:15 to 8:15.

For students who do not have the opportunity for daily instruction in the Catholic faith, these weekly classes are essential for their religious growth and development.

COUNSELING OR REFERRAL ASSISTANCE
CORA

CORA is a nonprofit, multi-funded Children and Family Resource Center. CORA helps the school in maximizing the service available to non-public school children under Pennsylvania Act 89 funding. The services available under Act 89 include Counseling and Guidance, Corrective Reading and Math, Psychological Evaluations, and Speech and language remediation.

CYO
PARISH YOUTH MINISTRY

The CYO is a Parish sponsored organization. Members of CTK Parish in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade in parochial, public, or private schools are invited to participate in the five-phase approach to youth ministry: athletic, cultural, service, social, and spiritual. Through a total youth ministry concept, CYO collaborates in all the youth-related programs offered by the parish.

DISCIPLINE

We desire that our students at Christ the King School understand the need for discipline. Developing in a student, desirable social attitudes, Christian virtues, respect for authority and a sense of personal responsibility for his/her actions is as much a part of education as growth in academic areas.

For purpose of clarity discipline infractions are placed in two categories: major and Minor Infractions.

Major infractions include:

·        Possession of Weapons

• Insubordination
• Truancy
• Theft
• Vandalism
• Fighting
• Smoking/Possession of matches
• Drugs/Alcohol
• Disrespect toward teachers (written and spoken)
• Deliberate disregard of school policies
• Abusive language (written and spoken)
• Conscious and consistent conduct failures - disrupting the learning process
• Leaving school without permission

In case of major infractions or repeated offenses, the Principal may employ procedures for suspension and/or expulsion.

Suspension - Temporary dismissal from school.

Expulsion - Permanent dismissal from school.

 

1. When a student is suspended, at least one parent must report to school the day the student is readmitted.

2. Parents sign an agreement in which they signify their understanding of the problem and agree to assume responsibility for the student's future behavior.

3. A student is liable to expulsion or request to transfer, if after repeated parental conference and suspension, there is no indication of desire to improve and resolve the problem.

4. It should be noted that the Pastor and the Principal reserve the right to insist on the transfer of the student where they feel that a particularly grave situation warrants it.

5. Many major infractions extend beyond the confines of school (e.g. theft, vandalism, drugs, etc.), but as long as the child is a student of the school these come under the school's policy.

Minor infractions include the following:

·        Violations of Safety Laws (e.g., walking in the street)

• Running in the school yard
• Lateness
• Gum chewing
• Failure to report to class with necessary materials
• Failure to do homework assignments

·        Violation of Dress Code - including Personal Appearance

Consistent failure in Minor infractions may necessitate a conference the parents and could cause suspension if there is no indication of intent to improve.

If after parent conferences and sufficient noted warnings a child receives an Unsatisfactory Mark in:

1. Personal Development and Behavior

2. Effort and/or Study Skills (including Home/School assignments)

Child can be requested to try a program in another school.

DRESS CODE

Uniforms are required for all students at Christ the King School. Parents are requested to cooperate by seeing to it that their children wear only the regulation uniform that fits and is worn properly. All uniforms should be kept neat and clean.

Girls - Grades 1 - 8

      Uniform plaid jumper (Gr. 1-5)

Uniform plaid skirt (Gr. 6-8)

• White knit shirt - long/short sleeve
• White knit shirt with logo for Gr. 6-8
• Cranberry/Navy/Black/white knee socks
• Leotards - white, black, cranberry or blue
• Cranberry Sweater-button front (1-5) or V-neck (6-8)
• OPTIONAL Cranberry N-neck Vest (Gr.6-8
• Uniform Shoe (navy, black & white saddle)
• Optional for GRADE 5 - Flynn & O'Hara navy pants

Makeup, nail polish, large or excessive jewelry are not permitted. (Earrings should be Post only-no hoops; 1 pair only.

Buttons or pins should not be worn unless they are given through school. A religious medal may be worn.

Skirts and jumpers are to be worn No More than 2" above the knee. Skirts may not be rolled at the waist. Shirts are to be tucked in and buttoned. (boys and girls).

Boys - Grades 1 - 8

o        Navy blue dress trousers (not denim or corduroy) No designer pants or cargo pants. Belts are required in grades 5-8.

• Light blue CTK knit shirts - long/short sleeve
• Cranberry CTK V-neck sweater or Vest long/short sleeve
• Uniform shoe (navy, black)
• No earrings K - 8

Summer Uniform (Time is announced according to the weather)

o        Dark blue shorts with CTK LOGO (used at gym)

• Girls- Short sleeve white school shirt
• Boys - Short sleeve light blue knit shirt
• Sneakers, tied properly; white socks

Hair of both boys and girls should be clean - NO extreme hairstyles are permitted. Length of boys' hair should not be below shirt collar. Hair should not cover the eyes.

AN EXCUSE NOTE SIGNED BY A PARENT IS NEEDED IF A STUDENT IS NOT IN FULL UNIFORM.

DRESS UP DAY - On "Special Days" children are permitted to come to school without uniforms. Dress, however, should be in good taste and appropriate for school." Flip-Flops" or "soccer slides" are not permitted.

P.E. UNIFORM - All children are to wear their gym uniforms to school on their assigned day. This uniform consists of a navy blue sweat suit with a CTK logo on the sweatshirt. Grm pants may be plain navy or have CTK logo. CTK Team Sweats may not be worn; NO HOODED SWEATSHIRTS. Navy blue CTK shorts and light blue CTK tee shirts may be worn under the sweats or in case of warm weather, alone. White socks and sneakers with ties are also worn. No jewelry is to be worn on gym day.

All uniform and logo items may be purchased at Flynn & O'Hara. (Refer to Important Links.)

EMERGENGY EVACUATION

External Evacuation

If an emergency arises and we need to evacuate the school for any reason the children in

Grades K through 4 will go to the convent

Grades 5 through 8 will line up on the incline next to the convent near the ball field.

If the weather is cold or inclement, the students in grades 5 through 8 will walk to La Braum's gym.

Internal Evacuation

If an emergency arises and students need to stay in school for whatever reason it is called "shelter in place."

Students have practiced sitting in the hall outside their classrooms away from windows and doors. This is one reason that teachers have water and snacks available. Doors will be locked and no one is to be admitted. School personnel will stay with the children.

EUCHARIST

The sacrament of Eucharist is received for the first time when students are in the second grade. The reception of First Holy Communion takes place during a Mass held on the last Saturday of April at 10:30 A.M.

Parents are required to attend one meeting a year at 7:00 P.M. in Church. At this time they learn how they can become directly involved in the sacramental preparation of their child.

Students in grades three through eight have the opportunity to receive this sacrament at school liturgies throughout the year and at Sunday Mass.

FACULTY INSERVICE

o        Faculty in-service meetings are held during the school year

• In-service days - There are usually three; one is a retreat day and the others workshops planned by the Office of Education or the principal
• All faculty meetings and in-service days are noted on the calendar
• For meetings children are dismissed after a four-hour session

FIRE DRILL

Fire drills are conducted on a periodic basis as directed by the Philadelphia Fire Department and Archdiocesan guides. Fire instructions are clearly visible in each room.

FUND RAISERS

The purpose of Fund Raisers is to help defray the cost of educational materials. The State allotment for regular books is minimal and it does not include the Religion books that are needed.

The other small fund raisers, such as, hot dog & pizza luncheons, pretzels, cup cake sales, etc., go to providing programs we feel help to benefit your child and keep tuition costs at a minimum.

GRADUATION

·        8th Graders pay a Graduation Fee

• All tuition must be paid in full prior to Graduation
• All Academic/Religious/Behavior requirements must be met prior to Graduation
• If a student fails a subject he/she must check with the high school to see if summer school is required.
  
  

HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

The Home and School Association is made up of an elected board of six members and all of the parents of the children in school, the faculty, Pastor and priests. Membership fee is determined annually.

The board members meet the first Tuesday evening of each month to plan and evaluate programs. There are usually three general meetings yearly. Parents and Faculty members are expected to attend.

Speakers and general school needs make up the agenda at the board meetings.

I PODS

Personal music devices are not permitted in school.

KINDERGARTEN

The kindergarten program at CTK provides a trusting and open atmosphere in which the spiritual and educational growth of each child is nurtured. The program provides a variety of opportunities for the child to interact with his/her social and natural environment. It is a readiness program where children learn through movement, play and experience. The children are encouraged to develop a positive image of themselves and others. We at CTK hope to provide a smooth and pleasant transition from the home environment to school. Each child must be 5 by September 1st before seeking admittance.

LATENESS

Children are late if they are not in their homeroom by the bell. Those who are late must report to the business office for a late slip. Lateness is recorded on each student's report and record card. A perfect attendance certificate is given at the end of the year for students who have persevered during the entire year. Parents are contacted if the is a chronic late problem.

LUNCH PROGRAM

Children bring their lunch to school each day; however, if they live close to school, they may go home during this period.

For those staying for lunch a contract is issued yearly which gives specific directives for children and families to follow. A small remuneration is required for each family to maintain the lunch program. The program is coordinated by an adult who sees that:

·        Each room has a paid moderator

• Monies are collected. (This may be paid yearly or bi-yearly)
• lunches are sold on Tuesday and Thursday (this must be ordered a month in advance) All information is found on the internet in LINKS

Any child who misbehaves and must be corrected frequently will not be allowed to stay in school for lunch. Staying in school for lunch is a convenience for the family but it is a privilege, not a right. Periodically, lunches are provided for the children at a reasonable cost through the school.

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION

Christ the King School uses the academic guidelines for each subject as directed by the Office of Catholic Education and the State of Pennsylvania

Children are placed in heterogeneous Groups in all subjects, Grades 1 through 8.

MIDDLE STATES EVALUATION

A team of evaluators appointed by the Assembly of Elementary Schools Middle States Association of College and Schools visited Christ the King in 1987. CTK School was then certified in 1987, which means that our school has met the standards of the Commission in terms of its own stated philosophy and objectives.

Christ the King was reaccredited in 1998. Every ten years there should be a re-evaluation.

PARENT - TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent-teacher conferences are of vital importance in keeping the avenues of communication open between the home and school. Formal conferences are scheduled around Report Cards. A conference may be initiated any time it is deemed necessary by either the parent or the teacher. This is done by either party contacting the other and setting a mutual date.

It is the responsibility of parents to keep informed and attend the Home and School Association meetings.

In specific cases, where deemed necessary, the teacher or principal may call a conference prior to the student returning to class.

Parents are requested to make an appointment with the teacher or principal before coming to the school.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Classes in physical education are required by the state. A note from a doctor is needed to excuse a child for a lengthy period. A not from a parent suffices for one class.

Children are evaluated and marked by the P.E. teacher in the following areas:

1) Ability

2) Cooperation

3) Attendance

4) Attire (Check P.E. attire under DRESS CODE)

There is a Field Day for various grade levels at the end of the year as a culmination of the gym program.

REPORT CARDS

There will be three reports distributed during the school year. The dates are on the yearly calendar.

SCHEDULE

School begins at 7:55 AM and ends at 2:35 PM. All students are to be present for the pledge of allegiance to the flag, and group prayer.

Class schedules are set by diocesan regulations and must meet state requirements. Minutes for each subject vary according to grade level.

SCHOOL BAGS - PENCIL CASES

School bags are required for all students. No books may be carried to and from school without one.

All children must use pencil cases in order to keep supplies needed for class.

 

SCOUTING

Christ the King proudly sponsors both Cub Pack 111 and Boy Scout Troop 111.

Cub Scouts is open to boys in 1st through 5th grade. Cub Scouting helps families teach their boys to respect themselves and nature, and develop skills needed for independence in an atmosphere of fun. Parent involvement is a key factor.

Boy Scouts is open to boys between the ages of 11 and 18. While a boy is maturing into manhood, the scouting movement helps him to develop his body and mind. He comes in closer contact with nature by going on camping trips He learns many things to make him a better-prepared citizen.

Meetings are held every Tuesday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 in the school hall. The Cubs meet weekly from September until June, and have summer outings including Summer Camp.

Boy Scouts meet weekly from September until Summer Camp which is usually in July. Visit the Troop website at www.bsatroop111.org

STANDARDIZED TESTING PROGRAMS
SCHOOL TESTS

The Terra Nova or like standardized test is administered each year to students in grades 2, 4, 6, and 8. The results are communicated to the parents. This test serves as the High School Placement test for the eighth graders.

Teachers throughout the year administer individual teacher tests and prepared tests. Parents are asked to inquire if NO tests come home to be signed.

STATE FUNDED SERVICES

ACT 89

Under Act 89, our students have the services of CORA (Counseling or Referral Assistance) in counseling, speech therapy, remedial reading and remedial math.

ACT 90

Under Act 90, we are entitled to funds for student workbooks up to a specified allotment.

ACT 195

Under Act 195, we are entitled to funds for student textbooks up to a specified allotment.

Library Books - A.V. Materials

All of these are part of a block grant, which includes text and workbooks.

*** The monies allocated by the state for textbooks, workbooks, library books, audio visual materials and equipment would never adequately meet school needs. Additional monies are raised in school in various ways.

SUMMER SCHOOL

There is no summer school program at CTK. If, in order to be promoted to the next grade, a student must work on certain subject areas during the summer, he/she must be tutored privately or join a program to meet his/her need. Documentation should be sent to the Principal before the new school year begins.

SWIM CLUB

Students in Grades K - 8 are invited to join CTK's Swim Team. No experience is necessary. Registrations are held in September.

TELEPHONE

Please notify the school of any change in phone numbers, either home, work, or emergency. (The same holds for change of address.)

Children may never use the office phone during school except by special permission in an emergency.

Cell phones are not permitted in school. If a student must have a phone for an important reason they must bring a note from a parent/guardian stating a specific reason. Students must give the cell phone to the teacher on arrival and take it home at the end of the day. They may never be used during the school hours.

CTK assumes no responsibility for loss, damage, or theft of cell phones.

TRANSFERS

When moving out of the parish to attend another school, or transferring to another school, it is necessary to call the school office ~ ~ giving new address, parish and/or school the child will be attending. Transfer slips will be given at the proper time and records forwarded when requested by the admitting school.

No records/transfers are sent or given unless tuition is paid.

TUITION

The Parish has a tuition policy. Tuition policy is evaluated yearly. We ash you to note due dates for tuition and help everyone out by meeting your obligation ON TIME.

Tuition is paid directly to the Committee on dates and places specified.

Families are requested to supplement the tuition by using the church envelopes regularly. Non-Catholics have a special financial arrangement with the Parish.

All families should have a copy of the Tuition Policy. Admit cards are issued for each child at first payment. Tuition must be paid by check or money orders only.

VISITORS

Teachers are not to be interrupted during class time, either to answer the telephone or to confer with a parent.

If an emergency arises please come to the school office or telephone the principal. Adults who bring articles of clothing, books, or lunches should bring them to the school office. Everything should be clearly marked as to name, grade, and room number.

All visitors must use the middle door of school. Please ring the doorbell and someone will open the door.

All visitors are to report to the main office first.