By Mary Ellen Zangara, Special Writer
Christ the King School will help to celebrate and promote Catholic Schools Week by participating with the rest of the Diocese of Metuchen schools from Jan. 30 to Feb. 5. The purpose of this week is not only to celebrate but also to draw attention to the schools for new enrollment.
Principal Christine Benson said the week of celebration will begin with a 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Jan. 30 at Christ the King Church and an open house at Christ the King School from 12 to 3 p.m.
”The recurring theme of this special week centers on the characteristics of Catholic schools: faith, knowledge, discipline, and morals. Our Catholic schools are deeply rooted in these core values; they are the very essence of who we are,” said Ms. Benson.
During the Sunday Mass students will sing a special song, “St. Elizabeth Seton’s Dream.” The song was composed by Michael Power, who is a sales representative for Sadlier Publications. The open house at the school will feature displays of student work, have tours, and registration information will be available.
Each day during the week, Christ the King School will have an event. Monday will be Community Service Day. Students will be making cards to give to local nursing homes and hospitals. On Tuesday, Ms. Benson said there will be a Reading Buddy Luncheon.
”Students in lower grades will eat lunch with their reading buddies, and will read stories together. The HSA (Home School Association) will provide ice cream to the students as a special treat,” she said. Tuesday is also student appreciation day.
Wednesday continues with the celebration of Mass at 10 a.m. at Christ the King School and Thursday will have a teacher appreciation luncheon provided by the HSA. Eighth-grade students will prepare and “teach” lessons to children in grades pre-kindergarten K-5 on Thursday, too.
To end the week’s event, Friday has a Spirit Day pep rally. The school’s teams will be introduced along with the cheerleaders, and a special presentation by the Junior Pep Club comprised of students in grades one through three.
Christ the King School will have an open house with tours and registration materials available on Tuesday, Feb. 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Friday, Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information about Christ the King School contact Ms. Benson at (908) 526-1339 or visit www.ctkmanville.com.

