By Mary Ellen Zangara, Special Writer
Christ the King School celebrated and promoted Catholic Schools Week by participating with the rest of the Diocese of Metuchen schools from Jan. 29 to Feb. 3.
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 began with 10:30 a.m. Mass Sunday, Jan. 29, at Christ the King Church, followed by an open house at Christ the King School from noon to 3 p.m. The open house featured tours, displays of student work and registration information.
“The theme for this year’s Catholic School’s Week focuses on faith, academics and service,” Ms. Benson SAID. “As we reflect on these three words, it is important for us to take a look back to this past year and note our challenges and successes.”
During the 2010-11 school year, the school completed a self-study earning Middle States Association re-accreditation. The entire school community, administration, staff, parents, HSA, School Advisory Council and Father Stan Slaby worked collaboratively to complete this self-study, she said.
Each day in the week, Christ the King School held an event. Monday was Community Service Day when students made cards to give to local nursing homes and hospitals.
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Tuesday, which was Student Appreciation Day, Ms. Benson said there was a Reading Buddy Luncheon. Students in lower grades ate lunch with their reading buddies, and read stories together.
The Home School Association provided an ice-cream social for the students as a special treat.
Wednesday continued with the celebration of Mass at 9 a.m., and Thursday, the HSA provided a teacher apýPage=002 Column=002 OK,0010.00þ
preciation luncheon. Also Thursday, eighth-grade students prepared their own lessons and taught children in grades pre-kindergarten to five.
To end the week’s celebration, there was a Spirit Day pep rally Friday. The school’s basketball team and cheerleaders were introduced. The basketball players played a short game with students, ýPage=002 Column=003 OK,0000.00þ
teachers and parents cheering them on and holding handmade signs.
The enrollment of Christ the King School is up to 201 students; registration is being accepted for the 2012-13 school year.
To have a tour of the school or for more information, contact Ms. Benson at 908-526-1339 or visit www.ctkmanville.com.

