Circling Back Around - Christ the King School

Fall 2013
Published by
Chr ist the King School
for parents, g randparents,
alumni and fr iends
A C O M M U N I T Y u n i t i n g s c h o o l , f a m i l y, a n d f a i t h
This issue of the Community News is the inaugural one for our new Director of Development, Ms.
Dawn Stark, and it is my pleasure to welcome and introduce her to you, our extended CKS
community. Ms. Stark comes to us with much professional, and specifically school, experience. Before
joining the faculty and staff ranks here, Ms. Stark was the Director of Development for CURE
Childhood Cancer. Prior to that position, Ms. Stark worked
at St. Martin’s Episcopal School as the Director of the
Annual Fund and Leadership Gifts. Early in her career, she taught at Our Lady of the
Assumption School, which provided her with experience that serves her well as a school
Director of Development. Ms. Stark holds an MBA with a concentration in Nonprofit
Management. Dawn really enjoys being part of a school community, so it’s not unusual
to see her at morning or afternoon carpool, on the playground, or at the Fun Run and
Pancake Breakfast. She is immersing herself in all aspects of this community, getting to
know our parents and our students, recognizing and appreciating our rich 75 years of
history and traditions. Welcome, Dawn Stark! ~ Tricia Ward, principal
Circling Back Around
Five little girls once roamed the halls of CKS
years ago and are now gracing our community in
a different role, as educators. Christy Dozier
Wolfe, Karen Baxter Grattan, Kathryn Ledlie,
Kristine Maksimowski Wix, and Margaret Berg
Chalkley all attended Christ the King School as
students. They recall many things at CKS are similar
and a few things have changed.
The first similarity spoken from these women is
the loving, Christ-centered environment that feels like
a family. In addition, some of the traditions they
remember continue today such as Kindergarten play,
Grandparents and Special Friends Day, eighth
grade versus teachers volleyball game, and
the eighth grade retreat. Karen Grattan
says “the middle school hallways look
the same, just a lot smaller and less
intimidating than when I was here.”
Some familiar faces are similar
including Mimi Bryan, Tricia Ward
and Rose Maksimowski.
The differences are the buildings have
expanded since these girls were in school
here, including the building where our
current second grade and Media Center
are housed. One change noticed by all is
the uniforms. Christy Wolfe says, “the school
hasn’t changed too drastically, but I love
how CKS has changed the uniforms a bit.
(continued page 2)
Pictured below left to right: Karen Baxter Grattan,
Christy Dozier Wolfe, and Margaret Berg. At right:
Karen, Kristine, and Christy during their days at CKS.
Circling Back Around, continued...
The girls did not have the options for jumpers as they do now!” They also like the
changes to the middle school skirts being gray instead of khaki.
Eighth grade seems to be an impactful year for all of these young women.
They have fond memories of bonding with classmates, and some maintain strong
friendships today with their CKS classmates. Christy Wolfe’s fondest memory was
the eighth grade play. She was excited they performed You’re a Good Man Charlie
Brown, and she portrayed Lucy. Another fond memory Karen Grattan shared was
oratorical speeches in fifth through eighth grades. She says even though she
dreaded getting up in front of her class, it was incredibly beneficial and made
high school and college presentations so much easier.
Kathyrn Ledlie was transformed by her CKS experience. She says she was
headed down the wrong path in third grade while attending public school, when
her parents decided to move her to CKS entering fourth grade. Kathryn was
scared to come to a new school but was welcomed immediately. She says today,
that this was a turning point in her life. As tears well up in her eyes, she states
how CKS and the loving community saved her from a life headed in the wrong
direction at a young age.
Rose Maksimoswki was Christy Wolfe’s favorite teacher. “She had a warm and
welcoming classroom, every student in her class knew they were loved and
respected.”
CKS is proud to have these women on staff. We want to thank Ms. Margaret
Berg for her service to the school, and we wish her the best of luck as she moves
to Miami, Florida, to begin the next chapter in her life, as Mrs. Scott Chalkley.
Cecilia Muzik
Hometown:
Fairhope, AL
BS University of South
Education:
Alabama-Early Elementary Education;
MS University of South Alabama-Early
Elementary Education
Family:
Sons Martin, 31 and Cullen,
28, and cocker spaniel, Pudge
Years at CKS:
9
What is new in 3rd grade this year?
Integration of technology throughout
our lessons
Last time you laughed?
We were
writing a silly paragraph in class
Favorite book?
The Firm by John
Grisham
What is your dream vacation?
Rome, visiting the Vatican
Last time you felt proud?
Right now!
I feel proud of all my children, both
my sons and my 3rd graders. I’m so
grateful to be in such a wonderful
school. I’m proud of my sons and all
Pictured from top Katherine Ledlie,
Margaret Berg Chalkey and husband
Scott Chalkey, Kathryn Ledlie as a
CKS student, and Kristine Maksimowski
Wix with 8th grade students.
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they have accomplished.
Fun Fact:
This is my 22nd year
teaching. I taught at Christ the King in
Daphne, AL
Art Program
Thrives at CKS
Under the direction of
longtime art teachers,
Leslie Coy and Diana
Snyder, CKS boasts a
strong art program.
Mrs. Coy taught art in
public schools before
starting her family.
Both of her children came through
CKS as students. She has been teaching
art at CKS since 1992. Sixth grader
Regan Phelan said, “Mrs. Coy is my
favorite teacher. She has taught me
many watercolor techniques.” Diana
Snyder has taught art here at CKS for
nine years and loves the fact that our
parents appreciate the importance of
art in their child’s curriculum.
Christ the King School’s art
program focuses on two and three
dimensional art works as well as
developing multiple artistic skills.
Eighth grade is currently working on
a clay replica of a
Greek and Roman
architectural façade.
In the process, they
learn art history
and terminology.
Ceramics is used
mostly in the three
dimensional work
because it offers
permanence
and versatility.
The sixth grade
recently made
coffee mugs that
some students chose to
give to parents and grandparents as gifts.
Typically an artist is studied, and
then techniques are layered into the
process. For example, the second grade
studied Henri Mattisse, who is known
for his use of color, shape and lines.
The students then use colors and
patterns to create a multi-faceted piece
of art. First grade started their selfportrait project by watching a cartoon
of artist Henri Rousseau, who believed
there is no limit to one’s personal
creativity and expression. The first
grade students learned face mapping to
place facial features correctly. Once
completed, students add a guardian
angel into the picture to include the
spiritual elements special to CKS.
CKS has competed in several art
competitions recently, including
submitting Christmas card designs for
Archbishop Gregory. This was an
archdiocesan-wide competition with
more than 30 entries being judged.
Third grader Phillip Eidson’s art design
was selected. In addition, recently, fifth
grader Ian Otten had his art work
featured in Sports Illustrated Kids.
Christ the King School
continues to embrace the
idea that each child
is already a unique
artist. Art will serve
each student well
in any endeavors
requiring creative
thought or skilled
workmanship. Art
is a direct link to
fostering Catholic
beliefs and a perfect
vehicle for enhancing the
spirituality of each child.
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The Impact of
Volunteerism
Where would Christ the King School be without all the
countless volunteer hours of so many parents, past
parents, grandparents and friends over the years? The
National Education Association statistics state that
school-aged children whose parents have high levels of
involvement in their schools are more likely to achieve
higher grades. There are three parent groups, in
particular, that work tirelessly every school year to
support the mission, the students, and the faculty and
administration.
The School Advisory Council, a group of eight
CKS parent volunteers, provides advice and counsel
to Monsignor Frank McNamee and Tricia Ward
regarding the operation of the school. Council members
typically leverage their professional and educational
experiences in providing advice around functional areas
such as finance, fundraising, facilities, public relations,
and communications. The members also oversee and
coordinate committees organized across those same
functional areas. This year’s School Advisory Council is
led by Tom Hamby.
The Annual Fund Chairs and Grade Captains work
on the largest fundraiser for the school, The Annual
Fund. This team of dedicated volunteers seeks to raise
$385,000 for the operational support of the school before
June 30, 2014. CKS is grateful to the Annual Fund Chairs
for our Parents, Laura and Michael Kandilakis, our
Grandparents, Margaret Simons (’59) Jones and Mike
Jones, our Past Parents, Lawrie and Pete Peyton, and
our Alumni, Nancy O’Gara (’79) Nievera. In addition,
our team of Grade Captains is dedicated to getting our
Parents to 100% participation for a second year in a row.
The Parent Volunteer Association (PVA) is the
volunteer army of the school. Kim Westfall and Julie
Warner are leading this extraordinary team of
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volunteers for the 2013-2014 school year. The PVA
events throughout the year serve a multitude of
purposes including fundraising, community building,
and faculty pampering. Volunteers are working on 43
PVA committees this year.
According to Grant Space, the value of a volunteer
hour in Georgia is more than $22. If you can imagine
the In-Kind gift to the school over the past 75 years
from our volunteers, it literally is a transformational
gift to the school. To all of you past and present
volunteers, your time, talent, and treasure do not go
unnoticed. If you are looking for ways to stay involved
with CKS, please reach out to Dawn M. Stark,
Director of Development, dstark@christking.org. We
have numerous volunteer opportunities and would be
happy to align your desires with our needs.
CKS GALA
MARCH 22, 2014
Save the Date for the
Gala held at the Buckhead
Theatre, March 22, 2014.
ad
.
C e l e b r a t i n g
Grandparents &
Special Friends Day...
N o v e m b e r
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Kindergarten Celebrates the 50th Day of School in Style
D
ressed in the finest poodle
skirts and T-bird leather
jackets, the Kindergarten students
received an experiential lesson
surrounding the 50th day of
school. The Hyland Center was
transformed into a 50’s dance hall
with the entrance turned into
their very own Soda Shop, serving
up the best root-beer floats.
Students, teachers, assistants, and
our very own Tricia Ward, twisted
and twirled to the sounds of the
50’s. The students partnered up
to dance the hand jive and the
twist. Leading up to the 50th
day celebration, Lauren Ochs,
Dolores Kaufman and Katie
Lakey taught the students about
the culture, dress and music of the
era. The energy from the Hyland
Center permeated the campus, and
smiles were seen as children drove
away in carpool that afternoon.
CKS Celebrates Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory
The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) held the 23rd Annual Seton Awards ceremony honoring six
individuals on Monday, October 7, in Washington, D.C. The Seton Award is NCEA’s highest honor given in recognition of
significant contributions to Catholic education. Archbishop Gregory was selected for his commitment to Catholic education
and its availability to parents and guardians.
Christ the King School children created a
surprise video that was shown during the
celebration. Congratulations Archbishop
Gregory, we are proud of you!
Lynette Harris honored
The seventh annual Archbishop's Banquet
for Catholic Education will be held this year
on February 1, 2014, at the Renaissance
Atlanta Waverly Hotel. Its main purpose is
to raise scholarship monies for financially
qualifying children of employees of parishes,
Archdiocesan schools, and the Archdiocese.
It is also a premier event to honor award-winning recipients for exceptional service to schools,
students, and the field of education who are from the Archdiocesan and independent Catholic
schools. The event is always a wonderful and fitting culmination of Catholic Schools Week.
Christ the King School’s honoree for the 2013-2014 school year is Lynette Harris. You know
Mrs. Harris as the smiling face and calm personality who greets you when you enter the front
doors of the school. She is the face of CKS to countless parents, students, and visitors to the
school. By providing warmth and graciousness to all she encounters, she earned the appreciation,
love, and respect of the Christ the King community. Christ the King School is proud to recognize
Lynette Harris as our honoree this year.
Hobbyist in Residence Shares Talent with the Community
Wr itte n by Fr. John Kie ran
I have always liked working with my hands and the challenge of repairing
the fixable. I just learned the basic skills of carpentry and home repairs
while growing up on the farm. Back then, before the days of Sears and
Ace Hardware, we had to be resourceful and replicate in order to survive.
As a young priest, a friend corralled me to supply cutouts for her craft
business. Word got out that I like making wooden figures for Vacation
Bible School and elementary classes. Ever since, I have received little
notes; can you make 50 whales by next Wednesday?
In former parishes, I have had the pleasure of making or repairing
sanctuary appointments and regularly called upon to attend to parish
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fixtures that need repair. Over the years, I have been blessed by the gift
of tools; some at Christmas, others by a grateful widow who wanted her
husband’s cherished implements to be in a “good home.” These modern
tools greatly expedite a repairman’s endeavor.
As I work in my shop, I sometimes think of Saint Joseph coaching the child Jesus. The carpenter, Joseph, used his God-given skills to
provide for his family. This summer I helped get shelves ready in our new Assistant Principal’s office and I’m happy to assist where
my talents are needed. I happily share my skills with our Cathedral parish and Christ the King School for the good of the church.
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Development Update
CKS parent, Julie Bowerman, is the chair of the Development Committee for the
2013-2014 school year. The Development Committee is charged with the short
and long range strategy and execution of the fundraising and Alumni initiatives
of CKS. We are grateful for the leadership and time of this hard working
committee. In addition, the subcommittees and teams of individuals working
together for the common good of the school are outstanding. Coming off the
75th Anniversary year, this committee seeks to discover what makes CKS continue to thrive for the next 75 years. This
translates in many ways, including keeping a strong Annual Fund as our foundation, building on the growing Endowment
Fund, strategizing on long-term facility needs, and speaking with donors about leaving a legacy gift through estate planning.
2013-2014 Annual Fund Goals
Actual to date (as of 12/2/13)
Total dollars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $385,000
Parent Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100%
Faculty and Staff Participation . . . . . . . . . 100%
Cash and Pledges to Date . . . . . . . . $325,313
Parent Participation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69%
Faculty and Staff Participation. . . . . . . 100%
The goal for the Endowment Fund for this year is to capitalize and expand on
the growth of donors to the fund, and establish a long-range goal of $3-5
million. This fiscal year with additional gifts and fund growth, the Endowment
Council seeks a value of the fund over $2 million by June 30. In addition, the
Council will look at the possibility of spending the 5% allotted in order to provide scholarships, advanced education
degrees for educators, and keeping tuition to a minimal increase, helping to make Catholic education affordable.
Gifts to date. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $31,985
Market Value as of 10/30/2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,869,446
The 8th grade attended their annual retreat at
Winshape on Friday, September 20, giving students
time for prayer, reflection, personal challenge, and fun.
Annual Fund Impact Story
If you ever wonder if your Annual Fund gift supporting the operating expenses of
the school year is making an impact, this story will warm your heart and help you
understand your gifts to the school truly are transforming our future Catholic
leaders. This young student shares her love for the school and in particular the
science fair project assigned by the fifth grade teachers.
Wr itte n by Ansl e y Fraun dor f, 5 - 1
I love Christ the King School and everything that they do for
me. I also love the assignments they give me. In science class
they said that we were going to do a project for the science fair.
I got really excited because I love doing that sort of thing. I
Reverend Feiser Muñoz frequently visits the children
on campus during lunch and recess. Here, the 3rd
graders teach him to play four-square.
knew exactly what I was going to do! I was going to test which
colors absorb light the most. First, I started with an introduction
to the project. This had to include a hook for the reader and
information from different sources. Next, I did a step by step paragraph telling
exactly how to do the project. After that, I did the project and recorded the data in a
journal. I then showed my results in a bar graph and a written result paragraph. Then,
I wrote a conclusion paragraph on what I learned. Lastly, I wrote a bibliography on the
sources that I went to for the project. Overall, I had a great time during the project. I
really do love Christ the King School and the opportunities it gives me.
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Alumni
Alert
If you know of CKS Alumni who
have achieved great things, please
share their story with us. We
would like to hear about Alumni
achievements, service and
leadership in the community.
Have you seen the CKS Alumni
eNews? If you want to receive
more detailed information on all
alumni news and events, please
email dstark@christking.org or
call 404-233-0383 x403.
Alumni Calendar
Save the Date
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Hot Diggity Dog!
The class of 2014, led by Alumni Reps Emma Buyarski and
Daniel Mohr, hosted the very popular Hot Diggity Dog Day
on Friday, October 11. This annual fundraiser has become a
real crowd pleaser with fans of all ages. Lynette Harris said,
“Oh, I love hot dogs!” Parents claimed this was their children’s
favorite day of the year. Traditionally, the eighth grade class
hosts this fundraiser for the entire school community, with the
proceeds supporting a class gift they will purchase and donate
to the school in the spring. The class of 2014 would like to
thank those parents and staff who supported their fundraising
efforts. They would also like to thank Paige MacLane and all
the moms who made the day successful. The class served more
than 600 dogs and raised more than $1500. Students and staff
had a hot diggity dog of a time.
Alumni Mass and Dessert Reception
7:00 pm
Pre-First teacher Ashley Carter
and her husband Michael
welcomed their sweet baby girl,
Mary Gaines, on September 2.
CKS Welcomes New
Administrative Staff
The school year is off to a fabulous start.
Students came back to campus and noticed
new faces in the Administrative offices. Cathy
Lennartz joined the team as our Assistant
Principal. Shaun Higgins is the new
Curriculum Coordinator. Catherine Baxter
joined the team as our new Guidance
Counselor. Dawn Stark is the new Director
of Development, and Lisa Smith is the
Development Assistant. We welcome them all
to the CKS family and look forward to the
knowledge and expertise they share with us.
DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
4 6 P E A C H T R E E WAY N E
AT L A N TA , G E O R G I A 3 0 3 0 5
404.233.0383 X403
W W W. C H R I S T K I N G . O R G
(top) Assistant Principal, Cathy Lennartz assists 4th
grade students with their Native American projects.
CKS guidance counselor Catherine Baxter, 5th grade
teacher, Nick Saporito and Physical Education teacher,
Jill Walter chaperone the 8th grade retreat.