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e-Newsletter
Welcome to the NEW page on our website which will feature our e-newsletters. We look forward to sharing with you all the latest news from the halls of CTK! In future months, you will be able to access past issues of our e-newsletter as well. In order to receive our e-newsletter by email, please subscribe.
March 2012 E-Newsletter
Gladiator Tidings:
Articles:
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Gladiator Tidings
Peace Week
Students demonstrated the “Grad at Grad” characteristic “loving” during Peace Week, an entirely student-driven initiative to promote the virtues of peace. Marquette Peace Works hosted a workshop on non-violence training, allowing students the opportunity to discuss how these tactics make the world a better place. Students created a “Peace Wall” to describe what peace means to them and concluded the week with a poetry slam, reciting original poems about peace, social justice and non-violence.
Ignatian Week
This year, CTK celebrated its Jesuit identity by celebrating the first ever “Ignatian Week.” Students kicked off the week by participating in Jesuit Day of Service. On Fat Tuesday, they enjoyed a prayer breakfast focused on the theme of praising God. The school community celebrated Ash Wednesday Mass together, sponsored by the freshmen class. Later in the week, our junior class gave presentations to their peers on the topic, “What Christian Service Means to Me,” and unselfishly offered to provide service hours to any staff member at the school.
College Exploration Day
On February 10, freshmen, sophomores, and juniors participated in College Exploration Day. Held four times per year, these days give students an opportunity to visit area campuses and meet with admission representatives. DePaul, University of St. Francis, and North Park University were among the seven colleges that students visited. Our senior class participated in a financial aid workshop.
Articles
Message from the President
Dear Friend,
During this season of Lent, we are called to ready our hearts in anticipation of the joyous Easter celebration. So, too, have our seniors been busy preparing for the celebration of their hard work and perseverance at their upcoming graduation.
During their tenure, we have challenged them to become intellectually competent and their hard work to that end is evident in the college acceptance letters that they have received. I encourage you to read on or visit our website to meet members of our senior class and learn more about their college plans.
We also ask our students to be “men and women for others,” calling to mind St. Ignatius Loyola who wrote in the “Spiritual Exercises” that “love is made more manifest in deeds rather than words.” Our students were spurred into action by this invitation and gave of their time and talent at the first ever Jesuit Day of Service, which brought together their peers and faculty and staff from CTK, Cristo Rey, Loyola Academy and St. Ignatius College Prep. Read on to learn more about this special event.
As we remember the great deeds of God’s love for us in the ministry, passion and death of Jesus, I am grateful for your generous support of our mission at CTK, and the sacrifices you make in service to our students and families.
And I ask God to renew you in the promise of new life and the hope of the Risen Lord.
Warm regards,
Rev. Christopher J. Devron, SJ
Senior Spotlight
Meet a few of our founding students and members of the first graduating class from Christ the King. Click here to read more about our students and view an up-to-date list of college acceptances.
 Brittany
Since coming to Christ the King, Brittany has reached for excellence. By the end of her first year, she had straight A’s and has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll for several semesters. She attributes much of her success to her mother, who she says “taught me that my grades reflect on who I am as a person.”
Brittany has her sights set on Georgetown University and wants to become a nurse. She envisions returning to the West Side of Chicago to use her nursing skills to better the community by participating in health fairs and mentoring young people.
While it will be difficult to handle the responsibilities of college, Brittany feels prepared because of her CTK education. The Corporate Work Study Program has taught her how to balance school and work, a skill that she says will be beneficial if she is offered work-study financial aid.
Looking back on her time at CTK, Brittany is most proud of her grades and the fact that “even though I struggled in the beginning, I learned how to go after what I want and put my best foot forward.“
STANLEY 
Only three of every 100 African- American boys in the Austin neighborhood will graduate college by age 25. Stanley is well on his way.
When asked what his goals are, Stanley is pensive for a moment before responding: “I want to get my education and be a role model for my children one day.” Stanley recalls conversations with staff members at CTK who impressed upon him the importance of avoiding the temptations he sees in the neighborhood.
Taking that advice to heart, Stanley has been serious about his academic work. Teachers and staff took notice, and he was given an award for embodying the Grad at Grad characteristics. “Despite struggling with issues at home, I improved. I was motivated by wanting a better life, by wanting to be a role model for my little brother.”
With three acceptance letters already in hand, Stanley is ready to embark on the next chapter in his life. He will apply the study skills he learned at CTK, like time management and organization, to be successful in civil engineering, his intended major.
King of Hearts Recap
The 4th Annual King of Hearts Gala was a tremendous success! Almost 500 friends and supporters came together on Valentine’s Day weekend to raise over $450,000 to directly benefit our students. After a special Mass, guests kicked off the evening by bidding on their favorite items in our silent auction. Following a lively paddle raise and auction, guests danced the night away to a performance by the Gentlemen of Leisure
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Camille, a member of the Class of 2012, spoke of the impact that Christ the King has had on her and expressed gratitude for the enduring support of the larger CTK community. You can view one of Camille’s rehearsal speeches by visiting our YouTube channel.
At King of Hearts, we announced the Million Dollar Challenge – an incentive for new donors to our school. Thanks to the extremely generous support of an anonymous donor, every new donation will receive a 10x matching bonus. Click here or call us to learn more or give to CTK to help us meet the challenge.
Thank you to all of our sponsors, guests, and volunteers who made this night possible.
CWSP Serves Up Thanks
It was a Who’s Who of Chicago’s businesses and non-profits who gathered March 8th at CTK to share their commitment to CTK students and to be thanked for making a powerful difference in the lives of our students at a Corporate Work-Study Program Appreciation Luncheon.
Sponsors from more than 30 organizations that provide jobs – and hope – to our students attended the event, which included a Q&A with six seniors and tours led by Student Ambassadors. Highlights from the most recent CWSP progress report were shared, including that 90% of sponsors said their student workers met or exceeded expectations during the fall.
Job supervisors were present from Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, the Better Boys Foundation, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Chicago Board of Options Exchange, Reyes Holdings and RR Donnelly. Other companies that were represented included: BMO Harris Bank, Burke Warren MacKay & Serritella, P.C., Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest, Equity Residential, Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, Illinois Action for Children, Lawndale Christian Health Center, O’Keefe Lyons & Hynes, LLC, and the Urban Partnership Bank.
“The luncheon allowed us an opportunity to thank those individuals who supervise our students in the work place. We are so grateful for their dedication as they mentor our student workers to become their best selves. It is a true pleasure to be in partnership with each of these companies and their committed employees. Our students are very fortunate!” said Sandra Farrow, Managing Director of CWSP.
Seniors Share College Knowledge 
Since Adam DeLeon, SJ, knows how fruitful peer mentorship can be for our students, he created a project for his seniors to educate the underclassmen on the college application process.
“The goal of the project was to have the seniors share their wisdom and experience with the underclassmen, especially since they are the first graduating class. Their experience is shaping the school culture, not only because they are the trailblazers, but because they are true leaders and have a stake in the future
of Christ the King,” said DeLeon.
Each senior was asked to create a poster board detailing the top three schools to which they applied. The project culminated with a mini-college fair hosted by the senior class. Underclassmen had the opportunity to mingle with the seniors and ask questions about applying to college. “The underclassmen realized that many of the seniors applied to the same schools that they want to go to, and it allowed them to interact socially about college,” said DeLeon. “Our seniors were able to offer mentorship and it made them feel appreciated and special because of their accomplishments.”
First Ever Jesuit Day of Service
 On President’s Day, Christ the King students responded to the call to become “men and women for others” by giving up their day off to join forces with over 200 peers to participate in the first ever Jesuit Day of Service. Students and staff from Cristo Rey, Loyola Academy, and St. Ignatius College Prep joined CTK volunteers at almost 20 organizations across the city. By day’s end, more than 600 hours of service work had been completed.
The gamut of good works ranged from serving young children at Marillac House to playing bingo with the elderly at Bethel New Life, and much more. Daniel Zundel, who heads our Office of Christian Service, describes the inaugural Day of Service this way: “It was so great to see all of our Jesuit students mingle and discover the commonalities that bind them together. It is the beginning of a worthwhile partnership between our four schools that will help build positive relationships between all corners of our city.”
“What are you doing for others? That should be life’s most persistent call,” Dr. King suggested. We are especially proud of the members of our CTK community who underscored that call to care and made history by launching a new Chicago tradition.
Read more and see pictures on our Facebook page.
College Acceptances Rolling In
 On June 9, 2012 Christ the King will graduate our first class of seniors! This milestone is a testament to the tenacity and determination of our students, families, faculty and staff.
Our students are receiving good news of acceptances and scholarships from universities and colleges across the country. For the most up-to-date college information, please visit our brand new Class of 2012 Web page.
Our college counselor, LeVon James, speaks for all faculty and staff when he says: “Every time a student comes to tell me about the school he or she has been accepted to it brings such a sense of joy to my heart. I get beyond excited for the hopeful futures that lie ahead for them.”
As we prepare to hand diplomas to our first graduating class, we’re filled with gratitude for the many ways you have supported this class and provided a pathway to college for them.
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 November 2011 E-Newsletter
Contents
Click on the link to read all about it!
News & Notes:
Articles:
News from the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP)
Our First Graduating Class Dives into the College Search
CTK Service Leadership Team Partners with Cristo Rey, Loyola Academy and St. Ignatius College Prep to Plan Jesuit Day of Service
Students “Gear Up” for 3rd Annual Homecoming at CTK
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News & Notes:
Save the Date: 2012 King of Hearts
King of Hearts will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2012. Click here to learn more and to get information about sponsorship, advertising and ticket sales!
Derrick Rose, What's that on Your Wrist?
The Bulls' star was recently seen wearing a CTK wristband. Read more in our blog, The President's Corner.
Like Us on Facebook
We are gearing up for an online contest in December. We could win $25,000 for our 1st graduating class and their college counseling. Please like us on Facebook and get ready to vote for CTK to Send 100% of our First Graduating Class to College!
CTK is Going Green - Help Us
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In order to save resources - financial and environmental - we will be making many of our materials available online. Please click this link to update your email/mail preferences. |
Articles:
News from the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP)
This year is the first year that CTK has four classes - freshmen through seniors - and the Corporate Work Study Program continues to expand. So far this school year, 86 organizations employ our students, making a first-rate college prep education possible for these deserving young people from the West Side.
“The jobs are the financial engine that drives this transformative experience for our students,” says Erick Soderberg, Associate VP, CWSP and Director of Operational Funding. The CWSP still needs seven jobs for this school year, and, Soderberg adds, “with enrollment increasing in the coming years, we’re projecting that 35 new jobs will be necessary for the next school year.”
In addition to increasing the number of jobs we’ve secured for our students, we’re also proud that our students have continued to grow in service and skill levels. According to Soderberg: “We’ve made dramatic improvements to our professional development and training programs for our student workers and performance has increasingly improved over the last four years.”
Click these links to read four highlights from the CWSP Program:
CWSP Makes Improvements to Training Program and Student-Employer Matching
Help Identify CTK's Next Managing Director for the CWSP
Teacher-To-Work Day Highlights Partnership between Academics and CWSP
CWSP Sponsors Attend Luncheon at CTK
To learn more about the Corporate Work-Study Program, please visit our website.
CWSP Makes Improvements to Training Program and Student-Employer Matching
According to Artavia Roberson, Director of the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP), three revisions have been made to the program to improve student performance and employer satisfaction. Two enhancements were made to the training program and one to the student-employer matching process.
First, the CWSP team doubled the amount of summer training for our freshmen -- going from a week and a half to three weeks. “Our students are now getting 72 hours of practical, leadership and technology skills training,” Roberson said.
CTK’s second step to enhance training was to strike a new partnership with Junior Achievement to offer students enhanced character development training. According to Roberson, the training “is incredibly important in teaching our students critical soft skills for the workplace, like initiative and leadership.” Junior Achievement helps with the curriculum and provides volunteers to run the workshops for CTK students.
The third improvement is in student-employer matching. The CWSP is now formally assessing the practical skills of each student, in areas such as filing, accuracy and the use of specific computer programs such as Excel. These tests are used, along with student interest and career goals, to match students to the specific job functions that employers outline.
Roberson says the enhancements seem to be working, according to the sponsor surveys from last Spring and surveys just completed by job sponsors. “So far, the results of the survey show a marked improvement in student performance this year,” Roberson reports.
Help Identify Our Next CWSP Managing Director
Our congratulations and heartfelt gratitude goes out to the founding leader of our Corporate Work Study Program, Preston Kendall, who is now President of St. Martin de Porres High School in Waukegan. We are now seeking a Managing Director for the CWSP to fill the vacant position left by this transition. The Managing Director ensures the acquisition of new student jobs, and oversees job retention and operations (eg., student development and support and student training programs) at both CTK and Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. At full enrollment, the CWSP generates sufficient revenue to cover approximately 70% of the operating cost of both schools and the CWSP. The Managing Director is ultimately responsible for effective operations at both campuses and making sure the CWSP acquires the jobs necessary for a full enrollment of students at Cristo Rey and Christ the King. We would appreciate your assistance in identifying candidates. Please email MDirectorsearch@ctkjesuit.org or visit www.ctkjesuit.org/careers for a job description.
Teacher-To-Work Day Highlights Partnership between Academics and CWSP
Each quarter, a group of our teachers spends a half-day on the job with students. Earlier this month, twenty of our teachers headed to work to witness our students in action. Andre Darey, Program Coordinator for the CWSP says the experience “helps faculty to leverage - in the academic setting - some of the skills students are learning at work.”
(Right (l-r): Mr. Kelly and Ms. Collins, Science Teachers, with Glenn Gercken and Jalisha (sophomore), at Ungaretti and Harris on Teacher to Work Day.
Camille Collins, Science Teacher agrees. She visited Jalisha, a sophomore, at Ungaretti and Harris LLP, a law firm with offices in Chicago, Springfield, IL and Washington, DC. “I know better how I can be of help to my students in their positions through the Corporate Work Study Program – I understand better the challenges they face and the expectations of them. “
According to Roberson, the objective of teacher-to-work day is to give faculty an opportunity to see how aspects of academic and work settings can work together more effectively. “We’re married,” she says.
Collins agrees. “They have to mirror one another. At work, they have to be on point, they have to be on task. They are timed and efficiency is crucial. In the classroom, our students need to have those skills. They need these qualities in all settings in order to be college-ready. “
CWSP Sponsors Attend Luncheon at CTK
Recently, 31 representatives from 16 of our Corporate Work-Study Program Sponsors took the time to attend an hour-long luncheon hosted at CTK. Students led them on tours of the school and afterward, over lunch, sponsors heard updates from school leaders, CWSP staff and students.
According to program surveys, the student panel was a highlight for many of the attendees. Before the lunch, attendees submitted questions for a panel of five students to address. Here are a few of the highlights from the panel:
- When asked what she has learned on the job, junior Sierra, who works at the law firm, Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen, P.C., replied “I’ve learned to be more efficient. This makes me a more well-rounded student and a more well-rounded person in the workplace.
- Another question concerned how students find a balance between school, work, extracurricular activities, etc. Navar, a sophomore who works at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, a job sponsored by Crown Imports, said, “Time management is a big thing.” Navar, who is involved in band, choir, basketball and football, said that he always keeps his coaches and directors informed about his work schedule. On his workdays, he makes sure to have his homework done before work, either by getting up early in the morning before he goes to work or by completing it on the afternoon before his workday.
- Anthony, a senior who works at McKinsey & Company, Inc., recognized two of his supervisors who were in the audience when answering a question about qualities he learned from his best supervisors. “Maria and Kathy taught me to be professional in everything I do in life and work… to pay attention to every detail in the task you’re doing.”
Our First Graduating Class Dives into the College Search
 If you’ve ever known a high school senior, you know the stress and excitement of the college search, and our 54 seniors are no different. LeVon James, College Counselor, gave a progress report: “All of the seniors had to complete their final lists by the end of October – so most have already decided on [on average] 7-8 colleges to apply to. I’m currently reviewing a lot of personal statements for the applications.” (Right: LeVon James, CTK's College Counselor)
James, who came to CTK as a Jesuit Alumni Volunteer in 2009, along with advisers and faculty, has done an excellent job in helping our seniors research schools and scholarship opportunities. CTK has special software that allows students to set their preferences based on test scores, location, programs of study, etc. James also helps them categorize. Every student is required to have a safety schools, best match schools and reach schools.
 James says that most of the students are excited about the process. “It has been good meeting with them and they’re receptive to my advice and counseling.” Left: Larry, pictured in the college counseling office, hopes to study architecture. Indiana University is among the schools to which he is applying..
After the students are accepted, James’ next big hurdle is the financial aid process, which is another critical piece of the equation. Some of the scholarship programs are starting to open now. “The Dell Scholars program just opened up. This is a $20,000 scholarship for seniors and it’s a significant scholarship for students because the essay focuses on adversity. Obviously some of our students have faced adversity and still are, so we hope a lot of them will be able to apply for this scholarship. There is also a mentorship component to the program which extends through college.”
James reports that the colleges and universities are also enthusiastic. “We’ve seen a lot of interest from different schools that want to come out and see us and are very interested in our students.” James mainly attributes this to two factors: “Part of it is because CTK is a Cristo Rey Network school. If they don’t know about it already, they’re very intrigued by the model. And the other part of it is our commitment to academic excellence, rooted in a deepening of faith and in building men and women for others. It’s a natural progression for Jesuit colleges and universities. There are some reps from who specifically want to meet with us because we’re a Jesuit high school.”
“We expect to start seeing some acceptances trickling in from now to mid-late December,” James reports. Application deadlines are coming up at the middle and end of this month. James says that a lot of the schools CTK students are applying to have rolling admissions, which means the students could have a decision within 4-6 weeks from submitting their application.
“Later this month I expect we will be able to share some news for which we can all be very thankful!” says James.
CTK Service Leadership Team Partners with Cristo Rey, Loyola Academy and St. Ignatius College Prep to Plan Jesuit Day of Service
From an email sent by: Daniel Zundel, Jesuit Alumni Volunteer, Co-Director of Christian Service & Civics Teacher
 I wanted to write to you this morning to share something that made me smile this weekend. Yesterday, the inaugural members of the Students in Action Leadership Team (a new service leadership team under the guidance of Christian Service) met at Cristo Rey with student leaders from the four Jesuit schools in the Chicago Area (CR, CTK, Loyola Academy, and St. Ignatius) to plan the FIRST EVER Jesuit Day of Service to be held on February 20, 2012.
Right: Unloading boxes of food during one of the many community service commitments CTK students fulfill.
I want to communicate how proud I am of our four founding members: Shanese (Sr.), Stephanie (Jr.), Aaron (So.), and Marissa (Jr.) who brought exceptional leadership, ideas, and creativity. They worked exceedingly well with the other student leaders and it was a proud moment for our school. The Jesuit tradition of collaboration continues here in Chicago and we should be proud to be a part of it.
More details to come on this event as we gear up to engage all four schools coming together to set Chicago aflame with the love, compassion, and empathy that comes with serving our communities. These students will be integral in the conception, planning, and execution of this event.
As we begin another week at CtK, may we remember those moments, those students, and those colleagues that make us smile, that challenge us to be better versions of ourselves, and that support us through the toughest of times.
I am always proud to be part of this movement on the West side and continue to be proud of our students.
Students “Gear Up” for 3rd Annual Homecoming at CTK
 Earlier this month, CTK’s dress code was eschewed for school and class color days-- including Thursdays salute to the 90’s (left), when students revisited leg warmers and backwards clothing like that worn by popular 90s rap duo Kris Kross. The students’ enthusiasm reflected their excitement about Spirit Week, the week leading up to Gladiators victorious Homecoming flag football game and celebratory dance on Saturday, November 5th.
Saturday’s exciting 12-6 Homecoming victory against CICS Ellison was hard fought and exciting. Ellison opened with a touchdown in the first play of the game. CTK quickly responded at the end of the first quarter with a touchdown on a long pass from CTK quarterback to CTK’s star receiver. Both teams failed to get the extra point and the game remained tied until the second half. But then in an exciting play on the opening drive of the second half, one of our receivers did his best Devin Hester and ran for a touchdown on a reverse play. That proved to be the winning play as CTK’s defense then stepped up and stymied Ellison for the remainder of the game.
 According to Head Coach and CTK Religion Teacher, Adam DeLeon, SJ, “the defense really kept us in the game and the offense began clicking in the second half. It was a great day for the Gladiators to be able to win our first Fall Homecoming game.” (Right: the Gladiators celebrate their victory.)
Saturday’s Homecoming match-up was the third time this season that the Gladiators have met the Ellison team. In the regular season, the Gladiators lost by only three points. At Ellison’s homecoming game, the home team beat the Gladiators by ten points. DeLeon, a Jesuit Scholastic who has been with CTK since 2008, sums up the Gladiators Homecoming victory with a smile, “Third time’s a charm!”
 Prior to the big Homecoming game there was a lot to plan. T-shirt sales, assigned activities, spirit days, the game and a dance on Saturday kept students busy. Student Council President and CTK Junior, Sharieff (picture at left), said Homecoming is a lot of work, but that he was most excited to “see all of my friends having a good time.”
Associate Principal Darryl Hobson commented that during this year's Spirit Week and Homecoming he has seen much enthusiasm from the students. “Our students really showed how much they truly love their school by their participation. They participated in every event and the actual pep rally was amazing. They showed their commitment to making Christ the King an incredible institution on the West Side. ”
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