The OLMA Overview -- January 26, 2018
On Sunday, Catholic Schools Week begins. Thinking back on my days as a Catholic School student, I remember Catholic Schools Week as being super exciting. Each day was filled with something special to remind us of how lucky we were to attend a Catholic School. We also honored our teachers that week. While most of us were too young to grasp just how much of an impact these people would have on our lives, we surely realize it now. I certainly do.

We will be opening Catholic Schools Week at OLMA with a special prayer service on Monday morning. Monday night, we're holding a GREEN OUT at the OLMA basketball game that begins at 6 PM. We want as many of our students and families as we can get in the stands that night wearing their OLMA Green in support of our great team. At halftime, you'll even have a chance to win some prizes. Admission is $3 and comes with a hot dog, snack and soda. Now, that's a good deal! Please see Coach Leng for tickets. They will also be available at the door.

Student Council will lead us in the kickoff of a special service project in support of the people of Puerto Rico. More details will be sent your way on Monday, but we will be collecting nails, hammers (used is fine), duct tape, electrical tape, screw drivers, and more.

On Tuesday, OLMA's faculty and staff, with the help of as many of you as possible, will be taking the ONE DAY CHALLENGE. This is part of the NCEA's Many Gifts, One Nation: A Day of Giving to Catholic Schools . It's a telethon-style event that lasts for 24 hours only. Our focus is on participation. You can learn more about this event in the story below. We have an academic and athletic recognition ceremony planned for Tuesday as well.

On Saturday, our chorus, led by Mrs. Blackshear, will perform at the Diocese of Camden's Jubilee celebration. Being invited to participate in this Mass is a great honor. Many thanks to Mrs. Blackshear and our vocalists and musicians for making us proud.

Stay tuned to our social media pages for more details daily on next week's festivities. We hope to see you on Monday night! -- Mrs. Coyle
Student Spotlight
Jordan Ruberti, Class of 2018
OLMA senior, Jordan Ruberti, firmly believes that everything happens for a reason. That was exactly the case when Jordan was in 8th Grade at Bishop Schad Elementary School. "I had planned to move on with all my friends to Sacred Heart High School," said Jordan. "At least that was until the school closed. I was upset about it at the time, but it's what brought me to OLMA."

Four years later, Jordan is grateful to have found the school she now considers her second home. It's also the place where she found her best friend, Kaitlyn Levari. You rarely see one without the other -- both in and out of school. "She is my best friend for life," said Jordan. "If my original plans had worked out, I would never have met her and I can't imagine that."

During her time at OLMA, Jordan has played sports almost every season. This year, she played soccer in the fall, is swimming now and will row crew in the spring as part of the Varsity Four boat. When it comes to academics, Jordan works hard and says that her two favorite classes are Probability and Statistics and Literature. "Prob and Stats is a whole different world of math," she said. "Mrs. DeValerio makes it fun and I really like the challenge."

Also fun for Jordan is Chorus and the Vocal Performance Course she is taking this year. "I've always loved to sing, but saved it mostly for the car and the shower," said Jordan. "In sophomore year, my mom encouraged me to join Chorus. She said that she wouldn't let me sing in the car and shower anymore if I didn't join." While chances are pretty good that Mrs. Ruberti would have relented, that little nudge did the trick as Jordan will soon perform with Kaitlyn and the rest of Chorus at the Diocese of Camden's Jubiliee Mass. "We are really excited," she said. "It's something that our school has never done before, so we're all looking forward to it."

Looking ahead, Jordan is hoping to pursue a career in the medical field. While she's still exploring the many options available, she knows she wants a career that involves helping people. "Medicine is a great career path and will allow me to help people every day," said Jordan. "That's important to me."

For girls in middle school who may be considering OLMA, Jordan says to take the leap. "OLMA is getting greater and greater every day, with new sports, new classes and leadership opportunities," she said. "It's small, close knit and you'll meet people who will be your friends for life. OLMA should be at the top of your list."

We think so too! Thank you, Jordan, and sing your heart out next week!
TAKE THE ONE DAY CHALLENGE
One Day. 24 Hours. 1,440 minues. Think you can't make a difference in that amount of time? Think again. On Tuesday, January 30, OLMA is joining schools nationwide in A Day of Giving to Catholic Schools! If there's a Catholic School in your life, here's your chance to say thanks.

Take the challenge and help us generate as many donations as possible for OLMA from 9AM on January 30 to 9 AM on January 31. On Tuesday, follow this link to make your gift! The link will also be available on our social media pages and website. Remember, just a dollar or two can make a big difference when we all give together. Join us as we TAKE THE CHALLENGE! #CSW18 #ManyGiftsCathEd

P.S. -- Below are 12 of the many reasons to support Catholic schools. Thank you!
The Countdown Has Begun!
We're less than one month out! Have your ticket yet? If not, there's no time like the present! At a cost of $100, each ticket includes dinner for two at the Luau-themed (Drawing Party) set for February 24, beginning at 6 PM, in Carew Hall. The event is a blast and there are so many ways to win.

The evening features special high-value raffles, tons of Chinese auction style baskets and cold hard cash prizes as the 50-50 numbers dwindle down to the last few.

Please show your support and join us! Can't make it? No worries. You do not need to be present to WIN! Call today, or send in your check for $100 made out to OLMA, and we'll reserve your ticket number.

P.S. -- If you have already reserved your ticket, but haven't yet made payment, please do so ASAP to avoid losing your number(s). Thank you.
Classroom Super 50-50 Items Due Feb. 9
If you've ever attended OLMA's Super 50-50 Drawing Party, you know that a highlight of the evening is trying to win one (or 10) of the amazing baskets! As in past years, the Parents Society is asking each homeroom to bring in the items needed to create one themed basket. Here are this year's assignments:

Let's Bake A Cake -- Mrs. DeValerio
It's Dad's Turn -- Mrs. Fortis
Coffee Cafe -- Mrs. Cavagnaro
Family Fun Night -- Mr. Jarrell
What's For Dinner -- Ms. Coppinger
The Artist In You -- Ms. Blough
Good Sports -- Mr. Coyle
Beach Bum/Vacation -- Ms. Hopman

Please have all items in homerooms by February 9. Thank you!
Widener University Recognizes Atira Smith
Great universities know true leaders when they see them. They certainly saw the leader in OLMA junior, Atira Smith. Whether it's in the classroom, on the stage or on the track, Atira leads with a natural grace. During a special celebration planned for March 13 at the National Constitution Center, Atira will receive a $20,000 scholarship to Widener University as a recipient of its High School Leadership Award.

This awards program is designed to recognize high school students in the region, like Atira, who embody the university’s commitment to develop and inspire leaders to affect positive change. With this award, the Widener University High School Leadership Awards Committee recognizes Atira’s ability to demonstrate courage by standing up for what is right, finding a way to address a wrong, or making a difference in a significant way. In addition to attending the celebration in March, Atira is invited to join the 2018 award winners on Widener's campus for an exciting day of leadership training.

Congratulations, Atira, on a well-deserved award! 
Iyanla Kollock -- One to Watch!
When it comes to sprints, Iylanla Kollock is one to watch. Just don't blink because she's so fast, you may see only a blur as she races to the finish line. On Saturday, February 10, Iyanla will run the 60m race in the 2018 New Balance National Grand Prix in Boston, MA. The entire event will be shown live on the NBC Sports Network from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM that day. This event is by invitation only -- and is both a huge honor and testament to Iyanla's talent. This week, MileSplitNJ featured Iyanla on its homepage as one of the state's track athletes considered to be Head of the Class statewide. We are so proud of you, Iyanla, and will be watching on February 10!
Save the Date -- April 19
There's nothing quite like the OLMA Spring Art Auction, so SAVE THE DATE!
Varsity Soccer Coach Search Under Way
The OLMA Villagers soccer team is in search of a new Head Coach for the 2018 season. Anyone interested in this position should submit a letter of interest to Matt Lenguadoro, OLMA Athletic Director. He can be reached by: phone at 856-697-2008, ext. 311; by email at mr.lenguadoro@olmanj.org or via the mail at Our Lady of Mercy Academy, 1001 Main Road, Newfield, NJ 08344. The application deadline is January 31, 2018. Click here for other career opportunities at OLMA.
Win a Dress Down Day
Want to make some free money AND earn a Dress Down Day? If so, get your SCRIP orders ready! As a reminder, all SCRIP rebates (ranging from 1.5% to more than 17%) are split between your daughter's account and OLMA. During the month of February, every family that orders at least one gift card each week will earn a Dress Down Day for your daughter to use on March 5. Remember, every dollar you spend is returned to you in the form of your favorite gift cards. You can order online and pay by check or via Presto Pay. It's free and easy -- and makes some extra cash for all involved. Click here to download an order form, or visit ShopWithSCRIP.com.
OLMA Students Provide Comfort with PB&Js
Yesterday morning, members of Our Lady of Mercy Academy's Student Council launched this year's Peanut Butter & Jelly making operation in support of Code Blue. Every Thursday morning from now through spring, OLMA students will start their day by preparing sandwiches for delivery to warming centers in Bridgeton, NJ. This is the third year in a row that OLMA has participated in this service activity. By winter's end, more than 5,000 sandwiches will find their way into the hands of those who need them. 

Take a look at the operation in action below.

P.S. -- During this time of year, we are always in need of extra peanut butter, jelly, bread, brown lunch bags and sandwich Ziploc bags.
Upcoming Events

Catholic Schools Week -- January 29 through February 3

ONE DAY FUND DRIVE: Many Gifts, One Nation: A Day of Giving to Catholic Schools -- 9 AM January 30 to 9 AM January 31.

Recognition Assembly -- January 30

OLMA Chorus Performs at Jubilee Mass -- February 3

Progress Reports -- February 5

Career Day -- February 7

Iyanla Kollock Competes in New Balance Grand Prix -- February 10 (watch live on NBC)

Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Augustine Prep -- February 14

Super 50-50 Drawing Party -- February 24

Senior Depart for Florida -- February 26

OLMA Art Auction -- April 19
We hope you enjoy the OLMA Overview. If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Mrs. Kinkade at 856.697.2008, ext. 140, or email her at: mrs.kinkade@olmanj.org