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The OLMA Overview -- December 1, 2016
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It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here thanks to the efforts of so many of our parents. In our lobby is the most beautiful tree I've ever seen -- complete with an OLMA tree skirt and angel that were handmade by Mrs. Shields. Joining her were Mrs. Bifulco and Mrs. Capriotti. In addition to the lobby tree, they decked the halls with wreaths, giant bows and a fully decorated cafe. As if that wasn't enough, the Eaise Family is at it again outside. They planted and decorated a live Christmas tree and added wreaths and lights galore. When you add in all of the Advent Angel decor that's appearing daily, we are as festive as it gets! We cannot thank you enough.
December may be a bit short on school days, but it's bursting at the seams with activity here. It began with Parent/Teacher conferences this afternoon. On December 8th, we'll be celebrating the Immaculate Conception and OLMA's Class of 2018 at a special Mass. The highlight will be the blessing and presentation of class rings to our juniors.
Later that evening, we hope to see you all at St. Augustine Prep for Speak Up. This is such a worthwhile event and students from OLMA and PREP have been hard at work planning it. Please see the story below and register right away.
Finally, we wind down with a school-wide trip to see our very own Alex Bisignaro perform in the Nutcracker on December 16th. Finally, we will have our annual Advent Angel exchange on the day before Christmas break. We hope you will join us for as much of this as possible. Have a great weekend. -- Mrs. Coyle
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Gia Richwine, Class of 2018
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OLMA junior, Gia Richwine remembers arguing with her mom about the idea of attending an all-girls' school. Her cousin graduated from OLMA and loved it, but Gia had visions of a prison-like school day. To say that she was pleasantly surprised on her Shadow Day, would be an understatement. She decided to give it a try -- and is so glad she did, even with the 45-minute bus ride to and from school each day.
"There are so many more opportunities for students here than in other schools," said Gia. "OLMA offers a lot of hands-on experiences, like the Shadow Day I just had at Inspira." On the Mock Interview Day recently held at OLMA, Gia was introduced to Antoinette Finizio, OLMA Alumna and Director of Operations for Premier Orthopaedic Associates. During their conversation, Gia mentioned that she hoped to be a doctor some day and asked if there might be an opportunity to shadow. Mrs. Finizio was more than happy to help and arranged for Gia to shadow ER doctor, Zach Wilkerson at Inspira.
"I loved it, " said Gia. "For seven hours Dr. Wilkerson made me feel part of his team. He took the time to explain everything he was doing and why. We went from room to room assessing patients and providing care. It's one thing to hear about overdoses or watch emergency rooms in action on TV, but the emotional part of it all really hits you when you actually live it. "
Gia said she was impressed with how calm the medical staff remained even during the busiest times. "I'm sure it takes a lot of practice, but the fact that they were calm really helped the patients calm down too." Gia was invited back for a second Shadow Day later in the school year -- this time with a doctor in orthopedics.
"I'm grateful to have had this experience and can't wait to learn more," she said. "It helped me realize that a career in medicine is definitely what I want."
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OLMA Students Earn Academic Honors
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Congratulations to the following students who made first-quarter
Principal's List, First Honors a
nd Second Honors.
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Grade: 12
Principal's List:
Tia DuPont
Dana Durham
Elizabeth Emberger
Hope Iannette
Elizabeth Lam
Lily Mulreaney
Kaitlyn Olsen
First Honors:
Wilmarielle Cambrelen
Madison Foster
Haley Fralick
Madison Hagerty
Olivia Marrone
Saleena McShea
Second Honors:
Emily Myers
Grade 10:
Principal's List:
Savannah Barr
Alexandra Bisignaro
Denise Dimapilis
Maria Eaise
Ashley Iveson
Samantha McBurrows
Atira Smith
First Honors:
Kristi Baker
Alaina Balestriere
Annalise Barrett
Alyssa D'Alessandro
Taryn Headley
Madisson Luciano
Riley McNelia
Courtney Mosley
Madison Rudolph
Erin Seddon
Mikaela Szamreta
Jenna Troyano
Second Honors:
Violet Bifulco
Amelia Brago
Alina Colon
Mary Meduri
Ava Mottola
Laura Sloan
Lauren Sorantino
Alexis Weaver
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Grade 11:
Principal's List:
Grace Bernard
Marina Dolz-Pejenaute
Morgan Hagerty
Allyson McComick
Juliehan Nguyen
Gabriella Poe
Jessica Riordan
First Honors:
Meaghan Baker
Amber Caterina
Angela D'Adamo
Bianca Fiocchi
Victoria Matt
Hope Viviani
Abigail Ward
Amanda Willis
Second Honors:
Alyssa Allen
Juliana Cristelli
Alyson Daley
Sara Hopman
Jordan Ruberti
Victoria Smith
Grade 9
Principal's List:
Kimberly Kinkade
First Honors:
Lia D'Orio
Madeline Fawcett
Nicolette Merlino
Elizabeth Myers
Mia Rudolp[h
Corinne Shields
Catherine Thomas
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Reggie rocked our assembly on Tuesday with music and messages of love, perseverance and kindness. His extremely motivational presentation was part of a special Speaker Series created for OLMA students. Check it out in the video below.
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It's Time to Speak Up! Register Today!
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Speak Up a powerful movement that promotes communication, education, and awareness about the challenges facing today’s youth. A team of PREP and OLMA students is hard at work planning what promises to be an insightful evening of open communication and conversation. It all takes place on December 8, from 6:00 PM--8:00 PM at St. Augustine Prep. All OLMA and PREP students and their parents are invited to attend. Click here to register today!
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'Tis the Season to Lend a Hand
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If you are looking for a way to make a difference in the life of a child this Christmas, there are no shortage of opportunities. OLMA is helping two organizations: Adopt A Child (with Big Brothers Big Sisters) and The Dream Foundation.
Adopt a Child
Just before Thanksgiving, students had the opportunity to "Adopt A Child" this Christmas. For many of these boys and girls, our gifts will be the only ones they receive. We still have about 15 children left to be adopted, so please see Mrs. Cavagnaro if you'd like to help. All of these children attend local elementary schools.
An OLMA Alumna who works in one of these schools also put out a call out for winter coats. Needed are boys' sizes: 14, 12, 10, 8 and adult XL. The girls' sizes needed are: 7-8, 6T and 10-12.
The Dream Foundation
The second organization we are working with this year is The Dream Foundation. This foundation helps children (and their families) who are critically ill and in the hospital during Christmas. It was founded by OLMA's own, Mark and Gina Rudolph -- parents of freshman, Mia and sophomore, Madison.
During the week before Christmas, Mark and Gina visit area children's hospitals. They come with a Santa sack full of gifts that will help put smiles on the faces of the children who can't be home on Christmas morning. To help, we are collecting unwrapped toys (large box in the main office hall). We are focusing on toys for children ages: infant to 2; and 12-17. If you can help, please bring in an unwrapped toy next week.
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Get the latest on all school activities, sports schedules and more in the calendar section of the new OLMA website.
Caption: We can't wait to see OLMA sophomore, Alex Bisignaro, dance live on December 16!
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We hope you enjoy the OLMA Overview. If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Mrs. Kinkade on ext. 140, or email her at: mrs.kinkade@olmanj.org
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