The OLMA Overview -- December 15, 2017
Welcome to Ugly Sweater and Advent Angel Reveal Day! Let's just say that your girls took this year's Ugly Sweater contest seriously. They had their ugly on, yet still managed to look adorable. Second only to the last day of school before summer break, Advent Angel Reveal Day tops the list when it comes to excitement -- and sisterhood. A good time was had by all.

Earlier this week, students packed up the many gifts they purchased for distribution at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Holiday Party, as well as unwrapped toys for The Dream Foundation to deliver to children who will spend the holidays in the hospital. OLMA's Interact Club also joined forces with members of the Prep's Interact Club for a night of caroling with the residents of the Elwyn Institute in Vineland. OLMA students also brought some holiday cheer to Maurice House in Millville where they played BINGO, decorated cookies and did some caroling accompanied by Mrs. Blackshear on the organ.

This week marked the beginning of our special deliveries to newly accepted members of the Class of 2022. We will be out and about again this weekend and will continue after the holidays.

With the end of the week officially here, it's time for the girls to hunker down for a few more days of studying before we depart for Christmas break. Mid-term exams will be taken on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. Dismissal will be at 12 noon.

Have a fabulous and festive weekend! -- Mrs. Coyle
Student Spotlight
Maris Horner, Class of 2020
Maris Horner loves to learn and couldn't wait to start high school. It wasn't long, though, before she realized that she was in the wrong place and wanted to make a change. "I was excited about going to my local high school, but just didn't fit in," said Maris. "I'm not sure why, but I never felt comfortable. I started to dread going, which was when I knew I had to go somewhere else."

Determined to make the right choice this time, Maris finished up her freshmen year started researching and visiting other schools. Just when she thought she'd made her decision, Maris heard about OLMA and decided to check it out.

"We didn't have an appointment, but we were in the area so we stopped in expecting to get some basic information and pick up an application. Instead, we got the warmest welcome ever from Mrs. Cusick and then a tour from Mrs. Coyle. Almost instantly, I felt at home. I was excited about everything I saw and heard and knew that OLMA was where I wanted to be."

Six months later, we almost can't remember the Class of 2020 without her. "My favorite part about OLMA is my class," said Maris. "I get to go to school with my best friends and see and interact with them every day. That didn't happen in my old school. I saw my friends here and there, but not every day like we do here."

It turns out that Maris found out about OLMA from her lacrosse coach, our very own Ms. Valore. "I play on Ms. Valore's club team and heard that she was going to be working at OLMA," said Maris. "She is my role model so if it was a place where she wanted to work, I knew I had to visit, and I'm so glad I did."

While lacrosse is her favorite sport, Maris joined the tennis team even before school started this fall. "I was so nervous to meet everyone, but by the end of the first day of practice I had 10 new friends," she said. That was just the beginning. She continued adding friends at the Sophomore Class Meeting and the Big-Little Sleepover, making the first official day of school a cinch.

On the academic front, Maris is taking all honors courses and doing well. She's also part of the Yearbook and Football clubs and can't wait for lacrosse to start this spring. We can't wait to see what she can do!

Put Me In, Coach!
It's time to think spring sports! We are ramping up and are searching for assistant coaches for our Lacrosse, Softball and Crew teams. Our teams are growing by leaps and bounds as are our winning records.

If you, or anyone you know, would like to join OLMA's coaching staff, please send a letter of interest to Athletic Director, Matt Lenguadoro at:

Our Lady of Mercy Academy
1001 Main Road
Newfield, NJ 08344

You can also reach Coach Lenguadoro by email at: mr.lenguadoro@olmanj.org. Thank you!
Spreading Christmas Cheer
There was cookie decorating in one room, BINGO in another and singing (and dancing...nice moves, Atira!) in the community room during our visit with Maurice House residents today! This annual trip is one of many service activities led by OLMA's Interact Club. This one is a favorite -- and the smiles on the faces of our Maurice House friends are more precious than any gift found under the tree.
Help Keep OLMA Growing Strong
Have you made your gift yet? If not, please consider doing so before the end of the year. All gifts are tax deductible and greatly appreciated.

Our goal is to raise $50,000 in cash donations by June 30, 2018. With your help, we know we can do it. For all the details and to make your gift, visit the Annual Fund section of our website, or follow the button below.

As always, we thank you for your support!
SHOPAROO is a Must Do!
If ever there was a time of year when we do a lot of shopping and hold onto our receipts just in case, it's Christmas. This year, as you stash your receipts for safe keeping, snap a photo of them first using the Shoparoo App -- and earn points to be redeemed for cash by OLMA.

It's easy and, dare I say, fun! Simply
  1. Download the free Shoparoo app (already in use by 10,000+ schools)
  2. Snap pictures of our receipts (every receipt counts)
  3. Earn cash for OLMA as Shoparoo makes a donation for every receipt you submit

In addition, your receipts will earn OLMA entries into Shoparoo’s $1,000 monthly sweepstakes drawings. That’s all there is to it. Plus, there’s no limit to how much money we can raise. The more people who use the app, the better. Go to  shoparoo.com  to get started!

P.S. -- The junior class is in the lead so far this year with more than 4,500 points. Who can beat them?
There is Such a Thing as Free Lunch!
Calling all OLMA Alumnae! If you live nearby, or are home for the holidays, we'd love to see you. We'll even treat you to lunch!

Please join us for a special Alumnae Mass and luncheon on Friday, January 5. Mass begins at 10 AM and lunch at 12 PM. In between, you'll have some time to visit and fill us in on what you've been doing.

Sound like a plan? If so, please let us know you will be attending by filling out and submitting the form linked below. We wish you a blessed holiday season and look forward to seeing you in the New Year! 
Want to Win 10,000 Smackers?
Feeling lucky? If so, today's the day to purchase your Annual OLMA Super 50-50 ticket. At a cost of $100 each, tickets include dinner for two at the Luau (Drawing Party) set for February 24 in Carew Hall. The event is a blast and there are a billion ways to win. The evening features special high-value raffles, tons of Tricky Tray baskets and cold hard cash prizes as the 50-50 numbers dwindle down to the last few. Don't miss out! Call today, or send in your check for $100 made out to OLMA, and we'll reserve your number. Only 400 tickets will be sold -- and we sell out every year!
Calendar Reminders

Midterm Exams -- December 18-20; 12:00 PM Dismissal

Pick Up SCRIP Orders -- December 20

Exam Makeup/End of Quarter 2 -- December 21

Christmas Break -- December 22, 2017 -- January 2, 2018

Classes Resume -- January 3, 2018

Alumnae Mass and Luncheon -- January 5, 2018
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