The OLMA Overview -- October 26, 2018
At OLMA, we are blessed with outstanding faculty, staff and administrators. They know all of our students by name and genuinely care about each and every one. They give selflessly of their time and talents to help our girls succeed -- no matter what. Tonight, the OLMA Salerno Society, will be honoring two of own, Mrs. Dawn Coia and Mrs. Mary Jane Stanzione. These amazing women will join other outstanding OLMA educators, alumnae, supporters, and friends who have made a true difference in the life of our school. Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Coia and Mrs. Stanzione as they become part of the OLMA Salerno Society Hall of Fame!

I'd also like to congratulate all of our senior fall athletes for their passion and leadership. Senior Night celebrations are always bittersweet, but so well deserved. Next week we will travel to St. Augustine Prep on Thursday for All Saints Day Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to worship as a brother-sister school community.

Coming up soon is our Instant Decision and College Interview Day on November 6. This is always exciting as many seniors receive their very first college acceptances that day. We will have 11 colleges and universities on campus for this event. On its heels is our first-ever Powder Puff football tournament and bonfire -- followed by Open House the next day. We are looking for both parent and student volunteers to help out for Open House. There will be a sign-up sheet outside of the main office for students. Parents can call Mrs. Cusick and she will put you on our list of volunteers.

Stay safe and dry this weekend -- and Happy National Pumpkin Day! See you soon. -- Mrs. Coyle
Shadow Day Scenes
On Monday, OLMA hosted 60 eighth grade girls for the first of two group shadow days. Our students and teachers did a wonderful job of showcasing our academics, athletics, spirituality, commitment to service, and sisterhood. Here are some photo highlights.
Student Spotlight
Lindsey Serafine, Class of 2022
OLMA Freshman, Lindsey Serafine, travels 45 minutes to get to school each morning and says that she'd go even further if that's what it took to get her to and from OLMA each day. "I absolutely love school," says Lindsey, "and I'm so happy to be here. OLMA is a place where you never have to be afraid to be yourself or show your emotions. If you feel down, there's someone to comfort you, and if you feel like jumping up and down because you're excited about something, your friends will jump up and down with you!"

Lindsey and her twin sister, Anissa, first found out about OLMA from the sisters of their brother's friends. "When Joey started going to the Prep, his friends would come over and tell us how much their sisters liked OLMA and then we met some of them and heard it first hand," she said. "Even though we live in Tabernacle, we wanted to check it out, so we shadowed. That was all we needed. I couldn't believe how well everyone got along and the connection the girls had with each other and with their teachers. We knew this was where we wanted to be."

Lindsey admits to being a little worried at first about the fact that there were no boys at OLMA, but says she doesn't even notice any more. "So many of my friends from middle school were guys, so I wasn't sure how it would be without them," she said. "Now, I absolutely love the fact that that we are all girls and wouldn't want to go back to having boys at school. I'm still friends with the kids I went to middle school with, but love that we are all girls during the school day."

When asked about what she thought of last week's Sisterhood Olympic Games, she said, "I have no words to express how great it was. The teams had so much energy and the seniors in my group were so helpful. They took us under their wings and it really felt like family. Besides, where else can you dress up like we did and put a whole bottle of glitter in your hair for the day?"

She makes a good point!

So far this year, Lindsey says that Bravery Training is her favorite class. "Something I struggle with is staying out of my own head," she said. "I'm my own worst critic and that's not always good. In Bravery, I'm learning how to turn the critic into a cheerleader."

Linsdey is a member of the OLMA Field Hockey Team and plans to play lacrosse this spring. She's also a member of the OLMA Interact Club and recently spent a Saturday morning picking up trash along the beach in Atlantic City. "I could not believe how many bags we filled with trash," she said. "There was so much and it felt good to be part of making a difference."

Making a difference seems to be in your DNA, Lindsey. We are so blessed to have you here!

P.S. -- If you haven't seen the video clip from last Friday's Sisterhood Olympics, you can view it below!
Powder Puff Planned for November 7
On November 7, beginning at 5:45 PM, 95 OLMA football players will take the field as part of the school's first Powder Puff Football Game. Cheering them on will be their OLMA sisters joined by cheerleaders from St. Augustine Prep!

Team introductions begin at 5:45 PM. Game 1, between freshmen and juniors, begins at 6 PM. Next, the seniors and sophomores will play, followed by the championship game.

At 8 PM, we will celebrate with a bonfire, complete with free hot chocolate and s'mores. Pizza and drinks will also be available for sale.

Our players will be wearing class-colored powder puff shirts. Any parents who are interested in also coming in "uniform" may order shirts for $10 each. Time is short, so the deadline for placing your order is 12 midnight on Sunday, October 28. Please email mr.lenguadoro@olmanj.org with your name and size ASAP if you'd like one.

We hope to see as many parents and families as possible at the games. All are welcome!
OLMA On Broadway
This year's annual trip to the Big Apple's Broadway, included the opportunity for our students to learn the music and dance moves to a number featured in the show, Come From Away . Their instructors were cast members who double as professional singers, dancers and musicians. As always, the experience was amazing! Check out our talented students in the two video clips below!
OLMA Open House Set for November 8
We are looking forward to welcoming many new prospective students and their families on November 8 at our annual Open House. While here, families will be introduced to the OLMA Sisterhood, meet students and teachers, tour the school, and learn about all that OLMA has to offer to the young women of South Jersey. Open House begins at 8:30 AM and promises to be a great day. Student and parent volunteers are needed, so please let Mrs. Kinkade know if you are able to help. Thank you!

P.S. -- Please help us spread the word about Open House by putting a yard sign in front of your home and/or business. Signs are available at school! Thank you.
Order SCRIP in Time for the Holdays!
Believe it or not, Black Friday is a mere 28 days away, with Cyber Monday just three days later! If you want to save while you shop, the time is now to order your SCRIP. Plus, using gift cards is the safest way to shop online. As an added incentive, students will receive a dress down day pass if their families order at least $50 worth of SCRIP every Friday, or a total of $500 or more at any one time in November. Click here to take a look at the many retail stores that participate in SCRIP -- and get those orders in! Thank you!
Upcoming Events


All Saints Day Mass at PREP -- November 1

Powder Puff Game and Bonfire -- November 7

OPEN HOUSE (No School) -- November 8 (Volunteers Needed)

NO School -- November 9

Guys and Dolls School Musical -- November 14, 16, 17
7th & 8th Grade Shadow Day -- November 20

Semi Formal -- November 20 (Noon Dismissal)

Thanksgiving Break -- November 21-25

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