The OLMA Overview -- February 8, 2019
This week, we celebrated ITV or "It Takes a Village" week at OLMA. It's our version of a spirit week and a great reminder that it does, indeed, take a village when it comes to caring for and educating the wonderful young women of OLMA. We are a team of parents, students, faculty and staff, alumnae, supporters, and friends and I am grateful for everyone's contribution to our school.

The week began with Mass on Monday morning followed a special video presentation about the life of St. Mary Joseph Rossello. On Tuesday, teachers arrived to find their classroom doors decked out. They reflected the unique personalities of each teacher. The girls did an amazing job. Staff members found posters filled with notes from the students. Later, the Parents Society treated us to a lunch that was simply delicious.

Wednesday was Career Day. We were fortunate to have some amazing professionals on campus to speak with the girls. Five of our presenters were alumnae, which made things extra special.

Yesterday was Student Appreciation Day. It featured a special service activity, followed by an ethnic lunch and our third annual Dodgeball Tournament.

We wound up the week today with a special assembly that included time to honor the many unsung heroes among us. We honored 13 girls, selected by their OLMA sisters. We also honored and thanked Domingo, who keeps our school clean. The girls wanted him to feel special. I'm pretty sure they accomplished that. Take a look at the photos and video below.

It was a pretty awesome week. Many thanks to the teachers, students and parents who made it all possible. I can't imagine living in any other village. Enjoy your weekend. -- Mrs. Coyle
Student Spotlight: Meet Elizabeth "Liz" Myers
Class of 2020
If there is one thing strong leaders know it's that making the people around you feel needed and appreciated is so very important. OLMA junior, Elizabeth "Liz" Meyers does this every day. She's inquisitive, smart, funny and genuinely cares about putting smiles on the faces of her friends and teachers every chance she gets. Liz is a natural born leader, as well as a scholar, athlete, volunteer, and friend to all. She represents her class on Student Council and was recently named by Widener University and NBC 10 to receive the High School Leadership Award

As a recipient, Liz will receive a $20,000 scholarship to Widener University over four years and will be named an Apogee Scholar should she enroll at Widener. As an Apogee Scholar, Liz will participate in a leadership development program in the Oskin Leadership Institute, which will include earning a Widener Leadership Certificate and participating in a variety of on-campus leadership development activities.

“We are incredibly proud of Liz and grateful for the many contributions she makes on a daily basis to the life of our school,” said Brooke A. Coyle, OLMA Head of School. “Her energy, spirit and can-do attitude is contagious. She also has a way of making everyone around her feel special.”
This award program is designed to recognize high school students in the region, like Liz, who embody Widener University’s commitment to develop and inspire leaders to affect positive change. With this award, the Widener University High School Leadership Awards Committee recognizes Liz’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.

Congratulations Liz and thanks for making us proud!

P.S. -- Liz was honored as one of our Unsung Heroes today!
Exploring Careers
CareerDay  at OLMA was a huge success with 15 professionals on campus to share their advice and experiences. Among them were five OLMA grads and two from St. Augustine Prep. The day began with a keynote speech from Dr. Maureen Morrin, followed by two rotations of small group meetings. Since it was no easy task just picking two, the event ended with all of the professionals assembled fair style in the gym. This gave students plenty of time to get additional information about the careers in which they were most interested.

Many thanks to: Maureen Morrin, Ph.D., Kathy Torrence - Software Engineer, Jennifer Clendining - ER Nurse, Doug Stefano - Sales/Marketing, Jessica Baliski - Speech Pathologist, Marianna Tasso - Speech Pathologist, Blake Trabuchi-Downey, DMD - Dentist, Ernie Alvino - Attorney at Law, Marissa Magid, DO - Ob/Gyn, Linda Hamidi, PharmD - Pharmacist, Brittany Parish - Art Therapist, Georgeann Bennett - Business Consultant, Deborah Masso, DVM - Veterinarian, Joe Bonzcek - Physical Therapist, and Matthew Pineo - Athletic Trainer.
Starting the Day in Service to Others
As we celebrated ITV (It Takes a Village) week at OLMA, we honored St. Mary Joseph Rossello who dedicated her life to helping others, especially girls. We began yesterday by putting our "Hearts to God and Hands to Work" as she called us to do. Together we made hundreds of sandwiches for distribution to shelters, Code Blue warming centers and churches. Along the way, we had a lot of fun working as one for the good of others.
Building Bridges
Mrs. Steiger's honors geometry classes are hard at work on a Popsicle Stick Bridge Challenge. The group that builds the strongest bridge (measured by the amount of water it can hold) wins. Rules included no cutting the sticks and no overlapping beyond 25 percent. Total length must be 22 inches. We will let you know who wins!
Seniors: Looking for College Scholarships?
The search for colleges and scholarships go hand in hand. Fortunately, there are thousands of scholarships out there — if you can find them. Two ways to research opportunities include stopping by OLMA’s Guidance office and utilizing your Naviance account. You can also check out the list linked here . New scholarships are added almost daily, so please check back often.
Rugby Clinic on February 20

  • Interested in playing Rugby in the Fall? OLMA will have a Rugby 7s clinic with KJ Feury on Wednesday, February 20. It will take place at 6:15 PM in Carew Hall Gymnasium. Parents and students who plan on participating should attend. It will be a hands-on clinic and Mrs. Feury will instruct the girls through practice drills and game situations.

  • There will be parent meetings for both Lacrosse and Softball on Wednesday, February 13 at 7 PM. Softball will be in the Cafe and Lacrosse in Computer Lab. See you there!
Show Your Love with Valentine's Day SCRIP
Valentine's Day is right around the corner, so now's the time to order your Hallmark SCRIP! Hallmark is one of thousands of retailers that participate in SCRIP. Orders are placed every Friday and cards are sent home on Wednesdays. To find out more, go to https://www.shopwithscrip.com/. You may also email our parent coordinator, Mikilyn Hiles at jerryshvac@comcast.net.
TICKETS ARE ALREADY IN DEMAND
Get set to play BINGO and WIN DESIGNER BAGS! It all happens on Saturday, April 6, 2019 in Carew Hall. Doors open at 6 PM and tickets are just $35. Additional information coming soon, but mark your calendar today!
Upcoming Events

Parent Meetings for Lacrosse and Softball -- February 13

NO SCHOOL/Faculty Prof. Development -- February 15

N O SCHOOL/President's Day -- February 18

Rugby 7s Clinic -- February 20

Super 50-50 Drawing Party -- Saturday, February 23

Senior Trip - February 27-March 3

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