The OLMA Overview -- March 1, 2019
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Welcome to March! My note comes to you from Walt Disney World where I am with Mrs. Cavagnaro, Mrs. Fortis and members of the Class of 2019. I first met these young women when they were sophomores. The time has flown by, but I could not prouder of these girls. It's hard to believe that in a few short months they will be on their way to college. I'm not letting them go quite yet, though. We still have much to do before graduation day. But for now, they get a few more days in the sun.
One of the things that I'm proudest of about these girls is their dedication to sisterhood and service. They have made a huge difference in the lives of others and inspired our younger students to do the same. If you saw our social media posts over the weekend you know what I mean.
Led by sophomores
Sydney Prescott
,
Adrianna Dodge
,
Erin Miller
and
Caroline Bernhardt,
a group of more than 40 students met at OLMA early last Saturday morning. Together they made nearly 500 sandwiches and then boarded a bus to Philadelphia where they volunteered as part of an organization called, "One Kind Act a Month." Guided by a member of the organization, the girls distributed sandwiches to people in need. It was the real deal and a very different experience for most of the girls, but it's one that they will not soon forget. They felt good and saw first hand the difference they made.
This event was part of a series of community service projects that will be carried out over the next few months as part of the
Compassion Quest
Mini-Mester course. While most of our Mini-Mesters take place during a single week, this one is spread out throughout the school year. The first half was spent planning. The girls worked in groups and prepared detailed proposals for single days of service that would involve 40-50 people. Teams presented their proposals for approval in November. Students are required to participate in their own project and four of the others. Last weekend's trip to Philadelphia started us off on a good note. (I've shared a few photos below.)
These young women may not realize it, but they are keeping the spirit of St. Mary Joseph Rossello alive through the service they perform and the love they have for each other. I cannot tell you how honored I am to be part of a school that teaches its students to embrace this way of life. As always, thank you for being such great role models for your daughters. I can't wait to see what they do next. Have a wonderful weekend. -- Mrs. Coyle
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Juniors Practice Interviewing Skills
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While they were a bit nervous when they arrived at school on Tuesday morning, OLMA's juniors made it through Mock Interview Day with flying colors. Designed to help prepare our rising seniors for both college and job interviews, Mock Interview Day is a major confidence booster.
"Not only do the girls look the part, but they come prepared with their resumes to share with the interviewers," said Melissa Szawlewicz, Counselor, College Guidance. "They get immediate feedback after their first interview, which helps build their confidence for the second. The professionals who volunteer their time continue to be impressed with our students and their ability to present their accomplishments. The girls learn a lot and enjoy supporting one another throughout the process."
This year's interviewers included Jessica Syed, Assistant Director, Office of Admissions at Rowan University; Shaquell Williamson, Corporate Recruiter for National Freight Industries; Kevin Burke - Dean of Academics at St. Augustine Prep; and Nick Catalana, Business Development, Cumberland Dairy. Many thanks for sharing your time and talent with our students.
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ORDER DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SUNDAY, 3/3
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OLMA Outfitters is now carrying items for non-athletes and alumnae. Plus, it offers a full line of spirit wear for all spring athletes and fans. The spring order deadline is
March 3 at midnight
so there's no time to waste. For questions, contact Mr. Lenguadoro at mr.lenguadoro@olmanj.org. To place an order, click on the button below.
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How often have you wished that you really knew what your child was thinking? Have you heard about teenagers struggling with stress, depression, anxiety, drugs and alcohol or suicidal thoughts and wondered what is going on and how can we protect our kids?
SpeakUp! is your chance. Come to our SpeakUp! on March 12, 2019 at 6:30pm at St. Augustine Prep. A team of students from OLMA and the Prep have worked together to plan an incredible evening.
The research is clear—the most protective factor for youth is a positive relationship with caring adults where open, honest conversations about tough topics lead to guidance and support. SpeakUp! is a proven, youth-driven, interactive program that brings youth, educators and parents together for real dialogue on the topics our students want to talk to us about. Students actually tell us what we can do to make it more likely they will talk honestly to us and listen.
Survey results show that as a result of SpeakUp!:
- 96% of participants feel less alone
- 93% are more willing to ask for help
- 91% have new strategies to manage challenges in their lives
There are no guarantees in life, but realizing you are not alone and being willing to ask for help is arguably the best insurance policy. We know all teenagers struggle with something at some point and no matter what the problem is, the solution always begins with speaking up and asking for help.
We can’t encourage you enough to make SpeakUp! a priority. Although you can come without your child and they can come without you, the data shows it’s even more effective if you can come together. Family members are never in the same breakout session.
If you have come before, come again. The conversation is always different and the results show the greatest impact for repeat participants!
If you think you don’t need it because you have a great relationship with your child, you should know many teenagers say it’s especially hard to admit their struggles to parents they’re closest to because they would hate to disappoint you.
We are proud to be a SpeakUp! school and we hope you can join us for this unique experience.
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We can fix that! OLMA students are selling Gertrude Hawk Chocolates and other sweet treats. All proceeds will go directly into an account for your daughter's senior trip to Disney. It will be here before you know it, so the time is now to save.
All orders with payments are due by March 14.
Orders will be ready for pick up by April 8.
Are you a parent or student who wants to set up an online selling account so friends and family can pay by credit card? If so, go to www.GertrudeHawkFundraising.com and follow the instructions provided. Our school group number is 115240. Enjoy!
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Designer Bag BINGO on April 6
Order Your Tickets Today
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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. Click below to order yours.
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Seniors: Don't Miss Out on Cash for College
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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.
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#OLMACares About Code Blue
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We are looking for donations of bread, jelly and napkins for our weekly Code Blue sandwich-making service project. If you can help, please send them in. Many thanks!
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New Date Set for RUGBY 7s Clinic
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Want to play Rugby this fall? If so, come on out and give it a try at the clinic set for
Wednesday, March 13 at 6:30 PM
in Carew Hall gymnasium. Have questions? Stop by the Athletics Office or email Coach Leng at mr.lenguadoro@olmanj.org
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If you love OLMA and want the world to know why, please consider leaving a Google Review.
Click here
and you're there. Thank you.
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Seniors in Disney
-- February 27-March 3
Mindful Monday YOGA
-- March 4
Ash Wednesday Mass
-- March 6 (at OLMA)
Blood Drive
-- March 11
SpeakUp!
-- March 12
NHS Induction Ceremony
-- March 13
Rugby 7s Clinic
-- March 13, 6:30 PM
Designer Bag BINGO
-- April 6
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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
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