The OLMA Overview -- January 25, 2019
While I could not be happier in my position as Head of School, there is nothing like being in the classroom. 

This semester, I have the pleasure of team teaching Public Speaking -- one of the four quarter-long courses that comprise year two of our L2T (leadership, life skills and technology) program. By way of background, L2T begins in freshmen year with Bravery Training and Lifetime Fitness. In sophomore year, it expands to include mini-courses on Public Speaking, Digital Communications, STEM and Business 101, and Financial Literacy.

I absolutely love this class -- and am already looking forward to the next round of sophomore speeches. I recently read an article online that said the three things Americans are most afraid of are public speaking, heights and bugs -- in that order.  Of course, that's exactly why we teach it.

As you've heard me say time and time again, we're all about finding ways for our students to step out of their comfort zones and to conquer their fears. Programs like L2T, Minimesters, Mock Interviews, and Job Shadow are designed to help us do that. We're also focused on introducing students to new and emerging career fields in which women are underrepresented and in demand.

It's exciting and I am so pleased to see the results in the form of smiles on the faces of our students each time they conquer a new challenge. They impress me every single day -- both in and out of the classroom. As always, thank you for your continued support and the gift of educating your girls. Have a great weekend. -- Mrs. Coyle

P.S. -- Next week is a big one for OLMA Athletics. We honor senior swimmers on Monday night and BLACKOUT for Cancer at Tuesday night's basketball game. There's more information on both below. Hope to see you there.
Student Spotlight: Meet Mikaela Szamreta
Class of 2019
It takes only a few minutes with OLMA senior, Mikaela Szamreta to realize that she is all about people and places. She loves Sociology and learning about the many issues that impact people -- past, present and future. Mikaela was one of the first two students to participate in the Spain Exchange. "I was only a sophomore, so I was a little nervous, but had a great time," said Mikaela. "I loved meeting so many new people and experiencing a culture that's very different from mine."

A year later, Mikaela traveled to Canada for her Minimester. "I loved that trip," she said. "We saw so much and really got a good feel for what life is like there. It was beautiful and we tried new foods and visited many different places."

As a senior, Mikaela has decided not to do a Mini-Mester this year as she sets her sights on college. While she's not sure where she will be going just yet, she has already been accepted to St. Joe's, South Eastern, Rutgers and Stockton. What she does know is that she wants to study Psychology. "The field interests me because I like the idea of helping many different people with their own, unique issues," she said. "I expect it to be a constant challenge, which is a good thing and something I welcome."

Mikaela certainly rose to the challenge of her academics. She is an excellent student and a member of the National Honor Society. She is also a member of Student Council and just finished up her fourth year as part of the OLMA Volleyball team. Mikaela is a member of OLMA Interact and Bake Clubs this year.

Looking back on her time at OLMA, Mikaela said that her friends and the sisterhood are what she will miss the most. She'll also miss the relaxed and comfortable environment OLMA offers.

Mikaela went on to say that what she didn't miss in her four years at OLMA was having boys in her classes. "No one should let the no-boys thing keep them from choosing OLMA. We don't even notice that they're not here."

We couldn't agree more. Enjoy the rest of your senior year!
OLMA Swim to Honor Seniors on Monday
The OLMA swim team is having a great season and will be honoring its senior leaders on Monday night. It all happens at the St. Augustine Prep pool. While the pool will be busy with meets all afternoon, OLMA Swimming will face Atlantic City High School beginning at 6 PM. Seniors will be recognized during halftime. A shuttle from OLMA to St. Augustine is available. Please reserve your spot in the Athletics Office ASAP.

Come on out and support OLMA Swimming! All student spectators will earn a free Dress Down Day. Congratulations to senior swimmers: Brianna Badger, Denise Dimapilis, Allie Pattitucci, Laura Sloan, and Nicole Wolkowitz. We can't wait to see you in the spotlight on Monday night.
It's Almost Time to BLACKOUT Cancer!
Get set to make a difference while cheering on the OLMA Villagers Basketball team on Tuesday, January 29! The night's theme is BLACKOUT CANCER so wear as much black as you can!

OLMA is fortunate to be partnering with Pizza Hut on this event! The entrance fee is $5 per person and includes FREE pizza and a GREAT GAME as OLMA battles Buena. If you pre-ordered your tickets, you'll also be getting a free #OLMACares shirt. We'll have some extras on hand for the first 100 or so game attendees, so plan to arrive early. All are welcome as we pack the gym!
Notes from OLMA Athletics

  • 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.

  • Want to coach? We are in search of a Head Volleyball Coach. If you or someone you know has interest, please contact Matt Lenguadoro at mr.lenguadoro@olmanj.org.
Code Blue Sandwich Making Begins
Each winter, OLMA students make thousands of sandwiches for the homeless for distribution at Code Blue warming centers on some of the coldest nights of the season. You can help by sending in: bread, jelly, paper bags, and plastic sandwich bags. THANK YOU!
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.
SAVE THE DATE
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!
Please Support the OLMA Annual Fund
Have you made your gift yet? If not, there's still time for you to help more young women, like Claire Stimson, benefit from an OLMA education. Click here for all the details. Thank you/
Upcoming Events
Strategic Planning Focus Groups -- January 28-February 1

OLMA SWIM Senior Night -- Monday, 6 PM at St. Augustine Prep pool. A shuttle will be provided. Sign up in Athletics Office.

BLACKOUT CANCER -- Tuesday, January 29; Carew Hall; Pre-order with Mr. Lenguadoro and get a free #OLMACares shirt!

OLMA ITV (It Takes a Village) Week -- February 4-8

Community Mass -- February 4

Career Day -- February 6

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