The OLMA Overview -- January 24, 2020
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With the beginning of the second semester came new opportunities for hands-on learning with the addition of five more clubs to our current lineup of 18 offerings. What's most exciting about these new additions is the fact that many of them were student-driven. Students are encouraged to present ideas for new clubs, and more and more of them are doing just that. The result is clubs like film making, bake, dance, stock market, and Rugby.
When we interview applicants for admission to OLMA we ask about how they plan to contribute to the life of our school. Presenting a plan for a new club is one of those ways. It takes self-confidence, and the girls who come to me almost always emerge as some of our strongest student leaders.
Our current club offerings include Interact, Bake, Chorus, Select Chorus, Debate, Stock Market, Film Making, Sisterhood Speak, Dance, Art, Yearbook, Student Government, Driver's Ed, Spanish, Green Girls, Forensics, Quiet Study, and Rugby. That's a lot of options for a school our size, and we pride ourselves on having something for everyone. OLMA clubs meet every Thursday for 35 minutes all year round. Students select two clubs at the beginning of each semester. Because they meet weekly, the girls have the opportunity to get involved and make an impact. That's important, not only in terms of their personal growth but when having something real to put on college applications and discuss with admissions professionals.
Your daughters continue to make me proud, and I'm always looking forward to what's next. Thank you for the opportunity to spend my days with them. It's truly a gift. Be well and have a fantastic weekend. -- Mrs. Coyle
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:
MEET MADELINE BROWN, CLASS OF 2023
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When it came time to choose a high school, OLMA freshman, Madeline Brown was ready to take a chance. "My brother went to St. Augustine Prep, so OLMA was a natural choice, but I was hesitant at first to check it out," said Madeline. "I was worried about leaving my friends from Clearview Middle School and that I wouldn't fit in. My brother and other people I knew from OLMA told me that I wouldn't 'get it' until I went and spent the day, so I did. The idea of trying something brand new was scary at first, but I took a chance, and I can honestly say that it was the best decision ever."
Madeline agrees that the best way to understand the sisterhood and experience the atmosphere at OLMA is to spend the day. "The friends I've made here, and what I've been able to do in just the last few months, is awesome," she said. "I love telling shadows my story because I know many of them come for the first time with some of the same fears I had. All I can say is that everything about this school, the academics, friendships, service, is indescribable."
As a freshman, Madeline dove right into life at OLMA. In fact, she got involved during the summer as part of the Cheer team. "I hadn't cheered in years, but decided to give it a try," said Madeline. "I loved it, and it helped me make new friends before school started." Madeline describes herself as a lacrosse player and cannot wait to take to the field under Ms. Valore's leadership this spring. In addition to sports, Madeline is President of her class and service-oriented by nature.
While many teens spend Saturday mornings sleeping in, Madeline is up early and on her way to Top Sports. "Top Sports is all about teaching kids with disabilities how to play," she said. "Over the last two years, I've taught six different kids ranging in age from 5 to 18 how to play basketball. I love it. They get so excited to see me and can't wait to show me their tricks. It's the best. While I've only done basketball so far, I'm hoping to help teach baseball and swimming soon."
Academically, Madeline is top-notch. "The classes here are challenging and push me," she said. "I spend a lot more time studying that I used to. The teachers are also willing to help in any way, especially Ms. Coppinger. She genuinely wants to see me succeed."
There is no doubt about that, nor is there any doubt that you will succeed at whatever you set your mind to doing. We are proud of and so glad that you took that chance. We can't wait to see what you do next.
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OLMA JUNIOR EARNS HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP AWARD
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If you know Maria Pia DiFranco, it will come as no surprise to learn that she was selected to receive the Widener University and NBC10 High School Leadership Award. As a recipient, if Maria Pia enrolls at Widener University as an undergraduate, she will take part in the school's prestigious Apogee Leadership Scholars program and receive a $20,000 scholarship over four years. Apogee Scholars receive four years of leadership programming, an Oskin Leadership Certificate, and a full year of individual leadership coaching.
This award program recognizes high school students in the region, like Maria Pia, who embody the university's commitment to develop and inspire leaders to affect positive change. With this award, the Widener University High School Leadership Awards Committee recognizes Maria Pia's ability to demonstrate leadership by standing up for what is right, finding a way to address a wrong, or making a difference in a significant way.
Congratulations, Maria Pia. We could not be more proud!
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WHITEOUT TONIGHT
BLACKOUT CANCER COMING SOON
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Watch for WHITEOUT conditions in Carew Hall tonight as OLMA Basketball takes on Vineland High School! We want to pack the house -- and paint the town white.
Next up: BLACKOUT Cancer! On Friday, February 7 OLMA Basketball plans to help BLACKOUT Cancer. For $10 you can purchase an #OLMACares BLACKOUT shirt along with a slice of pizza and drink. All proceeds will benefit GO 4 the GOAL, an organization that helps kids with cancer. Last year we raised $1,800 in a single night. Let's beat it and Audubon High School on February 7.
Both our WHITEOUT and BLACKOUT games will be televised. Advertising opportunities are available. For all of the details and to pre-order your meals and shirts,
CLICK HERE
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From January through March, or until spring brings warmer weather, OLMA students start their Thursdays making sandwiches for the homeless served by Code Blue. Nearly 3,000 Sun Butter (peanut free and delicious!) and Jelly sandwiches make their way from the OLMA Cafe to the hands of people in need. Here are a few photo highlights from this week's sandwich-making scene!
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OLMA Athletics will hold its Spring Sports Meeting on Wednesday, February 5 at 6:15 PM in the Carew Hall gymnasium. All Softball, Lacrosse, and Track & Field athletes and parents are strongly encouraged to attend. Don't miss out on the important information that will be communicated. You are also invited to stay for the Green & Gold Club meeting at 7 PM that same night. For more information, contact mr.lenguadoro@olmanj.org.
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Planning has begun for the 2020 Junior Job Shadow Program. If you or someone you know would be willing to host a student or two, please contact Mrs. Szawlewicz at (856) 697-2008, ext. 420. This program enables students to explore career possibilities by trying them first. Please contact us if you can help. Thank you!
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The OLMA Basketball team is holding a raffle for two tickets to the Philadelphia 76ers game on February 11. These are awesome Box seats and include two $25 vouchers for use at the game. Tickets are $20 each and available by calling 856-404-8558. The drawing will be held at Halftime during the OLMA Basketball game on February 7. Get your tickets while they last!
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OLMA's DECA Club will be selling Chick-fil-A nuggets! You can pre-order your Chick-fil-A nuggets on any Friday in January. Orders will be taken during lunch in the Cafe. The cost is $3 for six nuggets. We will be feasting on them at break in the Cafe in celebration of Valentine's Day on February 13. DECA thanks you for your support.
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Before you know it, the OLMA Super 50/50 Drawing Party will be upon us. A highlight of the evening is always the collection of 100+ raffle baskets. If you've attended the party in the past, you know they are gorgeous and of high value. That's where you come in! We are making one last request for donations of cash or Visa and Amazon gift cards for use in putting the finishing touches on our basket creations. Gift cards of any amount are welcome. If you can help, please send donations in to the main office by January 31. Thank you for your generosity!
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Chick-Fil-A Day
-- February 13; Pre-order nuggets on any Friday in January.
OLMA Basketball WHITEOUT with Chick-Fil-A
-- TONIGHT
ITV (It Takes a Village) Spirit Week
-- February 4-7
SPRING SPORTS PARENT MEETING
-- February 5, 6:30 PM
Green & Gold Club Meeting
-- February 5, 7 PM
76ers Raffle Ticket Drawing
-- February 7; Get your tickets today!
BLACKOUT CANCER with OLMA Basketball
-- February 7
NO School for Students/Faculty Professional Development
-- February 14
NO School/President's Day
-- February 17
Super 50/50 Drawing Party
-- February 22
Photo Caption: OLMA Crew Team participates in Erg Clinic at St. Augustine Prep.
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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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