The OLMA Overview -- April 12, 2019
Over the last three years, we have added four new Advanced Placement (AP) courses. We are about to add one more. As part of the Amazon Future Engineer program, OLMA will be offering AP Computer Science beginning this fall. We could not be more excited to introduce this course. Developed by Edhesive, Amazon's curriculum provider, it includes all course materials, dedicated support and professional development.

This could not come at a more opportune time as the workforce is exploding with opportunities for women in technology. In fact, in an article published last week by LinkedIn , technology companies are among the most sought after employers. Of the top 50 companies where Americans want to work, nearly all are in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math, where computer science skills are a must.

This new course is just one of the ways that we are working to prepare our students for what comes next. Earlier this week, we began the last of four mini-courses included in year two of our L2T (leadership, life skills and technology) program. It's called STEM and Business 101 and features speakers representing a wide variety of careers. Our first speaker was the Financial Comptroller of the Ottinger Golf Company. This young woman is as impressive as they come and captivated our students. I plan to have her back very soon.

This summer we will be transforming our third-floor laptop lab into the OLMA Center for Business and Collaborative Learning. We plan to develop a four-semester curriculum designed to provide a peek into the world of business and its many career possibilities.

What's most exciting to me is the fact that our students can sink their teeth into these learning opportunities without fear. We are a sisterhood and as an all-girls school, foster an environment of acceptance, support and achievement.

I hope you are as thrilled as I am about these new additions. I will keep you posted on our progress. Enjoy the beautiful weekend ahead. -- Mrs. Coyle
Sisterhood Olympics Returns on Wednesday
BRING IT ON !
Student Spotlight: Meet Mikayla Jones
Class of 2021
Prior to transferring to OLMA as a sophomore last fall, Mikayla Jones had never run track. That's not the case anymore. In fact, Mikayla has discovered a talent she didn't know she had and is developing into an exceptional runner She is also an exceptional student, friend and sister -- and could not be happier to have landed at OLMA.

"The school where I spent my freshmen year didn't provide enough of a challenge," said Mikayla. "It just wasn't a good fit, so my mom and I started looking for other options. Because we were new to the area, we asked our neighbors and they recommended OLMA. I decided to shadow and that was all it took. I was hooked. Everyone was so welcoming and made me feel right at home."

In terms of academics, science and math are what make Mikayla tick. "While I'm not sure exactly what I want to do, I know that it will be something in STEM," said Mikayla. "I love science and math and through the L2T program, I'm learning a lot about the kinds of careers that require skills in those subjects. We met a financial professional this week and will be hearing from an aerospace engineer soon."

Mikayla says that she's also looking forward to participating in the service Mini-Mester at St. John of God in June. The girls who went last year really loved it, so I'm excited," she said. Until then, Mikayla plans to keep on running. She earned four medals at last week's meet and the season is young. Best of luck to you and your teammates (pictured below) this spring. We are rooting for you!
BLANKETING VETERANS WITH COMPASSION
"This is the most wholesome thing I've ever done!"
"I feel so happy!"
"They were adorable and wanted to know if we would be back next week."
"They cared about what we were planning after high school."
"I want to go back."

These are a few of the things students had to say upon arriving back at OLMA on Sunday afternoon after visits with our very own, Mr. Duffy, and the brave men and women who reside at the Veteran's Memorial Home in Vineland, NJ. This latest Compassion Quest outing was a keeper for sure. Prior to their visits, the girls met at school, made blankets and wrote letters of thanks and encouragement. They also played BINGO and spent time talking with and listening to these very special Americans. Here are some video highlights:
WE NEED YOU ON OUR TEAM!
Get set to lace up your sneakers and join us on the Atlantic City Boardwalk on May 11.

Both OLMA and St. Augustine Prep will have teams of cheerleaders (stationed at a particular location along the course) and walkers/runners for the Shirley Mae Run and Michael J. Walk.

We are looking for as many students and families as possible to join our team. Please email Mrs. Kinkade at mrs.kinkade@olmanj.org by April 29 if you are interested and to get a waiver. Thanks.
OLMA Athletics Parent Meeting

All Fall Sports: There will be a mandatory Fall Sports Parents Meeting on Wednesday, May 15 at 7:00 PM in Carew Hall Gymnasium. All of the pertinent information and forms will be presented. Any young woman interested in playing a fall sport, including incoming freshman, should attend. Short team meetings with coaches will follow to discuss summer and season schedules.
CALENDAR RAFFLE BEGINS SOON!
Summer Series Is Back!
Upcoming Events

Compassion Quest Food Bank Project - - April 13, 2019

Mindful Monday YOGA -- April 15,
6 PM

Decade Day -- April 15

Red, White and Blue Day -- April 16

Sisterhood Olympics/Noon Dismissal -- April 17

Easter Break -- April 18-26

Freshmen & Sophomores to Participate in CAP Training for Teens -- Late April

OLMA Prom -- May 2

Spring Fest -- May 4

Accepted Student's Saturday -- May 4

Fall Sports Parent Meeting -- May 15

Mary Day -- May 21

Graduation -- May 23

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