The OLMA Overview -- September 14, 2018
Week two was a whirwind as students finalized schedules, registered for clubs and braved some very wet and stormy weather. Students selected up to two clubs that they will participate in for the entire first semester. All clubs meet on Thursdays during two of three, 35-minute periods created as a result of the modified block schedule we implemented last year. The feedback we received from both teachers and students was very positive. Rather than joining five or six clubs and being spread so thin that it was difficult to fully participate, students are now able to dive in and contribute in a big way. It's something that colleges look for, so we're pleased to provide this opportunity.

Over the summer, we implemented Grade Link - a new student information system. All students are now actively using it and having great success. Earlier this afternoon, an email went out to all parents and guardians with information about the new system. Once you have your login credentials, please give the system a try. If you have any questions, please contat Ms. Valore at: ms.valore@olmanj.org.

Coming soon, is an online version of our new student handbook. We shared key parts of it with students last week and will be making it available to all within the next week.

Finally, I want to congratulate our fall athletes on a first round of impressive performances. It's awesome to see our girls in action and our program growing. Our cheerleaders will be back at St. Augustine tonight, so we hope to see many of you there. Stay safe and dry this weekend. -- Mrs. Coyle
OLMA juniors, Madison, Sydney and Amanda enjoy Literature class on the porch with Mrs. Fortis.
Student Spotlight: Riley McNelia, Class of 2019
While she is in no rush to see her time as an OLMA student come to an end, senior, Riley McNelia, is laying the groudwork for a successful future after high school. While Literature is at the top of her list of favorite courses this year, it's her Business class that has taken her by surprise. "While I'm new to all of this, I'm doing well and really like the class," said Riley. "I don't know what type of business interests me the most, but I'm pretty sure it's the field I want to pursue." Riley says that she's looking into Rowan University as a possible college choice. Rowan's Rohrer College of Business may very well be a perfect fit.

Riley definitely has the smarts that great business schools look for. So far, she has earned honors in every semester of her high school career and we're quite sure this year will be no exception. She credits much of her success to her teachers. "Our teachers are always there for us," she says. "We can go to them anytime, which isn't the case in many larger schools. I know that they've made a huge difference in my life and I will really miss them when it's time to move on."

While Riley works hard, she also likes to play hard, preferably on the Volleyball court. "I'm a middle hitter and have played all four years," she said. "I just love the sport." She also plays on a club team, but it's her time with OLMA that she cherishes the most. That sentiment seems to run in the family as Riley's older sister, Mackenzie (Class of 2017) and younger sister, Delaney (Class of 2021) are also volleyball players -- and proud to wear their green and gold.

Riley is looking forward to the rest of her senior year. She's especially excited about her class trip to Disney and, of course, going to semi and prom. She's also happy about the classes she's taking and her choices of Debate and Archery for clubs.

When asked what she would tell a prospective student about why she should consider OLMA for high school, Riley immediately returned to the subject of the educators in her life. "I would tell this student about my teachers and the one-on-one support they've given me," she said. "It really makes a difference."

Indeed, it does. Have an amazing year, Riley. We can't wait to see what you do next.
Senior Parent Meeting -- September 19
If you are a senior parent, this is one meeting that you do not want to miss. The college application and selection process is now in full swing with college visits, applications and questions about financial aid. There are many important deadlines to meet. This meeting will provide you with all of the information needed to finish strong. The meeting begins at 6:30 PM sharp. Please contact Mrs. Szawlewicz with any questions.
Changing the World...
At OLMA, we are determined changing the world, one young woman at a time. As we begin visits to area middle schools to talk with prospective students, we will be sharing what's most unique and special about OLMA and education we offer. We believe our students are superstars and that's there's nothing they can't achieve. We'll be using this new video to help communicate that and we wanted to also share it with you. If you like it and want to see more, subscribe to the OLMA YouTube Channel here .
Ready for Some Football...SHIRTS?
That's right. OLMA Basketball is selling these one-of-a-kind shirts for $20 each. To purchse yours, email OLMA Basketball's Coach McNelia at: coach.mcnelia@olmanj.org. This one is sure to be a collector's item, so get yours today! 
Broadway, Here We Come!
On Your "Marks"


Congratulations to OLMA freshman, Samantha Marks, for her medal winning performance at the Cherokee Challenge. Samantha established a new school record in the two mile Cross Country event with the time of 13:30.7. Samantha finished 20th out of 296 competitors.

Also representing OLMA with a strong performance was freshman, Nina Ceccanecchio, who finished 31st with a time of 13:52.4. The ladies competed against runners from NJ, DE, PA, NY. Their next race will be tomorrow at the South Jersey Shootout! Congratulations, Samantha and Nina! We will be rooting for you tomorrow!
Hall of Fame Awards Dinner -- October 26
Tickets Available Below
Among OLMA's biggest supporters are two individuals, one team and one couple chosen for induction into the 2018 OLMA Hall of Fame. Selected by the school’s Salerno Society, in recognition of their significant contributions to OLMA’s vision to change the world, one young woman at a time, this year’s honorees include: Lauren Hartman (Class of 2011), Nicole Covella (Class of 2009) and Caitlyn Covella (Class of 2013), the first three scholar athletes to score 100 goals for OLMA Lacrosse; Dawn Coia; long-time OLMA educator and alumnae parent; Honorable Georgia M. Curio (Class of 1974), the first female superior court judge appointed for Cumberland County; and Tony and Mary Jane Stanzione (Class of 1972). Mary Jane runs the food service operation at OLMA and she and Tony are alumnae parents, contributors and volunteers.

In their honor, OLMA will hold a Hall of Fame Induction Celebration dinner event on Friday, October 26, 2018 at The Greenview Inn in Vineland, NJ. All proceeds will go toward OLMA’s growing athletics program which currently offers 13 competitive supports.

The Salerno Society was created in 2012 and is named in honor of Sister Mary Dolores Salerno, D.M., OLMA’s first principal. It was through her efforts that OLMA introduced sports as an integral part of the school’s curriculum. “The mission of The Salerno Society is twofold,” said Society Chairperson, Bernadette Corwonski-Miller. “First, we want to honor Sister Dolores for her incredible commitment to OLMA as principal. In addition, we want to pay tribute to the many others who have contributed to the growth of our school as athletes, scholars, teachers, coaches, benefactors, and career professionals.”

For more information about how you can be part of thanking and recognizing this year’s members with a program booklet ad, donation, or by purchasing tickets to the Hall of Fame Induction Celebration dinner, please click here , or call Mary Jane Kinkade at 856.697.2008, ext. 140.


Honorable Georgia M. Curio
Mrs. Dawn Coia
Mary Jane and Tony Stanzione
Coach Tom McCarville, Caitlyn Covella, Lauren Hartman, Nicole Covella, and Coach Jerry Covella
Upcoming Events

School Photos/IDs -- September 17

Senior Parent Meeting -- September 19

Junior Ring Measurements -- September 21

Retakes for Sr. Pictures -- September 25

Spain Exchange Mtg. -- September 25, 6 PM at PREP

College Fair -- September 25, 7 PM at PREP

Back-to-School Night -- September 27, 6:30 PM
SAVE THE DATE: Communion Breakfast -- October 7

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