The OLMA Overview -- May 16, 2020
In mid-March, when we first transitioned to online learning, we talked about the importance of seeing the good in everything. While COVID-19 has not made that easy, I have seen a lot of "good" in all of you.

While we had adjustments to make, we did not let COVID-19 distract us from academics. The OLMA Online Learning Program is humming. We continue to miss being together on campus, but we've stayed connected. The OLMA Sisterhood clearly knows no boundaries. It is as strong as ever and evident in the love you've all shared for our teachers and staff. I tried to take as many pictures as I could when delivering the Smile Boxes. I wanted you to see the impact you made on so many faces -- and hearts. I hope you enjoy my collection of fun photos below.

Good things are also happening for our seniors. Thursday was their last day of classes! On Monday, we will begin work on a unique Class of 2020 Tribute Video that will premiere in June. A car parade in their honor will also take place on Friday, May 22nd at 5 PM on campus. While it must happen under strict restrictions, we will be able to celebrate our seniors on their actual graduation date. Please stay tuned for more details next week. 

On May 27th, we will honor seniors during a virtual version of Mary Day. We will come together for an all-school assembly for a short prayer service, awards, and special farewell. While this year's festivities will look different from years past, they will be no less special as we are determined to give the Class of 2020 a Sisterhood Sendoff to remember.

Finally, work began this week on the new OLMA Cafe! Construction started early, and we cannot wait to see the finished product!

As social distancing guidelines begin to loosen, please be cautious and stay safe. I miss you. -- Mrs. Coyle

P.S. -- This morning we hosted the students and families of the Class of 2024 in a Virtual Accepted Students Saturday! Please join me in welcoming our 75 newest sisters!
SMILES ALL AROUND
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:
MEET CATALINA WENTZELL, CLASS OF 2023
OLMA freshman, Catalina Wentzell says she can't imagine going to high school anywhere else, especially at a time like this. "The support we get at OLMA is more than I ever expected," said Catalina. "We are all close even if we're not in the same grade. We also have great relationships with our teachers. Our school is small, so they really get to know us and are always available to help." 

Catalina recalls getting the blues at the very beginning of the transition to online learning. "I was in a little bit of a slump emotionally because I missed being with the other girls," she said. "Mrs. Szawlewicz was right there for me, and before I knew it, things were going well, and I was face timing and texting my friends every day. That kept us close. It still is. I also used this opportunity to take charge of my studies. I created a planner, mapped out what I was doing each day, and set the alarm so I'd be on time for everything. I'm more organized now than I was before."

Renewing her commitment to academics is just one part of the silver lining that emerged for Catalina during the COVID-19 crisis. "I am enjoying the extra time I have with my family," said Catalina. "My mom's work schedule is so busy that we don't normally have much time to spend together. I've also spent a lot more quality time with my dad and little sister. I'm not sure that would have happened otherwise, at least not as much. It's special and something good that's come out of all this."

Catalina and her family have also used this extra time to open their home to a new puppy. And while school is entirely technology-based, Catalina says she's spending more of her downtime offline. "I'm outside more, reading books, and working out," she said. "I even took up knitting!" 

An OLMA Lacrosse player, Catalina said that she is still close with her teammates. "Ms. Valore is keeping us all connected over Zoom and spends a lot of time just listening to us. That's important and makes us feel special." While she didn't have a season this spring, Catalina looks forward to next year as well as to getting back on the Volleyball court this fall.

We are looking forward to that too! 
TEACHER FEATURE:
MEET MRS. MICHELE FORTIS
While quiet and unassuming, English teacher, Michele Fortis is a treasure trove of knowledge, a delight to be around, and beloved by her students. Now in her 22nd year of teaching at OLMA, she never expected to have to bring the English curriculum entirely online, yet she did it and did it well.  

"It was a little daunting at first because I had to learn a new online platform," said Mrs. Fortis. "I'm usually tech-savvy, but I was nervous about implementing Zoom and wasn't sure how the students would react. Fortunately, the transition went smoothly, with only a few minor hiccups."

Mrs. Fortis was pleasantly surprised by just how well the students embraced online learning. "My students were extremely enthusiastic and engaged," she said. " Several times, my classes went on far beyond their designated end times. That's always a good sign."  

While Mrs. Fortis has always used technology in the classroom, she discovered some new tools since remote learning began. "I started using resources like Edpuzzle and Vocaroo," said Mrs. Fortis. "I really like Edpuzzle because I can create interactive videos for my students and post them on Google Classroom, enabling them to become more active learners by responding to written questions while viewing the video." 

Mrs. Fortis' connection with her girls extended beyond class time. As part of the OLMA Mind, Body and Soul Program, Mrs. Fortis hosted Movie Nights. "We started with The Great Gatsby and Pride and Prejudice," she said, "and later, added Zombies. I cautioned my students that there is usually a big difference between the book and the movie, but we all had a great time."  

Thank you, Mrs. Fortis, for always finding a way to make learning English fun.  
THERE'S STILL TIME TO HELP

OLMA athletes have found a way to keep on playing this spring that benefits them and others. The initiative is called, Keep Playing for the W.I.N. What's Important Now, or W.I.N. for short is one of the concepts introduced as part of the OLMA Sports Leadership Academy (SLA). 

"It's a valuable concept for teams, and given the cancellation of spring sports and the uncertainty we're all facing, it provides a good perspective as we navigate the adversity that comes with this challenging situation," said Ms. Jennifer Valore, Dean of Academics and Leadership. "The SLA has created an opportunity for all OLMA athletes to Keep Playing for the W.I.N. in support of people in need and those fighting on the front lines during this pandemic. We get to help others by doing what we love to do --- setting goals and crushing them!" 

Today, OLMA athletes will participate in a 5K event from home as part of one OLMA team. They can walk, run, bike, use a treadmill, and more. There's still time to help by sponsoring an athlete through an online donation made directly Larry's II Restaurant in Vineland. All of the funds raised will help feed the area's essential workers. 

Make a donation by CLICKING HERE and be sure and add the hashtag, #OLMAKeepsPlaying in one of the name fields so we can track our progress. Way to go, OLMA! 
ASK CONGRESS TO INCLUDE AID FOR
NON-PUBLIC SCHOOL FAMILIES
We need your help. Congress is now working on a fourth phase of economic stimulus relief. Because nonpublic schools represent over 10% of the students in the nation’s schools, ask your representatives for consideration for assistance to nonpublic school families.

Please CLICK HERE for a template you can use to craft your message in mere minutes. Thank you for your support of all New Jersey Catholic Schools.
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