The OLMA Overview -- January 17, 2020
|
|
I wanted to begin today's letter with a shout out to our Athletic Director, Matt Lenguadoro, team coaches and OLMA athletes. You are amazing! Our athletic program as a whole has excelled under Coach Leng's leadership. We've added, sports, athletic fields and equipment, and new members to our coaching staff. What's more, our athletes are all in. They are more excited, disciplined, and determined than ever before. I am incredibly thankful for and proud of each and every one of you.
Speaking of pride, I just opened a piece of mail that arrived from one of our Smile Box recipients from Sunday (see news segment below). What a pleasant surprise! The woman who sent it was so touched that she took the time to write letter of thanks, as well as send a donation to further our efforts. Fun photos and kind words from other people whose days we had the honor of brightening have also found their way to our social media pages. I've included a few of them below.
It's fitting that we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday. He said, "The surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others.” He was so right. I've seen proof of it on the faces of our students on so many occasions since joining OLMA four years ago. If you are an OLMA parent or guardian, kudos to you. Without even realizing it, our young women are changing the world.
Have a fantastic weekend. -- Mrs. Coyle
|
|
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: MEET JAIDEN HARRIS, CLASS OF 2022
|
|
One look at OLMA junior, Jaiden Harris on the basketball court and you know she feels right at home. The same is true off the court now that she is part of the OLMA Sisterhood.
Jaiden transferred in last fall after finding out more about OLMA from fellow basketball players and friends, Sydney Prescott and Ava Casale. "We've played on the same AAU team for years but it wasn't until last year that I started asking about OLMA," said Jaiden. "Coach McNelia came to one of our games and Sydney introduced us. I immediately liked what I heard about the atmosphere here and how the teachers really care about helping us succeed." She decided to shadow and that sealed the deal.
Jaiden admits that she was very nervous at first but that the Big-Little Sleepover in late August calmed her down and got her excited. "The sleepover was mostly for new freshmen, but it didn't matter," said Jaiden. "The seniors made everyone feel welcome." Five months later, Jaiden says she loves it here. "I have so many new friends, the kind that I know I'll have forever."
On the basketball court, Jaiden is, quite literally, having a ball! She and her teammates are on their way to a historic season of success with a current record of 10-1. Academically, her record is also a winning one. "The teachers here are hands on and really supportive," she said. "I didn't have that where I was before." Jaiden says she is also enjoying clubs. She's active in the OLMA Interact and Art clubs and participated in Forensics last fall. "I want to be an FBI agent and work in forensics, so that club was a great fit for me," she said. "My uncle is in law enforcement and has inspired me to do the same."
Jaiden will have the chance to delve a little deeper into that career field in June as part of the Forensics Chemistry Mini-Mester course being offered at OLMA. In addition to participating in a lot of hands-on study, Jaiden will visit FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. She will also learn about the many notable women who have contributed to this exciting field. We have a feeling that her name could one day be on that list.
Have fun, Jaiden. We are so glad you're here.
|
|
EXPERIENCE THE FEEL-GOOD GIFT OF GIVING
|
|
One of the best things about giving back is the way it makes you feel inside. In fact, studies show that giving is key to achieving happiness. While it's fun to receive a gift, research conducted at the Harvard Business School shows that giving one is what generates the bigger smile.
OLMA students experienced that first-hand last Sunday as they randomly presented nearly 60 Smile Boxes to people of all ages -- just to brighten their day. This simple act of kindness made a difference in the lives of the people who received the boxes, as well as in the hearts of the girls who made and gave them. Whether it's with smile boxes, sandwiches for the homeless, cards for the sick, or patriotic wreaths for veterans, our students can't help but feel good about the good they do. That's when the real magic happens -- and character building at its best.
As this year's
Annual Fund
drive continues, we invite you to share in the joy of giving by making a donation. Every dollar goes directly back into our school in support of our students. This year's goal is to raise $200,000. We are making great progress but still have a long way to go. Why not make your heart a little happier by making a gift today.
|
|
WHITEOUT AND BLACKOUT CANCER
COMING SOON
|
|
Watch for WHITEOUT conditions in Carew Hall next Friday night as OLMA Basketball takes on Vineland High School! We want to pack the house -- and paint the town white. You can help with the purchase of a special WHITEOUT shirt, Chick-Fil-A sandwich, chips, and a drink for $5.
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
.
|
|
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.
|
|
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!
|
|
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!
|
|
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.
|
|
OLMA Volleyball is raising money and helping others at the same time by collecting new and gently used adult-sized sneakers. The collection will run through March. The sneakers will be re-distributed by family entrepreneurs in third-world countries. Look for the collection bin located outside the Athletic Director's office.
|
|
RAFFLE BASKET MAKING UNDERWAY
|
|
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!
|
|
Chick-Fil-A Day
-- February 13; Pre-order nuggets on any Friday in January.
No School; Martin Luther King Day
-- January 20
OLMA Basketball WHITEOUT with Chick-Fil-A
-- January 24
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
Photo Caption: When in Spain! OLMA students enjoy a beautiful day outside of the school they are attending while on this year's Spain Exchange.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|