The OLMA Overview -- April 25, 2020
We are more than a month into our Online Learning Program and I could not be more proud of our students, faculty and staff, and families. Not only have you mastered our Online Learning Program, but you have opened your hearts and given of your time, talent, and treasure to so many people in need. We issued the Charitable Challenge just before Easter break and you have far exceeded our expectations. The best part is that you are keeping it going. We continue to receive photos and emails from you and the the people you've helped. We've included some of the highlights in an article below. You are incredible and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Making the decision to continue distance learning for the remainder of the school year was not easy. Academically, we have complete confidence in our program and in our faculty's ability to continue to execute it flawlessly. It's the emotional part that hurts the most. I miss you and I know you miss each other and your teachers. This is not how we expected the school year to end, but we will all be okay, better than okay. Together, we are resilient and strong and not even COVID-19 can derail us. It's certainly giving it the old college try but it doesn't stand a chance against the power of the OLMA Sisterhood.

As we draw closer to the end of the school year, I hope you will join me in honoring our seniors. These young women are graduating high school at a most unusual time, yet they remain strong. Yes, they are sad at the thought of missing out on so many OLMA graduation traditions, but they are also making history. These young women are graduating at a time unlike any other. They will be part of whole new ways of learning -- and leading -- and they are most definitely up for the challenge. They will have more opportunities than ever before to make their mark. I am proud of each and every one of them and I look forward to celebrating their graduation. It may look a little different, but it will be no less special.

I want to close this week's message by congratulating the newest members of the Mother Patricia Gaynor Chapter of the National Honor Society. This is a huge accomplishment and I look forward to your formal induction ceremony this fall.  

Please be well and enjoy your weekend. -- Mrs. Coyle
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:
MEET GRACE CAPELLI, CLASS OF 2023
After beginning high school, Grace Capelli quickly realized she was in the wrong place. She knew a lot about OLMA, so she decided to give us a try and came to shadow. "The difference was dramatic," said Grace. "I couldn't believe how close all the girls were." 

Grace joined OLMA's freshmen class in January. "I was nervous about coming in mid-year, but I was movin' and groovin' in no time. The other girls welcomed me in, and I made so many friends right away. I used to stress about what to wear to school and then about what people would say about what I was wearing. At OLMA, there is no judgment. We can just relax and focus. It was the best decision I ever made." 

Five weeks into Online Learning, and Grace says she still feels that way. "Other than not being physically in the same room, things are the same," she said. "When we don't have class, we Facetime or group chat. We've stayed really close." 

One of Grace's favorite parts of OLMA is her teachers. She says she enjoys the challenge and likes knowing that they're always available if she needs help. "I'm more of an English than Math girl, so Literature is probably my favorite class," said Grace. "Mr. J is different from any teacher I've ever had. He's great and tosses us right into new things. I've learned to pay close attention and not procrastinate. I'm doing well in the class, getting better all the time." 

While Grace isn't into sports, she commands attention when on stage. She's an exceptional singer and loves to act. We're looking forward to seeing her in the musical this fall. In the meantime, Grace is looking forward to summer. "I'm not sure what summer will look like right now, but I traveled with my family in our RV last year and loved it," she said. "We went to Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota. I'm hoping we can travel again soon." We certainly hope her wish comes true!
TEACHER FEATURE: MEET MS. BETH HOPMAN
When it comes to teachers with heart and humor, Ms. "Hop" Hopman tops the list. Now in her 21st year of teaching at OLMA, Ms. Hop is enjoying the challenges of distance learning. "Things are going great so far," she said. "The girls are energetic and retaining the material well. They arrive on time, and there's a lot of interaction, just as there would be in the actual classroom."

Ms. Hop is one busy lady teaching AP Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, and College Prep Chemistry I and II. "Labs were probably the biggest adjustment, but I've found some great resources online," she said. "I also give the girls experiments that they can try at home, and I've had great luck with virtual labs. In some cases, the girls learn from watching someone else do experiments online. In others, they perform interactive labs. They're able to do things like select the right materials and fill beakers. It's pretty cool, and we're all having fun."

Ms. Hop commends companies like Fisher Scientific and Collision Chemistry for creating new resources to help make learning Chemistry from home a lot more feasible and fun. She's especially grateful that most are gifting their tools. "While I prefer to be back in the classroom, I'm glad I found some new resources," said Ms. Hop. "I will continue using many of them once we're back."

In addition to teaching, Ms. Hop is helping to keep students connected when they're not in class. As part of the  Villagers Unite: Mind, Body, and Soul  program launched over Easter Break, Ms. Hop hosted a virtual Family Feud Game Show. Teams of five girls each competed against each other. The winning team plays another one, round after round until the winners emerge. "It's so funny because this game happened by accident," said Ms. Hop. "I found an old deck of Family Feud cards and thought, 'why not give it a try.' I use the cards and a whiteboard, that's it. Somehow, it caught on. One night, I had to stop the game after almost three hours so that I could make dinner! I love it, though, and am happy to do it."

We're so glad, Ms. Hop, and can't imagine OLMA without you in it.
ROCK CANDY ROCKS
When Ms. Hopman offered up an optional experiment to her Honors Chemistry class, Anissa and Lindsey Serafine rocked it, quite literally. Who knew that rock candy was scientific? Ms. Hopman, of course. "The Serafines took the challenge and did a great job," she said. I was impressed and thrilled that they gave it a try. It looks like the real thing." Chances are good that it tasted like it too. Great job, girls!
CELEBRATING SENIORS
Senior Spotlights are back! You can view them on OLMA's Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. You can also see them on our website under the NEWS tab or by clicking HERE . We feature one student each day. We hope you will take a moment to share your well wishes and congratulations in the comments sections. These young women are super special and so deserving of our praise.
Heart to God, Hands to Work
Academic excellence isn't only thing that OLMA students, staff, and families have stayed true to during this pandemic. Service has remained at the forefront of who we are and what we stand for as part of the OLMA family. The Charitable Challenge was issued on April 9th and the goodness just keeps on coming. Together, we've made masks and caps for health care workers, provided meals and snacks to professionals on the front lines, donated clothing to Big Brothers Big Sisters, made blankets for children in need, left care packages for mail carriers and delivery people, delivered handwritten notes and candy grams to neighbors, left words of encouragement in driveways, volunteered at local food banks, ran road cleanups, and so much more. Below are two photo collages that capture some of our efforts. Be sure to keep reading to find out about our next Charitable Challenge!
VINELAND SOUP KITCHEN NEEDS OUR HELP
VILLAGERS UNITE!

Of course, there is always more to do. Recently, the Spirit and Truth Ministry, the organization that runs the Vineland soup kitchen was vandalized. In addition to having to repair that damage, the organization is dangerously low on food and supplies. OLMA freshman and Interact Club member, Samantha Lopes recently joined forces with her sister and friends to help collect and organize donations. She reached out to ask for OLMA's help.

Here's what's needed:
  • Non-Perishable Foods and Bottled Water
  • Backpacks
  • Blankets
  • Wet Wipes
  • Water Bottles
  • Lip Balm

If you can help, please place items in plastic bags and drop them off on our school's front porch at the main entrance. We will be collecting items until Friday, April 31. Sister Margaret will be working with Sam to coordinate delivery to the Soup Kitchen at week's end. For questions, email mrs.kinkade@olmanj.org. Let's do this, Villagers!
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