

This Week at Our Lady of the Lake!
Week #22 Update
Our Lady of the Lake School is committed to the Word of God through living out the Good News of Jesus Christ. A supportive educational team of students, staff, parents, and community aims at providing a creative, Christian learning environment. An emphasis is placed on developing students’ individual abilities, promoting social awareness, and encouraging them to become responsible, contributing members of church and society.
Week #22 Update
Dear OLL Families,
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Garcia, her CSW committee, and our amazing Home and School Association (HSA) for organizing an incredible Catholic Schools Week. The events and treats throughout the week were truly outstanding, showcasing the vibrant spirit of our school community. Our celebration culminated in a spirited Pep Rally on Friday afternoon, expertly run by our PALs (Principal's Assistant Leaders). It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm and school spirit displayed by our students, staff, and volunteers throughout the week. Additionally, the 8th grade pasta dinner on Friday night was a wonderful event, bringing our community together for a delightful evening. It was heartwarming to see the enthusiasm and school spirit displayed by our students, staff, and volunteers throughout the week.
Today, we concluded our Catholic Schools Week celebrations by hosting an open house for new families. This event provided an excellent opportunity for prospective parents and students to discover what Our Lady of the Lake School has to offer. Visitors had the chance to tour our facilities, meet our dedicated staff, learn about our academic programs, and experience the warm OLL community firsthand. We’re excited about the possibility of welcoming new families to our school in the coming year.
As we move forward, let’s carry the energy and spirit of Catholic Schools Week into our daily lives at OLL. Your continued support and involvement in our school community are invaluable. If you have any questions or feedback about our recent events or upcoming activities, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to Our Lady of the Lake School.
Have a beautifully blessed week,
Mr. ConroyBlack History Month 🟥🟨🟩
February is Black History Month, and we’re excited to dive into the incredible stories and achievements of African Americans who have shaped our world! What started in 1926 as “Negro History Week” grew into Black History Month in 1976, a time to reflect on the profound impact African Americans have had on our nation and beyond. At Our Lady of the Lake School, we’re thrilled to celebrate this important month by highlighting an inspiring African American each week—each one leaving a legacy that continues to influence our present and future. Join us as we honor these trailblazers and their extraordinary contributions that have changed history and continue to inspire us today!
Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson was a brilliant mathematician and physicist whose work at NASA was crucial in the success of the first American space missions. Born in 1918 in West Virginia, she showed a love for numbers from a very young age, quickly becoming known for her mathematical genius. Despite the challenges of racism and sexism that she faced throughout her life, Katherine’s dedication to her craft helped break barriers.
In the early 1950s, Katherine joined NASA (then called NACA), where she worked as a "human computer," performing complex calculations by hand. She is most famous for her work on John Glenn's 1962 orbital flight. Before his mission, Glenn specifically asked for Katherine to check the calculations that would ensure his spacecraft’s safe journey around the Earth. Her calculations were so precise and trusted that they became an essential part of the space program.
Throughout her career, Katherine faced many obstacles, being one of the few women and African Americans in the field of space science. Yet, her incredible talent and persistence led to numerous breakthroughs in the field of aerospace. She retired in 1986, but her work continues to inspire scientists, mathematicians, and students worldwide. Katherine Johnson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, and her story was shared in the book Hidden Figures, later made into an inspiring film.
Activity for Families:
2025-2026 School Year Registration 📖
Dear OLL Families,
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to share important updates regarding tuition and registration. To continue providing a high-quality, faith-based education, K-8 tuition will increase by $328 for the 2025-2026 school year. Additionally, a $200 Technology Fee will support ongoing upgrades to devices and infrastructure, ensuring students have access to the latest tools for learning.
We appreciate your continued support and commitment to our school community. If you have any financial concerns, please complete the registration form and reach out to the office.
Thank you for being part of OLL!
Catholic Schools Week 2025 Recap 🏫
Our Lady of the Lake is Rooted in EXCELLENCE
What an incredible Catholic Schools Week we had at OLL! Every classroom door was beautifully decorated to reflect our themes, setting the stage for a week full of faith, service, and school spirit.
Monday kicked off with an overwhelming collection of toiletry donations for those in need, which our Big Brother and Big Sister groups packaged on Tuesday for delivery. That same day, students rocked their silliest socks and spread kindness through sticky note shout-outs. They also received You're a Star goodie bags from the HSA, reminding them how much we appreciate each and every one of them!
Wednesday was all about gratitude, starting with coffee and bagels for our parents. Students donned their wackiest hats and were treated to a special visit from Mount St. Dominic students, who shared an original children’s book with our younger grades.
On Thursday, students wore OLL spirit wear with pride while our older students recorded heartfelt videos about why they love OLL to share with our alumni. The HSA added to the spirit by handing out special bracelets for all.
The week wrapped up on Friday with an exciting pep rally, where students competed in games against each other and even took on the teachers! Meanwhile, our dedicated teachers and staff enjoyed a well-deserved, catered lunch, courtesy of the HSA.
A huge THANK YOU to the committee, parents, teachers, staff, and students who made this week so memorable. Your efforts truly showcased the spirit of OLL! 💙💛
Special Person Dance 🕺🌹
THIS FRIDAY!
Let’s celebrate Valentine’s Day in style! Bring your dancing shoes and your favorite little Valentine for a night of fun and sweet memories.
When: Friday, February 7, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: School Auditorium
Cost: $30 per family – Includes pizza, snacks, and a special treat!
Who’s Invited: PreK-3 through 4TH Grade families
Dance the night away with DJ FLO and make this Valentine’s season unforgettable!
RSVP by February 4, 2025.
Questions? Email president@myoll.org.
Don’t miss this chance to create lasting memories with your special someone. We can’t wait to see you on the dance floor!
Valentine's Day DIY Pizza Kits from the HSA 🍕💕
Orders Due THIS FRIDAY!
The HSA is excited to offer DIY Pizza Pie kits again this year for Valentine’s Day! Each kit costs $17 and includes everything you need to make a fun, delicious pizza at home. To place your order, please submit the exact cash amount with the order sheet to your homeroom teacher or the main office by THIS Friday, February 7th. Don’t miss out on this tasty treat!
National SCHOOL Wear Red Day 🔴
Friday, February 7th
Let’s show our heart and spirit by wearing red on Friday, February 7 for National Wear Red Day! This special day helps raise awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.
Lake Serves is asking students to donate $1 and wear red to help shine a light on this important cause. Every little bit makes a difference! Let’s come together, wear our red proudly, and show our support for heart health! ❤️
GERTRUDE HAWK Chocolate Fundraiser 🍫
Dear Supporters of Our Lady of the Lake School
As a part of our fundraising efforts this year we are pleased to offer Gertrude Hawk Chocolates! How do you participate? Its easy! There are two ways to support our sale:
1. Sell Online
- Set up a fundraising user account, create your seller, then email co-workers, friends, and family your SELLER URL LINK to ask for their support .
- Orders placed online within the sales date below can choose to have their orders delivered for free with the main shipment. (Seller is responsible for delivering order to individuals)
- Out of town Friends and Family can choose to send their orders directly to their home! (Shipping fees apply) With this option, orders can be placed now through April 6th.
2. Brochure
- Collect orders and complete the enclosed order form.
- Return the order form and payment for the total amount of ordered items.
- Reminders; Order forms should NOT include any online sales. Keep the bottom copy and brochure for your records so you can match the item with the buyer when your order arrives.
EARN PRIZES! Every student who sells at least one item will receive a PRIZE! Levels are based on total sales. When selling online and with the brochure, double check to make sure seller name and brochure order form match exactly to maximize prize potential. We've enclosed a prize sheet, check out what your student can earn!
🍫 Important Fundraising Information 🍫
Fundraising Sale Dates: TODAY through FEBRUARY 24th
Our Organization ID #: 115021
Make Checks Payable to: OLL HSA
Estimated Delivery: Week of March 24
Transportation 🚌
Aid-in-Lieu of Transportation
AIL is available to New Jersey families if the town they reside in would have provided bus transportation for their student(s) if they attended the local public school. The reimbursement is approximately $1,000.00 and remitted twice for the academic year; in January and June.
To qualify for AIL, you must meet a distance criteria and complete and submit the B6T form. Students in grades K-8 must live at least 2.0 miles but no farther than 20 miles from OLL. If you meet the distance requirement, complete the form on the next two pages and return it to the campus where your student will attend OLL for the 2024-2025 academic year marked, Attention: Transportation.
Please hand in the form as soon as possible but no later than Friday, February 28.
Please use this address: 26 Lakeside Avenue, Verona, NJ 07044
Trep$ 💡
Get ready to be inspired! TREP$ (short for enTREPreneurs) is an exciting, hands-on learning experience that empowers students in grades 5-8 to become real-world business owners. Through engaging lessons—whether in the classroom, after school, or via remote workshops—our young innovators develop the skills to create, market, and launch their very own businesses.
The program officially kicked off last Monday with an energizing meeting hosted by Mrs. Baldwin and Mr. Rodriguez, who set the stage for another fantastic year of entrepreneurial success. Students are already brainstorming big ideas, and the excitement is building for this year’s TREP$ Marketplace!
The entire OLL community will come together to support and celebrate these budding entrepreneurs as they showcase their creative products and business ventures. Stay tuned for updates!
OLL Spelling Bee Contestants 🐝
Verona Spelling Bee
We are so proud of our fourth-grade students, Massimo and Chelsea, who represented Our Lady of the Lake School in the Annual Verona Spelling Bee on Saturday, January 25. Competing for the first time, both students gained valuable experience in public speaking, strategic participation, and answering questions under pressure in front of a large audience.
They both showed great effort and determination. We look forward to seeing them return in the future, using what they’ve learned to compete again and inspire more OLL students to participate.
Check out the photos of Massimo and Chelsea proudly holding their participation certificates—a testament to their hard work and courage!
Great job, Massimo and Chelsea! 🎉👏
New LakeWise Blog Post Alert!🚨
Finding What Works: Tailoring Discipline to the Individual Child
A new LakeWise Blog Post dropped this past week—be sure to check it out! In this edition, our Director of Development, Mrs. Gorstein, shares insights from her unexpected journey into Catholic education and her approach to school discipline.
Here’s a snippet from the article:
"Having worked in corporate America for over 20 years, followed by owning my own business for the last 12, working in a Catholic school as the Director of Development is not somewhere I ever expected to be. When it comes to the requirements of the job, I have no issues fulfilling my duties. However, as I find myself interacting with students from Kindergarten through 8th grade, I often wonder how far my knowledge of school discipline truly goes... Over the years, my experiences in mentorship and leadership roles have taught me that reward-based incentives can help fragile individuals thrive."
The full article dives into the impact of reward-based incentives versus traditional disciplinary methods and how one student turned their behavior around with the help of a simple motivation strategy.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! What discipline strategies have worked well for your child? Let us know in the comments.
February Lunch Helpers! 🥪🍎🥤
A big thank you to all those who have signed up to help with lunch/snack duty! Your support makes a huge difference in making lunchtime smooth and fun for our students!
We’re still looking for more volunteers to join in! Helping out during lunch is a great way to connect with the school and spend time with the kids. Whether it’s just one day or a few, we’d love to have you!
Quick Schedule Reminder:
- Pre-K to 4th Grade: Lunch is from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
- Grades 5 to 8: Lunch is now from 12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Sign up today to lend a hand! Thanks for helping make our school such a special place!
Nurses Corner 👩🏻⚕️
Layering for the Cold
With the freezing temperatures New Jersey has been experiencing, we encourage our students and their families to stay warm while still enjoying the great outdoors. The key to staying comfortable? The Three-Layer System! This method helps trap heat while keeping you dry and protected from the elements.
The Three-Layer System
Base Layer: A snug-fitting layer made from moisture-wicking fabrics like merino wool or synthetics to keep sweat away from your skin.
Mid Layer: Your insulating layer. Choose fleece jackets, sweaters, or down vests to retain body heat.
Outer Layer: A waterproof and windproof shell to shield you from the elements while allowing moisture to escape.
Important Considerations
- Choose the Right Fabrics: Opt for breathable and moisture-wicking materials to prevent overheating.
- Fit is Key: Each layer should fit well without being too tight, ensuring freedom of movement and proper insulation.
- Accessorize for Warmth: Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and warm socks to protect extremities from the cold.
Let’s keep Family Fitness Month going strong—even in the winter. Bundle up, get outside, and stay active!
Norovirus Reminders 🦠
From the Pastors Desk... ⛪
IMPORTANT DATES! 📆
2/7: Early Dismissal - 12:10pm
2/7: PreK-Grade 4 Valentines/ Special Person Dance - 6:30pm
2/14: Early Dismissal - 12:10pm (Pizza Kit distribution)
2/15-2/18: Winter Break - No School
Our Lady of the Lake School
Email: tconroy@myoll.org
Website: https://myoll.org/
Location: 26 Lakeside Avenue, Verona, NJ, USA
Phone: 973-239-1160
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ollverona