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.

Dear OLL Families,

This week at Our Lady of the Lake School has beautifully demonstrated how faith, education, and community work together to enrich our children’s lives.

Our school community began the Lenten season with a meaningful Ash Wednesday Mass. We’re grateful to Father Peter for leading this beautiful service, helping our students understand the significance of this holy season of reflection and spiritual growth.

Read Across America Week brought excitement and joy to our hallways! The dynamic duo of Mrs. Gorstein and Ms. Garcia, along with their dedicated team, created an atmosphere where stories came alive and reading became an adventure. Their thoughtful planning made this annual celebration truly memorable.

In a wonderful display of community partnership, members of the Verona Police Department visited our classrooms to share stories with our students. These special moments helped strengthen the bonds between our school and local community while promoting the joy of reading.

Have a beautifully blessed week,

Each March, we celebrate Women’s History Month to honor the achievements, contributions, and impact of women throughout history. It’s a time to recognize the trailblazers who’ve broken barriers, the leaders who’ve shaped society, and the everyday heroes who inspire us.

What began as a weeklong celebration in 1980, initiated by President Jimmy Carter, was expanded to a month in 1987. Since then, Women’s History Month has highlighted the incredible achievements of women in science, politics, education, the arts, and so much more.

Women have profoundly shaped history—whether as pioneers like Marie Curie and Rosa Parks or modern changemakers continuing to break new ground. Their resilience, innovation, and leadership have paved the way for future generations.The 2025 theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” underscores the essential role women play as educators, mentors, and advocates. Whether in the classroom, workplace, or community, women empower others by sharing knowledge, fostering change, and shaping a brighter future.

Throughout this month, we’ll highlight the contributions of remarkable women whose legacies continue to impact the world. Join us in celebrating those who inspire and continue to break new ground every day!

With Our Lady of the Lake’s Science Fair happening this Friday, it’s the perfect time to celebrate two incredible women who made history with their groundbreaking discoveries! Their work not only changed the world but also helped open doors for more women and girls in science. Who knows? Maybe this week’s science fair will inspire the next great scientist right here at OLL!

Marie Curie was a scientist with a passion for discovery. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize—and the only person ever to win in two different scientific fields! Her research led to the discovery of two glowing elements, radium and polonium, and her work helped create X-ray machines used in hospitals today. But did you know she even took portable X-ray machines to the battlefield during World War I to help doctors treat wounded soldiers?

⭐ Fun Fact: Marie Curie’s notebooks are still radioactive more than 100 years later! Scientists have to wear special protective gear to handle them.

Fast forward to today, and Dr. Frances Arnold is making history of her own! She is a Nobel Prize-winning biochemical engineer who figured out a way to "evolve" enzymes (tiny protein helpers) in a lab. This has led to cleaner energy, eco-friendly medicines, and even better ways to make food and clothing! Her work shows how science can help protect the planet. Dr. Arnold is also a huge advocate for getting more girls into science, proving that anyone with curiosity and creativity can be a great scientist!

⭐ Fun Fact: Dr. Arnold almost became a doctor—but she realized she was scared of blood! Lucky for us, she switched to chemistry and went on to change the world in her own way.

Marie Curie and Dr. Frances Arnold show us that science is full of surprises and possibilities! Who knows? Maybe the next big discovery will come from you at this year’s OLL Science Fair!

What an exciting and enriching Read Across America Week we had! From Drop Everything and Read 📖 to our Literacy Scavenger Hunt, it was a week filled with reading, fun, and community spirit. The younger grades had so much fun completing the scavenger hunt and finding hidden storybook characters around the school.

A huge thank you to Mrs. Biss for designing and leading the Escape the Library Challenge, which proved to be both exciting and challenging for our students. Special thanks also to Ms. Garcia, the parents, and all the students who contributed to making this week such a success.

We were thrilled to have parent guest readers and Verona Police officers join us to read to the students. The Dr. Seuss Dress-Up Day added extra fun, and our first-ever Vocabulary Parade was a huge hit, with students showcasing their word knowledge in creative ways!

Thank you to everyone who made this week so special. The love of reading was truly celebrated, and we can’t wait to continue inspiring our students in their literacy journey! 🌟

Lent is a wonderful opportunity for families to strengthen their faith together—whether through prayer, kind deeds, or small sacrifices.

To help guide you, we’ve created a Lenten Family Calendar with daily activities, prayers, and reflections—simple and meaningful ways to embrace the season as a family!

Be sure to check out some helpful Lenten resources below to guide you and your family through this special season of prayer, reflection, and growth. These resources are designed to make your Lenten journey meaningful and fun!

Congratulations to our outstanding Students of the Month for February - Caroline and Maggie! These students have demonstrated kindness, leadership, and a commitment to learning.

This is what Maggie's teacher had to say: "Maggie is a very hard-working first grader. She comes to school every day trying her best in everything she does. The best part about Maggie though is that she is the #1 cheerleader for everyone in class. She never fails to see the good in all her classmates and always makes sure to call it out. She is always thinking of others before herself. A leader always is the first to serve and that is Maggie to a tee!"

Caroline's teacher said, "Caroline volunteers her time and abilities, is always positive, is kind to her fellow classmates"

We are so proud of their hard work and dedication! Keep shining!🌟

Our Lady of the Lake School will be marching in the West Orange St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 16, 2025!

📍 Meeting Location: West Orange Town Hall
⏰ Arrival Time: 11:45 a.m. to line up our group
🎉 Parade Start: 12:15 p.m.

Show your school spirit by wearing OLL Spirit Wear!

If you'd like to join us, please fill out the form below. Whether you choose to march in the parade or cheer from the sidelines, we’d love to have you! A designated table will be set up along the parade route for those who prefer to participate without walking.

We hope to see you there! ☘️

We want to ensure that all eligible families are considered for transportation reimbursement for the 2025-2026 school year. If you haven’t submitted your B6T Transportation Form yet, please do so as soon as possible!

New Jersey families may qualify forAid-in-Lieu (AIL) if their local public school would have provided bus transportation for their student(s). The reimbursement is approximately $1,000, distributed in two payments—one in January and one in June.

To be eligible, families must meet distance requirements and submit the B6T form. Students in grades K-8 must live between 2.0 and 20 miles from OLL. If you qualify, please complete the form at the link below and return it to Ms.Garcia ASAP.

Please note that PowerSchool access will be temporarily unavailable while teacher finalize grades and prepare report cards. Final grades will be available for viewing on PowerSchool on Thursday, March 13. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the main office. We’re happy to help!

Get ready to go green! On Monday, March 17th, we’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, and students are invited to wear their favorite green attire to school for a fun day of festivities! 🍀🌈

We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming Scholastic Book Fair, full of amazing books and exciting finds for readers of all ages! Check out the schedule below and mark your calendars:

• Tuesday, March 18 – K-8th Preview Day
• Wednesday, March 19 – K-8th Shopping Day
• Thursday, March 20 – Morning & Afternoon Shopping
• Friday, March 21 – Morning, Afternoon & Evening Shopping

This is a fantastic opportunity to discover new books and support our school! Stay tuned for more details coming soon – you won’t want to miss out! 📚🎉

Save the date for Family Movie Night on Friday, March 21st! Bring the whole family for a fun and relaxed evening with a great movie. Just bring your blankets and get ready to enjoy a wonderful night together. More details to come soon!

Show off your OLL pride with more than just spirit wear! The Spirit Wear Team has awesome OLL gear ready for you—magnets, tote bags, lanyards, cozy blankets, coffee mugs, and tumblers in both 20oz and 40oz sizes!

Grab yours today and rep OLL in style! To purchase, email spiritwearatoll@gmail.com.

Packing a nutritious lunch doesn’t have to be complicated—even with a busy schedule! Here are some practical and fun tips to make lunchtime both healthy and enjoyable for your child.

1. Keep It Balanced

A well-balanced lunch keeps kids energized and focused throughout the day. Try to include:

• Protein: Lean meats, eggs, nut butter, cheese
• Whole Grains: Whole wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa, whole-grain crackers
• Fruits & Veggies: Fresh fruit (apples, berries, grapes) or sliced veggies (carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes)
• Healthy Fats: Avocado slices, nuts, seeds, hummus

2. Make It Fun & Kid-Friendly

Kids love meals that look exciting! Try these ideas:

• Bento-Style Boxes: Use divided containers for variety and fun.
• Food Shapes: Cut sandwiches, fruits, and cheese into fun shapes with cookie cutters.
• Creative Wraps: Use whole wheat or spinach wraps filled with turkey, chicken, cheese, and veggies.

3. Prep Ahead on Weekends

• A little planning goes a long way:
• Chop veggies and fruit in advance for quick grab-and-go options.
• Make and freeze mini muffins or protein bites—just defrost the night before!
• Pre-portion healthy snacks like nuts, crackers, and dried fruit into small containers.

4. Use Leftovers Wisely

Turn last night’s dinner into a tasty lunch:

• Wraps or sandwiches with grilled chicken, turkey, or roasted veggies.
• Pasta or rice bowls with protein and veggies.

5. Get Kids Involved

• Letting kids help pack their lunch makes them more excited to eat it! Give them choices so they feel in control of their meals.

6. Pack Healthy Snacks

Keep nutritious snacks on hand:

• Apple slices with peanut or almond butter
• Yogurt with granola
• Trail mix with nuts and dried fruits
• Veggie sticks with hummus

7. Choose Smart Drinks

• Skip sugary drinks—water is always the best option!

8. Avoid Processed Snacks

• Steer clear of packaged snacks loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients. Instead, opt for homemade or whole-food alternatives.

9. Use an Insulated Thermos

• For kids who prefer warm meals, pack soups, pasta, or leftovers in a thermos to keep them hot until lunchtime.

10. Keep It Simple

• When life gets busy, simplicity is key! Focus on 1 or 2 healthy, easy-to-pack items rather than overcomplicating the meal.

With these tips, lunchtime can be both healthy and hassle-free! 🍎🥪🥕

"Don’t let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It’s your place in the world; it’s your life."

— Mae Jemison

3/14: Science Fair

3/17-3/21: Book Fair

3/19: School Mass- Solemnity of St.Joseph- 8:30am

3/21: Teacher PD: Early Dismissal- 12:10pm

3/21: Family Movie Night- 6pm

3/26: Professional Development Day - No School for Students

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