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January 2025
Mount Olive Middle School 8th grader Radley Cahili has demonstrated outstanding athletic ability on the golf course, winning first place at the Junior Golf Tournament held December 28–29, 2024, at ChampionsGate Golf Resort in Orlando, Florida. Radley finished with impressive back-to-back scores of 83 on both days of the tournament, bringing his total score to 166 strokes for the weekend.
The Junior Golf Tournament, organized by the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT), is a prestigious competition for young golfers to showcase their skills on a national stage. The tournament attracts top junior players from across the country and provides them with a platform to compete in a professionally organized environment. Players are tested on their golfing proficiency, sportsmanship, and mental toughness, all while earning valuable experience for future competitions.
Since picking up a golf club at just six years old, Radley has been passionate about the sport. It all started when his parents took him mini-golfing, and he eagerly asked if he could try the real thing. From that moment on, golf became a major part of his life.
In addition to golf, Radley also played baseball, which helped him develop the strength and coordination needed for his swing. Over the years, he has competed in numerous tournaments, learning how to manage nerves and perform under pressure.
When asked about his advice for aspiring golfers, Radley emphasizes the importance of practice but also keeping the game enjoyable. "If you want to get better, play as much as you can, but make sure you're having fun," he says. "You don’t want it to feel like a chore."
With a strong work ethic and a passion for the game, Radley hopes to one day become a professional golfer. His recent victory at ChampionsGate is just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future in the sport.
Radley’s performance at ChampionsGate stands as a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. His consistent play throughout the tournament earned him the top spot, and he will undoubtedly continue to excel as he moves forward in his golf career. Congratulations, Radley, on an outstanding achievement!
Spring Sports Registration Now Open at Mount Olive Middle School
As winter draws to a close, Mount Olive Middle School is gearing up for an exciting spring sports season! Students have the opportunity to participate in Softball, Baseball, and Track and Field this season. Here’s everything you need to know about tryouts, practices, and registration:
Requirements to Participate
To be eligible for spring sports, each student must:
✅ Have a completed and doctor-approved Annual or Physical Update Form.
✅ Hand-deliver all signed medical forms to the nurse’s office (Electronic submissions will not be accepted).
✅ Be registered for their sport via the Online Registration Portal.
✅ Receive final clearance from the school doctor.
✅ Complete the online concussion test.
✅ Receive final clearance from their coach.
Intake Procedures
- Each athlete must hand-deliver their completed and accurate physical paperwork to the school nurse’s office.
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Forms will be accepted throughout the school day.
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Students must report to class first and then go to the nurse’s office with a pass.
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Please note that the nurses’ office prioritizes students with medical needs. If asked to return later, we appreciate your cooperation.
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Parents are kindly asked not to call to check on form submissions, as this can slow down the process.
Important Deadline!
All sports physicals and registrations for spring sports must be completed by March 1st. Don’t miss out on the chance to join one of MOMS’ spring teams!
Tryout & Practice Dates
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Middle School Softball & Baseball – Tryouts begin on March 25
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Track & Field – First practice takes place on March 26
For further details and instructions, visit the MOMS athletic page and view the athletic newsletter.
Mount Olive Middle School Celebrates Culinary Creativity with "Cupcake Wars"
November 22, 2024
Students in Ms. Antoniello’s 8th grade Bake Shop classes recently competed in the much-anticipated "Cupcake Wars" competition, a culinary showcase that combines baking, teamwork, and artistic design. This engaging project serves as the culmination of the trimester, allowing students to apply their newly acquired kitchen skills to create dazzling cupcake displays based on selected themes.
A Creative Culinary Challenge
The project is more than just a baking exercise; it’s an exploration of creativity, collaboration, and resourcefulness. Students begin by selecting a theme—often inspired by the season—and designing a display of 24 cupcakes to bring their vision to life. From sketching initial ideas to mastering piping techniques with buttercream frosting, every step is a testament to their hard work and ingenuity.
Learning Through Baking
Throughout the trimester, students hone essential culinary skills such as measuring, mixing, baking, and decorating. The class emphasizes teamwork as students collaborate to plan and execute their designs. A key component of the project is resource management: students work within a budget for additional decorations, enhancing their problem-solving abilities while fostering creativity.
The Big Day
The competition spans several days. After perfecting their designs with practice materials like instant mashed potatoes, students bake their cupcakes, prepare colorful frostings, and assemble their displays. The finished masterpieces are photographed and submitted to an extensive judging panel, including teachers, administrators, and over 300 members of Ms. Antoniello’s Professional Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers group.
Judging and Recognition
Judges evaluate the displays on their aesthetic appeal, creativity, and execution. From elegant holiday-themed creations to intricate spring flower bouquets, the designs showcase the students’ diverse talents and imaginations. The winning team is announced after the votes are tallied, earning not just recognition but also the pride of a job well done.
A Highlight of the Trimester
“Cupcake Wars” has become a beloved tradition in Ms. Antoniello’s class. “The students absolutely love this project," she shared. "They eagerly anticipate it throughout the entire trimester, making it the perfect way to conclude our class. They showcase all the baking skills they have learned, and collaborate on a design they created, and, of course, who wouldn't want to enjoy cupcakes?"
This year’s standout designs included a winter-themed display featuring a life-like snow globe, and a snowman that could rival professional bakery creations.
Congratulations to all participants for their incredible effort and creativity. The "Cupcake Wars" competition continues to inspire students to embrace the art and science of baking, fostering a love for culinary arts in the process.
After the votes were tallied, the snowman-themed display emerged victorious with 52% of the votes! Congratulations!
Mount Olive Middle School Lights Up Red Ribbon Week: A Creative Journey to Living Drug-Free
October, 2024
At Mount Olive Middle School, Red Ribbon Week is more than just a campaign—it's a chance for students to pledge to a brighter, healthier future in the most creative ways possible! From October 23rd to October 31st, the halls buzz with excitement as students embrace this important cause through hands-on activities and a splash of Hollywood flair.
Spearheaded by our dedicated guidance counselors, Mrs. Crumm and Mrs. Flagg, Red Ribbon Week is a national event that encourages students to steer clear of drugs and make positive life choices. But instead of just talking the talk, our students are walking the walk—right down the main hallway, where hundreds of signed "movie tickets" are proudly displayed. Each signature represents a promise to live drug- and violence-free, adding extra motivation in the form of points towards an epic end-of-year competition run by the Student Council. Who knew staying healthy could be so rewarding?
"This week is a great opportunity for students to understand that they can be the heroes of their own stories," said Mrs. Crumm. "Red Ribbon Week teaches them that making healthy choices isn’t just about avoiding drugs, but about shaping a bright and successful future."
And the fun doesn’t stop there! In homeroom, students will take part in a schoolwide door-decorating contest with the theme: Life is a Movie: Film Drug-Free. Each homeroom will transform their door into a mini movie set, complete with LED lights, posters, props, and some serious artistic flair. The rules? Simple:
- The door must be themed after a movie.
- Be as creative as possible—go wild with materials and design!
- Most importantly, capture the spirit of staying drug-free.
Judging will take place on November 1st, with doors being evaluated in these fun categories:
- Best fit to the movie theme
- Execution (Is the movie recognizable?)
- Significant student contribution
- Creativity and originality
“We wanted to make Red Ribbon Week not only educational but also something the students could really get excited about," added Mrs. Flagg. "The door-decorating contest allows them to express themselves and connect with the message in a fun, hands-on way."
Each homeroom is vying for the top spot, and the competition is fierce. With doors inspired by everything from animated classics to action-packed thrillers, it's clear our students are ready to take on drugs and violence with style.
Red Ribbon Week at Mount Olive isn’t just about making healthy choices—it's about coming together as a school, embracing creativity, and learning that we all have the power to positively shape our own futures. After all, life is a movie, and in this one, we’re all choosing to live drug-free!
Stay tuned for the winning homerooms and see which classes will take home the Red Ribbon Week crown. Until then, remember: "Lights, camera, drug-free action!"
NOVEMBER 4TH UPDATE
Red Ribbon Week at Mount Olive Middle School wrapped up with an exciting announcement of the top homeroom winners in the schoolwide door-decorating contest. Students channeled their creativity to design movie-inspired doors that promoted the theme, "Life is a Movie: Film Drug-Free." With incredible submissions from each grade, the competition was close, and now, the winners and honorable mentions have been revealed!
Grade-Level Winners:
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8th Grade Winner: Room D119, Mr. Kelley & Mrs. Tarnowski, with their design "Scream if You See Drugs" inspired by the thriller Scream. This spooky, bold display reminded students to stay alert and steer clear of drugs!
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7th Grade Winner: Room E134, Mr. Carifi & Mrs. Karipidis, with "STEM Wars," a Star Wars-inspired creation complete with galactic props and lights. This “force-filled” design reminded everyone that students have the power to fight off negative influences.
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6th Grade Winner: Room F140, Mrs. Dejaager & Mrs. McDowell, with "Let Drugs Go" inspired by Frozen. Complete with snowflakes and icy blue hues, this door captured the importance of “letting go” of harmful choices for a drug-free life.
Honorable Mentions:
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Room B134, Mrs. Corazza, with "Who You Gonna Call? Drug Busters!" inspired by Ghostbusters. This clever display transformed the doorway into a ghostly fight against drugs, reminding students to “bust” negative influences.
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Room B148, Mrs. Rennalls, with "We Scare Because We Care" inspired by Monsters, Inc. This fun and colorful design showed that sometimes a little “scare” can encourage positive choices and a drug-free life!
Congratulations to all the winning homerooms and honorable mentions, and a huge thank you to every student who participated. Red Ribbon Week at Mount Olive was a powerful reminder that creativity, teamwork, and positive choices make a winning combination!
Mount Olive Middle School Student Council Officer Elections
September 24th, 2024
Mount Olive Middle School is buzzing with excitement as we prepare for this year’s Student Council officer elections! Under the guidance of our dedicated advisors, Ms. Utter, Ms. Schilling, and Mr. Carifi, students have been working hard to showcase their leadership skills and campaign platforms.
The Election Process
To run for a Student Council officer position, interested students first attended an informative interest meeting. They were provided with a comprehensive packet outlining the responsibilities of being an officer, which required signatures from both the students’ parents and teachers. Each candidate also needed to secure two teacher recommendations and one from a guidance counselor, ensuring that they have the support and approval of our school community.
Candidates were required to maintain a B average or higher and have no major disciplinary actions on their record, emphasizing the importance of both academic performance and good conduct.
Types of Officers:
- President: The leader who sets the agenda and represents the student body.
- Vice President: The supportive partner to the President, helping manage projects and stepping in when needed.
- Secretary: The record-keeper who maintains meeting notes and keeps communication clear.
- Treasurer: The financial steward who oversees budgeting and fundraising efforts.
Once approved, candidates dove into the creative side of campaigning. Each candidate crafted two eye-catching posters, created a Google Slides presentation, and produced a compelling video outlining why their fellow students should cast their votes for them. These materials will help students make informed decisions when they head to the polls.
Looking Ahead
Voting day is just around the corner, and we are excited to see which students will be elected to lead the Student Council this year. The results will be announced next week, so stay tuned!
This year’s election is particularly significant, as it coincides with the U.S. presidential election. The heightened political engagement surrounding this national event serves as an inspiration for our students to understand the importance of their voices, both locally and nationally. We encourage all students to participate in the voting process and support their peers as they take on these important leadership roles. Let’s make this election a memorable one!
UPDATE:
After a spirited and engaging campaign, the results are in for this year's student council elections! We are proud to announce the following winners who will represent their fellow students in the upcoming school year:
- President: Dominic Moscatello
- Vice President: Ava Drew
- Secretary: Michael Zentko
- Treasurer: Aariz Mujtaba
Congratulations to all the candidates for their hard work and dedication throughout the election process. We look forward to seeing the positive changes and exciting initiatives that this dynamic group of leaders will bring to our school!
Mount Olive Middle School’s 7th Grade Band Shines at High Note Festival
June 7, 2024
The 7th grade band of Mount Olive Middle School, under the expert direction of Mr. Ken Adessa, delivered an outstanding performance at the prestigious High Note Festival held at Dorney Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This event marked a significant milestone for the young musicians, showcasing their talent and hard work in a non-competitive, encouraging environment.
The High Note Festival is renowned for its unique approach to music adjudication. Unlike typical competitions, the festival emphasizes personal and ensemble growth over rivalry. Each group is judged solely on their performance, ensuring that middle school bands are not unfairly pitted against high school groups. This inclusive philosophy allows students to focus on improving their personal best and achieving excellence.
During the festival, adjudicators assessed the band on various musical skills and techniques that are the core of their daily practice. These included breath control, intonation, phrasing, dynamics, attacks, releases, diction, balance, tone, posture, attentiveness to the director, and concert etiquette. The students performed a well-rehearsed program, carefully chosen to highlight their strengths.
Mr. Adessa’s guidance and the students’ dedication were evident in their polished performance, which earned them positive feedback from the adjudicators. The recorded comments provided constructive suggestions for improvement, reinforcing the excellent teaching methods employed by Mr. Adessa.
Following their successful performance, the students were rewarded with an afternoon of fun at Dorney Park’s Wildwater Kingdom. This well-deserved break allowed them to enjoy the park’s attractions and celebrate their achievements.
The 7th grade band’s participation in the High Note Festival not only showcased their musical talents but also embodied the spirit of striving for personal excellence. Congratulations to Mr. Adessa and all the young musicians for their hard work and dedication!
Mount Olive Middle School's Production of "Once Upon a Mattress" Enchants Audiences
May 5th, 2024
Mount Olive Middle School's auditorium was transformed into a realm of magic, music, and mirth as the talented students took center stage in their production of "Once Upon a Mattress" on May 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. Under the guidance of director Mr. Bosch, the school's drama club brought this beloved musical fairy tale to life with gusto and flair.
"Once Upon a Mattress" is a whimsical retelling of the classic fairy tale "The Princess and the Pea," with a modern twist. Set in a kingdom where a domineering queen has decreed that no one may marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, finds a suitable bride, chaos ensues as potential princesses vie for his affection. Enter Princess Winnifred, a feisty and unconventional contender whose arrival shakes up the royal court and tests the boundaries of love, loyalty, and happily ever after. Filled with hilarious antics, memorable characters, and toe-tapping musical numbers, "Once Upon a Mattress" is a delightful romp that offers a fresh take on a timeless tale.
From the moment the curtains rose, audiences were transported to a kingdom far, far away, where a quirky queen, a dashing prince, and a colorful cast of characters embarked on a whimsical quest for true love. The vibrant performances, witty dialogue, and catchy musical numbers had attendees of all ages captivated from start to finish.
Leading the ensemble was Zoe Rock, who embodied the role of Princess Winnifred with infectious charm and spunky determination. Her rendition of "Shy" showcased both her vocal prowess and comedic timing, drawing laughter and applause from the audience. Opposite her, Kayleigh Hannah portrayed the formidable Queen Aggravain with deliciously villainous flair, commanding the stage with each withering glare and cutting remark.
Aariz Mujtaba impressed as the hapless Prince Dauntless, infusing the character with endearing naivety and a heartfelt yearning for true love. His chemistry with Rock's Winnifred was palpable, particularly during their tender duet, "In a Little While," which resonated with sweetness and sincerity.
The supporting cast, including a wizard, jester, knights, ladies, and ensemble, added depth and color to the production, with standout moments including the rousing number, "Opening for a Princess" led by Prince Dauntless, Lady Larkin, Ladies, and Knights. The choreography was lively and well-executed, enhancing the energy of each musical number and transporting the audience to the bustling streets of the kingdom.
A special commendation must be given to the pit orchestra, under the expert direction of Mr. Adessa. Their dynamic performances brought the score to life, providing a rich and immersive musical backdrop for the actors on stage. Particularly memorable was their interpretation of "Spanish Panic," which crackled with energy and excitement, perfectly complementing the on-stage action.
Behind the scenes, countless hours of dedication and hard work went into bringing "Once Upon a Mattress" to the stage. In rigorous rehearsals, the students demonstrated a commitment to excellence that was truly commendable. Their passion and enthusiasm shone through in every scene, showcasing their immense talent and creativity.
As the final curtain fell on this unforgettable production, it was evident that the cast and crew of Mount Olive Middle School's "Once Upon a Mattress" had left an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of attending. Their collective efforts had not only entertained audiences but also served as a testament to the power of teamwork, dedication, and the arts in education.
For more information and a closer look at the cast, crew, and production details, visit the playbill link: Mount Olive Middle School Drama Club's "Once Upon a Mattress" Playbill.
A Trip fit for a King/Queen - Mount Olive Middle School 7th Graders Experience Medieval Adventure
April 24th, 2024
In an exciting excursion back in time, seventh-grade students from Mount Olive Middle School embarked on an unforgettable journey to Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. The renowned dinner theater venue became a living classroom as students immersed themselves in the sights, sounds, and tastes of the medieval era.
Eight packed buses of students and teachers arrived at Medieval Times brimming with anticipation and curiosity. They eagerly awaited the grand spectacle that awaited them within the castle walls.
As they entered the majestic arena, the students were transported to a world of chivalry, honor, and valor. The medieval ambiance captivated them as they took their seats in the grandstands, overlooking the arena where knights would soon engage in thrilling competitions including jousting tournaments and sword fights. As a precursor to the main event, while the audience was settling in, students were presented with scenarios and questions that focused on topics related to character education and kindness. To start the festivities off a falcon was released and flew through the arena.
The highlight of the day was the exhilarating jousting competition, where knights clad in shining armor showcased their equestrian skills and bravery. Throughout the performance, students were not mere spectators but active participants in the medieval experience. Each section of the arena was assigned a knight represented by colors. Half of the students were cheering for the green knight, while the others were hoping for the red and yellow night to be victorious. They cheered on their favorite knights, waved banners, and eagerly anticipated the outcome of each duel. Their chanting echoed through the arena!
In addition to the thrilling entertainment, students had the opportunity to indulge in a feast fit for royalty. They dined on hearty fare reminiscent of a medieval banquet, including roasted chicken, garlic bread, corn on the cob, all served without utensils, in keeping with the traditions of the time.
The field trip to Medieval Times provided students with a hands-on learning experience that brought history to life in a tangible and engaging way. By witnessing the pageantry and spectacle of medieval culture firsthand, students gained a deeper understanding of the customs, traditions, and values of the era.
As the event drew to a close and the last echoes of cheering and applause faded away, the students departed Medieval Times with memories that would last a lifetime. The field trip was not only a fun-filled adventure but also a valuable educational opportunity that enriched their understanding of history and culture.
For the seventh graders of Mount Olive Middle School, their visit to Medieval Times was truly a journey back in time—an experience they will cherish and remember for years to come.
Mount Olive Middle School 8th Grade Science Students Showcase Innovative Learning with Rube Goldberg Machines
April 16th, 2024
Mount Olive Middle School's 8th-grade science classes are abuzz with excitement as students showcase their ingenuity through the creation of Rube Goldberg machines. This innovative project, spearheaded by the collaborative efforts of the 8th-grade science teaching team, aims to challenge students to apply their knowledge of various scientific principles in a hands-on, creative manner.
Led by teachers Emily Anne Ponomarev, Rachel Scimeca, Katelin Riggs, Caitlyn Schilling, Becky Neidhardt, Pam Wilson, and Michael Thompson, the project kicked off six weeks ago, setting the stage for an engaging exploration of physics concepts in action.
Rube Goldberg machines are whimsical contraptions designed to perform simple tasks through a series of complex, interconnected actions. This year, the 8th graders' mission was to engineer machines that produce a sound, demonstrating their understanding of scientific principles in a fun and practical way.
"While the end goal is to create a sound, the journey involves delving into fundamental scientific concepts," explains Katelin Riggs, one of the lead teachers involved in the project. "Throughout the process, students have been exploring magnetism, potential energy, kinetic energy, elasticity, electricity, and even Newton's Third Law."
The project's interdisciplinary approach goes beyond mere construction. In addition to building their Rube Goldberg machines, students have engaged in a series of laboratory experiments and demonstrations, further reinforcing their understanding of scientific principles. From exploring the magnetic properties of different materials to investigating the transfer of energy in elastic collisions, students have had the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios.
However, perhaps the most significant aspect of this project is the emphasis on collaboration. Students from white, red, and yellow teams intermingled and were divided into small groups, each tasked with designing and constructing their own Rube Goldberg machine. This collaborative environment has fostered teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills among the students.
"Working in teams has been a highlight for many students," remarks Rachel Scimeca, another member of the teaching team. "Not only are they learning from each other, but they're also discovering the value of cooperation and shared responsibility in achieving a common goal."
As the project nears its completion, anticipation is high for the grand unveiling of the Rube Goldberg machines. Teachers, and fellow students eagerly await the opportunity to witness the culmination of weeks of hard work, creativity, and scientific exploration.
Mount Olive Middle School's 8th-grade science students are not only building Rube Goldberg machines; they're building a foundation for lifelong learning and innovation.