LS/MS Cougar Update 2026-2027
August
2026-2027 School Year
Update October 16
Hello OLMC Families,
What a wonderful week at OLMC! As we wrap up Anti-Bullying Week and our field trips, I want to thank our students, teachers, and families for making these experiences so meaningful. It has been a week filled with learning, friendship, and opportunities to strengthen our school community.
Parent-Teacher Conferences – Monday, October 19
On Monday, we will hold our Parent-Teacher Conferences from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. There will be no school for students.
Parent-Teacher Conferences are one of the most important opportunities for families and teachers to come together as partners in a child's education. These conversations are about much more than grades. They provide an opportunity to celebrate your child's accomplishments, understand their academic progress, identify areas for growth, and discuss ways we can work together to support their success.
Our goal is for every family to leave with a clearer picture of their child's overall educational journey, including their strengths, challenges, and next steps. We encourage you to ask questions, engage in meaningful conversations, and celebrate the progress your child has made since the beginning of the school year.
When schools and families work together, our students benefit the most. Thank you for taking the time to be an active partner in your child's education.
Important Schedule Reminder – Tuesday, October 20
Tuesday will be a two-hour delayed opening, and there will be NO Morning Care. Please plan accordingly.
Trunk or Treat – We Need Your Help!
Our annual Trunk or Treat celebration is quickly approaching, and we need your help to make this a fun and memorable event for our students!
We are asking families to consider donating a bag or two of individually wrapped, nut-free Halloween candy. Every donation, big or small, helps us create a wonderful experience for our students.
Please drop off all candy donations at the school office.
As a reminder, families will receive volunteer service hours for their candy donations! This is a great opportunity to support our school community while earning hours toward your family service commitment.
Thank you for your continued generosity and support. Events like Trunk or Treat are made possible because of the wonderful families who make OLMC such a special place.
As we head into the weekend, I want to thank you for your continued partnership, trust, and commitment to our school. We are blessed to have such a supportive community, and I look forward to seeing many of you on Monday.
Have a wonderful, restful, and safe weekend!
Weekly Schedule 📆
Monday, October 19
- No School for Students
- Parent/Teachers Conferences
Tuesday, October 20
- 2 Hour Delay
- Morning Care starts at 9 AM
Wednesday, October 21
- Penny Drive MHS
Thursday, October 22
- Penny Drive MHS
Friday, October 23
- D.H Scholars -Keynote Presentation 4-630 CCBC (Closed Event)
DOES OLMC HAVE TALENT?YOU BET WE DO!
OLMC Annual Variety/Talent Show
Attention, parents, students, and family members!
OLMC will host its annual Variety/Talent Show on Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. in the gymnasium.
We held our first informational meeting this past week and discussed how students can participate in this exciting event. Any student who missed the meeting is welcome to stop by and pick up a variety show application from Mrs. Long.
Important Dates:
Application Deadline: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Rehearsals Begin: Week of October 26, 2026
Variety/Talent Show: Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 6:30–8:30 p.m.
If you have any questions about this exciting event, please feel free to contact Mrs. Long, Vocal Music, by email at rlong2@olmcmd.org.
We look forward to seeing our talented students participate
House Update
House Competitions
House Updates & Star Events
This week, the House Store was open! Students had the opportunity to use the points they have earned to purchase items from their House Store.
We also have FOUR exciting Star Events coming up:
⭐ 1. Anti-Bullying Week Donation Challenge
The House that collects the most donations will earn a Star! Please review the flyer above for the requested donation items.
⭐ 2. Kennedy Krieger Festival of Trees
Middle School Houses will design a tree or wreath for the Kennedy Krieger Festival of Trees. The House whose tree or wreath is purchased will earn a Star!
⭐ 3. Middle School House Pep Rally Challenge
Get ready for some friendly competition! The House that wins the Pep Rally Volleyball Game will earn a Star!
⭐ 4. Middle School House Variety Show
Each House will prepare and present a performance for the Variety Show. Get creative—this is your chance to show off your House spirit, talent, and teamwork!
Which House will earn the most Stars?
CLICK Links to see the HOUSE SONGS!
Middle School Update
Early Education Pk-3 through 1st Grade
Extended Care
Event Information
Message from School Counselor
Cougar Cafe
Development Office
November Cash Bingo '26
Save The Date
Thank You To Our Corporate Sponsors
How To Become A Corporate Sponsor
Corporate Sponsors for OLMC - Invest in Our Students. Grow Your Community Presence
Become a valued partner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School by investing in the education of our students while increasing your business's visibility throughout our school and community.
In addition to our event sponsorships for signature fundraising events such as our Centennial Gala and Bob Romadka, Sr. Golf Outing, we are excited to offer year-round Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities. These partnerships provide businesses with expanded exposure beyond a single event, allowing your company to connect with thousands of parents, alumni, parishioners, students, and community members throughout the year.
Corporate sponsors receive recognition across a variety of platforms, which may include campus signage, school publications, digital communications, social media, our website, and other promotional opportunities based on sponsorship level.
Your partnership helps strengthen our mission of providing an outstanding Catholic education while demonstrating your commitment to investing in the future of our community. We look forward to partnering with businesses that share our values and vision.
Josh Ward, Director of Advancement
Email - jward@olmcmd.org
PTSA
Join Us for Our First PTSA Meeting!
One of the greatest strengths of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is our community. When families, teachers, and school leaders work together, our students thrive. That's why we encourage every family to attend our first PTSA meeting of the school year!
Research consistently shows that students whose families are actively involved in their education are more likely to:
- Achieve higher grades and test scores.
- Have better attendance.
- Demonstrate stronger social skills and positive behavior.
- Feel more connected to their school community.
- Be more likely to graduate and continue their education.
This year, we've made it even easier to participate! PTSA will meet just four times during the school year, making it a manageable commitment with a meaningful impact.
Our goal is for every meeting to be worthwhile. Whether you leave with important school updates, practical parenting resources, volunteer opportunities, or new ways to support your child, we want every family to walk away feeling informed and connected.
Your presence matters. By attending PTSA, you're not just supporting the school—you are showing your child that their education is important. Children notice when their families are engaged, and that involvement makes a lasting difference.
Please mark these PTSA meeting dates on your calendar. All meetings will be held in person, with the exception of our January meeting, which will be virtual.
We can't wait to welcome you and continue building a strong school community together. Together, we make OLMC an incredible place for every child to learn, grow, and succeed!
Event Information
Event Information
Event Information
Parent Involvement Program
Virtus
Welcome (or welcome back) to Our Lady of Mount Carmel School!
In order to work with students or help out at our school the Archdiocese of Baltimore requires staff members, coaches and volunteers to register with VIRTUS and complete a background check, a training session and submit 3 written references. It's best if you can get this done before the school year starts.
Here is the link to begin: https://www.virtusonline.org/virtus/
For the background check, you must complete it in one sitting, the system will not save your information and you will have to begin again. It will take up to 10 working days for the results to come back so the sooner this is done, the better.
For the training portion you will need to complete the 3.2 Baltimore Protecting God's Children Online Maltreatment Awareness Session. This will take around 45 minutes to complete so leave yourself some time for this step.
You will also need to have a Reference Form completed by each of the 3 references you listed when you registered.
I have attached step by step instructions for you to reference if necessary as well as a copy of the Reference Form.
If you have any questions please feel free to email me, doshman@olmcmd.org.
To check your VIRTUS Status:
Business Office
FACTS
Did you know that you can now change your upcoming payment date right in your FACTS portal? Look at the images below.
As always, if you need assistance you may call the Business Office at 410-238-1160 or reach out to FACTS Customer Support at 1-866-441-4637.
Parish
OLMC Church News
Daily Mass
Monday-Friday @ 7:30 a.m. (live streamed)
Saturday @ 4:00 p.m.
Sunday @ 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. (live streamed) &
12:00 p.m. (Spanish)
For more parish activities and updates, visit our website at www.olmcessex.org
Or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @OLMCEssex
Nurse Corner
Nurse from Notes
If your Child needs medications at School , especially Emergency Medications like Epi-Pens, Inhalers, Seizure Meds, Forms and Medications need to be completed and returned ASAP.
Please call or email if you have any questions.
Many parents have turned in orders without medications, please get these in ASAP.
