Below is a list of frequently asked questions and key terms for IWA Parents.
Academic Awards Night: This is an evening presentation held towards the end of the year when academic leaders are recognized. Recognition includes top ten graduates, National Honor Society and the top student for each subject. Award winners will receive an invitation to attend.
Big Sister/Little Sister and Archangel/Angel Tradition: At the beginning of the school year, senior students adopt freshmen students and junior students adopt sophomores. This tradition allows the older girls to welcome the younger girls into the IWA tradition. To facilitate this, several activities take place including a service project during Spirit Week, "Twin Day" (the little sister and angel will dress like their Big Sister and Archangel). A dessert exchange is also a yummy tradition where they exchange desserts they have made for each other.
Catholic High School College Fair: There is a high school college fair held in the fall of each year. The fair for 2008-2009 will be held at Strake Jesuit. This college fair allows students to meet representatives from the top universities throughout the country and Texas. There are typically over two hundred universities represented.
College Representative Visits: Representatives from colleges come to IWA where students can meet with them at lunch time. Representatives typically visit in October and November.
Corps of Representatives: The purpose of the Corps of Representatives is to represent the Academy throughout the year at activities such as Freshman Orientation, on-campus recruitment, tours, off-campus recruitment, Open House, Placement Tests, and other school events.
Dances: Dances at IWA may be sponsored by a grade classification or an organization such as Student Council. Students from other Catholic high schools will be invited to attend. Tickets are usually available through pre-sale. When attending dances, students should wear modest attire (see Student Handbook). Lock-in will occur at 9:00 p.m. Note: All the Catholic high schools require appropriate, modest attire and will have a lock-in time. It is suggested that parents contact the individual school for specific rules/guidelines and lock-in times.
Fall Raffle Fundraiser: Each year IWA students are asked to sell a minimum of 20 raffle books for a total of $200.00.This is a great opportunity for the students to give back to the IWA Community. Each year there are prize incentives to motivate the girls to sell, as well as great prizes for the top selling girls. Many parents are needed to work on collection days and phone-a-thon evenings. Ticket sales go to a designated purpose each year.
Father/Daughter Mass: This is a beautiful IWA tradition, where fathers are invited to attend Mass with their daughters. A small reception is held after Mass.
Gala & Silent Auction: This is the largest IWA fundraiser held in the spring. Many opportunities are available for parental involvement, such as serving on the planning committee, donating auction items and purchasing tickets to attend. Students are asked to do their part by donating items to specific theme baskets, and volunteering the night of the event. This event takes 100% participation from our families to be successful!
Golf Tournament: Each Fall IWA hosts a golf tournament. This is a great opportunity for parents, in particularly IWA dads, to get involved with the school. Help is needed on the planning committee as well as during the event either as a participant or a volunteer. Many companies and corporations partner with IWA by securing teams and players. Proceeds typically support IWA's academic- and financially-based scholarships.
Halloween Carnival: A Halloween Carnival is held each year. This fun event allows each classification an opportunity to raise some funds that will go towards their prom in their senior year. Fundraising opportunities might include such things as hosting a game or selling desserts.
Junior Ring Ceremony: Juniors are given an opportunity to purchase their senior ring during their junior year. Parents are invited to join their daughters at a special Mass celebrated in the spring where the rings are blessed and students receive them. There is usually a short reception following Mass.
Mother/Daughter Mass: This is a beautiful IWA tradition, where mothers are invited to attend Mass with their daughters. A small reception is held after Mass.
Parent Club Socials: Social events are held at the school in the fall and spring. It gives parents the opportunity to meet other parents and students in the IWA community. The Fall Parent Social will be a Spaghetti Dinner.
Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences: Designated dates/times are set aside specifically for parent/student/teacher conferences. Parents should call the school office to make an appointment with a specific teacher. Students are encouraged to attend.
Prom: Each year, a prom is held in the spring for juniors and seniors. This is a formal occasion typically held at a nice hotel.
Red Check Day: This annual event occurs in the spring and is a senior tradition. This event is a final tribute to the senior class, as they gather one last time before graduation. Usually the alumnae class that is celebrating their 50th reunion will host a luncheon or light reception at the school for the soon to be graduates. Seniors also share skits that reflect their memories of their four years at IWA.
Red Ribbon Week: This is a week dedicated to the anti-drug campaign.
Spirit Week: Spirit Week occurs at the beginning of the school year. Each day of the week has a different theme and the girls show their IWA spirit through their participation. Themes are decided upon by Student Council. Past themes have included crazy hair day, crazy sock day, "Twin Day", etc. Traditionally at the end of the week, the Big and Little Sisters go on an outing together and the Angels and Archangels participate in a service project.
Spiritual Retreats: Each classification attends a spiritual retreat every year at a designated off-campus retreat site. Each classification has a separate date and freshman, sophomores and juniors typically retreat for one day. The senior retreat takes place over 3 days.
Style Show: All students are encouraged to participate in the annual style show. IWA Girls wear the current fashions and look the part with professional makeup applications and hair styles. Seniors are highlighted at this event and are accompanied by their moms or dads, depending on the theme.
Winter Ball: This is a formal dance held in the late winter. All students are invited to attend and may invite guests. Attire is formal and the dance is typically held at a nice hotel.
