Alumnae College Panel
Nine IWA Alumnae returned to Crawford Street for IWA's Annual College Panel session this week.  Representing a wide variety of colleges and majors, these bright young women shared their experiences on life after IWA and offered advice on navigating life's challenges and decisions.  We are so thankful that some of IWA's intelligent, ambitious, and generous alumnae shared their time with current IWA students!
IMPORTANT DATES
  • Jan 9: Bible Study at 7:30am; Shrek Rehearsals 3:30pm-6:30pm
  • Jan 10: Shrek Rehearsals 3:30pm-6:30pm
  • Jan 11: Morning Mass in Chapel at 7:30am; Herff Jones Graduation Meeting for Seniors at lunch; Listen n Lead Speaker at flextime in auditorium; Shrek Rehearsals 3:30pm-6:30pm
  • Jan 12: Shrek Rehearsals 3:30pm-6:30pm; Mandatory Super Bowl Volunteer Meeting at 6:00pm; Spring Break IWA/STHS Mission Trip Meeting for Parents at 5:30pm
  • Jan 13: Father Daughter Mass and Reception at 8:00am (details below)
  • Jan 13-14: TPSMEA Choir Region Clinic and Concert
  • Jan 16: No School - Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
  • Jan 17: Mothers Club Style Show Meeting at 8:15am (details below)
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Midterm Exam and First Semester Grades
Midterm exam grades and final first semester grades are available to students and parents today, Friday, January 6th on both parent and student NetClassroom accounts.  Paper report cards will not be mailed home.  
Financial Aid Information for 2017-2018
The Financial Aid Application deadline for returning students is February 1, 2017.  See the IWA website for more information on financial aid and contact Stephen Edworthy with any additional questions.
Upcoming Information about Super Bowl 2017
We are anticipating heavy traffic around Incarnate Word Academy during Super Bowl Week. In order for schedules to run as smoothly as possible, we are working with the city and and an HPD liaison to create a "game plan" for student drop-off and pick-up .  Please look out for a separate email about Super Bowl Week protocol in the near future.  
Listen n Lead with Shannon Dietz 
Please join the Young Leaders Program  in the Auditorium on January 11th at flextime as they host the next installment in their popular Listen n Lead Speaker Series.   Speaker  Shannon Dietz  founded  Hopeful Hearts Ministry, a Christian faith-based advocacy organization, to give a VOICE to survivors of abuse.
Mandatory Meeting for Super Bowl Volunteers |  JANUARY 12TH at 6:00PM
There is a mandatory meeting for all Super Bowl volunteers on Thursday, January 12th at IWA from 6:00pm - 7:00pm.  The  Aramark Director of Operations of Merchandise Services from NRG will be discussing the expectations of our volunteers and the details for this event.   Please save the date on your calendar for this important meeting as Super Bowl is closely approaching and we are excited to get things going for the big day!  
Parent Meeting for IWA/STHS Mission Trip | 
JANUARY 12TH 
Parents of students who are attending the Find Your Own Calcutta Spring Break Mission Trip this year are asked to attend a brief meeting at IWA on January 12th at 5:30pm.  Please contact Director of Campus Ministry Ms. Valdez if you have any questions or conflicts. 
Father Daughter Mass | 
JANUARY 13TH AT 8:00AM
Mark your calendars for the annual Father Daughter Mass on Friday, January 13th at 8:00am.  Fathers, grandfathers, uncles and brothers are invited to gather in the cafeteria before Mass; we will call your daughters down to the cafeteria to "pick you up" and walk over to Annunciation Church with you.  All are welcome to attend a school reception immediately following the Mass in the IWA Auditorium.  The Spirit Shop will be open during the reception and we will be taking Wine Pull Donations as well.   If you would like to volunteer for this event, please contact Paula Amsler or Yvette Clark or sign up here.
Next Spirit Shop Sale |  JAN UARY 13TH
Samantha Edwards and her Spirit Shop volunteers will be selling their new inventory during the reception for the Father Daughter Mass.  You will be sure to find that perfect item for your daughter as the Spirit Shop has added many new, popular items to the inventory.  Cash, check and credit cards will be accepted.
No School for Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday | 
JANUARY 16TH
Incarnate Word Academy will be closed on Monday, January 16th for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.  Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 17th.
Tale As Old As Time Winter Ball |   JANUARY 20TH
Join us for IWA's Winter Ball 2017 on Friday, January 20th from 8:00pm until 11:00pm at the Double Tree Houston.  Formal attire is required for all attendees.  Tickets will be sold in the cafeteria from January 9th-13th for $30 and from January 16th-19th for $35.  
2017 Style Show Registration
If you would like to participate in this year's Style Show, you're in luck!  We've extended the deadline and there are only 3 spots left!  P lease read additional details here and fill out the registration form here .   Parents - please watch the upcoming editions of the Weekly Word for a link to buy tickets to the Style Show. 
Save the Date for Sewfest 2017 |  MARCH 6TH
So, what happened to Sewfest this year?   Due to the construction of the new building, Sewfest has been rescheduled for  March 6, 2017 . So, save the date in your calendars now!!  In the very near future, we will be asking for donations for supplies and will provide access to a signup sheet for "seamstresses" and their equipment.  
What is Sewfest you ask?  In its 6th year, Sewfest is an incredible, one-of-a-kind, music, food and fun-filled community service event.  The students of IWA and their parents come together from 3:30pm to 9:00pm to make as many pillowcase dresses and crafts for girls around the world who may not own a single dress.  In addition to pillowcases dresses and accessories, for the first time, we are planning on making something special for the boys of the community too! This large service project is managed by the Young Leaders Program but is open to the entire IWA community.  Whether you are an experienced tailor or you can't tell the difference between a spindle and a Kindle, there is a way for you to help out.
Where will it all go?  On  March 13, everything we create will be personally delivered by the IWA students going on the mission trip to Escuela Cafe Con Leche in Santo Domingo over spring break. IWA has fostered a relationship with Cafe Con Leche for many years, and we are thrilled to be able to continue our service to this deserving school!   So, plan on making Sewfest a part of your spring and keep an eye out for announcements and more information.
ATHLETICS
Upcoming Games
BASKETBALL
Tuesday January 10th: Varsity Home vs. Awty @ 6:00pm
Friday   January 13: Away  vs. St. Pius X 4:30pm/6:00pm

SOCCER
Monday  January 9th: Away vs. Lutheran South @ 5:00pm 
Texas Bowl & Monster Jam Sign Ups
The next chance to volunteer at NRG stadium is coming up and we need more volunteers to  sign up !  Please come out and have a great time supporting our athletes!
Steps for Students Registration Open |
FEBRUARY 18, 2017
Steps for Steps for Students 2016 registration is officially open!  This annual 5k race, which will take place on  February 18, 2017 , raises awareness for Catholic education in Houston and is a great way to give back to our school community.  You can learn more about the race here. Please follow this link to learn more and register for the race.  Please make sure to select Incarnate Word Academy as your team.  Thank you for your support!
MOTHERS CLUB
Wine Pull Donations |
JANUARY 13, 2017
The gala committee is hard at work planning this year's gala, "Raise the Roof."  We are asking for parents to contribute to the gala by donating a bottle of wine valued at a minimum of $25 or more for our Wine Pull.  We will be accepting donations before Mass in the car pool line or you can bring your wine inside before Mass where we will collect the bottles at a table in the cafeteria.   We will also be accepting wine donations after Mass at the reception at a designated table set up in the auditorium.  Your daughter will be allowed to wear jeans and spirit shirt on the specified day as an acknowledgment for your donation.  You may also donate any monetary amount of $25 or more towards the purchase of wine for our collection.   Please print out the attached donor form and attach this to the wine so we may acknowledge your donation. Please make checks out to IWA and include "Wine Pull Donation"  and  your daughter's name and grade in the subject line. 
2017 Style Show Meeting - Open to All! |
JANUARY 17, 2017
If you are looking for a way to get involved at IWA, please consider joining the Style Show committee.  Each year, the Mothers' Club hosts a style show for the IWA students in an effort to promote inner beauty in an entertaining way.  The students sport chic fashions from various Houston vendors, and it is a wonderful afternoon to gather with friends & family for lunch.  This year's Style Show will be held at the Junior League of Houston on Sunday, March 26.  Email Beth Fischer if you would like to get involved.   Our next meeting will be held at IWA at 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, January 17 in the small conference room in the main office.  Please join us!  
Parents of models in the show: we could really use any help you can provide to the committee.  We need help with photography, retailers, etc.   If anyone has a connection with a local retail vendor who would be willing to sponsor the show by loaning outfits for the day, please contact the event chairs, Deirdre Wood or Lisa Phillips .