IWA Middle Level: Paving the way for future scholars

Brooklyn Moreno-Arispe, 14, and Sister Agueda Oviedo, IWBS review a Bible passage together during Religious Studies class.

Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

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Laura Esparza believes the Catholic education her 11-year-old daughter Teresa is receiving at Incarnate Word Academy, Middle Level is unmatched, anywhere. A sixth grader at IWA, Teresa is excelling at school, during a time which can often mark a difficult change from elementary to middle school.

"The middle level is a huge transition," Esparza said. "They offer tutoring, which helps tremendously, plus all her teachers are always available via email or in person for advice. For example, Teresa was at a loss planning her science fair project. Mrs. Hill, her science teacher, took time to give her an idea, and then guided her through data collection after school. Teresa won first place for all of sixth grade."

But for Esparza, it is not all about academics, but family, as well. And the extended family at IWA has helped keep her family together, as Esparza and her two small children dealt with the untimely death of their husband and father Oscar Esparza in January 2010. Oscar Esparza was a math instructor and coach at IWA Middle Level.

"IWA is one big, beautiful family. There's a bond among the students and staff that exists due to his Holy Presence. The community at IWA will be there to share your joys and sorrows. Everyone gathers around in these times lift each other up," she said.

Adolfo Garza, IWA Middle Level principal, said the entire school community is committed to the school's mission to "form students in a loving and challenging environment where the individual gifts of every student are recognized, celebrated, and developed as a reflection of Christ."

"Besides providing a Christian environment for our students, the IWA Middle Level faculty, administration and staff have high expectations for each of our students," he said. "We provide an academically challenging program, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for all students and a sports program in which over 83 percent of our students participate."

Advanced technology is a high priority at IWA Middle Level, as instructors and faculty strive to provide students every advantage in keeping up with the fast-paced digital world.

Priscilla Ramos, director of technology and communications for IWA, said making technology accessible for students inside and outside the classroom is a high priority, whether that means having five computer labs across the campus or iPads in the classrooms.

"We have a classroom set of laptops that teachers can check out. There is secure wireless Internet accessible to any student throughout the campus and we even have 'Gadget Days' where students are encouraged to bring their own electronic device from home and integrate its usage into their classwork," she said.

Ramos said she also makes frequent presentations throughout the campus on Internet safety, teaching students how to be safe from online bullying and predators. And the increased usage of technology helps parents, as well as students.

"Parents have access to a special site where they can view homework assignments, quizzes, lesson plans and grades. I sometimes see parents checking online before they even leave campus to make sure their child is leaving the school with the correct books needed for homework," she said with a laugh. "Students have access to the same apps on their phones, so they always know where they stand. It's just another way students are held accountable."

Ramos, who has been at IWA for 11 years, also has two teenagers who are students at IWA, one at the Middle Level and another in High School. She sees their education at IWA as an investment in their future.

"I am very confident in their education here at Incarnate Word Academy. We (­IWA, my husband and I­) are a team and we have an effective partnership that works towards the continued growth of my children in a loving and challenging environment," Ramos said. "They partner with us in helping our children grow academically, athletically, creatively and spiritually."

Students at the Middle Level are already being prepped for college through the utilization of a college guidance program called Naviance. The program helps the students analyze their hobbies, interests and personality traits to help them target possible career paths. It even assists with expected salary ranges.

The accolades, awards and recognitions that IWA students receive are sometimes so plentiful it is oftentimes difficult for the communications staff to keep up-to-date.

"Everything from academics, to fine arts, to athletics but even more rewarding is their commitment to serving others; the countless hours of community service projects. Just recently, the middle level band and middle level Junior Optimist Club volunteered for Driscoll Children's Hospital Thanksgiving Dinner and performed for residents at Mount Carmel Home," Ramos said.

When faced with tough questions about tuition costs, Ramos emphasized that it does not need to be a deterrent for parents who want their children to receive the best education possible, especially when tuition assistance is readily available. Last year more than $700,000 in tuition assistance was awarded to 32 percent of IWA students.

"I do my best to explain that it is a sacrifice, but one worth taking. There are daily sacrifices, both big and small that we make. These sacrifices do not compare to the satisfaction we experience watching our children grow in this community and having the support IWA provides. The money that we pay in tuition could be used for something else but, our children's future, without a question, is by far the most important thing to us," Ramos said.

Ramos also echoed Esparza's sentiment on the IWA family, one that she considers accessible to anyone who wishes to join.

"We endeavor to provide opportunities and challenges, appropriate to each child's age and ability. IWA brings to bear whatever resources may be necessary: social, emotional, academic, spiritual, motivational or remedial to assist our students in the goal of achieving their personal best, achieving a commitment to habits that make one not only academically successful but personally fulfilled."

For more information on Incarnate Word Academy Middle Level, visit www.iwacc.org or call (361) 883-0857. IWA is also accessible on social media via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.