The Parents' Association promotes the interests of the Dominican Academy community through communication, support of school activities, fund-raising, a volunteer presence, and prayer.

MEETINGS
Meetings are held at Dominican Academy on the first Wednesday of each month. The meetings are open to all parents and last approximately an hour and a half. The agenda includes an update by the principal of school business and of matters of concern to the DA community. There is a discussion of forthcoming events sponsored by the Parents' Association. We pray for the spiritual, physical, and general intentions of those whose names are brought before the group.

The Parents' Association welcomes all levels of participation from all parents in conducting its activities, from chairing an event to lending a hand where needed. Sign-up sheets are available at the monthly meetings, and the president can always put a potential volunteer in touch with the chair of an event.

EVENTS
September:
Freshman Welcome Mass. Freshmen and their parents are invited to attended a special Mass at a local church or in the Auditorium. Following the Mass, current parents meet freshmen parents for some good conversation at a reception in the Cafeteria.

Meet the Teachers Night. Parents are introduced to the faculty in the Auditorium, followed by meetings with members of each department in the classrooms. During an informal reception on the Mezzanine, parent volunteers meet parents of new and continuing students.

October:
Open House for Prospective Students and Their Parents. Parent volunteers and student volunteers introduce prospective students and their families to Dominican Academy. The Open House lasts for three hours, and in the past we have had as many as 1000 visitors, who are admitted into the school in small groups at regular intervals. In the Auditorium, the principal conducts an information session which provides an overview of DA. Students lead tours of the building, and parents answer questions and serve refreshments in the Cafeteria.

November:
Dinner Dance. The Dinner Dance, a catered event held at DA, is a chance to meet other parents in a relaxing setting. Volunteers ensure that all runs smoothly.

December:
Christmas Party and Glee Club Concert. The students decorate DA for Christmas. In honor of the Season, the Glee Club sings traditional and modern carols in the Auditorium for students and their families. Hors d’oeuvres and desserts are served by parent volunteers in the Library.

March:
Father-Daughter Dance. A long-standing tradition, this is the only DA event organized solely by fathers for their daughters. The New York Athletic Club is the setting for an evening of dining, dancing, and getting acquainted.

May:
Mother-Daughter Luncheon. This is the main fund-raising activity of the Parents' Association. The luncheon, which includes a fashion show and a chance to win various prizes, is held at Tavern on the Green in Central Park for mothers, daughters, sisters, cousins, aunts, and grandmothers. Volunteers are needed for all aspects of this event. The Chair and her Committee arrange for invitations, receipt of reservations, seating, and general organization. Prizes must be gathered by DA students and parents in advance to support the raffles, silent auctions, and other prizes. Mothers wrap prize baskets a few days before the luncheon. Other volunteers are needed on the day of the luncheon to sell tickets for the raffles.

June:
Graduation. A wonderful celebration at DA, graduation is scheduled for the first Friday in June at St. Vincent Ferrer Church. Parent volunteers serve as ushers.