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"We want Middle School to be an experience in which kids can try out all their different
interests. These activities open doors for students to explore who they are and
establish an identity."
— Middle School Director Deb Sampey |
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 Debra Sampey began teaching at The Latin School in 1986 in the Physical Education
Department. She has been the director of the Middle school since 1994.
Are the Latin students, many of whom have been together since junior kindergarten, welcoming to new students?
Yes, in fact the students are thrilled to have new kids join the class. When applicants visit the School one of the most frequent responses I hear from parents is ?my child felt the most comfortable on the Latin visit because the students were the friendliest.?
Given that the school is academically rigorous, should my child participate in a club or team in the fall?
Absolutely, get involved. We encourage all students to join a co-curricular activity. The Middle School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities with time commitments varying from once a week to daily. Students have time to make friends, pursue an interest, and exercise their mind and body and still do the homework. The new students who tend to have the easiest time adjusting to Latin are those who participate in after-school activities.
My child was moved ahead of his peers at his old school. Will you do the same?
Our goal is to keep students challenged in courses with their peers. The curriculum, pedagogy, and assessments are designed to challenge different kids at different levels with the same topics. Math is the one exception, in which ability groups begin in sixth grade. We are committed to the development of the whole child and this is best accomplished when students are with their peers.
My child is not an athlete. Are there other opportunities to mix with classmates outside of the school day?
The after school activities program was designed to encourage all students, athletes or not, to explore a wide range of interests. Approximately 80 percent of Middle School students participate in at least one sport, but most also join a club, academic team, or play.
 My child does not live in the neighborhood; will this be a problem for him socially?
Latin's Middle School strives to adopt the school-as-community-center concept. The building buzzes with kids from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. daily. Students are encouraged to utilize the many resources Latin has to offer before and after school, whether it is the cafeteria, library, or computer rooms after school. Teachers often can be found meeting with students, playing a pick-up game of chess, watching a movie, or talking about yesterday?s game. Students are able to meet in classrooms or the library to work on group projects. The goal is to have all students feel like Latin is where they enjoy being before, during, and after school!
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