The electricity unit in fifth grade science is one of the most popular topics for students to explore. Safety protocols due to the pandemic made studying this unit a bit different than in years past.
One thing that didn't change, however, was the student's excitement when seeing their circuits light up! Fifth graders used LED lights and batteries to learn some basic electricity concepts: open and closed circuits, conductors and insulators, series and parallel circuits, and energy conversions. The electricity unit is complemented by an online circuit builder simulation that remote learners are using alongside the in-person learners.

Academics

Students in fourth grade honored Women's History Month by learning about and presenting on influential and inspiring women all over the globe.

The list included Helen Keller, a disability rights activist who lost her sight and hearing at nineteen months of age; Corazon Aquino, the first female president of the Philippines; Florence Griffith Joyner, an American track and field athlete known as the fastest woman of all time; Greta Thunberg, an environmental activist; and so many more.

Student presentations featured interesting facts based on their research. For example, Mia S. '29 shared the following about Greta Thunberg:

• Greta Thunberg is a climate change activist who is only 18 years old.
• She was born in Stockholm, Sweden, to an opera singer and an actor.
• Many people would not listen to her because she was young and female. She was bullied on social media.
• She made speeches all over the world telling people to take action.
• On July 29, 2019, she came to the USA by boat to reduce her carbon footprint.
• In 2019, she was named Person of the Year by "Time" magazine!'

Academics

Alice Baumgartner '06, a historian at the University of Southern California and author of "South to Freedom: Runaway Slaves to Mexico and the Road to the Civil War," was recently interviewed on NPR's "All Things Considered" for a story titled "A Chapter In U.S. History Often Ignored: The Flight Of Runaway Slaves To Mexico." Listen to the 13-minute interview or read the article. 

Alumni

The electricity unit in fifth grade science is one of the most popular topics for students to explore. Safety protocols due to the pandemic made studying this unit a bit different than in years past.
One thing that didn't change, however, was the student's excitement when seeing their circuits light up! Fifth graders used LED lights and batteries to learn some basic electricity concepts: open and closed circuits, conductors and insulators, series and parallel circuits, and energy conversions. The electricity unit is complemented by an online circuit builder simulation that remote learners are using alongside the in-person learners.

Academics

Students in fourth grade honored Women's History Month by learning about and presenting on influential and inspiring women all over the globe.

The list included Helen Keller, a disability rights activist who lost her sight and hearing at nineteen months of age; Corazon Aquino, the first female president of the Philippines; Florence Griffith Joyner, an American track and field athlete known as the fastest woman of all time; Greta Thunberg, an environmental activist; and so many more.

Student presentations featured interesting facts based on their research. For example, Mia S. '29 shared the following about Greta Thunberg:

• Greta Thunberg is a climate change activist who is only 18 years old.
• She was born in Stockholm, Sweden, to an opera singer and an actor.
• Many people would not listen to her because she was young and female. She was bullied on social media.
• She made speeches all over the world telling people to take action.
• On July 29, 2019, she came to the USA by boat to reduce her carbon footprint.
• In 2019, she was named Person of the Year by "Time" magazine!'

Academics

In a world where students are spending a significant part of their school day online, it is now more important than ever to develop thoughtful and empathetic digital citizens from a young age. 

Fourth grade students are studying what it means to be a considerate digital citizen and maintain a positive digital footprint with Fiona Deeney, Latin’s lower school computer science and technology integration specialist. A digital citizen is someone who develops skills to responsibly use technology, including digital devices and online media platforms. When individuals share information online, they leave a digital footprint. A digital citizen is someone who develops skills to responsibly use technology, including digital devices and online media platforms.

After the students learned the basics of online safety and digital footprints, they were tasked with creating a graphic that encompassed these lessons. In order to complete the assignment, they researched a credible digital media platform to build their piece–Pic Collage was a popular option among the students.

Hear more about what it means to be a responsible digital citizen and how to manage a digital footprint from fourth grade students Colleen C. ’29 and Annabelle W. ’29.

Academics
 

The electricity unit in fifth grade science is one of the most popular topics for students to explore. Safety protocols due to the pandemic made studying this unit a bit different than in years past.
One thing that didn't change, however, was the student's excitement when seeing their circuits light up! Fifth graders used LED lights and batteries to learn some basic electricity concepts: open and closed circuits, conductors and insulators, series and parallel circuits, and energy conversions. The electricity unit is complemented by an online circuit builder simulation that remote learners are using alongside the in-person learners.

Academics

Students in fourth grade honored Women's History Month by learning about and presenting on influential and inspiring women all over the globe.

The list included Helen Keller, a disability rights activist who lost her sight and hearing at nineteen months of age; Corazon Aquino, the first female president of the Philippines; Florence Griffith Joyner, an American track and field athlete known as the fastest woman of all time; Greta Thunberg, an environmental activist; and so many more.

Student presentations featured interesting facts based on their research. For example, Mia S. '29 shared the following about Greta Thunberg:

• Greta Thunberg is a climate change activist who is only 18 years old.
• She was born in Stockholm, Sweden, to an opera singer and an actor.
• Many people would not listen to her because she was young and female. She was bullied on social media.
• She made speeches all over the world telling people to take action.
• On July 29, 2019, she came to the USA by boat to reduce her carbon footprint.
• In 2019, she was named Person of the Year by "Time" magazine!'

Academics

In a world where students are spending a significant part of their school day online, it is now more important than ever to develop thoughtful and empathetic digital citizens from a young age. 

Fourth grade students are studying what it means to be a considerate digital citizen and maintain a positive digital footprint with Fiona Deeney, Latin’s lower school computer science and technology integration specialist. A digital citizen is someone who develops skills to responsibly use technology, including digital devices and online media platforms. When individuals share information online, they leave a digital footprint. A digital citizen is someone who develops skills to responsibly use technology, including digital devices and online media platforms.

After the students learned the basics of online safety and digital footprints, they were tasked with creating a graphic that encompassed these lessons. In order to complete the assignment, they researched a credible digital media platform to build their piece–Pic Collage was a popular option among the students.

Hear more about what it means to be a responsible digital citizen and how to manage a digital footprint from fourth grade students Colleen C. ’29 and Annabelle W. ’29.

Academics
 

Hopeful. Excited. Inspired. These are just some of the words that described the way students, faculty and staff felt after participating in the conversations and presentations during Latin’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Commemoration on Wednesday, January 20.

Upper school students began the morning at assembly with an inspirational rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson sung by Latin’s upper school chorus. 

The assembly was anchored by the amplification of student voices answering thought-provoking questions. Upper school affinity groups, including Black Student Union (BSU), Latin American Student Organization (LASO), Chronic Illness and Disability Alliance (CIDA), LGBTQ+ Affinity, Asian Student Alliance (ASA) and White Identities and Anti-Racism Affinity (WIAA), discussed their answers to the question, “What would an equitable and inclusive community look like at Latin?”

Learn more about Latin’s institutional goals and action steps for DEI from Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Eleannor Maajid in this episode of the Latin Learner Podcast. Co-Head of LASO and junior at Latin Caroline C. ’22 echoed the sentiment that many affinity groups offered in their reflection of the question: “An inclusive and equitable community to me acknowledges that from the start this institution might look very different to new incoming students but makes an effort to make everyone aware that their culture shouldn’t define whether they speak up in class or not or be given looks down the halls. No one should be told to tone down their culture.”

The student groups also answered these questions: “Why is it vital for students to be able to organize? How do equity-focused student groups improve community and hold them accountable?” The upper school’s Student Diversity and Equity Committee (SDEC) and Demanding Accountability groups provided insight into this area. SDEC is dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive environment at Latin and promotes dialogue across all perspectives. Demanding Accountability is a group focused on holding the Latin community accountable for creating the space that the community says they want Latin to be.

These student groups noted that student organizing is important because they have a relevant perspective with insight into injustices that sometimes only students can see. Co-head of Demanding Accountability Kazi S. ’22 was quoted during the presentation, “When students aim for equity, we can be the prosperity of not only ourselves but everyone around us.” When students aim for equity, we can be the prosperity of not only ourselves but everyone around us.
Kazi S. '22, Co-head of Demanding Accountability

In continuing with the assembly’s theme of amplifying student voices some of the other student groups that presented included Student Government, Identity Coalition for Latin (ICFL), “Discourses” and “The Forum.” An inspirational morning concluded with remarks from English Teacher and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Brandon Woods: “We stand ready to listen to you, to partner with you and most importantly, to be challenged by you. You have the ability to make change that you might not even know yourselves, so we stand ready to help you do that and for you to guide us and lead us.”

During the middle school assembly, Educational Consultant Dr. Derrick Gay leveraged Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s iconic "What Is Your Life's Blueprint?" speech to frame Latin’s 2020 I can practice peace.
I can try again, rather than give up.
I can care for my community. 
Mindful affirmations from the book "I Can Do Hard Things" by Gabi GarciaMiddle School Climate Assessment findings. "The idea was to invite you to reflect on your life's blueprint, meaning who you are, your actions, your behaviors, your legacy, your purpose and how we can link your purpose to creating a more inclusive school... a more inclusive world," Dr. Gay explained to the students. He also noted that this speech was written by Dr. King for middle school students. Hear more about the history behind the speech and listen to an excerpt.

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., lower school students engaged in various peace-related activities during the month of January. They also participated in an all-lower school read of “I Can Do Hard Things” by Gabi Garcia. As part of the MLK Day commemoration, students selected a personal photograph or designed an affirmation poster that connected to one of the following lines from the book:

• “I can practice peace.” What is something peaceful you do for yourself or for others?
• “I can try again, rather than give up.” What is something challenging (a “hard thing”) that you are learning to do or have learned to do? 
• “I can care for my community.” What is something that reflects a way that you contribute to or care for your community?

At the lower school assembly, students listened to Dr. Gay read “I Can Do Hard Things” and then watched a video featuring the photos and student work.

Although the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Commemoration at Latin looked much different this year than in years past, students, faculty and staff found a sense of hope, excitement and inspiration from the day’s events.

Our Voices

The Independent Study Program (ISP) at Latin offers students the opportunity to discover their passions and learn about a topic that is tailored to their interests. Eleventh grade student Alyssa B. '22 is interested in filmmaking, specifically the editing and post-production aspects of the industry.
She decided to take the Documentary Filmmaking ISP with Visual Arts teacher and department chair Betty Lark Ross to learn more about the preproduction and interviewing process. "I decided that doing this ISP would be beneficial in making me a more well-rounded videographer, " said Alyssa. 

As part of this class, her final project was to create a film featuring in-depth interviews I decided that doing this ISP would be beneficial in making me a more well-rounded videographer.
Alyssa B. '22 with credible sources. News coverage surrounding a popular application called TikTok and its potential concern with cybersecurity inspired the concept of Alyssa's film.

"I felt like I could not find a singular source that summarized what was and was not accurate information about the app compared to other social media platforms," she said. "So, I decided to attempt to do so myself with my film."

Alyssa diligently researched the topic using credible sources for facts to include in her film. With the help of Latin's Director of Alumni Relations Stephanie Chu and her ISP advisor, she also interviewed experts in the field of cybersecurity (some of whom are Latin alums) to offer additional insight into the TikTok security controversy.

Alyssa then utilized her skills in animation and graphics to tell an informative story in this eight-minute video titled "TikTok: A Data Dilemma."

Our Voices

Upper school students transformed the fall play into a virtual, interactive experience, complete with an engaging website and a cutting-edge Zoom performance. Twenty-one students presented "Lucy Westenra is Not (and Will Never Be) a Vampire" from 20 different locations on October 28-30, 2020. The play, written by Latin alum and current lower school assistant teacher, Marjorie Muller '13," is based on Bram Stoker's classic novel "Dracula."

The production of presenting the virtual performance took careful planning and technological skill. Each student used a green screen (coupled with a chroma-key green virtual background) on Zoom. Back at Latin, a "mission control" center utilized brand new technology that was developed during the pandemic to route the live feeds of the actors on Zoom and make them appear in the custom configurations on screen. First, ZoomOSC software allowed "mission control" to see the location of each actor on the Zoom feed (top left, center right, bottom middle, etc.). Then software from Troikatronix called Isadora merged the performers onto shared backgrounds to make them appear like they were in the same location, plus it layered in video and audio effects. 

Students developed problem-solving, creative-thinking and technology-building skills, which they will use to revamp theatrical performance experiences for years to come.

Working alongside upper school technical theater teacher Thad Hallstein, the show's student stage manager, Natalie R. '22, called out all of the screen configuration changes and audio and effects cues. This included giving the actors their cues in the Zoom chat as well as communicating with the actors in a separate group text chat for other directions. The student computer control operator, Elliot K. '22, then executed the cues in the performance software. He also served as an emergency understudy to step in front of a green screen set up at Latin should an actor's WIFI drop out or they lose connection with them on Zoom. Shane Enderle, a member of Latin's IT team, monitored the feed from the performance software to ensure the video and audio functioned properly in the live stream.

Directed by upper school drama and technical theater teacher Frank Schneider, the show was viewable on Twitch, a live stream tool that was embedded on the website quincymorrison.net, which the students created specifically for the play.

Students developed problem-solving, creative-thinking and technology-building skills, which they will use to revamp theatrical performance experiences for years to come.

Arts

Latin’s 2019 upper school fall play, “She Kills Monsters” by Qui Nguyen, is an energetic comedic drama set in a fictional high school in the 1990s and a special-effects-laden fantasy world within the role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons.

The play is filled with ogres, killer fairies, evil cheerleaders and even a flesh-eating Jell-O mold! This ambitious piece presented numerous design and technical challenges. Over the summer, Director Nick Baer and performing arts faculty designers, along with guest costume designer Gaby Kuhn, collaborated to create the look and feel of the show, beginning by sharing a variety of ’90s era research images: D&D figurines and packaging, stills from MTV shows, album cover art and layouts from Ray Gun magazine, to name a few. With support from Latin’s Performing Arts Endowment, additional guest artists were brought in to assist with the effort. Mask and puppet maker David Knezz taught sculpting and papier-mâché techniques, helping the cast create their own masks for several fantasy characters. Fight choreographers Dave Gonzalez and Nicky Jasper were integral in developing the dramatic final sequence of the play, in which a five-headed dragon, operated by student puppeteers in the balcony, swoops in over the heads of the audience to do battle with the play’s hero.

The fall semester stagecraft class was tasked with developing many of the effects and specialty costume pieces from the play. Students worked in groups to research techniques, gather resources and collaborate with faculty and guest artists. One group created the Beholder, a grotesque giant eyeball that appears for a short but memorably hilarious moment. Another group created the five dragon puppets, working with Knezz through multiple iterations of sculpting techniques for the heads, as well as engineering puppeteering poles up to 22 feet long that were lightweight, yet nimble and durable enough to be operated safely above the audience. Another group created a giant cube of green Jell-O, using PVC pipes, pool noodles, and translucent plastic strips that could “swallow” a character whole. The last group created blood and gore effects, concocting gallons of “blood” from corn syrup, chocolate sauce and laundry detergent. This group also worked closely with Kuhn building fake arms that could be dramatically ripped off a character during each performance. Many of the particular requirements for these projects evolved as fights, blocking and concepts were refined in rehearsal. Through this process, stagecraft students learned the value of frequent, detailed communication with members of the production team and cast.

At the end of the semester, a group of stagecraft students created a gallery display of artifacts and documentation from the play. They gathered production photos, original design drawings, props and costume pieces, displaying them paired with labels and descriptions to tell the story of the “behind the scenes” production process. This display gave the Latin community the chance to see the extensive creative and technical work from students, faculty and guest artists that goes into putting on a visually compelling theatrical production on the Latin stage.

Arts

So what better way to kick off the remote music learning series, than to recreate the joy of music-making together with families. The instrument choices were boxes (drums), cutlery, lids, pots/pans/cans or other items that could creatively be turned into musical instruments. Everyone could join the band – pets, babies, toddlers, younger and older siblings, grown-ups. There is a wonderful saying, "Art decorates space; and music decorates time." Mrs. Friedman, Mrs. Durairaj, Ms. Martinez and Ms. Baker are working with lower school students and families to make the most of their space and time with creative ideas. Check out family music makers in action!

Arts

Get to know Jessie Heider who has been Latin's partner from Athletico and athletic trainer since 2010. In January, Jessie officially became the first full-time in-house athletic trainer at Latin. 

Education 

B.S. in Athletic Training - Purdue University
M.S. in Health Education & Promotion - University of Cincinnati

Position and years at Latin

Athletic Trainer - 10 years

Favorite Quote: 

"Today me will live in the moment, unless it's unpleasant, in which case me will eat a cookie." –Cookie Monster

What are your favorite things about Latin? 

There is such a close sense of community at Latin. One of my favorite things about working here is being able to connect with and get to know so many different people.

What are the best parts of your job? 

It’s rewarding to help kids through the rehabilitation process and then get to see them successfully return to their sport after experiencing an injury. I also love that every workday is different… it keeps me on my toes!

Why did you decide that you wanted to work at a school? 

I always found the idea of working at a school appealing because I knew it would give me the opportunity to be involved in so much more than just athletics. At Latin, I’m lucky enough to work with both athletics and our Latin 360 program. It’s also fun to be able to support our students in other ways, such as helping with senior projects or attending dance shows and plays.

What was the last good book you read? 

"American Dirt" by Jeanine Cummins

What are your hobbies and interests? 

I love spending time with my dog, Piper, playing fantasy football and following Purdue sports (Boiler Up!). I’m also excited to get back to traveling again once the pandemic is over.

What was your first job?

I worked as an Athletic Trainer for Women’s Lacrosse at the University of Cincinnati while in grad school, but working at Latin was my first “official” job after finishing school.

What’s your favorite place you’ve ever visited? 

Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada

What's the best advice you've ever heard?

Be present. Try not to focus on what happened in the past or what will happen in the future. Enjoy the “now.”

Our Voices
 

Over 100 guests joined together–not only from all over the country but all over the world–virtually to welcome an incredibly talented group of Roman athletes to the Latin Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, January 30.

This year’s inductees celebrated accomplishments in basketball, cross country, field hockey, track, volleyball and water polo. The athletes were recognized with remarks by their former coach or a current Latin coach, then the inductees spoke a few words, reflecting on their favorite memories of athletics at Latin. 

Congratulations to all of the Latin Athletic Hall of Fame 2021 inductees!

You can view the program in its entirety here.

*****

Latin School of Chicago
Athletic Hall of Fame
2021 Inductees

Alan Ferguson ’94, basketball, track
Michelle Scott Weir ’97, field hockey, track
Courtney Hull ’01, volleyball 
Chrissy Dizon ’02, basketball
Mike Rudoy ’03, basketball, volleyball
Julia Buford ’10, cross country, track
Tom Nystrom, coach, former athletic director

’91-’92 Water Polo Team

*****

Latin School of Chicago
Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees 
(as of January 2020)

Individuals
John Goodwillie ’27
Duke Zeigler ’37
Johnny Groth ’45
Jack Otis ’51
Norm Wissing ’53
Kenneth Fisher ’54
Jeff Cohn ’59
Russ Cangelosi ’68
Michael McCarthy ’69
Peter Bastone ’75
Diana Tratner ’77
Thor Malek ’78
Robert Goshen ’80
Thomas Sass ’80
Lloyd Biddle ’82
Brennan Washburn ’83
Stacey Knowles ’84
Cyril ’Tommy’ Mowatt ’85
Adedunla Akerele-Ale ’86
Nathaniel Coffman ’86
Leslie Johnson ’87
Traci Taylor ’87
Christina Trevino ’89
Lesley Young ’89
Alexi Giannoulias ’94
Laura Granville ’99
Santia Jackson ’99
Johanes Maliza ’99
Katie Paglini ’02
Emily Maynard ’06

Teams
’76-’77 Field Hockey
’80-’81 Girls Basketball
’81-’82 Boys Basketball
’83-84 Boys Cross Country
’83-’84 Girls Volleyball

Alumni
 

Despite the fall athletic season looking very different this year, many of the athletes were able to safely compete in their sports. View a video created by Latin's Athletic Department that was played at the virtual fall sports banquet and take a look at their individual and team accomplishments below.

Boys and Girls Cross Country
ISL: Boys First Place; Girls First Place
Regional: Boys First Place; Girls First Place
Sectional: Boys Third Place; Girls Second Place
The upper school cross country teams were the best teams in Latin's long strong history of producing excellent teams. The girls were ranked number one in the state for most of the season and the boys as high as fifth. At the conference meet, Latin swept all four JV and varsity races with the girls varsity team earning a historic perfect score!

JV Boys Golf
Overall Record: 4-3
Highlights from the JV boys golf season included a barnburner win against De La Salle Institute at Jackson Park Golf Course and a rowdy team scramble to finish up the season at Sydney Marovitz Golf Course.

Varsity Boys Golf
ISL: Third Place
Regional: First Place
Sectional: Third Place
In a year unlike any other, the Latin boys varsity golf team displayed grit, enthusiasm, optimism and zest in a time that did not always present the environment to do so. In a "normal" year, the boys' would have qualified for the IHSA 1A State Tournament, something to hang their hats on and their chins held high. A special thank you to all of the seniors who, in too many ways to list, were the building blocks to this program in recent years.

Varsity Girls Golf
Overall Record: 9-1
ISL: First Place
Regional: First Place
Sectional: Third Place
The team was 9-1 in dual matches this season with their only loss being to a really talented Fenwick squad. The girls won a dual match against Loyola Academy on their home course and also on their Senior Day. Though they qualified for the State Finals, the final round of competition was not held. 

Girls Swimming
Overall Record: 5-3
Sectional: Fifth Place
Placing in the top 12 individually at Sectionals and scoring points for Latin included: 
Elena S.- 9th in the 200 free, 5th in the 500 free 
Zoe S.- 9th in the 100 fly, 10th in the 50 free 
Alexa S.- 7th in the 200 IM, 5th in the 100 back
Ashley R.- 6th in the 200 IM, 2nd in the 100 breast
Elro S.- 8th in the 50 free, 10th in the 100 fly 
Katie C.- 10th in the 200 free, 12th in the 500 free 

JV Girls Tennis
Overall Record: 9-2   
The Romans became closer as a team, worked hard, and overcame difficult opponents such as Walter Payton and Lane Tech. The coaches were so proud of what they all accomplished this season and are looking forward to the next season.

Varsity Girls Tennis
Overall Record: 14-1
ISL: First Place
Sectional: First Place
Sectionals was a repeat of history for Latin's first and second doubles teams to face off in the finals. This isn’t always the best-case scenario but it is pretty impressive and shows the hard work they had put into the season. The coaches were proud of the resilience and adaptability of the players to have a successful season.

Sailing
State Championship Regatta: Fourth Place
Chicago Yacht Club Team: First Place
The sailing team had a wonderful season, especially with summer-like temperatures in November. The regattas were few due to restricted inter-state travel and limits on clubs hosting outside teams during the pandemic, but Latin endured and the eight varsity and two JV sailors practiced three times per week. This paid off at the November 7-8 State Shepard's Championship Regatta with Latin placing fourth out of 15! Though falling short to Lake Forest High School,  U of C Lab School and Loyola Academy, Latin defeated local rivals St. Ignatius, New Trier and Walter Payton, as well as Jones and Whitney Young.

Athletics
 

The Boys and Girls Cross Country teams have been ranked among the top teams in the state according to MileSplit IL.

The girls team is ranked #1 in Class 2A, while the boys team is ranked #5 in Class 1A. These are the highest rankings for the Cross Country teams in school history. These highs, however, are coupled with the lows of the inability to participate in the State tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If the teams were able to compete at State this year, they would have taken home two trophies. Despite this, the most enjoyable moments for the athletes this season include being with peers, socializing (safely), exercising, soaking up the fresh air and sunshine and just having fun. Congrats, Romans!

Athletics