Middle School
The years from fifth grade through eighth grade are an important time for self-discovery. They are a time when students develop their interests, learn new talents, and face challenges that are unique to their age group. At Latin, middle school students are introduced to a world of new concepts and ideas.
I think Latin has one of the most challenging curricula out there, and one that helps my child reach her full potential as an academic and a person.
Our middle school curriculum covers all the traditional core subject areas—math, science, English and language arts, social studies and language—but we use a range of innovative, creative ways to present the material. Middle school students learn best when they are engaged with the subject matter through concrete experiences like role playing, simulations, lab work or exploration outside the classroom. Dynamic discussions and interactive lectures are designed to relate to issues and ideas we know middle school-aged kids are thinking about.
Around the Middle School
It was a fun-filled Homecoming Week at Latin. Check out how our amazing community celebrated school spirit with dress-up days (e.g., On Wednesdays We Wear Pink Day, College Sweatshirt Day, Pajama Day, Jersey Day and Spirit Day), buddy activities, the pep rally, and our all-school Convocation.
During Convocation, we heard from student speakers in 4th, 8th and 12th grade including the senior prefect, Asher S. '25. Below is an excerpt of his speech that reminded our community of our "Mindfulness" theme for the year.
"Part of being a Latin student is being a kind and respectful community member. Manners are how we show people we respect them. When I ran for junior prefect I interviewed students in Ms. Katz’s junior kindergarten. That’s you, 1st graders! You seemed to have the basics down. 5 and a quarter years old Adam said Romans should be kind. And 4-and-a-half-year-old Vivian defined a good Latin as one who supports people and makes sure no one gets left out. We could learn a thing or two from our younger Romans. It’s the little things: hold a door open, clean up after yourself and greet security with a smile. And put your phone in the phone bin during class because as I know, Nothing’s more embarrassing (or rude) than having your phone ring from your pocket while your teacher is speaking."
The excitement continued over the weekend with several home games for our sports teams, events such as Romans Fest and Romans Run, and reunion activities for the classes ending in '4 and '9.
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The Latin community is invited to participate in the annual Romans Run, enjoy food from a selection of food trucks, take part in a multitude of family-friendly games, and cheer on the home teams at the Upper School athletic games during Romans Fest on Saturday, September 28.
Romans Fest will be held from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the Wilson West Turf Field and the Montrose Turf Field in Lincoln Park.
We look forward to spending the day celebrating our school with students, faculty and staff, families, friends and alumni. This event is part of a fun-filled Homecoming Week that also features dress-up days, a pep rally, a community engagement event, and the Upper School Homecoming Dance and Alumni Reunion Cocktail party.
Below you can find more information (e.g., lists of activities, times, locations, etc.) about Romans Fest. You can also click here to access a map, directions and details about parking and public transportation.
Romans Run (at the Wilson West Track)
- Tots Dash, 50 meters on the track, 11 a.m.
- JK run, 1 lap on the track, 11:10 a.m.
- SK run, 1 lap on the track, 11:20 a.m.
- 1st grade run, 1 lap on the track, 11:30 a.m.
- 2nd grade run, 2 laps on the track, 11:40 a.m.
- 3rd grade run, 2 laps on the track, 11:50 a.m.
- 4th grade run, 2 laps on the track, 12 p.m.
- MS and Adult Run, 4 laps on the track, 12:15 p.m.
Activities and food
Enjoy food trucks, inflatables and family-friendly activities/games in the park. Be sure to bring water bottles and sunscreen.
- 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Bounce House, Hair Spray Table and Tattoo Table at the Wilson West Turf Field.
- 1 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Mechanical Bull, Cornhole Game, Tug-of-War, Limbo, Hockey Goal Challenge, Inflatable Sumo and Curling at the Wilson West Turf Field.
- 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Food Trucks: Aztec Dave’s, Billy Bricks, Cheesie’s, Mey Delicias and Pretty Cool Ice Cream.
Upper School Athletic Games
- 8 a.m. JV Orange Boys Soccer vs. Francis W. Parker, Wilson West Turf Field
- 8 a.m. JV Orange Field Hockey vs. Oak Park and River Forest, Montrose Turf Field
- 9:30 a.m. JV Blue Boys Soccer vs. Francis W. Parker, Wilson West Turf Field
- 9:30 a.m. JV Blue Field Hockey vs. Francis W. Parker, Montrose Turf Field
- 11 a.m. Varsity Boys Soccer vs. Francis W. Parker, Montrose Turf Field
- 1 p.m. Varsity Field Hockey vs. Francis W. Parker, Montrose Turf Field
- Alumni
- Around the School
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There was a lot of energy and excitement across the Latin campus as we welcomed back our students! We can’t wait to see what the 2024-25 school year brings for all our Romans.
Click here to check out photos from the first weeks of school.
- Around the School
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We are pleased to introduce a dedicated group of faculty and staff members to the Latin community.
Victor joins us from the Saint Andrew’s School in Boca Raton, Florida, where he spent the past 11 years leading the school’s alumni program. Victor will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that will strengthen the bonds among our alumni, students, and the broader school community. He will also work closely with the Alumni Board, coordinate alumni events, and create opportunities for our current and future alumni to engage in professional networking, participate in mentorship, and build lifelong relationships with Latin. |
MaryKate is excited to join Latin as a Lower School Assistant Teacher. She recently graduated magna cum laude from Miami University with a degree in Strategic Communications and a minor in Sociology. She spent multiple semesters serving as an undergraduate assistant, which gave her the chance to provide her classmates with important academic support and helped her discover her passion for teaching. MaryKate, who is originally from Chicago, is looking forward to starting her first teaching position at Latin. |
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Melissa grew up in Illinois and graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign with a B.S. in Actuarial Science. She began her career as an actuary in Chicago and then Denver, but her adventurous spirit led her to take a brief hiatus to work at the Admundsen-Scott South Pole Station. Upon returning to Denver, Melissa transitioned into education, teaching high school mathematics for a number of years at public and private high schools in the greater Denver area. After earning a master’s in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the University of Denver, her passion for teaching led her to Sydney, Australia through a teaching exchange program. Melissa recently returned to the U.S. after teaching in both public and private schools within the greater Sydney area. Outside the classroom, Melissa enjoys the great outdoors, whether it is hiking, mountain biking, skiing, or spending time on the water with her partner, Glenn, and Gus the swimming cat. She is thrilled to be returning to Chicago and joining Latin, and is eager to continue her journey of inspiring young minds.
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Shannon is excited to return to Latin as a part-time Upper School English Teacher. She previously taught at Latin for seven years before taking a part-time position at Lab School so she could focus on her young family. She earned her B.A. at Harvard University, M.Ed. at Boston College, and Ed.D. at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Before originally starting at Latin in 2015, she taught in the Boston area, where she also grew up cheering for all of the sports teams. When she isn’t chasing around her toddler and baby, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and reading. |
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Grace is thrilled to join the Latin community as an assistant teacher! A Chicago native, she is passionate about encouraging her students to explore both their city and the world. With a B.A. in History from Loyola University Chicago, she has spent time traveling and conducting research in Poland, Lithuania, and Ireland. Her years of experience in early childcare have given her the ability to encourage the children in her care to be kind, courageous, and curious. She could not be more excited to meet her third graders!
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Julia is thrilled to join the Latin community as an assistant teacher. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Julia earned her bachelor’s degree in religion and education studies from Oberlin College. Intrigued by the Midwest, Julia moved to Chicago after college to participate in the Avodah Jewish Service Corps. During this fellowship, she worked as a legal advocate at Legal Council for Health Justice, a legal aid nonprofit based in the Loop. This past school year, Julia returned to education, working as a reading intervention specialist teaching the Wilson Reading System to students with dyslexia and other learning differences. Outside of the classroom, Julia plays ultimate frisbee with Chicago’s club team Dish and enjoys plucking on her guitar or banjo. She can’t wait to meet her students and begin the school year! |
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Sean is joining Latin after spending the past three years at Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School as the Business Operations Associate and Registrar. In his free time, Sean enjoys traveling, camping, and exploring new restaurants (suggestions are highly welcomed). |
Isabel Brodsky is a Chicago-based artist and freelance writer with a degree in anthropology and literary arts from Brown University. Isabel has also worked as a writing and academic tutor for the past four years, and is interested in teaching students how to develop their own personal style of writing. She is excited to be joining the Latin community this year! In her free time, Isabel enjoys writing plays, taking walks by the lake, and earning badges on Duolingo. |
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Éva Corcoran Éva was born in Rockford, Illinois and has lived in Chicago for the past four years. She recently received her Bachelor of Arts in Applied Diplomacy with a concentration in Diplomacy and the Arts with a minor in French from DePaul University. Éva has completed various internships working with youth, including a Teach for America fellowship, and has collaborated with students in Chicago on the creation of community murals. She is excited to continue pursuing her passion for supporting students in her role as an Assistant Teacher in the Lower School. In her free time, Éva likes to read, draw, paint, and spend time with her friends and family.
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Stephanie Corey A native of Chicago, Stephanie joins the Latin community as the Associate Director of Enrollment Management for Middle School & Community Outreach. She earned her B.A. in Psychology & Spanish from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. She later earned her M.A. in Higher Education with an emphasis on Historically Black Colleges & Universities from Lincoln University (Missouri). Stephanie has a sincere heart for young people and a love for education, with over 10 years of experience in Admissions/Enrollment Management. She has served in various admissions roles within diverse settings, such as the Secondary Private School and Higher Education sectors. In her free time, she enjoys reading, jumping double dutch, and volunteering and serving within her church. |
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Jackson Danbeck Jackson is thrilled to join Latin as the Communications Coordinator. Before making the career change to communications, Jackson worked for six years as a journalist, mostly in the TV news industry. He served as Digital Executive Producer at TMJ4 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and as a news producer at WMTV in Madison, Wisconsin. Prior to working as a journalist, Jackson graduated with a B.A. in History from DePaul University. In his free time, Jackson enjoys the great outdoors, exercising (including cycling and rock climbing), playing drums and making music with fellow musicians, being the best cat dad he can be, and catching up with friends over a good meal. |
Kaelum Eugenio Kaelum graduated from college this year and is excited to be a part of the Latin community. Kaelum likes collaborating with and getting to know other people. He particularly enjoys listening to other people's ideas and opinions. During his free time, Kaelum loves to play video games and make music (he plays electric guitar and has done some computer music). |
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Jolene Fulmore Jolene was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before relocating to Chicago in August 2024. Her work experience spans multiple industries, including education, architecture/interior design, hospitality, and non-profit work. She was first introduced to the world of development during her time as the Resident Manager at a healthcare hospitality house. Most recently, she served as the Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship at a Philadelphia-area liberal arts college before bringing her talents and expertise to Latin.
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Cristina Gonzalez Cristina Gonzalez graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelor of Arts in Animation and a minor in Illustration. To explore her curiosity and start her teaching journey, Cristina traveled to South Korea to become an ESL teacher. Though the job was a bit difficult because of the language barrier, she enjoyed teaching and helping all of her students. During her free time, Cristina enjoys playing sports, including volleyball, and loves traveling abroad and trying new food whenever possible. On days she doesn't want to go out, Cristina stays home and enjoys the company of her two precious cats: Emma and Mom Cat. As an assistant teacher, Cristina is dedicated to helping create a safe space and supportive classroom environment where the students feel comfortable expressing themselves and seeking help. |
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Sbeydi Gonzalez Sbeydi is a Mexican Latina from Chicago, and is transitioning from teaching Spanish while serving as an Assistant Dean to going back into the classroom for Middle School. This summer, Sbeydi was blessed to be part of Global Glimpse Leaders and be part of EF Tours. She loves exploring abroad, which sparked her passion to continue working with students in and out of the classroom. In her free time, Sbeydi really enjoys nature walks, biking, reading, traveling, and hanging out with family and friends. She loves doing spontaneous adventures that involve outdoor activities, enjoys trying new food, and wants to start playing the piano. Sbeydi looks forward to meeting you all! |
Jeremy Goodman Jeremy is excited to be joining Latin as an Upper School History Teacher. Prior to Latin, Jeremy spent four years teaching in Chicago and the past two years teaching in New York City. He is looking forward to being back in Chicago to begin his seventh year as a history teacher. Jeremy is a passionate educator who loves teaching students about the past while also engaging with current events. In his free time, Jeremy loves playing basketball, traveling and spending time with family. |
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Maggi Hastings Maggi is thrilled to be joining the Latin community this year. Maggi got her bachelor’s degree from Columbia College Chicago, with her focus on theatre arts and education. She has taught theatre, art, improv and communication in Chicago the past six years, and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Elementary Education. When Maggi isn’t teaching, she loves to camp, hike, make art and music, spend time with friends, play with her pets (two cats and a bunny), and enjoy the city! If you see here around, say hi and show off a picture of your favorite animals! |
Katie Johnson Katie relocated to Chicago from Pittsburgh, where she was the Director of Athletics at The Ellis School. Before moving to the 'Burgh, Katie lived and worked in Atlanta for 12 years. She is originally from Alabama (War Eagle!!). In her down time, Katie loves walking her dog, Maverick, exploring the Chicago restaurant scene, playing/watching volleyball, basketball, and football (Go Pack Go! She knows this is controversial here in Chicago), and getting lost in a good book. Katie is excited to be a part of this community, and looks forward to seeing everyone cheering on the Romans at sporting events! |
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Devon Jones Devon is thrilled to return to Latin and rejoin the College Counseling team as an Assistant Director. Coming from a background of more than 10 years in admissions and college counseling, Devon is excited to reconnect with the Latin community and partner with students and their families while they navigate the college process. When not knee-deep in personal essay reviews, you can find Devon trying out recipes in the kitchen, discovering new music, and spending as much quality time with her family as possible, especially her sweet toddler, Lilly.
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Christin Kim Christin is a Korean American music educator with over 16 years of experience teaching piano, cello, and music theory. She holds a Bachelor of Music and Artist Certificate from Azusa Pacific University and a Master of Music degree in Cello Performance from Roosevelt University. Christin studied under renowned musicians from the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Chicago Symphony, and has performed as a freelance cellist in Los Angeles, where she also directed chamber music and conducted string orchestras. Now based in Chicago, Christin continues to share her expertise and passion for music education. |
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After more than a decade of teaching at Latin, Katie steps outside of the classroom to support the Development team. Katie will be creating giving appeals that inspire our community to donate, overseeing annual giving volunteers, and creating efforts that increase donor participation in our community. She is thrilled to be back at Latin in a new role.
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Frances is excited to be joining the Latin faculty as an Upper School Theatre Teacher. She recently taught theatre at independent schools in Houston, Texas, but is over the moon to be back in the Windy City! Frances is a veteran of the Chicago theatre scene where she worked as an actor, director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator for over 20 years, including stints at Goodman, Steppenwolf, Northlight, and Drury Lane. She is a graduate of The Boston Conservatory and a proud member of Lifeline Theatre's Artistic Ensemble. A self-professed plant mom and cat lady, Frances also loves classic literature and cooking Italian food. |
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Samantha is very excited to be working at Latin this upcoming school year! After growing up in Madison, Wisconsin, she came to Chicago to attend college and swim for a Division 1 University. After taking some educational psychology classes, she realized that her passion is working with kids in a school environment! In her free time, she loves to read, hang out with her friends and dogs, or go for a run on the lake!
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Sarah Min Sarah grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and later moved to Chicago to pursue her teaching degree. After completing her studies, Sarah spent the last eight years teaching at a Chicago Public School. In her free time, Sarah enjoys cooking, traveling, spending time with her friends/family, and trying new restaurants around the city. Sarah is very excited to join the Latin community as a lead first grade teacher. |
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Kyle Patterson Kyle is excited to join the Latin community as a Middle School French Teacher. He has been teaching French for over eight years, emphasizing language learning through play, performance, and contextualized practice. Kyle holds a Ph.D. in French and Francophone studies from the University of California, Davis and has taught at UC Davis and Santa Barbara, Northwestern University, in Québec City, at the Alliance Française de Sacramento, and with the company Immerse. In his free time, Kyle enjoys gaming, singing in his choir, gardening, and spending time with his family. |
Michael Reyes Michael grew up in a small town in northwest Ohio (population 900 and counting!). He graduated college with a degree in Theatre (minor in Public Relations) and moved to Chicago with a plan to stay here “for a couple years.” However, he fell in love with the city and couldn’t leave. A practicing theatre artist, he’s performed in dozens of shows and cabarets as part of the thriving creative cauldron that is the Chicago Professional Non-Equity Theatre community. He is currently a member of Strawdog Theatre Company, where he has been an Ensemble member since 2019. He was also a theatrical stage manager, and naturally found a way to partner with senior leaders in his “daytime” career. In that space, he has worked with top executives in a variety of industries and organizations from very large non-profits (Feeding America, YMCA of the USA), global consulting (Deloitte, Accenture), design (Gensler) – and now education. Michael is very excited to now be part of the Latin community! |
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Alicia Rubio A recent graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University, Alicia is brand new to the city of Chicago! Originally from a small town in Michigan, Alicia was raised in a very academic home with parents who were a professor and a schoolteacher. She has always loved school and looks forward to sharing her passion for learning with the students at Latin, while also pursuing a master's degree in Latin American history. Outside of school, Alicia loves reading fiction, writing, and working on her latest crochet project (it's a giant axolotl). |
Abby is starting their 20th year in the medical field, all of which has been spent working in pediatrics. Abby has a tight-knit family, including six amazing nieces and nephews, and loves theatre, music, and dance.
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Joe Shilts |
G Trupp G (they/them) is excited to make the move from San Diego to Chicago and join the Latin team! G is a credentialed school librarian who received their master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. They regularly present at the local and state level on inclusive school library services. G loves coming up with creative and engaging ways to support classroom teachers and promote a love of print and digital literacy among students. They are trilingual (English/Mandarin/Japanese), like to engage with various types of media, and enjoy exploring all different kinds of crafts. |
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Rebecca Veselinovich |
Clara Wade |
Not pictured, but we are also pleased to welcome:
- Kaiser Minhas, US History & Social Studies Teacher
- Nathan Reider, Assistant Teacher
- Antoine Williams, IT Technician
- Around the School
- Our Voices
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- middle school
- upper school
FAQ
- Given that the school is academically rigorous, do you encourage students to participate in co-curricular activities such as clubs or team sports when school starts in the fall?
- My child was moved ahead of his peers at his old school. Will you do the same?
- What opportunities or experiences are available to students before and after school?
Given that the school is academically rigorous, do you encourage students to participate in co-curricular activities such as clubs or team sports when school starts in the fall?
My child was moved ahead of his peers at his old school. Will you do the same?
What opportunities or experiences are available to students before and after school?
Do you have questions? We would love to hear from you.
Richard Dickinson
Titles:
Middle School Dean
Degrees:
Doctor of Education in Counselor Education and Supervision
M.A. Community Counseling
Bachelor's Degree
M.A. Community Counseling
Bachelor's Degree
Kathleen Meade
Titles:
Middle School Assistant Director
Degrees:
B.S. Illinois State University
M.Ed. National-Louis University
M.Ed. National-Louis University
Tray White
Titles:
Middle School Director
Degrees:
B.A. Georgia State University
M.Ed. Augusta University
M.Ed. Augusta University