Magazine of Latin School of Chicago

Richard Dickinson
Do You Know... Dr. Richard C. Dickinson III?

Get to know Dr. Richard C. Dickinson, Middle School Dean of Students and Wellness Teacher. He is currently in his sixth year at Latin.

EDUCATION

I attended Latin School for 14 years before attending Kenyon College in Ohio. Subsequently, I attended law school for two and a half years before having a change in vision. I then enrolled in a master's program for counseling. After graduating with a degree in counseling, I completed my doctorate degree in the field of counselor education.  

FAVORITE QUOTE

"The war of my life had begun; and though one of God’s most powerless creatures, I resolved never to be conquered." –Harriet Jacobs, author of "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl"

Children are the key to securing a safe and productive future for all of us. What are the best parts of your job?

The best part of my job is knowing that I play a role in ensuring that children feel seen and valued as unique and worthy of the opportunities that Latin affords. I am also grateful to have the opportunity to help shape and shift young mindsets in the direction of kindness and inclusivity, which helps create a community that is safe and welcoming. The ability to feel safe is essential with regard to students feeling like they can be open, authentic and available to learn. 

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

Children are the key to securing a safe and productive future for all of us. My goal is to assist children with developing a positive concept of self that is based in integrity and empathy. The ability to love and appreciate one’s self in a holistic way allows for that appreciation and love to extend to broader communities. 

The ability to love and appreciate one’s self in a holistic way allows for that appreciation and love to extend to broader communities. What is your philosophy on wellness in middle school?

I believe in a holistic approach to wellness as it relates to our students. This includes students having the supports and structures in place to address their mental and emotional well-being. We are very fortunate to have access to Mrs. Buchanan Miller, our dynamic school counselor, as well as a host of other professionals who are steadfast in their efforts to attend to the social and emotional needs of our students. Additionally, the middle school is well-resourced in terms of outlets and opportunities to address the physical health and well-being of our students. For example, it brings me great joy to see our students engaged in the practice of yoga as a component of our physical education curriculum. Students have the opportunity to practice being present and mindful at the direction of our phenomenal P.E. instructor Nicole Collias who guides our students through their yoga practice. Nicole is an expert in the practice of yoga and we are fortunate to have her working with our students. Finally, we have the great privilege of working with Nurse Jill Yacu and her colleagues. Not only is Nurse Yacu one of the hardest working people that I have encountered, she has the ability to make authentic connections with our students as they navigate all of the health concerns associated with being a middle school student while learning during a pandemic.

What was the last good book you read?

The last great book that I read was Alex Hailey’s “Roots.” The last good book that I read in terms of professional development was Dr. Jennifer L. Eberhardt’s “Biased.” The last good book that I read for a brain break was John Grisham’s “The Guardians.”

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

The best advice I ever received was from my father. I was in a difficult place mentally and emotionally after leaving law school. I told my father that I felt like I could not catch a break. He looked at me and said, “Son, that is part of the problem. You do not catch breaks. You make them.” I will never forget that advice.

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Do You Know... Dr. Richard C. Dickinson III?

Get to know Dr. Richard C. Dickinson, Middle School Dean of Students and Wellness Teacher. He is currently in his sixth year at Latin.

EDUCATION

I attended Latin School for 14 years before attending Kenyon College in Ohio. Subsequently, I attended law school for two and a half years before having a change in vision. I then enrolled in a master's program for counseling. After graduating with a degree in counseling, I completed my doctorate degree in the field of counselor education.  

FAVORITE QUOTE

"The war of my life had begun; and though one of God’s most powerless creatures, I resolved never to be conquered." –Harriet Jacobs, author of "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl"

Children are the key to securing a safe and productive future for all of us. What are the best parts of your job?

The best part of my job is knowing that I play a role in ensuring that children feel seen and valued as unique and worthy of the opportunities that Latin affords. I am also grateful to have the opportunity to help shape and shift young mindsets in the direction of kindness and inclusivity, which helps create a community that is safe and welcoming. The ability to feel safe is essential with regard to students feeling like they can be open, authentic and available to learn. 

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

Children are the key to securing a safe and productive future for all of us. My goal is to assist children with developing a positive concept of self that is based in integrity and empathy. The ability to love and appreciate one’s self in a holistic way allows for that appreciation and love to extend to broader communities. 

The ability to love and appreciate one’s self in a holistic way allows for that appreciation and love to extend to broader communities. What is your philosophy on wellness in middle school?

I believe in a holistic approach to wellness as it relates to our students. This includes students having the supports and structures in place to address their mental and emotional well-being. We are very fortunate to have access to Mrs. Buchanan Miller, our dynamic school counselor, as well as a host of other professionals who are steadfast in their efforts to attend to the social and emotional needs of our students. Additionally, the middle school is well-resourced in terms of outlets and opportunities to address the physical health and well-being of our students. For example, it brings me great joy to see our students engaged in the practice of yoga as a component of our physical education curriculum. Students have the opportunity to practice being present and mindful at the direction of our phenomenal P.E. instructor Nicole Collias who guides our students through their yoga practice. Nicole is an expert in the practice of yoga and we are fortunate to have her working with our students. Finally, we have the great privilege of working with Nurse Jill Yacu and her colleagues. Not only is Nurse Yacu one of the hardest working people that I have encountered, she has the ability to make authentic connections with our students as they navigate all of the health concerns associated with being a middle school student while learning during a pandemic.

What was the last good book you read?

The last great book that I read was Alex Hailey’s “Roots.” The last good book that I read in terms of professional development was Dr. Jennifer L. Eberhardt’s “Biased.” The last good book that I read for a brain break was John Grisham’s “The Guardians.”

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

The best advice I ever received was from my father. I was in a difficult place mentally and emotionally after leaving law school. I told my father that I felt like I could not catch a break. He looked at me and said, “Son, that is part of the problem. You do not catch breaks. You make them.” I will never forget that advice.

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First Grade Flag Project
First Grade Builds Community with Flag Project

Latin first grade students started the year building their community. It was important to establish to ensure all feel safe and comfortable taking risks, making mistakes, asking for help and supporting one another. 

As students listened to some of their favorite songs, they got inspired. The song, “Wave your Flag” by K’Nann, in particular, sparked a lot of inspiration. Some may be familiar with this song as it is the anthem of the World Cup. As the first graders listened to the song, they thought it might be fun to create their own flags. 

As students began to explore their identities and community, they discovered that flags often represent groups of people who are related in some way. For example, city flags can represent folks who live in the same city. Team flags can represent fans of a particular team. State/country flags represent people who come from those places.

Each student then created their own flag to represent pieces of their identity. The process started with the exploration of identity, authenticity, symbols, and flags. A lot of time was spent considering the difference between things we like/love, and pieces of our identity. As an abstract concept, teachers worked with students in small groups to help them understand the differences. Students then filled out an identity bubble map and began the process of designing their flags. Each student received a planning sheet to select important colors, symbols and shapes they wanted to include in their flags. 

After each individual flag was created, the grade level came together as a community, to explore how they could create one class/community flag to represent all individuals in the group. This process worked on skills such as compromise, collaboration and communication. The students problem-solved and suggested ways to include everyone in the community. The outcome being one community flag to represent the Latin first grade communities. 

Take a look at the flags students made to reflect their voices and choices. 

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US Marine Science Uses the City as the Classroom
US Marine Science Uses the City as the Classroom

New to the upper school Science course offerings this year, is a Marine Science course taught by Mr. Wisnieski. 

Students in this course are exploring the aquatic environments near Latin and around the city. In September they took a kayaking trip to the Wild Mile, a portion of the Chicago River that is being rehabilitated by the Urban Rivers organization.

Students toured the river on kayaks and studied the organisms living in the new habitats that have been constructed. More recently, students monitored the water quality in Lake Michigan. 

Take a look at the #opportunities found inside and outside the classroom at Latin.

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Do You Know? René Moreno
Do You Know... René Moreno

Get to know René Moreno, Lower School Visual Art Teacher.

FAVORITE QUOTE
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” -Pablo Picasso

EDUCATION
I earned a BFA from RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) and majored in Illustration.

Position and title at LatinI am the Visual Arts teacher in the Lower School. This is my 5th year at Latin. I was here as an assistant art teacher for 3 years while I worked on my teaching certification, and I am so happy to be back!

I also find a lot of joy in working with the kids. I love their eagerness to try new things and their enthusiasm for learning.
What are your favorite things about Latin? I am constantly inspired by my colleagues, who are excellent at what they do and are so passionate about their work. I also find a lot of joy in working with the kids. I love their eagerness to try new things and their enthusiasm for learning.

Why did you decide that you wanted to work at a school? As an illustrator, I visited schools and libraries to promote my books and I usually taught a little art project at those visits. I loved working with kids, so I decided to get my teaching certification.

Who is your favorite artist?
It’s a tie between Frida Kahlo and Vincent Van Gogh.

What was the last good book you read?I am currently reading a wonderful book called Everything Sad is Untrue, an autobiographical novel about an Iranian refugee growing up in Oklahoma. It’s funny and heartbreaking at the same time.

What are your hobbies and interests?I enjoy collecting children’s books, walking outside, listening to music, and practicing yoga.

What was your first job?After college, I worked several jobs all at once: I worked as a freelance illustrator for children’s books, worked as a waitress and barista, and also painted silk for a fashion designer.

What is one piece of advice you would want to tell your lower school self? You can do hard things!

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