Magazine of Latin School of Chicago

Head of School Yearly Round Up

Dear Latin Community, 

The past several days on campus have been filled with ceremonies and celebrations, hugs and handshakes, and memories and milestones. We completed final assessments and projects; honored students, faculty, and staff for their accomplishments in and out of the classroom; and participated in annual events and activities that mark the end of the school year. We witnessed the transformation of our fourth grade students into middle schoolers, our eighth grade students into high schoolers, and our seniors into proud alums, who are poised to begin the next phase of their lives. 

While there is something somber about seeing the empty hallways, quiet cafeterias, and cleaned-out classrooms, the absence of the persistent buzz and infectious energy in our buildings has provided both the time and opportunity to reflect on our successes from this past year. For example, we made significant progress on the goals and initiatives tied to our strategic plan, including the ongoing alignment of our curricular and co-curricular programs. We continued to cultivate a strong sense of community and belonging through our DEI efforts (e.g., professional development, anti-bias training, affinity groups, etc.). We excelled on the courts and playing fields during all three of our athletic seasons, and had equally amazing results in the performing and visual arts. We helped those in need through volunteerism, service projects, and experiential learning opportunities. In addition, we raised a record $1.8 million during Romans Raise & Revel that will provide critical assistance to students who benefit from financial support. 

None of these achievements would have been possible without the tireless dedication of our faculty, staff, and administrators; the unwavering commitment of our Board of Trustees, Senior Advisory Council, Parent Association and Alumni Association; and the steadfast support of our families. For all of this, we thank you.

When I look ahead to the 2024-25 school year, there is much to be excited about. We will begin the next phase of our strategic planning, invest in priorities that are critical to the success of our students (e.g., health and wellness, technology and innovation, and experiential experiences), and continue working toward a more sustainable future for our School. These are topics we will explore in greater detail this fall.

As we depart for what I hope will be a relaxing summer break, there are a couple things I would like to ask each of us to do. The first is to think about the ways we can further strengthen and affirm our shared values of excellence, community, and integrity. While the good from this year far outweighed the bad, there were instances across our divisions where issues and challenges led us away from these values. With this in mind, I want us to reflect on how we can recommit ourselves to the standards and expectations that help define who we are. I also want us to consider how we can preserve and protect the principles that serve as the guideposts for all we do, and keep them at the center of the efforts we are undertaking to shape the future of our School. 

The second is to carve out ample time to rest, recharge, and reconnect. The stresses and strains of the school year take their toll on everyone. Let’s use the next two months to engage in self-care, focus on our overall health and well-being, and spend as much quality time as possible with friends and families. If we can do these things, I truly believe we will be poised and prepared to accomplish anything we set our minds to when we return in August.

Warm regards, 

Thomas Hagerman
Head of School
 

  • Academics
  • Around School
Head of School Yearly Round Up

Dear Latin Community, 

The past several days on campus have been filled with ceremonies and celebrations, hugs and handshakes, and memories and milestones. We completed final assessments and projects; honored students, faculty, and staff for their accomplishments in and out of the classroom; and participated in annual events and activities that mark the end of the school year. We witnessed the transformation of our fourth grade students into middle schoolers, our eighth grade students into high schoolers, and our seniors into proud alums, who are poised to begin the next phase of their lives. 

While there is something somber about seeing the empty hallways, quiet cafeterias, and cleaned-out classrooms, the absence of the persistent buzz and infectious energy in our buildings has provided both the time and opportunity to reflect on our successes from this past year. For example, we made significant progress on the goals and initiatives tied to our strategic plan, including the ongoing alignment of our curricular and co-curricular programs. We continued to cultivate a strong sense of community and belonging through our DEI efforts (e.g., professional development, anti-bias training, affinity groups, etc.). We excelled on the courts and playing fields during all three of our athletic seasons, and had equally amazing results in the performing and visual arts. We helped those in need through volunteerism, service projects, and experiential learning opportunities. In addition, we raised a record $1.8 million during Romans Raise & Revel that will provide critical assistance to students who benefit from financial support. 

None of these achievements would have been possible without the tireless dedication of our faculty, staff, and administrators; the unwavering commitment of our Board of Trustees, Senior Advisory Council, Parent Association and Alumni Association; and the steadfast support of our families. For all of this, we thank you.

When I look ahead to the 2024-25 school year, there is much to be excited about. We will begin the next phase of our strategic planning, invest in priorities that are critical to the success of our students (e.g., health and wellness, technology and innovation, and experiential experiences), and continue working toward a more sustainable future for our School. These are topics we will explore in greater detail this fall.

As we depart for what I hope will be a relaxing summer break, there are a couple things I would like to ask each of us to do. The first is to think about the ways we can further strengthen and affirm our shared values of excellence, community, and integrity. While the good from this year far outweighed the bad, there were instances across our divisions where issues and challenges led us away from these values. With this in mind, I want us to reflect on how we can recommit ourselves to the standards and expectations that help define who we are. I also want us to consider how we can preserve and protect the principles that serve as the guideposts for all we do, and keep them at the center of the efforts we are undertaking to shape the future of our School. 

The second is to carve out ample time to rest, recharge, and reconnect. The stresses and strains of the school year take their toll on everyone. Let’s use the next two months to engage in self-care, focus on our overall health and well-being, and spend as much quality time as possible with friends and families. If we can do these things, I truly believe we will be poised and prepared to accomplish anything we set our minds to when we return in August.

Warm regards, 

Thomas Hagerman
Head of School
 

Explore Our News & Stories

LifeafterLatin026

On Thursday, February 6, students gathered for the Life After Latin event, an opportunity to connect with alumni and explore future career paths. With 33 alumni speakers representing 12 different industries—from the visual arts to investment banking—students had a diverse range of perspectives to choose from. Spanning graduating classes from 1969 to 2018, these speakers shared their personal journeys, offering insight into life beyond the Latin experience. Held during community time, the event created an engaging and interactive space where students could freely explore potential career interests.

One of the highlights of Life After Latin was the diverse range of speakers, including a published children’s author and a physicist, showcasing the many different paths alumni have taken. Students had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, asking questions tailored to their interests. Whether hearing about the creative process behind writing books for young readers or gaining insight into the complexities of the physical world, students were exposed to a wealth of knowledge and experience. The event not only highlighted the vast possibilities beyond Latin but also reinforced the strength of the alumni network, leaving students inspired and excited for their own futures. View more photos from the event here.

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  • Alumni
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The Latin community showed up big on Friday as our Romans took on Parker in the annual Big Games at UIC. 

Hundreds of students, faculty, staff, families and alumni were in attendance to cheer on our varsity basketball teams, with the girls scoring a dominant victory and the boys coming up short in a hard fought battle. They also had the chance to see our Rising Romans and Lower School Cheer Squad in action, listen to performances by our incredible band, and celebrate the seniors on the two basketball teams and boys swimming team. Check out some of the highlights from the event in the photos below. 

We want to thank everyone who helped make the night unforgettable, including the Athletics Department, Alumni Office, Parent Association and, of course, our amazing fans. 

View our photo gallery of the Big Games here.

 

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  • Athletics
Latin Athletes of the Week: Dec. 13 - Jan. 27

Congratulations to our three Athletes of the Week for Dec. 13 - Jan. 27!

Thomas F. had a standout meet on Thursday, January 23, when he swam a season-best 2:06 in the 200-yard freestyle and 56.7 in the 100-yard freestyle in a close race. He also delivered a 24.4 split in the 200-yard freestyle relay, the top time for the team in that event. 

Thomas M. has been the leading scorer in multiple games this season, including the win over Noble Academy, where he put up 21 points, five rebounds, and three steals. 

Ellie S. has stepped up for the girls basketball team this season, making an impact on both ends of the court. From strong open-court defense on the press to being a scoring threat in the low post, she is averaging 10 points and four rebounds per game.

Nate W. kicked off his senior swim season by winning three of his four individual events. At a meet against Jones-Payton, Nate pulled ahead in the final 10 yards to win the 100-yard breaststroke, with an in-season best time of 1:03.93. He also played a key role in relays, helping the team secure a close win over Notre Dame College Prep.

Roya S., the team’s leading scorer and playmaker, led the Romans to victory in the Chicago Christian Thanksgiving Tournament. Her outstanding performance earned her a spot on the All-Tournament Team.

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  • Athletics
  • upper school
Latin alumni share insights as successful athletes

Latin recently hosted its first-ever Alumni Student-Athlete Recruitment Panel, which featured five incredible alums and accomplished athletes from the classes of 2013 to 2024 who were representing a variety of sports and NCAA divisions. During the event, the alums reflected on their unique journeys, offered valuable insights into the college recruitment process, discussed life as a collegiate athlete, and talked about what the world is like after sports. Their stories and advice left our student-athletes motivated to chase their dreams. 

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  • Alumni
  • Athletics