Magazine of Latin School of Chicago

Graphic representation of the Portrait of a Latin Learner
The Evolution of the Portrait of a Latin Learner

Curious explorers. Inclusive collaborators. Creative communicators. Critical thinkers. These four core competencies make up the pillars of what is called the Portrait of a Latin Learner. The project is a result of a multi-year process that involved teachers, administrators, students, parents and alumni. How did this project develop, what is its significance and how it will it be used in the future?

Every piece of data was examined and became part of the portrait
-Max Rouse

The History

The portrait was identified as a concept in the 2019 Latin Leads Strategic Design. That document laid out the mission, vision, values and strategy in order to create the best conditions for the growth, wellness, and achievement of every Latin learner. The project began pre-pandemic, when a group of Latin teachers began exploring how they could flesh out the strategic plan, according to Ash Hansberry, the Computer Science Department Chair. The project took a back seat during the pandemic but then was revitalized by the former Head of School, Randall Dunn, who asked Hansberry to be the point person and lead the team which would draft the portrait. Hansberry recruited faculty members, Fiona Deeney, Lower School Computer Science and Technology Integration Specialist, Adriana Durant, Upper School Dance, and Kelly Wyatt, Middle School French to join the Portrait team and the group set to work with ideas. 

Data Examined

The Portrait Team wanted their work to be informed by data. Max Rouse, Assistant Middle School Director, and leader of the Learn Team indicated that all constituencies (parents and families, students, alumni, faculty and staff) provided data. For example, parents were surveyed and asked what skills their students were learning that would prepare them for the future. Middle school students were invited to create a billboard indicating what made Latin special to them. “Every piece of data was examined and became part of the portrait,” said Rouse. “We were looking for themes.” Additionally, the team looked at other organizations including data from colleges, other K-12 schools and workplaces to be sure that the portrait compared well with what other organizations expect from young people. 

These themes eventually morphed into the competencies. In early summer of 2022, the Learn Team began drafting a prototype which provided descriptors and examples of ways that students demonstrate the competencies. After numerous drafts, the portrait was presented to teachers and staff in August of 2022.  

Portrait Value and Next Steps

The portrait is meant to be the cornerstone for any type of learning that takes place at Latin. “We are trying to unify the language we use with students,” said Rouse. “The document provides somewhat of a road map of how to construct and refine programming and learning.” Adds Hansberry, “Long term, we want to be able to use this portrait and competencies as a through-line between all of our programs and curriculum.” Additionally, the portrait is meant to be applicable to all age groups, explained Rouse. “Students can be Latin learners anywhere along their experience.” 

The next step involves implementation. Hansberry indicated that certain departments and teachers are experimenting with the portrait already. For example, in the Upper School, the college counseling department analyzed their goals and then created a document that comports with the portrait. Professional development for faculty and staff is planned for the spring. 

...we want to be able to use this portrait and competencies as a through-line between all of our programs and curriculum.
-Ash Hansberry

Given the multi-year development of the portrait, Hansberry points out that the portrait should not be viewed as one-and-done. “Instead, the way I think about it, is that this is an alignment, a reflection and a goal setting process.” Hansberry noted that as implementation occurs, faculty and staff may identify more needs. The portrait team is open to the resulting revisions that may occur.  

Rouse is eager to see how the portrait informs programming in the future. “For new programs, the portrait will help them become mission-aligned,” he said. He envisions that the portrait will help develop programs, and that the language of new programs will be tweaked to conform with the portrait. “It will become part of the process to get new programs off the ground.”

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  • Around School
  • Features
The Evolution of the Portrait of a Latin Learner

Curious explorers. Inclusive collaborators. Creative communicators. Critical thinkers. These four core competencies make up the pillars of what is called the Portrait of a Latin Learner. The project is a result of a multi-year process that involved teachers, administrators, students, parents and alumni. How did this project develop, what is its significance and how it will it be used in the future?

Every piece of data was examined and became part of the portrait
-Max Rouse

The History

The portrait was identified as a concept in the 2019 Latin Leads Strategic Design. That document laid out the mission, vision, values and strategy in order to create the best conditions for the growth, wellness, and achievement of every Latin learner. The project began pre-pandemic, when a group of Latin teachers began exploring how they could flesh out the strategic plan, according to Ash Hansberry, the Computer Science Department Chair. The project took a back seat during the pandemic but then was revitalized by the former Head of School, Randall Dunn, who asked Hansberry to be the point person and lead the team which would draft the portrait. Hansberry recruited faculty members, Fiona Deeney, Lower School Computer Science and Technology Integration Specialist, Adriana Durant, Upper School Dance, and Kelly Wyatt, Middle School French to join the Portrait team and the group set to work with ideas. 

Data Examined

The Portrait Team wanted their work to be informed by data. Max Rouse, Assistant Middle School Director, and leader of the Learn Team indicated that all constituencies (parents and families, students, alumni, faculty and staff) provided data. For example, parents were surveyed and asked what skills their students were learning that would prepare them for the future. Middle school students were invited to create a billboard indicating what made Latin special to them. “Every piece of data was examined and became part of the portrait,” said Rouse. “We were looking for themes.” Additionally, the team looked at other organizations including data from colleges, other K-12 schools and workplaces to be sure that the portrait compared well with what other organizations expect from young people. 

These themes eventually morphed into the competencies. In early summer of 2022, the Learn Team began drafting a prototype which provided descriptors and examples of ways that students demonstrate the competencies. After numerous drafts, the portrait was presented to teachers and staff in August of 2022.  

Portrait Value and Next Steps

The portrait is meant to be the cornerstone for any type of learning that takes place at Latin. “We are trying to unify the language we use with students,” said Rouse. “The document provides somewhat of a road map of how to construct and refine programming and learning.” Adds Hansberry, “Long term, we want to be able to use this portrait and competencies as a through-line between all of our programs and curriculum.” Additionally, the portrait is meant to be applicable to all age groups, explained Rouse. “Students can be Latin learners anywhere along their experience.” 

The next step involves implementation. Hansberry indicated that certain departments and teachers are experimenting with the portrait already. For example, in the Upper School, the college counseling department analyzed their goals and then created a document that comports with the portrait. Professional development for faculty and staff is planned for the spring. 

...we want to be able to use this portrait and competencies as a through-line between all of our programs and curriculum.
-Ash Hansberry

Given the multi-year development of the portrait, Hansberry points out that the portrait should not be viewed as one-and-done. “Instead, the way I think about it, is that this is an alignment, a reflection and a goal setting process.” Hansberry noted that as implementation occurs, faculty and staff may identify more needs. The portrait team is open to the resulting revisions that may occur.  

Rouse is eager to see how the portrait informs programming in the future. “For new programs, the portrait will help them become mission-aligned,” he said. He envisions that the portrait will help develop programs, and that the language of new programs will be tweaked to conform with the portrait. “It will become part of the process to get new programs off the ground.”

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Crystal Marshall
Roman Rockstar: Crystal Marshall '01

Crystal Marshall '01, CEO and Founder of Write to Success, LLC, draws on her experience as an 8-year Lead Executive Assistant at BET (a subsidiary of Paramount Global), where she earned the Above & Beyond Award for excelling as a book tour manager, magazine Lead Editor, and talent manager at award shows like the BET Awards.

Crystal's Latin highlights include Project Week in China, the Black Student Union, playing basketball and volleyball, and her favorite teacher, Mr. Russell Harris.
 

  • Alumni
Post-Season Successes for US Athletics
Post-Season Successes for US Athletics

Cross Country
Boys and girls teams delivered top performances at their state meets. The boys earned a spot on the podium with a third place finish, while the girls claimed fifth overall. Mia K. took fourth individually, and Francesca M. finished 17th, with both earning All-State honors for their efforts.

Varsity Volleyball
The team’s playoff journey concluded in the Elite 8 after a hard-fought match against Timothy Christian. Both sets were tightly contested, with scores of 23-25. Senior captain Emma D. was named Player of the Year and the coaching staff was named Coaching Staff of the Year for the ISL.

Varsity Swim
At sectionals, the team achieved a solid fifth place finish, with several swimmers setting personal records. Greta T. continued her great season with PRs in the 100-yard butterfly (second place) and 500-yard freestyle. 

Boys Soccer
The team had an impressive season, finishing second in the ISL and advancing to the regional finals, where they faced a tough matchup against St. Ignatius. The team’s dedication and sportsmanship, which were evident all season, earned them the ISL Sportsmanship Award. This season showcased the team's resilience and cohesion, and set a high standard for seasons to come.

Boys Golf
Boys golf enjoyed a great season, highlighted by Jack Z’s impressive performance at the state championships, where he finished 13th overall. Jack's achievements didn’t stop there—he was also named ISL Boys Golfer of the Year, recognizing his skill, consistency, and dedication throughout the season. The entire team showed remarkable improvement and teamwork, setting a solid foundation for future success.

Girls Tennis
Girls Tennis wrapped up their season on a high note at sectionals, where our 1-doubles team secured a spot in the state tournament! Malia Chen '25 and Nicola Kupczyk '26 won their first three rounds before a tough fourth-round match ended their impressive run.

Girls Golf
Girls golf showed consistent strength and teamwork, with Caitlin C. and Gillian H. both qualifying for sectionals. They represented the team well, competing with determination and adding to a season of growth and success.

Field Hockey
The team reached new heights this season, securing their first-ever spot in the final four with a thrilling victory over Loyola Academy in the IHSFHA sectional final. In the state semifinals, they faced a strong New Trier team, coming up short in a tough matchup. The team then battled Glenbrook South in the third place game on Saturday, ultimately finishing fourth in the state. The season was filled with standout achievements, including Abby K. being named ISL Defensive Player of the Year and Joey F. earning Co-Goalie of the Year honors. Additionally, our coaching staff was recognized as the ISL Coaching Staff of the Year, a testament to their amazing leadership.

 

  • Athletics
athletesoftheweeknov15
Latin Athletes of the Week: Oct. 26 - Nov. 15

Congratulations to our three Athletes of the Week for Oct. 26 - Nov. 15!

  • Mia K. led the girls cross country team at the state tournament, earning all-state honors with an impressive fourth place finish. Despite it being her first race of the season, she also secured second place at sectionals. Congratulations, Mia, on an outstanding season!
  • The girls varsity volleyball team had an outstanding postseason, winning both the regional and sectional championships in dominating fashion. Their hard work and teamwork propelled them to the super sectionals, where they lost a well-played match against Timothy Christian. 
  • Greta T. shined at the ISL Championship for girls swimming and diving, placing second in the 100-yard butterfly with a season-best 1:06.11; dominating the 500-yard freestyle, finishing 54.37 seconds ahead of the field with a 5:49.22; leading the 200-yard freestyle relay to a second place finish with a 26.86 split; and setting a season PR in the 400-yard freestyle relay. 
athletesoftheweeknov15

 

  • Athletics
7th grade boys soccer
Latin Middle School sports teams enjoy successful fall season

Latin’s Middle School athletics program had an exciting and eventful fall season that featured the continued growth and development of our student-athletes. Below are some of the highlights. 

Boys Soccer: The boys soccer team had an impressive season that was punctuated by excellent teamwork and resilience on the field. They finished with several exciting wins and continued to improve their skills with each game. (Seventh grade team pictured above, eighth grade team pictured below.)

8th grade boys soccer

 

Girls Field Hockey: Our girls field hockey team demonstrated determination and growth throughout the season. Their hard work paid off with a series of well-fought matches, and their defense was a standout aspect of their game play.

Girls Volleyball: The volleyball team’s season was marked by dedication and impressive teamwork. From powerful serves to well-coordinated plays, the team showcased their skills in each match and celebrated several key victories.

JV girls volleyball

MS JV Girls Volleyball

Coed Cross Country: This season, our cross country team embodied endurance and a strong team spirit, achieving personal bests and competing hard in every race. They consistently supported each other, contributing to an atmosphere of camaraderie and achievement.

Coed Water Polo: The coed water polo team tackled every match with energy and enthusiasm, growing stronger as the season progressed. Their commitment to learning and teamwork was evident as they capped off the season with a number of well-played games.

We want to congratulate our fall teams on their achievements.

Follow the Latin Athletic Department's Instagram page for the latest updates.

  • Athletics
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