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Qui sunt?
Latin Program Underway at Somerset Academy
When one door closes, another opens.
Such as it is with Latin programs across the country these days. Some schools, in an effort to scale down their spending, have decided to shed courses from their curriculum. Usually, these are cited as courses that are not a part of the central core of the public school education system – i.e. English, Math, Science. We obviously feel that this is an oversight and an injustice to students and to their future, but that is something we can discuss at another time. There is a school that is bucking the trend, however. At a time when most are cutting back Somerset Academy is adding a Latin program.
Despite its popularity among its students, parents and community, Doctors Charter School closed its Latin program. As a result, Somerset Academy seized the opportunity to build one of their own with the same teacher, John Ricard.
The program will start simply, with Latin I, building from its 8th grade student population while also offering courses to 9th, 10th and even 11th graders. The idea is to offer high school credit to 8th graders, which will get them their 2nd year of a foreign language out of the way after only their 9th grade year. This will form a strong base for the Latin program and help to establish a tradition at the school.
The 8th graders, however, are not the only ones with interest in the program and for whom it would benefit. Current high school students – in 9th, 10th and even 11th grades – will benefit as there is time to take Latin I this year and Latin II next year. This would not only fulfill their language requirements, but also give them the added benefits that an education in the study of Latin can bring them – just in time for college.
New Latin program being promoted for Somerset Academy students
There are several orientations taking place this week at Somerset Academy in Pembroke Pines and there will be a booth available for the students there to get more information on the program and the benefits of studying Latin. (Chances are, some of those very students will be referred to Romae.org to get more information) In fact, Somerset Academy has already posted a link for a promotional flyer advertising the new Latin program that is being installed this year. Students, if they are interested, are being encouraged to sign up and change their schedules accordingly.
Learn More
Latin offers various benefits to anyone who undertakes the difficult and challenging task of studying it. This is also why the study of Latin is widely recognized as an unmatched academic endeavor for prospective college students by universities. Here are a couple of links that can help potential Latin students make the decision to take the plunge:
Latin at Somerset Academy flyer
Why Study Latin? Middle School Students
Survey of College and University Admissions Personnel about value of taking Latin
National Junior Classical League – largest classical organization in the world today, comprised of junior and senior high school students
New York Times: Latin Returns from the Dead!
Well, we all know that Latin offers a wide range of benefits for those who dare to challenge themselves with the ancient tongue of the Romans. Not just practical benefits, like an increase in SAT verbal scores or the ability to impress people at parties with Ciceronian orations, but also for the cultivating nature it has for one’s soul and outlook on live. That said, it seems others are starting to join the colloquium.
According to an October 7th article in the New York Times, there have been consistent increases in Latin courses in New York schools over the last several years – and the trend is continuing around the country. Latin is now replacing German as the third most taught language in school curricula, and its steady climb continues. Keep up the good work Latin teachers, students and supporters of classical education!
Discover Ancient Rome with Google Earth
Just found this article online and thought it would be of interest: you can look at ancient Rome and what it would have been like using Google Earth.
There is a side project called Rome Reborn 2.0 where there is an attempt ti digitize the ancient structures and byways of Rome – although the web site looks a little “underdone”.
In the meantime, check out this video explaining Google Earth’s project:
In order to for you to go back in time to ancient Rome, just go to Google Earth and download the player and fly around ancient Rome yourself!
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