Middle School Latin Class Steeped in Tradition

August 21st, 2024

Any StM student who has taken Middle School Latin with Mr. Keith Schwarz can attest it is a special, one-of-a-kind experience filled with deep learning, meaningful experiences, huge amounts of laughter and fun, and memorable traditions. The "Latin 7 Starter Pack" is a newer tradition in Middle School Latin. All students new to the program recently received:

A locker magnet welcoming them to the Middle School Latin experience with the words Pars Traditionis Sum, meaning, "I am part of the tradition."
A locker magnet featuring the Roman name they chose as sixth graders after being accepted into the program
A small glass bottle of ketchup, symbolizing the idea that while the benefits of Latin may not appear right away, just as ketchup does not immediately flow from a glass bottle. Latin students realize these benefits will eventually "leave the bottle" to enhance other areas of learning if given time and patience.
A small mirror to remind them that they alone are responsible for their success in this class. Each mirror bears the slogan, Nosce te ipsum. Crede te ipsum. ("Know yourself. Trust yourself.")
Eighth grade Latin students also received magnets featuring Roman Garfield, who has become the de facto class mascot over the years.