Students in AP English literature took a trip Wednesday to the Portrait Gallery. This is one of our frequent trips to the Smithsonian museums that support our curriculum. Students will view the Sylvia Plath exhibit and the permanent Struggle for Justice exhibit. The class, taught by Ms. Seid, will tap into aspects of the Struggle for Justice exhibit later in the year when they read Ralph Ellison. Last year Ms. Seid also took students to the Folger Shakespeare Library and New York Public Library to learn more about various authors in the class. Students in Honors Humanities also take a visit in the spring to the National Gallery. The trips to view artwork and classic texts help students extend their reading and understanding outside of the classroom. These trips help diversify and integrate students understanding, and emphasize the importance of art and beauty in learning.
Freshmen took part in a Terrapin Adventure Course on Wednesday. The annual outdoor trip allows ninth graders to get to know each other outside of the classroom, build trust, and problem-solving experiences in a unique environment. Trips to outdoor destinations are part of fifth, sixth, seventh, ninth, eleventh and twelfth grade field experiences, with outdoor overnights in seventh, eleventh, and twelfth grade. These create wonderful opportunities for students to learn to adapt to a different environment and take chances that will help them build confidence.
For upper school Arabic teacher Mr. Porcelli, summer studies have offered him a chance to continue his love of travel. Mr. Porcelli has been active in helping create a teacher travel grant program to allow educators at Latin to enhance their own education with various workshops, classes, or adventures. This summer he hiked within the Grand Canyon and walked to Havasupai Falls, a 30 mile trip with a 5000 foot descent. He also traveled to the United Kingdom to present at a conference for Arabic teachers at the British Councils London. Finally, he visited Long Beach, California to attend a professional conference for American Arabic teachers sponsored by the Qatar Foundation International.
Upper school Arabic teacher Joe Hamd was interviewed on Al Jazeera Arabic in a live TV broadcast around the globe. He spoke about Qatar Foundation International and teaching Arabic in the United States. He had the chance to speak about the work that QFI does to enhance Washington Latin’s foreign language program and teach about modern cultures.
Students have been working to collect useful items and donations for families hit by Hurricane Harvey in Texas. Ninth grade history teacher Ms. Barroso is helping organize the fundraiser drive with a variety of upper school student volunteers. Students may bring in gift cards from Lowe’s, Home Depot, Walmart, Target, or Kroeger of ANY amount. Students may also contribute checks made out to Catholic Charities USA, with “Hurricane Harvey” in the memo. Students will bring their donations to their advisor, and advisors will receive an envelope for collections. Each morning a staff member will empty the envelopes. Our school is attempting to reach a goal of $7500 by September 15, so that we can help many people rebuild or refurnish their homes after the storm.
