Physics and AP Environmental Science teacher Mr. Torrence lead faculty in a book group discussion of the book The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure. The book, written by The Atlantic writers Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt based on a previous essay they wrote considers whether parents and teachers are overprotective of this generation of students. The book considers whether the concepts of microaggressions, identity politics, and cancel culture have limited young people’s social, intellectual and emotional maturity. Conversations about grit, socio-emotional education, and values are central to teacher reading choices, and our school values the opportunity for teachers to engage in open conversations on these topics.
Ms. Smith hosted an outdoor soiree to discuss the election results with teachers at Latin. The outdoor, socially distanced masked porch conversation is part of an ongoing series of teacher discussions that happen afterschool. By joining our colleagues to discuss current events, history, or philosophy, teachers at Washington Latin share our intellectual curiosity and our value of open discussions. Teachers have hosted various topics for discussion with their colleagues, sharing news articles, writings by Aristotle and Plato, and editorials for discussion outside the classroom and the school day.
Washington Latin parents met with teachers for 10 minute discussions via Zoom on Wednesday. There will be more conferences next week on November 18th, and the following week on November 24th, so that every parent has the opportunity to speak to each and every one of their children’s teachers. Parent-teacher conferences at the end of the first quarter are a wonderful chance to connect with teachers and allow parents to understand the skills their children learned in the first quarter and set habits for the second quarter. It also allows us all to put faces with names and ask questions. We hope you will attend during the next two conferences if you weren’t able to this week.
Washington Latin Class of 2020 graduate John Parker graduated from Army basic training this week. He is a member of the Bravo Company, 4th Platoon. Several Washington Latin graduates have taken part in the military training to serve their country,, including the Coast Guard, army and Air Force after completing high school.
Charles Brown, a Life Scout and senior at Washington Latin, led the rebuilding of the South Manor Park neighborhood sign as his Eagle Scout Service Project. Ward 4 outgoing councilmember Brandon Todd, and Washington Latin 5th grade parent and ANC Commissioner Allison Brooks attended a celebration of the new sign.
