Junior Dylan Paglee wrote a story in Arabic III to retell Aristophanes’ account of the two lovers that Zeus split in half, forever to look for their long lost love. Here’s a rough translation of the story completed by his Arabic teacher, Mr. Hamd: “There was a myth in Greece. In the story two people were in one body. Zeus chose to cut the people in two. For that reason they look for each other, this is their life.” At Latin, the richness of the modern language and classical language curriculum allows students to make complex connections between worlds and cultures. 

Sophomores and juniors met up in small groups, masked and socially distant, to participate in outdoor escape rooms, hikes, bike rides, kickball, neighborhood cleanup and a Paint and Sip with Ms. Coleman in the Latin courtyard. This gave upper schoolers a chance to see each other’s faces, catch up, and reconnect over shared passion and creativity while following social distancing protocols. 

The Upper School literary magazine, Open Mic, published a beautiful edition this week. Junior Eliza Cattaneo worked hard on the magazine, which was founded several years ago. Juniors Kayla Park and Ally Bliemehl, and freshman Charlotte Lin all played important roles in the publication. Club advisor and English teacher Ms. Seid helped share the hard with teachers and students. The magazine features various art works, paintings, hand drawings, photography, poetry, and narration by upper school students. 

Both seventh grader Reva Kelly and eighth grader Niamh O’Donovan have made the city spelling bee after participating in both the schoolwide and area cluster bees. Niamh was the top speller in the cluster bee. Reva was in a 3 way tie for 2nd. All four spellers will advance to the city bee. The city bee will be held virtually in March. 

Middle school students met on Wednesday for an assembly celebrating  Black History Month. Eighth grader Cydney Roberts served as the MC. For the upper school assembly, eleventh grader Casey Rice, and senior Amaya Tatum served at the MCs. Other speakers included sixth graders Selah Brown and Kayode Elion and fifth graders Quinn Frankiewicz, and junior Jonah Spiva. For the upper school, junior Vladimir Zadorojny shared a reflection about musicians who inspired him. Senior Graham Evans  considered how Washington Latin had taught a more complex approach to African American history beyond the limits of the month of February, and senior Chimauchem Ukaegbu reflected on the meaning of his name and Nigerian history.  Senior Hawa Sturr shared an original poem and speech about Billie Holiday. Students reflected on the lives of African American historical figures through arts, science, and education. Students also submitted artwork and poetry to showcase their reflections on black history and culture. Fifth grade science teacher Ms. Dorsey spoke about the history of her college, Howard University, as a beacon of excellence and its role within historically black colleges and universities educating the next generation of leaders. Ms. Allison was the faculty speaker for the upper school assembly, and Mr. Anderson shared a closing address. Students honored teachers and peers with merits, and teachers spoke about students who had exhibited creativity, kindness and growth in class with merits. Assemblies allow students a chance to convene as a large group, hear each other’s voices, show support for peers, and practice public speaking skills.