At Thursday’s sixth annual fall concert, students sang various songs associated with the bounty of fall.  The men’s choir started with “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, and the women’s choir performed “Songs of Sanctuary: Adiemus” by Karl Jenkins.  The Full Voice Choir sang “You Raise Me Up,” featuring several voice solos and a violin duet by senior Sophie Collier and freshman Owen Fox-Whelpton. The Jazz Band then performed several songs including “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire.  The Concert Choir followed up with a variety of songs including “In My Life,” by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Latin Voices sang a wide variety of songs, including a traditional African Zulu song, and Honors Choir ended with “Aint That Good News,” by William L. Dawson.  We thank the students who set the night ablaze with a musical salute to fall!

Fifth graders spent a sunny fall day in the woods last week for the annual trip to Calleva.  The camp space is the largest outdoor education organization in Central Maryland, and includes various team building activities. Students rotated in small groups through activities that built problem solving, coordination and survival skills. Students tested their fears on zip lines, the giant swing, the round robin, and the maypole. The purpose of the trip is to teach students survival and relational skills outside of the classroom and encourage students to collaborate and think like a team.

The Quiz Bowl team will compete again this year on the television show “It’s Academic” on  Saturday, November 19 at 2:30 pm. The team, coached by assistant principal Mr. Benjamin includes seniors Alex Crute and Harry Warren and junior Eric Wright. The event will be taped at the NBC 4 Studio. Washington Latin will compete against Fairfax County schools Robinson and Annandale, and will of course bring our own personal cheering section in the form of Ms. Nevola and the Jazz Band, which will perform. The 55-year old show is the longest running game show in the history of television. Last year the team, including Crute and Wright,  lost a very close contest with Edison High School in Montgomery County. Latin is the first public charter school to ever compete on the show.

Last week Washington Latin Girls and Boys Varsity Cross Country Squads left the competition in their dust as each team took first first place for the Public Charter School Athletic Association Championships. Freshmen Luke Tewalt and Oliver Spiva and sophomore Nick Geist came in top 3 for the boys and senior Elena Mujal, freshman Nora Butler and sophomore Cecilia Timberg came in top 3 for the girls! The team is coached by music teacher Ms. Nevola. Our middle school also has a cross country team, coached by Mr. Green and Ms. McDaniel.

On October 18, students in D.C. History attended the 2nd annual DC Charter School Day with the DC City Council. Alongside head of school Mr. Anderson and D.C. history teacher Mr. Eleby-El, the students had the chance to watch the entire city council in session and hear about current legislation proposals.  Students heard a range of topics including debates over statehood and even a proposal to change the District’s name. The D.C. History class has several trips involving city government, local museums and historical sites. Students attending the council on Tuesday included seniors Teddy Ammon, Samantha Anderson, Alexander Arias-Sanchez, Da’Quon Brown, Kyle Clayton, Sophie Collier, Dominique Cravens,  Dominique Cravins, Elias Demian, Alex Hagan, Carmaya Humble, Donte Johnson, Saphire Johnson, Judah Lloyd, Karl Loots, Samuel Montrey, Antonio Posada, Ben Roodman, Camille White, Jake Wilson, and Benjamin Wood.