Issue link: http://latinschool.uberflip.com/i/246730
Background: Junior kindergartners at play. Middle school science class. Latin officially kicked off its 125th Anniversary celebration during convocation in September, followed by an all school photo in Lincoln Park. Also, almost immediately, Dunn supported efforts to reevaluate and strengthen the school's community service program with the goal of making it both more engaging for students and making it a program that would have a tangible impact on the Chicago community. In 2012, Latin launched the Uptown Partnership. By working with local civic leaders and cultural and community organizations such as schools, shelters, non-profits, soup kitchens, and groups that serve children, the elderly and people with disabilities in Uptown, Latin strives to have a meaningful impact on this neighborhood while also providing students in all three divisions of the school with an in-depth service learning experience Lower school students use laptops and iPads. 122 L AT I N M AGAZINE In 2013, the school once again completed a strategic planning process, refining the roadmap for the future that was written in 2007. As part of this process, the entire school community was engaged in the articulation and examination of Latin School's core values – "values that we had, until this point, felt and experienced, but not yet committed to words on paper," Dunn wrote in the introduction to the plan. "They affirm what makes our community and culture 'Latin'. Going forward, our values will remind us of what we must honor and renew as we tackle the challenges and opportunities before us." Excellence. Community. Integrity. These in many ways are values that have sustained Latin School of Chicago since Mabel Slade Vickery opened the school doors on a bright October morning in 1888. In its 125th year, Latin continues to set standards for academic excellence in the City of Chicago. Much like in its first year, the school remains committed to teaching and learning and to providing an outstanding educational experience for its students. Latin's faculty are still the heart of the school. And, the relationships between students, teachers, alumni and families continue to enrich the lives of all Romans. As Latin School of Chicago continues to grow, evolve, and change it is these qualities that will write the stories of our school for the future. n