Recent developments with IRCSD Administration officials are effectively canceling the Latin program within the district.  Our beloved Magistra (translation: Mrs./Female Teacher) Kiechle has devoted her entire life to this program with 36 of those years benefiting IRCSD students directly.   

In addition to introducing students to the Classics and teaching Latin, Mrs. Kiechle also taught both English and German early on in her career and continues to mentor students in a variety of subjects.  

IRCSD has always offered students diversified options for education, including four foreign languages which is notable for a public school district. People often complain that Latin is a "dead language" yet it is the stem from which all Romance Languages (French, Italian, Spanish, etc.) have been derived.   Latin will be helpful to students in a number of professions - law, medicine, archeology, science, English/Literature, writing careers - the list could go on and on.  It also significantly improves SAT scores.

One major perk to Latin that you may not have considered - it's the perfect way to remain inclusive and reach our introverted students.  Since there are no native speakers, there is no pressure to become conversationally fluent.  However, these students will learn how to break down words which will aid them to better understand the English language and strengthen their writing skills. Fun Fact: Over 60% of English vocabulary derives from Latin. In every chapter of Latin, Mrs. Kiechle looks at new vocabulary with students to see how many English words come from the new Latin words. (IRCSD classes' current record is 54 English words from 1 Latin word!)  

 

All of those who have signed this petition are collectively urging Indian River's Board of Education to: 

1) maintain its diverse educational offerings by continuing the Latin program

2) provide a suitable language option for introverted students by supporting and promoting the Latin program effectively

3) actively look for a Latin teacher to replace Mrs. Kiechle when she is ready to retire. 

4) until another Latin Teacher has been hired, do NOT accept Mrs. Kiechle's current resignation

 

A few final thoughts to consider: 

"What if studying Latin has very few direct, visible, short-term benefits but is the key ingredient to helping all of us think more logically, exercise better judgment, be less prone to deception, understand language more fully, and even be more virtuous? What if the study of Latin, more than any of the more practical fields of study like business, computer science, education, or biology, is the key to success for future business leaders, engineers, teachers, and doctors?

I think it is and here's why" - Michael Ortner, the CEO and co-founder of Capterra - https://bit.ly/2ZdipPo

______________________________________________________________________

Anywhere from 16-50% of young people are introverted.  "Why We Need to Pay Attention to Young Introverts" - FORBES  - https://bit.ly/359ILWc

______________________________________________________________________

Why Take Latin? - Mrs. Kiechle - https://bit.ly/2F83pLq

______________________________________________________________________

How Latin Helps Improve Your SAT Score https://bit.ly/3bx2kc3