Help save the Latin program at Upper Dublin School District:

The Latin program at Upper Dublin School District (Pennsylvania, USA) is being considered for elimination. This will be discussed at the upcoming school board meeting on May 6. The UDSD program has been part of the district for over 41 years and has produced four Latin teachers who are currently teaching in Pennsylvania—just one example of its long-term impact.

While low enrollment has been cited as a concern, the issue is largely structural:

• The Latin 1 entry point at the high school had not run for decades, limiting access for new students
• Students must pay ~$500 for a summer course to enter the sequence
• Recent staffing shifts disrupted continuity and contributed to temporary dips
• These are fixable problems, not indicators of a failing program.

At the same time, student engagement is strong and growing:

• AP Latin enrollment is up
• Four active student organizations (including JCL and National Latin Honor Society)
• Three student-run publications
• First Italy trip in decades
• Largest delegation at state competition, with participation doubling over the past five years
• Consistent state and national recognition

Check out Upper Dublin's PAJCL Digital Scrapbook to view some examples of the program's recent impacts and events.

Why teaching Latin in public schools matters:

Latin, often deemed a 'dead' language, is far from extinct in its influence and applicability, particularly in the realms of education, linguistics, and culture. Bringing Latin to public schools is not merely an effort to revive old traditions but to equip future generations with powerful analytical and linguistic tools.

Latin offers numerous educational benefits. Studies have shown that learning Latin can significantly enhance literacy skills, particularly in English, by providing a deeper understanding of grammar, vocabulary and etymology. It's estimated that over 60% of English words have Latin roots, meaning that a foundational knowledge in Latin can substantially bolster students' vocabulary and comprehension skills.

Moreover, Latin is the precursor to the Romance languages such as Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese. A background in Latin can make it easier for students to learn these languages, opening doors to rich cultural and communicative experiences. Additionally, Latin aids in understanding scientific, legal, and medical terminology, providing an edge for students aspiring to enter these fields.

Beyond academics, studying Latin fosters critical thinking and logical reasoning skills, as students must deconstruct complex sentences and verbs. This analytical skill set is transferable to myriad domains, enhancing cognitive abilities and problem-solving aptitudes.

Despite these benefits, Latin is seldom offered in the curriculum of public schools, depriving many students of its advantages. Implementing Latin courses requires support in terms of policy advocacy and funding. We urge educational authorities and local governments to consider integrating Latin into public school offerings, starting with pilot programs or elective courses to gauge interest and demonstrate impact.

By signing this petition, you join a cause to enrich our educational systems with a language that empowers critical thinking, supports multi-language acquisition, and unlocks the beauty of historical texts. Sign and help champion the reintroduction of Latin in public schools to nurture well-rounded, linguistically adept scholars.

Take further action:

• Attend the School Board Meeting on May 6 in person or virtually and show your support
• Email the school board to express the value of the Latin program to the region, the state, the community, and the profession 
• Share your experience or your student’s experience in Latin

Learn more about the UDSD Latin program:

• Class website: https://bit.ly/mageesh
• Club website: https://sites.google.com/udsd.org/udsd-jcl/home
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GmY5CtzHL/