We, the students of the High School Latin Program, specifically the Latin Club, are concerned with the treatment of Latin as a class and as a program. We are aware of the plan to eliminate the offering of Latin to 6th graders, and this is quite alarming to us. We value this language and the culture it creates as an essential part of our educational experience. Everyone has their own way of enjoying school and for many people, this is it. We have spent years cultivating an environment where Latin is a language for everyone to enjoy, no matter their knowledge of classics. Latin, given that 6th graders are unable to choose it, will falter and countless young minds won't be able to learn the many skills it can teach, and the community to be found in its study. These 6th graders are unable to experience the first, and arguably most important year of Latin. If this trend of slowly ridding Shaker Heights of Latin continues (it’s looking like it will), we won't have a club to enjoy or a language to learn. 

We are asking the Shaker Heights School District to:

• Restore Latin as an option for 6th graders
• Commit to preserving and supporting the Latin program at all levels

Help us protect this vital part of our education. Please sign and share this petition to show your support for Latin in Shaker Heights!!