Latin teacher Tonya Curtis, originally from Arizona, worked in the corporate world, yet 8 years ago started teaching at Florida.  She has taught here for 5 years and enjoys riding her Harley Motorcycle.

What made you want to teach Latin? 

Like many students, I didn’t enjoy Latin all that much for the first three years or so, I just took it to satisfy my language credits since it fit in my schedule and I didn’t have to speak it.  But then I did a directed study with my favorite professor and we spent an entire semester studying a poem written by the Roman author Catullus.  It was really hard, but as I developed a better understanding of the language I also developed a genuine appreciation for the brilliance of the author and the beauty of Latin itself.  I was hooked.  Of course then I wished I would have paid more attention in Latin 1, 2, and 3.

What are your goals for the students who take Latin? 

I understand that not all students will enjoy learning Latin. It’s hard work.But I hope they all leave my class with a measure of appreciation for the language and culture. I hope their English grammar and vocabulary have improved; I hope they learned a few things they didn’t know, whether it be linguistic, cultural, or connected with their modern world, that will stick with them in the years to come.  I hope they’ve improved their ability. to problem solve and think outside the proverbial box.  I hope that those who do go on to learn another language will benefit from their time in Latin class.  And every once in a while, it is amazing when a student actually connects with and understands Latin well enough to genuinely appreciate its beauty.

Would you encourage people to take the language? Why or Why not?

Absolutely. Approximately 60% of English comes from Latin.  Approximately 90% of words that have two or more syllables come from either Latin or ancient Greek.  This language is a great English vocabulary builder. The words subterranean, custodial, veto, conclude, confide, debt, serve, volunteer, observe, neglect, fortify, magnitude, aviary, solitude, and many others, all come from Latin. Of course, this is only one out of the many reasons to take Latin.

What is your advice to students who are taking Latin? 

Study vocabulary in small chunks every day.  A lot of challenging grammar can be navigated if the vocabulary is familiar.  Context can then step in to help make sense of the sentence.  Be an active learner, ask on-topic questions, seek help when needed.  I love it when students get the help they need and the “light bulb” goes on for them.  I have no patience, however, for apathy.  Success requires effort.

What is Latin Club about?

Latin Club provides a no/low pressure environment for students to have some fun in a Roman / Latin sort of way.

 When do they meet?

Dates for meetings vary, depending on the time of year, but interested students can stop by the Latin classroom (Room 503) to check out the Club calendar or email the Club officers at SLHSLatin@gmail.com.

What do you do? 

We celebrate Rome’s birthday and a few of the Roman holidays. Meetings are always more fun if games and food are involved. We play Certamen (fast paced Latin Jeopardy style game).  We watch movies that have modern connections to ancient Roman culture/mythology.  We participate in the Homecoming parade.

What makes it a great club to join? 

Some of SLHS’ most awesome students take Latin. Club members are fun and energetic.  Friendships and study partnerships are formed.  Students from Latin 1 and 2 get to know students from the upper levels, which provides them with ready-made tutors. Students can show off their skills in other areas (i.e. mythology, culture, history, etc.), even if Latin grammar and translation isn’t their thing.