Salvete Omnes,
This is a note to say thank you for a grand, ultimate Rome Day for me. When I came to The Gregory School 30 years ago, we had a Greek week. It grew into Rome Days when all middle schoolers took Latin as a required class. Now it has survived Covid, and we can celebrate another day together. It keeps transforming, like everything.
One of our most important words is gather. On April 25, close to Rome’s birthday, we will have a whole middle school gathering. We shall divide into teams and have games of strength, skills, talents, and cunning. It is a good time to work together for success and learning. We’ll see a play written and put on by the 5th grade. We’ll hear the international storyteller, Daniel Morden, tell us two ancient tales about timeless feelings. We’ll have a Roman lunch and cheer for our rolling chariots. I appreciate a day of togetherness, fun, and, I expect, awe.
The community has been gathering for Rome day for weeks. The Fab Lab has been making trophies and awards, groups have been making flags and banners, and artists have been crafting odes and amphorae for prizes. Even squads of high schoolers, dads, and an alumnus, William Goodman, built a worthy triumphal arch and fresh chariots. We have gathered widely in this full team effort to make a celebration. I’m a little sad about this, but some student may have one of the best days ever on Rome Day.
It is important to remember the past and our roots. Life in Europe 2000 years ago is quite like our life today. We know theater and sports. We have leisure and libraries and schools. We share the foundations of government and law. Our western civilization transforms, but it is good to see the history with the changes. And it is important to gather. Ago gratias vobis.
Mr. Clashman
