Founders Classical Academy of Fort Worth
Week of May 10 - May 16
Sententia Hebdomadis (Quote of the Week)
"Sentio, ergo sum." - Descartes
(“I feel, therefore I am.")
Salvēte!
UPCOMING EVENTS!
FIELD DAY - MAY 21ST
Founders of Fort Worth is in need of 10 VOLUNEERS to help assist the school on Field Day. The school is also in need of the following items for that day:
Water
Popsicles
Gatorade
Coolers
Ice
Thank you for any and all help you can provide!
Link to details here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Vb2HqpvX8c5AiUAMrXMxdn4TtFRLdQLWjwIixj3KiUw/edit?tab=t.0
Hebdomadis Recapitulatio (Week in Review)
This week, students successfully completed Chapter 10 of Wheelock’s Latin, wrapping up our study of 3rd-io and 4th conjugation verbs. We spent time reinforcing how these verb types differ from earlier conjugations while also reviewing key vocabulary from the chapter. Students practiced translating sentences that required careful attention to verb endings and overall sentence structure. We also revisited previously learned concepts to ensure that students are building on a strong grammatical foundation. By the end of the week, many students showed increased confidence in identifying and translating more complex verb forms. This chapter marks an important milestone as students continue developing their fluency in reading Latin.
Prospicientia in Proximam Hebdomadam (Looking Ahead to Next Week)
Next week, we will begin Chapter 11 of Wheelock’s Latin, which introduces new grammatical concepts that build directly on what students have already learned. Students will encounter new vocabulary and begin working with more advanced sentence structures. As always, we will take a step-by-step approach—first identifying forms, then practicing translation, and finally applying these skills in longer passages. Students will continue strengthening their ability to parse verbs and nouns accurately, an essential skill for success in Latin. We will also incorporate review opportunities to ensure that earlier material remains fresh. By the end of the week, students should feel comfortable navigating the core ideas introduced in this new chapter.
Verbum Hebdomadis (Word of the Week)
Sentiō, sentīre, sēnsī, sēnsum – “to feel, perceive, think”
This 4th conjugation verb is an excellent example of how Latin expresses both physical sensation and intellectual thought. Students will see how sentiō can mean “I feel” in a physical sense or “I think/understand” in a more abstract sense. It is also the root of English words like sense and sensation, making it a great bridge between Latin and everyday language.
Scisne…? (Did You Know...?)
The month of May in ancient Rome was associated with the goddess Maia, for whom the month is named. Maia was connected with growth, warmth, and the flourishing of nature in spring. During this time, Romans celebrated festivals that honored both the earth and the spirits of their ancestors, reflecting a balance between life and remembrance. Interestingly, May was sometimes considered an unlucky month for weddings due to these solemn observances—very different from how we often think of springtime celebrations today!
Valēte!
About Mr. Laurence
Mr. Ethan Laurence-Gauglitz earned his Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of North Texas, also studying a semester at Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität in Hannover, Germany. After graduation, he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kosovo, working as a grant writer for the local municipal government and teaching English in local schools. These experiences deepened his appreciation for cultural exchange, global perspectives, and the power of language to connect people.
Most recently, Mr. Laurence was the Academic Coordinator and Lead English Instructor at Excel Academy in Henderson, Nevada, where he developed curriculum, supported teachers, and helped students reach their full potential. He brings to the classroom a love for languages, literature, and learning, and is excited to share these passions with his students this year.