Charlotte Latin School develops courageous, honorable leaders, fueled by intellectual curiosity and guided by a commitment to excellence, who can navigate and thrive in a complex global society.
Charles D. Baldecchi, Head of School
Todd Ballaban, Head of Middle School
Joanne O. Beam, Director of Philanthropy
Susan Carpenter, Director of Marketing and Communications
David Gatoux, Director of Athletics
James Huffaker, Chief Technology Officer
Beth Lucas, Director of Human Resources
Mary Yorke Oates ’83, Director of Admissions
Robert McArthur, Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Erica Moore, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Mark Tayloe, Head of Lower School
Sonja Taylor, Assistant Head for Academic Affairs
Lawrence Wall, Head of Upper School
Michael D. Freno, Chair
Israel K. Gorelick (Rael), Vice Chair
Phil C. Colaco, Treasurer
Debbie S. Frail ’88, Secretary
Irm R. Bellavia
John D. Comly
Mary Katherine DuBose
Adaora A. Eruchalu
Paige K. Ford ‘06
Donald S. Gately
Karim Lokas
John T. McCoy
Kristin M. Middendorf
Uma N. O’Brien
Denny S. O’Leary ’90
Christian M. Robinson
David A. Shuford
Charles R. Thies ‘90
Michelle A. Thornhill
Charles D. Baldecchi, Head of School
Robert McArthur, Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Effe S. Gibson ’10, 2022–23 Alumni Governing Board President
Lauran S. Godwin, 2022–23 Parents’ Council President
The “seeds” in this issue are stories supporting each of the five goals in Latin Leads. These seeds show that the goals in the Strategic Plan are already firmly planted. Latin Leads fully develops these crucial, critical areas of Charlotte Latin School.
Our
civility
students by inspiring them to learn, by encouraging them to serve others, and by offering them many growth-promoting opportunities.
Letter from the Head of School Goal 1: The Latin Leader Goal 2: Teaching and Learning
Goal 4: A Community of Purpose and Belonging
Community Inspired Plan
What We Believe about Teaching and Learning
Goal 3: Community Wellness
Executive Editor
Susan Carpenter
Editor Courtney Oates
Digital Media Manager April Baker Designer Monty Todd
Photography by April Baker, St. John Photography, and Rusty Williams
Goal 5: Access and Affordability
Looking Ahead
Published by Charlotte Latin School for students, alumni, parents, grandparents, employees, and friends of the school.
Charlotte Latin School 9502 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28277
Email address updates to: cory.hardman@charlottelatin.org
Mission is to encourage individual development and
in our
On the heels of substantial effort and the brink of exciting but equally difficult work ahead, I introduce you to Charlotte Latin’s next Strategic Plan, “Latin Leads.”
Latin Leads.
Yes, it does. But not without significant and thoughtful planning. I cannot describe the priorities of this Plan without noting that within it, our Core Values, Mission, and beliefs remain steadfast. The same tenets and pillars upon which Latin was founded more than 50 years ago are the ones that guide us still today. That says a great deal. They continue to apply to a world that is drastically different than the world of our founders and their families. Yet those leaders had the vision to know the value of a classical education, founded in phonics and service, and insistent upon sending citizen leaders into the world.
This Plan was built for the Latin community by the community and will serve as a compass for the Board of Trustees and school leadership today and in the future.
Without question, the goals of Latin Leads involve difficult work and significant time. We are prepared. We are energized. We have intentional, unifying priorities ahead of us; they are woven with purpose and align the divisions as they focus on our school internally. Some of this groundwork has already been laid. In this magazine, you’ll read seed stories of groundwork in the five areas identified in the Strategic Plan: The Latin Leader, Teaching and Learning, Community Wellness, Purpose and Belonging, and Access and Affordability.
The trajectory set forth by the goals outlined in the enclosed booklet is charted over the course of five years, a timeframe set forth by the wisdom of our accrediting organizations.
“Education is teaching our children to desire the right things,” Plato said. And our founders did too. We believe equally in academics and character. We desire wellness and equity. We hone human, non-positional leadership skills.
When our students leave Latin, they bring these skills into the real world as engaging citizens with purpose — and do the good we are supposed to do.
Latin Leads is exciting. It will be challenging. And it will be worth it.
Join me in this special issue of Latin Magazine as we see some of these efforts in their foundational phases. And let’s together anticipate and participate in what Latin Leads can mean in the future for our school, our community, and our world.
With gratitude for a job I love,
Chuck D. Baldecchi Head of School
Since 2020, the Latin community participated in a comprehensive self-study and strategic planning process . We intentionally engaged diverse voices from key stakeholder groups, including parents, students, current and former trustees, alumni, and employees — representing each decade of the school’s 53-year history — to ensure that our actions are guided by the school’s Mission and Core Values, reflect the interests of our community, and reinforce confirmed areas of strength while addressing identified growth opportunities.
We also considered many external trends and forces that face our school, students, families, and world.
Latin Leads is the result of this important process and includes the five priorities that are separate yet interwoven.
The work of the Strategic Plan, approved by the Board of Trustees, will unfold over the course of the next five years.
In our year-long study of the Latin community, the committee’s findings confirmed that Latin is an extraordinary place to learn and work. While we must continue to evolve as an institution to meet the ever-changing needs of our students, the school’s Mission and Core Values remain central to our identity, planning, and actions. Knowing that future graduates will emerge into a significantly different world relative to the experiences of past Latin graduates, we are guided by our beliefs about both the current moment and the future of teaching and learning.
We believe in whole-child education, where every student’s emotional, physical, and social wellbeing is as important as their intellectual progress. In fact, we recognize that academic achievement is inextricably linked to the emotional, physical, and social factors that shape each student’s ability to fully engage and thrive in school.
We believe that our talented and dedicated employees are a treasured resource and that we must remain committed to their success, growth, and well-being.
The future of Latin provides practical, experiential opportunities that allow students to apply content knowledge through investigation, to engage in perspective-taking, to think critically, and to learn from their successes and failures. What students can do and how they respond to challenges are as important as what they know
We believe that all students can lead. Leadership is a state of mind that is not tied to position or perceived status. It is reflected by one’s commitment to act in a manner that empowers and celebrates others and improves our world. The future of our world is increasingly diverse and driven by a global innovation economy. Our students must be prepared for crosscultural interactions in academic, social, and professional settings with people whose lived experiences inform differing perspectives.
A school community with the resources of Charlotte Latin has a responsibility to produce conscientious citizens who can contribute to the world with purpose and passion and, as an institution, model that commitment to the community.
Building on our belief that every student can lead, we will leverage our signature leadership programs to develop the leadership potential in every student in a curricular thread that begins in Transitional Kindergarten and continues through Grade 12.
A key differentiator for Charlotte Latin is its commitment to leadership. For more than 50 years, Latin has led in academics, athletics, and the arts. Latin’s dedicated leadership program is the only one of its kind in Charlotte schools. In addition, the school believes deeply that every student can lead in both formal and informal ways — in their schools, communities, and the world.
“I didn’t know Mrs. Reese, but now I feel like I do,” Jeylan (“Chacho”) commented after hearing Jack and Robert’s effective presentation about their former teacher.
Eighteen Grade 7 students in Mr. Ballaban and Mr. Creamer’s Leadership Lab embarked this fall on a provocative and multi-faceted project titled StoryCorps with the simple goal of getting to know everyday leaders on our campus.
It is a complex task. Through a creative process akin to a fantasy football draft, Chacho, Carter, and their classmates selected members of Latin’s faculty and staff to interview. StoryCorps pairs crafted courteous, professional emails, avoiding the text-speak to which they are so accustomed, then based thoughtful interview questions on curiosity and research. Students arranged interviews and engaged with interviewees practicing the authentic qualities of empathy and active listening, taking detailed notes, and establishing an appreciation for members of our community.
“One of the forgotten qualities of a strong leader is one who is willing to listen,” a proud Mrs. Korkowski shared about her attentive interviewers.
Robert and Jack met with their former Grade 3 teacher, Mrs. Reese, who shared photos of the boys when they were in her class, sharing aspects of her own leadership journey at Latin. “Both boys were prepared with questions, made eye contact, and made personal connections to what I said. They took part of my answer and wove it into the next question showing they were active listeners.”
The StoryCorps journey involves discovery, care, public speaking, knowledge, and purpose. Just as Chacho said, the depth of audience understanding and awareness allows the class as a whole to know the members of our community.
Latin will promote a teaching and learning culture of intellectual curiosity that centers on student choice and voice, develops futureready competencies, and connects learning to the real world.
Latin has earned its reputation as an academic leader by honoring triedand-true instructional practices, hiring talented faculty, and prioritizing teaching and learning above all else. These positive attributes will always be a part of Latin’s identity. As the school looks to the future, its commitment to academic excellence requires a thoughtful interplay between traditional and future-oriented curricula, keeping current with pedagogical approaches that best equip students to thrive in a 21st-century world.
For several years, Latin’s Lower School has implemented a thematic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion campaign known as Aspire to Be…. “The word ‘aspire’ is intentional. We recognize that these campaigns may not always be fully realized in the current school year,” Lower School DEI coordinator Avery Teichman candidly explains. “What’s crucial is that as a community, we are committed to the work.”
This year’s “Aspire to be Heard” campaign complements the 2021–22 Aspire to be Seen campaign. With research and expertise, we know our youngest learners have the emotional intelligence and technical skills to participate. These skills empower our children to prosper in the 21st-century real world.
Aspire to be Heard identifies Peter Reynolds’ children’s book, Say Something, as a mentor text. Reynolds writes that everyone has a voice and that with that voice, words can inspire, heal, or transform.
To kickstart this year’s campaign, Lower School teachers read Reynolds’ book in class; then, each created a brief video showcasing something that inspires them — from courage to music to gardening. Lead and Assistant Teachers shared videos with the Lower School community in thoughtful and interactive ways, including photos, speech bubbles, and QR code links to their video.
“I am inspired by gardening because it changes; it gives beauty and nourishment to my heart and my family,” said Mrs. Flett. Lower School librarians expanded the lesson by selecting complementary texts to teachers’ inspirations and linked them via QR codes on bookmarks. Students take the books home to read, watch the video, and learn more about all Lower School teachers, not just their own.
“We want to emphasize that Lower School teachers are ALL of the students’ teachers. Through the videos, kids can watch siblings’ teachers, teachers they once had, teachers they’ve never met, and those they hope to have,” Avery continues. “Teachers AND the students have gotten to know each other and make impactful connections through viewing and responding to the videos.”
Aspire to Be… is just one example of connecting learning to the real world, instilling a culture of intellectual and human curiosity centering upon choice and voice, and developing future-ready students.
Guided by our commitment to wholechild education, Latin will develop a comprehensive plan to address wellness and empower students and employees with the tools and resources they need to thrive.
Latin has always demonstrated a solid commitment to fostering a positive working and learning environment for its students and employees. The school has consistently dedicated personnel and curricular resources to address physical, mental, and emotional health needs. Over time, as our awareness of community health and wellness concerns has increased, we recognize that a comprehensive response is needed to ensure all Latin community members are empowered to achieve their goals and lead balanced, productive lives.
When you picture someone in the Latin community who defines wellness in their daily approach, Chair of Latin’s Physical Education Department, and Middle School swim coach, Laura Thomsen quickly comes to mind. An integral part of the P.E. program, Laura creatively weaves her in-depth knowledge of emotional education into everything she does. Laura simply exudes wellness.
Head of Middle School Todd Ballaban describes his trusted colleague, “Laura is the consummate team player. She has a gentle presence that is felt all over campus. When we needed to reimagine P.E. in a hybrid COVID world, Laura created a Wellness Break model that became one of the most effective parts of the Middle School schedule. In addition, when we needed extra recess support, Laura said, “We’ve got it covered.” And when we needed study hall coverage, Laura was the first to offer a helping hand. Her leadership is second to none. She commits many after-school hours to coaching swimming, leading the aforementioned P.E. department, and playing a vital role on the school’s Wellness Committee.”
Through traditional P.E. classes and experiential education with Hawks Quest, Middle School grades maintain a wellness focus using the importance of exercise, skill development, leadership, conflict resolution, rest, and discipline to ensure not just Latin success but also lifelong success. Laura is a champion of this important initiative that intertwines leadership and wellness.
Always looking for innovative ways to teach and exemplify wellness to our students, Laura collaborated with Upper School nurse Jean Asinger to carefully research and select “Choosing the Best Journey,” a curriculum that balances informed decisions and healthy choices with activities and role-plays via lessons for our Grade 8 students. The program highlights skills of empathy, self-actualization, problem-solving in emotional situations, stress tolerance, flexibility, and optimism.
Laura is passionate about authentic connections and caring for the human being — mind, body, and soul. When we support a consistent culture of wellness, of philosophical balance, through all aspects of life at Latin, we foster resilience and strengthen everyone in our community. We prepare healthy future leaders to lead meaningful lives of consequence.
Latin will foster an environment where each community member finds a sense of purpose and belonging.
All students deserve to attend school in an environment where they can reach their full potential without sacrificing their well-being and sense of identity. As members of the Latin community, we all play a vital role in creating a positive campus climate where each person feels connected, experiences joy, and is optimistic about the future. Our ability to attract, retain, and support a diverse community of families and employees requires consistent investment in ongoing learning opportunities, programming, and metrics that enable the school to measure progress.
14 CHARLOTTE LATIN SCHOOL
Isa Stokes meets with an Upper School student.
How might a necktie help to ensure a community of purpose and belonging?
Meet Isa Stokes, Charlotte Latin’s new Director of Academic Transition and Student Success. His title packs a mighty punch and needs little further explanation. That is until you meet Isa. It goes beyond that.
Sam visits Isa often. He is neither new to Latin nor transitioning from another school, as Isa’s title might suggest. Sam’s transition is based on a situation that last year was comfortable and this year is not.
Isa is a relationship builder, inspiring achievement and comfort in students across Latin’s campus — sometimes unbeknownst to them — via unique and intentional programs.
Take, for instance, “Tie into Success.”
Out of the blue, “Do you know how to tie a tie?” Isa one day asked Sam.
“I’ve watched someone tie one,” Sam quizzically replied.
Where is this going, you ask? Tying a tie is a multi-step process, and doing it for the first time comes neither naturally nor easily for everyone. The lesson unfolds.
“Let’s do it together,” he says. Isa went to the hook in his office that often corrals many ties and demonstrated to Sam how he ties one.
Something he does every day. Intentionally.
• Take your time.
• Set up the X, cross the wide and narrow sides at different lengths.
• Carry the wide side behind the narrow, seam facing out.
• Back across, seam facing you.
• Up through the hole at your neck, and down through the knot.
• Use the narrow side to adjust the length.
Voila! Success.
“In teaching me how to tie a tie, Mr. Stokes made me focus on little things in life — ‘essential knowledge.’ It alerted me to true purpose and empowerment — aligning how learning to tie a tie may be necessary for a young man going off to college. Especially a young Black man. Flipping the tie the wrong way messes up the whole knot. It reminded me of our relay race in Track last spring. Our exchange zones were ‘off’ by one simple step, and we could not hand off the baton efficiently. Translated, this showed me how one little mistake can cost me greatly but is easily remedied,” explained Sam.
Academic achievement is inextricably linked to the emotional, physical, and social factors that shape each student’s ability to engage and thrive in school fully. When you have a purpose, and you belong, you succeed. “Never forget who a student can become,” Isa says as he delicately tugs the narrow side to perfectly cinch the knot.
Latin will work towards eliminating the barriers to accessing a full Charlotte Latin experience for prospective and current families.
Independent schools are a costly investment for any family. Charlotte Latin has a generous financial aid program with 14% of students receiving some funding. In 2021-22 Latin offered $3.125M in financial aid. Still, for many families seeking a private school education, our posted tuition is a barrier to entry – and for some, the financial aid process can feel intimidating and stigmatizing. Many families who hurdle that obstacle often arrive with tuition assistance but are unprepared for the additional costs that are associated with our program and not included in tuition, including the costs of athletics, arts, school trips, and other activities. It is our belief that all students, regardless of the ability to pay tuition, should have equal access to all that goes into the full experience of a Charlotte Latin education. Tuition assistance is an important first step to attracting qualified candidates who otherwise could not afford an independent school education but broadening the reach to include the cost of the experience and support to families with need will foster a greater sense of belonging and community for all families.
What advice would you give to a Latin scholarship or financial aid recipient at Latin?
“You and your education, your growth, your development, your future are yours to own. You’re here. Be here,” said James McLelland ’17, Latin Scholar Scholarship recipient.
James, who came to Latin in Grade 10, knows that the school defined who he is today. “It made an immense impact on my character and my integrity. I think about ‘Honor Above All’ in everything I do. It’s not just a phrase; it’s a lifestyle and something of which I am proud.”
Though invaluable, his time at Latin was not easy. Latin would not have been possible for his family without his scholarship which covered the majority of tuition. The idea of private school never even entered the realm of possibility until a friend at church, who was a Latin faculty member, encouraged him to apply. “Once I was there, I felt different, but we just didn’t talk about how much your parents wrote the check for. I wanted to be in speech and debate, but it cost $500–700 a weekend to go to tournaments. I was able to get additional financial aid to help cover some of those weekends, but on others, my parents just made it work.”
“I’m not ashamed of my story. It’s a needed story,” he believes. “The hardest thing about Latin was fitting in. Part of that stigma is coming in after years of people being together and sliding into 10th grade. Part of it is that I knew I was different from many of my classmates. Faculty and staff do a great job of recognizing those barriers, but it’s still hard.”
James wants to help change that script for future Latin students. In addition to working as much as 40-hours a week, he was very involved on campus in chorus, theater, orchestra, speech and debate, and Model UN. And he served on the service council. “I look at where I am now,” he explains as a Program Manager with Veritas Prime. “And I attribute my success to my time at Latin.”
Today, James is paying forward much of what he learned at Latin dedicating time to Habitat for Humanity, the Mint Museum, and Charlotte Latin via the Alumni Governing Board (AGB), which recently endowed the Learning to Fly Scholarship. “It’s the fabric of who I am,” he said. “I told Mr. Baldecchi when he spoke to the AGB recently, I am happy to step in and support this work in any way I can. It’s so important.”
• Latin Magazine
• The Latin Leads website: CharlotteLatinLeads.org
• Latin podcasts
• Direct communication from Chuck Baldecchi, Head of School, and school leadership
• Info and Q&A sessions
• Periodic progress reports
We will keep you informed of our work and progress on Latin Leads in several ways over the next five years:
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the creation of Latin Leads. Special thanks to the Strategic Planning Committee, the Steering Committee, members of the task forces, and the Board of Trustees for their time and stewardship as we implement this plan for the future of our school.
