Welcome to the 2024–2025 school year! The volunteers at Charlotte Latin School are an essential part of the fabric of our extraordinary community. They don’t just donate their time: they give their knowledge, their passion, and their boundless creativity. While they have diverse backgrounds and experiences, they are unified by their love for Latin and their commitment to providing the superb environment that our students, faculty, and staff deserve.
In the following pages, you will find an overview of the many ways you can help support Latin: some will dovetail perfectly with your own expertise, while others will provide you with the opportunity to venture into new areas. They are sorted into four categories: various parent-led groups and events under the umbrella of the Parents’ Council, athletics-related opportunities organized by the Booster Club, arts-related needs under the aegis of Latin Arts Association, and volunteer programs sponsored by Charlotte Latin School itself.
We encourage you to not wait until your kindergartener joins the JV Football team before you volunteer at the concessions stand, and to not wait until your sixth grader finds their voice in the Upper School musical before you volunteer to usher a performance in Thies Auditorium. Read through the following pages to learn about the many areas of school life that you can jump into as a parent and a Latin family. Volunteering doesn’t only enrich the days of Latin students — it makes your experience as a Latin parent deeper and more meaningful. We look forward to hearing from you and working together.
Kimber Morgan
Parents’ Council President 2024–2025
Steve Hitzemann
Booster Club President 2024–2025
Jen Wouters
Latin Arts Association President 2024–2025
Mary Gorman Director of Stewardship and Parent Organization Liaison
The mission of Parents’ Council is to support the Board of Trustees and faculty and staff by fostering relationships and using the unique talents of our parent community to enrich the overall school culture. The areas of Parents’ Council’s focus includes fellowship, service, communications, and raising funds for PC initiatives. All Charlotte Latin parents are members of the Parents’ Council — there are no dues nor membership requirements — and involvement with Parents’ Council is a great way to connect to the school in a meaningful way. Please consider attending Parents’ Council meetings, details of which can be found on the Parents’ Council page on MyLatin.
To volunteer for Parents’ Council, please contact:
Charlotte Latin’s annual LS Book Fair has volunteer opportunities throughout the week of November 5 – 8, which include setting up the book fair, helping students shop for and purchase their books, restocking inventory, and breaking down the Book Fair. Within the LS Book Fair week, there are two other related events:
Donuts with Grown-Ups: Doughnuts and coffee are provided early (prior to school) on the library loggia, followed by LS students and their grown-ups shopping at the Book Fair. Promising Pages Book Drive: A service event where Charlotte Latin students bring their gently used books to school for donation to Promising Pages, the leading distributor of upcycled children’s books in the Charlotte area.
CELEBRATE LATIN
Celebrate Latin is a biannual Latin community event that brings together parents, faculty, and staff from all school divisions for a fun-filled evening. This fabulous evening features music, dinner, live and silent auctions, and a raffle; it serves as Parents’ Council’s main fundraiser. The next Celebrate Latin event will be held during the 2025-26 school year. An event of this magnitude calls for many volunteers with a wide range of skills and talents and all are welcome.
EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION
The Faculty and Staff Appreciation Committee cultivates initiatives to support Latin’s beloved faculty and staff throughout the school year. The committee coordinates these events with the help of parent volunteers.
Back to School Nights
During each division’s Back to School Night (parent open house), the F/S Appreciation Committee hosts a reception table, providing refreshments to parents and faculty throughout the evening. In addition, meals are provided for division-specific faculty as requested.
Conference Meals and Upper School Luncheon
Lower and Middle School conferences take place over a two-day period. Lunch is provided for faculty each day. During one of those days, Upper School faculty and staff are treated to a luncheon.
Holiday Helpers
This committee is designed to offer a little holiday help for faculty and staff during the last week before Winter Break. Parents’ Council will provide complimentary gift wrapping for gifts that the faculty and staff bring in. Volunteers are needed for wrapping, bow-making, and holiday cheer.
Holiday Lunch and Faculty/Staff Gift
The Holiday Lunch is a highly–anticipated annual event for Charlotte Latin’s faculty and staff in appreciation of their work. It is held in the Horne Performing Arts Center Lobby on a date in late November or early December. Volunteers coordinate the meal and menu with FLIK, along with raffle prize selections. Volunteers are needed to create decorative table centerpieces for this sit-down event, to help with set-up and break-down, and to greet faculty and staff. During this event, faculty and staff are treated with a thoughtful holiday gift as an expression of thanks for their love for Latin students. Volunteers are needed to package and wrap those gifts prior to distribution at the lunch.
Quarterly Appreciation Treats
Four times throughout the year, faculty and staff look forward to enjoying an assortment of goodies such as Rico’s Acai bowls, Nothing Bundt Cakes, etc. This is a well-thought-out offering from Parents’ Council to show our teachers and staff how much they are appreciated. Many volunteers are needed to assemble and help distribute these treats across campus.
Spring Luncheon
The Spring Luncheon is a Charlotte Latin tradition, designed to thank all Charlotte Latin faculty and staff at the end of the year. Volunteers coordinate the meal and menu with FLIK along with raffle prize selections. Many volunteers are needed to help set up and break down the event and to greet faculty and staff. Help is needed immediately after the event to deliver raffle prizes to faculty and staff.
LOWER SCHOOL AND GRADE LEVEL PARENT LIAISONS, ROOM PARENTS
Lower School and grade level parent liaisons and room parents serve as conduits between school and parents. A resource for parents, they provide communication for school administration and events. In addition, they are instrumental in welcoming new families over the summer, at orientations, and at Admissions welcoming events in the fall.
Lower School parent liaisons collaborate with administration to identify and appoint parents who are willing to serve in the room parent capacity for his/her child’s class. Parents may express interest in the role by completing the room parent volunteer form found in various back-to-school communications or by reaching out directly to the LS room parent liaison by August 15 for the 2024-25 school year. Please note that signing up does not guarantee selection. (This is a one-time ask in August; room parents need to be in place soon after the start of school.)
Grade level parent liaisons, found in Grades 6–12, are appointed by Parents’ Council’s 2nd Vice President in the spring as part of Parents’ Council Board nominations process.
If you’re interested in learning more about being a grade level parent liaison for the 202526 school year, please contact Kimber Morgan. If you’re interested in learning more about being a room parent, contact our 2024 Lower School parent liaisons: Katie Deterding, Sejal Patel, and Betsy Hartman.
LATIN CONNECTIONS COFFEE
The Latin Connections Coffee will take place on October 8 (MS) and October 9 (US) to welcome families to Middle and Upper School. These coffees will provide an introduction on ways to get involved at Charlotte Latin School. Volunteers are needed for set-up, greeting, check-in, and clean-up.
MAY DAY PLAY DAY
May Day Play Day (MDPD), one of Charlotte Latin’s oldest and largest school-wide events, occurs in May of each year. This annual fair — focusing on families, friends, and fellowship — fills South Campus with rides, games, arts, crafts, and food, all made possible by the time and talents of parent and student volunteers. Volunteers are needed to serve on subcommittees and to work shifts on the day of the event. Planning for this event starts in the fall of each school year and volunteers are welcome. Working on MDPD is an easy and fun way to volunteer at Latin!
SERVICE RECOGNITION AND RETIREMENT
This annual event honors Latin’s faculty and staff, commemorating their years of service in five-year increments with special gifts for each landmark, and retiring faculty and staff, celebrating their contributions and sharing memories of their time with Charlotte Latin School. Held on campus after the school year is over, the event is a large and meaningful “thank you” to close out the year. The Service Recognition and Retirement committee invites parent and student volunteers to help set up, greet and usher honorees, serve lunch, and clean up.
SOARING SOCIAL
The Soaring Social is a new event this year for parents, faculty and staff. It is being held on campus in the Student Activities Center (SAC) on November 16. This evening will feature fellowship, food and music, with an opportunity to meet new Latin parents. Volunteers are needed for set-up, greeting guests, check-in, and various other event roles.
TOGETHER LATIN CARES (TLC)
The TLC committee supplies meals to Charlotte Latin families and faculty/staff during difficult times (e.g., a death in the family, major surgery, or treatment). Volunteers provide meals and deliver them to families in need of support. The committee also furnishes meals kept in a freezer on campus to be used as needed. To submit a TLC meal request, visit www.charlottelatin.org/tlcrequest – all meal requests are handled with discretion.
TOUCHDOWN TAILGATE
Touchdown Tailgate is Charlotte Latin’s annual fall gathering for all families, faculty, and staff. It is held on the Middle School field in the evening prior to a home football game. Join old and new friends for dinner and spirit activities. Volunteers are needed to help with event set-up, check-in, food service, supervision of spirit activities, and clean-up.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATION
Our Volunteer Coordination team would love to hear from you and place you in the perfect volunteer opportunity at Latin. This team updates and maintains the Volunteer Resource Guide and solicits and collects volunteer interest. If your special talent is getting to know people and finding a volunteer fit for them, then consider joining the Volunteer Coordination Team.
BOOSTER CLUB
Charlotte Latin School
Booster Club Board 2024-25
EXECUTIVE BOARD
President: Steve Hitzemann
President Elect: Jennifer Clutter
Treasurer: Jeff Nadeau
Secretary: Sarah Moody
Past President: Jen Dauska
Ivy & Brian Babcock
Susan Bliss & Stan Archibald
Berry Bolt & Mike Guggenheimer
Jaime & Kenny Coble
Ginny & John Comly
Katie & Kevin Cumbus
Jennifer & Ryan Clutter
Alexa & Ernie Cutter
Jen & Bill Dauska
Carrie & Carl Fisher
Jenn & Mike Freno
Erin & Rob Gannett
Gabi & Rael Gorelick
Lindsay & Tripp Griffin
Wendy & Gary Hecimovich
Mandy & Tim Hicks
Stacey & Steve Hitzemann
Greta & Rob Hord
Courtney & Bill Hyder
Kendall & Carroll Jones
Catherine Ruth & Alex Kelly
Catherine & Scott Kiefer
Christy & Brian Krasnigor
Kelly & Matt Lilly
Jen & Chris Latta
Kate & Jeff Lee
Diane & Rob McLaughlin
Jill & Rob Miles
Sarah & Eric Moody
Kimber & Trey Morgan
Jenny & Billy Morton
Amanda & Jeff Nadeau
Kate and Jeff Snoots
Jane & Trey Tune
Katie & Johnson Wagner
Adri & Will Warrick
Halcyon & Ryan Worrell
BOOSTER CLUB VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Booster Club assists and supports student-athletes and the Charlotte Latin Athletics program. The Booster Club is guided by the Booster Club Board; however, all Charlotte Latin families and alumni are invited to serve as resources and volunteers. The Charlotte Latin Booster Club supports athletics in many ways including concession and ticket management, spirit and sign initiatives, creating special events like the Hawkspys, producing the CLS Booster Club magazine and more. Email clshawksbc@gmail.com to volunteer for Booster Club.
CONCESSIONS
The Booster Club manages Charlotte Latin’s concessions operations and is looking for many volunteers for the 2023–2024 school year. This is an easy and enjoyable opportunity to support Latin athletics and is open to all CLS community members (regardless of sports participation). Concession volunteers may help with as little as one game and no prior experience is necessary.
GATES/TICKETS
The Booster Club organizes volunteers to collect admission fees at select games and at designated athletic events. The team supports the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) with collecting state fees for tournament games. The Booster Club often needs help with home football games and many state tournament competitions. This opportunity is appropriate for both parents and Upper School students.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Volunteers are needed to support Booster Club–sponsored special events like the Winter Sports Showcase, Hawkspys, and Lower School Spirit Night. Special events may include catered meals, face painting, and other special activities to highlight the event and enhance the experiences.
LATIN ARTS ASSOCIATION
Charlotte Latin School
Latin Arts Association Board 2024-25
EXECUTIVE BOARD
President: Jen Wouters
1st Vice President: Carolyn Stone
2nd Vice President: Abbe McCracken
Treasurer: Maria Hurden
Secretary: Ivy Babcock
Special Events: Brittany DuBose
COMMITTEES
Friends of Creative Writing: Jess Finn
Friends of Music: Melissa Hamilton
Friends of Speech and Debate: Carolyn Stone
Friends of Theater: Anna Davis
Friends of Visual Arts: Maureen Haggstrom
AT-LARGE REPRESENTATIVES
Lower School: Devon Newton
Middle School: Adele Deaton
Upper School: Erika Jefferson
Jennifer Fights Beth Benonis
Chrys Riley Mary Wolff
Sally Roper Lori Samii
FACULTY/ADMINISTRATIVE LIAISONS
Creative Writing
Lori Davis, Richard Harris
Music Alicia Long
Performing Arts
Alicia Long
Meredith McCarter
Speech and Debate Bilal Butt
Visual Arts
Kaila Gottschling
LATIN ARTS ASSOCIATION
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Latin Arts Association (LAA) is the umbrella organization that supports, enhances, and promotes the arts community at Charlotte Latin School, including creative writing, music, speech and debate, theater, and visual arts. We are delighted to support our talented faculty and students, as well as help provide extraordinary and innovative art experiences for our community. LAA welcomes all to join in the support of the arts, to give back to Latin, and to forge great friendships. To volunteer for the Latin Arts Association, please contact Jen Wouters at 980-322-9309. Latin Arts Association areas of volunteer opportunities include:
THEATER
Ushers, box office volunteers, reception coordinators and hosts are needed on show nights as well as costume shop assistants, backstage assistants (hair, make up, and costumes) are needed throughout the show preparations and production.
MUSIC
The Music Department needs dress uniform assistants, chaperones, ushers, and reception hosts for regional and state competitions throughout the school year. On-campus concert evenings invite parents to help provide food and cleanup for the post-concert reception.
VISUAL ARTS
Art display assistants, matting/framing assistants, reception planners and hosts are needed to support the visual arts events throughout the year. Volunteers are needed to assist the Lower School Art Department in preparing artwork to be hung throughout the LS building.
CREATIVE WRITING
Event planners and hosts are needed for the Blue Review launch party celebrating Latin’s student-produced literary magazine.
SPEECH & DEBATE
Speech and debate tournaments and showcases held at Latin and on other campuses invite parent volunteers to serve as chaperones, judges, campus guides, and reception hosts.
SCHOOL-WIDE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
ADMISSIONS and NEW FAMILY EVENTS
The Admissions Office needs volunteers all year and has opportunities on campus and off campus. We need parent ambassadors at all of our events: open houses, Kindergarten visit days, virtual Q&A sessions, parent panels, invite-back receptions, and on-campus coffees for newly enrolled parents.
For more information, please contact: Janeka Handford, janeka.handford@gmail.com, 678-637-2370 Margaret Bradley, margaret.morrison@gmail.com, 704-490-2805
HAWK SHOP
The Hawk Shop is Charlotte Latin’s spirit store, located in Founders’ Hall. The store is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday–Friday (when school is in session) and for special campus events. Volunteers are needed to provide daily lunch coverage for the store and to assist during peak times, special events, and with PE uniforms at the start of the school year. Duties include running the store register, assisting with stock and merchandise and customer support.
To volunteer for the Hawk Shop, please contact: Emily Porter, emily.porter@charlottelatin.org
KNIGHT-DICKSON LIBRARY
Looking for a quiet, inspirational, and fun place to volunteer? Come join us in the heart of the school — the Knight-Dickson Library. Shelve books, work on special projects, provide general support to the library staff, and much more. Volunteers commit to a few hours on a rotating basis. LS has a three hour shift midday while the MS/US has a one hour shift for lunchtime support. The library is another classroom for your students, so it is a great way to interact with both students and faculty.
To volunteer for the Knight-Dickson Library, please contact: Emily Long, emily.long@charlottelatin.org
LOWER SCHOOL WELCOME DESK
Volunteers at the Lower School welcome desk (704-815-2439) are needed to assist with visitor welcome and registration, student transportation changes, teacher workroom requests, and general Lower School office support. Shifts, lasting two hours and longer, are available throughout the week.
To volunteer for the Lower School welcome desk, please contact: Leigh-Ervin Dedmon, leighervindedmon@gmail.com Lauren Ulrey, lbulrey@gmail.com
LOWER SCHOOL GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT
Lower School Girls’ Night Out is an evening event that typically takes place in February where Lower School girls invite a special adult guest for dancing, fellowship, and fun. Volunteers are needed to help with planning, coordinating, and decorating for the event.
To volunteer to help with Girls’ Night Out, please contact: Rachel Filer, carolina_realestate@yahoo.com
MIDDLE SCHOOL WELCOME DESK
Middle School welcome desk volunteers support the Middle School office and assist with visitor welcome and registration. During the school year, volunteer shifts occur daily from 11:15 a.m to 12:45 p.m.
To volunteer for the Middle School welcome desk, please contact: Mandy Hicks, mandymhicks@yahoo.com, 205-799-9252 Chrys Riley, chrysriley1@gmail.com, 704-907-1123
OFFICE OF PHILANTHROPY AND ALUMNI RELATIONS
The Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations works with parent and alumni volunteers throughout the year to advance Latin’s culture of philanthropy, build community, and support the school’s mission and Core Values.
Latin Fund
Latin Fund volunteers help share the impact and importance of the Latin Fund with our school community; they are essential to our fundraising success. Each year, with the support of the Latin Fund chairs and Head of School, volunteers solicit Latin Fund gifts and thank donors for their support.
FLY DAY
Latin’s 24-hour giving day takes place in May and supports the Latin Fund. FLY DAY is a day for the entire community, and we rely on parent and alumni volunteers to gather grade-level participation, deliver surprises to faculty and staff, and write and address thank-you notes to donors.
For more information, please contact:
Mary Gorman, mary.gorman@charlottelatin.org, 704-846-7208
Ruth and John Wyatt, 2024-25 Latin Fund Chairs, ruth.v.wyatt@gmail.com, john.wyatt.jr@gmail.com
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
As a community of learners, Charlotte Latin School is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment that accepts and honors everyone. We respect individual differences, including, but not limited to, ethnicity, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. Under the guidance of the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the DEI Office focuses on initiatives that help to attract and support families from diverse backgrounds, plan special activities to raise awareness, educate, and develop a deeper appreciation for the different identities represented in our school community.
From the moment you become a part of the Latin family, your talents, perspectives, and engagement are welcomed and expected. We embrace the creativity that arises from diverse points of view, honor our students’ rich cultural experiences, and aspire to foster a sense of belonging for every school community member. We encourage parents to become active volunteers and attend quarterly parent meetings hosted by the DEI Office.
For more information, please contact: Erica Moore, erica.moore@charlottelatin.org, 704-815-2435
FOR STUDENTS
FOR Students is a nonprofit organization created to better prepare students to become resilient and healthy adults. Charlotte Latin School partners with FOR Students and its signature programs, Students FOR Students, LAUNCH, and NEXT. These programs help students feel better prepared for their future, providing them with the tools and the support they need to bounce back when tough things happen.
Students FOR Students is a peer-led program consisting of small groups: 11th and 12th graders facilitate groups with 9th and 10th graders. Students FOR Students meets in small groups twice a month during the school day. These meetings offer a space students can count on to be known and heard and have authentic conversations with their peers on topics students want to talk about.
LAUNCH is an engaging, year-long series of events for the junior and senior classes. FOR Students brings in mental health professionals to talk with students to equip them with the tools they need to manage their mental health in a constantly changing world. LAUNCH hosts pop-up events for seniors throughout the school year, which are fun surprises to give students time to relax and be in community with one another as well as provide an opportunity for the FOR Students team and parent volunteers to connect with the seniors.
NEXT is an all-day conference that takes place for seniors at the conclusion of the school year. This event allows students to practice the skills they have learned throughout the year at LAUNCH events. Latin seniors join other high school seniors to hear from dynamic mental health communicators. Students choose from a list of breakout sessions and meet in small groups for facilitated discussions. Music, food, fun and surprises keep the students engaged.
Volunteer opportunities include helping with events and programs throughout the school year.
To volunteer with FOR Students, please contact: Jane Tune, jane@forstudents.org
FRIENDS OF GLOBAL STUDIES
Global studies programming at Charlotte Latin seeks to develop globally competent students who will be curious about the world, recognize similarities and differences in perspectives, dynamically communicate with diverse audiences, and take action to improve the world around them. Charlotte Latin families at all grade levels are invited to participate in opportunities that encourage students to develop these skills. Volunteer opportunities include but are not limited to:
Lower School Global Partners
Global Partners volunteers have the opportunity to be a part of a three-person team that presents scripted, country-specific lessons to assigned Lower School classes. The presentations take approximately half a day and occur once a month over a three-
month period in the spring. A training session will be held before the first classroom presentation. Global Partners 2024-2025 will focus on India. Our classroom presentation dates are February 6th, March 7th, and April 3rd.
Host an Exchange Student
Charlotte Latin welcomes groups of high school students from our longstanding sisterschool partnerships in Germany, Italy, France, Argentina, and/or South Africa each year. Exchanges typically last two to six weeks depending on the program, and each exchange student is hosted by a Charlotte Latin family for the duration. Families with students in any division may host.
During the 2024-2025 school year, we need host families for the following groups:
Italy (September 10–20, 2024)
South Africa (November 2–December 13, 2024)
Argentina (January 30–February 12, 2025)
France (late April 2025)
Dates may change plus/minus a day or two due to unforeseen scheduling changes.
Cultural Speaker’s Bureau
Our Latin community is rich with students, faculty, staff, and family members who hail from all over the globe, speak a variety of languages, and celebrate many different traditions and customs. We believe that we are all stronger when we can share these global experiences, perspectives, and culture with each other; we are always looking to learn more about our community. If you are comfortable sharing your background with TK–Grade 12 students in some form, please let us know.
Celebrations and other Events
As a school community, we celebrate a number of different cultural events throughout the year such as Diwali, Lunar New Year, and Hispanic Heritage Month. Our students are able to enjoy these events only because of the work of volunteers who plan these events in conjunction with the Global Studies office.
To get involved with global studies, please contact:
Callie Lloyd, Global Studies Liaison, callie.a.lloyd@gmail.com, 434-298-1150
Gail Fischer, Global Partners Chair, gail.j.fischer@gmail.com, 704-438-6688
Sheeka Gupta, Global Partners Chair, sheeka@gmail.com, 865-405-8358
Kelly Willis, Director of Global Studies, kelly.willis@charlottelatin.org, 704-841-7461
INNOVATION AND DESIGN DEPARTMENT
Melding engineering and computer science, Latin’s Innovation and Design Department offers hands-on learning, promoting computational thinking and project-based solutions. Featuring a unique Fab Lab, we foster digital fabrication while connecting students globally for knowledge exchange and collaboration. Originating at MIT, our Fab Lab surpasses conventional maker spaces with its unique capabilities, including a 21st century wood shop, electronics fabrication, a 3-D printer farm, industrial laser cutters, assorted milling machines, and MIT-trained staff. Students have the opportunity to make and program nearly anything.
Volunteer opportunities include working with students, sharing expertise, and supporting our mission as outlined below. No experience is necessary, just a desire to help our young people.
To volunteer with the Innovation and Design Department, please contact: Tom Dubick, tom.dubick@charlottelatin.org
David Taylor, david.taylor@charlottelatin.org
Sharing Expertise
Volunteers with backgrounds in engineering, computer science, or related fields can conduct workshops, mentor students, and provide guidance on project-based work. They can offer unique insights from their experiences fostering a more profound understanding and inspiring innovative thinking.
Supporting 21st Century Woodshop
Individuals with carpentry or craftsmanship skills can help students in their woodworking projects.
Assisting in the Fab Lab
Volunteers can help maintain and manage the equipment, ensure safety guidelines are followed or assist in training students to use tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and milling machines.
Contributions to the Digital Network
Volunteers can assist in managing the global knowledge exchange, coordinating collaborations and ensuring smooth communication within the international network.
Programming and Software Assistance
Those with programming skills can help students understand and apply coding principles in their projects particularly in relation to electronics fabrication and 3D printing.
Event Organization
Volunteers can organize showcases, competitions, or events that celebrate innovation and promote the program to a wider audience.
