Salvete, amici amicaeque. χαίρετε, ὦ φίλοι.
I hope this letter finds you having a better start to the school year than the last, and if not better, then at least not worse. There is much to be said for a return to some modicum of pre-pandemic normalcy, even if we aren’t yet on the other side of the pandemic.
It is my sincerest wish that you and your students have been able to find joy and fulfillment in sharing space and learning together after two disrupted school years. I know, however, that in many ways this year has already been even harder than either of the preceding two, so if simply getting through each day in an upright position is the best you can do, I understand. And if you, like me, are already suffering from DEVOLSON (the Dark Evil Vortex Of Late September, October, and November), know that you are not alone.
Which brings me to the purpose of this letter: I’m writing to share some upcoming events and opportunities that may energize you and your students and provide you with a much-needed sense of community.
First off, the CANE student writing contest is open and accepting submissions from middle and high school Classics students in New England. The topic is “Re-Singing Myth” and submissions are due to the Connecticut state rep, Mark Pearsall (canerepct@caneweb.org) by December 15.
If you’re seeking a little spooky Latin fun, mark your calendar for CANE’s free online Halloween event “Nox Formidulosa: Spuctaculum”, to include games, spooky stories, and camaraderie, hosted by Gregory Stringer on October 19 from 7-9 PM.
Most exciting of all, our ClassConn Annual Meeting will be held over Zoom on Saturday, November 6 from 9 AM–2:45 PM. Registration is free (by donation only) and available here. The day will include workshops by Kelly Dugan (Trinity College), Roger Travis (University of Connecticut), Chris Cochran (University of Massachusetts, Boston), and Jen Faulkner (East Longmeadow High School), as well as opportunities to connect with colleagues professionally and socially. I look forward to seeing you all there (virtually)!
In the meantime, please continue caring for yourselves and your students as we face down another trying year and don’t hesitate to reach out if ClassConn can help in any way.
curate ut valeatis,
Lindsay Sears