2008-09 MUS Latin Club Information for Parents

MUS JCL Information – 2008-2009

Faculty Sponsors:  Ms. Reinhardt, Mr. Sellers, Mr. Suddarth

About the JCL:  The Tennessee Junior Classical League (TJCL) and its parent organization, the National Junior Classical League (NJCL), promote the study of Latin, Greek, and classical civilization.  JCL is one of America’s largest and most prestigious academic organizations for young people.  Any middle school or high school student who is currently enrolled in Latin, Greek, or a classical humanities course (or any student who has completed two years of Latin or Greek) may join TJCL and NJCL.

Dues:  JCL dues for the 2008-2009 school year will be $22.00.  This includes NJCL dues, TJCL dues, an MUS JCL polo shirt, and an MUS JCL magnetic bumper sticker.  Make checks payable to Memphis University School.  No cash, please.  Please write the student’s name and shirt size (adult sizes only) on the check.  If a student is on scholarship and / or if money is a problem, please talk to one of the faculty sponsors. 

MUS JCL Officers:  Upper School JCL veterans will be eligible to run for MUS JCL office.  Officers will likely be selected during an Organizational Period meeting in early September.


Service Project:  This didn’t get off the ground last year, but we have a new idea this year – the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.  This is an easy way to give something back to the community during the holiday season.

NJCL Latin Honor Society – Requirements for Membership:

1. Be a JCL member.

2. Demonstrate outstanding proficiency in Latin through the first three quarters of the year.  For Latin One students, “outstanding proficiency” is defined as an average of 92 or above.  For Latin Two through Latin Five, “outstanding proficiency” is defined as an average of 90 or above.  (Qualifying average = 1Q + 2Q + EX1 + 3Q ÷ 4.)

3. Acceptable classroom behavior (no Ns or Us in conduct).

4. The LHS runs on a year-to-year basis.  In other words, if you qualified to join in Latin Two, for example, you must re-qualify again to be a member in Latin Three.

Special Events Throughout the Year:

1. Octoberfestivus (NEW!) – MUS will host a special autumn convention for Memphis-area Latin students on Saturday, October 18, 2008.  Academic testing, Certamen, art contests, a mythology spelling bee, movies, games, ultimate frisbee, and more.  Click on the Octoberfestivus link on Mr. Sellers’s faculty page for more information.  We expect such schools as St. Mary’s, White Station, Germantown, and Arlington to attend.  

2. CAMWS Translation Contest – This contest, sponsored by the Classical Association of the Middle West and South, is required for all 4th year students and is optional for 5th year students.  The contest will be administered in December.  Students who place in the top bracket earn a $250 prize.

3. National Latin Exam (tentatively set for Wednesday March 4, 2009 at 2:15 PM) -- An examination taken by over 100,000 Latin students each year.  High scorers can earn certificates, medals, and even scholarships for college.  This will be required for all Upper School Latin students.  Generally speaking, it will be required for all Lower School students who have maintained at least a strong B average (87+) throughout the year.

4. Spring Break Trip to Italy – This is primarily for students currently enrolled in Latin Two and Latin Three.  The trip is limited to the first 16 registrants.  Contact Ms. Reinhardt for more information.

5. University of Memphis Foreign Language Fair (Saturday, March 28, 2009) -- An enjoyable spring event for Memphis-area students of Latin, Spanish, German, French, and Japanese.

6. TJCL State Convention (Friday, April 24, 2009) – An annual gathering for Latin students across the state of Tennessee.   Since convention will be at MUS this year, MUS JCL members are expected to attend the TJCL State Convention.

We will need some parent volunteers for the Octoberfestivus and the TJCL

 State Convention.  If you are able to help with either event, please e-mail Mr. Sellers.

 

Payment Information:

  • Basic JCL membership -- $22.00
  • JCL membership plus Octoberfestivus admission -- $30.00
  • Payment for other events (e.g., TJCL State Convention) will be solicited later in the year.
  • Make checks payable to Memphis University School.  The student’s name and shirt size should be written on the check.  Please turn in your check to any one of the JCL sponsors by Friday, September 19.  We encourage you not to wait until the very last day to pay. 
  • If you register for the Octoberfestivus, you should come to the Latin Office to sign up for an event.  Sign-up sheets will be posted outside the office.  Sign-up will be based on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please take care of this by the end of the day on Friday, September 19.  Again, we encourage you not to wait until the last minute.
  • LATE FEE -- If a student elects to pay JCL dues after the deadline, the cost of basic membership will increase to $32.00.

 

 
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