SPRING ISSUE

SPRING 2021

A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF HIGHLANDS LATIN SCHOOL

MOVED TO TEARS The Genesis of HLS Indianapolis By Judie Huston On a January winter morning in 2011, I sat in the back of an Algebra I classroom at Highlands Latin School in Louisville, Kentucky, waiting for the class I was observing to begin. A line of 14- year old boys wearing dress shirts, ties and slacks walked briskly into the room. They took their seats, pulled out their texts, and focused their attention on the teacher as he began the day’s lesson. The young man sitting next to me introduced himself and offered me a book to follow along with the teacher. For the next 50 minutes, I watched the teacher present a well planned lesson to the students. These junior high boys remained engaged with the teacher, listening intently, asking inquisitive questions, working problems diligently and explaining their answers to the teacher. There was a uniform interest in learning present in that classroom. I would even venture to say these boys were enjoying their class. At the time, my own children were near this age and one of my par- enting challenges was finding an environment that would elevate their planned Latin-centered curriculum and the traditional classroom. work ethics and habits, inspire them to learn and present to them a The classrooms maintained an environment that esteemed learn- model of excellence both in the classroom and personal character. ing, calling students toward elevated conduct. A culture of excel- From my seat in the back of the classroom, I was moved to tears by lence was evident throughout the school from the management to what I saw. This math class of junior high boys inspired me with what the classrooms to the playgrounds. could be possible for both academic and character training in an Prior to this January visit to HLS, I had taught Latin in various settings educational setting. using HLS founder Cheryl Lowe’s materials, and I witnessed many of I continued my visit at Highlands that day, going to first grade, fifth the formative benefits of Latin in my students. Latin teaches children grade, Kindergarten, and twelfth grade. Each classroom was the same: how to focus, analyze and think systematically. They learn the impor- different content, different age students, but a common focused, joyful tance of accuracy and attention to detail. Latin presents a consistent learning environment present in each class I observed. The junior high grammar model that teaches English better than English, providing all classroom had not been a coincidence. Something about Highlands the specialized vocabulary of the sciences, law and theology. Students Latin School was different from all other school settings I had wit- who learn how to learn with Latin become better students in all other nessed. At HLS, Louisville there was a distinct focus helping students subjects. I was sold on the benefits, seeing how every child of every develop both their academic ability and character through a carefully learning style and ability was transformed into a better student.

ADMINISTRATION Judie Huston—Principal • Cindy Davis—Upper School Director, College Counseling • Vince Cutrona—Dean of High School Sheri Marshall—Lower School Director • Jennifer Wiley—Admissions Director • Susan Wible—Finance Director • Jennifer Lach—Communications Melissa Howard—Office Coordinator • Audra Kauffman—Highlands Journal Editor THE HIGHLANDS JOURNAL indylatinschool.org

Latin is not just for the gifted, it is an commitment required were fresh in my education for every child. The culture of mind. Both funding and facility prospects excellence I observed at Highlands that seemed daunting to me. Although I was “Starting and building day magnified the superior results I was familiar with the organizational start up a school is about already witnessing in my own Latin stu- steps, I did not feel qualified to start a dents. A full school program of this same school like Highlands. My own children generational impact, caliber would truly equip parents with a were in junior high and high school at the valuable resource to train their children to time and would probably never benefit for children and new heights. from the school before they graduated. Did families today as well I want to put all of that work into a school A SHARED VISION AMONG PARENTS my children might never attend? as those who will HLS was the education I wanted for my children. I left the school that day with Despite all the practical and realistic benefit in the future.” a compelling sense that if I felt this deep excuses, my heart was challenged as I felt God prodding me toward a calling to begin —Judie Huston, HLS Principal need for my own children, perhaps others did too. A school program centered on this a Latin school in the community. Yes, it particular vision, methodology and mission would be hard work, but an effort worth was not available in Indianapolis. Upon my making. When God calls us to do some- return I began sharing the HLS mission thing, He equips us for the task: our job and model with parents of the 50 Latin is to be faithful. I was also reminded that students I had been teaching and tutoring. starting a school was not just about my own A number of families expressed interest in children. Starting and building a school the idea of a classical, Christian and Latin is about generational impact, for children centered education. My inital thought was, and families today as well as those who will “perhaps I can enlist someone else to start benefit in the future. Each of my objections the school.” was met with an answer and within a few weeks, I assembled a business plan, secured Before our family moved to Indianapolis in a meeting location, and enlisted the sup- 2005, I had started a small two day school port of some like minded individuals to Mrs. Huston, HLS Principal in Illinois. The level of work and long term launch a Latin school in the fall.

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HLS INDY SCHOOL LAUNCH In the spring of 2011, myself and a start up team of teachers held Mrs. Tharp quizzes Lower School students on their Latin vocabulary. an informational meeting to outline the vision and mission for a Latin-centered classical Christian school. This school was an adapted version of HLS in Louisville, based on their curriculum, pedagogy and administrative model. In the process of the school launch, I had been in contact with individuals from the Louisville school and their school curriculum publishing company, Memo- ria Press, to share our school start materials and business plan. Through the course of our discussions, I learned of their interest in planting a model school elsewhere to show how Highlands Latin School and their results could be reproduced in other com- munities. Providing both development and financial support, HLS Louisville extended to me an invitation to build an Indianapolis campus. We opened our doors in the fall of 2011 with 50 students in 2nd-8th grades. Even as a first year school, the transformative benefits of Latin They were familiar with the HLS school model, and enthusiastic were apparent. Students were forming good academic habits, about the work and need for a school like Highlands in Indianap- exhibiting a motivation and interest in learning, and thriving olis. In 2013, a core nucleus of teachers who shared a strong desire in traditional classrooms. Parents saw the benefits as well. The to contribute their skills and expertise to further our mission were following year we added 70 new students, and a third school day hired. HLS attracts great teachers and retains great teachers. in response to interest. In 2013 we launched a full high school The longevity and commitment of our staff has played a key program to complete the K-12 HLS curriculum sequence. To meet role in the establishment and growth of the school. Ninety per- the enrollment jump for our second year we hired and trained a cent of the founding faculty from the school’s early years continue fleet of new teachers. to teach at HLS contributing both their professional and personal During this year, I was contacted by numerous individuals who resources to the school’s development. To this day, we have never had an array of both professional and educational experience. advertised for teachers. (CONTINUED)

HLS continues to grow! Pictured is the entire HLS student body from a recent school year.

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THE NEED FOR A PERMANENT FACILITY While growing, we developed a high school curriculum sequence and launched a robust Upper School program in 2013. Soon after, we were in need of a permanent facility that could accommodate our student body and provide adequate office space. Over the next few years, an extensive search took place for existing real estate and land prospects on the northside of Indianapolis. In 2017, HLS Indy transitioned from a privately owned school to a non-profit organization as a measure to assist the school in the acquisition of a property and engage local participation in further developing the school and its mission in the community. Through the generosity and assistance of an HLS family, the school was provided an opportunity in 2019 to purchase 30 acres of land in Westfield, Indiana, as a HLS Indy is a witness to this truth provid- contact Rob Wiley, the Building on Excel- future site for a permanent campus. This ing a place for this important transforma- lence Campaign Chair. Gifts to the cam- property is strategically located in a north tive work to occur. paign will play a direct role in the school’s mission by providing a space for training Indianapolis suburb and is accessible to Ten years ago I stepped out on a limb not the hearts and minds of children for the families throughout the area. With 8 acres knowing where my small efforts teaching next generation. of woods, ten acres for fields and ten for Latin would lead. God had a plan for this classroom buildings, the school is poised school, in this time and in this place. Myself Interested in helping with the HLS to reach many more students and families and scores of other individuals have all Capitol Campaign? Contact Rob Wiley at in the future. been a part of this orchestration, and I can [email protected] OUTREACH AND IMPACT say without a doubt that this was not of People who have heard about the curricu- our own efforts but a work of God for His lum and culture at Highlands Latin School, own glory. Looking back on the school’s come to visit the school on a regular basis. history, I am ever mindful of His blessing On a number of occasions I have walked and provision in the planting, growing and “The caliber of the the halls with a parent who is observing sustaining HLS Indy in this community. students is generally classes much like I did at HLS Louisville The school is a growing tapestry of indi- on that January morning in 2011. As they viduals contributing their time, resources, high at HLS... but I experience the peace and joyful interest of gifts and abilities on behalf of the school. students engaged in learning, the enthusias- They are living examples of the school’s have observed that you tic instruction in the classroom, and caring mission in action. don’t have to be a per- demeanor of our teachers, I sometimes PARTICIPATING IN THE MISSION encounter a parent with a tear in their eye. fect student to succeed The “Building on Excellence” campaign Just as I was on that winter morning, they is an opportunity for others to participate at Highlands: it’s the are moved to tears by what is possible when in the ongoing vision and mission of HLS excellence in academics and character are Indy, inspiring parents with what is possible curriculum and the presented to children each day. Highlands for their child in a Latin-centered classical Latin School is the place where that very education you receive Christian education. As HLS Indy moves opportunity is present. into its second decade of impact, we invite that shapes you into a HLS exists to help children grow in you to join this tapestry of individuals who top caliber student.” knowledge, wisdom and love of the Lord are sharing their time, skills and resources and to develop their gifts and abilities for to further the school’s educational mission. —Mrs. Reinhard, Upper School the glory of Christ and His church. God To learn more about the many ways you English Studies teacher loves our children and He loves parents. can engage in partnership with the school,

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STEPPING FORWARD By Audra Kauffman

After a decade of growth, HLS is ing Bob Lach, Clark Byrum, and many oth- officially on its way to having a home ers, who have helped us get to this point,” of its own. Since the school’s beginning Mr. Huston emphasized. “It’s been quite in 2011, the school has grown and flour- a journey, but we have peace of heart and ished due to the time-tested tradition mind because of how we have seen God’s of a classical curriculum. hand in this all along the way. We pray that we will honor Him with this land and the A PROPERTY AND A PLAN buildings we put on it.” The school leadership has been in search of a permanent space in the Carmel area WORKING TOGETHER for several years, and looked into countless With the property acquired, our school potential options during that time. “At community now has the opportunity to every step, at each decision point, God has join together to participate in the mission friends of HLS, this campaign aims to raise opened and closed doors,” Tim Huston, of our school by contributing to the “Build- an additional $5 million to allow com- chairman of the board of Highlands Latin ing on Excellence” campaign. With $2.5 pletion of the classroom building, a place School Association, recalls. “It’s been million already collected or committed by where Highlands can pursue (CONTINUED) amazing to see His hand at work on behalf of the school.” Thirty acres of Indiana countryside, the purchase of which was made possible by the generosity of the Clark Byrum family, will soon become the site for a two-story classroom building accommodating up to 325 students. Located on 146th street near the Westfield, Carmel, Zionsville border, the property is currently being equipped with water and sewer services in prepa- ration for construction of the building. The first floor will contain Lower School classrooms, a teacher collaboration area, conference rooms, and an admissions area. The second floor will house the Upper School classrooms, a dedicated science PLAYGROUNDS, CROSS COUNTRY room, a music/drama room, and student FUTURE TRACK, NATURE collaboration area. GYM TRAILS AND “The 30 acre property provides space to ARCHERY AREAS meet our needs today, and into the future,” FACULTY PARKING/ ON THE PROPERTY Mr. Huston shared. “The classroom build- UPPER PLAY- MAIN ing, to be built in Phase I, and gymnasium, SCHOOL GROUND SCHOOL in Phase II, will be located toward the PARKING PICK UP LOT BUILDING front of the property, with space for sports fields and other activity areas in the back section of the land. One beautiful feature of the property is approximately 8 acres of woods, which will provide a natural backdrop for the school, with room for a DETENTION POND nature trail and a cross country track.” “We have been blessed by the incredible Our 30-acre site at 146th and Shelbourn. FUTURE FRONTAGE ROAD work of people in our community, includ-

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By Audra Kauffman

“Just like our own homes, a school home means familiarity and for generations its Mission: “In partner- together through different rental agree- security... We will have ship with parents, and guided by the ments, space restrictions, you name it. Gospel, we seek to educate students to more opportunities than the highest standards of the classical “Just like our own homes, a school home- ever to meet the needs tradition, so that they may grow in the means familiarity and security,” continues knowledge, wisdom, and the love of our Mrs. Riddell. “For administration, it means of families who share Lord, and more ably use their gifts in total flexibility to use the facility howev- similar convictions the service of others, and for the glory of er best suits a change in circumstance. Christ and His church.” Another change will come about from our about the human soul presence along 146th Street. The street “One of our main goals is to see the High- exposure will result in increased awareness and raising capable lands community come together for 100% of the HLS mission. We will have more participation in this effort,” expressed Rob opportunities than ever to meet the needs impactful adults.” Wiley, leader of the Building on Excellence of families who share similar convictions —Mrs. Riddell, an Upper School campaign committee. “Every family has a about the human soul and raising capable, English Studies teacher different level at which they can give, and impactful adults. we hope each one will take the opportunity to be a part of this important step in the life “Together we will all smell the fresh paint of our school. Some people will also be able and perhaps admire the hallways with- to help us identify others who may want to out a single shoe scuff, but the paradox is participate in helping to build a school of we won’t be entering a new school. The this caliber: one that will be a foundation administration has worked and continues of our community into the future.” working without ceasing to build a cul- ture of moral and intellectual integrity so THE SAME SCHOOL IN A NEW SPACE that when that long-awaited day arrives, “The day after we move into the new the school that moves into the building building, we will continue the arduous will have the same strong foundation as and joyful task of being a school that the brick and mortar.” provides an academic and social environ- ment unlike any other in central Indi- In this moment, we celebrate the success ana,” anticipates Brooke Riddell, HLS of Highlands which has brought us to this board member and Upper School English ten year mark with such momentum, the Studies teacher. “For the HLS families faithfulness of God in the provision of a and faculty, however, the building will be a beautiful property, and the anticipation welcome affirmation of our collective com- of how our school will have even more mitment to character-centered traditional opportunities to live out our mission in instruction. As a community we have stuck the years to come.

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ARCHERY CLUB TO TAKE AIM By Audra Kauffman

The varied landscape on the new HLS property presents opportunities for many types of activi- ties. Archery Club will be one of the first to take ARCHERY CLUB TO TAKE AIM advantage of the grassy meadow, where there is HLS students will soon have the opportunity to join the plenty of space to set up multiple targets safe- HLS Archery Club, which will practice at our new property ly. Nature trails will offer science enrichment opportunities during school days as well as places in Westfield! HLS was recently awarded a grant from the for families to explore outside of school. Teach- National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP), which ers will certainly use the outdoor areas on nice aided in the cost of purchasing 12 new bows, 5 targets, and days, for example for Mrs. Miller’s drill which is a favorite of 3rd graders, “Answer a Latin flash card 10 dozen arrows! The school’s new property is well suited correctly, earn the chance to run a lap.” Out- for training and practice. Several HLS staff members will be door activities during the Upper School’s spring Renaissance Competition (pictured) will spill out trained by NASP to instruct students in safety and proper into the grass for archery and wood splitting. A technique. Highlands students in grades five through twelve cross country track is being planned, which will will be eligible to participate in Archery Club. Participants take advantage of both the woods and the open areas. And of course recess! will be trained in safety and form, and will have fun inter- actions with classmates and coaches right on the new HLS Contact Mrs. Kauffman with any questions at property. Opportunities will exist to compete in NASP com- [email protected] petitions! Keep an eye out for more details later this year!

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looks to teach and train FAITHFUL TO THE TASK By Audra Kauffman from both an intellec- Highlands is in its tenth year, and it has TOP NOTCH LEADERSHIP the unusual benefit of having a number “Our leadership is professional, willing to tual and moral view- of faculty who have been teaching here serve, and committed to our curriculum,” for many years. After talking with the observed Mr. Kauffman, in his eighth year point. HLS consistently teachers, it is apparent that this beneficial at HLS. “They demonstrate that commit- phenomenon stems from their firm belief ment by not acquiescing to calls to change calls both teacher and in the Highlands curriculum, the respect our curriculum, dilute our standards, or student to grow into a the faculty has for the school’s leadership, alter our objectives. That is leadership I and the strength of the partnership with can stand behind.” better person.” the families who make up the Highlands community. —Mrs. Hibbitt, Upper School A COMPLETE CURRICULUM Logic and Rhetoric teacher “I love the curriculum,” expressed Mrs. Miller, who is in her eighth year teaching at HLS. “I appreciate that it puts the focus on the learning, instead of on the frills. The kids love the predictability of it.” “Primarily, what has kept me at Highlands is the classical curriculum,” Mrs. Hibbitt, upper school logic teacher in her sixth year at HLS, explained. “A classical education Mrs. Achenbach, Second Grade teacher never forgets that we are human beings, and looks to teach and train from both “Honestly, I’m shocked I’ve been here this an intellectual and moral viewpoint. HLS long,” admitted Upper School math teach- consistently calls both teacher and student er Mrs. Wible, in her tenth year. “This was to grow into a better person.” not the story I had written for myself, but as I’ve watched Mrs. Huston’s leadership, “The caliber of the students is generally I’ve been inspired to continue teaching high at HLS,” shared Mrs. Reinhard, ninth and participating in this community. year Upper School English studies teacher, Mrs. Huston never asks someone to do “but I have also observed that you don’t something she isn’t willing to do herself. have to be a perfect student to succeed I’ve seen her mopping floors and cleaning at Highlands: it’s the curriculum and the bathrooms... It’s very unusual to see that education you receive that shapes you into level of servant leadership.” a top caliber student.” “HLS has a wonderful faculty and staff, top “I enjoy the children and classical curricu- notch, in my opinion,” expressed eighth Mrs. Hibbitt (pictured above) also facilitates lum,” remarked Mrs.Crocker, a kindergar- year teacher Mrs. Rohrbach, who teaches the HLS debate team which has won numer- ten teacher in her sixth year at Highlands. math at the Upper School. “It’s wonder- ous awards. “Each year’s curricula builds on the prior ful to come to work in a place with such year’s foundation. The longevity of the knowledgeable and passionate colleagues.” teaching staff builds cohesion in the teach- ing community as well as helps to allow PARENT-TEACHER PARTNERSHIP teacher mastery of the subjects taught at “One reason I continue to teach at High- each grade level.” lands is the quality of parenting in the

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Upper School students take notes as Mr. Cutrona, High School Dean of Students, walks them through a section of the history curriculum.

families of our students,” expressed Mrs. Riddell, Upper School English studies teacher in her ninth year at Highlands. “Work- ing as a team has produced lovely results in our students. That’s inspiring, and it shows me that my work is worthwhile.” Mr. Garrison, Upper School teacher of Classical and Modern Studies, science, and math in his eighth year, agrees. “The caliber of students is high, and that has to do with parenting. Our stu- dents are rewarding to teach.” “I am in my seventh year teaching at Highlands,” shared fourth By the time students leave HLS, they grade teacher Mrs. Stubbs, “and I value the amazing parents of our students. They are involved, supportive, and focused on have become very capable. I know their kids.” that they will thrive in their college “If a family is here over the long term, we often have siblings, and there is a huge benefit in that continuity,” observed Mrs. environments because of the train- Mundroff, sixth grade teacher in her eighth year at HLS. “We’re not starting all over again year after year, because the parents ing at HLS. This keeps me coming come in knowing what to expect in 6th grade. back from year to year, knowing I “I love teaching at Highlands and have chosen to remain at the school because of the amazing character of the children and the am training tomorrow’s leaders to encouraging support of the parents,” stated Mrs. Achenbach, 2nd grade teacher in her seventh year at Highlands. do great things for the Lord.” “HLS has great students and great families,” Mrs. Rohrbach add- —Mrs. Rohrbach, Upper School math teacher ed. “There is a strong culture of learning. It is fun to teach stu- dents who want to learn in a culture where learning is important.

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Mrs. Greenslade, an HLS First Grade teacher, goes over the student jobs for the week as a part of the class’ morning routine.

OUR MISSION In partnership with parents, and guided by the Gospel, we seek to educate students to the highest standards of the classical tradition, so that they may grow in the knowl- edge, wisdom, and the love of our Lord, and more ably use their gifts in the service of others, and for the glory of Christ and His church.

Mrs. Mundroff, an HLS Sixth Grade teacher, instructs a student on a Latin assignment.

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HLS SUPPORT PARENTS IN EQUIPPING THEIR KIDS By Audra Kauffman Three years ago, after experiences in public a challenge and has far exceeded anything Having seen unhealthy leadership in a school, private school, and homeschooling, we could have hoped for,” Angie added. “I time of crisis at another school has given Max and Angie Williams were looking love the curriculum and believe strongly in the Williams the greatest appreciation for for an environment for their kids, Cassidy a classical education. I’ve seen the way that the leadership of HLS. “I trust so much in (now 8th grade) and Ben (now 5th grade), the curriculum is laid out to circle back and Mrs. Huston, having had the opportunity where what was being taught at home reinforce themes for long-term learning.” to hear her heart for the school through would be reinforced in the classroom. my work with the Parent Teacher Fel- lowship,” Angie shared. “When I’ve been What they found at Highlands has been unsure about something, I felt the freedom that, plus much more. to go straight to the top to ask questions, “The healthy, Christian environment at “As parents, we look and Mrs. Huston has always spent the time Highlands has been a blessing to us, after to answer our questions and work through a very difficult situation at a previous for opportunities for any issues that have come up. I see that school,” Angie shared. “We love that the God has led her to start this school, and development of Christian character is our kids to experience that He is working through her to provide highlighted: character formation and Bib- this opportunity for our families. I see that lical truth is woven through the academics challenges, and use same healthy, intentional, God-honoring and culture of the school. One thing that leadership in Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Marshall, has impressed us about Highlands is that those challenges to and the teachers. not only are our kids hearing the same “A s parents, we strive to equip our kids truth at school that they we are teaching improve their work for whatever God has planned for them,” them at home, but they are in a classroom Angie reflected. “HLS is such an import- with other children who are confident, ethic and develop ant piece of that for us. Academics isn’t respectful, and ready to learn.” perseverance and grit.” really the end game; no matter where they The Williams have found that the partner- —Angie Williams, HLS parent go, we’re thankful for the character and ship between parents and teachers gives knowledge they will carry with them as a them more insight and ability to mentor result of their experience at Highlands.” their kids in multiple aspects of learning. “Because Cassidy and Ben do their school- work at home on home study days, we have become more aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and we are able to help them develop new strategies of learning in those weaker areas,” explained Angie. “We couldn’t do that at previous schools because we didn’t know the curriculum and didn’t see them learning in the way we do now. “A s parents, we look for opportunities for our kids to experience challenges, and use those challenges to improve their work ethic and develop perseverance and grit. Mrs Davis, Upper School Director; Mr. Cutrona, Dean of High School; Mrs. Huston, Principal; Mrs. Mundroff, an HLS Sixth Grade teacher, instructs a student on a Latin assignment. The academics at Highlands provides such Mrs. Marshall, Lower School Director; and Mrs.Wiley, Admissions Director

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