The first blow to Latin came over the summer when letters were sent home to parents with students at Bay Trail Middle School, informing them that Latin was being discontinued.

A shortage of certified Latin teachers was to blame, according to the letter. The news left some 45 eighth-graders with one year of Latin already under their belts in a lurch. Their option was taking Spanish 1 instead.

After parents spoke out, a part-time teacher was secured and those eighth-graders were able to continue their Latin sequence. Now the saga continues.

The Board of Education plans to discuss the future of the ancient language offering in Penfield at its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 30. Those with comments, concerns or input are encouraged to speak.

"The point of discussion is to look at all the options," said Nancy Bradstreet, director of information for the district. "We haven't made any final decisions yet."

According to Bradstreet, 35 eighth-graders are taking Latin I at Bay Trail. At Penfield High School, 11 students are taking Latin I, 17 students are taking Latin II and 13 students are taking Latin III. Other languages offered in a full Regents sequence at the high school include French, German and Spanish.

A number of parents and students spoke at last week's school board meeting in support of continuing to offer Latin to middle and high school students. They say they fear the program will be phased out.

Jeri Kanzler urged the board to hire another Latin teacher in the upcoming budget cycle.

"Let's enhance our languages other than the English program by complementing, not diminishing and destroying our highly successful Latin program," Kanzler said.

Camille Rutan reminded board members that there are many parents interested in seeing the Latin program continue.

"Please know that rather than letting the Latin program quietly disappear, the students and parents you see here tonight are ready and willing to help the district find the resources to help keep Latin alive in Penfield."