Salve! My name is Paula Barnett and I teach Latin at Leander High School. I began teaching at Leander High School in 1995. In 2009-2010, I will be teaching Latin I, Latin II, Latin III and Latin IV-IB. I enjoy traveling, especially to Italy. I am originally from Memphis, Tennessee, but have lived in Texas since 1976.
The main goal of the study of Latin is to be able to read and understand the literature of the ancient Romans in the original language. However, since Latin is the root of a large percentage of English words, students enlarge their English vocabulary as their knowledge of Latin increases. Latin is a cumulative subject; consequently, students are expected to spend 20 to 30 minutes, Sunday through Thursday, on Latin. Students who fall behind are strongly encouraged to seek help as quickly as possible. The first and second year of Latin lead up to the reading of Latin literature in the third and fourth years of study. Latin is part of the International Baccalaureate Program at Leander High School.

Latin I students have the chance to begin the study of a language and culture that has greatly influenced our language and many aspects of our culture. Using the Cambridge Latin Course, Latin I students will learn about Pompeii and Roman Britain.

Latin II students have the opportunity to increase their knowledge of Latin through reading of Latin text. Students explore aspects of Roman history and the Roman military in addition to learning how to get around in ancient Rome.

Latin III students use the book Latin Via Ovid to review Latin I & II and to become familiar with the Roman poet Ovid. In the Spring, students translate Ovid from Love and Transformation, An Ovid Reader.

Latin IV students read Latin literature from the IB curriculum - Vergil, Catullus and Horace, in addition to continuing to keep up the Ovid skills learned in Latin III. Latin IV students will complete and turn in an IB Internal Assessment (IA). This IA will be an oral presentation or a research dossier.