Back To School Larchmont Chronicle • 2012

On the Inside ... Warriors pick up momentum. 17 Reporting from the Mile. 19

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SEPTEMBER 2012

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Larchmont Chronicle

BACK TO SCHOOL New principal aims to foster school pride at Los Angeles High School By Laura Eversz School, leaving John Bur For Helena Yoon-Fontamil- roughs Middle School—where las, who recently took over as she’d been assistant principal principal at Los Angeles High for the 9:52 pastAMfive years—was a Admissions-FALL-Ads-2012_Larchmont 8/14/12 Page 1

bittersweet experience. At John Burroughs, “I built so many wonderful relationships with students, staff and

A D M I S S I O N S E V E NT S Kindergarten – 6th Grade Orientations November 3, 2012 • January 12, 2013

7th–12th Grade Orientations October 20, 2012 • November 10, 2012

The new 111,000 sq. ft.

Arts & Education Center is OPEN!

Episcopal, independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school for kindergarten through grade12 For orientation registration and information, please visit: campbellhall.org/admissions 4533 Laurel Canyon Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91607 • (818) 505-5316 • www.campbellhall.org

Accredited by CAIS, WASC & NAIS.

A vibrant learning environment, integrating arts and technology into a strong academic program that fosters an optimistic spirit, an ethical approach to life and a firm sense of self confidence. Pre-K through 6th Grade

Please join us at one of our upcoming Admissions Open Houses: Friday, October 5, 2012 8:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Friday, October 12, 2012 8:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

To RSVP for an Open House, visit echohorizon.org or call our office at (310) 838-2442. 3430 McManus Ave. Culver City, CA 90232 / echohorizon.org

the community,” said Yoon- She’s also excited about the chance to work with older Fantamillas. Her accomplishments there kids. included building a rapport “It’s definitely a new expewith students and families and rience that I embrace. It’s an creating a strong professional amazing opportunity to work development program for with high school youth and to teachers. She also served as have direct influence and imthe school-community liaison pact on their college and life choices,” said Yoon-Fantamilwith Hancock Park residents. In addition, she worked side las. by side with school neighbor “I find it powerful and inand supporter Joanne Med- spiring to engage in convererois—who Yoon-Fantamillas sation with students about college, their calls a true hopes and friend of JB— dreams,” added on a three-year the principal, beautification who holds three project. masters’ de “Take a look grees as well as at the front of a doctorate in the school and K-12 Leadersee just how ship in Educagorgeous it is,” tion from USC. she said. “It’s Her focus at a great honor L.A. High is to knowing that build a strong I had a part in learning comcreating somemunity and thing beautiful help foster that will last a school pride by long time for HELENA working toward many to enjoy.” YOON-FANTAMILLAS increasing stu Now Yoondent achieveFantamillas is looking forward to the exciting and challeng- ment. ing work of leading the high “I plan to work closely with school on Olympic Blvd. “I the faculty to strengthen our know that L.A. High, like John instructional program to atBurroughs, has a long and tract the best and the brightrich history. There is tremen- est students, and to work coldous legacy and pride being a laboratively with community Roman, and I feel extremely stakeholders to rebuild L.A. honored to be a part of the High to its premier days,” she said. school’s history.”

Christ the King School debuts transitional kindergarten By Jane Gilman Christ the King Catholic School is inaugurating the first transitional kindergarten in the Los Angeles Diocese. “We are adopting the Montessori method,” said Ruth Anderson, principal of the elementary school at 617 N. Arden Blvd. Anderson, a native of Ireland, said her first teaching experience in her home country was as a Montessori teacher. The kindergarten class is for four- to five-year-olds to get them ready for the older kindergarten. “It encourages independent learning,” said Anderson. The method, founded by Maria Montessori in 1907 in Italy, involves constant interaction, problem solving, child-to-child teaching and socialization. Children are challenged according to their

ability. Montessori materials let the students learn at their own pace. They learn to tie bows, unbutton buttons and lace shoes. Other materials are used to teach arithmetic and geography. The youngsters learn the alphabet by tracing letters. Shannon Holeva, who is beginning her sixth year as a kindergarten teacher at the school, is excited about the program. The children will be learning how to build words and put them into sentences. “This is among the methods that prepare them for the next level,” she added.

About the cover The kindergarten students on the cover attend Christ the King School. Photo by Bill Devlin.

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SEPTEMBER 2012

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BACK TO SCHOOL Tuition-free charter school opens on Robertson Blvd.

THE

about," said Werner. "We're deeply committed to offering Los Angeles students a dynamic alternative public middle and high school option." The school espouses blended learning and an educational philosophy and approach designed to serve the needs of different learners, including gifted and special education students. To contact the school at 1518 S. Robertson Blvd., visit www.citycharterschool.org

Schoolof ofBallet Ballet School

We Welcome Students of All Ages!

Flower arranging class at Huntington

Reserve Place Now for FallSeptember Semester 2012 Fall Your Classes Begin Tuesday, 5

Fall Classes Begin Tuesday, September 5 Our Fall Semester Runs Thru December 21 Nutcracker Audition, Saturday, September 9 • 3:45-5:45 Register Online at September 9 • 3:45-5:45 Nutcracker Audition, Saturday, 323.965.0333 orwww.maratdaukayev.com email daukayev@sbcglobal.net 323.965.0333 or email daukayev@sbcglobal.net Pre-Ballet to Pre-Professional Training in Russian Style Classical Ballet or call 323.965.0333

Pre-Ballet to Pre-Professional Training Russian Style atPre-Ballet Dance Arts Academy, 731Training S. La Brea Avenue (south ofClassical Wilshire) to Pre-Professional in in Russian Style Classical Ballet at Ballet www.maratdaukayev.org at Arts Dance Arts 731 Academy, 731 Ave. S. La(south Brea Avenue•(south of Wilshire) Dance Academy, S. La Brea of Wilshire) www.maratdaukayev.com

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EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF LOS ANGELES

The STEM Institute

Fall After School Program Grades 5th - 7th September 17 - November 15 Each class is held weekly from 4:00 - 5:30

MONDAYS: The Physics of Flight introduces the engineering and design of take-off, flying, and landing. TUESDAYS: App-tastic! allows students to program and design their own smartphone apps. THURSDAYS: Power Up. Come build your own batteries, solar panels, and fuel cells -and make a pickle glow!

Visit us online to register for an after-school class or to inquire about admission for the 2013-2014 school year. 6325 Santa Monica Boulevard • Los Angeles, CA 90038 • 310.720.7075

www.es-la.com

0906 ©LC0912

Using locally grown flowers, kids can create summer bouquets and learn fun facts about California’s flower farms at a workshop on Sat., Sept. 8 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The event, for children ages seven to 12 accompanied by an adult, is at the Huntington Library, 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino. For more information, go to www.huntington.org.

0906

A recent open house introduced The City School, a public, tuition-free charter middle school that opened its doors on Aug. 27. The school has started with grades 6th and 7th this year, and will add a grade each year until it becomes a 6th through 12th grade school. The City School emphasizes “student-centered education” with small class sizes of approximately 14-24 students per class, said cofounder Lindsay Sturman, Larchmont Village. She is also co-founder of the Larchmont Charter School. Sheri Werner is the school’s founding principal and has been a professional educator for the past 22 years. Werner has taught at both elementary and middle school levels. She cofounded Foundations School Community, a K-8th grade constructivist-based school, where she served as head of school for 15 years. "Offering an exceptional, student-centered education is what The City School is all

Marat Daukayev Daukayev Marat

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SEPTEMBER 2012

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Larchmont Chronicle

BACK TO SCHOOL Nature-themed story time for kids at Descanso Bring your little ones, two and older, to hear naturethemed stories in the giant Little Owls Reading Nest at Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso

Dr., LaCanada Flintridge. Mama and Papa Owl are welcome to snuggle up with their young and enjoy picture books read by Descanso staff

on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. Free with admission. For more information, go to www. descansogardens.org

Immaculate Heart High School A Private Catholic College Preparatory School for Young Women • Grades 9 –12

❖ Committed to excellence in education since 1906 ❖ Accredited by the Western Catholic Education Association, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and the California Association of Independent Schools

PUPPETEERS bring Ice Age creatures back to life.

Cool saber-tooth cats on stage at the Page Museum Starting this month the Ice Age’s coolest cat will have a regular gig at the Page Museum, 5801 Wilshire Blvd. The extinct relative of the house cat and her kitten Nibbles will be on stage at the East La Brea Theater on Mon., Sept. 3. Show times are at 11 a.m., 12:30 and 1:45 p.m. The Ice Age Encounter of the life-size cats in puppet form continues bi-weekly ev-

Academic Playday for Eighth Graders Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 9 am Open House for Prospective Families, Sunday, December 2, 2012 at 1 pm

Examination for Entrance and Merit Scholarships Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 8:30 am

Immaculate Heart Middle School for girls, Grades 6, 7 and 8

Open House for Prospective Families • Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 1 pm

Night of music, comedy supports school programs

Entrance Examination for Grade 6 • Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 8:30 am

Hollywood Wilshire YMCA Afterschool Programs for children and classes for youth, adults and seniors.

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Grade 7 • Saturday, February 9, 2013, at 8:30 am

5515 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028-5999 (323) 461-3651 • www.immaculateheart.org

ery Wednesday and Saturday starting Sept. 12. Same hours apply. Visitors can also witness ongoing fossil excavations of the fanged cat that once prowled the area. Fossils are also on display inside the museum. The stage show takes the experience a step further to imagine what this gnarly, furry creature acted like 20,000 or so years ago, museum officials said.

Keepin’ Music Beyond the Bell, hosted by comedian Tommy Chong, is at The World Famous Conga Room @ LA Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd. on Wed., Sept. 5. The fundraiser supports after-school programs in L.A. public schools in music, art, recreation and academic activities. Doors open at 6 p.m.; Chong’s performance is at 7:15 p.m. Additional entertainment

will be provided by Wil-Dog from Ozomatli and his Banda Viento de Oro as well as The Latin All Stars featuring Rudy Salas from Tierra. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $60 for reserved seating and $75 for VIP, which includes priority seating and the chance to meet and greet the performers. For more information, go to btb.lausd.net. For tickets, go to www.congaroom.com.

Languages taught at preschool

Exercise and play helps build a healthy mind, body, and Spirit! • Exercise • Zumba • Pilates

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Evidence suggests that surrounding young children with a foreign language has a positive effect on intellectual growth. The Language Garden Preschool at 1067 Fairfax Blvd. offers full-day Spanish and French immersion for pre-

Dentistry for Children and Young Adults

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Pediatric Dentistry Randall E. Niederkohr, D.D.S.

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For more information or class schedules call (323)467-4161

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Hollywood Wilshire YMCA 1553 N. Schrader Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028

schoolers. According to founder Janet Daly, parents choose the language, which teachers speak to students 95 to 100 percent of the time. For more information, go to languagegardenpreschool. com or call 323-930-1527.

We have a unique living room atmosphere Children from newborns to 18-year-olds feel comfortable Saturday Appointments Available

(323) 463-8322 • 321 N. Larchmont Blvd, Suite 809

Larchmont Chronicle

SEPTEMBER 2012

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17

BACK TO SCHOOL Wilshire Warriors finish strong at Cooperstown

St. Brendan School

A Catholic elementary school Grades K-8

WelCome BaCK to the School Year 2012-2013!

• Fully accredited by WASC • Strong academic curriculum • Spanish classes, K-8 • Student council • CYO sports program • After-school care • Intrumental Music Program • After-School Drama Club • Student Choir Sister Maureen O’Connor, CSJ-Principal ©LC0912

By Laura Eversz The Wilshire Warriors have come a long way in the past couple of years, finishing ninth overall in a recent tournament held in Cooperstown, N.Y., home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The Warriors, made up of the best players from Wilshire Sports Assoc. baseball teams, started in 2010 as a 10 and under travel team. They lost their first game 23-0. Later that season, coach David Adams was introduced to Ryne Tacker, who played WILSHIRE WARRIORS are pictured following their play-off vicbaseball in college and with tory over the New Hampshire Diamond Dawgs. the Oakland A’s minor league team. Before long, Tacker was It was a great end to two secretary. Aliza Lesser remains on board, and the Warriors be- years of hard work for the as treasurer. team, especially the five origi- Anyone interested in pargan to improve. The thing about baseball, nal players who have been ticipating in the Warrior prosaid coach Adams, is that it with Warriors from the begin- gram should contact Rake at jeff@lightrake.com prepares you for life. “It teach- ning, said Adams. es you how to work together In addition to Plum, team as a team, strive for successes members include Tiger Adams, Isaac Rose, Ethan Faband recover from failure.” ricant, Jake As news Gannon, of the team Eric Johns p r e a d son, Austin throughout Lee, Finn the neighStarzek, borhood, Nick Silk, additional Jack Lipteams were man, Hiram added for Smith, Alex boys ages Terry and six to 10. Jacob MartiAnd by nez. spring of this year, “These plays e v e n ers are all teams competed in PITCHER Eric Johnson threw a i n d i v i d u a l complete game victory over Andy's stars and weekly trav9ers from Ohio. great playel games as well as a recreational league ers in their own right,” said that played at Pan Pacific Steven Johnson, assistant coach. Park. At the Cooperstown tourna- “When they first started ment, which was sponsored in playing together, they got depart by Chocoholics in Larch- stroyed by the competition mont Village, “the boys played because they were playing better than they ever had,” as nine individual stars,” he added. “But after nearly 200 said Adams. After losing their first games, they realized that the game, the team came back whole was greater than the strong and defeated the Fort sum of the parts. When they Wayne Cubs, with Avery Plum let go of their individual ampitching the entire game and bitions, they started to win.” starting a four-game winning The team recently elected streak. In the end, the War- new offers, including Jeff riors were defeated by the Mil- Rake, president; John Wells, vice president; and Chad Saul, waukee Angels.

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SEPTEMBER 2012

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Larchmont Chronicle

BACK TO SCHOOL Her ‘vacation’ in Asia was filled with hard work By Jane Gilman Would you like to spend three weeks in Asia with only a backpack to carry your possessions?

Cassidy Gyetvan did just that when she spent part of her summer helping to build a water tank and community bathrooms while in Thailand

in

and Laos. “Come with nothing,” advised Rustic Pathways, the firm which offers a variety of foreign adventures for all ages.

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Cathedral Chapel School • Kindergarten through 8th grade • Fully Accredited WASC & WCEA • Schoolwide 4G Internet Access • 36 MAC Computer Lab • Spanish Program • Middle School iPad Program • Departmentalized Junior High • Classroom Art & Music Program

• Honors Math Program • CYO Sports • Hot Lunch Program • Outreach Concern Counseling • Extended Day Care • Junior High Academic Decathlon • Instrumental Music Program

755 South Cochran Ave., L.A. 90036 For Information (323) 938-9976 or cathedralchapelschool.org

DARE TO BE BRILLIANT | DARE TO BE CREATIVE | DARE TO BE STRONG

DARE TO BE TRUE

Dare to be True, The Buckley School motto, says a lot about our approach to education. At Buckley, developing a child’s moral character is on par with developing his or her abilities in academics, the arts, and athletics. Our 4-Fold Plan of Education, a wholechild philosophy, incorporates traditional touches to develop the character and discipline that unlock students’ potential. It is a personalized approach to education that emphasizes creativity, global and multicultural perspectives, 21st century learning principles, and high academic standards for all students. We invite you to learn more by visiting us online at www.buckley.org or in person at our beautiful campus. Call us at 818.461.6719.

A K-12 Independent School 3900 Stansbury Avenue Sherman Oaks, California 91423-4618 Bus Transportation Available

Open Houses in October and November. Register online at www.buckley.org 310.575.4441 2107 Sawtelle Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90025

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The daughter of Angela Wilson Gyetvan of Windsor Square, this was Cassidy’s second summer on a foreign vacation. Last year she helped to build a school and teach English in Fiji. The Immaculate Heart High VISITING a temple in Thailand is Cassidy School senior Gyetvan, pictured with a guide. spent her first week in Thailand in a small traveling with only a backpack, Cassidy said she no longer worvillage. “When we got off the plane, ries about having possessions. we were given $30 to buy “The people were happy with clothes with. I bought long- the minimum of things.” sleeve blouses and long pants. Cassidy may have “come We learned the natives think with nothing,” but she reit is rude to show shoulders turned with a trunk full of wonderful memories. or knees.” The only Californian in a group of 11 girls and three boys, she helped to build a water tank in the first village. The girls slept in a church and the boys were in private houses. “The natives were very friendly, especially the kids,” she said. by Nanci Leonard Their day began at 7 a.m. with “Shopping” for colleges is breakfast, sometimes served outno different than shopping side (the weather was humid and in the 90s). Work began around for any product: You establish 9 a.m. Then lunch was served criteria, you research a range and the group had free time. of similar items and then you “Often we went to nearby choose the product that best waterfalls where we could fits your needs. go swimming,” Cassidy said. There are nearly 4000 col“The waters were an amazing leges, nationwide and almost bright blue.” Dinner was at 6 p.m. fol- 300 California schools from which to choose. In fact, lowed by more free time. Rustic Pathways provides there are dozens of colleges several leaders with the group which would be perfect for your child, yet, many of those as well as cooks. The people weren’t as friend- schools are not well-known. ly in Laos, she noted during her So, whether your child is stay in two different villages in 5 or 15, while you have the that country. The group stayed luxury of time, begin explorin private homes, and the rouing colleges. tine was the same. Make an Saturday appoint The project in Laos was m ent with your family building community bathrooms. “We didn’t finish, but and the admissions office another group would be com- of nearby public and private schools: UCLA, USC, pleting the jobs.” Cassidy discovered the Rus- Loyola Marymount, Cal State tic Pathways community ser- - Northridge or any of the vice projects while attending a Claremont Colleges. These summer camp fair. schools are similar and differ The 29-year-old organization ent in size, location, courses offers travel programs for high of study and calendars. The school and college students, discussions that will follow families and groups. Summer your visits will be valuable in programs are available for studetermining what “kind” of dents from 12 years of age. college will be best for your Rustic Pathways says its child. Then, you can begin goal is “to expand children’s exploring some of those 4000 horizons, teach them about their wonderful planet, chal- colleges!

The College

Column

lenge them to dream, and pump them full of positive energy they can carry home for future use.” After spending three weeks

Nanci Leonard is a Certified College Counselor (and, a 37-year Brookside resident). Google her online at: Core College Counseling. Or, contact her at: nancitheexteacher@yahoo.com Adv.

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BACK TO SCHOOL Congresswoman Bass tells her goals for foster care system By Suhauna Hussain as a co-chair,” said Bass. “We Student Intern might not agree about other Congresswoman Karen Bass things, but we agree about is deeply concerned about foster care.” foster care. As a result, she The new foster youth caucus founded the bipartisan Con- is working to protect and progressional Caucus on Foster mote the welfare of all chilYouth, she told Miracle Mile dren in foster care and those Chamber of Commerce mem- who have “aged out” of the bers at a meeting in August at system. Park La Brea. Bass said she strongly opBass, who poses the represents way the fosthe 33rd dister care systrict of Calitem “emanfornia, said cipates,” she hoped to or abruptly improve the ceases suplives of chilporting youth dren receivonce they’ve ing foster reached a cercare through tain age. the caucus. “They kick B a s s ’ s [foster chilgroup is bi- INTERVIEW. Karen Bass talks to dren] to the partisan, al- Suhauna Hussain at a Miracle Mile curb when lowing peo- Chamber of Commerce meeting. they’re 18 ple of both and call that parties to come together and emancipation,” Bass said at work at improving the foster the meeting. care system. She ultimately hopes to give “That’s why I chose Congress- children in foster care tools to woman Michele Bachmann increase the stability of their

lives after they’ve officially aged out of the system. “Foster children lack the financial, social, and emotional safety nets they need in order

to lead a successful life after they’ve turned 18,” said the congresswoman. Bass also serves on the Budget Committee, the Foreign

Nursery School and Parent & Me Classes NAEYC accredited and inspired by the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy, our Early Childhood Centers offer developmental academics by outstanding teachers; incorporating Jewish values in a supportive environment for both child and parent.

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Storytelling, art classes, bug hunts Kids can enjoy plant and nature stories, learn about insects or take an art class at the L.A. County Arboretum at 301 N. Baldwin Ave. in Arcadia. Explore the Arboretum library and its story trees at Bookworms, a free storytelling program that meets on Wednesdays, Sept. 5 and 19 from 10 to 11 a.m. and Sat., Sept. 15, 2 to 3 p.m. At Family Fun classes, kids and their families will learn

everything they want to know about bugs and then head out on a bug hunt on Sat., Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. Youngsters can develop attention, ability and self-confidence at a series of art classes on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m.; 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. from Sept. 22 through Dec. 1. For more information, call 626-831-2222 or go to arboretum.org.

Affairs Committee, the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and the Congressional Black Caucus.

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SEPTEMBER 2012

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Larchmont Chronicle

Back to School Film on Marco Polo at Echo Horizon Author, explorer, and filmmaker Denis Belliveau will present his PBS documentary, “In the Footsteps of Marco Polo” at Echo Horizon School

on Mon. Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. It is open to the public. Belliveau’s 90-minute film showcases his and his partner, Francis O’Donnell’s two-year

excursion retracing Marco Polo’s journey from Venice to China and back. To attend the screening at the school at 3430 McManus Ave., Culver City, contact Sarah Aleksich at 310-838-2442.

Why Marlborough School? STUDENTS AT Page Private School, Larchmont Blvd., welcomed the school year with a new computer lab outfitted with iMacs. Preschoolers play educational games and kindergarteners are introduced to the keyboard. Elementary students are tested on typing speed and accuracy, and by third grade, are introduced to Microsoft Office.

Curtis School

Admissions Open House Please join us at an event for students and their parents who are interested in enrolling for the 2013-2014 academic year. Saturday, October 13 For students applying to grades 7-8 9:00 a.m.–12:00 noon Check-in: 8:30 a.m.

Saturday, November 17 For students applying to grades 7-11 9:00 a.m.–12:00 noon Check-in: 8:30 a.m.

Book your online reservation today at www.marlboroughschool.org/admissions or call our Admissions Office at (323) 964-8450.

COME JOIN US AT AN OPEN HOUSE September 25, 2012 (9–11am) October 23, 2012 (9–11am) November 13, 2012 (9–11am) December 4, 2012 (9–11am)

st. james’ episcopal school Engaging heart, mind and spirit.

R.S.V.P. at: 213-382-2315 x255 • admissions@sjsla.org 625 S. St. Andrews Place • Los Angeles, CA • 90005 • sjsla.org

By Jasper Gough 3rd Grade For Curtis students, school began on Aug. 29. Kindergarten and developmental kindergarten already had their Ice Cream Socials. All the stores advertise Back to School sales. Everyone is going into a new grade. Parents and students need to pay attention to the Calendar so they do not miss important events. Back-to-School Night includes the headmaster’s address, refreshments on the quad and classroom presentations. Upper elementary’s Back-to-School Night is on Sept. 13 and lower elementary’s is on Sept. 20. Luckily, Mulholland Bridge won’t be closed until Sept. 21. Students look forward to playing on school teams. The calendar mentions meetings for the 4th, 5th and 6th grade parent athletic orientations. In the next few weeks, teams will be formed

PAGE SCHOOL

By Karthik Jayaraman 5th grade My name is Karthik Jayaraman and I’m the new Page Private School student author for the Larchmont Chronicle. The first day of school was Mon., Aug. 6, and it was awesome thanks to all of the students and teachers. There were several changes that I noticed coming back.  To name a few, our computer lab had a makeover during the summer with new iMacs, rooms have been repainted and are more colorful, and new and exciting after-school programs are being offered.   We had our first field trip to Soak City, and we will have our first iJog for Technology this month, where we will jog as a fundraiser for our school.   and practices will start. Curtis has a swim team, a football team and a basketball team.