LC Back to School 2023

Larchmont Chronicle

Back to School 2023

2 SECTION THREE

Larchmont Chronicle

SEPTEMBER 2023

Larchmont Charter welcomes Wilshire and Hollygrove@Selma

By Casey Russell The beginning of the 2023 / 2024 school year is bringing big changes for Larchmont Charter School’s Hollygrove students and staff.

Last school year ended in June at the Hollygrove campus — the school’s original location when Larchmont Charter School (LCS) opened in 2005. During the ensuing years, LCS expanded to four campuses, with two of them being for elementary grades (transitional kindergarten [TK] through fourth) — one of those being the Fairfax campus and the other being the Hollygrove campus at Vine Street and Waring Avenue.

This year, LCS no longer will have any presence at Hollygrove (the square block of property now owned by Pacific Clinics). That campus’ TK-through-fourth-grade students have been moved to two separate campuses — a new campus (Wilshire) and what’s being called Hollygrove @ Selma.

Amy Held, executive director of LCS, had been notified in the fall of 2021 that Hollygrove’s landlord, Pacific Clinics, planned to redevelop the site, previously the longtime — and final — campus of the Los Angeles Orphans Home Society founded in 1880.

Fortunately, Pacific Clinics extended the charter school’s lease through this past July, allowing LCS to search for and prepare a new home.

New Wilshire campus Finding a new site was quite

LCS PARENTS and students inspect new campus during an open house in August.

Photos by Rose Kim

a challenge, as LCS was established in one of the most densely populated and highly priced real estate markets in Los Angeles. Any new property needed to be zoned to allow a school and, ideally, be large enough to accommodate Hollygrove’s population of 350 pupils. LCS found an available site of a former private school near the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Highland Avenue. Unfortunately, the site is too small to house all of Hollygrove’s faculty and students.

Initially, it was hoped that the lease at Hollygrove could be extended to continue to house the third- and fourthgrade students there, while the TK-through-secondgrade children would move to the new Wilshire property.

LAUSD restrictions Charter schools in Los Angeles are part of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The district often provides space and facilities for charter school operators,

and the district also approves (or disapproves) the locating of charter schools.

Unfortunately, LAUSD did not approve the LCS request to add an additional site (Wilshire) to its current four-site configuration (Hollygrove, Fairfax, Selma and Lafayette Park). A new solution needed to be found.

A portion of the campus of LAUSD’s Selma Avenue Elementary School (founded in 1910 and located at 6611 Selma Ave. in Hollywood) has, for many years, been home to some LCS students — most recently, fifth through eighth grade.

Rather than allow the addition of a fifth site (by keeping Hollygrove and adding Wilshire), LAUSD made a one-time accommodation to allow Hollygrove’s thirdand fourth-grade students to move into Selma’s empty space for the 2023 / 2024 school year. The other Hollygrove students have moved

LCS CLASSMATES Lucas Kim and Libby Kim study the early version of the garden area at the new Wilshire Campus.

to Wilshire.

Two-campus split When asked about her thoughts regarding the split of the elementary school’s students into two campuses, Held said, “Hollygrove has such a strong team, community and culture that I’m confident it will be vibrant across both sites.” Held knows that it will be a challenge to operate on multiple sites but said, “The flip side is that each community will be a little smaller, providing an even cozier sense of campus community.”

Encampments There has been much concern from LCS parents regarding the continuous and/or repeated presence of street-dweller encampments around the perimeter of the Selma campus. It already was a concern for the middle school students, and now, with 9- and 10-year-olds joining that campus population, the concern has grown even stronger. “Both parent leaders and school staff are in constant communication with the City Council office and LAPD,” said Held. “We are reaching out through every avenue we can, repeatedly, to improve this situation and we

have been since late spring,” she continued. A recent cleanup as part of the City of Los Angeles’ Inside Safe program cleared the area. Held plans for LCS to continue its outreach to the city and beyond to keep the perimeter clear of people and property impeding passage on the adjacent sidewalks and streets.

Hollygrove @ Selma Fortunately for the new students at Selma, the public school was built originally as an elementary campus. It has a play structure, some shaded outdoor space and spacious classrooms. Though there is little green space, LCS organized beautification days and work parties over the summer. Parents helped make the space more, as Held put it, “Hollygrove-ish.” The executive director told us that the new Wilshire campus also looks great. It was given a makeover with new paint, flooring and lots of upgrades.

It also received a new climbing area and similar facilities for young kids.

When asked how long she thinks the school’s current two-campus configuration will last, Held told us that the goal is to bring the for(Please turn to page 3)

Larchmont Chronicle

SEPTEMBER 2023

SECTION THREE

3

Staying connected as a family during the school year

By Casey Russell As summer comes to a close and the new school year gets into full swing, family life can start to feel a lot busier.

We find ourselves rushing to get the kids to school on time before heading off to work.

There are sports practices and games. Homework needs to be done, and all of our regular work and home responsibilities remain.

Here are some ideas for staying connected as a family as we all adjust to the school year schedule.

It always feels good to be greeted with a smile and to receive a hug goodbye. But, when we’re rushing from one thing to the next trying to get to everything on time, we can sometimes forget to take the extra moment to meaningfully greet or part with our kids.

That smile that lit up our faces when we lifted our little one from her crib in the morning is still great for our kids to see as we and they interact.

Finding a short note tucked into their lunch bags can be a nice little mid-day moment

for our kids to know we’re thinking of them. There are tons of jokes online that are easy to jot onto a piece of paper with an “I love you!” after the humor. A simple, “I hope you have fun on the monkey bars at recess today! Love, Mom” or “I am proud of you for helping make your lunch today! See you later, alligator!” can be a subtle way of connecting even when you’re apart.

Asking open-ended questions is a great way to actually find out what went on during your child’s day. “How was your day?” can easily elicit a “fine.” “Did you have fun at school today?” often gets you a yes or no answer. But, asking things like, “What did you do in P.E. today?” or “Did anyone do anything that was nice or that made you laugh today?” or “Did anyone have something in his or her lunch today that you think we should put on our grocery list?” are questions likely to get actual answers. These can often spark bigger conversations, and suddenly you have

Larchmont Charter School

community has been flexible, open and creative during this process. “They’ve jumped in to help facilitate the moves, beautify both spaces and support each other through this transition,” said Held.

Larchmont Charter’s elementary program was recognized as one of 2023’s 350 California Distinguished Schools by the California Department of Education.

(Continued from page 2)

by

Casey Russell a bit of a window into your child’s school day.

Along those same lines, it’s a great idea to ask about friends.

“Who did you eat lunch with today?” or “Which kids do you like to be partnered with in class?” Questions like these help you get to know who your kid’s new friends are. Making an effort to arrange playdates or hang-out-at-your-place opportunities with these people can strengthen your child’s connections at school (which always make school more fun) and, as a bonus, enable you to get to know the people in your child’s life. Knowing your

Maybe breakfast time is when everyone is in one place at one time. Perhaps bedtime is when everyone is home and able to relax for a while together. If it’s tough to connect as a family unit on weekdays, you can carve out some time for family togetherness on the weekends. Go for a bike ride or play a game together. Have a make-your-own ice cream sundae night. Whatever way works for you is the right way for your family.

The main thing I like to keep in mind as a new school year starts is to provide the time and space for my daughter to talk with me when she needs to. If bedtime is a little later because a topic that’s important to her comes up while I’m tucking her in, so be it. I want her to know I’m there and I’m really listening. The feeling of connection we’ll both gain is what family is truly for.

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mer Hollygrove elementary students back together as soon as possible, which requires more space than is available at the Wilshire (formerly Hankook Academy) site. “We’re in the process of planning for that with the relevant experts,” she said. Held informed us that the adjoining property at 4950 Wilshire Blvd. has been looked at, but that it is not likely a feasible option because the property is priced too high and does not appear to be zoned for school use.

We are told that the LCS

Tips on Parenting

kid’s friends not only helps you feel connected to her life, it also can be an asset if, and when, your child comes to you for help with friend problems.

Volunteering can be a wonderful way to really get to know the place where your child spends so much of her day. It can also be an opportunity to become familiar with your kid’s teacher. Knowing a bit about the teacher’s personality and style of teaching, and being comfortable reaching out to him or her, can come in handy throughout the year.

Obviously, the tried and true advice for staying connected as a family is to make an effort to eat dinner together as often as possible. But, for some families, it’s really hard to make that happen.

It doesn’t really matter when your family connects.

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4 SECTION THREE

By Allison Pak 10th Grade

Every year, it is so exciting to see old friends and meet new ones when school begins. On Aug. 25, students and parents in Early Education through grade 12 came on campus for orientation. Our international students have moved into the dormitory and the first day of school was Aug. 28.

Elementary students should arrive at school by 8:15 am and secondary by 9:00 am. It is a tradition that on the first Friday of the school year, students in grades 6 through 12 spend a whole day at the beach. We clean the beach for two hours and then relax or play in the ocean.

Sports practices began in early August to allow teams to prepare for the upcoming school year.

For more information about Pilgrim School, please visit www. pilgrim-school.org.

THE WILLOWS

By Birdie Reynolds 8th Grade Starting Sept.

6, The Willows is back! We’re all looking forward to a year full of field trips, sports and classroom activities.

No matter the circumstance or situation The Willows always tries to integrate small things that make the school feel more

like a community. Whether that is a school wide fitness day or a book fair, it is always something that connects the student body as a whole.

Our unique, yearly theme word — one word that is designated as the year’s theme — exemplifies this integration.

It shapes our outlook for the upcoming year, and it gives us direction for art projects and ideas. It is also a representation of how the students in particular want to feel, since all the students vote on what it will be. Past theme words have been things like, reach, dream and story. This year our theme is strength. We are excited to see where this will lead us.

CAMPBELL HALL

By Claire “Cal” Lesher 11th Grade Welcome back from a hot summer that, hopefully, was full of adventures, fun and relaxation. The first day back for Campbell Hall was Aug. 9 for elementary students, and Aug. 31 for middle and high school students.

However, the campus had been buzzing through part of the summer with the Campbell Hall high school girls’ volleyball team and the varsity high school football team practicing for their new seasons. Girls’ volleyball has its first game is on Aug. 22. The varsity football team’s first game is on Aug. 18. Go teams!

Campbell Hall’s robotics team’s season begins the first

week of school, and auditions for the school play will also take place. The season will begin with one of the many writings of Shakespeare.

During the first chapel of the new school year, our Head of School, the Rev. Canon Julian P. Bull, and our principal Ms. Taylor will be giving inspirational opening words to begin the new year on a positive note.

MARLBOROUGH

By Avery Gough 12th Grade

Many fall sports tryouts and practices began over the summer. Cross country, volleyball and tennis practices occurred in August. School dance auditions also took place in late August and extended for two weeks.

The beginning of school is a busy time for Marlborough students, especially for seniors, like myself. Seniors are writing applications, volunteering, working on Capstone projects, and applying to colleges. We take our senior portraits, design yearbook pages and participate in the first day of school Senior Sunrise tradition during which seniors arrive to watch the sunrise together and see the parent-decorated senior lounge for the first time.

The start of September is an exciting month for younger students. The Middle school sleepover takes place on Sept. 14 and allows the 7th, 8th and 9th graders to bond with their class-

mates, which is especially nice for those new students entering Marlborough in the 7th and 9th grades.

Parents will be able to meet their student’s teachers at Backto-School Night on Sept. 28.

NEW COVENANT ACADEMY

By Sue Jung Park 11th Grade

Students and teachers at New Covenant Academy are back to school and learning.

All parents and students were invited to join Back-to-School Night. This event allows parents to know what is in store for their child’s school year, and enables students to share something they have already accomplished during the first month of school.

One of New Covenant Academy’s unique traditions is camp.

The school’s annual fall camp takes place in mid-September to give students a break and to facilitate the building of closer bonds with friends and teachers.

Students will be able to participate in a variety of activities, including swimming, games and sports!

One exciting piece of news is that the girls’ volleyball team is officially in season. Feel free to come watch the games. The team has been working hard!

THIRD STREET

By Benjamin Reino 6th Grade School has begun and everyone is excited about the new school year and all the events that are happening in school. There are many fun things that are coming up in September, so let’s talk about a

few of them.

Coming up first is a movie night on Sept. 8. There will be popcorn, cotton candy and candy sales. Next up, on Sept. 11, Third Street’s annual giving event will begin. Anyone can donate money and other things to the school.

On Sept. 12, there will be a back to school breakfast for parents to get a general overview of what’s going to happen this school year.

And finally, later in the month, the PTA is going to run a lemonade stand as a fundraiser.

That’s pretty much everything happening in September. Thanks for reading and enjoy your day!

ST. BRENDAN SCHOOL

By Harry Jannone Kim 8th Grade St. Brendan School students returned to school from summer break excited and ready to learn.

We started school on Aug. 30 with our traditional Wednesday Assembly during which we met our new homeroom teachers, caught up with old friends and met new friends who are joining SBS for the first time.

New this year at SBS is the transitional kindergarten program led by Mrs. Gargantiel. It enables students to become part of our school the year before they enter kindergarten. We are all very excited for our littlest Bears!

Our Student Council, led by new president Charles Gargantiel, was introduced and made its announcements, including the mandatory Curriculum Night for parents after Labor Day. The 8th-graders are excited to meet their kindergarten little buddies, which is always fun for both grades. We’re all looking forward to another great school year with our St. Brendan Bear’s family!

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PILGRIM SCHOOL

Larchmont Chronicle

SEPTEMBER 2023

theplymouthschool.com • theplymouthschool@gmail.com

Larchmont Chronicle

SEPTEMBER 2023

SECTION THREE

5

Kids talk — to each other — at cell phone-free Pilgrim School

By Casey Russell Summer break is over and, like countless other students in our area, kids at Pilgrim School are back in the classroom. But this year, middle and high school students at the private school will not have access to their cell phones during the school day.

Schools have been trying various methods to stem cell phone usage during school hours. Some teachers insist students put their phones in a specific area in the classroom until class is over. Others rule that phones must be on silent and put away. Pilgrim is the first independent school in Los Angeles to take the initiative to sign on with Yondr.

Created by former professional soccer player Graham Dugoni, Yondr is a San Francisco-based company that helps artists, individuals, organizations and educators create a space free of cell phones. Yondr aims to “carve out places where real connection, focus and creativity can flourish.”

Each of Pilgrim’s 200 mid-

YONDR phone pouch.

dle and high school students will receive a school-supplied $25 Yondr pouch, which he or she will be responsible for.

During the first period class each day, teachers will be making sure each student’s device is in its pouch, and the pouches will be locked.

They will remain locked from 9 a.m. until 3:40 p.m. when the school day ends. Students arriving late will have their pouches locked at the front office when they check in.

We spoke with Patricia Kong, Pilgrim’s head of school, about the decision to make this move. She told us that, in recent years, even the

cafeteria had become a quiet place. Instead of chatting with one another, kids were on their phones. “They weren’t looking up from their devices. They would say, ‘Hi Ms. Kong’ — but only because they heard my heels.” In the hallways, they wouldn’t hear others say ‘hi’ because not only were their heads in their phones, they also had their earbuds in.”

Kong added that students

were experiencing something with which many cell phone users can identify — an impulse they couldn’t control.

Even if their phones were on silent, the devices would light up or buzz. The notifications were where students’ minds went. With their cell phones in their hands, they were tempted to look.

“I know in their hearts, they want us to do this for them,” said Kong. She told us that in May, when she announced the change, she was nervous.

“I thought they were going to be so upset.” After her announcement, however, some kids came up to her and said, “Thank you, Ms. Kong, for doing this for us.”

The head of school knows that kids are already dealing with social pressure, schoolwork, thoughts about appearances and more. She hopes to at least give kids

LARCHMONT CHARTER SCHOOL

grow inspire

Free and inexpensive fun for families this fall

By Casey Russell Local museums have a lot to offer year-round. This fall, many of these museums have special workshops and programs for kids and families.

At the Craft Contemporary Museum, 5814 Wilshire Blvd., on Fri., Sept. 1 and Fri., Sept 8 from 3 to 5 p.m., families can participate in open clay time. Admission cost is regular museum admission plus $5. RSVP at craftcontemporary.com.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art Boone Chil-

dren’s Gallery, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., is welcoming visitors of all ages to try their hands at the art of brush painting for free, Saturdays in September at 11 a.m.

Los Angeles County kids under age 17 also can become members of NexGenLA. Members can visit the museum free of charge any time and are able to bring one guest free of admission.

Los Angeles County residents can also visit La Brea Tar Pits, 5801 Wilshire Blvd., (Please turn to page 6)

est. 1948

STUDENTS

WHO WANT TO

TEACHERS

WHO WANT TO

WELCOME BACK!

We are thrilled to welcome our students, families, and staff back to school. We can't wait to connect with our community again and continue the work of our mission...

The mission of Larchmont Charter School is to provide a socio-economically, culturally and racially diverse community of students with an exceptional public education.

We foster creativity and academic excellence; our students learn with and from each other in an experiencecentered, inquiry-based learning environment.

Campus Tours: starting in September Parent & Me: ages 14-24 months Pre-school and TK: ages 2-5 years Location: 653 N. Cahuenga Blvd.

Web: www.wagonwheelschool.org Phone: 323-469-8994

a break from social media and their phones during the school day. “I feel kids will be happier,” she said.

Without their devices to escape to or hide their heads in, Kong believes students will actually go outside to eat.

They’ll talk to one another.

She thinks kids will play the school-provided board games and, in her words, “play more on our very expensive soccer field.” She said she expects kids to be more active in a healthy way.

Pilgrim’s head of school is confident that learning will go way up and that students will be more focused. But, she said, “School is about relationships, too.” She’s excited to help give kids the opportunity to converse with each other in the real world. “I think it’s going to help them clear their heads and make more friends,” she said.

With participation from our entire community, we strive to instill in each student a dedication to improving the world we inhabit.

CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL

WWW.LARCHMONTCHARTER.ORG

6 SECTION THREE

Larchmont Chronicle

SEPTEMBER 2023

Westside JCC renamed ‘J Los Angeles’

By Helene Seifer What’s in a name? When the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Boyle Heights moved to its current location on Olympic Boulevard near Fairfax Avenue in 1954, the new address was considered the western edge of the Jewish community, hence the name Westside Jewish Community Center. To acknowledge the fact that Mid City is no lon-

ger the west side of anything, and to signal a commitment to serving a greater swath of our city’s population, Westside JCC has morphed into J Los Angeles, aka JLA or more colloquially, The J. JLA campers commemorated the name change with logo-frosted cookies, and the new J Los Angeles signage was installed on the building’s facade July 26.

Executive Director Brian Greene explains, “The new J Los Angeles brand reflects that our programs are drawing participants from all over the city and challenges us to keep that wider, diverse community a priority.”

Its aquatics center and teen programs notably draw participants from outside JLA’s neighborhood, with 50 percent of teen participants living

more than seven miles away and 30 percent of swimmers traveling more than five miles for lessons, water aerobics and free swimming. There are openings in these programs as well as in their basketball programs for babies on up, including an adult league.

Also open to the public is a family-oriented trip to Is-

rael from Dec. 17 to Dec. 27, 2023. Highlights will include visits to the Old City of Jerusalem and the ancient fortress of Masada, overlooking the mineral-rich Dead Sea. Travelers will on occasion share meals with local Israeli families. For further information about JLA programs, call 323-938-2531.

Family fun

(Continued from page 5) without paying admission Monday through Friday from 3 to 5 p.m.

Museum-goers choosing to visit at earlier times will pay the admission cost but can participate in the museum’s daily excavator tours at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. for free.

The Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd., is offering Little Sparks youth workshops on the third Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. Kids ages three to six will explore the science, history and art behind the car (Please turn to page 13)

J LOS ANGELES SUMMER CAMPERS (left to right) Nathan Shechtman, Joe Robbins Regenstreif and Mollie Robbins Regenstreif hold cookies frosted with new logo.

Larchmont Chronicle

SEPTEMBER 2023

FIRST PLACE WINNER in the 30th Congressional District, Samantha Abrams (right), with Congressman Adam Schiff.

Digital work wins first place in Congressional district Samantha Abrams’ digital photography won first place in her Congressional District for the annual national Congressional Art Competition. The digital photograph by the 12thgrade Marlborough School student, “Emily: an eternal companion permanently fleeting,” will be included in the Congressional Art Competition in Washington, D.C. In addition, the work will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

More than 40 students from 18 schools in Congressional District 30 submitted works of art to the local competition.

The awards were presented at an award ceremony at the Ebell of Los Angeles. Stacy Brightman, executive director of The Ebell, was among the panel of judges.

Miracle Mile North resident Mathis Abrams shared the news with us: “The fact that she is my granddaughter leaves us extremely excited and proud, of course!”

SECTION THREE

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8 SECTION THREE

SEPTEMBER 2023

Larchmont

Directory of private and public schools Following is a list of private and public schools both in and outside the Larchmont Chronicle’s delivery area. The information was attained by phone, email and the schools’ websites.

Kindergarten key: K = kindergarten TK= transitional K PK = pre-K DK = developmental K

Nursery Schools

SPARK PRESCHOOL 4679 La Mirada Ave. 323-422-9690 ourccp.com For children ages 2 1/2 years to PK. Hours are 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., with half and full day options and aftercare until 5 p.m.

CHRISTOPHER ROBIN PRESCHOOL 815 N. Alta Vista Blvd.

323-934-6512 christopherrobinpreschool.com Susan Huber and Elizabeth de Roo, co-directors. For children ages 1 to 5 years including parent and toddler program and TK program. Hours are 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

HAPPY BIRCH PRESCHOOL 1423 & 1429 Tamarind Ave. 323-380-7311 happybirch.net Dr. George and Mali Rand, co-founders. For children ages 1 to 5 years, including parent and toddler and TK programs.

Hours are 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., with after care until 5 p.m.

IKAR EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 1564 Burnside Ave. 323-634-1870 ikar.org/learn/ecc Dr. Jane Rosen is director of education. Children ages 2 to 5 years.

PLYMOUTH SCHOOL 315 S. Oxford Ave. 213-387-7381 theplymouthschool.com Sondi Toll Sepenuk, director.

Ages 2 to 5 years. Full days are 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Half days are 8:45 to 11:45 a.m.

ST. JAMES’ EPISCOPAL PRESCHOOL DIVISION 625 S. Gramercy Pl. 213-382-2315 sjsla.org Rochelle Rosel, director. Ages 2 to 5 years. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with before and after school care at 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

SUNSET MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL 1432 N. Sycamore Ave. 323-465-8133 sunsetmontessori.com Liliya Kordon, head of school.

Serves ages 2 to 5 years as well as a parent and me class for kids 18 months and up.

SUNSHINE SHACK 1027 N. Cole Ave. 323-466-4381

thesunshineshack.com Sara Schuelein, founder and director. Ages 2 to 5 years. Hours are 8:45 a.m. to 2:50 p.m., with after care available.

WAGON WHEEL SCHOOL 653 N. Cahuenga Blvd.

323-469-8994 wagonwheelschool.org Ruth Segal, director. Ages 2 to 5 years, 110 students. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with optional after school to 4:30 p.m.

WESTSIDE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER PRESCHOOL 5870 W. Olympic Blvd.

323-938-2531 ecc-wjcc.flexly.io Lauren Friedman, director.

Ages 6 weeks to 5 years, infant care, preschool and TK. Hours from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WILSHIRE BLVD. TEMPLE ERIKA J. GLAZER EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 3663 Wilshire Blvd., 90010 213-835-2125 wbtecc.org Carol Bovill, director. Ages 18 months to 5 years and baby and me classes from birth to 2 1/2 years.

Parochial and Private Schools

ARCHER SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 11725 Sunset Blvd.

310-873-7000 archer.org Elizabeth English, head of school. Grades six to 12; girls only. 500 students. Tuition is $50,475 plus fees.

BAIS YAAKOV SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 7353 Beverly Blvd.

323-938-3231 Joel Bursztyn, director. Girls only, ninth to 12th grade.

BRAWERMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WEST 11661 W. Olympic Blvd.

424-208-8934 BRAWERMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EAST 3663 Wilshire Blvd.

213-835-2170 brawerman.org Gillian Feldman, head of school at East. Brandon Cohen, head of school at West. K to sixth grade, co-ed. Cost at East is $29,660 plus fees and cost at West is $38,195 plus fees.

BRISKIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF TEMPLE ISRAEL OF HOLLYWOOD 7300 Hollywood Blvd.

323-876-8330, ext. 4000 briskinelementary.org Hannah Bennett, head of school.

K to sixth grade. After-school enrichment and supervision Monday to Thursday until 4:15 p.m. Cost is $27,000 plus fees and temple membership.

THE BUCKLEY SCHOOL

3900 Stansbury Ave. 818-783-1610 buckley.org Alona Scott, head of school.

K to 12th grade. Tuition is $43,540 for K to fifth grade and $51,270 for sixth to 12th grade.

CAMPBELL HALL 4533 Laurel Canyon Blvd.

818-980-7280 campbellhall.org Julian Bull, head of school. K through 12th grade. Cost for K through sixth is $40,770 plus fees and $47,780 plus fees for seventh through 12th.

CATHEDRAL CHAPEL SCHOOL 755 S. Cochran Ave. 323-938-9976 cathedralchapelschool.org Donielle Mitchell, principal.

Founded in 1930. K to eighth grade.

CENTER FOR EARLY EDUCATION 563 N. Alfred St. 323-651-0707 centerforearlyeducation.org Damian Jones, head of school.

Founded in 1939, 540 students.

Two years to sixth grade. Tuition for toddler & early childhood program is $25,935 for half day, $31,175 for full day; elementary is $36,920.

CHRIST THE KING 617 N. Arden Blvd.

323-462-4753 cksla.org Ruth Anderson, principal.

Catholic school that serves TK to eighth. Cost starts at $6,996 per year plus fees.

CURTIS SCHOOL 15871 Mulholland Dr. 310-476-1251, ext. 820 curtisschool.org Meera Ratnesar, head of school.

Founded in 1925. DK to sixth grade. Tuition is $34,568 plus fees.

ECHO HORIZON 3430 McManus Ave. 310-838-2442 echohorizon.org Peggy Procter, head of school.

PK to sixth grade, 180 students.

Cost for PK is $30,477 and K to sixth is $38,128 plus fees.

EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF LOS ANGELES 6325 Santa Monica Blvd.

323-462-3752 es-la.com Kenneth Rodgers, Jr., head of school. Grades six through 12 with 211 students. Tuition is $36,050 plus fees.

FUSION ACADEMY 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Prom. 1 323-692-0603 fusionacademy.com Catherine Lynch, campus director. Rolling enrollment for grades six through 12. Live online, customized one-to-one education with full- and parttime options.

HARVARD-WESTLAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL

700 N. Faring Rd. 310-274-7281 UPPER SCHOOL 3700 Coldwater Canyon 818-980-6692 hw.com Richard Commons, president; Laura Ross, head of school.

Serves grades seven to 12. Tuition is $46,900 plus fees.

HOLLYWOOD SCHOOLHOUSE 1233 N. McCadden Pl. 323-465-1320 hshla.org Ilise Faye, head of school. Preschool to sixth grade. Tuition annually is $23,700 for presechool, $29,100 for K, $30,300 for first to third grade and $32,300 for fourth to sixth grade.

IMMACULATE HEART HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL 5515 Franklin Ave. 323-461-3651 immaculateheart.org Maureen S. Diekmann, president; Naemah Z. Morris, high school principal. Gina B. Finer, middle school principal.

Girls only, Catholic school for sixth through 12th grades, 700 students. Tuition is $22,350 plus fees.

LAURENCE SCHOOL 13639 Victory Blvd.

818-782-4001 laurenceschool.com Laurie Wolke, head of school.

K to sixth grade. Tuition is $36,950 plus fees per year.

LE LYCÉE FRANÇAIS DE LOS ANGELES 3261 Overland Ave. 310-836-3464 lyceela.org Clara-Lisa Kabbaz, president.

French and English curriculums available. Preschool to 12th grade, co-ed. Six campuses throughout Los Angeles. Tuition starts at $25,350.

LOYOLA HIGH SCHOOL 1901 Venice Blvd.

213-381-5121 loyolahs.edu Rev. Gregory M. Goethals, president. Frank Kozakowski, principal. Over 1,270 boys, ninth to 12th grade, Jesuit Catholic.

Freshman year is $24,660 and goes up each academic year.

MARLBOROUGH SCHOOL 250 S. Rossmore Ave. 323-935-1147 marlborough.org Jennifer Ciccarelli, head of school. Girls only, seventh to 12th grade, 530 students. Tuition is $49,950 plus fees.

MARYMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL 10643 Sunset Blvd.

310-472-1205 mhs-la.org Jacqueline L. Landry, head of school. Catholic, girls only, ninth to 12th grades. Tuition is $41,075 plus fees.

MAYFIELD JUNIOR SCHOOL

405 S. Euclid Ave., Pasadena 626-796-2774 mayfieldjs.org Joe Sciuto, head of school.

Founded in 1931, independent, Catholic (Holy Child community), and coed. K to eighth grade, 515 students. Tuition for grades K through fourth, $28,370; grades five through eighth, $29,050.

MAYFIELD SENIOR SCHOOL 500 Bellefontaine St. Pasadena 626-799-9121 mayfieldsenior.org Laura Farrell, head of school.

Girls only, ninth to 12th grade.

330 students. Tuition is $33,800.

MILKEN COMMUNITY MIDDLE SCHOOL 15900 Mulholland Dr. 310-903-4800 UPPPER SCHOOL 15800 Zeldins’ Way 310-440-3500 milkenschool.org Head of school is Dr. Sarah Shulkind. Serves grades six through 12, incorporates Jewish values and college prepatory. Tuition is $49,950 plus fees.

NEW COVENANT ACADEMY 3119 W. 6th St. 213-487-5437 e-nca.org Jason Song, principal. K to 12th grade, Christian and coed. Tuition for K to fifth grade is $16,900; sixth to eighth grades is $18,150; ninth to 12th grade is $19,950 plus fees.

NEW HORIZON SCHOOL 434 S. Vermont Ave. 213-480-3145 newhorizonla.org Jolanda Hendricks, principal.

Islamic education for 75 students. Preschool to fifth grade, co-ed. Preschool and PK costs $8,300 and K to fifth costs $7,500 plus fees.

NEW ROADS 3131 Olympic Blvd.

310-828-5582 newroads.org Luthern Williams, principal.

K to 12th grade, co-ed, 520 students. Tuition K to fifth is $38,600, sixth to 12th is $47,300 plus fees.

NOTRE DAME ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2911 Overland Ave. 310-287-3895 HIGH SCHOOL 2851 Overland Ave. 310-839-5289 ndasla.org Lilliam Paetzold, president.

Elementary school is TK to eighth grade, coed. The high school is girls only, ninth to 12th grade. Tuition for the year ranges from $12,760 to $24,450 plus fees, depending on the grade.

Chronicle

THE OAKS 6817 Franklin Ave. 323-850-3755 oaksschool.org Ted Hamory, head of school. K to sixth grade, 150 students. Tuition is $33,120 plus fees per year.

OAKWOOD Elementary Campus 11230 Moorpark St. 818-732-3500 Secondary Campus 11600 Magnolia Blvd.

818-732-3000 oakwoodschool.org Jaime Dominguez, head of school. K to 12th grade. Tuition is $41,350 plus fees for elementary school and $49,360 plus fees for middle and high school.

PAGE ACADEMY OF HANCOCK PARK 565 N. Larchmont Blvd.

323-463-5118 pageacademyca.com Kristin Dickson, head of school. Age 2 to eighth grade.

Tuition is $26,950 plus fees.

PARK CENTURY SCHOOL 3939 Landmark S. 310-840-0500 parkcenturyschool.org Julie Porter, head of school.

Serves grades one to eight with language-based learning differences. Tuition is $65,453 per year.

PILGRIM SCHOOL 540 S. Commonwealth Ave. 213-385-7351 pilgrim-school.org Patricia Kong, head of school.

Parent and me, preschool through to 12th grade. Tuition ranges from $23,891 plus fees for preschool to $41,477 plus fees for high school.

SHALHEVET HIGH SCHOOL 910 S. Fairfax Ave. 323-930-9333 shalhevet.org Rabbi David Block, head of school; Daniel Weslow, principal. Grades nine to 12, co-ed, Jewish. Tuition is $44,250 plus fees per year.

ST. BRENDAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL 238 S. Manhattan Pl. 213-382-7401 stbrendanschoolla.org Collette Young, principal. K to eighth grade. Tuition starts at $703 per month plus fees.

ST. JAMES’ EPISCOPAL 625 S. St. Andrews Pl. 213-382-2315 sjsla.org Peter Reinke, head of school.

PK to sixth grade. Tuition is $27,210 for PK, $36,820 for K and first and $34,710 for second to sixth plus fees.

STEM3 ACADEMY 6455 Coldwater Canyon Ave. 877-943-5747 stem3academy.org Ellis Crasnow, co-founder and director, Megan Davis, principal of elementary and middle shcool, Zaldy Ramirez interim principal for high school.

Specializes in STEM (science, technology, engineering and

SEPTEMBER 2023

math) subjects for students with high-functioning autism, ADHD or other social or learning challenges.

TREE ACADEMY 8628 Holloway Dr. 424-204-5165 treeacademy.org Allison Curry, interim director.

For kids sixth to 12th grades.

Provides accredited small classes with individualized instruction. Cost is $39,750 plus fees.

TURNING POINT 8780 National Blvd.

310-841-2505 turningpointschool.org Laura Konigsberg, head of school. Pre-school to eighth grade. Pre-school tuition per year is $30,850 plus fees, $37,675 plus fees for K to fourth grade and $41,975 plus fees for fifth to eighth grade.

VISTAMAR SCHOOL 737 Hawaii St., El Segundo 310-643-7377 vistamarschool.org Chris Bright, head of school.

Ninth to 12th grade. Tuition is $45,468 plus fees.

WESLEY SCHOOL 4832 Tujunga Ave. 818-508-4542 wesleyschool.org Julie Galles, head of school.

Coed. K to eighth grade. Tuition for K to fifth grade is $33,685 per year; sixth to eighth grades is $37,625 per year.

WESTMARK 5461 Louise Ave. 818-986-5045 westmarkschool.org Marla Yukelson is director of lower shcool, Stephanie Braun is director of middle school and Jay Johnson is director of upper school. For children in grades two to 12 with language-based learning differences. Tuition is $61,080.

WESTRIDGE SCHOOL 324 Madeline Dr. 626-799-1153 westridge.org Andrea Kassar, head of school.

Girls only, fourth to 12th grades. Tuition is $33,920 for grades four to six, $38,350 for grades seven and eight and $44,225 for grades nine through 12.

WILLOWS COMMUNITY 8509 Higuera St. 310-815-0411 thewillows.org Lisa Rosenstein, head of school. DK to eighth grade.

Tuition for DK is $35,525, K to fifth grade is $34,690 and grades sixth to eighth tuition is $39,800 per year.

YAVNEH HEBREW ACADEMY 5353 W. 3rd St. 323-931-5808 yha.org Rabbi Schlomo Einhorn, rav and dean. Established in 1958.

Co-ed, from 2 years old to eighth grade. Tuition ranges

from $13,500 to $23,800 plus fees depending on grade.

Public Elementary Schools

CHARLES H. KIM ELEMENTARY 225 S Oxford Ave. 213-368-5600 kim-lausd-ca.schoolloop.com Jonathan Paek, principal. K to fifth grade. Special education, gifted and talented, Spanish immersion, maintenance bilingual Korean program and structured English immersion programs.

CITIZENS OF THE WORLD HOLLYWOOD 1316 N. Bronson Ave. 323-464-4292 cwchollywood.org Jirusha Lopez, principal. TK to fifth grade. Charter school.

CITIZENS OF THE WORLD SILVER LAKE Grades TK-5 110 N. Coronado St. 323-705-9882 Grades 6-8 221 S. Juanita Ave. 323-462-2840 cwcsilverlake.org Maureen Lamorena-Tatsui, co-principal for grades TK to five, James Boganey, co-prinicipal for grades six to eight.

TK to eighth grade. Charter school.

LARCHMONT CHARTER FAIRFAX 1265 N. Fairfax Ave. 323-656-6418 larchmontcharter.org Mersedeh Emrani, principal.

Jennifer Santangelo, assistant principal. TK to fourth grade.

LARCHMONT CHARTER HOLLYGROVE@WILSHIRE Grades TK - 2 4900 Wilshire Blvd.

Grades 3-4 6611 Slema Ave. 323-836-0860 larchmontcharter.org Eva Orozco, principal, Domi Miyamoto, assistant principal.

TK to fourth grade.

MELROSE MATHEMATICS/ SCIENCE/ TECHNOLOGY MAGNET 731 N. Detroit St. 323-938-6275 melrosestars.org Mathew Needleman, principal. Stacy Bertuccelli, magnet coordinator. K to fifth grade.

Gifted and talented program.

NEW LOS ANGELES 5421 Obama Rd. 323-556-9500 newlaelementary.org Jenna Rosenberg, principal.

Jessica Fox, assistant principal.

K to fifth grade. Charter school.

THIRD STREET ELEMENTARY 201 S. June St. 323-939-8337 thirdstreetschool.com Hae Lee, principal. Expanded TK to fifth grade.

SECTION THREE

VAN NESS AVENUE ELEMENTARY 501 N. Van Ness Ave. 323-469-0992 vannesselementary.com Pauline Hong, principal. TK to fifth grade for general education; PK to fifth grade for visual impairment special education. Science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) program, Mandarin language program, WILSHIRE CREST ELEMENTARY 5241 W. Olympic Blvd.

323-938-5291 wce-lausd-ca.schoolloop.com Gayle Robinson, principal. TK to fifth grade, PALs (pre-school special education), Spanish immersion program TK to 4.

WILSHIRE PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 4063 Ingraham St. 213-739-4760 rockets-lausd-ca.schoolloop. com LeighAnne Creary, principal.

TK to fifth grade. Korean immersion program K to first.

WILTON PLACE ELEMENTARY 745 S. Wilton Pl. 213-389-1181 wiltonplacees-lausd-ca.schoolloop.com Marie-France Rallion, principal. TK to fifth grade. Dual-language programs for Spanish/ English and Korean/English.

School for advanced studies in grades third to fifth.

Public Middle Schools

CITIZENS OF THE WORLD SILVER LAKE 152 N. Vermont Ave. 323-705-9882 cwcsilverlake.org James Boganey, co-principal.

Sixth to eighth grade. Charter school.

JOHN BURROUGHS MIDDLE SCHOOL 600 S. McCadden Pl. 323-549-5000 burroughsms.org Steve Martinez, principal.

Samuel Corral, magnet coordinator. Sixth to eighth grade.

National magnet school of excellence, school for advanced studies, Korean and Spanish dual language programs.

LARCHMONT CHARTER AT SELMA 6611 Selma Ave. 323-871-4000 larchmontcharter.org Yasmin Esmail, principal.

Grades five to eight.

NEW LA CHARTER 1919 S. Burnside Ave. 323-939-6400 newlamiddle.org Gabrielle Brayton, principal.

Terrence Wright, assistant principal. Grades six to eighth grades.

Public High Schools FAIRFAX HIGH

9

7850 Melrose Ave 323-370-1200 fairfaxhs.org Lorraine Trollinger, principal.

Ninth to 12th grade. Programs feature career technical education, visual arts and police academy magnets.

GIRLS ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP ACADEMY, DR. MICHELLE KING SCHOOL FOR STEM 1067 West Blvd.

323-900-4532 galacademy.org Elizabeth Hicks, principal.

Sixth to 12th grades. Girls only. Concentrates in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects.

GRAND ARTS 450 N. Grand Ave. 213-217-8600 central-lausd-ca.schoolloop. com/grand_faculty Lori Gambero, principal.

Grades nine through 12. Focuses on the arts.

HAMILTON HIGH 2955 S. Robertson Blvd.

310-280-1400 hamiltonhighschool.net Jennifer Baxter, principal.

Ninth to 12th grade. Includes business and interactive technology academy, communication arts academy, global studies program, and mathematics, science and medicine program.

Magnet schools include music and performing arts and humanities.

HOLLYWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 1521 N. Highland Ave. hollywoodhighschool.net Samuel Dovlatian, principal grades nine through 12. Teaching career academy, performing arts magnet, school for advanced studies and new media magnet.

LARCHMONT CHARTER AT LAFAYETTE PARK 2801 W. 6th St. 213-867-6300 larchmontcharter.org Mike Kang, principal. Lori Lausche and Haydee Garay, assistant principals. Grades nine to 12th grade.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS 5151 State University Dr., Bldg. 20 323-343-2550 lachsa.net John Lawler, principal. Ninth to 12th grade. Specializing in college preparatory and visual and performing arts.

LOS ANGELES HIGH 4650 W. Olympic Blvd.

323-900-2700 lahigh.org Marguerette Gladden, principal.

Ninth to 12th grade. Includes science, technology, engineering and math magnet, career and technical education and gifted and talented program.

10 SECTION THREE

Larchmont Chronicle

SEPTEMBER 2023

Residents paddle to raise most funds for World Wildlife Fund

By Nona Sue Friedman The World Wide Fund for Nature, (originally the World Wildlife Fund [WWF], the name it still uses in the United States), is an organization dedicated to conserving and protecting natural resources. In mid-August, WWF sponsored its national Panda Paddle fundraiser. Windsor Square resident Stuart Gibbs was the highest personal fundraiser nationally.

Also, his team, the Water Bears, raised the most money as a team.

Panda Paddle participants need to paddle five kilometers in any sort of watercraft. Local Water Bears used kayaks and stand up paddleboards in Marina del Rey to complete their portion. Gibbs and his team raised more than $10,000 for WWF.

MARLBOROUGH STUDENTS Annabelle Johnson (left) and Ellie Birdwell (right) paddle for the winning team.

HIGHEST FUNDRAISER. Stuart Gibbs and his son, Dashiell, paddle in Marina del Rey.

Libraries: Create puppets, decorate notebooks

FAIRFAX LIBRARY Babies & Toddlers Story time: Listen to stories, sing songs and learn rhymes every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Adults Walk-in tutoring: Every

Wednesday, at 4:30 p.m. and every Thursday, at 2 p.m., come for help with searching the internet, job resumes, applications and filling out forms.

All ages Book Sale: Browse used books every Wednesday, from

CHRIST THE KING SCHOOL Transitional Kindergarten through 8th Grade

noon to 4 p.m. All sales support the library branch.

FREMONT LIBRARY All ages Book Sale: Big selection Fri., Sept. 8, and Sat., Sept. 9, starting at noon.

MEMORIAL LIBRARY Toddlers Story time in the park: Listen to stories and sing songs in Memorial Park Wednesdays, Sept. 6, 13 and 20, at 10:30 a.m.

Preschool painters: Visit the library for potentially messy painting on Mon., Sept.

18, at 11 a.m.

Kids Puppet workshop: Create a puppet to take home using recycled materials on Sat., Sept.

9, at 11 a.m.

Reading to the rescue: If you love dogs and books, visit Wed., Sept. 13, at 4 p.m. to read to a dog.

Kids & Teens Drop-in tutoring with Steve: Need a refresher on some academics? Stop by every Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. for one-on-one assistance with any subject.

Teens Surprise: Come by for surprise activities Thursdays, Sept. 7 and 21, at 4 p.m.

Adults B.Y.O. needle arts: Work on needlecrafts while sitting with others every Monday this month at 1 p.m.

Art class: Color or paint with peers on Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m.

Book club: Meet on Fri., Sept. 8, at 1 p.m. to discuss titles by Sharyn McCrumb. The title for next month (Oct. 6), is “The Spectacular” by Fiona Davis.

All ages Chess club: Play chess or learn how each Friday in September, from 3 to 5 p.m.

Book sale: Buy your next favorite book every Tuesday this month from 12:30 to 5 p.m. and every Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. All proceeds support the library.

Solar art: Learn about the power of the sun prior to the solar eclipse in October. Make art on cyanotype paper Sat., Sept. 23, at 1 p.m.

WILSHIRE LIBRARY Kids, Tweens & Teens Decorate notebooks: Decorate your newest backto-school notebook on Thurs., Sept. 28, from 4 to 5 p.m.

LIBRARIES FAIRFAX 161 S. Gardner St. 323-936-6191 JOHN C. FREMONT 6121 Melrose Ave. 323-962-3521 MEMORIAL 4625 W. Olympic Blvd.

323-938-2732 WILSHIRE 149 N. St. Andrews Pl. 323-957-4550 HOURS Mon. and Wed., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tues. and Thurs. noon to 8 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The library will be closed Mon., Sept. 4 in honor of Labor Day.

Dentistry for Children and Young Adults

Pediatric Dentistry

u A challenging academic curriculum

Randall E. Niederkohr, D.D.S.

u Competitive after-school sports

Member American Dental Association Diplomat of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

u A strong spiritual and moral foundation u Integrated technology

Orthodontics Available

u An education of the Fine Arts and more....... ©LC1010

©LC0923

Please call the school (323) 462-4753 and schedule a tour of our campus: 617 N. Arden Blvd. L.A. 90004 Visit our website www.cksla.org

TV & Video Games

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 2023

SECTION THREE

11

Very few things can match being the parent of an athlete Change is hard. Don’t I know it.

I’m not the dad who sits in silence when watching his son play sports. Part of the problem, whether he’s competing in basketball, volleyball, soccer, flag football or baseball, is that I’ve sometimes been his coach. Coaches can’t be quiet, at least not all of the time. But that hasn’t been the challenge. What’s difficult is sitting on the sidelines silently when I’m not his coach.

My wife isn’t much better.

Sometimes Heidi and I have to yell over one another (maybe we shouldn’t sit together at his sporting events when I’m not coaching). She comes from a family of athletes and competition enthusiasts. She has an older sister who played for the St. Louis Streaks in the short-lived WPBL (Women’s Pro Basketball League) in the early 1980s, her family raised racehorses, and her father was a tight end for the Cleveland Browns. There’s clout when she yells from the sidelines.

X parent We attended the X Games in Ventura last month. During the women’s skateboard street competition, we stood next to the mother of Brazilian skater Pamela Rosa. The poor woman was so nervous during

Youth Sports by

Jim Kalin her daughter’s run she could barely watch, and she kept her head buried in her arms.

Skateboarding has been the one activity where we can sit subdued and just watch our son participate. My wife and I have found skate parks relaxing. It’s hard to beat a beachside seat and the ocean breeze at Venice Beach Skatepark. We especially enjoy the inquisitive European tourists.

“Would your son let us take his picture?”

“How many bones has he broken?”

“Do you get nervous watching him skate?”

Admittedly, it is nerve-wracking when he drops into a 13-foot bowl or kickflips a six stair, but he’s not competing against anyone at the skate parks. He’s also sympathetic to our concern and wears a helmet and wrist guards.

I probably wouldn’t be so calm if he was competing in the X Games.

Volleyball Our son was on Larchmont Charter School’s seventh-toeighth-grade volleyball team this spring. He had never played it before, but he did great and has embraced the sport. We now search out recreation facilities across Greater Los Angeles that offer open-gym summer volleyball sessions so he can get off-season playing time. Our favorites have been Burbank’s McCambridge Rec Center and Terasaki Budokan in Downtown Los Angeles.

Open gyms do not always provide spectator seating, which is fine; it’s about players, not parents. My wife and I don’t mind the gymnasium floor when there are no bleachers. We bring a water bottle that we share and a duffle bag filled with magazines and books we never read.

I can talk to my wife for hours.

On weekends, we sometimes head out to Santa Monica’s beach volleyball courts where our son solicits teams who might be missing a player.

For the spectator, beach volleyball is about dogs and hot sand. I don’t play (they never ask me), so I’m usually off retrieving balls that my son has spiked. I like to help. The

courts are far from the water, so the sand gets hot. I wear

socks — no shoes — which kindles laughter when I’m chugging across the scorching beach after a ball.

Dogs are common at beach volleyball courts. The games are relaxed and acquaintances are made through weekend volleyball. My wife always brings dog treats and volunteers to babysit any pooch whose owner is competing.

We don’t get to visit with each other much in Santa Monica.

As my son grows older, the coaching opportunities for me are disappearing. And once he starts driving, we won’t be needed for rides.

Change. It’s inevitable.

Basketballs start bouncing with Goldie’s girls

Green eggs and ham on Books ’n Brunch menu

HEIDI with new friend Stevie in Santa Monica.

By Nona Sue Friedman Goldie’s Youth Sports (GSY) is filling up its fall season now. GSY is a girls’ basketball league for ages 6 to 16. The season starts Mon., Oct. 2, and continues through Sun., Dec. 10. Players are divided into teams by age. The season comprises one hour-long practice and one game each week in the gym at St. Brendan School, 238 S. Manhattan Pl. Register at goldiesyouthsports.com through Thurs., Sept. 14.

Donors, sorters and more are needed to help out at Big Sunday’s Books ’n Brunch on Sat., Sept. 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the group’s headquarters at 4351 Melrose Ave. New and gently used books for kids of all ages are being collected for this annual celebration of reading, and green eggs and ham will be served! Big Sunday, founded in 1999, believes the world is full of the “haves” and the “have mores.” Visit bigsunday.org.

Preschool and Elementary Open Houses Saturday, November 4, 2023 - 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Saturday, December 9, 2023 - 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Preschool Small Group Tours Every Wednesday Oct 11 - Nov 15, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Elementary Small Group Tours Every Tuesday Sept 12 - Nov 14, 2023 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. *Closed the week of Nov 20th for Thanksgiving

For more information, please scan below

12 SECTION THREE

Larchmont Chronicle

SEPTEMBER 2023

Art students from Larchmont Charter explore France, London

By Avery Owen-Lara About 40 juniors and seniors from Larchmont Charter High School traveled to Paris and London in July for an art-oriented tour of the two cities. We drove around in a bus, but we did plenty of walking and exploring on our own.

On our first full day in Paris, we went to Musée D’Orsay, which mostly has art from the Impressionist era. This was probably one of my favorite parts of the trip. I was able to see in person all the influential art that my teacher and group leader, Stacey Mahony, had shared with us during our art history lessons. We also visited the Eiffel Tower.

The view was breathtaking, and the climb down was very difficult on my legs.

On our second day, we visited the Louvre, which was impossible to navigate but a beautiful place to get lost

LARCHMONT CHARTER High School art students pose in front of Chartres Cathedral.

in. Afterward, we went to the Luxembourg Gardens. It was very peaceful and serene. We did an art activity there where we looked at perspective and drew our surroundings.

Most of our group went on an excursion to the country-

side while some of us stayed in the city for a free day. My brother, Diego, who was also on the trip, went to the countryside. He said it was his favorite day of the trip. He visited the town of Chartres, which has a massive Gothic cathedral, toured other small, nearby towns and took in the beautiful French countryside.

Our fourth day, we visited the Palace of Versailles.

It was by far the most grand and opulent place I have ever been. We also went to a perfume museum and had a history lesson on French perfume. That night, we did a river cruise on the Seine, which was a beautiful way to see the city.

On our last day in Paris, we visited Monet’s home and garden in Giverny. Throughout our stay in Paris, we saw a lot of amazing gardens, but Monet’s water garden was by far my favorite. We also walked through his home and studio, where I learned a lot about him as an artist and as a person.

I am very grateful for the experience of trying to speak and learn a new language.

Being familiar with Spanish was sometimes helpful but before I left for the trip I knew very little French. It was often scary but people were accommodating and kind. I always made sure to approach strangers or retail employees with a smile and a “Bonjour.”

When I was able to speak to Parisian locals, it was always really eye-opening. We were able to exchange details of our lives and share certain insights about the places we lived.

London Our group took the Eurostar train, through the Channel Tunnel to London. As soon as we arrived I had the most

SACRÉ-COEUR was one of the many sites visited by art students this summer.

delicious Indian food. London was also a really great place to walk the streets. During our free time, I discovered such cute shops and lots of bookstores.

The next day — our last full day in London — ended up being a free day due to complications with the bus and street closures from the London Pride parade. Although this day was an unplanned free day, everyone had a really great time. I went to the Pride parade with some friends. It was the first time any of us had gone to a Pride parade and it was a really incredible experience.

The food on this trip was fantastic. For dinner, we ate as a group at restaurants that our tour guide took us to, such as one where we had delicious savory crepes made out of buckwheat flour.

Lunchtime was free time.

Our tour guide would give us restaurant suggestions and then we could explore on our own. This was always fun because it was nice being able to walk around independently. I feel fortunate to have been able to go on this trip.

It was so much fun and full of unforgettable experiences.

I appreciate Ms. Mahony and our tour guide for making sure we were all safe but also for giving us the freedom to explore on our own.

Avery Owen-Lara is a senior at Larchmont Charter High School. She lives in Windsor Square.

‘Spooktacular’ is coming to Bob Baker Theater

The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is getting into the Halloween spirit early this year. Starting Sat., Sept. 16, and lasting through Sat., Nov. 5, the marionettes will be performing “Halloween Spooktacular!”

More than 100 puppets will be making an appearance in the hour-long, family-friendly show, including Frankenstein’s monster and glow-in-the-dark skeletons. For added fun, all October “Spooktacular” performances will also feature a Halloween costume parade for guests.

Performances will take place Saturdays and Sundays.

Visit bobbakermarionettetheater.com for times and more details.

COTSEN SCHOOL GIFTED MAGNET S.A.S PROGRAM Hancock Park’s neighborhood school since 1924!

Identified by Los Angeles Magazine as a school to know about, 3rd Street provides a rigorous, forward-looking curriculum in a nurturing learning environment. 3rd Street Panthers continue on to higher education and become the distinguished, civic-minded leaders of tomorrow.

We welcome you to join us for one of our upcoming campus tours. For more information visit www.thirdstreetschool.com/enrollment-tours.

This year we are proud to welcome all our new and returning students back to campus, including our home school, Korean Dual Language Program and Gifted Magnet classes.

DUAL LANGUAGE DRAMA TECHNOLOGY DANCE MUSIC & ART ASTRO CAMP PHYSICAL EDUCATION SCIENCE LAB

201 S. JUNE STREET | LOS ANGELES, CA 90004

Larchmont Chronicle

SEPTEMBER 2023

SECTION THREE

Alex’s Lemonade Stand raises money, gets love on Boulevard

By Nona Sue Friedman Kids and chefs opened a lemonade stand in front of Levain Bakery on Aug. 18 to raise money for Alex’s Lemonade Stand, an organization that supports cancer research for children. For each donation, the organizers shouted their thanks, making a small scene. This lively reaction attracted quite a crowd to the stand, encouraging additional passersby to purchase homemade lemonade.

The stand’s organizer, Alex Lentz, daughter of chefs Suzanne Goin and David Lentz, is a junior at Polytechnic School in Pasadena.

She said she’s “been making lemonade and raising money for this organization for as long as I can remember.”

In fact, she made all of the day’s lemonade herself from scratch. It took the entire previous day and a lot of lemons!

Lentz relayed that the regular Larchmont merchants were “so kind and welcoming, which made the stand so much more fun and enjoyable. We even got free ice cream from Salt & Straw.”

Levain pitched in by contributing a portion of that day’s sales of their lemon loaf to help support the endeavor.

SELLING LEMONADE on Larchmont Boulevard are (left to right) Suzanne Goin, Alex Lentz, Aaliyan Motivala and Avery Eisenbauer.

BELOW, crowds gather to purchase lemonade and support child cancer research.

Photo courtesy of Levain

Family fun

(Continued from page 6) through museum collections, crafts and experiments.

Workshop admission is included with the child’s admission ticket, but parents are advised to sign up on the website (petersen. org) ahead of time.

The Petersen also runs the Reading Roadsters reading program every Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Included with their admission tickets, kids can listen to a

live reading which is followed by some activity sparked by the read-aloud. Books are read by museum staff members or guest authors.

For older kids interested in automobiles, the Petersen is offering a free teen auto workshop on Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The one-day class for middle and high school students will be taught by museum mechanics and will introduce participants to the basics of auto mechanics. Please sign up at petersen.org.

The bakery’s employees were enthusiastic about the stand and donned bandanas from Alex’s.

In total, about $1,200 was raised.

The stand on Larchmont was part of a qualifying event to attend “LA Loves Alex’s

Lemonade: Kids’ Campaign” taking place at UCLA on Sat., Sept. 23. Lentz is a co-chairperson of that event. For more information, visit alexslemonade.org.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand was founded by Alex, age 4, who wanted her doctors to have

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money to cure cancer for all children. She started with a single lemonade stand in 2000 that raised $2,000. Four years later, two weeks before her death, she and a network of lemonade stands had raised $1 million, her goal and the seed money for the foundation.

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Larchmont Chronicle

SEPTEMBER 2023

Goal! Fall soccer season set to start

HOLLYWOOD-WILSHIRE league 8U girls team with Coach Andy Hekimian last spring.

By Suzan Filipek The AYSO Region 78 Hollywood-Wilshire Fall 2023 season starts Sat., Sept. 9, with games mostly played at Fairfax High School.

Registration is underway and will continue to Tues., Sept. 12, or later for both the 5U and 6U divisions. The 6U Division (2018 birth year) season will start Sat., Sept. 16. The 5U (2019 birth year) will start Sat., Sept. 23.

The older divisions (7U-19U) have a waitlist.

Region 78 Hollywood-Wilshire has been the local soccer league since

1976, with lots of Larchmont kids playing in the league. It also draws players from surrounding communities, such as Koreatown, Mid-Wilshire, Miracle Mile and Hollywood, Regional Commissioner Kurt Muller tells us.

“While AYSO is open to both boys and girls, the popularity of soccer with girls has never been bigger, especially with this summer’s Women’s World Cup. Popular players

like Alex Morgan got their start in AYSO,” Muller said.

Visit ayso.org/ayso-alumni.

Keep spring in mind when a small number of teams play in an Area Spring League.

“Spring is a unique opportunity for the 7- and 8-year-olds to play a more formal game of soccer with a bigger field and goalkeepers for the first time, which is great prep for when they advance to 10U in the fall season,” Muller said.

LARCHMONT VILLAGE was among finalists in the Shopping Destination category in “The Best of the Southland.” Here, it welcomes the 2018 Larchmont Family Fair.

Larchmont among local places named in ‘Best of’

By Iona Lee The votes are in, and the Larchmont area has many winners in the so-called “Westside / Downtown / East Los Angeles” region of the Los Angeles Times 2023 “The Best of The Southland.” Categories ranged from best donuts and Korean restaurants to day spas and charities.

The top local winners are LACMA; Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market, Bistro and Seafood Market; Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits and Cheese; Canter’s Deli and

BCD Tofu House.

Larchmont Village was among the finalists in the Shopping Destination category along with The Grove.

Other finalists were local museums: the Academy Museum, Petersen Automotive Museum and La Brea Tar Pits.

Local eateries were Met Her at a Bar, Canter’s Deli, Bob’s Coffee, Sidecar Doughnuts and Coffee, Le Petit Greek, El Cholo, Guelaguetza Restaurant and Providence.

Others on the list included Larchmont Sanctuary Spa, Project Angel Food, Liz’s Antique Hardware and The Loft at Liz’s and Kip’s Toyland.

Other favorites of locals were Bob Baker Marionette Theater, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the Hollywood Bowl.

According to a spokesperson at the Los Angeles Times, voting for the “best of the best” from all five regional areas ends Sept. 3. The results will be released on Nov. 5.

To be nominated for the finals, the restaurants and businesses must have been nominated for their regions and won their sections.

Categories include entertainment, food and drink, health and wellness, home and garden and shopping and services. The results can be viewed at latimes.com/ bestofthesouthland.

Iona Lee is a senior at Harvard Westlake School.

Larchmont Chronicle

SEPTEMBER 2023

SECTION THREE

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Fairfax High School prepares for its centennial celebrations

By Casey Russell Fairfax High School’s first day of classes was nearly 100 years ago — on Sept. 8, 1924.

To mark the centennial, various celebrations and events will take place, and alumni are busy raising funds to cover the costs.

A committee of Fairfax alums — from the classes of 1965 to 2015 — has raised $100,000, co-chair Beverly Meyer told us. But, with

all that the group has in the works, more is needed.

Planned for the spring of 2024 are a golf tournament, a hall of fame induction ceremony and an alumni picnic.

A three-day celebration is being organized for Fri., Sept.

6, to Sun., Sept. 8, 2024. It will include all-day events on campus, carnival games, food

provided by alumni and local vendors, music, a brunch, an alumni concert, designated contact points for each decade of students to get together, a homecoming game and a nostalgically themed alumni homecoming dance.

Many students from years past have already donated, as have some local business-

es whose current owners are alums. Meyer told us that All About the Bread, Pink’s Hot Dogs, Plancha Tacos and Canter’s Deli have generously donated.

Anyone interested in contributing to the fundraising efforts should email the Fairfax High School Alumni Association at fhsaa.1924@gmail.com.

Left: COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR Beverly Meyer encourages people to save the date for the Fairfax High School centennial.

Los Angeles High School celebrates its 150th year

The oldest public high school in the city, Los Angeles High School, celebrates its sesquicentennial this year. An event on Aug. 20 was planned to mark the milestone, but it was postponed due to weather.

A new date is being chosen for the celebration. Heather Hutt of the 10th City Council District and Assemblymember Reginald Jones-Sawyer are slated to give opening remarks.

Los Angeles High has some

notable alumni including attorney Johnny Cochran, actor / activist George Takei of “Star Trek,” Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman, Magic Castle co-founder Milt Larsen, science fiction author Ray Bradbury, John Welborne’s grandmother Margaret Cornwell Schoder (class of spring 1900) and many others.

The school was originally built in 1873 and moved to its current location at 4650 W. Olympic Blvd. in 1917.

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16 SECTION THREE

SEPTEMBER 2023

Larchmont Chronicle