Maven at La Marina with "Frosty"

By MAGGIE WANG

So, we've posted pictures of Sedona starting kindergarten and shown you pictures of Maven's great Halloween at school but have failed to share the full story of Maven's very early academic career. 

Maven started school in October at La Marina Preschool in Manhattan Beach. We didn't send her to Montessori, where Sedona went, because when it came time to re-enroll in February, we wanted to take advantage of a La Marina program where they pick up kindergartners (Sedona) from Hermosa View Elementary after their half-day of school is done and care for them at La Marina the rest of the afternoon. We could drop off at two locations but pick up at one, with the sisters being in the same place part of the day.

When Hermosa View suddenly introduced full-day kindergarten, we thought, we might as well still try this new La Marina school. Montessori is also one of the priciest schools in the area. If you can guess, who wanted to try La Marina more? Kevin or me? ... Oh, this isn't a blame game! :-)

Ultimately, we didn't have a major problem with La Marina after some time there, but we felt Maven would be better served back at Montessori. So I spent nearly two months begging my way back into Montessori, which has a monster wait list (of years!). Fortunately, it worked and we got back in for January with Sedona's old class led by Miss Traci. I am very excited for Maven and feel so relieved we were able to be placed atop of the priority list as former students.

Before we end our time with La Marina, let's note that Maven really enjoyed doing two holiday performances on her last day there. Both were routines to the same song, it turned out: "Frosty the Snowman." One was for her class and one was for the dance activity, the latter on video below. It was super cute, and we are so proud of her!

 

Maven's main teacher at La Marina was Miss Edna (right, below) with help often from Ms. Linda (left) ...