Ground-floor academics

       Ruby McConnell (left) and Chloe Breaker work on a counting activity in Clarice Hastings’ age 6-9 Montessori class at Buena Vista Elementary. In the background, teaming up on a different activity, are (from left) DeAndre Malone and Leo Nurmi. Behind them is another classmate, Sharmaine Kolp. The Montessori program, the only one in District 11, just completed its first semester at Buena Vista. Another class consists of ages 3-6, with a 9-12 class planned for the 2005-06 school year. See stories, Page 6.

Westside Pioneer photo