FRIDAY BLOG

Orange Envelope Day Success: Saklan Shows Up in a Big Way!

This year’s Orange Envelope Day was definitely one for the books! Our Saklan community embraced David’s Orange Suit Challenge with incredible enthusiasm, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the outpouring of generosity and school spirit.

On Orange Envelope Day alone, we received 75 gifts and pledges, representing 57% of our community! Thanks to this amazing show of support, David will be donning his fan-favorite bright orange suit on Monday! Be sure to look for him during car line before he heads down the street to Sí Sí Caffé for coffee. Saklan families are welcome to join him for a celebratory cup!

And the excitement doesn’t stop there. To date, we’ve raised more than $210,000, with 74% of our community participating in this year’s Annual Giving Fund (AGF). What an incredible start to our campaign!

The AGF supports the teachers, programs, and meaningful learning experiences that make Saklan such a special place for our students. Every gift matters, and every family’s participation helps strengthen our community and enrich our students’ experience.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed, participated, and helped build momentum for this year’s campaign. Your generosity reflects the care and commitment that make Saklan such a wonderful community.

We’re off to an amazing start, but we’re not done yet! Our goal is 100% family participation and $250,000 raised. If you haven’t had a chance to make your gift, there’s still time to join in. Every gift makes a difference, and together we can make this year’s AGF a success!

Thank you for showing up for Saklan. We can’t wait to see David—and that orange suit—on Monday!

#SaklanCommunity #SaklanGives

Growing Curiosity in Family Groups

This week, Saklan students in Kindergarten through eighth grade came together for one of our favorite school traditions: Family Groups! On October 28, students gathered across grade levels to explore our October Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) focus: Curiosity.

Family Groups offer students an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with classmates in other grades while developing the social-emotional skills that help them thrive. This month, students explored what it means to be curious, why curiosity matters, and how asking questions can open the door to new discoveries.

What Does It Mean to Be Curious?

Students began by sharing a little about themselves before diving into a conversation about curiosity. Together, they considered what curiosity looks like, why it matters, and how it helps us learn more about ourselves, others, and the world around us.

Curiosity encourages us to ask questions, explore new ideas, express ourselves creatively, and approach unfamiliar experiences with an open mind.

Learning Through Exploration and Play

After their discussion, students put their curiosity into action through a series of interactive activities designed to spark wonder and encourage creative thinking.

Working together, groups explored a mystery bag, examined mystery photos, and challenged themselves with trivia questions. These activities invited students to observe carefully, think critically, share ideas, and learn from one another. Older and younger students partnered up, creating opportunities for collaboration and connection across grade levels.

Sharing Our Wonder

To wrap up the meeting, each student received a paper leaf and wrote down something they were curious about, adding a drawing when space allowed. From questions about the natural world to interests and ideas waiting to be explored, each leaf represented a unique spark of wonder.

The leaves were then added to a shared Family Group poster, creating a colorful collection of questions and interests that celebrates the many ways curiosity inspires learning.

Curiosity Connects Us

At Saklan, curiosity is more than asking questions. It means being open to new perspectives, exploring possibilities, and discovering that learning often begins with a simple “I wonder…”

As our students continue to explore their questions and follow their interests, we look forward to seeing where their curiosity takes them next!

Exploring Life on the Creek

The Owlets are fully immersed in their Life on the Creek project, and their curiosity is flowing! To begin, students shared what they already knew about the creek and created a Wonder Wall to collect questions about what they hoped to discover. With a little practice learning that questions often begin with words like how, what, why, where, and who, the Owlets got right to work asking thoughtful questions. They were especially curious about the animals that live in the creek, where the water comes from, and where it goes. Their Wonder Wall is already filled with ideas, setting the stage for continued exploration and discovery.

The first investigation focused on the creek as a whole and its different features, including riffles, pools, bends, and the mouth. Inside the classroom, the Owlets worked together to create a beautiful creek mural. As their learning grows, students are adding labels and details such as rocks, logs, and trees. Animals will also find their way onto the mural as the Owlets learn more about the creatures that call the creek home.

As part of the investigation, students have been building their vocabulary by tracing new words and discussing what each creek feature means. One student offered a wonderful description of the creek’s mouth, explaining that it is “when the creek water spits out into a different creek.” Another helped create signs for riffles, the shallow, fast-moving sections of the creek. These conversations show how the Owlets are using their own words and observations to make sense of new concepts. Students also explored their creativity by using natural materials and art supplies to build their own miniature creeks.

One animal that has captured the Owlets’ attention is the pond turtle. Although no turtles have been spotted during creek walks, students learned that turtles enjoy living near the water and basking on rocks. After reading Turtle Splash, a counting story, the Owlets created their own turtles using cutout pieces to form the shells. They paid close attention to the red and yellow stripes on pond turtles’ heads, making sure to include these special details in their artwork.

The turtle investigation also brought together math, literacy, and art. Students counted their turtles, practiced writing numbers, and created their own turtle stories. Soon, these stories will become part of the classroom creek mural, adding another layer to the growing record of their discoveries.

Through questions, observation, hands-on exploration, and creative expression, the Owlets are learning to look closely at the natural world around them. Their Life on the Creek project is just beginning, and their curiosity is sure to lead to many more exciting discoveries!

#SaklanProjectWork

Why I Give: Celebrating the Joy of Learning and Community

I give to Saklan each year through the Annual Giving Fund because Saklan is more than just a school. It’s a place where kids learn respect, kindness, and the joy of learning. It’s a community of students, teachers, and parents who all want creative, compassionate, and courageous learning opportunities. And it’s a place where I have gotten to see the joy of science fill my students’ eyes, hearts, and minds.

I give because I want Saklan to flourish and grow, providing students with the foundational skills and opportunities they need to discover their passions in life—even if those passions don’t involve science! 🙂

Most of all, I give because I love this school, our amazing students, and our wonderful community!

Join Ms. O, Saklan’s Science Teacher, in supporting Saklan by making an AGF gift today!

When EdTech Disrupts Learning

Tuesday, Nov. 10, noon–1 p.m. PT

Technology promised to transform learning. But as screens have steadily crept into nearly every aspect of education, many parents are asking whether EdTech has gone too far, and how they can push for less screen time in the classroom.

Join Emily Cherkin, M.Ed., former teacher and nationally recognized speaker, for a timely ParentMap Talks conversation to take a closer look at the growing role of technology in your child’s education. Cherkin will help you understand how EdTech impacts learning, speak up when something feels off, and discover how families and schools are already finding a healthier balance.

#SaklanParentEd

Head’s Corner: Look What You Made Possible

One thing I appreciate about Saklan is how this community comes together to make things happen for our students. The Redwood Grove, the new ECE play structure, and bright green turf all show that generosity in action. All three projects were completed this past summer because our families and supporters helped make them possible.

Eighteen months ago, we held a Fund-a-Need for the Redwood Grove. A year later, we held a second Fund-a-Need to build on that effort. Between the two events, Saklan families and supporters contributed $224,226, making these improvements possible.

It is worth pausing to recognize the generosity behind these improvements, which have already become part of everyday life at Saklan. Behind every raised paddle, pledge, and contribution was a belief in what Saklan can offer children. Families saw the possibility of a place that could inspire curiosity, invite creativity, and give students room to explore and connect. They chose to help bring that vision to life. Now, that belief is part of our students’ everyday experience.

Each improvement reflects care for the children who use it and a shared willingness to make our school better.

To everyone who contributed, thank you. I hope that when you walk through campus, you pause, take a breath, and appreciate what you made possible. Your generosity is now something our students can climb on, run across, and gather beneath every day.

#SaklanCommunity #SaklanGiving

Project Highlight: Curiosity and Community

1st grade kicked off their year of project work with a PBL unit asking, “How can we learn about and share one another’s stories to grow our community? This unit was an exploration of how to use writing, speaking, and listening skills to increase a sense of belonging.

With their Kindergarten Names project from last year as a launching pad, students wondered what more they could add to their personal stories to keep building community at Saklan. They expanded on the name interviews from Kindergarten and asked their families more about their heritage and ancestry before presenting to each other in class. Next, using all their family stories and mentor texts, 1st graders wrote autobiographies. These were shared with family and friends at a rich cultural celebration filled with food and plenty of smiles. However, this experience was also intentionally a time for formative feedback. Families listened to the 1st graders present their autobiographies and provided each child with glows (things they are doing well) and grows (areas to work on) based on their presentation skills.

Next, they learned about the difference between an autobiography and biography. As students continued to work on staying curious and building community, they embarked upon writing biographies about their 8th grade family group leaders. Saklan’s unique cross-grade and cross-divisional Social Emotional Learning and Leadership program, Family Groups, is led by 8th graders and designed to create meaningful bonds between students from all grade levels K-8. This PBL unit was a perfect opportunity for 8th graders to be helpers and biography subjects. 1st graders interviewed, wrote, revised, and shared biographies they wrote about their 8th-grade family group leaders, staying curious and strengthening their community relationships through the process.

Join us at CLAS on Friday, November 6th to hear the first graders read excerpts from the 8th grade biographies. This will also be the final presentation assessment of all the hard work the 1st graders have put into improving their listening, speaking, and presentation skills.

#SaklanProjectWork #SaklanCommunity

Can We Get David Back in the Orange Suit? The AGF Challenge Is ON!

Saklan’s 2026–2027 Annual Giving Fund (AGF) officially kicks off next Tuesday, October 27, with Orange Envelope Day—and this year, there’s an extra incentive to participate!

David may be hoping to retire his fan-favorite orange suit, but our students have other plans. He’s made a promise: if we reach more than 50% participation on Orange Envelope Day, he’ll wear the bright orange suit for a walk to Safeway to buy a coffee!

Let’s rally together, show our Saklan spirit, and make sure everyone at Safeway gets to see David in all his orange glory!

How to Participate

All Saklan families are invited to join the fun by dropping off the orange envelope and donor form mailed to you last week (check your mailbox if you haven’t seen yours!) in the orange box in front of the school on Tuesday, October 27.

What Is the AGF?

The Annual Giving Fund is Saklan’s yearly fundraising campaign, providing essential support for the people, programs, and experiences that make Saklan special.

Why Does It Matter?

Tuition covers approximately 85% of the true cost of a Saklan education. The AGF provides vital resources that directly support our students and programs throughout the year.

What Is Our Goal?

This year, we’re working toward 100% family participation and $250,000 raised! Every gift, at every level, makes a difference. And on Orange Envelope Day, every family’s participation brings us one step closer to seeing David take his orange-suited stroll to Safeway!

How Much Should I Give?

The right amount is whatever feels meaningful for your family. During the 2025–2026 campaign, gifts ranged from $5 to $30,000, with an average gift of $1,337. Whether you give $20, $200, or $20,000, your participation helps make a difference for our entire community.

How Can I Make a Gift?

There are several convenient ways to contribute to the AGF:

Cash or check: Make checks payable to The Saklan School.
Online giving: Give by credit card, with the option to set up recurring monthly or quarterly payments.
Business Office: Request an invoice.
Donor-Advised Fund (DAF): Recommend a grant to Saklan through your fund.
Securities transfer: Make a gift through a transfer of securities.

Orange Spirit Day: Wear Orange!

To celebrate Orange Envelope Day, all students are invited to wear orange on Tuesday, October 27! Students in grades 1–8 who wear orange may enjoy a uniform-free day. Let’s fill our campus with orange and show our Saklan spirit!

Have questions about the AGF? Contact Emily at ewilliamson@saklan.org.

Every family counts. Every gift makes a difference. Let’s reach that 50% participation mark and send David—and his orange suit—to Safeway!

#SaklanCommunity #SaklanAGF #OrangeEnvelopeDay #SaklanSpirit

Join Us for Saklan’s West African Music Festival!

Saklan is excited to welcome families to our West African Music Festival on Thursday, November 5, from 12:40–1:25 p.m. on the Saklan Sports Court!

The festival will feature Vodzi, bringing the energy and rhythms of West African music to campus. We’re also delighted to welcome students from Wildcat Canyon Community School for this special community event.

Music has a wonderful way of bringing people together, creating opportunities to experience new traditions, celebrate cultural expression, and strengthen connections across our community. This festival promises to be a joyful opportunity for Saklan students and visiting students to learn, listen, and celebrate together.

Saklan families are invited to join us! We hope you’ll come to the Sports Court and share in this special celebration of music, culture, and community.

Event Details

When: Thursday, November 5, 12:40–1:25 p.m.
Where: Saklan Sports Court
Who: Saklan 3rd-8th students, Wildcat Canyon Community Day School students, and Saklan families

We look forward to celebrating with you!

#SaklanCommunity

Grandfriends’ Day 2026

Saklan’s Grandfriends’ Day is on Friday, November 20, 2026, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

Please share information with grandparents and special friends (a friend or family member that your child looks up to and/or has a grandparent-like relationship with) about this event, as we would love for them to join us!

RSVP for Grandfriends’ DAY HERE!