The Secret Life of Seeds

One main goal of our project work at Saklan is authentic learning that connects to the students’ world outside of the school walls. One beautiful example of how deep academic work and authentic learning come together is the current 2nd-grade PBL unit called The Secret Life of Seeds. In this unit, the students are working to answer the driving question: If a seed could tell its own story, how could we use it to teach others about seed dispersal?

Through a blend of science labs, expository reading, imaginative story boarding and script writing, Saklan’s 2nd graders are learning how seeds travel and move through their growth cycle. They visited the Berkeley Botanical Garden, dissected foods to learn how fruit is a “suitcase” for seeds, and playfully considered how seeds move from place to place- some seeds hitch a ride on fur, feathers, or even shoes, while others are eaten and later deposited in new locations. 

These hands-on experiences, which are at the core of every Saklan PBL unit, help students see the world around them in new and complex ways while also driving authentic inquiry. Recently, students have wondered: Why do some fruits have many seeds while others only have one? Why are some seeds tiny and others large? How does the fruit help the seed survive its journey?

Next, students will be taking all their science learning to create stories of their own about different types of seeds and the journeys they take to grow. This work reflects the heart of Saklan’s approach—where academic content and creativity come together, and where students’ voices and ideas shine.

In the coming weeks, all three divisions will be sharing their project work culminations. Families are warmly invited to join in celebrating student learning and to experience firsthand what makes Saklan’s project work so meaningful.

#SaklanProjectWork

A Celebration of Talent and Courage

On the Friday before Spring Break, Saklan students took the stage for one of the community’s beloved traditions—Spring Follies.

As always, the event was filled with energy, creativity, and joy. Students wowed the audience with their singing, dancing, and a wide range of performances that highlighted both their talents and their personalities. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and it was clear that many students felt right at home in the spotlight.

What made the event especially meaningful was the courage each performer showed. Stepping onto the stage takes confidence, and our students embraced the opportunity to take risks, try something new, and share a part of themselves with the community.

We are incredibly proud of all the performers for their outstanding efforts, and equally grateful to the audience for creating such a supportive and encouraging environment.

Be sure to check out photos from this joyful event below!

A big thank you to our 8th-grade emcees, and to Dianne, Linda L., Riva, Saul, and Shelby for working with the performers, moving props, and organizing a wonderful show. Your leadership and behind-the-scenes efforts made the event truly shine!

#SaklanCreative #SaklanCourage

April SEL Focus: Collaboration

Throughout the month of April, Saklan students are focusing on an essential social-emotional skill: collaboration. At its heart, collaboration is about working together with respect, openness, and a shared sense of purpose.

In classrooms across campus, students are practicing what it means to truly listen—to hear and value the ideas of others while also sharing their own thinking. They are learning that strong collaboration isn’t just about having good ideas, but about being willing to try someone else’s approach, even when it’s different from their own.

Students are also exploring the importance of taking turns in leadership, recognizing that everyone brings unique strengths to a group. Whether leading or supporting, each role matters in helping a team succeed.

Encouragement is another key part of this work. Students are practicing how to lift one another up, celebrate effort, and help their peers do their best. They are also discovering the value of sharing their own talents while learning from those around them, building both confidence and appreciation for others.

Perhaps most importantly, collaboration at Saklan means making sure everyone feels included. Students are learning to notice who may be left out and to take steps to ensure every voice is heard and every person is part of the process.

By developing these habits, students are not only becoming stronger collaborators—they are becoming thoughtful, empathetic community members who understand that we are always better when we work together.

Hoot Owls Dive into Ocean Exploration with Help from Friends

The Hoot Owls are making waves with their current Project Work, taking a deep dive into the fascinating world of the ocean.

During a recent session in the Science Lab with Ms. O, the Pre-K students explored the anatomy of a squid through a hands-on dissection. They examined key features including the ink sac, eyes, throat, beak, and pen—the structure that helps the squid maintain its shape. Students even determined whether their squid was male or female. In a particularly memorable moment, some students used the squid’s pen and ink sac to write, bringing their learning to life in an unforgettable way.

Back in the classroom, one Hoot Owl stepped into the role of expert, leading a mini-lesson on sharks. Complete with detailed drawings of a frill shark and a mako shark, the student shared fascinating facts with classmates—such as the existence of over 500 shark species, the size range from the massive whale shark (up to 40 feet) to the tiny dwarf lantern shark (about 8 inches), and insights into how sharks hunt and what they eat. The presentation sparked curiosity and led to an enthusiastic Q&A session filled with thoughtful questions.

Collaboration has also been a key part of this project. The Hoot Owls partnered with their fourth-grade buddies to research sharks and squid. Each student selected a topic and worked alongside their buddy to gather interesting facts. Together, they created detailed posters featuring their findings and illustrations.

These impressive posters are now displayed around campus, showcasing the students’ hard work, curiosity, and growing expertise. Through hands-on exploration, peer collaboration, and student-led learning, the Hoot Owls are truly diving deep into discovery.

#SaklanProjectWork

The Fun Isn’t Over Yet!

There are still a few opportunities available, including sign-up experiences, student artwork, and special items added after the event.

Be sure to check out the links below to learn more and grab these final offerings before they’re gone!

Auction Experiences

Urban Air Adventure with Kim Parks & David – for K-5th Graders

Escape Room & Pizza with Shay and Javi – for 4th – 8th Graders

Backyard Movie & S’mores Family Party – fun for the Whole Family

Pilates & Pampering Experience – for Adults Only

Whiskey Tasting Experience – for Adults Only

Auction Items

Virtual Wine Pull – Get a Mystery Bottle of Wine!

4 Tickets to the de Young or Legion of Honor Museums

$250 Urban Adventure Summer Camp Gift Card

Student Art

A Year of Trees: Hoot Owl Poster – 11″ x 17″ poster comes in a 12″ x 18″ black frame

Kindergarten Geode Poster – 11″ x 17″ poster comes in a 12″ x 18″ black frame

2nd Grade Collaborative Poster – 11″ x 17″ poster comes in a 12″ x 18″ black frame

3rd Grade Collaborative Poster – New Item! An 11″ x 11″ print of their original artwork, which comes with a black frame.

4th Grade Printmaking Poster – 11″ x 17″ poster comes in a 12″ x 18″ black frame

Have questions about any of the items? Reach out to Emily at ewilliamson@saklan.org.

Thank you for your support of The Saklan School.

See You at Taste of Traditions

The Saklan PA warmly invites you to our annual Taste of Traditions Dance & Potluck on Saturday, April 18, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. on the Saklan Sports Court! This event isn’t just open to our current families, but also our newly enrolled families who will be joining Saklan next year.

Expect a fun, relaxing, family-friendly event filled with:

  • A DJ (with song requests!)
  • Glow toys, lights, and a fog machine
  • Delicious food from our community
  • Games, activities, and plenty of time to connect

Bring a favorite family dish or a traditional recipe to share, or simply come as you are. The most important ingredient is YOU, and we can’t wait to gather as a community.

If you’d like to contribute a dish, please sign up using the button below.

Sign Up to bring a dish to share

Come experience Saklan in a whole new light; we hope to see you there for a magical evening under the string lights!

#SaklanCommunity #SaklanPA

Head’s Corner: 24 Acceptances, 1 Waitlist, and a Class Ready for What Comes Next

There are some years when the numbers tell a strong story on their own. This is one of those years. Saklan’s 8th-grade class submitted 25 applications to local independent high schools and earned 24 acceptances, along with 1 waitlist.

That is an outstanding result, and one we are proud to celebrate.

Our students received offers from an excellent group of schools, including Athenian, College Prep, Head-Royce, Bentley, Carondelet, De La Salle, and St. Mary’s. But as strong as those outcomes are, what matters most to me is what they reflect.

They reflect years of growth—students who are deeply known by their teachers and supported along the way. They reflect young people who have learned to think critically, speak with confidence, navigate challenges, and contribute meaningfully to a community. Most importantly, they reflect students who are not only academically prepared but ready to step into their next chapter with confidence, character, and curiosity.

At Saklan, we work hard to do both: challenge students and know them deeply. We want them to leave here with strong skills, certainly, but also with the confidence that comes from being seen, supported, and stretched over time.

Saklan alum Levi Kim, now at Brown, spoke at our auction about the impact Saklan had on him. He talked about the adaptability, critical thinking, empathy, and creativity he developed here — and how those qualities have mattered well beyond middle school. That is what we hope for our students. Yes, a Saklan education helps open doors. But more importantly, it helps students walk through those doors ready to thrive.

That is what makes these admissions results so meaningful.

I am proud of this class and of the way they represented themselves throughout the process. They showed who they are, and these results reflect that. We are excited to see where their journeys lead next.

Warmly,

David

Family Groups Focus on Accountability

On Tuesday, Saklan students gathered in their Family Groups to explore an important character trait: accountability. The session began with a fun and engaging warm-up, as students shared their favorite superheroes/real-life heroes and discussed what makes them admirable. This conversation helped set the stage for thinking about the qualities that make someone responsible and trustworthy.

Students were then introduced to the concept of accountability and what it looks like in everyday life. Together, they discussed examples such as doing their part in group work, making good choices, and taking care of themselves, others, and their belongings.

To bring the concept to life, students watched a short video about the “Accountable Ninja.” Afterward, they reflected on how the character initially avoided responsibility and what changes he made to become more accountable. These conversations encouraged students to think critically about their own actions and choices.

Next, students put their learning into action by creating “superhero bursts,” each one highlighting a personal goal to be more accountable. Whether it was completing homework on time, helping others, or owning up to mistakes, each student contributed a thoughtful commitment to their shared group poster.

The lesson continued with a lively group challenge: keeping two balloons in the air without letting them touch the ground, all while following specific rules. The activity required teamwork, communication, and individual responsibility. As students worked together toward a common goal, they experienced firsthand how accountability plays a role in group success.

#SaklanSEL

A Star-Studded Thank You

We’re tipping our berets and feathered headbands to everyone who helped make Saklan’s Starlight Gala & Auction a true Golden Age triumph! From a swanky evening under the stars to spirited bidding in the online auction, from unforgettable student experiences to generous support of our Fund-a-Need—you made the night shine brighter than the silver screen.

Thanks to our dazzling community, we raised over $155,000 for our beloved school.

A special round of applause to Emily Williamson, whose tireless efforts brought this magical evening to life, and to our incredible auction volunteers: Neela Campbell, Ani Golovko, Shana Hammers, Gina Altman, Katia Senff, Etienne Lacrampe, Brian Lovrin, Meredith Avant, and Shay Sager for their help in curating such a fun and memorable event.

Bravo to Elise Ho and Eric Fong for helping set the stage, from place cards to photobooth prep, and to Yvonne Lin for the fabulous signage, witty touches, and creative spark.

We are deeply grateful to Brian Lovrin, David O’Connell, and Erin Moorhead for producing the Fund-a-Need video, and to Dianne Hurvitz, Kim Parks, Coach Rob, Linda Lathrop, Ms. O, and the choir for lending their voices to the story.

A heartfelt thank you to our talented alumni—James Rokas for the smooth cocktail hour tunes and Levi Kim for his inspiring words during the Fund-a-Need.

And to our generous families: thank you for donating auction items and wine, sponsoring the event, underwriting teacher tickets, and helping bring it all together. It truly was a team effort worthy of the spotlight.

Your generosity was nothing short of star-studded; the kind that would make Hollywood proud.

A New Path to Solving Quadratics

Eighth-grade algebra students continued their exploration of quadratic equations with a recent lesson grounded in curiosity and discovery. They were presented with two equations:

x² + 4x + 1 = 0
(x + 2)² = 3

After solving both, students noticed something surprising: each equation led to the same solution. This prompted a class discussion about efficiency: which equation was easier to solve, and why? Students quickly recognized that the second equation was both faster and more straightforward, sparking interest in how more complex equations could be transformed into this simpler form.

That question led to the introduction of a new method: completing the square.

To build understanding, students began by working with algebra tiles on equation mats, physically arranging pieces to form perfect squares. This hands-on approach helped them see how a trinomial in standard form could be reorganized into a squared expression—and what adjustments were needed to make that transformation possible.

With practice, students transitioned from concrete models to abstract reasoning. As a class, they discussed how to generalize the process and apply it without tiles. They even developed their own formula for completing the square, deepening their conceptual understanding.

Through exploration, collaboration, and reasoning, Saklan’s eighth graders didn’t just learn a new method; they discovered it. This kind of learning empowers students to approach complex problems with confidence, creativity, and a strong sense of mathematical thinking.

#SaklanHandsOn