Month: April 2017

Happy Earth Day!

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Today, we celebrated Earth Day and the Family Groups took part in three different activities. First, the students learned about environmental issues, sustainability, and discussed the consequences of their choices and behaviors. They built planters made out of recycled plastic bottles and hung them by the middle school lunch area. Please check out their beautiful work when you are on campus!

Next, they looked at marine species from the San Francisco Bay that were brought on campus by the Marine Science Institute. The instructors introduced the students to the diverse aquatic life, helped them understand science, and foster a responsibility to protect the environment.

Finally, the students did an activity on this month’s Family Group theme that was Wonder. The students looked at beautiful photographs of nature and silently reflected on each of them. Later, they discussed how awe and wonder made them feel. It was a fun day of learning how we can help save our planet. Every day is Earth Day!

Marin Headlands – 5th Grade

Last week, the fifth grade class spent three days and two nights in the Marin Headlands.  This science-filled experience was both educational and fun! The weather was a bit cold and windy at times, but overall we had beautiful clear, skies!

We hiked, hiked and hiked, as well as visited the Marine Mammal Center, spent time at the touch tank with many tide pool creatures, and observed living plankton under a microscope. One of our hikes took us to ice plant hill where we not only tasted ice plant, but also rolled down ice plant hill. In addition, we hiked to Point Bonita Lighthouse and along the way observed a herd of harbor seals sunning on rocks and frolicking in the bay. We also took a night hike, enjoyed singing songs around the campfire, played games with other schools, and ate cookies on the beach.
The food was delicious, our dorms were comfy and warm, and our guide, Bryan, was terrific. It was a fabulous trip!

Owlets Study Science

The Owlets visit the Science Lab every Friday during the month of April.

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Last Friday, they learnt about microscopes and examined different specimens. They all agreed it was a a fun lesson!

4th Grade Coloma Trip

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Eureka! That means “I found it!” The Forty-Niners used this word all during the Gold Rush of 1849. It can also be found on the California State Seal. The Fourth Graders could be heard saying that as well numerous times during our trip to the Coloma Outdoor Discovery School, especially when they were panning for gold.

We spent two days and one night in Coloma immersed in all things Gold Rush. Our first day was rainy and cold, but we persevered like true 49ers. We learned how to make cornbread in a dutch oven over hot coals, how to build a structure, sew gold pouches, and square dance. The second day was sunny, which allowed us to explore the city of Coloma, visit Sutter’s mill, James Marshall’s cabin, and much more. We would like to give a special thank you to our chaperones. We couldn’t have done it without you! It was a great trip!

Kinder Fun On The Farm!

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On Tuesday, Kindergartners continued their farm unit at the farm.

We collected our own eggs, brushed the pony, and saw many lovely farm animals, including Kevin the peacock and the fluffiest rabbit in the world!!!

2017 Volleyball Season

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Saklan Suns Volleyball Team

Fifth Grade thru Eighth Grade

*Tuesday, April 25, 4:15PM Saklan @ East Bay Waldorf away

Thursday, May 4, 4:15PM East Bay Waldorf @ Saklan

*Tuesday, May 9, 4:00PM Saklan @ The Berkeley School away

*Thursday, May 18, 4:00PM Saklan @ Ecole Bilingue School away

Tuesday, May 23, 4:00 PM Ecole Bilingue School @ Saklan

Thursday, May 25, 4:00PM Contra Costa Jewish Day School @ Saklan

Tuesday, May 30, 4:00PM The Berkeley School @ Saklan

Head’s Corner

Dear Saklan Community,

As I write this week’s blog, our 4th grade class is in Coloma on their annual overnight field trip to study the Gold Rush, and the 5th graders are in Marin Headlands on their three-day overnight field trip. These are the last two of overnight field trips in the calendar this year; which also saw our 6th graders spend a week in Yosemite, our 7 graders travel to Hawaii, and our 8th graders study US Government in Washington DC. All of these exciting educational experiences are made possible through the support of our wonderful parent community through donations and direct participation.

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Hoot Owls celebrate International Moment of Laughter Day

Today is officially Good Friday, which precedes the Easter, and I wish all of our families that celebrate this holiday a Happy Easter. In the spirit of creativity, which clearly runs strong at Saklan, and in connection with our goal of promoting happiness, our Hoot Owl students are celebrating the little known, but definitely engaging and enchanting, International Moment of Laughter Day. This day, which falls on April 14, is an unofficial holiday created by humorologist Izzy Gesell, who encourages people to forget the stresses of daily life, and give into the healing and relaxing power of laughter. Medical studies have shown that laughing reduces stress, increases blood flow, and lowers blood sugar levels. Some studies have found that people who laugh just before going to bed are much more likely to sleep better than those who did not. In addition to its health benefits, laughter also has social advantages. People who are jovial tend to be quickly accepted in social groups and have an easier time making friends. Laughter is a way to spread joy and happiness, and bring cheer in the lives of other people.

Our Hoot Owl students and families clearly had many moments of laughter this morning, which is a fitting way to prepare for a happy weekend. Thanks to Mrs. C and Miss Joy for coming up with this creative idea!

Have a great weekend,

Peter