Month: September 2021

Head’s Corner

Parents Make our School Go ‘Round

Dear Saklan Community,

I am feeling incredibly grateful for our parent community this week. Not only would we not have a school without you (as you choose to send your children to Saklan each day), but there are so many aspects of our school that are supported by your hard work.

Building community in a pandemic has been challenging, but I have seen many strong bonds form despite that. Some were made just by families simply walking to their cars after school. Even without our usual multitude of in-person events, our Parent Association (PA) and room parents found a way to bring the parents together, and I see and appreciate it.

We’ve had a fantastic start to this school year! And while there will always be challenges to work through, we know we can rely on the support and partnership of our parent community. 

Thank you for your trust in our teachers. Thank you for being curious about what your child comes home to share. Thank you for giving us feedback so we can communicate well and work together. Thank you for being an integral part of every single day at school. 

We are a team, and we appreciate your continued understanding of that commitment. 

In keeping with this teamwork, I would encourage you to attend the upcoming PA events. Much thought and planning go into creating opportunities for parents to connect. We know it does not work for all families, and work schedules may be inflexible, but if you do have the time, please join us for the following:

  • October 15th: Parent Coffee after CLAS
  • October 24th: Halloween Family Fun Fest 1 pm -3 pm (Moraga Commons)
  • November 9th: Parent Ed Series: Does Your Family have the Sugar Blues? (virtual evening)
  • November 12th: Parent Coffee after CLAS

In closing, thank you. Now that I am a parent at this school, I have a new lens on this experience. I am impressed with the things my daughter comes home and shares, and my family is benefitting directly from what this community can do together. 

In gratitude,

David

Kissing Hands

The Hoot Owls recently read the book, The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn. The story is about a little raccoon’s transition to school. His mother teaches him the secret of the kissing hand. She gives him a kiss on his paw and tells him to press the kiss to his cheek whenever he misses her. The Hoot Owls made their own kissing hands to give to their families so they aren’t missed so much while they are away at school.

#SaklanCompassionate

Reading a Map

During their map skills studies, the second graders have been learning about directions. The students came up with multiple mnemonic devices to help them remember north, east, south and west. A few overheard during lunch were:

Never eat shredded wheat.

Never eat Meredith’s shoes.

After learning about the directions on a map, the second graders learned the essential life skill of using a compass. As a class, the second grade traveled around the school using a compass to help them navigate. After learning to navigate with a compass, the second graders learned how to calculate distance on a map, how to use a map grid, and why both of these are useful skills.

#SaklanAcademic

Parachute Play

During P.E. classes with Mr. Crabtree, Saklan students have recently enjoyed parachute play. While the parachute is fun, it is also a great way for students of all ages to strengthen their muscles and to work on their social and emotional skills. Here are a few of the ways working together to use the parachute benefits our students:

  • Works the muscles in the arms, shoulders, and hands.
  • Allows for practice of basic loco-motor skills, such as running, leaping, skipping, and galloping.
  • Helps students learn to listen carefully and follow directions.
  • Encourages teamwork and cooperation.
  • Promotes communication.
  • Introduces physical activity as fun.

Students of all ages love playing with the parachute!

#SaklanWellRounded

Five Senses

The Owlet class has been learning all about the five senses: sight, touch, smell, taste and hearing. The students learned that using your senses helps you learn about the world and be mindful and aware of things around you. The Owlets used all of their senses to experience a variety of fruits and vegetables, including celery, bell pepper, lemon, cabbage, and apples from Saklan’s apple tree! Some of the students tasted a new food they’d never had before!

After looking at, listening to, smelling, tasting, and feeling the produce, the Owlets then used the cut fruits and veggies as stamps on ink pads to make beautiful prints.

#SaklanAcademic

Science of Hydrology

Fifth grade kicked off the year discussing what scientists do and how they study and learn. The fifth grade scientists then practiced these skills by selecting seashells from Ms. Siacor’s beach bag to observe scientifically. As part of their observations, the students drew detailed diagrams of the sea shells, and developed inquiry questions about them. This was a great way to prepare for their first Earth science unit of the year, focusing on the Earth’s systems and hydrology.

Next, the fifth graders started learning about hydrology by looking at how much water is in the world. For this inquiry, the students divided world maps between them and added up how many squares of salt, frozen, and fresh water they found on each map.  They then created a bar graph of their results, using math skills to divide the totals of each type of water by 50, and using one sticker to represent each 50 squares. The students were astonished to discover that fresh, ‘scoopable’ water makes up only about 1% of planet Earth’s surface water!

#SaklanAcademic

October PA Events

The Saklan Parents Association is excited to host two events in the month of October. Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss them!

In addition to the monthly parent coffee, the PA will host a parent education evening in November. Here is a sneak peek at the events to come in November!

#SaklanParents

Meet RJ Palacio

Rakestraw Books in Danville is inviting all Saklan families to join them for a virtual event with award-winning and beloved author RJ Palacio (the author of Wonder). She will be introducing her newest book, Pony, which is a truly brilliant story for all ages, about family, loyalty, counterfeiting and ghosts. For this special event RJ Palacio will be joined in conversation by Josh Radnor (best known for his role as Ted Mosby on How I Met Your Mother).

This ticketed event will take place on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at 5 PM. To join the event, the publisher requires that each attendee buy a copy of Pony. The first 30 people to purchase tickets will receive an autographed copy of Pony. Every ticket purchaser will also also receive a gift when they pick up their book in-store.

To purchase tickets, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rakestraw-books-live-at-home-with-rj-palacio-tickets-169659055803

Please contact Rakestraw Books at (925) 837-7337 if you have questions.