Month: October 2023

Real Superheroes

The Owlets continue to be actively engaged in discovering the wonderful world of community helpers! Talking about community helpers gives the students a better understanding of what it means to be a community and the importance of working together. Recently, the Owlets read the book Real Superheroes by Julia Seal, which taught them that doctors, teachers, grocery store workers, delivery drivers, and firefighters are all community helpers. The preschoolers were very excited to meet firefighters from the Moraga station when they came to campus!

Before the visit, the Owlets brainstormed about what they already knew, and what they wanted to know about the job of the fire fighters. They had a lot of great questions: “What tools do they use?” and “Why do the firefighters sleep at the fire station?”

During the firefighter’s visit, the Owlets learned that firefighters wear special gear to help keep them stay safe from fires and other dangers. The Fire Marshall told them that all the special gear the fire fighters wear can weigh up to 50 pounds! The preschoolers also learned that in a fire smoke rises, so it’s important to stay low to the ground, and that if they ever see a fire they should tell an adult right away! 

While the firefighters were in the classroom, the Owlets asked them the questions they had come up with before the visit. They found out that the firefighters do sleep at the fire station! Their question about the tools the firefighters use was the perfect opportunity to walk outside and see the big, red fire engine! The firefighters showed them the hoses and tools they use (ax, chainsaw and more), and where they are all stored on the truck.

Most of the kiddos chose to hop into the driver’s seat to see all the buttons and controls in the cab of the truck!

The Owlets couldn’t let our local community helpers leave empty handed, so they presented the fire fighters with drawings they made for them. The fire fighters also had some gifts for the Owlets: firefighter helmets and really cool badges!

#SaklanGuestExperts

Atomic Wear

The eighth graders have been learning about the periodic table. From researching what all the symbols mean, to understanding what the atomic number and atomic mass tell us about each element, they have become very knowledgeable about the periodic table!

Each student picked one element they wanted to learn more about. After completing research on their element, they designed a shirt to showcase the special properties and uses of their element. Check out the atomic wear the eighth graders created and modeled below!

#SaklanCreative

Hoot Owl Cooks

The Hoot Owls have continued their Meals unit. After learning to eat a rainbow of foods, the owls took a closer look at where food comes from, learning that food doesn’t just magically appear right in front of us.

Lisa, a Hoot Owl parent, came to talk to the owls about working in a restaurant. They discussed who works in a restaurant including chefs, cooks, waiters, hosts, bussers and more. They also discussed the differences between regular menus and kid menus, and looked at a variety of kitchen tools. After, Lisa taught the Hoot Owls how to make soft pretzels. They started by rolling the dough into “snakes” and shaping them, and then boiled them for 30 seconds in water that contained baking soda and sugar. Then the pretzels were brushed with an egg wash and sprinkled with salt or cinnamon and sugar. Finally they went into the oven. The Hoot Owls enjoyed making the pretzels, but really loved eating them!

The cooking continued with a cheese making lesson from Phillipa.  Cheese is a food the Hoot Owls eat almost everyday, and they were delighted that is was easily made with just three ingredients! First, they heated up milk in a pan, added vinegar when it came to a boil, and then we sprinkled some salt in. Next, the curds were squeezed in a cheesecloth and drained overnight. The students were excited to try their creation with some crackers, and it was very tasty! 

The Hoot Owls now understand that the food we eat often takes hard work and lots of effort from many people who are part of the process of making it. It can be simple like the cheese or can involve multiple steps like making the pretzels. They are learning to appreciate all of the effort that goes into making our food. 

#SaklanProjectWork

Alumni Visit

One of our beloved alumni students, Ryan Lo, visited our current eighth-grade class last Friday to share about his high school experience. He spoke about the core academic classes high school students must take to graduate and be well-prepared for college. Then, Ryan explained what electives were offered at Head-Royce and some of his favorites, like Computer Science, Drama, Art, Music, Debate, etc. The eighth-grade students loved hearing about all the clubs and affinity groups at Head-Royce School. Ryan explained that affinity groups help students feel connected and safe with people of similar identities or interests. Some of Ryan’s favorite clubs and groups focus on leadership, environmental action, and community engagement.

Ryan also explained the reality of balancing homework and extracurricular activities in high school. He shared that by sophomore year, most students receive at least 3 hours of homework a night. Finally, the eighth graders asked Ryan lots of questions. Some examples were: What is lunch like in high school? Is there still a recess break? What type of college counseling is offered at Head-Royce? Can you take classes online? How many dances do high schools usually have? How do you manage your time efficiently to complete your work and participate in many clubs and sports?

It was wonderful hearing about how Ryan is happy and thriving at his new high school. We appreciate him taking the time to give back to his Saklan community.

#SaklanAlumni #SaklanGuestExpert

Historic Orange Envelope Day

Tuesday, October 24th, marked Saklan’s third annual Orange Envelope Day! Kicking off our Annual Giving Fund (AGF) with lots of enthusiasm, students and parents dropped their orange donation envelopes in the orange box and rang the cowbell to mark the occasion. The envelopes, along with the orange sky dancer, brought lots of joy and attention to drop off and pick up!

Thank you for helping to make it historic. Orange Envelope Day 2023 yielded 40 gifts and participation from 37% of our families- our best Orange Envelope Day to date! Go Saklan!

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in Orange Envelope Day! It speaks volumes about our community that families are willing to contribute a meaningful gift to the AGF. Each gift supports our commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and connection with every student. Moreover, it strengthens the bond of shared common values between all of us.

Thank you for believing in Saklan to partner with you in your child’s educational journey. Thank you to those who have already shown their support for the AGF. We are about halfway to our goals of raising $175,000 and reaching 100% participation.

Help us reach 100% participation by making a gift that is meaningful to you and your family today. Gifts can be made online or by completing the donor form that was included in your AGF mailing and returning it to the Saklan Office.

#SaklanAGF

Working Together

Be curious, not judgemental.

Walt Whitman

This quote (recently made famous by Ted Lasso) replaces an old favorite of mine: “If you only believe 50% of what your children say about us, we will only believe 50% of what they say about you.” While the quote is tongue-in-cheek, it emphasizes that misunderstandings can occur between home and school when we only understand one perspective. But it does not ask us to be curious and learn. When it comes to raising good people (the children we share), we need to be curious and suspend judgment.

Yesterday, as a faculty, we spent time talking about parent-teacher conferences. One of our conversation points was delving into the anxiety all participants (yes, even teachers) can feel during these meetings. As we prepare for conferences, it is essential to remember that we (parents and teachers) have the same goal in mind: to help young people grow to become fulfilled, self-actualized adults. This work is complicated and bumps in the road are inevitable, but our children benefit when we remain curious and work together. 

Please keep this in mind next week as you discuss your child’s progress at conferences. We are a team and we look forward to sharing your child’s glows and grows with you.

In gratitude,

David

#HeadsCorner #SaklanCommunity

Fun and Learning

An important way that Saklan students practice key math skills is by playing math games. These games are an engaging way to reinforce concepts, build number sense and practice using math vocabulary.

Most math games are played with partners or small groups, and so they also help students practice interpersonal skills like communicating and problem solving.

Games provide an environment in which students can create and try strategies, and can also learn strategies from others.

Students often identify math games as some of their favorite activities completed in the school day and look forward to them as an opportunity to interact with classmates, learning buddies and friends. The games and activities capture their enthusiasm and create environments that make concepts and skills tangible and learning memorable, meaningful and fun!

Student Council

Democracy is alive here at The Saklan School! Thirteen Middle School students announced their candidacy for one of six Student Council offices this year. The election took place on October 13th after a vigorous and exciting two-week campaign. 

Earning a seat as a Student Council officer involves more than simply winning the popular vote. Each candidate had to submit a Letter of Intent, make two campaign posters, sit for an interview conducted by Jennifer Lettieri and Kim Parks, and share slogans and stickers with the Lower School students during lunch recess.

The culmination of their campaign was their speech at CLAS before balloting took place in grades 1 through 8. Candidates were awarded points for timeliness and quality when carrying out each of these tasks, and the candidates with the most points were the winners.

Lower School Student Council representatives were selected by their respective homeroom teachers in grades 1-5. 

Congratulations to our 2023-2024 Student Council members!

Middle School Officers

  • President – Nikko
  • Vice President – Eleanor
  • Activities Chairs – Skyler and Braden
  • Treasurer – Jack Z
  • Publicity Chair – Aliya
  • Secretary – Madeline

Lower School Representatives

  • Grade 1 – Olin and Satya
  • Grade 2 – Sophie and Max
  • Grade 3 – Reva and Teddy
  • Grade 4 – Airlie and Cassy
  • Grade 5 – Elyse and Cade

Art Objects

Sixth grade students are in their second milestone on their project unit with the driving question, “Who do art objects truly belong to?” During this step of the project, students are deepening their understanding of the roles of archaeologists and museums while researching key ancient Egyptian artifacts. This past week students met with two experts that helped them develop their perspective on their driving question. 

On Tuesday, research archaeologist Hannah Wellman, Ph.D. zoomed into the sixth grade humanities class to share historical context for the Egyptian artifacts students are researching. Hannah also provided perspectives on repatriation from a research archaeologist’s point of view.

On Thursday, the sixth graders traveled to the Badè Museum at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley. Aaron Brody, the museum’s director, gave the students a private tour discussing the complexities that repatriating the collection would present. He also answered many student questions connected to both the legal and ethical issues of repatriation. 

The 6th graders look forward to sharing more as their unit comes to a close next month. 

#SaklanPBL

Tuesday is Orange Envelope Day

Saklan’s 23-24 Annual Giving Fund (AGF) officially begins next Tuesday, October 24th with Orange Envelope Day! All Saklan families are invited to join us in celebrating Orange Envelope Day by dropping off the orange envelope and donor form that was mailed to you in the orange box in front of Saklan.

Thank you to those who have already made a gift. Below are important things to know about Saklan’s AGF.

What is the AGF?

The Annual Giving Fund is Saklan’s yearly fundraising drive that raises money to support the amazing people and programs that make Saklan special.

Why do we have it? 

Saklan relies on the generous support of the community to create such a vibrant place for children to learn and develop. AGF gifts support things such as science lab equipment, professional development for faculty and staff, tuition assistance, field experiences and guest experts.

Is there a Goal?

This year, our goal as a school is to have 100% of families participate and raise $175,000 by December 1. Join us by making a gift that is personally meaningful to you. For some families that may be $20, while for others that may be $20,000. 

How can I make a gift?

You can make an AGF gift via the following methods:

  • Cash or a Check payable to The Saklan School
  • Online using a Credit Card – The online platform gives you the option to set up recurring payments that allow you to pay for your donation over several months. 
  • Invoiced through the Saklan Business Office.

Have questions about Saklan’s AGF? Feel free to reach out to Emily at ewilliamson@saklan.org.

Thank you for your support of Saklan.

#SaklanCommunity #SaklanAGF