Beloved Music Teacher

Beloved Music Teacher Grace Chaffey Starts a New Chapter but Leaves Behind a Legacy of Kindness, Self-Love, and Fun

Written by Saklan 4th Grader, Cameron

As the years go by, many things change, but Grace Chaffey leaving Saklan is a change on a whole different level. Mrs. Chaffey has shaped our school into the courageous, curious, and caring place that it is today. For 16 years, Mrs. Chaffey taught us how to be confident in our performances but also in ourselves, always. Performing shows, concerts, and helping us stretch and explore our vocal cords, are just the few ways she enriches our learning.

Mrs. Chaffey began teaching music at Saklan in 2008. She is originally from Ohio by way of Wisconsin and has a Bachelor of Music from Butler University and Master’s in Music Education from Boston University. Prior to joining Saklan, she spent time studying and performing opera in Sydney, Australia and San Francisco. “I joined Saklan in August of 2008. My goal when I started to develop the music program was for every kid to love singing and making music.”

In the 16 years she has been at Saklan, Mrs. Chaffey created many special traditions. Some of these include the Lower and Middle School Musicals, singing “This Little Light of Mine,” the fourth graders learning ukulele, and the fifth graders learning guitar. She also started the choir, orchestra and band programs in middle School.

“My proudest accomplishments during my time at Saklan center around connecting social justice issues with music, so my students understand that music is something deeply meaningful to the world that connects us all.” Mrs. Chaffey shows us that music is more than just singing and performing, but is a sacred way to express your feelings, struggles, and culture. This is something unique about Mrs. Chaffey’s teaching.

Mrs. Chaffey is one of the most favorite teachers from generations of students because she is always so loving and kind to everyone. There have been many emotions and chatter in the hallways about the news of Mrs. Chaffey leaving.

Geetika, a 4th grader said, “I am going to miss her kindness and how she teaches. She also is very good at singing and lets us do fun musicals. I like how she isn’t frustrated when we mess up during practices.” Carson, a 4th grader that has been at Saklan since preschool, said, “I am going to miss how she was so kind and generous to everyone. My favorite part of her teaching is that she never puts too much pressure on someone.”

Mrs. Chaffey does not just impact the students but also Saklan alumni, too. For example, Ryan Lo, a current 10th grader at Head Royce, states, “The enthusiasm she brought to every class has helped foster my love for music, even to this day. I loved singing and performing then, and I still do now.”

“The thing I love most at Saklan is the community and connections between friends and students. It is certainly the thing I will miss the most. I hope Saklan students remember me as kind, and someone who challenged them to perform and think outside their comfort zones,” stated Mrs. Chaffey, as she looks back on her 16 years. Based on what the students have been saying, I would say that is definitely what we all will remember her by.

As our school year comes to an end, we will treasure our last days with Mrs. Chaffey. On a more personal note, I love that Mrs. Chaffey cares about everyone and how she spreads joy to all of us in her music with instruments and songs. Thank you, Mrs. Chaffey.