Author: The Saklan School Friday Blog

As many of you know, I ask students to refer to me as David. Some do, but some are uncomfortable with it and use Mr. David or Mr.O’Connell. Either is fine, but I let them know I prefer David. This choice is intentional and built around an approach to working with children that leverages positive relationships.

For some, dropping titles is a bright red line that children should not cross. The argument against dropping titles often revolves around the concept that using the title implies respect, and dropping the title is a sign of disrespect. But that is a false dichotomy.  Respect is built around the entirety of actions, words, and tone. Daily, the messages students receive from us are about positive behavior and treating everyone with consideration. 

Pedagogically, students learn better when teachers get on their level. When we talk to a student at a desk, we are much more effective if we crouch down, get eye to eye and have a conversation about what they are struggling with. Standing over them to have that same conversation does not feel collaborative. It feels top-down. When we are on their level, our interest in their ideas and concerns feels more genuine. Leveling the playing field between teacher and student builds respect between the two. 

In my experience of going by David over the past ten years, the name has never been used disrespectfully. If anything, it has fostered respect, inclusivity, and belonging with students. They see me more as a whole person with interests and a life that transcends being Head of School. It removes some of the anxiety of talking with me and enhances the opportunities for me to partner with students in their learning journey. Partner does not mean equals; students understand I am the senior partner and do not need a title that asserts power over students. Respect and authority come from my daily interactions and positive relationships.  

Using a teacher’s first name is not the magic pill to building positive relationships; it is one of many ingredients. We also know that just because a teacher uses a title doesn’t mean they lack strong positive relationships. But removing a title is one small way to build those relationships. 

This past Monday, I talked with the Saklan teachers about my experience and preference for using first names. We discussed the pros and cons of making the change and also watched a video on the topic. At the end of our conversation, several teachers decided to drop their titles, and some did not. We have left it as a personal preference. With the students, it is the same. If a teacher states their preference to be called by their first name, students may still choose to use the title.

I respect tradition and think we should all be respectful to each other. That said, etiquette and respect are not the same. Nor does following traditions or etiquette create an atmosphere where respect is authentic. As we like to say, respect is earned, not given. 

#HeadsCorner #SaklanConnected

Dear Saklan Families, 

Saying farewell to our graduates and other students at the end of the school year is always bittersweet, and gives me pause to reflect on the year. As I shared at graduation, there are several groups of people that made this year possible, and I would like to take a moment to share my appreciation. 

The first is our parents. Without your support the year would not have been possible. You have partnered with us as we have helped your children navigate the ups and downs of the school year. You supported us as we continued to adjust to all things COVID: masking, not masking, quarantining, testing, etc. You believed in us when we decided that taking students to Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Westminster Woods, the Marin Headlands, and Coloma was a good idea.   

Parents, thank you.

I also want to thank our teachers; the people on the front line. And while I am not fond of that metaphor, these days it feels accurate. 

Teachers, last year, you came back to teach in the middle of a pandemic, you dealt with masking, distancing, plastic shields, testing, etc. This year you navigated a second pandemic of sorts, one of mental health- as we all now understand the toll the pandemic has put on our children as well as ourselves.

And you showed up to give students the learning experience they deserve. From hands-on learning to a trip to the Moraga Gardens or Hawaii, from fantastic project presentations at CLAS to the musicals, whole-school concert, in-person art show- the list goes on. Thank you.

As educators we often wonder if we honestly deliver on our promise to help students think creatively, act compassionately and live courageously. But as I listened to the graduate speeches on Monday night, the evidence unfolded in front of me. Not in numbers, but in their words. Those 8th grade student speeches were a body of evidence that are an indicator of who the students have become, and the work our teachers do. As Milo said in his speech Monday night, “words matter.”  

And while our students’ words are a graceful reflection of who they are, they are also a tribute to those who show up everyday to make a difference. Their words were so powerful that I want to share some of them.

Everything at Saklan was educational but also fun at the same time. I was very worried whether or not the Saklan community would accept me. I discovered that being yourself makes talking to people much easier. I found that the students at Saklan made it so much easier to be yourself and discover yourself. Everyone at Saklan is all different, but no one lets their differences get in the way of being friends.

Anessa

If you truly believe in your cause and truly believe that what you are doing is right, nobody can tell you otherwise. Remember the only person that can bring you down is you, so do the best you possibly can and always be yourself. The only way to achieve true happiness is by being yourself, not by being someone else.

Milo

I would like to thank all my friends for always supporting me and being there for me when I need it most. I know that if I cry there will always be someone there to check in and help out. Even if they give you an awkward high-five they are still trying to help. And that’s what Saklan is about.

Zoe

There is no other school where children are encouraged to be their true and best selves while surrounded by incredible love and support; no other school where teachers hop in so eagerly to help you mend problems, whether big or small, to make you feel seen and heard; no other school can you find teachers who fully believe in you and will do whatever they can to help you soar; no other school that becomes another home in which you can seek refuge; no other school that can better nourish a child’s sprout and ignite that curiosity into passion.

Ryan

The graduate’s speeches were spoken from the heart, but little did they know how much they nurtured our souls. Thank you, Class of 2022.

Thank you, again, for helping us all make it through another challenging year. Our community moves forward to planning for the 2022-23 school year with much strength, unity, humility, and hope.

I wish you all an incredible and rejuvenating summer.

With appreciation,

David