The Saklan School is a private Pre-K through 8 school located in Moraga, CA. Our mission is to think creatively, act compassionately, and live courageously.
The Owlets have been practicing new school routines this week. One of the most important things they practice throughout the day is hand washing! First the Owlets shared what they already know about germs, including that:
They make us sick.
They are small.
We wash them off.
The class then watched a short video to learn a little more about what germs are and how they get into our bodies. Finally the Owlets got to do a messy experiment to practice great hand washing!
The teachers put oil and cinnamon on the students’ hands and told them to pretend the small specks of cinnamon were germs.
The students were then asked to wash their hands to try and get rid of the “germs.” The Owlets learned that they couldn’t get all the germs off with only water; they needed to use soap and scrub all over. They also noticed that sometimes when all the germs on their palms were gone, some were still hiding in between their fingers and on the backs of their hands!
This hands-on activity has really helped the Owlets understand the importance of thorough hand washing to keep themselves and their friends healthy!
This week in art class, students in 4th – 8th grade got in touch with their creative sides by participating in something called a “Task Party,” where students draw and complete random tasks.
Fourth graders worked collaboratively in table groups to “turn a stool into a monster.”
Fifth graders worked collaboratively with their table groups to “design and create a themed Met Gala gown for a member of their group.”
Middle school students independently drew tasks from a box and either completed as many as they could, or chose to spend the entire time on one task. Tasks included: making a treasure map, making a robotic arm, making a musical instrument, making a parrot and wearing it on one’s arm, making puppets and putting on a puppet show, making an octopus garden, making everyone name tags, making a walled fortress, and more!
Task parties originate from contemporary artist Oliver Herring and are meant to build community, inspire creativity, critical thinking, and fun through the arts. Tasks can be building and creating art with crafting and recycled materials or can be performance based and encourage students to step out of their comfort zones.
The best part about a task party is getting to know the students as makers, artists and creative minds in an open, stakes-free environment. Because there is no right or wrong way to perform a task, everyone is participating and engaged, as there is little judgment or fear of making mistakes.
The fall session of enrichment classes will begin the week of September 12th and run through December 8th. Classes available this session include: Book Making, Ceramics, Homework Club, and ECE Art. The complete schedule of classes offered this fall is below.
Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and some classes already have a wait list. To enroll your child in a fall enrichment class, please click on the button below.
In preparation for a full year of fun and exciting science, middle school students have been reviewing and practicing the scientific method. The sixth grade students were given the question: “Which bubble gum creates the biggest bubbles; Double Bubble or Big League Chew?”
Students created their hypothesis, were given the same amount of each gum for consistency, and decided on a bubble gum blower for the experiment to keep the ability consistent. After measuring 5 bubbles and averaging their findings, all groups found Big League Chew to be better at consistently blowing large bubbles. They noted that it was the softer of the two gums as well. This and other flavor preferences played into their guess as to why Big League Chew was better. From this fun experiment, the scientific questions and hypotheses started flowing!
How can our kids become superheroes and help save the world?
One small choice at a time!
Let’s foster some superhero behavior in our kids! Join the Saklan Parent Association on Zoom September 27, 2022 from 7-8 pm for a Parent Education session full of tips on how Saklan families can take small, attainable steps to make a difference and improve our environment. Our presenter, fellow Saklan parent, Scott Cashen, is an environmental scientist who will provide information and extend some challenges that we can all accomplish. The students will have a chance to be recognized at school throughout the year as they meet the challenge goals. Join us to learn about small steps we can all take and support the students’ success!
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.
A long tradition of the Saklan Middle School has been to start the year with a three-day, two-night field experience called the “Advance.” We call it the Advance because we want to advance into the new school year in a positive, proactive way that helps these young adolescents flourish into self-confident young adults.
During the Advance, students engage in different activities that build relationships between students and their teachers. Navigating ropes courses, completing blindfolded trust walks, and playing team-building games facilitate positive interactions and friendships. Students are asked to take risks together, creating bonds that will carry them through the school year. Not only does this help solidify their sense of belonging, but it also allows for better collaboration, trust, and academic focus.
This afternoon, the students and teachers will return from the Advance. They will come back as a slightly different group than when they left Wednesday morning. They will have formed or solidified friendships, built a new community, and have a renewed sense of confidence (as well as be a bit tired from all the fun and activities). But most importantly, students will return ready to thrive and grow during their middle school experience.
Thank you to all of our families who stayed to participate in our first CLAS of 2022-23! What a beautiful way to start the year together, welcoming new families, celebrating birthdays, giving out appreciations, and singing “This Little Light of Mine.” As is Saklan tradition, the 8th grade class ran around the group of students during the last verse of the song, shining their light around the world.
As you hopefully know, CLAS stands for Community, Learning, Appreciations, and Sharing. We look forward to seeing you at future CLAS assemblies, which will showcase more student presentations to the community.
CLAS will be held at 8:30 a.m. on the following Fridays:
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Monday for Saklan’s Back to School BBQ Social. We were delighted to host this beloved event once again!
It was so nice to see all the smiling faces and feel the positive energy of the 300+ attendees. This was the best attended BBQ to date, and a wonderful way to kick off the new year!
Thank you to the PA for setting up the Uniform Exchange, helping attendees make name tags, and helping us build community through volunteer opportunities. Additionally, thank you to everyone who volunteered to help with community events this year.
The Saklan School’s Parent Association is hosting a Fall Festival on Sunday, October 2nd from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m., and all Saklan families are invited!
Join us in celebrating the fall season. Come for food, fun, and prizes! Food trucks, three-legged races, face painting, pie eating contests and more. We look forward to seeing you there!
FRIDAY BLOG 
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