Category: General

A Vision Takes Root

This weekend, an exciting new chapter begins at Saklan.

Construction on the first phase of the Redwood Grove Treehouse, made possible through the generous support of our community at last year’s auction, officially starts on Saturday. Two of the three elevated decks will be installed during this initial phase, with the more complex and intrusive work scheduled for June. To ensure safety, the area surrounding the redwoods will be carefully fenced, and the majority of heavier construction will take place over the weekend.

But the Redwood Grove was never just about building platforms in trees.

It has always been about creating a space where imagination expands, where confidence grows, and where children stretch themselves—physically, socially, and creatively—within the safety of community. It is designed to be a place of collaboration and storytelling, of challenge and belonging. A place where students test their balance, their bravery, and their ideas.

In many ways, the Grove is a living extension of how Saklan teaches: experiential, relational, and rooted in curiosity (pun very much intended). It reflects our commitment to learning that is hands-on, heart-centered, and deeply connected to the natural world.

And the momentum doesn’t stop there.

Installation of our new Early Childhood play structure—also made possible through generous community support—will begin in late May. The pieces arrived on campus earlier this year, offering a tangible reminder that our youngest learners will soon have a space intentionally designed for exploration, coordination, imagination, and joyful risk-taking.

These projects represent more than new equipment. They represent environments where children climb, balance, create, problem-solve, and connect. Spaces where resilience is built alongside friendships. Where confidence grows branch by branch.

Because of this shared vision, what once existed only as drawings and dreams is now becoming reality.

We look forward to sharing photos of the Grove as it rises—and to watching the countless moments of growth that will unfold within it for years to come.

#SaklanCommunity

Fifth Grade Leads Redwood Grove Restoration Project

The culmination of fifth grade’s Redwood Grove Project Based Learning unit was a powerful example of student leadership in action. After weeks of studying forest ecosystems and soil health, students led a shared effort to show their beloved redwood grove some love, restoring natural forest-like conditions to support the trees’ long-term health.

The culmination began with a purposeful walk to Outdoor Supply Hardware, where garden staff offered just the expert advice students needed. Rather than “feeding” the trees, they learned that the grove required a return to natural conditions. Mulch would help retain moisture and encourage the healthy decomposition of fallen leaves, needles, and twigs. With this knowledge, students selected shredded redwood mulch, leaf scoops, and rakes, tools that will allow fallen leaf litter to be returned to the grove year-round.

Back on campus, students worked collaboratively and followed their team contracts to prepare for service day. They drafted a formal purchase request, created hearts and ribbons with messages of appreciation, designed and hung posters, unloaded supplies, and set up tables and chairs. Every detail was thoughtfully planned and entirely student-led.

On the morning of the restoration, they were ready. Students shared their research, explained their decisions for the grove, and confidently guided family members through the work they had prepared: loosening compacted sand, carefully spreading mulch, and protecting exposed roots in one section of the grove.

As the first section wrapped up, students received a surprise gift: Dawn Redwood seeds. If successfully grown, one may eventually stand in the new redwood playground, becoming a living learning legacy for future students.

The work didn’t stop there. During recess, fifth graders invited younger students to help restore the next section of the grove, modeling leadership and stewardship. Even steady rain at lunchtime could not dampen their momentum. Paths were raked, clear “go” and “no-go” zones were established, and by the end of the day, the transformation of the grove was visible.

This project was more than a lesson in ecology. It was a lesson in agency. When students are trusted to lead meaningful work, motivation and engagement flourish.

#SaklanPBL

The Ed Tech Wake-Up Call: Rethinking Digital Learning for Kids

With Jared Cooney Horvath, Ph.D., educator and author

Tuesday, March 10, 2026
noon–1 p.m. PT
Live Q&A webinar streamed on Zoom

Educational technology has rapidly reshaped classrooms, but is all this screen-based instruction actually helping our kids learn? In this live ParentEd Talk, neuroscientist and “The Digital Delusion” author Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath joins ParentMap and Saklan to challenge EdTech’s biggest promises and examine what the data truly shows. He will explain how excessive technology use can undermine kids’ learning and attention, and share clear, practical ways parents and educators can restore meaningful learning at school and at home. 

You’ll leave with:

  • A simple understanding of the neuroscience behind how kids learn — and how EdTech-based learning can fall short.
  • Eye-opening data on the impacts of EdTech and how parents and educators can encourage schools to strike a healthier balance with technology.
  • Practical strategies you can use at home to boost your child’s learning. 

Reserve your spot here for the live interactive talk using promo code SAKSCHL to attend for free (a $10 value) — and get access to the recording to watch anytime.

#SaklanParentEd

A Night to Remember at the Lesher Center

What a joy it was to gather together at the Lesher Center last Thursday and watch our students shine on stage!

Thank you to our families for navigating the logistics of the day and showing up in such strong support of our students. Your presence made the evening even more meaningful.

To our students: bravo! Your creativity, courage, and heart were on full display as you sang and played for a packed audience. We are so proud of you for taking the stage with such confidence.

Thank you to our incredible faculty and staff for the countless behind-the-scenes efforts, from schedule flexibility to rehearsals and encouragement. Your dedication ensures our students feel prepared and supported.

A special thank you to Victoria for guiding our Owlet and Hoot Owl students. Their joy, courage, and love of music truly lit up the stage!

Thank you to Lauren and Linda for the stunning backdrop created with our second and third graders—your PBL work continues to elevate student voice and creativity.

Thank you to Javi, Lauren, Vickie, Rob, and Hector for managing all the back-stage logistics and keeping everything running smoothly.

Thank you to Shay, Mylesa, Linda, and Emily for managing the front-of-house logistics.

And finally, heartfelt gratitude to Dianne for leading the concert with such passion and purpose. Your dedication to bringing music to life at Saklan helped make the evening unforgettable.

What a beautiful celebration of talent, teamwork, and belonging!

#Saklan Creative #SaklanArts

Important Dates 2026-2027

As we look forward to the 2026-2027 school year, we want to share the important calendar dates so that you, too, can begin planning. Below are the dates for school breaks, noteworthy events, and early dismissal days for next year. A more detailed calendar will be shared over the summer.

2026-2027 IMPORTANT CALENDAR DATES

July 9Middle School Advance Meeting on Zoom at 12:00 PM
Aug. 7New Parent Orientation on Zoom at 9:00 AM
Aug. 14New Middle School Student Orientation at 3:00 PM
Aug. 14Welcome Back BBQ at 4:00 PM
Aug. 18 – 20Middle School Advance for 6th – 8th Grade
Aug. 19First Day of School for PS – 5th Grade
Aug. 21Middle School Rest Day (NO SCHOOL for 6TH-8TH GRADE)
Sept. 7Labor Day (NO SCHOOL)
Sept. 14 – 186th Grade Field Experience
Oct. 12Indigenous Peoples’ Day (NO SCHOOL)
Oct. 13Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
Oct. 22-23Parent-Teacher Conferences (NOON DISMISSAL)
Oct. 30Halloween Parade at 8:35 AM (2 PM DISMISSAL)
Nov. 11Veterans Day (NO SCHOOL)
Nov. 23 – 27Thanksgiving Break (NO SCHOOL)
Dec. 18Lower School Musical at 10:30 AM (NOON DISMISSAL, NO EXTENDED DAY)
Dec. 21 – Jan. 1Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)
Jan. 4Teacher Work Day (NO SCHOOL)
Jan. 18MLK Jr. Day (NO SCHOOL)
Feb. 12 – 15Presidents’ Day Weekend (NO SCHOOL)
Mar. 4All-School Concert at 4:30 PM (NOON DISMISSAL)
Mar. 5Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
Mar. 11-12Parent-Teacher Conferences (NOON DISMISSAL)
Apr. 5 – Apr 9Spring Break (NO SCHOOL)
May 3 – 7Teacher Appreciation Week
May 7Teacher Appreciation Day (NO SCHOOL)
May 28Graduation, Last Day of School (NOON DISMISSAL, NO EXTENDED DAY)

Summer Camp Registration Open

Registration is now open for Summer@Saklan 2026! A summer of creative exploration awaits your child. Camp runs in one-week sessions from June 15th to July 31st and is open to children ages 3 through entering 3rd grade.

Each week is packed with engaging art and/or science activities; think crafts, experiments, games, and hands-on fun! Friday afternoons bring extra excitement with water play, a bounce house, and special guests like magicians and puppeteers. It’s the perfect blend of learning, laughter, and summer magic!

Visit the summer camp webpage to learn more about Summer@Saklan 2026. We can’t wait for another incredible summer of creativity, friendship, and fun!

#Summer@Saklan

Celebrating 100 Days of Learning

On Thursday, February 5th, Saklan students joyfully celebrated the 100th day of school, a milestone that highlights just how much growth can happen in 100 small, meaningful steps. The day was filled with math, movement, creativity, and laughter across every grade level.

The Owlets marked the occasion with a classroom-wide search for 100 hidden emojis. Many students arrived dressed as 100-year-olds, fully embracing their roles and staying in character throughout the day, adding an extra layer of fun to the celebration.

The Hoot Owls dove into hands-on activities centered around the number 100. They carefully counted out 100 Cheerios to create necklaces, participated in a 100-star scavenger hunt, and explored different ways to represent 100 using classroom materials. The celebration culminated in a special lunch party complete with photos and festive crowns.

Kindergartners explored the concept of 100 in playful and delicious ways. They created their own 100th-day snack by combining 10 different treats, 10 pieces of each, bringing math to life in a tangible (and tasty) way. Students designed colorful hundred grids, crafted crowns, and proudly wore 100-Fruit-Loop necklaces. Movement was also part of the fun, as students danced for 100 seconds and completed 100 jumping jacks.

Throughout the day, students from grades 1 through 8 joined the kindergartners in celebration, fostering a strong sense of cross-grade connection and belonging. These shared experiences foster confidence, joy, and a sense of community, reminding students that they are part of something larger.

First graders also embraced the milestone with engaging math and writing activities focused on the number 100. They counted, created, reflected, and celebrated how much they have learned and grown over the past 100 days.

The 100th day of school at Saklan was more than just a number; it was a celebration of perseverance, progress, and the vibrant community that supports every student’s journey.

#SaklanCommunity

Get Your Tickets to the Starlight Gala & Auction

Join us for The Saklan School’s Starlight Gala & Auction on Saturday, March 21st, from 6:00–11:00 PM at the Lafayette Park Hotel. This swanky, adults-only evening promises glamour, glitz, and a roaring good time, all in support of Saklan students.

Reduced-price tickets are currently on sale. Be sure to purchase yours before prices increase on March 4th.

Inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood, the night will feature:

  • Cocktail Reception with an Open Bar, Hors d’oeuvres, and Live Music
  • Plated Dinner with Wine and a Choice of Grilled Chicken Breast, Pan-seared Atlantic Salmon, or Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli
  • Silent & Live Auctions
  • Paddle Raise in Support of our School
  • A lively Dance Party to close out the evening

Dust off your finest attire and join us for an unforgettable night under the stars!

Get Your Auction Tickets today!

The Saklan School’s Annual Auction is a fun, community-building event and the school’s second-largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the auction support the unique programs offered at Saklan, including field experiences, guest experts, Project Based Learning, family groups, and professional development opportunities for our amazing teachers.

Wine Needed

Love wine? We are excitedly preparing a Wine Ring Toss for this year’s Starlight Gala and Auction, and we would love your help!

Please consider donating a favorite bottle or two (valued at $20 or more) to help build a fantastic collection for this fun and popular event. Wine can be dropped off in the main office.

Can’t Make the Auction?

There are several ways to participate in this year’s event, even if you can’t attend: underwrite a teacher ticket, donate an auction item, or stay tuned for more information on participating in our online auction.

Thank you for your continued generosity and support of Saklan; we couldn’t do this without you!

#SaklanAuction

All-School Concert – Today at 4:30!

Saklan students are very excited to share our All-School Concert with you this afternoon at the Lesher Center! This special event is free and open to all Saklan families and friends. We can’t wait to celebrate together!

Important Reminders

Student Arrival & Dress

Students need to be back at the front entrance of Lesher Center by 4:00 PM, dressed in all black with their grade-level color accent:

Parking

Please allow extra time, as the parking garage entrance can get backed up.

Student Location

Students will meet their teachers in the 2nd-floor lobby and remain with their class throughout the concert.

Tickets & Seating

Families and friends need to get their free tickets from the box office and hand them to the ushers as they enter the theater. Seating is first-come, first-served (there are no bad seats!). Please note: side seats in rows A–K are reserved for students.

Concert Time

The performance begins at 4:30 p.m. and will conclude by 6:00 p.m.

We look forward to an evening of music, creativity, courage, and belonging!

Summer@Saklan 2026

A summer of creative exploration awaits your child this summer during Summer@Saklan! This year, Saklan’s summer camp will focus on art and science, offering children the chance to have fun and learn while creating art masterpieces, engaging in exciting science experiments, playing fun games, meeting special guests, and more!

Session Dates & Hours

This summer, camp will run in one-week sessions from June 15 through July 31.

  • June 15 to 18 – Session 1 (No Camp June 19th)
  • June 22 to 26– Session 2
  • June 29 to July 2 – Session 3 (No Camp July 3rd)
  • July 6 to 10 – Session 4
  • July 13 to 17 – Session 5
  • July 20 to 24 – Session 6
  • July 27 to 31 – Session 7

The camp day will begin with drop off from 8:15 – 8:30 a.m. and run until 2:30 p.m. Extended Day will be available until 4:30 p.m.

Ages of Campers

Students entering Preschool through 3rd Grade in the Fall are invited to join us for Summer@Saklan. Students will be divided into two age groups again this summer:

  • Mini Campers: Age 3 – Entering Kindergarten
  • Explorers: Entering 1st – 3rd Grade

Additional Information

Additional information on Summer@Saklan can be found on the summer webpage.

Please note that registration will open on Tuesday, February 17, to current Saklan families, and on Friday, February 20, to the general public. If you are interested in being notified when registration is open, please complete this form.

#Summer@Saklan