Category: General

On the Friday before Thanksgiving Break, Saklan students took the stage to showcase their talents during Fall Follies. This is a fantastic and fun event, and like every year, we were astounded by the students’ performances. Their singing, acting, and performing were remarkable and their enthusiasm was infectious. Many of our students are truly in their element when on stage! It is impressive how each of the performers was willing to take risks with their performance and showed their inner courage. We commend the students on their excellent performances and the audience on being supportive and compassionate. Check out images from the event below!

A big thank you to Saul, Lauren, Dianne, Yette, and Maria for working with the performers, moving props, and organizing a wonderful show!

#SaklanCreative #SaklanCourage

Some 50 years ago, my Grandpa Schulte taught me how to throw a baseball and took me to Tiger games. The seats were as lousy as the Tigers, and I never did become Aurelio Rodriguez. My Grandpa O’Connell let me drive his rusty red tractor around the farm and taught me how to play poker—much to my mother’s chagrin. Today, there isn’t a single living plant in my house, and I gave up on the idea of making a profit from poker when I was ten.

What stands out, though, isn’t the skills my grandparents tried to teach me but the unique love and support they gave along the way. Grandparents have an unparalleled ability to validate feelings, offer patience, and bring a sense of calm when life gets tough. But most of all, like a good teacher, they connect with you and let you know you matter. 

This brings me to Grandfriends’ Day.  At its heart, this day reflects a core value of our school: the power of connection. Hand in hand, they stepped into classrooms to see a kind of education vastly different from what they experienced as a child. An educational approach that leverages relationships and real-world experiences. They joined morning meetings that emphasized cross-generational understanding and emotional connection. They engaged in conversations about projects and fieldwork, gaining a deeper appreciation for the world our students navigate each day.

But the real magic of Grandfriends’ Day lies beyond the activities. It’s in the opportunity it gives our students to share their world with someone special. Grandfriends listened, learned, and bonded more deeply with the young people in their lives. For both child and adult, it was a moment of validation, a chance to say, “What matters to you matters to me.”

To those of you who shared your grandfriends with us today, thank you. These moments of connection remind us about the importance of connection.

With gratitude,
David

On Thursday, 1st – 8th graders gathered with their family groups to talk about belonging. The students then worked together to write an eight-line, rhyming poem containing a few specific words: belonging, turkey, stuffing, grateful, and Saklan. The students also dressed up one of their family members as a holiday character or Thanksgiving food item, using only newspaper and tape. The families definitely showed their creativity!

All family groups gathered on the sports court to share their poems (some groups acted them out) and holiday characters/food items. Among the characters presented were: turkeys, a pilgrim, a bowl of mashed potatoes, a football player, and a chef!

#SaklanSEL

Saklan is excited to host Grandfriends’ Day on Friday, November 22nd from 8:45 to 10:30 a.m. We have an exciting morning lined up for grandfriends, including student presentations, time in classrooms, a photo booth and other fun activities for students and grandfriends to work on together!

Please remind your grandparents and special friends (a friend or family member that your child looks up to and/or has a grandparent-like relationship with) about this event so they join us! 

RSVP for Grandfriends’ Day Here!

#SaklanCommunity

Amphora Nueva will donate 10% of all oil and vinegar sales made in the Lafayette store next week on Monday, November 18 – Friday, November 22nd. To participate in this fundraiser, just mention “The Saklan School Giveback” at checkout. Feel free to share this event with others. Amphora oils and vinegars make great holiday gifts!

Today, Friday, November 15th, is the last day to order 70th Anniversary Saklan sweatshirts and long-sleeve shirts. Items will arrive at Saklan the first week of December.

Zip-up sweatshirts, hoodies, crew neck sweatshirts, and long-sleeve t-shirts in various colors and sizes are available. To see the entire long-sleeved spirit wear collection, click here!

#SaklanSpirit

Saklan’s social-emotional learning emphasis for November and December is belonging. Throughout both months, all students will be learning about belonging and work to find ways to make others feel included. On Thursday, November 21st, the first – eighth graders will meet with their family groups and take part in cross-grade level discussions and activities to gain an even greater understanding of belonging, as well as further their sense of belonging and community here on campus.

#SaklanSEL

Friday, November 22nd will be an exciting day at Saklan! The day will include Grandfriends’ Day, a Book Fair, and Fall Follies.

Grandfriends’ Day

Saklan Grandfriends are invited to join us on Friday, November 22nd from 8:45 to 10:30 a.m. for a morning of fun!

Please remind your grandparents and special friends (a friend or family member that your child looks up to and/or has a grandparent-like relationship with) about this event so they join us!

RSVP for Grandfriends’ Day Here!

Book Fair

On November 22nd Saklan will host a 1-day Book Fair. This will be a great opportunity to purchase books to be used as holiday gifts or to donate to a Saklan classroom.

Fall Follies

All Saklan families are invited to join us for Fall Follies, our annual talent show, on Friday, November 22nd at 1:30 p.m.

November 22nd is sure to be a fun-filled day at Saklan!

#SaklanCommunity