Category: General

A Glimpse Into What’s Next

On Thursday morning, all Saklan students participated in Moving Up Day. This special experience gives students a chance to step into the future and get a preview of what the next school year will bring.

Preschool through 5th-grade students visited the classrooms of their rising grades, where they spent time with their future teachers, explored new spaces, and learned about what lies ahead. Meanwhile, Saklan’s 6th, 7th, and 8th graders proudly welcomed 5th graders to the middle school side of campus, hosting them and offering a “day in the life” look at middle school.

The energy across campus was unmistakable. Students and teachers alike were buzzing with excitement as classrooms filled with morning meetings, questions, laughter, and connection. Teachers thoughtfully planned activities that showcased their grade level, including book readings, STEM building challenges, classroom scavenger hunts, icebreaker games (some delightfully awkward!), and conversations designed to help students feel confident and curious about the year ahead.

Moving Up Day is more than just a visit; it’s an opportunity for students to build familiarity, ease transitions, and begin imagining themselves in new roles as learners. It allows teachers to connect with their rising students and begin building the relationships that are so central to the Saklan experience.

If you know a child who “moved up” on Thursday, be sure to ask them about it. They’re almost certain to have something enthusiastic to share!

Lights, Camera, Auction!

Saklan’s Auction Committee is rolling out the red carpet and searching for scene-stealing auction items to make this year’s Golden Age of Hollywood–themed Starlight Gala & Auction an absolute blockbuster. We’re looking for star-quality offerings that will have guests buzzing, bidding, and ready for an encore. Here’s a peek at the kind of treasures that can help our auction steal the show:

  • Vacation Getaways – Do you have or know someone with a vacation property, timeshare or other access to destination properties?
  • One-of-a-Kind Experiences – Do you have a connection to something unavailable to the general public? Think Club 33, behind-the-scenes tours, throwing out the first pitch, dinner with someone famous, or an opportunity to sit in an owner’s box.
  • Event Tickets – Do you have season passes for the Giants, Warriors, theatre, symphony, or live music venues?
  • Adventure Experiences – Hot air ballooning, horseback riding, and cooking classes are always popular items.
  • Wine – Do you belong to a winery and have a few extra bottles of your favorite Cab you would be willing to part with for a good cause?
  • Gift Cards – Your unused gift cards can enhance a basket of themed goods.

Have a brilliant, show-stopping idea of your own? Don’t fade to black, share it with us! In true Saklan fashion, we invite you to think creatively. Click the button below to complete the online donor form, or email ewilliamson@saklan.org with your award-worthy ideas.

Auction Donation Form

Let’s make this year’s auction a true Hollywood classic: the cat’s pajamas and one for the history books!

Saklan’s Starlight Gala & Auction will be held at Lafayette Park Hotel on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 6:00 – 11:00 p.m. This adults-only soirée is always the bee’s knees—a glamorous night of community, celebration, and a little old-school sparkle as we come together to support Saklan’s continued success. Proceeds from the evening directly benefit our students by funding enriching field experiences, inspiring guest experts, Project Based Learning, family groups, and top-notch professional development for our incredible teachers.

#SaklanCommunity

The Golden Age of Hollywood

We are rolling out the red carpet for The Saklan School’s Starlight Gala & Auction on Saturday, March 21, from 6:00–11:00 p.m., at the elegant Lafayette Park Hotel.

Step into the Golden Age of Hollywood for an unforgettable evening of timeless glamour, featuring a sparkling cocktail reception, a delicious three-course dinner, a lively auction, dancing, and a few surprises worthy of the silver screen!

Saklan’s Annual Auction is a beloved community tradition, bringing together faculty, staff, families, and friends for a night of connection and celebration. Proceeds from the evening directly support our students’ educational experiences—both in and beyond the classroom.

Tickets for this adults-only event go on sale in February, so cue the babysitter and start planning your look. This is one night you won’t want to miss—it’s sure to be a showstopper.

Seeking Sponsors

Is your business or family interested in lighting up the silver screen by sponsoring or underwriting Saklan’s Gala & Auction?

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsors and underwriters receive valuable exposure within the Saklan community while demonstrating a meaningful commitment to education and community partnership. Benefits include prominent recognition, event tickets, and additional opportunities for visibility throughout the evening.

All sponsors and underwriters confirmed by February 2nd will be recognized on the event invitation.

Have Questions?

If you have questions about the Gala & Auction, please reach out to Emily at ewilliamson@saklan.org.

Concert Program Cover Contest

All Saklan students are invited to showcase their creativity by designing a cover for this year’s All-School Concert program. All covers are asked to incorporate the theme of belonging, have a vertical orientation, and include the concert date “February 12, 2026.”

Program cover entries should be turned in to the main office by Tuesday, February 3rd. If you have any questions about the Concert Cover Contest, please email Emily at ewilliamson@saklan.org.

#SaklanCreative

Studying the World of Islam in 7th Humanities

The 7th-grade students shared their learning with members of our Saklan community at their World of Islam Symposium for the culmination of their World of Islam independent study unit in Humanities. 

For this unit, each student selected a topic they were interested in, then researched and evaluated sources relating to their topic. Next, they wrote and answered their own questions based on what they were learning from examining their print and digital sources. As they gathered more knowledge about their topics, they discussed what they were learning with one another. They then used their questions and answers to write a multiple-paragraph research paper.

At the Symposium, each student displayed their final paper, vocabulary cards, Need to Know questions, and an infographic poster to accompany their short oral presentation about their topic. They then answered follow-up questions from visiting parents, teachers, and their 6th and 8th-grade peers.

The 7th graders want to debunk negative stereotypes of Muslims by fostering a better understanding of Islamic history, culture, and beliefs. We thank our young scholars of Islam for this experience!

World of Islam Topics Studied:

  • The Life of Muhammad 570 – 612 C.E.
  • The Life of Muhammad 613 – 632 C.E.
  • The Spread of the Islamic Empire after 632 C.E.
  • The Islamic Golden Age and the House of Wisdom
  • The Qur’an
  • The 5 Pillars of Islam
  • Islamic Architecture
  • The Blue Mosque
  • The Taj Mahal
  • The Arabic Language
  • Islamic Calligraphy
  • Islamophobia Today

Communicating through Color

Every year, our Saklan community looks forward to the 2nd and 3rd grade collaborative PBL unit that culminates in the all-school concert backdrop! This unit centers on the driving question, “How can we, as a team of artists, create a backdrop that communicates belonging?” While reinforcing the concert theme, this incredible PBL unit showcases how Project Based Learning provides a rich learning experience that culminates in a product with an authentic purpose for our school community. 

The concert theme shifts each year, so naturally, the project path shifts as well to reflect the theme and honor the strengths and interests of the students collaborating on the project in any given year. This year’s theme of belonging led the students to research artists like Jeffrey Gibson, Ashley Mary, and Byron Kim to understand how they communicate belonging through their art. Students have also been developing their expertise in color theory and color mixing. They have brought their own ideas of belonging and previous art knowledge to this process, too, as they grapple with how to use color to communicate.

Inspired by the work of Gibson, Mary, and Kim, students became curious about how the community would interpret these artists’ work. They asked students and teachers which pieces by these key artists most connected to the idea of belonging, took a poll, and reflected on the results. As a group, they considered how the community’s perspectives may help guide their choices as a team of artists.

Using feedback from the community, our second and third graders considered which elements of the different artworks resonated with the Saklan community as a guide to developing their own interpretation of belonging. Students are now designing and producing their own concert backdrop to communicate the concert theme. We hope you join us on Thursday, February 12, at the Lesher Center for the Arts for our All-school Concert and to see the final backdrop installation!

#SaklanProjectWork #SaklanBelonging

Winter Enrichment Starts Jan. 26

The winter 2026 session of enrichment classes will begin the week of January 26th. Many exciting classes are being offered this session, including Guitar, Reading Club, Basketball, and Yoga!

Class descriptions and registration for the winter enrichment classes are now available on the Saklan Enrichment Webpage. Space is limited in most classes, so don’t delay, register today!

#SaklanWellRounded

Winter Enrichment Options

Now that the fall session of enrichment has come to an end, we are excited to share the classes that will be offered during the next enrichment session! For the winter session, the following classes are available:

Check out the class descriptions here. Classes begin the week of January 26th, and have limited space available. Registration for winter enrichment classes is now available on the Saklan Enrichment Webpage.

#SaklanWellRounded

Creating Together: Saklan Families Bring SpongeBob to Life

Last Saturday, our campus was buzzing with paintbrushes, cardboard, creativity, and a whole lot of teamwork. Over the weekend, students, families, and staff gathered for a Lower School Musical Work Day, transforming our school into a lively workshop filled with color, imagination, and community spirit.

From the moment volunteers arrived, the campus came alive with purpose. Laughter mixed with the sounds of cutting, painting, measuring, and building as teams worked together on the many props and set pieces that will bring Bikini Bottom to life onstage. Giant jellyfish, coral reefs, vibrant backdrops, and whimsical underwater details began taking shape as everyone, kids and grown-ups alike, rolled up their sleeves and dove into the fun.

What made the day truly special wasn’t just the art we created, but the connections we strengthened. Parents and students collaborated side-by-side, sharing ideas, solving problems, and celebrating each finished piece. Older students supported younger ones, families made new friends, and the room glowed with the feeling of creating something meaningful together. Events like this remind us that the heart of the Saklan community lies in our willingness to show up, contribute, and lift one another up.

Thank you to everyone who gave their time, talent, and energy last weekend. Your support makes all the difference, and we are so grateful.

#SaklanCommunity #SaklanCreative

Save the Date for Movie Night

Saklan’s Parent Association invites you to our annual Movie Night on Sunday, January 25th, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. in the Founders Auditorium at the Orinda Community Center.

Popcorn and water will be provided, and folding chairs will be set up. Families are encouraged to bring a cozy blanket and a favorite stuffie for kids who want to relax on the floor. Feel free to bring additional nut-free snacks and water bottles as well.

We hope to see you there for a fun and cozy community evening!

#SaklanCommunity #SaklanPA