Category: General

Kindergarten Paper Sculptures

What can lines create? Paintings, shapes, sculpture, and more!

In Art class this week, Kindergarten students learned that when something is flat, like a painting or a drawing, it is known as “two-dimensional.” When something is not flat, like a sculpture, it is known as “three-dimensional.”

Students explored sculpture further, learning that there are many sculptures all around us, and they can be viewed from multiple angles. Using strips of paper and glue, they learned how to make shapes, spirals, arcs, and zig zag lines to create their own paper sculptures.

The possibilities are endless to this sculpture project, as students can continue to add onto their existing structures. Their imaginations grow each time they build off another line of paper and relate it to something they have seen or imagined.

Throughout the project, listening to each student describe their creation brought the whole class some laughter and joy!

#SaklanCreative

People Who Make a Difference

This week, second graders at Saklan have been learning about the lives of two of our most accomplished presidents – George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

These two giants of American history had a significant impact on the lives of all Americans, and are a perfect introduction to looking at ‘People Who Made a Difference,’ the next topic of second grade study.

The class learned about both men’s childhoods, what they achieved in their lives, and the legacies they left behind. They have also been learning a fun, graphical way to takes notes and remember all the incredible facts about these two men in an interesting way.

#SaklanAcademic

Learning About Famous Authors

The Owls in Ms. Jessica’s class are bringing classic children’s books to life by learning about famous authors in a hands-on way! First, the Owls read books written by children’s author Laura Numeroff, including If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and If You Give a Cat a Cupcake. To further engage with the book, they used messy foam paint to “frost” giant cupcakes of their own, complete with sparkly sprinkles!

Next, the Owls learned about Mo Willems, who wrote and illustrated books like Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, as well as various books featuring the characters Gerald and Piggy. After watching a video of Mo Willems and his friends acting out one of his books, they created Gerald and Piggy art of their own.

As the Owls continuing learning about famous authors, they will also begin writing and illustrating books of their own. We can’t wait to see what stories they will share!

#SaklanHandsOn

Owls on the Move

To wrap up their transportation unit, the Saklan Owls turned their sights skyward, learning about airplanes and helicopters. They incorporated math learning and built fine motor skills by cutting and assembling different shapes like a puzzle to make a helicopter.

They also tapped into their inner artists by doing marble painting on airplane shapes, creating unique lines and patterns. The tracks that the marbles made across the paper were reminiscent of the condensation trails planes make when they move across the sky!

The Owls closed out their transportation unit with a fun celebration! Each student brought in their own method of transportation from home, and had a blast zooming around the parking lot on their bikes and scooters!

#SaklanHandsOn

Saklan Spirit Days

During the month of February, every Friday will be a Saklan Spirit Day. All students and teachers are invited to dress up for the following spirit days:

Feb. 5th: Superhero Day- Dress like your favorite superhero or make up your own superhero! We all are awesome in our own ways!

Feb. 12: Valentine’s Spirit Day – Wear colors associated with Valentine’s Day like red, pink, and white. Hearts are welcome too!

Feb. 19: Sports Day – Here’s a Saklan favorite! Wear your favorite sports team gear, uniform, etc. 

Feb 26: Pajama Day – Here’s another tradition. Wear your pajamas to school! Make sure they are school appropriate and that you wear shoes (no slippers, please).

Participation is optional. If students choose not to dress up, they are asked to wear their uniforms.

#SaklanSpirit

Picture Day

Roots & Shoots Photography will be taking individual portraits of Saklan students on Thursday, February 11th. These pictures will be used in the yearbook and are available for purchase.

If you are interested in ordering pictures of your child, HERE IS THE LINK TO ORDER PORTRAITS. You will need to submit this form on or before Thursday, February 11th to avoid a late fee. There is 100% money back guarantee if you are unhappy for any reason.

COVID-19 procedures:

  • All students on campus will get their portraits taken with their class.
  • All distanced learners will be asked to come to school at a special time. You will be notified by Saklan of your time slot by email.
  • All CDC guidelines will be followed by R&S staff including social distancing, wearing masks and washing/sanitizing hands.
  • Composite class portraits will be created in lieu of group class portraits due to COVID-19.

Questions? Please contact Roots & Shoot directly at grow@roots-shoots.com. They will be happy to help!

Hardworking

During January, Saklan students have been focusing on being hardworking. The eighth grade Family Group leaders created a video to explain what hardworking means and how it can help students reach their goals and overcome challenges.

After hearing suggestions from the eighth graders, each of Saklan’s first through seventh graders wrote down one goal, project or activity they want to work hard to accomplish or improve on. Check out the many areas in which our students are working hard!

#SaklanSocialEmotionalLearning #SaklanFamilyGroups

Admissions Update

Dear Saklan Community,

It is a busy time of year in the admissions office, but I write to you with immense gratitude, tremendous hope, and much information! Many of you have been asking questions about admissions, re-enrollment, financial assistance, etc., and so I wanted to clarify our process and what the next month looks like.

Typically January marks a winding down of admissions activity, as our deadline to apply is next Friday, January 22nd. Because we are living in a pandemic, things feel very different this year. I have been overwhelmed with interest in Saklan, both for the current school year and beyond. Not only has it been a great opportunity to share Saklan with so many new families, but it also reminds me every single day what a privilege it is to have our kids here on campus.

So, thank you. For helping to do your part to keep us safe and open, but also for spreading wonderful information about our school and our program to the broader community. Many of the inquiries I have received have come from friends of yours with whom you have shared your positive experiences. Our community is strong, and it has shown now more than ever.

Next Friday is our deadline to apply for Indexed Tuition/Financial Aid. It is important for families to adhere to this deadline so that our Committee can process the paperwork in time for re-enrollment.

On Monday, February 1st, current families will receive an offer to re-enroll for the 2021-22 school year. Tuition assistance will be reflected in those contracts. We are asking families to commit for the 2021-22 school year by Friday, February 12th. Given the volume of applications I have received this year, we can only guarantee your child’s spot if we have your contract and deposit by Friday the 12th. Thank you in advance for your understanding. 

Your children are the heartbeat of our school. Without your incredible trust in Saklan and our teachers, we would not be here. And I know I speak for many parents when I say that being here in person has breathed life back into a lot of our children. So, I thank you for your support, your cooperation, your trust, and your presence. 

In gratitude,

Melissa 🙂

#SaklanAdmissions

Why We Give

As a family, we couldn’t be more grateful to the teachers, staff and community at Saklan for everything they have done to support each of our four children in their unique journeys as students and compassionate young adults.

While academic excellence is critically important to parents when considering a school, what we most appreciate about Saklan is the understanding that academic success is at its best when it is built on a foundation of social and emotional support in an environment tailored to the needs of each and every student.  

That is the gift we’ve received from the Saklan community and what we believe will be most influential helping its students find meaning and success in their lives. 

In addition to bringing challenge and change, 2020 has been a time for us to reflect on what we value the most in our lives. Community, critical thinking, adaptability and commitment to a compassionate world view and sense of responsibility. These are all values reinforced and modeled at Saklan and now more than ever, we’re inspired to give back in recognition of all we have received.

Kesa Yorozu & Robert Miller

Tyrrell (Class of ’15), Leo (Class of ’20), Hana (5th) & Mori (5th)

Join the Yorozu-Miller Family in supporting Saklan by making an AGF gift today!

#SaklanGiving

The New Saklan Library

Welcome to the new Saklan Library! Two years ago a few parents started work on reorganizing and cataloging the entire library. These parents spent countless hours during the school year and over the summer hidden under piles of books. The library now has over 3800 books (and growing) in its catalogued collection. New books were added to all grades, including many books on diversity and social emotional learning. The elementary school has weekly library time, where they can check out and return books. The students are most excited about the new fiction series which they can then take home. 

Browse the collection online to put books on hold for your child through the Library Catalog and they will be delivered to your child’s classroom to take home.

Need help? Send questions to library@saklan.org. The library is here to foster a love of reading and love of books! 

#SaklanLibrary #SupportedByAGFGifts