Category: General

SIGMA: Fluffy Slime Finale!

At their final meeting of the school year, the students in Saklan’s SIGMA Club wrapped up with a hands-on science project that was equal parts fun and educational: making fluffy slime!

This gooey activity wasn’t just about creating something to take home—it was also a creative way to explore basic chemistry. Students learned that slime-making is a great introduction to chemical reactions. By combining everyday household ingredients like glue, shaving cream, and contact solution, students created a substance that behaves as neither a true solid nor a liquid, offering a fascinating look at how different materials interact.

The lesson was led by SIGMA Club founders Leo and Benji, who walked the club members through each step of the slime-making process. As you can imagine, things got very sticky! But the mess turned into a meaningful learning opportunity. Students were encouraged to problem-solve as they experimented with different ingredient ratios to adjust the texture of their slime. Through trial and error, they discovered how to balance the ingredients to get just the right stretch, fluff, or bounce.

To top it all off, students were given the freedom to customize their slime with vibrant colors and textures, making each one unique. Not only did the activity reinforce scientific thinking and experimentation, but it also provided a satisfying sensory experience that had everyone smiling.

What a fun and memorable way to close out the SIGMA year; great job, Leo and Benji!

#SaklanHandsOn #SaklanStudentLeadership

Saklan Student Art Shines

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Moraga Art Gallery last weekend for Saklan’s Annual Art Show! This special event marked the first time Saklan’s Art Show was held in an actual art gallery, but as usual, it was a fantastic event, showcasing the creativity and hard work of all Saklan students.

Your Feedback Requested

Since this was the first year of having the Art Show in an art gallery, we would love your feedback about the event (even if you weren’t able to attend). Please use the button below to complete our 1-question survey.

Art Show Survey

Appreciations

Thank you to Lauren for making the Art Show a reality. Her expert guidance and belief in the students through the art-making process, helping them to explore their creativity and express themselves, were evident in the art. We also appreciate the time she took to organize the art and determine the layout for the Art Show.

Thank you to David and Javi for transporting all the art and blackboards over to the gallery prior to the show, and back to Saklan after the show.

Thank you to Amy Schofield, Brian Lovrin, Javi, and David for helping Lauren arrange all the art for display.

Thank you to the Moraga Art Gallery for hosting the event and sharing their space with our student artists.

Thank you to the Saklan students for sharing their work with us. The time and detail that went into each of the pieces, as well as their propensity to think creatively, were on display during the show!

See You at the Art Show!

The Saklan School’s Annual Art Show opens this afternoon, Friday, May 2nd, at the Moraga Art Gallery in the Rheem Valley Shopping Center! We will be hosting an opening reception from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., and you are invited to join us. The students’ work will remain on display in the gallery through Sunday; feel free to stop by over the weekend to see it. The gallery hours are 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Thank you for helping us celebrate and support the talents of our young artists!

Staff Spotlight: Mylesa

Lover of iced coffee, sports, and sneakers, our staff spotlight is Director of Admissions, Mylesa Alexander! This school year was Mylesa’s first at Saklan, but she has been working in independent schools for many years in the Bay Area. If you don’t already know her, keep your eyes peeled at drop-off and pick-up times where she can often be found chatting with parents and petting all the well-loved Saklan family dogs! Read on to get to know her a bit better! 

As you wrap up your first year at Saklan, what has surprised you most about the Saklan community?

As I wrap up my first year at Saklan, I’ve been most surprised and truly impressed by how much agency and leadership skills students are given, especially at the middle school level. Middle School is such a weird time in their lives, and being able to know exactly who they are makes way for stronger adults. They’re given opportunities like leading family groups or student councils. Our students are empowered to lead, make decisions, and truly have a voice! Something that’s rare but so impactful at this age. As a mom of a middle schooler myself, I’ve seen firsthand how the Saklan environment is pushing students to grow in every area with strong core values and understanding. 

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work or with your family?

My favorite thing outside of work is traveling with my son and sharing new experiences. We both thoroughly enjoy going to sporting events: 49ers, SJ Sharks, or SJ Earthquakes. My son is starting to share a love for concerts, so we’ve been going to more of those. We both love spending a magical day at Disneyland (I love the snacks the most!) or just playing soccer in the backyard. For me, it’s just enjoying the simple things and spending time together, laughing, joking, and being together. These moments bring us closer and create memories that we both cherish.

What are you most looking forward to next year?

Next year, I’m excited to kick off our admissions events with more in-person open houses! Getting our community more involved and OUT into the community more too, bringing more awareness to Saklan! I want to increase outreach with local partnerships in the area, working closely with Rob and his TAP program. Exploring the Lamorinda area and participating in events with The Town FC soccer games or the Art and Wine festival in Lafayette, I think, will be a great way to engage with the broader community. New admission seasons always excite me because I get to really expand and try new events that cater to each family’s needs. The possibilities are endless in admissions, and I’m excited to be able to grow our community. 

Collaborative Students

Throughout May, Saklan students are focusing on being collaborative. Across all grades, students are discussing what it means to collaborate and to work as a team. Discussions around taking turns, listening to each other, and supporting each other can be heard across campus!

Students in 1st – 8th grade will put their collaborative skills to the test later this month during Field Day on Tuesday, May 27th. This fun-filled event will be a true celebration of collaboration, with family group teams working together in exciting and meaningful ways.

#SaklanSEL

Head’s Corner: How Life Imitates Project Work (and Vice Versa)

Pop Quiz! Which of the following statements applies to Project Work at Saklan?

 A. At the start of a Project, the end product is unknown
B. Project often takes unexpected twists and turns
C. Project is driven by prior experience and curiosity
D. All of the above

The answer, of course, is D—but you knew that already.

Now, go back and reread A, B, and C. This time, replace the word “Project” with “Life.”

That isn’t just a clever switch—it’s the reason project-based learning prepares students so well for life. Through project work, our students are practicing the very skills they’ll use every day: embracing uncertainty, exploring new ideas, and following their curiosity wherever it leads.

That’s what’s been on my mind lately, especially as we turn our attention to this year’s Fund-a-Need. What began as a straightforward plan to update some of our traditional play structures has grown into something much more meaningful, just like a good project.

The shift started with something small: a water spigot installed near the redwoods. That’s all it took. The kids flocked there, drawn by the natural beauty, the water, and the freedom to imagine. What emerged was an impromptu play zone, rich with storytelling, collaboration, and creativity.

Then came a visit from a landscape architect. And just like that, our focus shifted—from replacing monkey bars to reimagining our redwood grove as a nature-based play and exploration space, inspired by the children themselves.

This is what happens when we listen to kids, honor their play, and trust in the process. It’s life. It’s Project. It’s learning in motion.

This year’s Fund-a-Need will help bring this vision to life. With your support, we can transform our redwood grove into a place where imaginations continue to bloom.

Let’s build a space worthy of their creativity.

Exploring Culture Through Rhythm

Last week at Saklan, students in 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades had an exciting and enriching opportunity to dive deeper into music and culture with a special guest teacher, Vodzi. A PhD student in Ethnomusicology, Vodzi brought a wealth of knowledge, personal experience, and vibrant energy to campus.

Raised in Ghana, Vodzi plays a key role in his community as an indigenous knowledge keeper, music director, and performer. His visit gave students a meaningful connection to the cultural traditions behind the dances they have been learning with Isaac during African Drumming Classes.

A big thank you to Vodzi for sharing his passion and heritage with our students.

70th Anniversary Online Auction

Saklan’s 70th Anniversary Online Auction is open! Along with the items from the greater community that have been opening all week, fun experiences with Saklan teachers are also open for bidding. Some of the experiences are available for a flat fee to a set number of people, so be sure to secure your child’s spot today!

We also have 2 experiences hosted by Saklan families that are sure to delight! Students and adults are invited for a Backyard Movie & S’mores Night, while parents can sign up for an exciting evening of Wine Tasting!

All 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. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Bidding in the online auction will continue through Monday, April 28th, at 8:30 p.m. As we like to say, bid early and bid often!

Exclusive Live Auction Item

We are fortunate to have a Tour of LUCASFILM/ILM in this year’s auction! Learn more about this amazing opportunity in the video below.

Proxy Bidding

If you are interested in bidding on this item or any other live auction items but can’t make the auction, reach out to Emily at ewilliamson@saklan.org by Saturday at 2:00 p.m. to set up a proxy bid.

#SaklanAuction

SIGMA Club Brings Coding to Life

At Saklan, student leadership and curiosity go hand in hand—and nowhere is that more evident than in our student-run SIGMA Club. Created by students for students, SIGMA (Science, Innovation, Game development, Math, Activities) is all about exploring new ideas and engaging in hands-on learning in a fun, supportive environment.

For their first club meeting, Benji and Leo took the lead with a creative focus on Scratch coding. They introduced students to the basics of programming by guiding them through the process of creating a simple Ping-Pong game. With Chromebooks in hand, each student had the chance to build their game from scratch, learning fundamental coding skills step-by-step.

But the fun didn’t stop there—once their games were up and running, students spent time customizing and decorating their projects, adding personal flair and experimenting with game mechanics. From changing backgrounds to adding new features, they discovered just how flexible and exciting coding can be.

By the end of the session, students walked away not only with a game they had built themselves but also with a stronger understanding of what coding is like and the endless possibilities it offers.

We’re incredibly proud of Benji and Leo for sharing their knowledge and leading such an engaging, hands-on learning experience for their peers. Their enthusiasm and leadership set the tone for what SIGMA Club is all about—student-driven curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.

Next Meeting

The next SIGMA Club meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 13th, from 3:10–4:00 p.m. We can’t wait to see what exciting ideas our student leaders will dive into next as they continue to explore, create, and inspire!

#SaklanLeadership

Get Ready for the Art Show!

We’re thrilled to announce that The Saklan School’s Annual Art Show will be held off campus for the first time at the Moraga Art Gallery from Friday, May 2nd to Sunday, May 4th!

Join us for the Opening Reception on Friday, May 2nd, from 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Come celebrate our students’ creativity and talent as their artwork is showcased in a professional gallery setting. This special opportunity gives them an authentic experience and a chance to share their work with the broader Lamorinda community.

Can’t make the opening?
Not to worry! The students’ artwork will remain on display through Sunday, May 4th. The gallery will be open Saturday and Sunday from 12:00–5:00 p.m. Stop by whenever it’s convenient for you, and feel free to bring friends and family along!

Thank you for helping us celebrate and support the talents of our young artists.

#SaklanCreative