Category: Middle School

Eighth Grade Op-Ed on the Women’s March

By Sophie Eckstein, 8th grade

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The Women’s March last Saturday in Washington, DC, was — and is — a major movement for women’s rights. This movement wants women’s voices to be heard and wants their rights to be respected as human rights. More than three million people around the world last Saturday joined this cause to stand up against President Donald Trump and his prejudiced views. I decided to go to this protest because I am a feminist who is hoping that love will trump hate.

The crowds I saw at the march were ginormous. Everyone was swarming around. The fat line of people stretched all of DC, and the masses of pink hats were a cheerful site everywhere. The signs were all creative with sayings like, “Girls just wanna have FUNdamental rights!” Seeing all the signs made me want to high-five everyone because of all the effort they put into them.

It was an amazing experience, being able to know that thousands of people just like me had come to DC with a similar view and were marching with me. The one downside was that I got anxious because of the massive size of the crowd. It was impossible to go to the restroom without waiting for an hour minimum!

Overall, this incredible experience has now brought out my inner activist.

Crazy Hair and Clash Day

In continuation of Good Humor Month, the students showed off their wacky hairdos and outfits for Crazy Hair and Clash Day on Wednesday.

Stay tuned. Next Wednesday is Pajama Day.

7th Grade is Getting Ready for Hawaii

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In preparation for the 7th grade Science and Humanities Hawaiian field trip, Miss Parks asked her students to use a vintage Hawaiian postcard from the 1920s and 30s. The students were supposed to use their Hawaiian history knowledge to interpret the design and purpose of the postcard. Some of the topics featured were: Pan American World Airways, Libby’s Pineapple Company, and artist Frank Warren. This assignment helps the students have a deeper understanding of the culture of the Hawaiian islands.

Saklan’s Holiday Toy Drive

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The Saklan Student Council is sponsoring a Holiday Toy Drive to benefit children who live in the Iron Triangle in Richmond, California. These children range in ages of 5-15. We are asking that Saklan families donate unwrapped new toys between the dates of December 5-14, 2016. Please bring these unwrapped toys to your child’s classroom. After school on December 14, the Saklan Student Council will collect all toys from each classroom and wrap them.  Gina Baker, a Saklan parent and Board Trustee, will deliver the toys to the Iron Triangle Neighborhood Council. Since we do not want to collect too many toys for one age group, we are asking the following:

Owlets and Hoot Owls: Donate new unwrapped toys for children ages 4-5

Kindergarten-Fifth grade: Donate new unwrapped toys for children ages 6-11

Sixth-Eighth Grade: Donate new unwrapped toys for teens ages 12-15

Thank you in advance for being generous and helping to provide a wonderful holiday experience for a few children!

Sixth Grade Trip to Yosemite

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In late October, the 6th grade took off to Yosemite for a week of hands on science, team building, connecting with nature, learning about themselves and becoming more independent. It was one of our best trips ever. Between hiking below Half Dome, climbing through giant sequoias, dancing in the rain and supporting each other when they needed it, I know they won’t forget their Yosemite trip. Here are some of the thoughts from the week away.

In the solo hike, I felt connected to nature when I saw the waterfall and just looked up at it. It was so peaceful because it was so quiet, and I heard no one scream or anything except for the sound of rain and the waterfall. – Devin

One of my favorite moments was probably when we saw that bobcat. It happened with the whole class on the second day or the first. I learned what they look like and that they were fast. I named him Ernie. – Abby

I felt connected to the group and nature in the spider caves. I really had to depend on my classmates, listen and focus to conquer my fears. I also had to be aware of my surroundings. I definitely will remember that moment of the trip. – Ysabel

I felt really connected to nature when my friends and I were hiking around Boystown in the morning. It was so fun hiking over the rocks and having those memories with my friends. – Harrison

One of the motives for going on these types of trips are to be away from our families. It helps us stay on the overnight trips better! – Hudson

I think the spider and bear caves were a HUGE bonding experience. We had to help each other through big challenges. I want us to be able to support each other like that for the rest of the year. – Isabel

8th Grade Altar

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The 8th Grade Spanish Students created their very own theme oriented altar. Coupling our Humanities curriculum with our Dia de Los Muertos curriculum, the students honored those who were killed by police brutality in recent years.

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They are currently working on informes/reports on the person they have chosen  to honor and created Spanish artwork with messages, such as: “Las Vidas Negras Importan,” ” Basta,” and “No Puedo Respirar.”

Students will share their reports in the middle of November and 8th Grade parents will be invited to visit.