Sharing Knowledge

The Hoot Owls have emerged from their ocean unit and blasted off into space! To start their latest project-approach unit, the Hoot Owls made a topic web to showcase their prior knowledge of space. As they meet experts and read books, they will add to the web. They also created a space wonder wall, which they will continue to add questions to throughout the unit.

The first space guest experts to visit the Hoot Owls were the 1st graders! The 1st grade students shared what they learned during their Space PBL Unit in the fall. Prior to the visit, the Hoot Owls generated questions for the 1st graders, which they shared ahead of time. The 1st graders then researched answers to the Hoot Owl questions, and during their visit were able to answer all of the Hoot Owl questions. The Hoot Owls were very impressed!

Thank you, 1st Graders, for sharing your expertise with the Hoot Owls!

#SaklanProjectWork

Saklan Spirit Days

Join the Saklan Student Council in showing your school spirit! For the next couple of months, most Fridays will be Saklan Spirit Days. All students and teachers are invited to dress up for the following spirit days:

Friday, March 15: St. Patrick’s Day – Wear Green

Friday, March 22: Ode to Sweatpants – Wear Sweats

Friday, April 12: Color Out Day – Wear Black from Head to Toe

Friday, April 26: Pajama Day – Wear School-Appropriate Pajamas (no slippers please)

Friday, May 3: Sports Day – Wear Clothing Representing Your Favorite Team or Sport

Friday, May 24: Funky Fashion Day – Wear Mismatched and Fun Fashion

Participation in these spirit days is optional. If students choose not to dress up, they need to wear their uniforms.

#SaklanSpirit

CAIS Accreditation Team

Dear Saklan Community,

Over the past year, our Saklan faculty and staff have dedicated themselves to developing our CAIS Accreditation Report. This detailed 142-page document examines 15 critical aspects that contribute to the excellence of an independent school, addressing everything from our educational approaches and parent community involvement to our facilities and governance.

All this work will culminate as we welcome the CAIS Accreditation Team to Saklan on Sunday. Their four-day visit is an important step in ensuring that Saklan continues to provide an exceptional educational experience for all students.

During their stay, the CAIS team will immerse themselves in various aspects of Saklan life, observing our classroom environments, community engagement, and the overall school atmosphere. Their objective is to assist us in recognizing our strengths and identifying potential areas for growth, ensuring our practices align with the highest educational standards.

The entire process provides Saklan with an opportunity for reflection and to showcase the caring environment of our school. It’s a chance to demonstrate our commitment to each student’s growth and collective dedication to creating meaningful learning experiences.

We invite our community to join us in welcoming the accreditation team and to attend a session where the committee will present their preliminary findings. This meeting is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, from 3:45 to 4:15, at Holy Trinity Church. We encourage all to attend. The full accreditation report will be published and available to our community in late spring.

I also want to take this moment to express my gratitude to Kim Parks for her immense dedication and hard work on the accreditation report. Thank you, Kim, for leading the CAIS Accreditation process and significantly contributing to Saklan’s growth.

Sincerely,

David

Coloma: Stepping Back in Time

Saklan’s fourth graders recently returned from an overnight field experience to Coloma Outdoor Discovery School. Step back in time as we relive their unforgettable journey, where history came alive for our brave 4th graders.

The air was thick with excitement as the 4th graders dusted off their mining boots and stepped into the lively days of 1849. Immersing themselves in the echoes of the California Gold Rush, the young pioneers purchased the ingredients to make cornbread at the local wagon store.  After mixing all the ingredients together, the batter was poured into a cast iron dutch oven, and then placed over the fire to cook. As the aroma of freshly baked cornbread filled the air, the youngin’s learned some sewing, washed clothes on the washboard, and even worked together to build a shelter. 

Living the life of a Coloma miner right on the banks of the river gave them a first hand glimpse of life in 1849. The taste of the warm cornbread brought them closer to the spirit of those who sought fortune in the golden hills. 

What would a trip to Coloma be without the thrill of discovering gold? Armed with pans and determination, the young prospectors eagerly took to the troughs filled with pay dirt from the American River. Laughter and shouts of “Eureka!” filled the air as gold fever gripped the 4th grade prospectors. The rush of finding gold mirrored the elation of those who once sought their fortune in the very same spot.

The journey through time took a poignant turn when the students met with a local Miwok cultural leader. Through the eyes and words of a Miwok story teller, the class gained a deeper understanding of the indigenous perspective. The insights into water’s journey, harmony with nature, and the rich cultural tapestry painted a vivid picture of the diverse stories that unfolded in California long before the Gold Rush.

The second day of their journey included a hike in the hills of Coloma to discover some of the historical sites from the Gold Rush beginnings including Sutter’s Mill where that first famous nugget was discovered.  One of the day’s highlights was when the class gathered ’round the blacksmith’s forge, where sparks flew and iron danced in the hands of a true craftsman. The rhythmic clanging of the hammer on the anvil echoed the hard work and determination of the blacksmiths who once forged tools for the gold-seeking prospectors. The wide-eyed 4th grade adventurers marveled at the magic of turning raw iron into sturdy tools that played a vital role in shaping the destiny of the Gold Rush era.

As they packed their bags and bid farewell to the golden hills, their hearts were heavy with gratitude for the hands-on history lesson they lived in Coloma.

#Saklanfieldexperience

Field Experiences, Guest Experts & Frameworks

Since returning from winter break, sixth graders have been learning about Ancient India, Hinduism, and Buddhism. The sixth-grade humanities curriculum centers on ancient civilizations, the origins of many religions, and drawing connections to modern day. The class took a field experience to the Asian Art Museum on January 8th and have since been using a combination of museum artifacts, textbook materials, articles, and expert visits to better understand early settlements on the Indian subcontinent and the religious practices that originated in that part of the world. 

Experts have included yoga practitioner Richard Rosen and Saklan parents, Manju Rajashekhar and Toshie Baba. Through their experts and resources, students have been searching for evidence of their 3B framework and their three claims about all religions, which they call the 3Bs and 3Cs for short. Using these as touch points, students seek to understand similarities and differences across religious traditions and work to put ancient and modern-day practices into context. The 6th graders will continue to use the 3Bs and 3Cs in their discussions for the remainder of the year. 

3B Framework (3Bs)– supports the idea that an individual’s religious identity may be a unique mix of:

  • 1. beliefs– ideas about holy scriptures, texts, teachings
  • 2. behavior– actions, habits, practices
  • 3. belonging– a sense of community 

3 Claims About All Religions (3Cs) 

  • 1. All religions are internally diverse.
  • 2. All religions evolve and change over time.
  • 3. All religions are informed and influenced by the cultures they are situated in.

Loving Students

During the month of March, all Saklan students are trying to be loving. Classrooms are already filled with conversations about ways we can all be loving to one another and the world around us. Later this month, on Tuesday, March 26th, 1st – 8th grade students gather with their family groups and participate in activities to show love to those in our greater Bay Area community. Stay tuned for more information!

2024-2025 Calendar

As we look forward to the 2024-2024 school year, we want to share the important calendar dates so that you too can begin planning. Below are the dates for school breaks, noteworthy events, and early dismissal days for next year. A more detailed calendar will be shared over the summer.

2024-2025 IMPORTANT CALENDAR DATES

Aug 1670th Anniversary Welcome Back BBQ &
Middle School Orientation
Aug 20First Day of School for 6th – 8th Grade
Aug 20 – 22Middle School Advance for 6th – 8th Grade
Aug 21First Day of School for PS – 5th Grade
Aug 23Middle School Rest Day (NO SCHOOL for 6TH-8TH GRADE)
Sept 2Labor Day (NO SCHOOL)
Sept 16 – 206th Grade Field Experience
Oct 11Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
Oct 14Indigenous Peoples’ Day (NO SCHOOL)
Oct 17 – 18Parent Teacher Conferences (NOON DISMISSAL)
Oct 31Halloween Parade at 8:35 AM (2PM DISMISSAL)
Nov 1Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
Nov 11Veteran’s Day (NO SCHOOL)
Nov 22Fall Follies Talent Show at 1:30 PM
Nov 25 – 29Thanksgiving Break (NO SCHOOL)
Dec 20Lower School Musical at 10:30 AM (NOON DISMISSAL,
NO EXTENDED DAY)
Dec 23 – Jan 3Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)
Jan 6Teacher Work Day (NO SCHOOL)
Jan 20MLK Jr. Day (NO SCHOOL)
Feb 14 – 17  Presidents’ Day Weekend (NO SCHOOL)
Mar 6 – 7 Parent Teacher Conferences (NOON DISMISSAL)
Mar 31 – Apr 4Spring Break (NO SCHOOL)
May 5 – 9Teacher Appreciation Week
May 9Teacher Appreciation Day (NO SCHOOL)
May 26Memorial Day (NO SCHOOL)
May 30Graduation, Last Day of School (NOON DISMISSAL, NO EXTENDED DAY)

Sponsorship Opportunities

Do you know of a business or family interested in sponsoring or underwriting our upcoming Peace, Love, Saklan auction? Underwriters and sponsors not only gain valuable exposure to our network of parents, teachers, and supporters but also demonstrate their commitment to education and community involvement. Sponsors receive benefits including exclusive recognition, tickets with preferred placement, and more. The support of sponsors and underwriters allows more proceeds from the auction to directly benefit Saklan students.

Click here to view the sponsorship form

The Peace, Love, Saklan auction committee invites you to partner with us to make this year’s auction a success, as well as make a lasting impact on the lives of our children. Together, we can create a memorable event while supporting the unique programs offered at Saklan, including: field experiences, guest experts, project based learning, family groups, and professional development opportunities for our amazing teachers.

If you are interested in learning more about our sponsorship opportunities or have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Emily at ewilliamson@saklan.org.

#SaklanAuction

Lunar New Year Celebration

The sixth-grade students joined together during their Language Arts and Humanities classes on Friday, February 9th, to learn, share, and celebrate the Lunar New Year. 2024 is the year of the wood dragon, which happens every 60 years.

Saklan students and teachers brought in elements of their own Lunar New Year family traditions from Korea, China, Japan, and Vietnam. These students shared and explained the symbolism behind red envelopes, special food, celebratory dress, and unique New Year customs. The sixth-grade class read about ancient Chinese oracle bones and the origins of the Chinese language. Then, using the students’ experiences from their fourth-grade calligraphy art instruction, they brushed the character for “good luck” before joining to have a potluck lunch. Students brought special New Year foods, and everyone enjoyed a few dishes from China Moon.

 After lunch, Christina led a combined group of sixth and eighth grade students through various meanings behind New Year traditions. Students learned how colors and gestures symbolize different ideas in Asian cultures. Christina shared a Vietnamese tradition that happens on Tet, or the first day of the New Year. This tradition honors your ancestors or loved ones by having family members create a beautiful altar and share offerings. With this knowledge, students made fruit offerings and wrote the names of deceased people they wanted to honor. The “five-fruit tray” on the ancestral altar during the Tet Holidays symbolizes the admiration and gratitude of the Vietnamese to Heaven and Earth and their ancestors.

Overall, the Lunar New Year was a special day for all who participated and learned about or shared their culture with their classmates. Activities like this help increase a sense of belonging in our community as students learn more about one another and gain understanding, allowing them to be more empathetic to one another. Thank you to all the sixth-grade students willing to be courageous and share about their own culture and family.

#SaklanCommunity

Bikes, Buses and Scooters

From guest experts talking about kick flips on skateboards to riding down trails on BMX bikes, the Owlets have had a great time learning about the different ways to get around as they continue their transportation study!

The Owlets continued to welcome guest experts to share the unique forms of transportation they use, including one of our fourth grade students who rides a BMX bike and has even received trophies for it! He talked about the safety gear needed when riding a BMX bike, and showed the Owlets his bike, boots and helmet. The owls learned that just like David’s motorcycle, you need to wear a helmet and a special jacket to keep safe on a BMX bike. 

The Owlets love to see the big yellow bus pull up in front of the school and were very interested to see inside the bus. Our bus driver, Mike, was happy to not only show the Owlets the inside of the bus, but to take them on a short ride. The preschoolers had a blast riding on the school bus!

On Tuesday, the Owlets excitedly welcomed guest expert Jordan to their classroom. Jordan shared his fold-able bike with the students, showing them how it can go from a full-size, ride-able bike, and then fold up small enough to be held with just one hand. The Owlets were very interested in the bike, and especially fascinated with ringing the bell!

On Wednesday, the Owlets were excited to bring their own bikes and scooters to school for Wheels Day! The preschoolers happily dawned their helmets for the chance to ride their wheels in the school parking lot!

#SaklanGuestExperts