FRiday Note - January-29-2010

Head's Corner

Dear Saklan Parents:

This morning at Flag, the sixth grade presented their Alphabet Quilt to the school. The quilt was an art project which depicts the letters and their significance to Saklan. Many thanks to the sixth grade students, Ms. Brooks, and Mrs. Barendregt for their work on this project. The quilt now hangs in the Admissions Office.

On Wednesday, the Campolindo High School Chamber Choir performed for our students. They were absolutely amazing. Their a cappella performance demonstrated tremendous talent, poise, and professionalism-excellent role models for our younger students who may wish to perform.

Next Wednesday, February 3rd, is a noon dismissal-professional development day.

The faculty and I will begin the process of discussing potential changes for next year, finalizing exhibits for the CAIS/WASC re-accreditation visit later in the month, and reviewing the scholarship process. Extended Day will be available.

In closing, I had to pleasure of spending some time in the first grade classroom on Wednesday. What an amazing class. There were no special events or activities that day; it was a “normal day.” The students were focused, excited, insightful, and participative. It was a great opportunity to see amazing and engaged students and excellent team-teaching.

Enjoy your weekend-

David A. Hague
Head of School

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Auction Update

Happy Friday Saklan Families:

It's new and it's cool!

Check out the Auction blog for updates and cutting edge news regarding our cornerstone fundraising event and community party.

Your auction Chairs are excited to announce that the planning for our March 27th auction and party is well under way. We have met with our catering manager, our auctioneer and the amazing room parents. We are inspired by the energy and support of the parent community but we are still seeking volunteers for the lead up to the event and for the night of the event as well. If you even have a small amount of time to volunteer or a special skill to share, check out our blog for our contact information and sign up today.

For more up to date information please check our Auction blog at
http://saklan.org/auction/

Kate Dey & Carol Goldman
California Dreaming Auction Chairs

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The 2009-2010 Annual Giving Fund

We Are All In This Together: Goal: $130,000 Our Annual Giving fund is our top annual fundraising priority because it helps close the gap between tuition and the increasing cost of school operations. It provides essential flexibility and maximum benefit in directing resources to the areas of greatest need, such as teacher salaries. With your generous support, we are able to retain talented faculty, support language, art and music programs and fund needed facility improvements as well as our financial aid program. We invite you to help sustain our wonderful school through your generous support of our Annual Giving Fund each year. All gifts, large and small, directly benefit current students. You donation is put to immediate use on campus for your child today! Thank you for your support of Saklan. Kate Dey Annual Giving Fund Chair

We are ALL in this Together!

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PA News Update

Thanks to the PA Board, Student Council and All The Families who attended Family Fun Night. It was a blast! Look for photos and movie links in this Friday's Note, compliments of Alex Friedman.

This article includes information about the following items:

1. 2/19 PA Meeting: Read and Discuss!
2. School Ski Trip March 12-14 at the Granlibakken Resort and Alpine Meadows in North Lake Tahoe
3. Emergency Kits Still Need
• 5 Backpacks/Duffel Bags
• Students with Allergies or Medical Considerations
• Building Platform for New Water Tank--Need Handymen!
4. Added PA Meeting: "Race to Nowhere" --Viewing Time TBD
5. Survey for Children's Choice Lunch Program Is Coming...

1) Our scheduled 2/19 PA Meeting will be an open discussion about the book, "Free-Range Kids, Giving Our Kids The Freedom We Had Without Going Nuts With Worry" by Lenore Skenazy.

In preparation for the meeting, you may find 4 copies of the book in the front office, compliments of the PA. If you do borrow a copy, please be sure to read it and return it promptly so that others may have an opportunity to read it too. You may also pick up a copy through Amazon.com. Be sure to use your escrip link!

2) A big thank you to Saklan Parent, Brian Evans, who has planned an awesome School Ski Trip for March 12 - 14 at Granlibakken Resort and Alpine Meadows in North Lake Tahoe.

You may visit the site: http://www.granlibakken.com/ for more information about the location, which has its own ski hill and is close to Alpine Meadows, off Highway 89.

Lodging:

Brian has reserved 15 rooms (for up to 40 guests) at the Granlibakken Resort with the following discounted prices:

• Standard room at $149 per night (sleeps up to 2--two twins 1 king)
• Executive Lodge Bedroom at $186 per night (sleeps up to 2--two doubles 1 king)
• Studio Unit with Fireplace and Kitchen at $252 per night (sleeps up to 2--2 twins or queen murphy)
• Suite or 1 Bedroom Townhouse with Fireplace and Kitchen at $360 per night (sleeps up to 4--2-4 beds w/2 baths)

Please note: Full Buffet Breakfast is included in room rates and Children 7 years old and under are only $25 per night total.

Alpine Meadows Discounted Group Rates:

• Adult (23-64) is $55 per lift ticket
• Young Adult (13-22) is $40 per lift ticket
• Child (5-12) is $10 per lift ticket

Please note: We have discounts on Ski School as well so please let us know if you are interested and we'll get you the rates!

If you are interested in joining other Saklan Families on this great ski outing, please RSVP by Feb 18 to ensure prices/room rates to Hillary Conlon at hcinteriors@yahoo.com. Please note, March 11 and 12 are Parent Conference days so if you plan on attending the ski trip, please schedule your Parent Conferences for Thursday or early Friday morning (depending on when you plan on joining the group).

3) We have several announcements regarding our Emergency Kits.

1. First, we have received 7 gently used large backpacks/duffel bags from our parents.
   Thank you!
   We still need 5 more large bags so we can place our updated Emergency Kits directly in each classroom (instead of in the large storage bin).
   Please donate a gently used large backpack/duffel bag today!
   You may leave it with Emoke in the front office.
   Thank you.
2. Second, if you have a child with food allergies or who requires special medical considerations (like insulin), please be sure to give a few extra doses of medicine or allergen free food to Emoke. You may review the following link about the food we have on-sight for emergency situations: This is the manufacturer's web page for the product: http://www.survivorind.com/2400.html.
   There's no dairy that we can see, but there is soy (soybean oil), and there is flour (first ingredient, in fact--not good for those with gluten allergies).
3. Third, Saklan will be purchasing a new Emergency Water Tank for the campus and requires the assistance of handymen to build a concrete pad. We will also be doing a test run for our temporary shelter. Dan Fahrner, Patrick Rigney, and our great Site Manager, Javier, have already agreed to assist but they need help.
   Please let Hillary Conlon know (hcinteriors@yahoo.com) if you would like to join them!

4) The movie, "Race To Nowhere" has received very high praise from our own faculty and staff

Therefore the PA is adding a special evening event to our calendar (Date to be Determined) to view this great documentary about how hectic schedules and educational pressures affect our kids. Look for a Viewing Announcement! For more information in the meantime, please visit the link: http://www.racetonowhere.com/home.

5) The Parent Association will be conducting a Parent Survey on our current Lunch Provider, Children's Choice. Please look for the survey shortly.

Thanks for reading this long, yet important Parent Association News Update!

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Movies Archive

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