FRiday Note - October-30-2009

From the head of School

Dear Saklan Community:

It has been an exciting several weeks. Last week, I visited the fourth grade as they presented their original creation myths. Part of their study of California Native American tribes, these myths were written, illustrated, and presented to parents and audience members. The students decided to collate and publish their anthology of myths with the proceeds going to ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

This week I had the opportunity to visit the third grade as they presented, in costume, their Halloween couplets. These poems were amazingly well written and presented. I also had a chance to help some fifth graders in math, although I am not sure who helped whom. Gotta love word problems. Yesterday, Family Groups met for lunch and spent part of their time making monsters out of their 8th grade group leaders. Today the Haunted House, designed, built, and manned (and womaned) by middle school students, provided laughs, shouts, and sighs of relief. I am disappointed that I missed the second grade presentations; I was off campus that morning.

I am continually amazed by your children. They are excellent students, compassionate and involved community members, talented performers, and poised presenters. Thank you for sharing them with us. I would also like to thank the legion of parents who made today’s festivities such a success. From the Haunted House to classroom parties, to generous annual giving pledges, your participation, support and smiles are much appreciated; you make our jobs easier and definitely more fun. Thank you.

Have a great weekend-

David Hague
Head of School

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Pictures Galleries

Group studies of early colonies	Historical Bookshares
Self Portraits	Mixed Bears Field Trip to Mangini Farms
Oakland Zoo Field Trip	Family Group-Halloween
Sun Bears Pumpkin Patch	Halloween Cuplets

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The 2009-2010 Annual Giving Fund

We are ALL in this Together!

Join us for Saklan's first Annual Fund GIVING DAY!

Friday, October 30th is the day for ALL of us to come together to show our support for the wonderful programs that Saklan provides our students! Don't miss this opportunity! More details will come your way. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Kate Dey, Annual Giving Fund Chair at kate@deynet.com.

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ADMISSIONS

2010-11 SIBLING APPLICATIONS

Calling all Saklan siblings at all grade levels!
Sibling applications are due Monday, November 30, 2009.

UPCOMING GROUP TOURS

Saklan parents are invited to learn more about upcoming grade levels.
Invite a friend or two to join you. RSVP to Admissions.

• Friday, November 6 – Middle School Tour - 8:30am
• Friday, November 13 – Kindergarten Tour - 8:30am
  

*NEW* PRESCHOOL PREVIEW DAYS

Do you know someone who has a rising Preschooler or Pre-Kindergartner? Prospective parents and their little ones (age 2-3 years) are invited to visit a Preschool class to see, feel and fully experience Saklan’s ECE program. Parents will be required to stay with their child during the visit. This is also a great opportunity for current parents to visit the program with a sibling. Reservations are required.

• Wednesday, Nov 11, 8:45-9:45
• Wednesday, Jan 20, 8:45-9:45

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Open House

SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, November 15th, 2:00 – 4:00 pm WHAT: Saklan Open House WHERE: Saklan Valley School

Explore Saklan! Open House is an all-campus event and everyone in the community is encouraged to attend! Presentations, tours and information tables will be available for all audiences: current students, prospective students, and parents! Open House is a great opportunity to come together as a community, visit in your child’s classroom, and take time to learn about the next grade level. Mark your calendars now. Remember – our best form of advertising is word of mouth.

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SPEAKER EVENT

SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, November 5th 7:00 - 8:00pm WHAT: “What Parents can do to Ensure Student Success”               by Dr. Pedro Noguera WHERE: First Congregational Church of Oakland               2501 Harrison Street, Oakland

As a member of EBISA, the East Bay Independent School Association, Saklan is one of the sponsors of the upcoming EBISA Speaker Event. All parents/guardians, educators and students are welcome to attend. Dr. Pedro Noguera is a professor in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development at New York University. There is a suggested donation of $5.00 per person, no RSVP necessary.  

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Annual Auction Kick-Off Party

SAVE THE DATE: Friday, November 13 WHAT: Saklan's Auction Kick-Off Party! NOTE: All parents are invited!

If you are able to attend, please sign up on the form in the office or send an email to Carol Goldman, Auction Co-Chair, at regclg86@gmail.com

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