If “…the goal of true education [is] intelligence plus character”, according to Martin Luther King Jr., then the teachers at Saklan might very well be some of the most genuine educators on the planet.
Before I enrolled at this school, I had a brief, yet very negative kindergarten experience at my local public school; it was definitely the wrong environment for someone like me at the time.
For my first full year at Saklan, …my first grade teacher not only took the time to get to know and understand me, but she also pushed me accordingly and helped me fit my needs academically and mentally. To put it in simple terms, she was the first teacher that ever really cared about me. I can’t even put into words how grateful I am for what she did for my education….
…It’s pointless to go to Saklan and not experience its middle school. Nothing in this school represents the mission statement like its junior high. And as a graduating student, I can tell you that I have been intellectually challenged and pushed by progressive teaching and curriculum to bring my creativity to its zenith, I have formed unforgettable friendships and bonds with my peers that I will remember forever, and I have been motivated to take on any challenge that comes my way; all thanks to the middle school.
Ever since my first advance, I’ve never felt unwelcome amongst my comrades. Friendships are not hard to make at all in this school, and they are near impossible to break. I got along and hung out with everyone, regardless of his or her grade. The students here at Saklan have proven themselves to be some of the best peers, friends, and mentors I could ever hope for.
Speaking of incredible people, lets talk about the middle school teachers. Every single one of you is unique and amazing in your own way. Maestra Lourdes has taught me the greatest Spanish accents I’ll ever develop, as well as impressing me every day with her knowledge of rock music. Mr. Crabtree is the epitome of the phrase “jack of all trades”. He can do everything from tae-kwon-do to origami, and this helped him form the most diverse PE program I’ve ever had. Mr. Narin is hands down the most dedicated math teacher I’ve ever heard of. He writes his own curriculum, and spends extra time and money to make class engaging. Mrs. Held is an incredible artist and art teacher. Mrs. Chaffey is an amazing advisor, and an unparalleled music teacher who outdoes herself every year. I am beyond grateful for what she has done to support my love of music. Ms. O is not only a fun and incredible science teacher, but also a sincere and caring person. I can’t even think about how many times you’ve helped me out of bad days and tough times. Mrs. Kim is a woman who needs no introduction. What she has done for this school and for its students is legendary. She is a sincere friend to me, and I will miss her so much. And now, we have Mr. P. What you do as a Humanities and guitar teacher is phenomenal. You have aided my learning and songwriting for 3 years now, and you deserve a profuse amount of praise.
So, I guess it’s time to say goodbye, which leads me to the most important thing that this school has taught me. Saklan has taught me how to move on. Thanks to Saklan, I have no doubt in my mind that I will succeed wherever I go. Saklan has taken care of me and fostered my creativity and individuality for the past 8 years, and I am not only smarter, but also a better person because of it. Through all my journeys in life, I will always remember the school that changed it forever: The Saklan School.
