Students remember experiences that integrate what they have just learned. Teachers actively seek to enhance a classroom lesson with an experience off campus. This could include a walk to the fire station or the Moraga Community Garden; it could be a visit from the Lindsay Wildlife Museum or East Bay Vivarium; it could be driving to the Chabot Space and Science Center, or even a visit to the Legion of Honor. Making connections creates impressionable memories and leads to higher engagement in learning.
Beginning in fourth grade, students have annual overnight trips to engage more deeply with the classroom material:
During these field experiences, students are active, responsible, and engaged participants in their learning. Guided by Saklan’s mission to think creatively, act compassionately, and live courageously, students work hard, collaborate with others, present their learning, summarize their experiences, and reflect on what they have discovered.
In addition, middle school students spend the first three days of school on a retreat (The Advance) to set the tone for the school year. Some of the goals of The Advance include community building activities through positive interpersonal interactions and challenges, reviewing community expectations, embracing the Saklan mission statement, and setting goals for the upcoming year. Older and returning students are responsible for taking more of a leadership role at The Advance, mentoring the new and younger ones.
