Connected to Saklan way back when it was named Carden School. Lover of the Matterhorn at Disneyland. Excited about innovative math instruction. Served as not only a teacher but also the Saklan PA President and Chair for the Board of Trustees. Can you guess who we are highlighting as this month’s Staff Spotlight? Our third-grade teacher, Lisa Rokas, has worn many hats here at Saklan. Read on to learn more about her decades-long journey at The Saklan School.
How did you first hear about the Saklan School?
I have a long history with Saklan. I grew up in Orinda and attended Miramonte High School. My brother, who is 6 years younger than me, attended Saklan (which was named Carden School at the time). Once I had my driver’s license I used to drive him to and from school. Fast forward to when my son was in kindergarten, I decided to look for alternatives to our local public school and my mom suggested I look at Saklan. My son joined in first grade back in 2004, and my daughter joined the following year in kindergarten. I have been connected to the school ever since.
What about the Saklan community has kept you so invested and engaged in different ways over the years?
I have worn many hats here at Saklan. When my kids were students at Saklan I joined the Parent Association, where I held many roles, including auction chair and PA President. I started on the Board of Trustees as the Parent Association representative and eventually served as Board Chair for a number of years. I made lifelong friends with many of my fellow board members on both the board of trustees and parent association, as well as many strong friendships with Saklan faculty and staff. One memorable moment includes dressing up as pink cotton candy ladies for the end-of-year carnival. When my daughter graduated from Saklan in 2014, I couldn’t imagine saying goodbye to a place where I had been so connected for so many years. I decided to go back to teaching, my first profession before having kids. I started teaching at Saklan in the fall of 2014 and have had the honor of teaching here ever since. Saklan is truly a part of my family and my home away from home.
What has been your favorite project based learning unit in your time here and why?
My favorite project based learning unit each year has been our third grade Saklan/ Bay Miwok Unit where we learn about the local indigenous peoples from the Moraga Valley. Our driving question is “How can we show respect to the people whose ancestral land our school is on?” I especially love this project because each year the third graders have found different ways to answer our driving question in meaningful ways; such as writing a land acknowledgement and creating murals and posters including traditional language and symbols representing Saklan culture. This year students researched indigenous plants we hope to plant on our campus. We have had the opportunity to work closely with Vincent Medina and Louis Trevino, the cofounders of Cafe Ohlone who both have Ohlone heritage and who are focused on sustaining their traditional Ohlone culture. The most important lesson the students learn is that Saklan/Bay Miwok/ Ohlone people are still here and their culture and traditions are still being practiced and celebrated.
We know your love for Disneyland runs deep, what is your favorite season to visit the park and the snack and/or ride you look forward to most?
I do love Disneyland! It is one of my absolute favorite places! I enjoy visiting anytime of the year, but my favorite time to visit is during November or December when the holiday decorations are up. It is so festive! I especially love watching Fantasmic on the Rivers of America and also the fireworks from Main Street! My favorite ride ever since I was kid is still the Matterhorn Bobsleds, and my favorite snacks at Disneyland are definitely their fresh-popped buttery popcorn or churros from the snack carts. Thankfully, I have passed on my love of Disneyland to my kids so that they still enjoy going to the park with me.
