The Current
LOSD News • April 2, 2021
In this Message:
Message from the Superintendent
Preschool/Pre-Kindergarten Applications Due Today
Wednesday Workshops Sign Up
Elementary Boundary Changes Paused
Summer Program In Development
Celebrating Champions for Children
Supporting Students During Derek Chauvin Trial
Kindergarten Registration Open
Board-Appointed Committee Applications Open
Receiving Both High School Emails?
Now Accepting Applications for Foundation Board of Directors
Back-to-School Clothes at Clothing Closet
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
City of LO Community Policing
City of LO Fireworks Survey
Safeguard from Sex Trafficking Presentation
Regular Reminders:
- Get Social: Follow, Share, Engage @wearelosd
- What's New at Community School
- Subscribe to Lake Oswego Schools App
- 3 Ws: Watch Distance, Wear Mask, Wash Hands
- Safe Oregon
Message from the Superintendent
We in LOSD intend to be back to school full time, in-person for the 2021-22 school year. Despite how many times I say it, this message seems to get lost and I want to assure our learning community of that intention. Our focus for next fall is a commitment to a pre-pandemic schedule. The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) has made six significant changes over the past nine months to Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidance, and we anticipate more to come, and are therefore hopeful that any remaining barriers will be removed by next fall.
The district is engaging with the Lake Oswego Education Association (LOEA) to discuss the latest ODE guidance, its implications and opportunities for the remainder of this school year. The newly relaxed distancing requirements are applicable for students in classrooms. When students are at lunch, PE and Music, and for all adults, six feet of distancing is still required. The relaxed distancing, while moving us in the right direction, does not allow enough space for all of our students to fit in our classrooms at the same time.
As we know more about this school year and next, I will share more. We are optimistic about a great last 11 weeks of school and again, our focus for next fall is a commitment to full time, in-person school.
Preschool/Pre-K Applications Due Today
For families interested in signing up their child for preschool or pre-kindergarten for the 2021-22 school year please visit the Extended Programs on the district website or click here to apply. Space is limited.
Application period closes: Friday, Apr. 2, 2021
Lottery Process: Monday, Apr. 5, 2021
Families will be notified by Friday, Apr. 9, 2021
Conclusion of Lottery Process
Following the completion of the lotteries, the district will make available any remaining slots in the classes on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications received after the lottery deadline will be date-stamped and enrolled in a class if space is available. If classes are full, applicants will be added to the wait list in order of receipt of application.
Wednesday Workshops Sign Ups
Through a partnership with the Lake Oswego Schools Foundation, LOSD is pleased to offer another term of Wednesday Workshops enrichment classes to create more connection experiences for our LOSD elementary students only and offered free of charge.
Wednesday Workshops will run for 6 weeks from April 21, 2021 to May 26, 2021. Classes are scheduled from 10:00-11:00 a.m. or 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and can accommodate AM and PM cohort schedules.
Wednesday Workshops sign up is through LOSD Community Schools and features fun, high-quality third-party instructors in science, robotics, engineering, art, world languages as well as activity classes in leadership, movement, writing, acting and more.
Please click here to go to the Wednesday Workshops landing page on the LOSD website for more information and to register for a class.
Elementary Boundary Changes Paused
The boundary discussion at the School Board meeting Tuesday followed several in-depth public discussions about the need to balance enrollment at our elementary schools, create capacity through infrastructure projects, and other concerns to ensure equitable service and experiences for our students and staff. A decision was made to pause on changing elementary boundaries for the 2021-22 school year, with a commitment to review boundaries for the 2022-23 school year.
The primary reason for this decision is current enrollment numbers do not warrant this kind of disruption in our system at this time. We are hopeful enrollment numbers will return to pre-pandemic level eventually. As is typical, we won't have a true sense of new enrollment until August or even September, and that is too late to implement a change. Should enrollment exceed capacity at any school, the district is committed to providing staff and other resources to support equitable service and experiences until boundaries changes can be implemented.
If you recall, the boundary review committee's recommendation was to adjust boundaries between the three northside elementary schools, but hold off on making any changes to the southside elementary schools until more capacity is created and a decision made on how Spanish Immersion would possibly be expanded. The Spanish Immersion Task Force will be presenting recommendations to the School Board on April 27, which we anticipate leading to a decision about possible expansion.
The district is very aware of the need to balance enrollment, yet right now there is not the physical space to accommodate all elementary students in our current sites at the targeted 85 percent capacity that allows for flexibility and fluctuations. Our goal is for voters to approve our next bond measure in November so that the new River Grove and more capacity can be created as soon as possible. The district has broken precedent, and started the design process to help expedite development because the urgency is recognized.
The Bond Development Committee is currently working on creating a recommended bond package. The committee will be presenting its recommendation to the School Board on June 7.
The outcomes from the Boundary Review Committee, which met from January-March 2020, has been invaluable in helping inform plans and shape decisions, and the volunteers’ time and effort is appreciated greatly. The insights from the review will help inform future boundary changes.
Summer Program In Development
Use current resources for core instruction and interventions
Data-driven approach (diagnostic, progress monitoring, pre/post tests)
Standards-based focus
Integrated, thematic and credit recovery learning opportunities
Instruction and interventions for grade-level support and to address unfinished learning
Experiential and enrichment opportunities
Principals will be in contact with families about the possibilities of the program for your student.
Celebrating Champions for Children
It's wonderful to hear and share your stories of purpose and hope. Our teachers and staff inspire us each and every day. This month we recognized the following educators at the board meeting on Tuesday, and want to continue celebrating them with all of you.
Lisa Sarver is an autism/behavioral specialist. This Fall, Lisa taught a group of teachers, educational assistants, and specialists about strategies that are helpful for students who experience challenges with reading comprehension and/or writing tasks; she has also been coaching staff in these strategies which have been an invaluable resource while working with students.
District librarians Carrie Light and Miranda Doyle who have supported our entire district, have arranged and hosted author visits, found ebook resources, and were themselves guest speakers for a research lesson, have provided customized learning resources for students to use.
Erika Pollock, first grade teacher who, as she welcomed students back to school, had a goal to build community and create a sense of belonging and connection in our classroom. And has provided lessons that tie academics with self awareness and connection.
Sheila Arnold had a student during CDL who was struggling with connecting, learning, and feeling confident and couldn't wait for CDL time to end each day. For in person school, Sheila made it a point to support the student in feeling connected and this student is now saying, "I never want school to end." Sheila says it’s a privilege to be a part of and to see the "spark" of learning ignite in a student.
Aletia Cochran teaches a Lake Oswego Middle School speech and debate class that has 35 kids enrolled. She hosted rounds of debates happening simultaneously in Zoom breakout rooms. One hundred percent of her students showed up for their debate and participated! She says that has never happened before, even when conducting in-person learning.
Supporting Students During Derek Chauvin Trial
The State of Minnesota’s trial against Derek Chauvin is a topic of conversation that may come up at dinner tables and in classrooms. It is a topic that may evoke strong emotions and it can be traumatizing. At school we strive to provide students a safe place to express their opinions and talk through their feelings. We recognize students, families and staff have many different perspectives and we intend to listen to our students and ask open-ended questions so we can better understand their perspectives, always with the developmental age of students in mind. School social workers and other adults are also available to speak with students as needed.
To help support your conversations, please click here for recommended resources on our website.
Kindergarten Registration Open
Registration for kindergarteners, and all students who are new to LOSD, is now open online on the district website enrollment page.
An informational video, Kindergarten Counts, is available at each elementary school website Kindergarten Counts will provide parents and guardians an opportunity to meet the principal and kindergarten teachers. You will learn about several upcoming opportunities for your new student between now and the first day of school.
Plan to register and attend Kindergarten Counts at your student's resident elementary school. Visit losdschools.org to verify. LOSD welcomes kindergarteners who will be five years old by Sept. 1.
Board-Appointed Committee Applications Open
Interested in getting involved? Consider serving on one of the district and board-appointed advisory committees. As part of its continuous efforts to increase communication with the public and to provide for citizen involvement, the School Board appoints advisory committees to consider matters of district-wide importance. Committees meet monthly, September through May. If you are interested in joining a board-appointed committee, please fill out this application:
Application for Board-appointed Committees
For terms beginning in Fall 2021, you can submit your application to the chair of the committee or principal of the SAC of interest to you, due by Monday, April 12, 2021. Applications will be reviewed, and recommendations sent to the Board for appointments.
- Bond Accountability Committee (BAC)
District lead: Tony Vandenberg, anthony.vandenberg@loswego.k12.or.us - Diversity, Equity and Inclusive (DEI) Advisory Committee
District lead: Teresa Sanchez, teresa.sanchez@loswego.k12.or.us - Student Services Parent Advisory Committee (SSPAC)
District lead: Scott Schinderle schindes@loswego.k12.or.us - Talented and Gifted Advisory Committee
District lead: Frank Luzaich, frank.luzaich@loswego.k12.or.us - School Advisory Committee (SAC)
District lead: School principal - Long Range Facilities Planning (LRFP) Committee (not accepting applications this year)
Committee members are appointed to serve two-year terms, except SSPAC is three-year term.
Receiving Both High School Emails?
With classes being offered online, many high school students are taking classes from both LO and Lakeridge teachers. If you are receiving information from both high schools, it's because your student is enrolled in one of those classes. You won't receive both schools' communications forever.
Now Accepting Applications for Lake Oswego Schools Foundation Board of Directors
Are you interested in contributing to a dynamic volunteer organization dedicated to advancing our community's commitment to educational excellence?
Please consider applying for the Lake Oswego Schools Foundation Board of Directors. The Foundation is seeking parents/guardians, students and community residents to serve on its Board of Directors. Board members must demonstrate a commitment to the Foundation, the School District and the Lake Oswego community.
The term for new board members will begin June 2021. Board members commit to a two-year term and may serve up to three terms. Please click HERE to access the online application form. The application provides more information about being a board member.
Interested people should submit applications by Friday, April 9, 2021. The Nominating committee will review applications and conduct interviews in the April time frame. If you are unable to access the application, please contact woolfw@loswego.k12.or.us to receive a pdf version of the application.
Click here for the Foundation prospective board member application.
Back-to-School Clothes at Clothing Closet
Back-to-school clothes are available for free at the I Love Lake Oswego (ILLO) clothing closet located in the house that is green on the Lake Oswego High School campus. Lake Oswego families who needs clothes are encouraged to come and shop.
Starting April 1, ILLO will reopen
Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
On rainy days ILLO will need to limit shoppers inside for social distancing. Face masks are required. Please park by the district pool and walk up the driveway to reduce interference with the neighboring Hunger Fighters food pantry.
For more information, visit www.IloveLakeOswego.com.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Vaccinations are our strongest tool as we work to bring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the vaccine supply becomes more readily available, providers in Clackamas County are working to establish regular vaccination opportunities for county residents.
For vaccine opportunities please visit: https://www.clackamas.us/coronavirus/vaccine That website will be updated as more opportunities become available. For questions about eligibility, please visit: Vaccine Eligibility
City of LO Community Policing Focus Groups
The deadline to register is Sunday, Apr. 4, 2021.
Fireworks Survey
Please share your thoughts by taking this short survey by Thursday, Apr. 8, 2021.
Safeguard from Sex Trafficking Presentation
The Lake Oswego Adult Community Center and Karen Meininger are presenting Safeguard from Sex Trafficking.
Thursday, May 6
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The intended audience is older teens, parents-guardians, and grandparents. Call 503-635-3758 to register; the program will be presented via Zoom.
Get Social: Follow, Share, Engage @wearelosd
What's New at Community School?
The LOSD Community School is offering virtual enrichment programs and activities for students of all ages including culinary, STEM, arts, language, and athletics.
Subscribe to Lake Oswego Schools App
3 Ws: Watch Distance, Wear Mask, Wash Hands
SafeOregon
Parents who have concerns about a student’s well-being are encouraged to reach out to their principal, and to maintain strong lines of communication and partnership between students, families, staff, and other resources.
SafeOregon is also an effective way to report a tip regarding safety threats or potential acts of violence to our students or schools.
(Students should also be aware that intentionally providing a false report is a serious offense.)
Lake Oswego School District
Email: info@loswego.k12.or.us
Website: https://www.losdschools.org
Location: 2455 Country Club Road, Lake Oswego, OR, USA
Phone: (503) 534-2000
Facebook: facebook.com/LOSDProud
Twitter: @LOSD_Proud