Lightning Newsflash
Lakeridge Middle School's weekly newsletter.
September 28, 2022
News from Lakeridge Middle School
Counseling Corner
Hello LMS Families,
Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! We wanted to reach out as we launch this new school year and acknowledge that the last few years have been challenging and overwhelming for everyone. It is important for each of us to take time to reflect on the state of our mental health and well-being and how they have been impacted. Please know that The LMS Wellness Team–your school counselors, school psychologist and school social worker– are all available if you ever need to talk to someone. Reach out if you, or someone you care about, needs support. We are here for you.
Additionally, September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. We have included some resources and our contact information below:
Parent Resources
National Crisis Response
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988
Trevor Project Lifeline LGBTQ+ 1-866-488-7386
988 Oregon Suicide Crisis line
Local Crisis Response
Clackamas County Crisis 503-655-8585
Oregon Youth Line Text: teen2teen at 839863, call: 877-986-8491, email: teen2teen@linesforlife.org
Monica Binder 6th Grade Counselor:binderkm@loswego.k12.or.us
Marcy Watts 7th Grade Counselor: wattsm@loswego.k12.or.us
Callie Charon 8th Grade Counselor: charonc@loswego.k12.or.us
Kylie Goertz Social Worker: goertzk@loswego.k12.or.us
Janie Jenkins Psychologist: Jenkinsj@loswego.k12.or.us
LMS Office 503-534-2343
Digital Parenting
In a world of digital devices and internet access, one of our jobs as middle schoolers' supportive adults is to stay attuned to their media and technology. Sometimes, digital parenting in addition to real life parenting can feel overwhelming. To help with that, from time to time in Newsflash, we'll share ideas and resources to help you navigate your digital parenting. First, some general reminders:
1. It's important, and okay, to set limits on the internet in your house. In fact, your kids want and need those limits even though they'll push against them.
2. No, not everyone has a smartphone. No, not everyone needs 24/7 access to their smartphone. No, it's not unreasonable or even exceptional to have a "bedtime" for your kids' digital devices. Many sources recommend putting devices to bed at least an hour before kids go to bed AND keeping them in another room too so that the buzz and ding of notifications don't disrupt sleep routines. You might even consider turning off their wifi access in the evening to help with this.
3. In a few short years, when they're learning to drive, you likely won't throw them your car keys and say "good luck on the freeway." Similarly, we have to help them to learn to drive their digital lives. Below, you'll find two resources from Common Sense Media that may help with this. One is a specific review of the chat service "Omegle" and another is CSM's set of Parents' Ultimate Guides, which are great tools to become familiar with common teen tech platforms.
Omegle- Common Sense Media's review
Parents need to know that this chat site’s catch phrase, "Talk to strangers!", says it all. Though created by an 18-year-old, Omegle is not for kids. The site puts two strangers together in a chat room. Though chats start out anonymous, users often ask for and share personal information. Language is uncensored, and sexual come-ons and requests for email addresses are common. Omegle might be fun if both users desired a real conversation, but the odds of this here seem unlikely. It might be worth the effort for older teens willing to sift through the trash talk. But most kids should definitely steer clear. Note that there's also an app, though whether it's officially affiliated with site is unclear; however, it does have the same basic functionality.
Common Sense Media: Ultimate Guides
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/parents-ultimate-guides
Struggling to keep up with the apps, games, and websites your kids are using? Common Sense's Parents' Ultimate Guides can help keep you up to date and answer your questions about all the latest platforms and trends. Whether you're trying to figure out if a new app is safe for your teen or if a popular game includes blood and gore, we've got you covered.
Come Chromebook Prepared
Starting next Monday, October 3rd, the library will no longer loan out chromebooks/chargers to students.
You can get a replacement if yours is broken or having issues, but coming to school without one and checking one out for the day is no longer an option. Each classroom will have only one loaner chromebook. Maybe two in the future.
Students can charge their chromebooks in the 5 charging towers throughout the school. Located in N117, S104 and S208. It would be best to charge them at night at home and come with a full battery. Thank you!
Picture Retakes- October 10th
Did you miss picture day? Retakes will take place on Monday, October 10th here at school. Watch for more information soon in your email from Dorian Photography or click here to order.
LMS Activity Bus Schedule
The activity bus service provides transportation for students participating in afterschool activities at the middle school.
Please note: stop times are estimates. Drivers only stop at locations needed by riders on the bus that day.
Stop # Location Target Timing
#1 Lakeridge Middle 5:15 p.m.
#2 River Grove/Pilkington Park 5:25 p.m.
#3 Westridge Elementary 5:35 p.m.
#4 Palisades Elementary 5:40 p.m.
#5 Lakeridge High 5:45 p.m.
#6 Hallinan Elementary 5:55 p.m.
#7 LO Teen Lounge 6:10 p.m.
Technology Information and Device Protection Program
A reminder for parents/guardians: please complete the three actions listed below so that your student may use school district software and technology resources (devices, digital textbooks, etc.). The deadline to complete the three steps is Friday, Sept. 30.
A parent or guardian must provide consent for each student to use District software and resources.
A Parent/Guardian and each Student must agree to the Acceptable Use Policy.
Families must choose to enroll or decline participation in the Device Damage and Loss Protection Program ($20 annual fee per student).
Thank you for completing the three steps by Friday, Sept. 30.
Theatre Arts
Hello LMS Community!
Fine and Performing arts are a big part of our school culture, and that's because our community supports our students who participate in the arts. Here is one way you can show your support for our theatre dept.
Check out our Merch Store:
https://lms-theatre-merch.creator-spring.com/
All proceeds go towards our after school theatre program!
Congratulations to Mr. Dunwoody and the Oregon Thespians
From a recent press release..."Oregon Thespians has demonstrated leadership and instituted meaningful change to ensure that all intersectionalities of human diversity are welcomed, included, and share a sense of belonging to Thespian Nation. In recognition of those efforts, I am thrilled to honor you as the recipients of the 2022 Educational Theatre Association’s Volunteer of the Year Award."
Our own Mr. Dunwoody serves on the board of this award winning organization. We're proud of his contributions and to the activity of our local chapter of the Junior Thespians. Keep up the great work!
Clubs at LMS
Hello and welcome to the club spotlight for this week.
Our clubs have now started meeting regularly.
Here is the current list of clubs. Please note we do have a couple new clubs.
Morning clubs: before school
Pen and Ink (S205) Monday
Morning cocoa. (N212) Tuesday
Knitting club (library) Tuesday
Jr. Thespians (stage) Thursdays
Afternoon clubs: from 4-5:15pm
students can take the activity bus if necessary
D&D (S108) Monday, tuesday and Wednesday
First Lego League Robotics competitive team (S107) Monday and Tuesday until December
QSA (S209) Mondays
Anime (N113) Mondays and Tuesdays. **** New starting next week*****
Magic the Gathering card game (S103) Tuesdays
Speech & Debate competitive team (N207) Tuesdays
Art club (N108) Wednesdays
Disc golf (meet @ covered area) Wednesday
Tennis club (meet in the commons by the library) ****new started 9/21*****
There is no need to register or sign up for a club (unless it is a competitive team)
Just show up and meet some other people who share your interests.
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
Pie Fundraiser!
Support PTO with the tastiest fundraiser of the year! Willamette Valley pies on sale now, Click HERE to order today!
All orders need to be in by midnight on 10/9. Pies pickup is happening on 10/25 between 4-8pm All pies come frozen to save for holiday needs! You can also donate a pie to local Hunger Fighters.
Questions? Pls email jennifer.mcune@gmail.comAcademic Enrichment Fund
For the 2022-23 school year, we are asking for $125 per family to fund the Lakeridge Middle School Academic Enrichment Fund, which is managed by the LMS PTO. Donations of any size are welcome and appreciated! Donations to the PTO are 100% tax deductible and often eligible for corporate match. Check with your employer for any sort of employer match or contribution! Invest in our students today!
Please donate by going here: https://lakeridge-middle-school-pto.snwbll.com/22-23-lakeridge-middle-academic-enrichment-fund
Our students, staff, and PTO thank you!
ART LITERACY AT LMS BEGINS THIS FALL!
We need many volunteers to bring this beloved program to LMS students. Lessons support the Social Studies curriculum and are presented in Social Studies classes throughout the year. 6th Grade lessons enrich studies on ancient Egypt, Greece, and Mesoamerica. 7th Grade lessons explore art of ancient China, Western Africa, and the Renaissance. 8th Grade lessons discuss art documenting Western Expansion and the Civil War.
How to I get Involved?
Sign up now (click here) to express interest in helping with the program and to receive
announcements from the Art Literacy committee.
Fill out the District Volunteer Application to begin the background check process.
Monitor the LMS Art Literacy website (click here) for links to sign up for specific projects.
LOYTBA Pacers Youth Basketball
The LOYTBA Pacers Youth Basketball league offers opportunities to play competitive basketball for players in grades 4th - 8th. LOYTBA also offers a recreational league for grades 3rd - 5th. Check out these links for more information and to sign up today:
* Fall training: starts on October 2nd for 3rd - 8th graders.
* Competitive Team Tryouts: October 22nd and October 23rd for 4th - 8th graders
* Recreational League: starts in December for 3rd - 5th graders
Check out our website for more information. www.lakeridgeyouthbasketball.com
"Mostly Operational" Robotics Team Technology Drive
Check out this flyer from LOHS Robotics team "Mostly Operational" regarding their upcoming technology drive.
District Information
Heading to the Homecoming Game at LHS?
Don’t forget to support Lakeridge Concessions at the Football game on Sept. 29th! Check out the new stand in the covered Stadium (on the backside). Main concessions at the Stadium — Candy, Hot/Cold Drinks, Hot Dogs, Popcorn & more! Concessions Grill — Hamburger & Hot Dog Meals (in front of the old concession stand by the scoreboard). Kona Shaved Ice truck and Elephant Ears will be available for purchase as well. All proceeds from Lakeridge concessions go to support our many athletic teams, clubs and various school groups. Cash and Credit Card are accepted methods-of-payment at both concession areas!
Also remember that no backpacks or re-entry is allowed if students leave during the game.
New Application for School Volunteers
For the safety of children, volunteers are required to have an approved background check when volunteering in schools.
To help streamline compliance with state and school board policies, which require that all volunteers have background checks and knowledge of other board policies -- as well as state-mandated proof of vaccination (or a qualified exemption) -- we are introducing a new all-in-one volunteer application and approval process through ou Raptor Visitor Management System.
Submitting an online application initiates the background check process. Once submitted, applicants will receive an email upon approval of your background check and you will be given access through the onsite Raptor System at all schools. Please allow up to three weeks to process your approval.
Volunteers need to submit only one application for volunteering in all LOSD schools. Applications need to be submitted annually to capture changes in background checks, policies, and/or vaccination requirements.
Volunteer Application for LOSD
Thank you for applying promptly, and for your service to our students and schools. We are grateful for our volunteers.
Set up Meal Accounts
Serving New Developments for School Meals
The universal free meals waiver with USDA expired on June 30, 2022. That means starting this school year LOSD will be serving meals under the free, reduced, and paid categories.
We are able to provide free meals to more families using the Oregon Expanded Income Guidelines (EIG) this year. A family of four making $83,250 annually can now qualify for free meals compared to the USDA standard of $36,075. To set up your student's meal account or apply for free/reduced meals look for Meals under Find it Fast on district and school website homepages.
We are speeding up the lunch lines with new pinned/scanners at the point of sale (POS). Students can scan their ID barcode at the POS making it easy and fast to go through the lunch line. They can also use the pin-pad in case they forget or lose their ID badge.
- Secondary students can have the option of using the barcode on their Student ID card. They can also take a picture of it with their phone and use that picture at the POS. This is up to each school if they want to allow students to use their phones for this.
- Elementary students will be given a meal ID badge left in the classroom and used only when getting lunch.
Fee Waivers
Requests for resident fee waivers or fee reductions, except for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), will be processed using the attached form. Please complete the form and submit it to the department or school which collects the applicable fee or fees.
Connections and Supports
Safe Oregon
Parents-guardians 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. https://www.safeoregon.com/
In addition, below are reporting methods for parents-guardians or students to use to report issues related to racist, bias, or harassment incidents.
Need to make contact?
Email: schultzk@loswego.k12.or.us
Website: losdschools.org/lms
Location: 4700 Jean Road, Lake Oswego, OR, USA
Phone: 503-534-2343
Twitter: @LakeridgeMiddle