Lightning Newsflash
Lakeridge Middle School's weekly newsletter.
August 10, 2022
News from Lakeridge Middle School
Principal's Message
The start of school is just around the corner here at Lakeridge Middle School and we are eager to see students and families back on campus very soon. These next few weeks are busy as we finalize student schedules, wrap up our summer cleaning, and prepare for the return of our teaching and support staff. Then, we'll be ready to welcome you back to school too!
This is the first of our weekly newsletters for the year and it is jam-packed with information to help students and their families be ready for the start of school. Take some time to review the information below and follow the enclosed links. If you find you have a question after you've finished reading, you can submit it using the button right beneath this message. We'll answer your questions in our next edition of Newsflash. See you soon!
New Daily Schedule for LOJ and LMS for 2022-23
Over the past school year, both middle schools received feedback from staff, students, and parents regarding concerns and needs from our current schedule. With this information, we have worked with staff and district administration to create a new daily schedule to be implemented next school year. The middle schools will still be on a trimester schedule and the start and ending times will be the same.
The new schedule will benefit our middle school students by allowing them to spend more time in a given content class (65 minutes instead of 45 minutes) as well as only having 5 classes in a given day to lessen workload and transitions each day. 65 minute classes will help transition students as they prepare for 90 minute blocks at the high school level. Furthermore, this increased time will allow for more collaborative engagement and learning in classes. Students will still have 7 courses and the same access to core instructional periods, fine and performing arts, world languages, and electives; on a given day they will only attend 5 of those 7 classes and 2 of the classes “roll off” each day creating a 5 period daily schedule.
Below are links to a video explaining a visual model of how the schedule works as well as a web tool that we’ll be using with students to help them keep track of their own schedules. We are excited for the possibilities of the year ahead. Enjoy the remaining days of summer and watch for more communication from us soon.
Individual Student Schedules available on Tuesday, August 23rd
We know everyone is eager to see their students' schedules for this year. They will be available on ParentVue/StudentVue on August 23rd. Prior to that time, our counselors and office staff are working hard to make sure everyone has their required classes and that classes are appropriately balanced across the school day. Thanks for being patient as we finish up these important details.
Personalized Schedule Webtool
After individual schedules are published, students can use the web tool linked here to create a personalized copy of the color-coded rotating schedule demonstrated in the video above. We'll also be helping students use this tool during the first days of school to make sure everyone knows where they need to be.
Save these dates!
Specific details about these events are included in this and future editions of newsflash.
Open House, August 25 from 3:30PM to 5:00PM
First Day for 6th Graders only, August 29 starting at 9AM
Students new to the district orientation, August 29 starting at 2PM
First Day for all students, August 30 starting at 9AM
Back to School Night, August 31 starting at 6:00PM
Picture Day, September 1 during the school day
Smart Start
Smart Start is an opportunity specifically for our students with 504s and IEPs, and their parents/guardians, to make introductions with their teachers and feel prepared for the start of school.
Smart Start will be held in person at each LOSD school, Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, 1-3 p.m. Smart Start information
Open House
School Supplies
Locker Request Form
We are excited to welcome students into the building this fall!
Most students do not need a locker; all classrooms are equipped with shelving that allows students to store their belongings during class-time. Everyone will be allowed to carry their backpacks to class. With our many digital resources and students' school-issued chrome books, gone are the days of carrying numerous heavy books. All students will be issued a PE locker for their PE clothes and shoes. Music students also have access to instrument lockers. However, we recognize that a few students will need individual lockers for their individual use beyond PE or music.
This form does not guarantee a locker, but will help staff to best understand the needs of students.
Athletic Clearance Form
Office Hours
Starting August 2nd our office will be open Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Please call (option #5) or email Brenna Crocker for any enrollment / withdrawal / transfer or transcript requests.
Please call (option #8) or email Jessica Easterly for General Questions.
District Information
Be Ready to Ride the Bus
Student Transportation of America provides bus transportation for LOSD. Our bus drivers look forward to getting to know your child and being a part of their amazing school experience.
Students who live further than 1 mile away from their resident elementary school and 1.5 miles away from their resident middle or high school are eligible for transportation services. However, service is typically provided closer to avoid crossing major thoroughfares.
Bus registration is not necessary. Access points -- or what most call bus stops -- will be available by mid-August. Look for an email from LOSD notifying you when access points are posted under Transportation on the district and school websites.
Help prepare your child to ride the bus. Select the access point(s) that work best for your family.
Visit your access point before school starts to familiarize your child with their stop.
Look for visual clues to help identify when it’s their time to get off the bus.
Please be sure to be at your child’s stop ahead of time to help keep the bus moving for all onboard. Bus routes will be published on the LOSD Transportation website the week prior to the start of school. You can find information here when it is published.
Set up Meal Accounts
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.
Please be sure 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 for account setup and application information, and more.
Verify your students' info
Before you do anything else, please be sure to verify your student's information. All students who are enrolled for the 2022-23 school year need their information updated by September 9, 4 p.m. The only exceptions are students who are new to LOSD; information is verified during their initial registration process.
Log into ParentVUE and access the Register/Verify tab. If you have forgotten your ParentVUE password, go to the login page, click "I am a Parent," then click "Forgot Password." If you are unsure whether you have a ParentVUE account, contact your student's school. For assistance with the verification process, refer to the user guide on the LOSD website or contact your student's school.
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.
Keepsake Tiles from Rivergrove Elementary
Rivergrove elementary school is being rebuilt. As part of that process, keepsake tiles are now available for order. See all the details on the bond project website here: https://www.losdschools.org/Page/8862
State Assessment Notice
The Oregon Department of Education publishes an annual notice regarding state assessments in English Language Arts and math. Please review the Annual Notice for Statewide Tests for information about why participation matters, the right to opt out, and test windows.
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.)
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