Lightning Newsflash
Lakeridge Middle School's weekly newsletter.
May 25th, 2022
News from Lakeridge Middle School
Principal's Message for Families and Staff
Our hearts ache at the news out of Texas as we watch yet another example of unnecessary tragedy occur. As adults who spend our lives working to help children feel safe, be known, and grow toward a hopeful future, it is gut wrenching to read and hear about the lives that were cut short.
We know that our kids are impacted by this news and by the discussion they hear about it among adults, peers, and on social media. As we grapple with our own emotions and responses, it feels daunting to help kids navigate this news as well. Molly Jong-Fast addressed this in a somber Atlantic column this week saying that "As parents, we are tempted to pretend—to be brave for our kids—but I’m not sure that serves anyone anymore."
Perhaps harder and more important than being brave in the face of this news, is being present for kids, listening to them, and sitting with the authentic emotions of the moment. By modeling for them the ways we can grieve this loss, grapple with anger or the fearful emotions that uncertainty causes, we affirm that their reactions make sense in the face of the senseless.
I've left the kids off of the newsletter this week so that I could share candidly with you, but I know that many staff have had conversations with kids about this today in response to their questions. I hope that you'll talk further at home, too, in ways that are appropriate to your kids' knowledge of and response to the news. Here are some resource you may find helpful when speaking to your children about this tragedy if you choose:
Managing Your Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting
Helping Your Child Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting
Going Back to School After a Tragedy
Talking to Children about the Shooting
Additionally, if you have questions about our own school and district's approach to threats or safety concerns, you can review the materials on our district's webpage here.
In closing, remember that you're not alone in supporting your middle schooler. We're here for them (and you) too and it's okay to reach out to a trusted staff member, teacher, counselor, or administrator for more support should you or your child need it. We want every student at Lakeridge Middle School to feel safe, seen, known, happy, proud, and growing. The best way for us to get there is for us to stay in relationship with one another, especially in the face of a world that can be scary and unpredictable.
With care,
Dr. Schultz
8th Grade Families- You're invited!
Here are the details:
8:30AM- School doors open
9:00AM- Students report to class
9:10AM- 8th Grade Procession
9:15AM- 8th Grade Recognition Ceremony in the Main Gym
10:00AM- 8th Grade Celebration trip departure
Vaccine Mandate For Adults During School Day
The state mandates that all adults in schools during the school day be fully vaccinated. School districts may grant exemptions. Three percent of LOSD employees have exemptions; LOSD requires people with exemptions test weekly testing, which we can administer with fidelity for this small group. At this time, we do not have the capacity to track weekly tests for volunteers and guests.
We are making an exception for the one-time, end-of-year ceremonies and accepting exemption requests for unvaccinated adults to attend their child’s ceremony, such as the 8th grade celebration. See below for details.
8th Grade Recognition Ceremony Vaccinations and Exemption Information
We are looking forward to celebrating your child with you at our end-of-year 8th grade recognition ceremony. To ensure that all may participate, LOSD is making an exception for end-of-year ceremonies and accepting exemption requests for unvaccinated adults to attend their child’s ceremony.
For any adult in your family who plans to attend the ceremony and is not vaccinated for COVID-19, please submit an exemption form along with a photo of your negative test to the easterlj@loswego.k12.or.us on 6.7.22. We will not be able to collect exemption forms and tests at the ceremony.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation. We are excited to celebrate together.
Welcome Future 6th Grade Families!
A Note from our District Nurses
Counseling Corner- Character Dare
8th Grade Character Dare: Air Time
Before we next meet, intentionally invite 2 people’s opinions into a conversation. See if you can listen twice as much as you speak (but make sure you share your own idea, too!). What is 1 strategy you can use to invite someone into a conversation? WHat topic would be interesting to get more opinions about?
7th Grade Character Dare: Give and Take
Before we next meet, pick 1 trusted adult and ask them about a time they chose to compromise. Who is a trusted adult you can ask about compromising? What are some follow up questions you could ask this person?
6th Grade Character Dare: A Case For Questions
Before we next meet, ask someone 2 meaningful question that starts with Why, How, or What. What is the question that you want to try out? Why? Whose perspective do you want to learn more about? Why?
Family Character Dare: Start with “I”
Try to resolve some resentment or disagreement today by using the opening, “The story I am telling myself is...” Brenè Brown shares this as a tool for all of us to help focus on our own feelings and actions instead of finger-pointing and blaming. See how much it improves communication and helps you resolve conflict without the other person. For example, “You left in the middle of movie night on Saturday. The story I’m telling myself is that you went to bed early because you didn’t want to spend time with me.”
Request to meet with your counselor
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeA3BW-V4q4MgTfYQlJ61yMNYWV5zozfj6QEtehRNjdxJ6Sew/viewform
If your child ever needs support after school hours, there are many other resources available including the 24-Hour Clackamas County Crisis and Support Line at 503-655-8585 and https://oregonyouthline.org/
Parent Club News
8th Grade Kudoboard!
Dear Lakeridge Middle School Families:
Plans for the 8th Grade celebration, scheduled for Thursday, June 9th, are underway.
To kickoff our celebration season, we are sharing the link to the 8th Grade Kudoboard.
A Kudoboard is a digital group card where families and friends can post notes congratulating our LMS 8th Graders for a job well done. We encourage and invite all of our LMS families and staff members to join us in acknowledging our 8th grade students and wishing them well on the transition to high school.
Here's how to post to the 8th Grade Kudoboard:
- Click here: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/5UToFC7M
- Click on +Add to Board in the upper left of the page
- Write a positive message, add a photo or gif, and click Post
- Your name will appear at the bottom of your post, so students will see who sent each message
The deadline for posting messages on the 8th Grade Kudoboard is Monday June 6th.
Students will receive an email with a link to their 8th Grade Kudoboard during the last week of school.
Questions? Email PTO at lakeridgemiddlepto@gmail.com.
8th Grade Celebration at Oaks Amusement Park! Thursday, June 9
Permission Slip and Payment Due May 27th
Lakeridge Middle School will be celebrating your 8th grader on June 9th with a field trip to Oaks Amusement Park. A permission slip and $22 fee are required to attend the event. The fee includes transportation, rides at Oaks Amusement Park, a Lakeridge High School t-shirt, and lunch. If you need assistance with the fee, please contact 8th grade counselor, Ms. Binder by May 25th.
Click here to submit your student's permission slip. Click here to pay event fees.
Trip FAQ's - Updated Weekly
Trip FAQ's - Updated Weekly
- Oaks Amusement Park will be opening their midway games, arcade and mini golf during the visit. There is a cost to play these games, and they are not included in the price to attend the event. If you choose to send money with your child, click here to see games and pricing. Roller skating is unavailable during the trip.
- Does my child need to bring any money with them? No, they do not. The $22 fee covers transportation, a t-shirt, entrance to the park, rides, and lunch.
- Do I have to pay online? No. Please complete the permission slip online and then drop your payment (checks only, made out to LMS PTO) off at the office in a sealed envelope with your student's name on the front.
- Is this a private event? No. We are expecting other schools to also be enjoying their class trip on the same day.
- What should my student wear? Each student will be given a Lakeridge High School t-shirt on June 9, before getting on the bus to Oaks Amusement Park. They will be required to wear this shirt the entire field trip. We recommend clothing and shoes that will allow them to play comfortably.
- Can I drive my student to or from the park? No. All students must ride the bus to and from the event.
- What if my student has a special dietary need? Pepperoni and cheese pizza, cake, and water will be served. Contact Andrea Serochi at aserochi@outlook.com by May 27 if you require assistance.
- How are you going to keep track of the students during the field trip? Each student will be assigned a chaperone who will ensure that each student is accounted for prior to leaving LMS and Oaks Amusement Park. Volunteers will be positioned at all exit points and roaming the park throughout the field trip. Students will explore the park independently and do not have to stay with their chaperone. All students will be required to attend lunch and check in with their chaperone
- Can my student bring a backpack/jacket/purse/water bottle/snack/cellphone with them? Yes, if necessary, students may bring these items. They are responsible for their own items and assume all liability if they are lost or broken. Bags should not be left unattended within the park and will not be monitored by chaperones.
- Who do I contact if I have questions? Contact Andrea Serochi at aserochi@outlook.com. Please visit the LMS Parent Club webpage for 8th grade celebration information and updates.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Over $3,000 was donated to our 8th grade Oaks Amusement Park trip. All of the donated funds have gone to reducing the price of participation for all students. We couldn't have done this without the generosity of the following organizations and individuals.
Dabney Budden, Mark & Tracy Cahill, Brent & Jessica Steinberg, Amy Nelson, Sara Pocklington, Unitus Community Credit Union, Stephanie Tydeman, Lisa Hidalgo, Teresa Antonis, Brian Madden, Nieland Real Estate and North Star Property Management.
District Information
A Feedback Opportunity for the Future Lake Oswego Middle School
We need your input as we develop designs for the new Lake Oswego Middle School.
This survey will help us to understand how you experience your current school and what elements can best support you in the future. The questions below help us to understand how the new Lake Oswego Middle School can foster a culture of inclusivity, can act as a community hub, and allow for students to engage in deep creative explorations.
Thank you so much for taking the time to participate!
State Assessment Score Reports
This summer, LOSD will deliver students’ state assessment results online through ParentVUE rather than mailing paper. This is in keeping with the district’s strategic goal of sustainability and mirrors how we deliver report cards. Your child’s assessment reports will appear on your ParentVUE Documents page in late July. As you review your student’s English Language Arts, math, and science scores, please keep in mind:
An achievement level of 3 or 4 is considered to be on track for the student’s grade level.
Scores on state assessments are only one measure of a student’s academic progress. We use these scores in conjunction with classroom work and other daily, weekly, monthly, and term assessments to understand your student’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Pacer Dance Team
Pacer Dance Team Pre-Audition Workshops
Tuesday, May 31st 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM - (Incoming 9th Graders) Location - Dance Room
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM - (Current 9th, 10th, and 11th Graders) - Dance Room
Thursday, June 2nd 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM - (Incoming 9th Graders, Current 9th, 10th, 11th)
This Workshop will be held in the Lower Gym
Pacer Dance Team Tryouts
Saturday, June 4th 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (All Students Trying out for the Pacer Dance Team)
Tryouts will be held in the Lakeridge High School Lower Gym
Enrollment Verification- ACTION NEEDED
- Beginning April 29, LOSD needs parents/guardians of all students enrolled for the 2022-23 school year to log into ParentVUE and review/update your students' information through the Register/Verify tab. This benefits both families and schools by:
Ensuring that schools have accurate information to reach parents and other contacts in both emergency and non-emergency situations. Verification is important even if your address or contact information has not changed over the past year because the school may have incorrect information from a previous year.
Confirming parent email addresses for Google Classroom and other applications to participate in your student's learning.
Enabling distribution of key information in the district's K-12 Family Handbook.
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.
Food Service Information
FREE MEALS FOR ALL STUDENTS
This school year (21-22) the Lake Oswego School District will be offering breakfast and lunch meals* at no charge to all students. Breakfast meals will be served in Grab-n-go style as students arrive to school. Our lunch meals will offer healthy tasty entrees, fresh fruits and vegetables with a seasonal rotation of local farm produce and organic products when available.
*one breakfast and one lunch per student per day
For information about Food Services, please visit our web page.
https://www.losdschools.org/domain/57
For information about part-time job opportunities in Food Services, please visit the employment web page:
https://www.applitrack.com/loswego/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Food+Services
Routine and Repeated Reminders
Registration for New Students
Special Edition Message for Current 5th Graders
Opportunities to join our team!
Have you ever thought about working here at Lakeridge Middle School? We have positions now posted that might be a good fit for you! Join our team!
Daily Announcements
Want to see what's scrolling on our electronic signage right now? You can see it live here.
Connections and Supports
Administration
Parent Organization
SafeOregon Incident Reporting
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.)
In addition, Our district has additional reporting forms. These are for parents or students to use to report issues related to racism, bias, or harassment incidents. These forms are on the district website and school websites:
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