The Current
LOSD News • April 30, 2021
In this Message:
Message from the Superintendent
National Teacher Appreciation Week
School Bus Drive Day
Next Superintendent Named
Meet the New Superintendent
New Lake Oswego High School Principal
Tell Us Your Intentions for Next Year
Kindergarten Registration Due Today
Please Verify Your Student's Information
Summer Program Update
Bond Accountability Committee Meeting
LOSD CARES Virtual Workshop
Drive-thru Vaccine Clinics
Clackamas County Free Testing Resources
Equity Summit: Save the Date
Teen Lounge Open House
Regular Reminders:
- Get Social: Follow, Share, Engage @wearelosd
- What's New at Community School
- Subscribe to Lake Oswego Schools App
- Back-to-School Clothes at Clothing Closet
- COVID-19 Vaccine Information
- 3 Ws: Watch Distance, Wear Mask, Wash Hands
- Safe Oregon
Message from the Superintendent
We are rounding the corner to just about six weeks of school left for this wild, pandemic school year. Over the next several weeks, Dr. Jennifer Schiele and I will be working with the district team to plan for the wrap up of this year and a successful 2021-22 school year with five full days.
At Monday’s board meeting we discussed a few points that we continue to receive questions about. We hope that the outline below helps to build understanding.
Why can’t we have hybrid on Wednesdays?
The memorandum of understanding (MOU), a legal document bargained in good faith which expires June 30, names Wednesdays as multi-synchronous days. Nothing in the Oregon Department of Education’s guidance Ready Schools, Safe Learners (RSSL) stops LOSD from reinstating Wednesdays as normal school days.
Why can’t we have 5 full days now?
The MOU was created for hybrid which is what RSSL said we should plan for this year. Even if we could, at this point, we can’t mix cohorts, especially with the case numbers we have and our county being in the extreme risk category. Per RSSL, when county trends are increasing, which ours are, we are to pause expansion of additional in-person learning and maintain access to current in-person learning for schools that have it in place.
What about 3 feet?
The MOU follows RSSL, which states that middle and high schools, when at a county case rate is 200 or higher, must support physical distancing in all daily activities and instruction by maintaining at least 6 feet of distance between students to the maximum extent possible. Since our county surpassed that threshold in early April and case counts continue to rise, our district will remain at 6 feet.
What about the Wednesday Workshops in-person?
We have been reaching out to community and private partners to provide experiential opportunities in-person on Wednesdays. These range from movement and theatre camp to tutoring. Now that we are in the extreme risk category, there may be implications for pulling this off.
How are we going to have 5 full days in the fall if we can’t now?
After June 30 we will revert to the previous negotiated contract. We are planning for staffing, student rosters, school and classroom space, lunch schedules, all classes in-person with an online component for those who prefer it.
The entire district team and I are committed to five full days next year and we are confident we can make it happen.
National Teacher Appreciation Week
Please click here for a video message from Dr. Lora de la Cruz and Dr. Jennifer Schiele to our beloved teachers and staff.
School Bus Drive Day
Next Superintendent Named
Dr. Jennifer Schiele has been named the next superintendent of LOSD. The board unanimously appointed Dr. Schiele for the top position after discussing succession planning with current superintendent Dr. de la Cruz. As assistant superintendent, Dr. Schiele has worked side by side with Dr. de la Cruz in developing the strategic and operational plans for the district that will span the next several years.
“During this critical juncture in public education for our state and nation, our district needs the continuity in leadership, depth of knowledge, and trusted relationships that Dr. Schiele provides,” said Sara Pocklington, chair, Lake Oswego School Board. “The board has worked with Dr. Schiele on several key initiatives, and we have the utmost confidence in her leadership, qualifications and character. Dr. Schiele embodies the student-centered approach and relationships with our learning community essential to implement our strategic priorities and return our district to five full days of school.”
Serving students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade as the assistant superintendent for the past three years, Dr. Schiele has been responsible for curriculum and instructional program development and technology integration. She has brought focus and direction to social emotional support and instruction and has continuously advocated for teaching and learning excellence with a dedication to achieving equitable academic outcomes.
Dr. Schiele joined LOSD in 2003 as a counselor at Waluga Junior High. She has since held both assistant principal and principal positions at Waluga Junior High and Lakeridge High School. Under her leadership, Lakeridge High School skyrocketed in growth, achievement and graduation rates. She championed programs and practices to effectively serve our students, particularly those who have been historically marginalized for their learning differences, race and ethnicity, identity, and housing and food insecurity.
Before joining LOSD, Schiele was a school guidance counselor for Ladue School District in Ladue, Mo., for two years. She began her career as a guidance counselor and math teacher for the Kansas City School District in 1997.
Schiele holds a doctorate degree in education leadership and administration from Lewis & Clark College, a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Kansas and a bachelor’s degree in education from Iowa State University.
Dr. Schiele, known as Jenn by her family and coworkers, is the youngest of nine children who all remain extremely close even while living around the country. She and her husband and two children are passionate about the arts, academics and athletics.
Dr. Schiele has been poised to succeed Superintendent Dr. Lora de la Cruz, who announced she is resigning to take care of her mother. De la Cruz will remain in her position through June 30, 2021, and Schiele will officially begin in her new role on July 1, 2021. Dr. Schiele has worked with four superintendents during her tenure with LOSD.
Meet the New Superintendent
Dr. Jennifer Schiele wants to hear from you. Parents and guardians are invited to join her at a listening session to get to know you and hear your perspective on any topic you’d like to share. Each session is dedicated to a specific school level.
Elementary School
Tuesday, May 4
5-6 p.m.
https://loswego-k12-or-us.zoom.us/j/84026001506
Middle School
Wednesday, May 5
5:30-6:30 p.m.
https://loswego-k12-or-us.zoom.us/j/88638134242
High School
Thursday, May 6
5-6 p.m.
New Lake Oswego High School Principal
Kristen Colyer has been hired as principal for Lake Oswego High School. Kristen is currently serving as the assistant principal for Lakeridge High School. She will transition to her new post starting July 1, 2021.
Growing strong relationships with students, teachers, staff and families is Kristen’s signature. Her approach is always student-centered and her management style is shared leadership as she works collaboratively to support needs, pursue interests and develop passions.
Kristen brings with her to Lake Oswego High School 25 years of experience in education both at the administrative and teaching levels. She has served as assistant principal at Lakeridge since 2018, after serving in the North Clackamas School District. She holds a Master of Arts in Education Administration from University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from University of Portland.
Kristen replaces Rollin Dickinson, who is moving to California to be closer to family and serve as principal of his high school alma mater.
Please join us in thanking Kristen for all that she has done for the Lakeridge High School community, and welcoming her in the new position at Lake Oswego High School.
Tell Us Your Intentions for Next School Year
LOSD is planning for in-person five full days a week for the 2021-22 school year.
As part of that plan, LOSD is exploring offering an online-only program for students who choose to remain fully remote for the 2021-22 school year. This offering will be different than LO Online. Next year's online program model will be dependent on interest in being remote.
We understand there are many unknowns at this time. Based on what you know now, please answer the questions in this survey to help LOSD in our planning. Please complete one survey for each student in your care by Friday, May 7. Thank you.
Kindergarten Registration Deadline Today
Register your student for kindergarten for the 2021-22 school year by TODAY, Friday, Apr. 30
In the event that kindergarten enrollment requires a lottery due to over-capacity at any school, incoming kindergarten students must be registered by April 30, 2021, to be included in the tiered priority process. Please click here for Kindergarten lottery details
Please Verify Your Student's Information
- 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 and Technology Agreement.
Summer Program Update
LOSD is solidifying plans for our robust summer program. Following are more details updates on what you may expect from our summer program, including:
Academic support for students rising to grades 1-5 with unfinished learning as determined by diagnostic assessments; students rising to grades 6 -8 needing math and literacy instructional boosts; and students rising to grades 10-12 needing credit recovery towards graduation. In-person classes will be offered five days a week, July 12-30, from 8-11:30 a.m. High school credit recovery classes will be offered, some in-person and some online. Families will be notified by principals with program specifics.
Kindergarten Transition to support our youngest students in acclimating to school before entering kindergarten in the fall. Kindergarten Boost is a two-week program, offered July 26-29 and August 2-5, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. You can register with LOSD's Community School by clicking here.
Enrichment classes and camps for all students to create connections and experience something fun and new; these experiences will be offered in the afternoons of the academic program, as well as throughout the summer. In-person offerings are in development, and will be posted once we know what can be done with current and anticipated county risk-level requirements. If you prefer, you may register for online classes now through LOSD's Community School.
Emergency Childcare for school-aged children who need adult supervision during the summer months; this program is guided by state and county regulations for childcare during the pandemic until further notice.
We will be able to offer for free the academic program and will supplement the cost of the enrichment programs through the new Oregon Department of Education’s Summer Enrichment Grant.
LOSD’s Community School and educational leadership will be running the summer programs. LOSD has hired Jackie Clee to serve as Director of Community School while Vanessa Davalos is out on parent leave. Additionally, LOSD has hired Brittanie Bates as principal for Grades K-5 and will be hiring a principal for Grades 6-12 summer academic programs; we anticipate announcing this position by the end of next week. These principals and Jackie will be working together to support students participating in multiple summer program offerings.
Bond Accountability Meeting
All are welcome to observe the meeting.
Thursday, May 6
4-6 p.m.
Please see the district calendar for information to access this meeting.
LOSD CARES Virtual Workshop
Wednesday, May 12
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Drive-thru Vaccine Clinics
All Oregonians over age 16 are now eligible to get the vaccine. People ages 16-17 must get the Pfizer vaccine. People over 18 can get either Pfizer or Moderna. You do not need to show identification, a social security number or proof of insurance if you do not have it. Following are some of the drive-thru vaccine clinics open to all Oregon residents:
Marion County Fairgrounds, hosted by Salem Health
https://salemhealth.org/covid-19/covid-vaccine
PDX Airport Red Lot and Hillsboro Stadium, hosted by OHSU
https://www.ohsu.edu/health/covid-19-vaccines-information-and-appointments
Appointments become available regularly. Keep checking back and/or refreshing the page for openings.
Lake Oswego Equity Summit: Save the Date
Join us in our first virtual Equity Summit: A Spirit of Unity. All are welcome to participate and registration will be available in May.
Saturday, May 15
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
This Equity Summit is being planned by the Lake Oswego School District, the City of Lake Oswego, the Chamber of Commerce, Respond to Racism and LO for Love. Together we will take another step forward in ensuring equitable access, inclusion and opportunity for all our community members.
For questions, please contact Teresa Sanchez at sanchezt@loswego.k12.or.us or Megan Phelan at mphelan@ci.oswego.or.us.
The Teen Lounge Open House
Join the LO Teen Lounge for a meet & greet for incoming 6th graders! We will be hosting both a virtual and an in-person tour of the Lounge, as well as offering summer drop-in hours for incoming grades 6-12.
Virtual: Friday, May 14; 5-6pm: Hear all about the Teen Lounge and take a virtual tour! To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAuduqrrD0iHNPcVis7DddIH39qt5iQD-O7
In Person: Friday, May 21; 4-7pm: This is open to all students, and it is the first opportunity for current 5th graders to see and visit the Teen Lounge. Parents are also invited, and will have opportunities to talk to staff about all of LOPR’s teen programming opportunities.
The LO Teen Lounge is located at 1060 Chandler Rd., Lake Oswego. Learn More at www.LOTeenScene.org. Any questions, please contact Jordan Morales at 503-534-5434 or teenprograms@lakeoswego.city
Get Social: Follow, Share, Engage @wearelosd
Subscribe to Lake Oswego Schools App
Back-to-School Clothes at Clothing Closet
Open Saturdays
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Visit https://www.ilovelakeoswego.com for more information.
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.
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.)
3 Ws: Watch Distance, Wear Mask, Wash Hands
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