The Current
LOSD News • September 11, 2020
In this Message:
Message from the Superintendent
Support for All Touched By Heartbreaking News
Bullying is Never Okay
Schools Closed Due to Wildfires
Status of Zoom Incidents
Need LOSD Gmail to Access Zoom Classrooms
Tech Issues? Please Submit a Help Request
Technology Protection Payment Methods
School Board Meeting
DEI Advisory Committee Meeting
SSPAC Meeting
Free Meals for All Children
Hunger Fighters New Hours
High School Sports and Conditioning Starting
Verify Student Info Before Returning to School
Regular Reminders:
- 3 Ws: Watch Distance, Wear Mask, Wash Hands
- Childcare Providers in Clackamas County
- Local Testing Sites for Covid-19
- Clackamas County Go Teams
- Safe Oregon
- Get Social with LOSD
- Subscribe to Lake Oswego Schools App
Message from the Superintendent
When I said this would be a start of school unlike any other, no one could have anticipated the magnitude of that statement. You know it’s been a momentous week when the most “normal” thing about it is students and teachers attending class over their computers from their homes and empty classrooms. I have heard phenomenal feedback about the positive experiences of students and staff, and that has been a true bright spot this week. I want to acknowledge our teachers and staff and the time and dedication they put in to making the start of school a hopeful experience, and to express appreciation for our families recognizing that, while not ideal, everyone is making the best of the circumstances.
I wish we could stay in this feeling of gratitude, but this week has also been marked by grief, concern, disgust and uncertainty. Our anxious anticipation for the first day of school was blanked by the tragic loss and serious condition of two of our students. I am grateful for our staff and families who are caring for all who are impacted by this heartbreaking event, and my thoughts remain with these families.
While a vast majority of our students and staff experienced positive connections, a couple yet disturbing incidents disrupted the learning sessions and had us take stronger measures to make our virtual classrooms safe. Taking preventative measures is a protective act.
With the end of the week coming to an abrupt close, I also want to express my deep concern for all who are being impacted by the wildfires. While Lake Oswego is watching anxiously, many in our district are evacuating their homes and/or helping loved ones who are. We canceled school today to help bring focus on what matters most -- family, neighbors, community. Like you, we are monitoring the situation, and will keep you informed about the coming days of school. Please keep those dear to you in your hearts and extend empathy and kindness to all. We all need each other's support more than ever.
Support for All Touched By Heartbreaking News
As you may know, two of our Lakeridge High School students in the junior class were in a car collision on Sunday, Sept. 6. Nick King died and Christian Mei is in critical condition. Our condolences to all who have been touched by this tragedy.
We are stunned and heartbroken, and share in the sorrow of our community. School counseling support continues to be available for all students and families in our community to access. Additionally, the resources about grief posted on losdschools.org are really helpful, and the Clackamas County Crisis Support Line at 503-655-8585 is available all hours, every day.
Anyone who feels inclined is encouraged to write letters to share their memories and thoughts, process their emotions, and offer condolences to Nick’s family or write letters of encouragement and healing for Christian. If you would like to write a letter, you can mail it to Lakeridge High School: 1235 Overlook Dr, Lake Oswego, OR 97034. The letters will be delivered when the time is right.
Bullying is Never Okay
“We don’t have to agree on anything to be kind to one another.” Unknown.
It has been brought to our attention several social media posts created to target our students for their beliefs, private actions and parents' professions. While we may not always agree with each other, it is never acceptable to harm, intimidate, or coerce anyone. LOSD is taking these reports of bullying very seriously, and doing all that we can to investigate and resolve the concerns.
Much of these social media incidents happen outside of school, and we need the assistance of parents and guardians in actively monitoring your child’s online activity, in particular with social media. We also need all adults' help in setting an example of civil discourse, respect and kindness. Children are watching us, and emulating what they see and hear.
If you see or hear something, please report it to your school principal or an administrator in the district office. We do take action, and we do work to remedy it because part of our mission is to create a culture of belonging, which requires all in our learning community feel safe, respected and valued.
Schools Closed Due to Wildfires
Due to changing wildfire conditions, the need for a growing number of staff members to evacuate or prepare for evacuation, and hazardous air quality, all LOSD schools are closed today, Sept. 11.
Please continue to stay connected for reliable updates. Clackamas County Wildfire Evacuation Zones website posts updates regularly.
Thank you for your understanding and for being flexible under, yet again, new and challenging circumstances. Most importantly, we encourage our students and families to stay safe.
Status of Zoom Incidents
Incidents of racial slurs and profane language in the chat features of Google Classroom and Zoom occurred during two of our secondary-level classes on Tuesday. LOSD has zero tolerance for this behavior, and has taken immediate action.
In both incidents, principals notified parents and guardians and teachers addressed their classes. They are working with students to establish acceptable class norms and online etiquette in our new school environment.
An investigation is still underway for one incident. Interviews and computer forensics have confirmed a computer hack and LOSD has engaged law enforcement as this is a crime.
Because the second incident was the result of unknown people entering the Zoom session, LOSD has also made immediate changes in Zoom and Google Classroom accessibility.
Need LOSD Gmail to Access Zoom Classrooms
Due to unauthorized people entering Zoom and Google Hangout classes, LOSD has implement a new practices to ensure the safety and accountability of our students and staff. Effective immediately, students will need to use their school-issued Gmail accounts (ending with @loswego.k12.or.us) to be admitted into online classrooms.
For those students who are not having any issues with getting to Zoom meetings, they can disregard these instructions. For those who are having problems or have not associated their email account with Zoom, please follow the steps in this attachment or if that does not work, please follow the steps on this link: bit.ly/studentzooms
If neither of these options work, please fill out a tech support work order ticket at https://losdhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us
Additionally, teachers will be following these measures with their classes:
Teachers will admit one student at a time, cross referencing students’ full names on the class roster (will not admit all).
If the teacher is unsure of a student in the waiting room, the teacher will message them in the waiting room and ask that they have their full name on their account so that they can check them on their class roster.
Once admitted, students must keep their full names visible.
If a student needs to leave the classroom temporarily (for example, a restroom break), they need to turn off their camera. When the camera is off, what should appear is either their full name or an appropriate current face photo, such as a recent school picture, of themselves for their Google account.
It may take a few times to get used to these new steps, but they are in place to help keep our classes safer for students and staff moving forward.
Tech Issues? Please Submit a Help Request
Tech Support Ticket
A majority of tech concerns can be resolved by submitting a Tech Support ticket . The link -- https://losdhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us -- is on all school and district homepages for easy access to help with passwords, log-ins, hardware fixes, etc. This is the most efficient way to get your tech issues resolved quickly.
Internet Access
If you do not have internet access, please email john.parke@loswego.12.or.us to request a hot spot.
Tech Information Sessions
LOSD hosted two Tech Information Sessions covering the “how tos'' for getting started with distance learning. The session recordings and presentations are posted on the district site under Resources/Tech Support for Families.
Google Classroom Guardianship
By now all parents and guardians should have received an email requesting you to accept guardianship of your student's Google Classroom. If you need assistance with this request, please submit a request through the Tech Support button. Note: accepting guardianship simply gives you the option of selecting how often you would like to receive summaries (weekly, daily, or no summary) of your student's Google Classroom activity. Only student accounts have access to Google Classroom.
Technology Protection Payment Methods
If you have decided to insure your device, please see the following methods of payment:
Online payment through community schools
https://www.onlineregistrationcenter.com/register/207-6753
Check: Please put your child’s name and school in the memo area of the check and mail to:
LOSD Office c/o: Kim Wagner
2455 Country Club Road, PO Box 70
Lake Oswego, OR 90734
Fee Waiver: https://www.losdschools.org/domain/1838 mail to:
LOSD Office c/o: Kim Wagner
2455 Country Club Road, PO Box 70
Lake Oswego, OR 90734
Payment is due by October 1, 2020, to insure your child’s device.
Free Meals for All Children
LOSD is providing free packaged breakfasts and lunches for all children who wish to participate in our Grab & Go meal service. New flexibility from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) enables LOSD to provide free meals to all children ages 1 to 18, even if the children are not enrolled in LOSD, now through the end of December 2020.
Breakfast and lunch meals can be picked up on Mondays and Wednesdays at the following locations:
Lake Grove Elementary, 11 a.m. - 12 pm.
River Grove Elementary, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Lake Oswego High School, 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Lakeridge High School, 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Meals should be picked up at the school site located closest to you. Children may participate in one or both days of the week; they may pick up 2 days of meals on Mondays and 3 days of meals on Wednesdays. Face coverings are required at pickups.
Hunger Fighters Food Pantry - Pickup or Delivery! Saturday Only Hours
Hunger Fighters, located on the Lake Oswego High School campus, is continuing to serve clients in two ways. Clients are welcome to visit the pantry once a week on Saturdays ONLY between 1-3 p.m. to pick up pre-packed grocery bags, or Lake Oswego clients who are homebound, immunocompromised, and/or at-risk can sign up for grocery delivery.
NEW! ALL clients, including delivery clients, will be provided with perishables such as fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, eggs, meat, and/or dairy as available. Additionally, Hunger Fighters is providing masks to all clients who need one - just stop by and ask on a Saturday!
Delivery requests must be submitted by Thursday to receive a delivery of groceries on Saturday. Delivery clients must be home to receive the delivery of perishables. Visit www.hungerfightersoregon.org to submit a request and for more information on the delivery program.
School Board Meeting
Board of Directors Meeting
Monday, Sept. 14
Contract Review: 4:00 p.m. - 4:10 p.m.
Regular Session: approximately 4:10 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Please click here for the agenda and meeting materials.
You can observe the meeting and listen to the discussion remotely in the same way you can with other board meetings. Simply click on the "View Live" link on losdschools.org. You can watch the meeting live or a recording afterwards.
Procedures for providing public testimony: The Board of Education values public input. If you wish to comment on an agenda item or another item not on the agenda, please submit your comments by 12:00 noon on Monday, September 14, 2020 by emailing losdschoolboard@loswego.k12.or.us. IMPORTANT: Please type "9/14/20 Testimony" in the subject line and include your full name in the body of the email. Names of patrons providing input will be read during the meeting and their written testimony will be posted online under the agenda item for which their testimony pertains to. All non-agenda item testimony will be posted online under agenda item 2.0. For testimony received after the 12:00 noon deadline, names of patrons will not be read during the meeting, however, their testimony will be posted online at the conclusion of the meeting in accordance with the aforementioned procedures.
DEI Advisory Committee Meeting
Tuesday, Sept. 15
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Details on how to access this meeting will be posted on the district calendar.
SSPAC Meeting
Thursday, Sept. 17
6-8 p.m.
Details on how to access this meeting will be posted on the district calendar.
High School Sports and Conditioning May Begin
LOSD high school sports and conditioning in OSAA season 1 (Aug. 31-Dec. 27) may begin starting Monday, Sept. 14. The improving Clackamas County health metrics and support from our insurers informed the decision. Athletic Directors and coaches will be reaching out to student athletes about program details and next steps.
In LOSD, Clackamas County health metrics for three or more consecutive weeks need to remain at or below 5% test positivity rates, and at or under 35 cases per 100,000 to participate in outdoor activity, and 30 cases per 100,000 for indoor activity. The OHA has provided detailed guidance for the reopening of high school sports during season 1 that specifies what teams can and cannot do to provide all necessary safety protocols. Utilizing this guidance, LOSD will allow our student athletes to participate while also successfully completing their academic work during distance learning.
Verify Student Info Before Returning to School
LOSD thanks all the parents who have already verified their students' information for the 2020-21 school year. If you haven't done so yet, please 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 contact information has not changed over the past year because the school may have incorrect information from a previous year.
- Allowing parents to review the health conditions on file at your student's school.
- Enabling distribution of electronic devices covered by the district's Technology Agreement
The verification window closes September 18, 2020.
3 Ws: Watch Distance, Wear Mask, Wash Hands
Local Testing Sites for Covid-19
For testing Covid-19 sites in our area, please click on the county:
Washington County COVID-19 Testing Sites
Multnomah County COVID-19 Testing Sites
Oregon Health Authority has also released a webpage that allows users to put in their address or zip code to find the nearest testing site. Click here to find a testing site near you
Childcare Providers in Clackamas County
Clackamas County currently has 76 childcare providers who have openings for child care. 211 is the first point of contact if parents are interested in reaching out about child care options in the area. Parents will need to have the following information ready when working with 211.
- parent first name and last name
- child’s DOB and first name
- address to search for care (near home or work)
- email address to send referrals
- any childcare requests
- days/times needed
Parents can reach 211 in the following ways:
- Calling 211 1-866-698-6155 - Listen to the prompt for child care and press the specified number
- Texting the keyword “children” or “niños” to 898211 (TXT211)
- Emailing children@211info.org
- Click here to visit the website
Clackamas CCRR can support parents if they aren't able to connect with 211. CCRR can be reached at (503) 675-4100 or via e-mail at ccrr@clackesd.org.
Tutoring Resources
Are you looking for someone to tutor your students? Many people, including students, reach out to LOSD offering assistance. Each year LOSD updates its list of approved tutors. Click here to access that list.
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.)
Get Social: Follow, Share, Engage
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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
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