The Current
LOSD News • September 17, 2021
In this Message:
Message from the Superintendent
COVID-19 Information
- How to Find LOSD COVID-19 Information
- Coming Next Week: Screening Testing Enrollment and Information Session
- Stay Home When Feeling Ill
- LOSD Adding HEPA Filters in Classrooms
- Reminder: Volunteer Vaccinations Required
Elementary Strings is Back!
Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month
Suicide, Let's Talk About It
Info About Upcoming LOSD School Bond
Last Day to Verify Student Info
Student Services Parent Advisory Committee Meeting
Reporting Incidents at School
School Routes Are Everywhere -- Drive Like It!
Community News
- Pacer Youth Basketball Season
- Lifeguards Needed
- Screening of Connecting the Dots
- Vaccination Sites Near Us
- What's New at Community School
- Hunger Fighters
- Clothing Closet
- Safe Oregon
- Get Social with LOSD
- Subscribe to Lake Oswego Schools App
Message from the Superintendent
Week three has been another wonderful one for our students and staff, and I continue to cherish being back together in person. Concerns of COVID-19 continue to loom and I am really proud that our community has committed to the protocols in our schools and is taking personal responsibility to ensure we can keep coming to class.
Unfortunately, our bus service challenges continue to keep me up at night. We are evaluating a number of different strategies to improve this essential service for our students. Strategies include reducing the number of stops to expedite route turnaround times; adjusting arrival and dismissal times for buses to balance drivers across the system; implementing an electronic tracking system to log riders more efficiently; and possibly paying parents to drive students to school to reduce capacity on our buses. None of these are ideal, but we know we cannot keep going the way we have it. Know that we are continuing to work on the problem. Any strategy we implement will be incremental progress, but we are committed to moving in the right direction.
Kindness is what is keeping me going. This week I asked my team to share something nice that someone had done for them. Their stories were inspiring. I encourage everyone to reach out to someone who may need extra encouragement. Being back in school means we are all doing new and often times hard things. Thank you for supporting each other.
How to Find LOSD COVID-19 Information
We have made all of our COVID-19 information easier to find on our district and school websites. Look for the new LOSD COVID-19 Information graphic (above) and find information about guidance, protocols, notifications and more.
Coming Next Week: Screening Testing Enrollment and Information Session
The COVID-19 screening testing program with Oregon Health & Science University is starting with elementary students by the end of the month. All testing is voluntary and requires active permission.
Be on the lookout early next week for an email with details about the screening testing program. Included will be enrollment forms for parents-guardians to complete and submit by Friday, Sept. 24. Meeting this enrollment deadline will be required to participate in the program.
Additionally, mark your calendar for an Information Session About Screening Testing. Our program partners from OHSU will talk through program details and answer questions from participants.
Thursday, Sept. 23
5-6 p.m.
Zoom: https://loswego-k12-or-us.zoom.us/j/85661921714
Session will be recorded and shared.
Stay Home When Feeling Ill
Staying home when there are symptoms of illness is essential to minimizing exposure in schools and reducing the spread of communicable diseases, including COVID-19. If you answer YES to any of the following questions, your student may not go to school. Please report to the school that your student will be absent, and include any illness symptoms.
Does your student or someone in the home have the main symptoms of COVID-19?
- Fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- Chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- New loss of taste or smell
Does your student have other illness symptoms that may exclude them from school?
- Diarrhea
- Eyes that are red with yellow or brown drainage
- Headache with a stiff neck or fever (or with recent head injury)
- Jaundice (new yellow color in eyes or skin)
- Rash or open sores
- Vomiting
On the COVID-19 Information website are two flyers with more information: Please Keep Ill Students Out of School and Ready!Set!Go! Daily Home Screening for Students. These flyers also outline when students may be allowed to return to school.
LOSD Adding HEPA Filters in Classrooms
The School Board approved the purchase and installation of HEPA filter systems in classrooms.
LOSD engaged mechanical engineers to study of how air moved around our classrooms and agreed that HEPA units will provide an added layer of protection on top of all of the other air flow and filtration measures in place. Location and type of the additional HEPA units will be based on the type of unit currently serving the room.
Installing HEPA filters is intended to alleviate concerns in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and help reduce the spread of pathogens, pollens, smoke, and more. With cooler temperatures coming, the new HEPA units will help to modulate the mechanical systems to keep windows only partially opened and will make classrooms more comfortable.
Reminder: Volunteer Vaccinations Required
All school personnel, contractors, and volunteers in K-12 schools are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 18. As with state employees and healthcare workers - religious and medical/disability related exceptions apply.
LOSD employees and volunteers will need to show proof of vaccination to your school secretary.
Proof of Vaccination=Documentation provided by a tribal, federal, state or local government, or a health care provider, that includes an individual’s name, date of birth, type of COVID-19 vaccination given, date or dates given, depending on whether it is a one-dose or two-dose vaccine, and the name/location of the health care provider or site where the vaccine was administered. Documentation may include, but is not limited to, COVID-19 vaccination record card, a photocopy, digital picture, or patient portal.
Elementary Strings is Back!
Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month
Hispanic and Latinx Heritage month is celebrated September 15 - October 15. To kick off the month, President of the Student Latinx Club Talya Clopton read the Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month Resolution at the School Board meeting Monday.
As part of the month long celebration, LOSD Spanish teachers Teresa Sánchez and Julie Pacheco-Toye are hosting an evening full of fun and cultural learning for adults in our learning community. Each week, Ms. Sanchez and Ms. Pacheco-Toye will teach a beginners Spanish lesson followed by a Flamenco and Salsa dance. All adults in our learning community are invited to participate in this opportunity to immerse in the Spanish language and culture!
Space is limited, click here to register today!
- Lesson 1: Thursday, Sept. 23 (6-8 p.m. @ Lakeridge Junior High School Commons)
- Lesson 2: Thursday, Sept. 30 (6--8 pm @ Lakeridge Junior High School Commons)
- Lesson 3: Thursday Oct. 7 (6--8 pm @ Lakeridge Junior High School Commons)
Wearing masks and maintaining distance will be required.
Suicide, Let's Talk About It
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. You don’t have to be an expert to make a difference. Everyone can play a role in suicide prevention in our community. Staying connected, being a good listener, and having meaningful conversations is something we can all do. If you notice someone who might be struggling - start a conversation. Asking, "Are you okay?" can open a dialogue. And, if all is well, that person will know you’re someone who cares enough to ask. Together we can offer help... and hope.
There are a number of ways to get help. In LOSD, our school counselors, social workers and psychologists are here for our students and families. Please call your school if you need to talk with someone. Additionally, there are many local and national resources available at all hours of the day:
- Clackamas County Crisis Line: 503-655-8585
- Youth Crisis Line: Call 1-877-968-8491 or text TEEN2TEEN to 839863
- Senior Loneliness Line: 503-200-1633
- Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 press #1
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- The Trevor Project Suicide Prevention Lifeline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning young people ages 13 to 24 years: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (1-866-488-7386)
- Trans Lifeline’s Peer Support Hotline: 877-565-8860
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Info About Upcoming LOSD School Bond
LOSD is on track to complete all capital projects promised in its 2017 bond measure -- on time and on budget. Now, LOSD is turning its focus to the necessary work of a second bond.
LOSD School Bond Measure 3-577 on the upcoming November ballot proposes projects for a second phase in the planned three-part construction and capital improvement program. Click here to find information on the district website about the school bond. Included is a list of proposed projects for each school.
Last Day to Verify Student Info
Today is the last day for parents-guardians of all students enrolled for the 2021-22 school year to log into ParentVUE and review/update your students' information through 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, refer to the user guide on the LOSD website or contact your student's school.
SSPAC Meeting
Thursday, Sept. 23
6-8 p.m.
Reporting Incidents at School
LOSD Incident Reports are for students and adults to report incidents that occur in school. Incidents may be microaggressions, harassment or discrimination related to race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other aspect of identity. The following incident reports by school level can be accessed on the district and school websites under Resources, and through QR codes on posters at schools.
Incidents may also be reported to an administrator, a trusted staff member, or anonymously to SafeOregon.com.
School Routes Are Everywhere -- Drive Like It!
Check out this video for more information on back to school safety.
Pacer Youth Basketball Season
Registration is open for all players who are trying out for a team. Registration can be completed via this Team Snap registration page. There is a $30 tryout fee that includes free clinics (optional); dates are listed below.
Players should plan to attend at least one of the two days of tryouts:
October 9-10
Lakeridge High School Gymnasium
Pre-tryout optional clinics
Girls: September 28 and 30, October 5 and 7
Boys: September 27 and 29, October 4 and 6
All clinics are 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Lakeridge High School Gymnasium
Parent Information Night
Parent Information Night is Tuesday, Sept. 21 via Zoom. See email for details.
Screening of Connecting the Dots
Harmony Academy is hosting a special screening of the documentary Connecting the Dots from award-winning director Noemi Weis. It's the first documentary of its kind that takes on the subject of mental health through the voices of young people around the world.
Friday, Sept. 24
7 p.m.
The screening is followed by a Panel Discussion with Newport Healthcare Alumni and Harmony Academy Students. Masks are required. Parking is $10.
Lifeguards Needed
Vaccination Sites Near Us
All three COVID-19 vaccines are available at the following locations in Lake Oswego:
Lake Oswego Fire Department Station 214 (300 B Ave.) - email lgordon@ci.oswego.or.us for an appointment. First/second shots only.
Northwest Medical Clinic (9 Centerpointe Dr. A) - call (503) 352-5410
Check with our local pharmacies; walk-in and appointments available
Please click here to find additional vaccination sites near you.
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.
Hunger Fighters
Back to School Clothes at Clothing Closet
Open Saturdays
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Visit https://www.ilovelakeoswego.com for more information.
SafeOregon
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.)
Get Social: Follow, Share, Engage
Subscribe to Lake Oswego Schools App
Stay connected to the district and your school(s) and receive urgent notifications by subscribing to the Lake Oswego Schools App.
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/weareLOSD
Twitter: @weareLOSD
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