Lightning Newsflash
Lakeridge Middle School's weekly newsletter.
May 31st, 2023
Celebrating our 8th Graders!
8th Grade Celebration Details
We are eager to celebrate our 8th graders' completion of middle school and will continue our tradition of having a special ceremony for 8th graders and their families followed by a fun field trip organized by our PTO in the final week of school.
On June 7th, 8th grade parents are invited to a special recognition ceremony for our 8th graders first thing in the morning. When your child reports to class, you can find a seat in the main gym bleachers for the ceremony. It'll be a brief but memorable occasion for us to gather and recognize this important milestone in your students' academic career. We'll have musical performances, special readings, and messages of recognition and congratulations from Dr. Schultz and the LHS administration.
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
*When 8th graders return at the end of the day (between 3:30 and 4PM), they'll be dismissed for the afternoon. Bus riders are welcome to remain until the rest of the school is dismissed at the regular time (4PM) to ride the bus home.
**Remember that Thursday (6/10), Friday (6/11), and Monday (6/12) are still regular school days for all LMS students including 8th graders.
End of Year Concerts and Events
It's a busy season here at LMS as we celebrate the close of the school year with end of year concerts, ceremonies, field trips, and events. Here are a few of those events that we hope you have on your calendar so we can celebrate together:
- Friday, June 2 we have "Coffee with Kurt" from 845-9:15 for any interested parent or community member on the covered play
- Orchestra concert June 6
- 8th Grade Celebration and Trip, June 7
- Band concert June 7
- End of Year Theatre Awards June 9
- Formal Awards Ceremony for students/staff and yearbook signing on June 12 (Noon dismissal)
Details about these events can be found from event organizers or by calling our school office.
Coffee with Kurt
Current and future LMS parents and guardians are invited to connect with me at our upcoming informal "Coffee with Kurt" session under the covered play on June 2 at 8:45AM-9:15AM. No agenda, just a cup of coffee and a chance to connect. Stop in after drop off and say hi! We'd love to see you there.
Student Life Updates
Locker Clean-Out
The year is coming to a close and so is the need to bring heavy coats to school. June 1st and 2nd will be locker clean-out. Students will be called to their lockers alphabetically to empty their belongings from their lockers starting Thursday, June 1. Students can start bringing items home now, and should bring an empty bag to school to carry anything home. Please contact the office if your student has a specific need for their locker through June 9: anoushia@loswego.k12.or.us
Registration Verification- ACTION ITEM
Beginning April 28, LOSD needs parents/guardians of all students enrolled for the 2023-24 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.
Last Day of School Details
All LMS students (grades 6-8) have school each day through June 12th. The last day of school will have a special, early dismissal schedule. Nonetheless, it's a day your child won't want to miss. We start the day in advisory for attendance and then head to our final all school assembly where we'll honor many students for year long awards including Certificates of Accomplishment, Certificates of Achievement, Presidential Awards, Super Students, and more! While we don't have capacity to invite parents to this event, it is an important tradition for our school community and features performances by our band, orchestra, and choirs as well. Following the assembly, students will visit each of their classes for closure activities and yearbook signing (we distribute the yearbooks after our Formal Awards ceremony). Students will be dismissed at 12 noon.
Student Support Information
Smart Start 2023: Save-the-date
Smart Start is an opportunity specifically for our students with 504s and IEPs, and their parents and guardians, to make introductions and connect with their teachers and to feel prepared and welcomed for the start of school. Smart Start is in person on Thursday, Aug. 31,12:30-2:30 p.m.
Teachers will be familiar with your student’s plan and accommodations. To help get to know your students, please complete the attached one-page profile or create one on your own ahead of time, and give it to the teacher at the Smart Start introduction.
Also, to assist in your family’s preparation for the new school year use the Smart Start checklist for parents and guardians of students with 504s and IEPs.
See you on August 31!
Counseling Corner
Please reach out to the wellness team if you have any questions or concerns:
Monica Binder 6th Grade Counselor:binderkm@loswego.k12.or.us
Marcy Watts 7th Grade Counselor: wattsm@loswego.k12.or.us
Callie Charon 8th Grade Counselor: charonc@loswego.k12.or.us
Kylie Goertz Social Worker: goertzk@loswego.k12.or.us
Janie Jenkins Psychologist: Jenkinsj@loswego.k12.or.us
LMS Office 503-534-2343
Student Activities and Athletics
Theatre Arts at LMS
NYC Theatre Trip- Spring Break 2024
We wanted to remind you that there is still time to sign up for the 2024 spring break trip to New York City, and we don't want you to miss out on this incredible opportunity.
This trip provides a unique opportunity for students to experience the culture, history, and excitement of one of the world's most vibrant cities. Students will have the chance to visit iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Times Square, as well as museums, galleries, and other cultural attractions.
The trip is open to all Lakeridge Middle School students and parents of students, and we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible to secure your spot.
To register for the trip, please visit our website at
www.efexploreamerica.com/2595919kc
There, you will find all the information you need, including trip details, itinerary, costs, and frequently asked questions. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us at dunwoodf@loswego.k12.or.us
Thank you for your attention, and we hope to see you in NYC next spring break!
Best regards,
Franklin Dunwoody, LMS Theatre Arts
Cheer Sign-Ups Are Here!
Register now to be a part of the 2023-24 Junior High or High School Varsity Sideline Cheer Team. We are a no-cut program and offer various ways to be involved. Cheer at games, show your school spirit, and make new friends! Questions? Email us at lakeridgecheer@yahoo.com.
Junior High Sideline Team Registration Link
Lakeridge Youth Football 2023 Fall Registration
Are you ready for the ultimate team experience! Come join a program that prioritizes safety,
physical fitness, personal development, collaboration, sportsmanship, and fun!
Registration link: https://lakeridgeyouthfootball.sportngin.com/register/form/894293535
Lakeridge Youth Football is open to ages Kindergarten through 8 th Grade based on the grade
your child will enter in the Fall. We offer flag football to grades K-2, grades 3/4 play rookie
tackle and grades 5-8 play tackle.
All skill levels are welcome. We are currently offering early bird pricing so register soon!
Questions? - Join us Sunday, June 4, 5:30 PM at the main Lakeridge High School football field
to meet Varsity Coach Spencer Phillips, the incoming youth coaches and LYF board members to
learn more about our program. This is your chance to hear about our commitment to safety
and sportsmanship.
For more information, please visit https://www.lakeridgeyouthfootball.org/. Go Pacers!
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
GET INVOLVED WITH PTO!
Lakeridge Middle School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Board and Committee Chair positions for next school year (2023-2024) are available for sign up! Volunteers are critical to the work of PTO and actively support the LMS learning community. Thank you!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D44A5AA2DA2FD0-lakeridge4
8TH GRADE CELEBRATION – PERMISSION SLIP & WAIVER
Calling all 8th Grade Parents! The portal for the LMS 8th Grade Celebration is now live! Please click HERE to sign the permission slip, Langers waiver, and access the payment site in order for your student to attend. If you have any questions, please reach out to Sarah Stewart (sarahstewart6422@gmail.com) or Ashlee Markey (ashlee1979@yahoo.com). Interested in volunteering to be a chaperone for the big event? Click HERE to sign up!
PACER PARENT CLUB WELCOMES INCOMING FRESHMAN FAMILIES
Attention 8th Grade Families! Looking to get prepped and informed for your student’s entry into the Pacer community? Follow the PPC Instagram account at @pacer_parent_club to stay up to date with the latest happenings and check out the PPC website: https://www.losdschools.org/Page/1011
Resources
Suicide Prevention
Just a reminder that as part of Clackamas County’s suicide prevention programming, we are continuing to provide free rifle cases, pistol vaults, cable gun locks and medication lock boxes to Clackamas County residents as supplies last.
We know that many suicide attempts take place during a short-term crisis. Putting time and distance between lethal means and individuals who may be in crisis can prevent suicide and save lives.
How do I get these items?
Complete the form at bit.ly/ClackCoSaferHome (or scan the QR code below) to indicate the type and quantity of item(s) you are requesting. Provide your name and contact information if you would like to arrange for pickup at our Oregon City office or if you are home bound and need delivery (otherwise your name and contact information is not needed).
Detailed information is attached in various languages. Please help us to share this information with your organization and others in Clackamas County and forward as you see appropriate.
Questions can be directed to Clackamas County’s Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Galli Murray, via Gallimur@clackamas.us.
Cooling Resources
The Community Distribution Partners (CDPs) in the Cooling Portland Program are responsible for identifying and prioritizing recipients, scheduling delivery, installing cooling units, and providing educational materials. There are two categories of CDPs that are providing services in the program:
• Organization that are housing providers
• Community-based organizations that provide services other than housing
*Flyer attached
If a youth or family has OHP, heat related services are a requirement for OHP to cover. Flex Fund Requests can be used to help with cooling unit cost.
Other Announcements
District Information
Nurse Notes
Medication Pick Up
Absolutely ALL medications, prescription and over the counter, left in the health room must be picked up by the end of the school day, June 12th, 2023. Only parents and guardians may collect the medications. They cannot be sent home with students. Medication Authorization Forms for next year are available on the district web page.
Immunizations for Next Year
Please review the OHA requirements and information on required immunizations for students. Please make arrangements to complete immunizations and update Synergy over the summer to avoid exclusion in 2024.
If you would like to speak to your school’s district nurse, click the link below for contact information.
Changes to COVID-19 Response
The Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Health Authority has updated requirements for school districts' communicable disease management planning for the 2023-24 school year. Included are the following changes to our COVID-19 response:
Effective May 11:
Several sources of COVID-19 data ended. We will archive our dashboard and CDC Community Level metrics shared in our newsletter, website, and school signage.
A five-day period of isolation for those infected with COVID-19 is no longer recommended for the general population, including people in K-12 education settings. Our schools will continue to follow the recommendation for students and staff to stay home until fever free for 24 hours and symptoms improve.
Effective June 17:
The COVID-19 vaccination requirement for public and private school teachers, staff, and school volunteers (OAR 333-019-1030) will be lifted. That means that after June 16, teachers, school staff, and school volunteers will no longer have to provide proof of vaccination or have a valid medical or religious exception on file to be in direct or indirect contact with students.
Application for School Volunteers
For the safety of children, volunteers are required to have an approved background check when volunteering in schools.
To help streamline compliance with state and school board policies, which require that all volunteers have background checks and knowledge of other board policies -- as well as state-mandated proof of vaccination (or a qualified exemption) -- we are introducing a new all-in-one volunteer application and approval process through ou Raptor Visitor Management System.
Submitting an online application initiates the background check process. Once submitted, applicants will receive an email upon approval of your background check and you will be given access through the onsite Raptor System at all schools. Please allow up to three weeks to process your approval.
Volunteers need to submit only one application for volunteering in all LOSD schools. Applications need to be submitted annually to capture changes in background checks, policies, and/or vaccination requirements.
Volunteer Application for LOSD
Thank you for applying promptly, and for your service to our students and schools. We are grateful for our volunteers.
Set up Meal Accounts
Serving New Developments for School Meals
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.
We are able to provide free meals to more families using the Oregon Expanded Income Guidelines (EIG) this year. A family of four making $83,250 annually can now qualify for free meals compared to the USDA standard of $36,075. 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.
We are speeding up the lunch lines with new pinned/scanners at the point of sale (POS). Students can scan their ID barcode at the POS making it easy and fast to go through the lunch line. They can also use the pin-pad in case they forget or lose their ID badge.
- Secondary students can have the option of using the barcode on their Student ID card. They can also take a picture of it with their phone and use that picture at the POS. This is up to each school if they want to allow students to use their phones for this.
- Elementary students will be given a meal ID badge left in the classroom and used only when getting lunch.
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.
Connections and Supports
Administration
Parent Organization
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. https://www.safeoregon.com/
In addition, below are reporting methods for parents-guardians or students to use to report issues related to racist, bias, or harassment incidents.
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