The Current
LOSD News • Dec. 18, 2020
In this Message:
Message from the Superintendent
Winter Break Starts Next Week
School Board Adopts Strategic Framework
New Interim Lake Grove Elementary Principal
Exploring Wednesday Workshops for Elementary Students
Grab & Go Meals During Winter Break
Title IX Settlement Agreement Completed
Save the Date: LOSD CARES Connection and Resilience in Education Series
Rotary's SASEE Award Nominations Open
Regular Reminders:
- What's New at Community School
- 3 Ws: Watch Distance, Wear Mask, Wash Hands
- Local Testing Sites for Covid-19
- Safe Oregon
- Get Social with LOSD
- Subscribe to Lake Oswego Schools App
Message from the Superintendent
This week I was invited to serve on a panel with health, education and business leaders discussing the risks and benefits of school closures and reopenings. The perspectives were complex, but what I confirmed is that we in LOSD are already on that path.
Since October, LOSD has been bringing in students for limited in-person instruction, which is providing insights, experience and assurances for how we may return all students in person safely and effectively. We are prepared for the gradual return of all students when we are able to do so safely. Data shows schools that practice strict health and safety protocols are some of the safest places for people during this pandemic.
Suffice it to say, 2020 has been a year that most of us are looking forward to putting in the past. There is hope on the horizon, and I want to thank all in our learning community for your support of each other. I was reminded of our community’s care by your responses to my message about how our work of inclusivity, equity, diversity, access and belonging is our most important work.
When I say it is our most important work, I am not minimizing the significance of our students’ education. Rather, I am elevating the importance of shaping our mindset and how we come out of this situation better and stronger. Studies show students who feel a sense of belonging are more engaged in their learning. The work of inclusivity, equity, diversity, access and belonging is our most important work, now and after the pandemic is a distant memory. Afterall, when we bring students and staff back into schools, the goal is not to return to normal, it’s to return to better.
Before we depart on Winter Break I would like to share a little gratitude with all of you. Please click here for a message of gratitude.
Winter Break Starts Next Week
Have a restful and festive break in the safest way possible this year.
School Board Adopts Strategic Framework
Mission (why we exist today): We are a learning community dedicated to creating a culture of belonging and educational excellence.
Vision (what we aspire to be tomorrow): We inspire students to be critical thinkers who are empowered to contribute positively in a complex world.
Values (guide our daily actions): Inclusivity, Equity, Growth, Shared Leadership, and Whole Child.
Strategic Priorities & Plans (how we achieve in the school year):
1. Create a Culture of Belonging - Cultivate a diverse learning community where each and every individual feels supported, connected and valued.
Evidence of Success - Students, employees and families feel a sense of belonging.
2. Achieve Equitable Academic Outcomes - Each and every student is provided the tools, support, and experiences they need to achieve academic success.
Evidence of Success- Students demonstrate grade level proficiency.
3. Promote Health & Resiliency - Address the needs of the whole child in a culture that models and values health and wellbeing.
Evidence of Success - Support the social, mental and physical health of students and employees.
4. Teach and Practice Sustainability - Preserve and sustain our shared resources while accelerating our students’ ability to combat climate change
Evidence of Success - Create stewards of our shared resources.
New Interim Lake Grove Elementary Principal
We are pleased to announce Jennie Knapp has been appointed interim principal of Lake Grove Elementary, effective February 1, 2021.
Jennie brings extensive experience and knowledge in education to her new position, including five years as an administrator. She was hired into her current position as assistant principal of Lakeridge Middle School in June 2016. Prior to joining LOSD, Jennie served as an educator in the Beaverton School District for 14 years. She was assistant principal at Bonny Slope Elementary. Prior to that Jennie taught elementary and middle school and served as a Teacher on Special Assignment where she developed a comprehensive K-8 intervention system and led professional development for educators around best instructional practices, professional learning communities and standards-based learning.
Jennie will miss the students, teachers, staff and families at Lakeridge Middle School, and is pleased to continue her work in LOSD. She is looking forward to reconnecting with elementary students, staff and families and supporting their early learning experiences at Lake Grove.
Jennie holds a bachelor’s of science degree in natural resource management from Syracuse University, and a master’s in education from Lewis and Clark College. A life-long learner, Jennie is also nearing completion of an educational specialist degree in administrative leadership from Lewis and Clark College.
Jennie is taking the principal position at Lake Grove made vacant with Scott Schinderle’s move to interim Executive Director of Student Services of LOSD.
Please join us in congratulating Jennie on her new position. We look forward to welcoming her to the Lake Grove community.
Exploring Wednesday Workshops for Elementary Students; Please Take Survey to Help Us Plan
LOSD is exploring the possibility of offering enrichment classes on Wednesdays to create more connection experiences for our LOSD elementary students only and offered free of charge.
The goal of Wednesday Workshops is for each elementary student to take one, 60-minute enrichment class that will run 4 to 6 weeks, from approximately February 10 to March 17, 2021. Classes will be scheduled from 9:15-10:15 a.m. and 10:30-11:30 a.m. and can accommodate both the AM and PM cohort schedules. Experience will determine if the program extends for a second session in the spring.
Wednesday Workshops will be offered through LOSD Community Schools, partnering with approved third-party instructors in art, science and engineering, as well as possibly world language.
Before the Wednesday Workshop is finalized, we are asking parents and guardians of elementary students to tell us your interest in participating in the program and letting us know what kinds of enrichment opportunities are most appealing to your family.
Please click here to complete an interest form. Thank in advance for your input.
Grab & Go Meals During Winter Break
Lake Oswego High School and Lakeridge High School
Monday, Dec. 21 and Monday, Dec. 28
11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
We can provide one meal bag per child. Face coverings are required at pickups.
Introducing LOSD CARES: Connection and Resilience in Education Series
These are challenging times and almost everything about our daily lives looks different. LOSD strives to support our community and mental health continues to be a top family concern. In partnership with the LOSD Wellness Team (school counselors, social workers and district psychologist) and community mental health partners, LOSD is developing a workshop series for parents and guardians to support, inform, and empower families on issues surrounding mental health.
Workshops will be held virtually via Zoom and will include focused discussions and question and answer opportunities. Please mark your calendar for the first workshop Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, 5-6 p.m.: “Resilience Panel” with Shannon O’Dell, PsyD & Pediatric Associates of the Northwest.
In the meantime, please complete this family interest survey: LOSD CARES Survey . Your input will help shape future workshops.
Weekly resource: https://www.mhanational.org/holidays
Please contact your school counselor or social worker with any questions.
Title IX Settlement Agreement Completed
LOSD has settled its Title IX agreement, which obligated the district to comply with Title IX action items for a period of three years; that three-year period has ended and the district satisfied all its obligations per the Equity Consultant.
Benefits of the settlement include improved softball facilities, greater access and experiences for athletes, and more female participation in sports. Moving forward, LOSD has committed to monitoring both high schools and following up on key components of Title IX.
Rotary's SASEE Award Nominations Open
Lake Oswego Rotary Club is seeking nominees for this year's SASEE Awards, which honor service above self in educational excellence.
Do you know an educator, support staff member, student or citizen who demonstrates a commitment to education through work, projects and activities that emphasize "service above self?" LO Rotary Club wants to recognize and support the people who make education in Lake Oswego exceptional.
Please click here to learn more and nominate someone.
LO Rotary Club awards thousands of dollars in cash and scholarships in several SASEE categories. In each case, SASEE Award recipients have the opportunity to “pay it forward” by passing their monetary award on to their school or project.
- Teachers, administrators and support staff: $1,000 for their school or project
- Students: $1,000 for their school or project
- Citizens: $2,500 scholarships awarded in their names to students who also demonstrate "service above self"
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.
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
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