The Summer Current
LOSD News • Aug. 20, 2020
In this Message:
Message from the Superintendent
New Equity and Family Engagement TOSA
New Dashboard Visualizes How School Metrics Apply To Each County
Back to School Timeline for Families
Meet and Greets Virtual
Smart Start Checklist
Verify Student Info Before Returning to School
Annual Notice for Statewide Tests
Regular Reminders:
- Grab & Go Meals
- 3 Ws: Watch Distance, Wear Mask, Wash Hands
- Childcare Providers in Clackamas County
- Local Testing Sites for Covid-19
- Summer Counseling Supports
- Tutorial Resources
- Hunger Fighters
- Clothing Closet
- Clackamas County Go Teams
- Safe Oregon
- Get Social with LOSD
- Subscribe to Lake Oswego Schools App
Message from the Superintendent
As has been the experience all summer, each week presents new information, new guidance and new difficult decisions to be made. Making this week's decision to move meet-and-greets online was particularly difficult because they had represented hope of being together in person.
Please know all of our decisions are made to support our community's health, safety and wellbeing. Our motivation is to help reduce the spread of infection so that we may welcome back everyone into our schools as soon as possible.
We must all keep our eye on the prize. Reducing community spread is the key to being back in our schools, participating in activities and playing sports. You can do your part by wearing your mask, washing your hands and watching your distance.
New Equity and Family Engagement TOSA
We are pleased to introduce Teresa Sanchez in the role of Equity and Family Engagement TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment). With a Master’s degree in Spanish and an Administrator License, Teresa has taught Spanish for many years in LOSD, has been an elementary summer school principal, worked as a news reporter for Puerto Rico’s House of Representatives, and has worked extensively with LOSD and Oregon colleagues to bring the work of equity, diversity and inclusion to the forefront for teachers, staff, students, and community members.
Those who work with her say she is a leader, a compassionate listener who strives to build understanding in the work of equity, and that she cultivates fun and creative learning spaces where students feel included, valued and heard, where students are able to take risks and where they have opened their minds learning a new language. Teresa adds, “This is a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I believe that every child deserves access to what they need to be successful academically and socially and I am excited to work towards providing this opportunity to students in Lake Oswego. My ultimate goal will be to make sure that all students continue thriving academically and socially and that they are all college-and career- ready by the time they graduate.”
Teresa is already providing incredible support for our district work in equity and social justice. Welcome, Teresa!
New Dashboard Visualizes How School Metrics Apply To Each County
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Willamette Education Service District (ESD) are teaming up to provide a dashboard that makes it easy to see how close a county is to meeting metrics necessary for in-person instruction and what exceptions can be considered. The dashboard uses OHA data, is hosted by Willamette ESD and linked on the ODE website.
The dashboard allows you to select a county in order to see the case rate and test positivity rate which determine what forms of in-person learning can take place and what exceptions are allowed within the statewide school metrics framework. It shows the trend in the data over a three week period and includes graphics telling the user whether conditions have been met.
The dashboard is updated weekly, on Wednesdays, after OHA releases the source data. ODE would like to thank staff at OHA and Willamette ESD who have been working tirelessly to create this visualization tool.
LOSD is coupled with Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties because more than 10 percent of our staff reside in all three counties.
Back to School Timeline for Families
Week of Aug. 24
All grade levels: class schedules and teacher assignments available
Week of Aug. 31
Virtual teacher-student meet & greets and Smart Start
Introductions, assessments, device & textbook pick up
Week of Sept. 7
First day of school (9/8) -- Virtually
Week of Sept. 14 - Oct. 31 (tri-county status)
Hybrid -- Fully remote teaching and learning
LO Online -- Fully remote teaching and learning
Meet and Greet and Smart Start Now Virtual
We have a change in plans for our Meet and Greet events. The latest ODE guidance does not allow us to host in-person meet and greet events at our schools, unfortunately. In particular, the requirement of no more than 250 people (students, parents, staff, etc) on campus in a week is a deal breaker. This guidance applies to events held inside and outside, so meetings on our fields or under the outside covered areas are not viable options.
Your school principal will be reaching out with new information about one-on-one meetings with teachers and students, and distribution of devices, books and materials before the start of school. You will receive a form to complete in advance of picking up your device. If you do not have internet access, for a hotspot please contact John Parke parkej@loswego.k12.or.us.
Thank you again for your understanding as we navigate guidance for the safety, health and wellbeing of all in our learning community.
Smart Start Save the Dates
At the beginning of the school year, meetings for students with IEPs and 504s is called Smart Start. This voluntary opportunity gives students and their parents/guardians an opportunity to introduce themselves, as well as provide any important information about how you learn and how best to support you. Sign ups to make your appointments with teachers will go out the once schedules and class assignments are finalized.
Students are encouraged to complete a one-page profile to share with your teachers during their introductory meetings. Please click here for a fillable elementary and secondary option that can be emailed or printed.
For more information on what to expect when transitioning your student with an IEP or 504 back into school, please click here for a parent/guardian checklist created by Student Services for the start of the school year.
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.
Annual Notice for Statewide Tests
The Oregon Department of Education publishes an annual notice regarding state assessments in English Language Arts and Math. Please review the Annual Notice for Statewide Tests for information regarding why participation matters, an explanation of the right to opt out, testing windows, and other resources.
Grab & Go Meals
Next week's lunch special: Teriyaki Chicken w/ Fried Rice & Fortune Cookie
3 Ws: Watch Distance, Wear Mask, Wash Hands
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.
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
Summer Counseling Supports for Students
While school is out for the summer, the LOSD Wellness Team of counselors, social workers and psychologists has prepared an updated list of resources for students and families. Please click here for resources for mental health and social-emotional supports.
If your concern is urgent, call the 24-7 Clackamas County Crisis and Support at 503-655-8585.
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.
Hunger Fighters Food Pantry - Pickup or Delivery!
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 either on Saturday between 1-3 p.m. or Wednesday between 4-6 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!
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.
Clothing Closet Expands Service
I Love Lake Oswego provides clothing and essential hygiene products to people in need. It has expanded its services to everyone in the community. Families should contact the service through its website, phone or email. Provide your needs and clothing sizes. Volunteers will either deliver the items, or make arrangements for pick up.
Website: www.iLLOclothingcloset.org
Email: info@ilovelakeoswego.com
Call/Text: 503-882-0880
Clackamas County Go Teams Ready to Help
Clackamas County recently developed “Go Teams.” These staff members go out into the community to help individuals and families who are struggling with anxiety, unemployment, grief and a host of other emotional and social problems that are becoming more and more common during this time.
Call Clackamas County Go Teams at 503-655-8585.
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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