The Current
LOSD News • Nov. 6, 2020
In this Message:
Message from the Superintendent
Veterans Day, No School Wednesday, Nov. 11
Secondary Schools Special Start for Q2
New Health Metric Guidelines Explained
Health Updates: When to Stay Home
New Schedule Starting Wednesday, Nov. 18
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee Meeting
SRO Discussion: Share Your Perspective
District Communications: What to Expect When
New Info: iReady Diagnostic Assessments
Meet & Greet for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Families of LO
Community Lap Swim Opening Soon
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
Today as we are all in the midst of processing a whirlwind of emotions triggered by: social injustice and unrest, a global pandemic, distance learning, uncertainties on every level and a country sharply divided by politics. Each on their own would produce high levels of anxiety and when taken together they can feel overwhelming.
In the 28 years of my career I have never faced such seemingly impossible challenges with so few solutions. Distance learning is hard. In-person learning creates fear for some. Families, students, teachers and staff are stressed no matter which scenario or solution we offer. We recognize that the Wednesday change creates relief for some and stress for others. We are working on additional supports for students on Wednesdays.
Amidst all of these extraordinary challenges, we must find ways to move forward. We are going to keep putting one foot in front of the other and continue to strive to serve students in ways we can. Right now we are building successes with limited in-person instruction and we will continue to expand that safely. I am incredibly grateful to the staff who are providing limited-in person support for students as it’s making an incredible difference. As allowable, we are returning more students to school safely. There is no perfect or even partially perfect solution during these incredibly complex times, but one thing is certain we will be looking for ways to move forward because we must.
Veterans Day, No School Wednesday, Nov. 11
Veteran's Day is a national holiday celebrating freedom, sacrifice, and honor for those who served in the military. It also is a day dedicated to giving thanks to people who served. May we never forget them and the sacrifices they made.
Secondary Schools Special Start for Q2
See principal messages for specifics at your student's school.
New Health Metric Guidelines Explained
The first of our two-week look-back metrics were released this past Monday. Based on these metrics, public health authorities are advising school districts in Clackamas County to remain in comprehensive distance learning at this time since our cases are trending in a concerning direction.
We are monitoring the metrics and, when eligible for hybrid in-person, we will notify all teachers, staff and families. After notification, two weeks will be given before returning students gradually, starting with kindergarteners, to hybrid in-person learning. LOSD is committed to returning to in-person learning when health metric guidance allows.
The thinking behind the updated health metric guidance was presented and discussed at the School Board meeting as part of the Superintendent Update on Monday, Nov. 2. You can watch the presentation by clicking here.
The weekly metric reports are posted on the district website under Roadmap to Reopening.
Health Updates: When to Stay Home
The state's updated health metric guidance for schools includes new health and safety protocols. The new information includes but is not limited to:
- Loss of taste and smell are now considered a primary symptom of Covid-19
- Close contact is redefined as being within 6 feet of an infected person for 15 minutes cumulatively in a day (vs. the previous 15 minutes consecutively).
- If you have any one of the primary Covid-19 systems, you must to stay at home for 10 days unless you get tested
All health protocols are included in ODE's Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidance update.
New Schedule Starting Nov. 18
Based on input from family, teacher and staff surveys, student petitions and parent emails, LOSD has made refinements to the schedule for all in Hybrid and LO Online. We understand these changes are not preferred by all. This is a very complex situation, with many differing perspectives, opinions and circumstances. We are trying to equitably balance the needs of our teachers, students and families.
Following is the new schedule starting Wednesday, Nov. 18:
Elementary Student Wednesday Schedule
8:00-8:30: Synchronous AM Cohort English Language Arts structured connection and review
8:35-9:05: Synchronous AM Cohort Math structured connection and review
12:45-1:15: Synchronous PM Cohort English Language Arts structured connection and review
1:20-1:50: Synchronous PM Cohort Math structured connection and review
Elementary Student Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Schedule
8:00-10:45 a.m.: Synchronous AM Cohort English Language Arts & Math
12:45-3:30 p.m.: Synchronous PM Cohort English Language Arts & Math
Middle School Student Wednesday Schedule
1st/5th Period: 9:00-9:30 a.m.
2nd/6th Period: 9:35-10:05 a.m.
3rd/7th Period: 10:10-10:40 a.m.
4th/8th Period: 10:45-11:15 a.m.
Middle School Student Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Schedule
1st/5th Period: 9:00-10:15 a.m.
2nd/6th Period: 10:25-11:40 a.m.
3rd/7th Period: 1:30-2:45 p.m.
4th/8th Period: 2:55-4:10 p.m.
High School Student Wednesday Schedule
1st/5th Period: 8:30-9:00 a.m.
2nd/6th Period: 9:05-9:35 a.m.
3rd/7th Period: 9:40-10:10 a.m.
4th/8th Period: 10:15-10:45 a.m.
High School Student Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Schedule
1st/5th Period: 8:30 - 9:45 a.m.
2nd/6th Period: 9:55-11:10 a.m.
3rd/7th Period: 1:00-2:15 p.m.
4th/8th Period: 2:25-3:40 p.m.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee Meeting
Tuesday, Nov. 10
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Meeting will be held virtually. Here is the Zoom link to participate:
SRO Discussion: Share Your Perspective
Thank you to the students, families and staff members who have shared your perspectives in the survey, and signed up to participate in the listening sessions about the presence of Safety Resource Officers in our schools.
If you have not done so already, we encourage you to lend your voice to the discussion. Please click here to take the 4-minute survey before it closes on Thursday, Nov. 12
Independent consultants will be presenting inputs at the school board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 1. We anticipate the school board contemplating this information before making a final decision.
District Communications: What to Expect When
The district website www.losdschools.org is being updated for improved functionality starting today. Our goal is to complete the update by Friday, Nov. 20. During this time, you will still be able to access information on the site, but the information may look a little different or links could be under construction. We liken it to road work; you can still access it but down from three to one lane of traffic.
New Info: iReady Diagnostic Assessments
The iReady Diagnostic can help teachers determine what students already know and what they still need to learn so we can plan how to teach them best. This fall, and two additional times later in the school year, LOSD students in grades K-8 will be participating in iReady math and reading diagnostic assessments.
Click here to learn more about iReady, the diagnostic assessment LOSD is piloting this school year.
Meet & Greet for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Families of Lake Oswego
Thursday, Nov. 12
6:30 p.m.
Register via text or email to Katie at 703-403-0678 or dhohlakeoswego@gmail.com.
Community Lap Swim Opening Next Week
Community lap swimming in the LOSD opens Monday, Nov. 9. To participate, swimmers will need to purchase a community swim pass for a month, season, or year. Click here for rates, fees, payment options and to sign up to swim.
Pass holders may sign up for lap times using our new online scheduler. Space and time in each lane is restricted; the new online sign-up system will allow swimmers to reserve your spot in advance of coming to the pool.
Before visiting the pool, please review and be prepared to follow the new pool expectations and health and safety guidelines. Lifeguards on duty will be asking health screening questions.
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
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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