Message from the Superintendent
The events unfolding in Eastern Europe are troubling and saddening, and my heart goes out to all who may be struggling with the uncertainties of conflict.
Our schools include families of both Ukrainian and Russian descent, many of whom with relatives still in their homelands. We also have families whose loved ones are serving in the U.S. military, and those who have experienced the previous trauma of war. I want them to know our learning community supports them.
As we navigate this difficult situation, it is important that we communicate clearly with our children and students to help them to be supportive of their peers and to cope personally with the stressors of warfare.
Use simple and informed statements.
Limit the amount of time you spend watching the news.
Avoid divisive discussions.
Validate your student’s feelings and reassure them.
Our top priority is to protect the well-being of our students and to make our schools a safe place to learn, grow and be.
Facing Covering Survey
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is lifting mask requirements for indoor public spaces and Oregon’s schools on Saturday, Mar. 19, based on updated modeling of projected hospitalizations due to COVID-19 in Oregon. At that time, school districts will be given local control to decide, in consultation with local public health authorities, what is best for their community.
People in our learning community are all at different stages of comfort regarding the pandemic and mitigation measures. This week, we opened a survey seeking feedback on changing indoor face covering requirements to help us prepare for a safe and enriching educational experience for all in our learning community. We have already received a tremendous response from our parents/guardians and students, as well as our teachers and staff in another survey. We are considering all voices, and the best place to be heard right now is through these surveys.
Please click here to complete the parent/guardian and student survey. The survey will remain open through Wednesday, Mar. 2 and survey results will be presented at the School Board meeting March 7.
LOSD COVID-19 Dashboard
The LOSD COVID-19 Dashboard is up to date, corresponding with new reporting protocols for Clackamas County Public Health. The new dashboard shows the number of staff and students who have reported to LOSD testing positive for COVID-19, regardless of school exposure.
Extended Day Needs Assessment Survey
LOSD is assessing its extended day service for students in Preschool - Grade 5. We are opening a survey seeking to identify our families’ needs for before and after school care for the 2022-2023 school year. We know that this has been a pain point for many who have had limited options, and we are developing ways to expand this service for all who need it.
Please click here to complete a survey. This survey will remain open through Monday, Mar. 14. Thank you in advance for your feedback.
Elementary Boundary Review Recommendations
LOSD is planning boundary changes to balance enrollment at Lake Grove and Oak Creek to ensure students have adequate spaces and resources for equitable educational experiences. The Elementary Boundary Review Committee, charged with determining how the boundary lines are redrawn, has arrived at its recommendation.
Boundary "Option Pink" was selected by the committee, informed by input and feedback from our learning community. The committee's recommendations, which will include special considerations for rising 5th graders and suggestions for supporting those impacted by the transition, will be presented to the School Board at the meeting on Monday, Mar. 7. Anticipate the School Board taking action on the recommendations at its public session on Monday, April 11.
Information about the boundary review process, including a map of Option Pink, is available on the district homepage Trending Topics, Elementary Boundary Review 2022.
Lake Oswego Recreation and Aquatics Center IGAs Authorized by City and LOSD
LOSD and City entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) dated July 9, 2020, that outlined the general parameters of how the City and LOSD would share in the design, construction and operations of the new LORAC building that is anticipated to open in late calendar year 2023, including allocations of costs for those purposes. As the MOU only outlined general parameters, the IGAs detail the rights and responsibilities of each party, with a separate IGA for the construction that will lapse when construction is completed, and an IGA for the operations and use of the competitive pool that, with no changes or extensions, will terminate on June 30, 2043.
The Construction IGA addresses the mutually agreed upon facility including: 25-yard stretch competition swimming pool; warm water recreation pool; dry activity and exercise rooms; parks and recreation classrooms; parks and recreation offices; and cardio/weight room and gymnasium.
The agreement also addresses: equal allocation of all direct costs for the project up to a total of $30 million ($15 million each); methodology for allocating savings or additional costs; contracting responsibility and methodology; and allocation of internal project management responsibilities.
The Use IGA addresses the parties’ share of operating costs and subsidies; responsibilities and funding for maintenance, repair and replacement; and priority and scheduling of use of the various elements within the center.
New Board Advisory Committees
More information and applications for board-appointed committees, included School Advisory Committees (SAC), will be available in March for terms beginning in the 2022-2023 school year.
Foundation Board Applications Open
Are you interested in contributing to a dynamic volunteer organization dedicated to advancing our community's commitment to educational excellence? Please consider applying for the Lake Oswego Schools Foundation Board of Directors. The Foundation is seeking parents/guardians, students and community residents to serve on its Board of Directors. Please click HERE to access the online application form. Interested people should submit applications by Friday, Mar. 4, 2022.
Safety Symposium Rescheduled for April 7
LOSD is hosting our first annual LOSD K-12 Safety Symposium. We are excited to provide this opportunity for parents to learn about safety issues affecting students and actions we can all take to create a safer community. Please save the date and plan to join us.
Thursday, Apr. 7
6:00 p.m.; doors open at 5.30 p.m.
Lakeridge High School
If I Were Mayor Contest
Mayor Joe Buck, along with the Oregon Mayors Association, invite Lake Oswego students grades 4-12, including home-schooled students, to participate in the “If I Were Mayor...” contest where students can share their creative and inspirational ideas about what they would do as a mayor. Entries must be submitted by March 18, 2022. Click here for more information.
First, second and third place winners will be selected from the following categories:
- Posters (grades 4-5)
- Essays (grades 6-8)
- Digital Media Presentations (grades 9-12)
First place Lake Oswego winners in each of the three categories will win a gift card to a local business of their choice for $250, Second place winners will receive $150 and third place winners will receive $100.
The winners will also receive recognition from the Mayor and City Council at a City Council meeting this spring. The three local winning entries will then be submitted to the statewide competition for the opportunity to win $500. These students will receive their prizes at an awards ceremony during the OMA Annual Summer Conference. The last time the City of Lake Oswego offered this program a Lake Oswego student won the statewide contest!
SASEE Award Nomination Deadline Extended
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. Click here to submit your nomination. The nomination deadline has been extended to Saturday, Mar. 19
Lake Oswego Water Polo Registration
Registration is open for Spring (February 21-June 19) 2022 Lake Oswego Water Polo Season. All 3rd-12th graders are welcome. Please visit www.lowpo.org for sign up information.
Lake Oswego Youth Lacrosse Registration
Registration is open for Spring 2022 Lake Oswego Youth Lacrosse! The program is open to all children around the lake in grades 1-8. Please click here for a registration link and more information about the program.
Hunger Fighters: New Pantry Hours
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.)
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