The Current

Message from the Superintendent

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988

Honoring Memorial Day Holiday

Grateful for Rotary Gift Card Donations

LOHS Athletics Hall of Honor Induction Banquet

Math Adoption Approval, Additional Review Opportunity

Ed Data: Technology, Activity & Athletic Participation

Art Literacy Field Trip: Gallery Without Walls

Last and First Days of School Schedule

LOSD CARES Social Media Workshop

Menstrual Products in Our Restrooms

Celebrating Our Seal of Biliteracy Graduates

Mandarin Chinese Immersion Starting With Kindergarten

Time to Register for Elementary Strings Program

Save the Date: Smart Start 2023

Verify Your Student's Information

Health Information:

• Reminders from Our District Nurses
  

Enrichment & Recreational Programs

• Lakeridge Youth Football 2023 Fall Registration
• Swim Lessons at Lake Grove Swim Park
• Registration Open for Spring, Summer Enrichment & Recreation
  

Community News:

• You're Invited: Native American Cultural Events

Regular Reminders:

• Hunger Fighters Oregon
  
• Safe Oregon
  
• School Incident Reporting
  
• Get Social with LOSD

Our celebratory sprint to graduation took a somber detour this week with the heartbreaking news of one of our coaches and former students, James Andrew, who died of suicide on Wednesday morning.

I knew and adored James. He had been a student of mine for several years when I was principal at Waluga Junior High, then moved up during his tenure to Lakeridge High School. After he graduated from Linfield University, James returned to his beloved alma mater to serve as an assistant coach with the Lakeridge football program for the past five years. Outside of Lakeridge, James ran private camps, clinics, and training sessions for offensive linemen and other athletes in our area. He was a friend, mentor, and motivator whose impact was felt widely by many in our greater community, including my son, who now plays football in college.

His kind heart, huge hugs, and love for helping others come to mind when I think of James. I grieve imagining the pain he must have been holding in, a stark reminder of the struggle of mental illness. It’s why we need to find out what's inside the invisible backpack each of us carries.

We can ask people to share their load, but it's not simple. We can start by helping lessen burdens by talking more openly about mental health. Speaking about suicide and depression creates a safer environment for people to share. We also can practice asking direct questions with care and compassion. Suicide prevention training teaches that asking specifically, "Have you thought about killing yourself?" is one of the most effective ways to open up lines of communication, ease someone's burden, and permit you to help. Begin with your children and loved ones. I promise the awkwardness you may feel will pale compared to potentially saving a life. In this newsletter and on our website are more resources to help in our quest to prevent suicide.

Please do it for our children, you, and all of us. Our hearts are hurting. And they will for some time. May our fond memories of James and helping others in his likeness bring peace and joy.

Our trauma-informed school counselors provide support and are available for anyone who needs to talk at school. Additionally, if you or someone you know needs help, please access the resources about grief posted on losdschools.org.

For immediate help, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a United States-based suicide prevention network of over 200+ crisis centers that provide 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline. The number 9-8-8. It is available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

There is no school Monday, May 29, for it is Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May. On this day we honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It was originally known as Decoration Day, and it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades. We honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

A favored unit of our district's Art Literacy program is touring the Gallery Without Walls exhibit in downtown Lake Oswego. Hallinan students took a turn to travel this year!

Art Literacy has been a volunteer institution in LOSD for over 30 years. Several times a year, volunteers teach a lesson about an artist and host a hands-on project in our elementary classes. The artist units rotate around the district so that by the time our students complete elementary school, they have learned about 25 or more artists. Volunteers also teach lessons and host projects with our middle school social studies curriculum. We appreciate our Art Literacy volunteers. Thank you!

Our citizen-led Bond Accountability Committee (BAC) expressed confidence in the financial stewardship and project management of our 2017 and 2021 capital improvement programs during its report to the School Board on Monday. Following the BAC presentation, Executive Director of Project Management Tony Vandenberg gave the board of directors and the superintendent a tour of the major projects in progress, including the outdoor classroom facilities at Lakeridge High School and the reimagined River Grove Elementary taking shape. We will complete the Lakeridge project this summer, and River Grove will be ready for the start of the 2024-25 school year. For complete updates on all projects, visit the bond website.

The Lake Oswego Rotary presented LOSD with 250 $25 gift cards to Fred Meyer, totaling $5,625. Our school counselors and social workers will give these cards to families in need. It is the second time Rotarians have raised money for gift cards this school year to help our community. We feel fortunate for their generosity and service. Thank you!

The Lake Oswego School Board approved the recommended new K-12 mathematics textbooks and materials.

• K-5 iReady from Curriculum Associates
• 6-8 Big Ideas from Cengage
• 9-12 Big Ideas from Cengage

Our curriculum adoption committee leads shared community review feedback, provided perspectives, and answered questions. Please watch the K-12 Math Curriculum Adoption presentation under School Board Meeting May 22, discussion item 6.5. We will implement the new materials in our classrooms starting this 2023-24 school year.

Additionally, the committee recommended new textbooks for Pre-calculus, Discrete Mathematics, AP Statistics, AP Calculus, and AP Calculus BC. That proposed math curriculum is available for public review through June 2. Find details on the district website under Curriculum Adoption.

All are invited to the Lake Oswego High School Athletic Hall of Honor Induction Banquet in the LOH Auditorium on June 3, 6-9 p.m. in the LOHS auditorium.

Inductees in the Class of 2023 Athletic Hall of Honor:

• 2004 LOHS Baseball Team
• Dick Curtis (Former Coach / Athletic Director: 1974-2000 )
• Elijah Greer (Class of 2009)
• Don Kieling (Former Teacher/Coach/Administrator: 1952-1982)
• Kelsey Lavender (Class of 2004)
• Sean Magee (Class of 2000)
• Tate Murray (Class of 2010)
• Doris Popple (Former Teacher/Coach: 1952-1983)
• Jess Rhodes (Former Teacher/Coach: 1961-1982)

For more information on the LOHS Athletic Hall of Honor, visit the Hall of Honor webpage.

Integral to learning and improving is assessing data. In continued transparency, district staff shared with the School Board an update on educational data related to technology damages and insurance fees, and activity and athletic participation. For the complete information, please watch the Educational Data presentation under School Board Meeting May 22, discussion item 6.4.

Last days of 2022-23 School Year

May 30: Last day of school for Lakeridge High grade 12
May 31: Last Day of school for Lake Oswego High grade 12
June 1: Lakeridge High graduation ceremony
June 2: Lake Oswego High graduation ceremony
June 12: Last day for grades K-11, and a half-day dismissal schedule:

• Elementary school half-day dismissal: 11 a.m.
• Middle school half-day dismissal: 12 p.m.
• High school half-day dismissal: 1 p.m.

First days of 2023-24 School Year

Sept. 5: First day for grades 1-5, 6, and 9
Sept. 6: First day for grades 7-8 and 10-12
Sept. 8: First day for all kindergarteners

Find the district calendars for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years on the district and school websites under Find It Fast / Calendar. Please note that kindergartners in Lake Oswego begin with a Kindergarten Orientation and a staggered start during the first week of school. At the end of the summer, your school’s main office will send information about your child’s orientation appointment time during September 5-7. The first day for all kindergartners will be on Friday, September 8.

The LOSD CARES virtual workshop about social media -- Helping Your Child Navigate Our Digital World -- was a success. A recording of the session and supporting materials are posted on the district website under LOSD CARES.

To support students’ social, emotional, and physical health, LOSD CARES invited Justine Kovak, a clinical outreach specialist with the Children's Center, to discuss how to support children developing and growing in our digital world, particularly about living with pervasive social media.

LOSD CARES is a connection and resilience education series hosted by a district team of counselors, social workers, and psychologists to provide our families with access to mental health resources.

We now have menstrual products in all bathrooms in our school. This ensures that all students can access these essential products regardless of gender, identity, or economic situation. When people feel included, they can contribute better without fear of being ostracised. All of us in our schools can help create a more welcoming and supportive school community by respecting each other's needs. That includes using appropriate language and protecting school property and supplies. Also, it's the law. Oregon's Menstrual Dignity Act – passed in 2021 as House Bill 3294 – requires schools to provide menstrual products in gender-neutral, male and female restrooms. If you have questions about making our schools more inclusive, please get in touch with your school principal. Thank you.

Recognizing our graduates who have earned the Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy was a pleasure. Family, friends, teachers, and staff gathered for a ceremony at Palisades World Language School, with a musical performance from our future biliteracy earners, a speech from Class of 2023 graduate Adison York, a keynote from City Counselor and international education advocate Massene MBoup, and a video produced by fellow Spanish Immersion student Charlie Howell honoring the inaugural class of our LOSD Spanish Immersion program.

We have informed impacted families and want to inform you that LOSD will not start a first-grade Mandarin Chinese cohort next school year. We waited as long as possible but needed more first-grade applicants to have a sustainable cohort for years to come. Our new Mandarin Chinese Immersion elementary program will launch with a kindergarten class in the 2023-24 school year. The Palisades World Language School learning community is looking forward to helping welcome the new kindergarteners and their families and continuing to expand the inclusive culture of our learning community.

LOSD Beginning Strings and Elementary Orchestra offers classes before school for students in grades 4 and 5 interested in playing violin, viola, cello, or bass. Our beloved Strings program has been a jewel of our district for over 30 years and we are excited to see our promising young musicians take up a string instrument next fall! Please see the website for details and sign up your student today to prepare for classes starting in the fall.

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 plans 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!

We know people appreciate hearing from us. However…52 students in our system have workplace switchboards listed as their family's primary numbers. If possible, please do your coworkers a favor and put your personal line as the primary contact when you verify your student's information.

Log into ParentVUE and review/update your students' information through the Register/Verify tab. If you have forgotten your ParentVUE password, go to the login page, click "I am a Parent," then click "Forgot Password." If you are unsure whether you have a ParentVUE account, contact your student's school. For assistance with the verification process, refer to the user guide on the LOSD website or contact your student's school.

Asthma/Allergy Medications at School

It is critical to the health and safety of your student to bring ALL doctor-recommended medications to school. Over the summer, speak with your doctor to get the proper supplies for school, and then go to the LOSD web page to find the proper forms to be completed with the medications. If your student is in Elementary or Secondary and will store their meds at school, watch for a medication drop-off time for your particular school. If they are in secondary and keeping their medication in their possession, please submit the proper paperwork so we know where to find their medication in case of an emergency.

Individualized Health Plan? - Watch for an Email

If your child has an LOSD Individualized Health Plan (IHP) developed in consultation with your District Nurse, please watch for an email! Your response is needed to confirm or update your student's plan. We appreciate your prompt reply.

Immunizations

Please review the OHA requirements and information on required immunizations for students. Please arrange to complete immunizations and update Synergy over the summer to avoid exclusion in 2024.

If you want to speak to your school nurse, click here: contact your district nurse

Lakeridge Youth Football is open to students rising to Kindergarten through 8th Grade in the fall. All skill levels are welcome. Register soon to receive early bird pricing. Registration

• Grades K-2 flag football
• Grades 3/4 play rookie tackle
• Grades 5-8 play tackle.

Questions? Sunday, June 4, at 5:30 p.m., at the main Lakeridge High School football field, meet Varsity Coach Spencer Phillips, the incoming youth coaches, and LYF board members to

learn more about our program. Hear about the program's commitment to safety and sportsmanship.

For more information, please visit https://www.lakeridgeyouthfootball.org/.

Lake Grove Swim Park trained lifeguards offer swim lessons in July and August. All children who reside in Lake Oswego are eligible for lessons. Registration is open on losdschools.org under Community Programs / Lake Grove Swim Park.

Image is a painting by Lake Oswego resident and artist James McGrew, " The Leap (My Daughter Learning to Swim in Lake Oswego)"

Register now to join the 2023-24 Lakeridge Youth or Junior Sideline Cheer Team. Cheer at Lakeridge youth football games, show your spirit, and make new friends! Questions? Please email us at lakeridgecheer@yahoo.com.

Youth Sideline Team Registration Link

Junior Sideline Team Registration Link

LOSD facilities are used by community vendors and our schools to offer students enrichment and recreational opportunities after class and during breaks. For a full list of offerings from our schools and community vendors for elementary, middle and high school students, please visit the Community Programs on the district website.

There are two exciting events highlighting Native American culture happening in Clackamas County through a partnership with the Native Wellness Institute. On June 9, there will be a Coastal Jam where five tribal families will share about Native canoe culture, and a meal will be served. On June 10, there will be a full Pow Wow with singing, dancing, and feasting. Both events are free and open to everyone.

Visit the food pantry at 4 Monroe Parkway, Suite A. Deliveries are available on Mondays.

Shop in hours:

• Wednesdays 5-7 p.m.
• Friday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Sundays 3-5 p.m.

Learn more at hungerfightersoregon.org.

Reach out to your principal with concerns 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. https://www.safeoregon.com/ Be aware that intentionally providing a false report is a serious offense.

Report microaggressions, bias, harassment and discrimination in a school related to race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other aspect of identity:

• Incident Report for Elementary School
  
• Incident Report for Middle Schools
  
• Incident Report for High Schools
  

Incidents may also be reported to an administrator, a trusted staff member, or anonymously to SafeOregon.com.

LOSD has ramped up its social media presence. Please join us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @weareLOSD

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

You are receiving this message because you are the parent or guardian of a student in the Lake Oswego School District. We hope you will assist us in our efforts to communicate efficiently and economically by continuing to receive these messages. If you need to change your parent email address, please contact your school.