Learning in Lake Oswego

Learning in Lake Oswego unpacks a topic on our community's mind: school funding and taxes. Where does the funding for our schools come from? How do state and local taxes shape Lake Oswego’s education system? And what’s really behind those line items on your property tax bill? Whether you’re new to Oregon or have been part of Lake Oswego for years, this episode will clear up key details and offer f...

In this Learning in Lake Oswego episode, we spotlight the Lake Oswego Schools Foundation, a cornerstone of our school district for nearly 40 years. The Foundation has played a vital role in bridging the gap between state funding and the level of excellence Lake Oswego families expect in their schools. To help us dive deeper, we welcome three special guests: Whitney Woolf, Executive Director of the...

In this Learning in Lake Oswego episode, our superintendent explores LOSD's English Learner (EL) program, which supports over 50 languages spoken across the district. She is joined by EL specialist Ewa Chomka-Campbell and student Roman Kuleski to highlight how the program helps multilingual learners thrive academically and socially. Ewa shares insights into her role, strategies for creating cultur...

For this inspiring episode of Learning in Lake Oswego , we sit down with two outstanding students making a big impact in our high schools: Mallory Ensing, senior at Lakeridge High School and president of the Positive Psychology Club, a group focused on promoting mental health and well-being, and Arjun Ramakrishnan, a junior at Lake Oswego High School, president and founder of the school’s chapter...

In this episode, we explore the incredible Outdoor School experience for middle school students in Oregon—a transformative journey that’s so much more than a field trip. Outdoor School immerses students in nature, sparking curiosity through hands-on science and ecology lessons while helping them develop essential life skills like teamwork, resilience, and independence. We’re thrilled to feature th...

In this episode of Learning in Lake Oswego , Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Schiele gives us an inside look at what goes into calling a snow day. Host Mary Kay Larson guides the conversation as Dr. Schiele explains the detailed decision-making process, from 4 a.m. weather checks to coordinating with city partners like Public Works and the fire department. They discuss the unique challenges of Lake Os...

Listen in as we discuss one of the year’s hottest topics—our school district’s new cell phone policy. This policy, designed to boost student well-being and academic focus, limits smartphone use during the school day. Earlier this year, our school board chair and a student representative shared insights as the policy was taking shape. Now that it’s in full effect, we’re hearing directly from those...

This Learning in Lake Oswego episode explores our school district’s evolving Talented and Gifted (TAG) program. We discuss our identification process, student experiences, and ways Lake Oswego supports its gifted learners. Special guests include master educator Aletia Cochran, the TAG program coordinator for our middle schools, and Rain Obiesie, an 8th-grader from Lakeridge Middle School, who shar...

This episode explores the importance of Holocaust education in our schools. While the subject is weighty, our two guests, Claire Sarnowski and Brittany Larson, bring hope and inspiration through their impactful work in this field. Claire Sarnowski, a Lakeridge alum from the Class of 2022, played a pivotal role in her freshman year by spearheading Senate Bill 664, which mandated Holocaust and Genoc...

In this episode of Learning in Lake Oswego , we explore the strong partnership between the Lake Oswego School District and the Lake Oswego Police Department. Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Schiele sits down with Police Chief George Burk and School Resource Officers Bryan Sheldon and Oscar Fregoso to discuss how this collaboration benefits our students and strengthens our community. Dr. Jennifer Schie...

We’re back with the second episode of the 2024-2025 school year! This time, we’re delving into the important work of the Lake Oswego School Board. Join us as we chat with Board Chair John Wallin and student board representative Drishti Singh for a look at the roles and responsibilities of our board members. Curious about what motivates someone to serve on the school board? Want to know how decisio...

In our first episode of the 2024-2025 school year, we warmly welcome the new families and staff joining our schools. We introduce Connie Harrell, our district’s new Belonging Coordinator, and discuss the intentional efforts and initiatives we've put in place to ensure that every member of our learning community feels welcomed, valued, and supported. A sense of belonging is essential for effective...

In our final episode for the school year, we delve into a foundational topic: Public School Funding 101. Join us as we sit down with special guest Stuart Ketzler, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services for the Lake Oswego School District. Stuart brings his expertise to the table, explaining how public schools in Oregon and Lake Oswego are funded and walking us through the intricate budgetin...

Join us on this Learning in Lake Oswego episode as we explore our Model United Nations program, an outstanding extracurricular activity that offers our students invaluable experiences. This program is key in helping participants understand and appreciate diverse global perspectives. Hear insights from Sarah Mock, who is not only a teacher and parent but also a Model UN advisor in our district, and...

In this episode, we explore our schools' safety and security measures, concentrating on the Standard Response Protocols (SRP) that have been successfully implemented for many years. Scott Thran, our district’s Safety and Security Coordinator, explains these protocols, equipping our families and community with essential knowledge. Additionally, the superintendent and the communications director enh...

Join us as we dig deeper into how Lake Oswego School District is planting the seeds for a greener, more sustainable future through education and learn about our blossoming elementary school gardens. Our special guest, Sarah Vannice, one of our dedicated elementary innovation teachers, shares her insights and experiences in fostering our green havens of learning and discusses the development and im...

In the milestone 10th episode of Learning in Lake Oswego , we spotlight the thriving world of the Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB). This beloved program has become a cornerstone of academic engagement in our schools, showcasing our students' prowess on the statewide stage. Our guest, Darcy Benson, the library tech at Oak Creek Elementary and a key figure in our district's OBOB initiative, joins u...

Tune in as we delve into the awe-inspiring advancements in enriching our school facilities via our comprehensive three-phase capital bond improvement program. Our executive director of project management offers expert insights into the building plans and developments, and we hear firsthand from a student who contributed to the design team for his new elementary school. Additionally, we share how o...

This episode of Learning in Lake Oswego looks into the diverse career opportunities within the Lake Oswego School District. Our executive director of human resources offers insights into the array of roles available, and we hear firsthand from alumni turned teacher and a parent turned administrator, who share their inspiring career journeys. Plus, listen for valuable tips on securing a position wi...

In this episode of Learning in Lake Oswego , we shine a spotlight on Unified Sports, a Special Olympics program that brings high school students with and without disabilities together on the same team. Lake Oswego Learning Specialist Erin Cealey, who serves as the program coordinator, and Unified Sports athlete Amaya Edgar share their personal experiences and discuss how the program actively foste...

In this episode, we're exploring an essential skill foundational to school and life – the science of reading. Although we could easily dedicate an entire year to this topic, today's discussion is tailored to the most pertinent aspects for our learners in Lake Oswego. We're thrilled to have Kelly Troike, our esteemed Elementary Literacy TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment), who has been instrumenta...

It's already time to start thinking about the next school year! January is a key month in the educational landscape, particularly here in Lake Oswego, where preparations for the upcoming academic year are in full swing. Join us for a new episode of Learning in Lake Oswego , where we delve into the essential process of student class forecasting. As we gear up for the next school year, we're excited...

In this episode of Learning in Lake Oswego , we spotlight our district's expanding language immersion program, including the exciting addition of Mandarin Chinese to our curriculum. Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Schiele interviews special guests Noah Hurd, principal of Palisades World Language School and district coordinator for K12 Language Immersion, and Christy Appleberry, kindergarten teacher of...

Welcome to the third episode of Learning in Lake Oswego! This installment highlights student-led initiatives and extracurricular activities in our schools. We open up the conversation with two students sharing their experiences in Robotics, DECA, and the Winter Read-a-Thon, discussing the skills they've developed and the impact these programs have had on their educational journey. We also provide...

In this episode, we delve into the career and college preparation journey. Join us as we share one student's diverse experiences navigating this pivotal phase. Dak Steinback's story offers unique insights and practical advice for students and parents alike. We're also thrilled to feature an interview with one of our experienced school counselors, Lisa Sheehy. She provides valuable perspectives on...