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 three special guests: one of our dedicated teachers who leads Outdoor School, a high school student who returned to Outdoor School as a mentor, and a middle school student sharing her Outdoor School experience. From campfires and camp names to salamanders and scientific discovery, this episode is filled with stories of growth, connection, and adventure. Tune in to hear how Outdoor School leaves a lasting impact on all who participate!

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

Willow Myrland, Teacher, Lake Oswego Middle School

Sonia Trullinger, Student, Lake Oswego High School

Lily Richard, Student, Lakeridge Middle School

To learn more about the topics we discussed, ask a question, or share ideas for future episodes, please visit LOSDSchools. org. And remember to like and follow us wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for engaging with Learning in Lake Oswego. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us for our next episode.

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 Oswego’s landscape, especially how ice impacts the area’s narrow, winding roads, making safety assessments complex.

Listeners will hear about the essential questions considered before deciding on school closures or delays, such as road and walkway safety, building readiness, and timing for family notification. Dr. Schiele also highlights recent district investments, like a snow plow for parking lots and a three-hour delay option, to improve responses. Wrapping up, they discuss family preparedness, community considerations, and Dr. Schiele’s thoughts on balancing safety with the importance of keeping schools open. Tune in for an informative and timely episode as we gear up for winter!

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

Emergency Communications

Community Members Sign Up for District Communications

Clackamas County Public Alerts Notification System

To learn more about the topics we discussed, ask a question, or share ideas for future episodes, please visit LOSDSchools. org. And remember to like and follow us wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for engaging with Learning in Lake Oswego. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us for our next episode.

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 experiencing it day-to-day. Lake Oswego High School Principal Kristen Colyer and student Taylor Hefner reflect on the policy’s impact on classrooms and school life. Tune in for a fresh perspective on the early days of this policy, including some surprising adjustments and benefits as students and staff adapt to cell phones off and away during the school day.

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

Kristen Colyer, Principal, Lake Oswego High School

Taylor Hefner, Student, Lake Oswego High School

LOSD Policy JFCEB - Personal Electronic Devices and Social Media

To learn more about the topics we discussed, ask a question, or share ideas for future episodes, please visit LOSDSchools. org. And remember to like and follow us wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for engaging with Learning in Lake Oswego. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us for our next episode.

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 shares her journey and perspective as a gifted learner. Tune in to gain insights into how our schools foster the growth and development of our students.

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

Aletia Cochran, TAG Coordinator, Lake Oswego and Lakeridge Middle Schools, LOSD

Rain Obiesie, Student, Lakeridge Middle School, and TAG representative

About LOSD TAG

To learn more about the topics we discussed, ask a question, or share ideas for future episodes, please visit LOSDSchools. org. And remember to like and follow us wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for engaging with Learning in Lake Oswego. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us for our next episode.

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 Genocide Education in Oregon schools. Brittany Larson, also an alum, is a beloved educator who has made a lasting impact in the social studies department at Lakeridge for the past 17 years.

Join us as we learn more about their stories and gain valuable insights into the enduring lessons of Holocaust education.

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

Brittany Larson, Teacher and Alum, Lakeridge High School

Claire Sarnowski, Lakeridge Alum, Activist, Author, and College Student

@clairesarnowskiauthor

Remember My Story: A Girl, a Holocaust Survivor, and a Friendship That Made History by Claire Sarnowski (Author), Sarah Durand

To learn more about the topics we discussed, ask a question, or share ideas for future episodes, please visit LOSDSchools. org. And remember to like and follow us wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for engaging with Learning in Lake Oswego. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us for our next episode.

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 Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

George Burk, Chief of Police, Lake Oswego Police Department

Bryan Sheldon, School Resource Officer, Lake Oswego Police Department

Oscar Fregoso, School Resource Officer, Lake Oswego Police Department

SchoolResourceOfficers

To learn more about the topics we discussed, ask a question, or share ideas for future episodes, please visit LOSDSchools. org. And remember to like and follow us wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for engaging with Learning in Lake Oswego. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us for our next episode.

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 decisions that impact our schools are made? We cover it all—from the board’s current priorities to the real-life stories behind the dedication and drive to serve our students and community.

Tune in to stay informed and get engaged with the issues that shape our schools.

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

John Wallin, Chair, Lake Oswego School Board

Drishti Singh, Student Representative, Lake Oswego School Board

Lake Oswego School Board

Strategic Plan

Sextortion Prevention Event

To learn more about the topics we discussed, ask a question, or share ideas for future episodes, please visit LOSDSchools. org. And remember to like and follow us wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for engaging with Learning in Lake Oswego. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us for our next episode.

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 learning, growth, and development, and it is one of our district's top priorities. In 2023, our School Board adopted the top recommendation from the Culture of Belonging Advisory Committee to establish the position of Belonging Coordinator. This role is vital in coordinating and enhancing all efforts to foster belonging across our schools.

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

Connie Harrell, Belonging Coordinator, LOSD

To learn more about the topics we discussed, ask a question, or share ideas for future episodes, please visit LOSDSchools. org. And remember to like and follow us wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for engaging with Learning in Lake Oswego. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us for our next episode.