• Cell Phones Off, Learning On: Inside Lake Oswego’s New Policy
    Nov 12 2024

    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.

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    27 mins
  • Supporting Gifted Learners: Inside LOSD's TAG Program
    Oct 29 2024

    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.

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    36 mins
  • The Importance of Holocaust Education in Our Schools
    Oct 15 2024

    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.

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    45 mins
  • United for Safety: How Our Schools and Police Work Together
    Oct 1 2024

    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.

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    34 mins
  • Inside the Work of Our School Board
    Sep 17 2024

    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.

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    26 mins
  • Creating a Culture of Belonging
    Sep 3 2024

    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.

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    19 mins
  • Public School Funding 101
    Jun 4 2024

    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 budgeting process.

    School finance might seem like a dry subject, but Stuart's pearls of wisdom and thoughtful insights make it accessible and engaging. This episode provides a comprehensive funding framework for Oregon and our local school district, clarifying the complexities of school finance.

    Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how public school funding works and why it matters for our community.

    Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

    Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

    Stuart Ketzler, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, LOSD

    LOSD Business Services

    Lake Oswego School Board

    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.

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    23 mins
  • Exploring Global Perspectives with Model United Nations
    May 14 2024

    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 Zainab Khan, a standout student ambassador in the program. They will discuss the educational and personal growth opportunities that Model UN provides.

    Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

    Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

    Sarah Mock, Teacher, Lakeridge High School, and Advisor, MUN

    Zainab Khan, Student, Lakeridge High School, and Ambassador, MUN

    Ryan Inahara, Teacher, Lakeridge High School, and Advisor, MUN

    Katrina Levin, Teacher, Lake Oswego High School, and Advisor, MUN

    Oregon Model United Nations

    Best Delegate

    CIA World Factbook

    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.

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    37 mins