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.

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.

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.

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 enhance the discussion with real-life examples from our schools, offering insights into the significance and effectiveness of these safety measures.

LOSD Safety and Security Information

I Love You Guys Foundation

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

Scott Thran, Safety and Security 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.

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 impact of outdoor learning spaces across our schools. Accompanying Sarah are two passionate fourth-grade gardeners, Devyn Barney and Rowan Carper, from River Grove Elementary. They share their firsthand experiences of the joys and learnings of gardening at school.

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

Sarah Vannice, Elementary Innovation Teacher, River Grove Elementary

Devyn Barney and Rowan Carper, Students, River Grove Elementary

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 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 us. Alongside Darcy, we hear from some of her exceptional students from the renowned OBOB team, The Flying Coyote Readers: Jack Brody, Jai Lim, Keenan McGhee, and Pearl Sun. Together, they offer insights into the program's growth and impact, highlighting the importance of fostering a love for reading and teamwork among students.

Oregon Battle of the Books

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

Darcy Benson, Library Tech and OBOB Coordinator, Oak Creek Elementary

Jack Brody, Jai Lim, Keenan McGhee, and Pearl Sun, Students, Oak Creek Elementary

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.

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 our families and residents can explore the latest assets in our community, all made achievable through the steadfast support of our voters dedicated to crafting a bright future for our students.

LOSD Capital Bond Improvement Program

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

Tony Vandenberg, Executive Director of Project Management, LOSD

Cameron Sosebee, student, River Grove Elementary 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.