In this inspiring Learning in Lake Oswego episode, we celebrate Women’s History Month by highlighting two influential community leaders, Courtney Clements and Heather Ramsey. Courtney, a dedicated volunteer with a strong record in leading successful levy and bond campaigns, recently curated an exhibit at the Oswego Heritage House honoring local women of advocacy and service. Heather, who is spearheading the upcoming bond campaign and actively contributes as a leadership consultant and community board member, shares insights on balancing professional, personal, and volunteer commitments while empowering others. Together, they reflect on their journeys and enduring commitment to supporting Lake Oswego’s schools and community.

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

Courtney Clements, Volunteer, Lake Oswego Schools Levy and Bond Campaigns, Oswego Heritage House

Heather Ramsey, Volunteer, Lake Oswego Bond Campaign, Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Lake Oswego Schools Capital Bond Program

Oswego Heritage House

Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce

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.

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 fresh insights into how our schools are funded. Grab your property tax statement and follow along as our Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Business Services discuss:

• The breakdown of state and local funding sources for Lake Oswego schools
• How property taxes directly affect our district’s budget
• Insights into the line items on your tax bill

Tune in to learn more about how your tax dollars support the future of Lake Oswego’s students!

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

Stuart Ketzler, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, LOSD

LOSD Business Services

Clackamas County Property Tax Statements

Educational Excellence Awards: Celebrating Service Above Self

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 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 Foundation, shares insights into its mission, priorities, and impact; Laura Coyle, Foundation Board President, discusses the power of volunteerism and the board’s vision for the future; and John Wasielewski (Waz), Lake Oswego Middle School teacher and Foundation ambassador explains how the Foundation supports teachers and enhances students' learning experiences. Learn how the Foundation impacts every school in the district, how you can get involved, and the exciting opportunities that events like the annual Gala bring to our community.

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

Whitney Woolf, Executive Director, Lake Oswego Schools Foundation

Laura Coyle, President, Lake Oswego Schools Foundation

John Wasielewski, Ambassador, Lake Oswego Schools Foundation

losfoundation.org

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 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 culturally inclusive lessons, and the program's goals. Roman reflects on his journey from learning English as a 6th grader to exiting the program in 9th grade and offers advice to fellow students navigating similar challenges. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the dedication behind LOSD’s EL program and its positive impact on students' lives.

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

Ewa Chomka-Campbell, English Learner Specialists, LOSD

Roman Kuleski, Student Lake Oswego High School

English Language Development Resources

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.

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 of the Young Investor Society, empowering students to develop financial literacy and investment skills. Learn how these student leaders create positive opportunities for their peers and the community. It’s a fulfilling conversation about leadership, learning, and innovation in our Lake Oswego schools.

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

Mallory Ensing, Student, Lakeridge High School

Arjun Ramakrishnan, Student, Lake Oswego High School

Clackamas Women’s Services

YouthLine

Young Investors Society

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 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.