Learning in Lake Oswego

Community support takes many forms, from funding teachers and scholarships to filling the seats at a school musical. In this episode, we welcome Lake Oswego Schools Foundation board president Mark Birge and his son, Landon, a Lakeridge High School junior and lead in Anything Goes. Mark shares what inspires him to give back through the Foundation, Rotary, and school bond and levy campaigns. Landon offers a student’s perspective on the dedication behind a theater production and what it means to see the community in the audience. Together, they highlight how showing up can make a lasting difference for st...

How does a student’s first experience with strings grow into a lifelong love of music? Orchestra teacher Kristi Stingle and Lakeridge High School senior Iris Vanderlip join us to explore the orchestra journey from elementary school through high school. Hear about the challenges, memorable performances, and opportunities along the way, and how making music together builds confidence, friendships, and belonging. For students curious about picking up an instrument, this episode offers encouragement to try that first note.

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

Kri...

Technology is an important part of how students learn, create, and connect. But how do schools and families help students use it safely, responsibly, and with purpose? In this episode of Learning in Lake Oswego, Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Schiele talks with Dr. Kurt Schultz, principal of Lakeridge Middle School and parent of three LOSD students, about the guardrails that support healthy technology use at school and at home. They discuss digital citizenship, screen time, student access to YouTube, and how filtering, teacher supervision, and family conversations work together to help students develop good judgment.

Kurt also shares...

This episode is a little different and a little sentimental, as it wraps up Season 3 of Learning in Lake Oswego. Each year, our students walk across the graduation stage carrying years of memories: teachers who believed in them, activities that shaped their interests, and friendships that helped define who they’ve become.

We’re joined by Nathan Ko and Max Koegler, two students who have experienced nearly all of it. As student representatives to the School Board, they’ve helped shape conversations about our district’s future while finishing their own journeys. In this conversation, they reflect on where...

In this episode, we explore the college application process through multiple perspectives, with a focus on two common pathways: working with a school counselor or partnering with an independent counselor. Families often wonder what approach is “best,” and the answer, as you’ll hear, is that it depends.

We’re joined by Adam Johnson, a school counselor at Lake Oswego High School, along with seniors Aiyana Flerchinger and Ben Kolman, who share their personal experiences navigating the process in different ways. Together, they offer practical insights, honest reflections, and reassurance for students and families at every stage.

Wh...

In this episode of Learning in Lake Oswego, we highlight the partnerships that bring sustainability and environmental stewardship to life in our schools.

For the past five years, LOSD has partnered with the Lake Oswego Sustainability Network, Oswego Lake Watershed Council, and the City of Lake Oswego’s Sustainability Advisory Board to host the annual Sustainability Resource Fair. What began as a showcase of sustainable building practices has grown into a vibrant community event, connecting dozens of organizations and offering hands-on learning for students and families.

We’re joined by two key partners in this work...

Lake Oswego students made history this year, sweeping the 2026 Oregon Ethics Bowl at both the middle and high school levels. Ten teams. Fifty students. And countless hours of thoughtful dialogue, collaboration, and courageous thinking.

In this episode, we hear directly from four students who helped lead the way. They offer a window into what Ethics Bowl really is, and what it isn’t. This isn’t a debate. It’s not about winning an argument. It’s about listening deeply, considering multiple perspectives, and working collaboratively to explore complex, real-world ethical questions.

We dive into some of...

What does science look like in an elementary classroom today?

In this episode of Learning in Lake Oswego, we explore how hands-on science experiences are helping elementary students develop curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence as learners. Science instruction has evolved in many ways since many of us were in school. Today’s classrooms emphasize inquiry, experimentation, and discovery, encouraging students to ask questions, test ideas, and learn through doing.

Special guests include Kelly Hutchison, an elementary teacher, and Quin Campbell, one of her students. Also joining the show is Brian Toye, the district’s science coor...

Student leadership in action is the highlight of this episode of Learning in Lake Oswego. Several of our high school students are members of the Oregon Youth Leadership Alliance (OYLA), a student-run organization dedicated to youth leadership and networking across Oregon. Recently, they helped organize and host the 2026 BIPOC Student Leadership Conference at Lakeridge High School, bringing together students, nonprofit leaders, and elected officials from across the Portland Metro area to focus on leadership, advocacy, networking, and belonging.

Tara Reddy and Layla Riquelme-Cheung are two of the student organizers behind the conference. They share what it takes...

Reading is foundational to everything we do in schools. Across Oregon and the nation, too many children are struggling to meet early literacy benchmarks. While our teachers and families are working incredibly hard to support young readers, literacy is not something schools can do alone. It takes time, consistency, partnership, and a shared belief that reading opens doors.

In this episode, we explore one powerful example of that partnership in action: the SMART Reading program.

Active in one of our elementary schools and serving children across Oregon for more than 30 years, SMART Reading connects trained...

In this episode of Learning in Lake Oswego, we’re diving into speech and debate in middle school, one of the most powerful ways students build confidence, sharpen critical thinking, and learn how to communicate respectfully, even when perspectives differ.

Joining us are Jay Ashiknos, a teacher at Lakeridge Middle School, and Connor Rozgo, a seventh grader experiencing speech and debate firsthand. Together, they share what speech and debate looks like in middle school classrooms, why it resonates with students, and how it supports skills that extend far beyond the podium. Tune in to hear how students ar...

This episode pulls back the curtain on one of the most exciting and often confusing parts of the high school journey: the college athletic recruiting process. In this episode of Learning in Lake Oswego, Superintendent Jennifer Schiele leads a candid, practical conversation designed for student-athletes and families. With her perspective as both an educational leader and a parent who recently navigated recruiting firsthand, Dr. Schiele helps ground the discussion in what truly matters: growth, balance, and finding the right fit.

Joining her are two trusted voices who see recruiting from every angle: Steve Coury, head football coach...

What happens when students are trusted to run a business that serves their entire school community? In this episode of Learning in Lake Oswego, we take you inside one of the most active hubs of learning and connection at Lakeridge High School: the student-run school store.

The store brings together students from across campus—including DECA, ASB, and the Pathways LifeSkills program—offering meaningful, real-world experience in customer service, money management, marketing, teamwork, and leadership. Even more importantly, it’s a place where students of all abilities work side by side, building confidence, relationships, and a strong sense...

What happens when students see a need and step up to create change? In this inspiring episode of Learning in Lake Oswego, we spotlight a powerful new student-led initiative at Lake Oswego High School: Women in STEM. Alexis Zou, a Lake Oswego High School senior and the co-founder and president of Women in STEM, is joined by Susan Wentzien, LOHS biology teacher and the club’s advisor.

Together, they explore what inspired the launch of the Women in STEM club; the barriers and patterns girls and young women still face in STEM fields; why representation and mentorship ma...

In this episode of Learning in Lake Oswego, we highlight one of LOSD’s most cherished volunteer programs: Art Literacy. Guests Kristin Saco, districtwide Art Lit Board member, and Macy Walkenhorst, a Lakeridge High freshman who participated in Art Lit from K–8, share how this program brings art, culture, and creativity into classrooms across the district. Tune in to learn how volunteers make Art Lit possible, why it leaves a lasting impact on students, and what makes this decades-strong program such a beloved part of the LOSD experience.

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Lars...

As the holiday season approaches, this episode celebrates the spirit of giving and service in our schools and community. We welcome guests from the Lake Oswego Rotary Club and Lake Oswego High School’s Interact Club, organizations that exemplify “Service Above Self.”

Meet Auveen Shafei, a student award recipient, and Sicily D’Orazio, student chair of the Interact Club, who share how service and leadership are shaping their lives and inspiring others. You’ll also hear from Brian Bice and Malcolm Mathes, co-chairs of Rotary’s Educational Excellence Awards, as they reflect on ten years of honoring students, ed...

What’s it like to see Lake Oswego schools through the eyes of a family from Finland, a country known for having one of the best education systems in the world? In this episode, we sit down with Inna King and her children, Sisu and Lumi, to explore what brought them from Finland to Oregon, what drew them to Lake Oswego, and how their experiences here compare to the schools they knew back home.

From their cross-country travels to their first impressions of our classrooms and community, the King family shares heartfelt reflections on what makes Lake Os...

We take listeners inside one of Lake Oswego’s most hands-on and flavorful CTE pathways: Culinary Arts at Lakeridge High School. Guests Culinary Arts teacher Jennifer Jillions and senior student and teaching assistant, Jacen Wilber, share how the Culinary pathway blends real-world skills with personal passion. From knife skills and menu planning to leadership and confidence, this program shows how CTE connects classroom learning to future college, career, and life success.

Listeners will hear what Career Technical Education (CTE) is and why it matters for all students, how Culinary Arts courses build practical skills that extend far be...

In this episode of Learning in Lake Oswego, we sit down with Tony Vandenberg, LOSD’s Executive Director of Project Management, to discuss how our district is strengthening safety and resilience across all schools. Student safety and well-being are our top priority at all times. From secure entrances and advanced visitor management systems to seismic retrofits and modern HVAC upgrades, LOSD is making significant investments to ensure our schools are not only safer but also healthier and more resilient for the future.

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

In this episode of Learning in Lake Oswego, we sit down with longtime CTP teachers Rollie Wilson and Jane White to explore one of LOSD’s most unique and impactful programs—the Community Transition Program. Serving students ages 18–21 with developmental delays, CTP focuses on building the life skills, independence, and confidence young adults need to thrive beyond high school. Rollie and Jane share how the program works, the kinds of experiences students gain, and the powerful ways CTP partners with families, local businesses, and the community. Whether you’re new to learning about CTP or already connected to it, this epi...

In this Season 3 kickoff episode of Learning in Lake Oswego, we dive into one of the most innovative and impactful enrichment programs in the district: robotics.

Our featured guests are Lakeridge High School teacher and robotics advisor John Sperry, along with Mila Kaplan, a graduating senior and student leader on one of the school’s four robotics teams. Recorded just before Mila’s graduation and her next chapter at MIT, this episode explores how robotics in LOSD fosters creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving, preparing students for success in college, careers, and beyond.

Tune in to hear...

In this episode, we spotlight a local nonprofit that started with one high school student’s idea and grew into a vital resource for families across the region. From its humble beginnings in repurposed spaces in our schools, Hunger Fighters Oregon now operates permanently in Mountain Park, providing food assistance to hundreds of families in our community. Simone Coker-Kamna, Executive Director of Hunger Fighters Oregon, and Julianna Cahill, a Lakeridge student serving on the nonprofit’s Board of Directors, share the journey and ongoing impact of Hunger Fighters. Together, we will discuss how Hunger Fighters addresses food insecurity, empowers stud...

In this special episode of Learning in Lake Oswego, we sit down with Lake Oswego High School drama teacher Bobi Bergh to explore the power of theater in education and community. Since joining LOHS in 2021, Bobi has infused the drama program with fresh energy and vision, creating a space where students feel seen, supported, and inspired. Together, we discuss the program’s growth, the challenges and triumphs of staging major productions like Sweeney Todd, and how theater builds connections both within the school and throughout the community. We’re also joined by student performer Rowan Ducker, who shares what bein...

In this episode, we're spotlighting LOSD CARES (Connection and Resilience in Education Series). This powerful initiative began during the early days of the pandemic and continues to support students and families across our district. Our guest, Brittany Erspamer, an elementary school counselor and one of the founders of LOSD CARES, joins us to share the origins and evolution of the program; how it’s helping families navigate social-emotional challenges; and what’s ahead including an upcoming parenting workshop on building resilience in a digital age

We’re also thrilled to welcome Kaylee Meier, a Hallinan Elementary student, who sh...

In this Learning in Lake Oswego episode, we’re talking about something fun and fresh—new high school sports! One sport that’s been picking up momentum across the country and in our community is bowling. That’s right—bowling! It’s already a big deal nationwide, and interest is growing fast in our schools. High school athletes Sadie Brix, Georgia Miller, and Berit Ballew, members of the Pacer and Laker bowling teams, join us on the show. They share what it’s like to be part of these new teams, how they got started, and what keeps them returning to t...

In this Learning in Lake Oswego episode, we’re spotlighting an exciting new opportunity for high school students—the Firefighter Mentor Program with the Lake Oswego Fire Department! This program provides hands-on experience, mentorship, and insight into a career in firefighting. Two student participants, Vi French (a Lakeridge High School junior) and Aidan Shannon (a Lake Oswego High School senior), discuss their experiences. From emergency response training to leadership development, they share what they’ve learned, their challenges, and how this program shapes their future aspirations.

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Direct...

In this episode of Learning in Lake Oswego, we’re diving into a topic that affects every student: nutrition services! Joining us is Cristobal "Cris" Castro, Director of Nutrition Services for LOSD. Cris and his team ensure that all students have access to healthy, delicious meals while incorporating diverse, sustainable menu options and food education. We’ll explore how school meals have evolved, how students can help shape their dining experience, and what’s next for nutrition in LOSD. We also hear from Jake Jordan, a Lake Oswego High School sophomore, who shares a student’s perspective on school meals. G...

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 Os...

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:

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 Sc...

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...

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 lead...

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 ca...

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 r...

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...

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, LO...

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...

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...

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 ou...

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 Co...