Afleveringen
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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 they started, the moments that mattered most, and what comes next.
We also hear from parents of graduating seniors, who share reflections and advice they wish they had known from the very beginning.
Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD
Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD
Nathan Ko, Student, Lakeridge High School
Max Koegler, Student, Lake Oswego High 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.
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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.
Whether you're just getting started or deep in the process, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and encouragement for the journey.
Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD
Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD
Adam Johnson, School Counselor, Lake Oswego High School
Aiyana Flerchinger, Student, Lake Oswego High School
Ben Kolman, Student, Lakeridge High 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.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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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: Dorothy Atwood, who helps connect students with meaningful environmental learning experiences, and Leigh Campbell, founder of Shifting Gears/Gifting Gears, a program that redistributes donated bicycles to local youth. Together, they share how community collaboration is helping students learn, contribute, and take action.
Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD
Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD
Dorothy Atwood, Volunteer, Lake Oswego Sustainability Network
Leigh Campbell, Volunteer, Shifting Gears/Gifting Gears
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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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 this year’s topics, including the role of AI in the courtroom and how we think about exposure to different ways of life. Most importantly, this conversation highlights how students grow through the process, not just as critical thinkers, but as teammates, communicators, and leaders.
Tune in to hear how Lake Oswego students are learning to navigate complexity with curiosity, empathy, and confidence, and why experiences like Ethics Bowl are shaping skills that matter far beyond the classroom.
Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD
Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD
Finn Kelly, Student, Lake Oswego Middle School
Jai Lim, Student, Lake Oswego Middle School
Sophia Lu, Student, Lake Oswego High School
Norway Vo, Student, Lake Oswego High 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.
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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 coordinator, who works closely with teachers across LOSD to support hands-on science learning, providing everything from worms and fish to batteries, circuits, and building materials that bring science concepts to life.
Together, they discuss what hands-on science looks like in our elementary schools, why experiential learning matters, and how these early opportunities help students begin to see themselves as scientists.
Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD
Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD
Kelly Hutchison, Teacher, River Grove Elementary School
Quin Campbell, Student, River Grove Elementary School
Brian Toye, Science 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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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 to plan a regional, student-led event, why creating spaces for BIPOC students and welcoming allies matters, and how young leaders are building connections and shaping their communities.
Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD
Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD
Tara Reddy, Student, Lakeridge High School
Layla Riquelme-Cheung, Student, Lakeridge High 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.
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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 volunteers with students to build confidence, skills, and, most importantly, the joy of reading.
Together, we discuss why early literacy matters now more than ever; how consistent one-on-one reading time makes a difference; the power of community volunteers in supporting student success; and what it looks like when a child discovers the joy of reading. This episode is a reminder that literacy is a shared responsibility, and when schools and community partners work together, students thrive.
Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD
Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD
Lisa Stephens, Instructional Specialist, River Grove Elementary School
Kevin Faris, SMART Reading Volunteer and Lake Oswego Resident
Lukas Gardner, Kindergartener, 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.
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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 are learning to think deeply, speak confidently, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.
Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD
Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD
Jay Ashkinos, Teacher, Lakeridge Middle School
Connor Rozgo, 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.
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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 at Lake Oswego High School, and Spencer Phillips, head coach at Lakeridge High School. Fierce competitors on the field and respected colleagues off it, both coaches share insights from their own college playing days and decades of experience guiding student-athletes through recruiting. Together, they address common misconceptions, shifting timelines, scholarship realities, the role of academics, and how social media and early specialization fit into today’s landscape.
Whether a student-athlete dreams of competing at the next level or is simply curious about what recruiting really looks like, this episode offers candid insights. Listeners will hear practical advice about what students can control, how families can support, and how to evaluate fit beyond athletics. While this episode talks about playing at the next level, the key takeaway is clear: make the most of your time in our schools.
Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD
Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD
Steve Coury, Head Coach, Football, Lake Oswego High School
Spencer Phillips, Head Coach, Football, Lakeridge High 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.
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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 of belonging.
To help tell this story, we’re joined by two remarkable student leaders: Margaret Fleming, a Lakeridge sophomore in the Pathways program, and Beatrice Madden, a Lakeridge senior and DECA president. Together, they exemplify the leadership, collaboration, and inclusive spirit that make the school store such a powerful learning space.
Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD
Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD
Margaret Fleming, Student, Lakeridge High School
Beatrice Madden, Student, Lakeridge High 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.
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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 matter; how student leadership builds confidence and belonging; and the role educators play in helping students see themselves in STEM careers. They also share their hopes for the club's future and the legacy it will leave behind.
Alexis reflects on her personal journey, the club’s mission, and offers advice for students who may feel uncertain about entering STEM spaces. Susan brings an educator’s perspective, grounding the conversation in research, classroom practice, and her own path into science and teaching.
Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD
Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD
Alexis Zoh, Student and co-founder of Women in STEM, Lake Oswego High School
Susan Wentzien, Teacher and Women in STEM Club Advisor, Lake Oswego High 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.
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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 Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD
Kristin Saco, Parent Volunteer, Art Literacy Board
Macy Walkenhorst, Student, Lakeridge High School
LOSD Art Literacy Program
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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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, educators, and community members who go above and beyond in education. Tune in for stories of generosity, mentorship, and community connection, a true reflection of what makes Lake Oswego shine.
Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD
Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD
Auveen Shafei, Student, Lake Oswego High School
Sicily D’Orazio, Student, Lake Oswego High School
Brian Bice, Educational Excellence Awards Co-Chair, Lake Oswego Rotary Club
Malcolm Mathes, Educational Excellence Awards Founder and Co-Chair, Lake Oswego Rotary Club
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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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 Oswego feel like home. Their perspective offers valuable insight into how our schools create belonging for families worldwide and reminds us of the universal hopes parents share for their children’s education.
Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD
Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD
Inna King, Parent, Forest Hills Elementary School
Sisu King, Student, Forest Hills Elementary School
Lumi King, Student, Forest Hills 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.
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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 beyond high school, and how industry-experienced teachers make a meaningful impact in the classroom. Jacen offers a student’s perspective, reflecting on the creativity, collaboration, and leadership he discovered through the program.
Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD
Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD
Jennifer Jillions, Teacher, Lakeridge High School
Jacen Wilber, Student, Lakeridge High School
Instagram: culinary_lakeridge
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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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
Tony Vandenberg, Executive Director of Project Management, LOSD
LOSD Safety & Security Information
LOSD Capital Bond Improvement Program
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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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 episode offers an inspiring look at how the program transforms lives and strengthens our community.
Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD
Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD
Rollie Wilson, Learning Specialist, Community Transition Program, LOSD
Jane White, Learning Specialist, Community Transition Program, 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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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 how this growing program is inspiring students, building community, and shaping the future of STEM education in Lake Oswego.
Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD
Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD
John Sperry, Teacher, Lakeridge High School, and Advisor, Lake Monster Robotics Program
Mila Kaplan, Student, Lakeridge High School, Class of 2025, and Lake Monster Team Captain
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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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 student leadership, and creates meaningful community connections.
Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD
Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD
Simone Coker-Kamna, Executive Director, Hunger Fighters Oregon
Julianna Cahill, Student, Lakeridge High School, and Board Member, Hunger Fighters Oregon
hungerfightersoregon.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.
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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 being part of the drama program has meant to him.
Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD
Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD
Bobi Bergh, Drama Teacher, Lake Oswego High School
Rowan Ducker, Student, Lake Oswego High 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.
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