Belonging in LOSD
Creating a culture of belonging is a collective endeavor that requires a robust partnership among our schools, families, and community. Our commitment to fostering this culture is evident in our recognition of special days, weeks, and months, as affirmed by school board resolutions and reflected in district-wide messages, signage, and activities.
Our efforts to promote a sense of belonging are not just about the days we celebrate but also about the events and discussions we engage in.
Belonging
Culture of Belonging
Mission: We are a learning community dedicated to creating a culture of belonging and educational excellence.
Vision: We inspire students to be critical thinkers who are empowered to contribute positively in a complex world.
Values:
- Inclusivity: Provide equal access to experiences and resources
- Equity: Ensure all students have what they need to succeed
- Growth: Continuously improve, always innovating
- Shared Leadership: All students, staff, families and residents are invested in our vision
- Whole Child: Grow and achieve academically, emotionally and physically
Culture of Belonging Committee Charter
DEI Shared Language
Equity Lens
Land Acknowledgement
Culture & Heritage
Resources for Families
Supporting students’ success by supporting families.
To help remove obstacles and ensure equitable access to all educational resources in our district, we offer families various forms of support, and opportunities to be value-add contributors to advisory boards, parent events and new family meet & greets.
Below is a condensed list of events and resource links we have found most useful for our students & families:
Events
- Back to School Check-In / Supply Pick Up Day
- College and Career Readiness Support
- Kindergarten Counts
- Kindergarten Transition
- LOSD Cares
- Open House & School Tours
- Smart Start
- School Board Meetings and Executive Sessions
Back to School Check-In / Supply Pick Up Day
College and Career Readiness Support
Each of our High Schools have a robust counseling department dedicated to assisting students with academic, post-secondary, and socio-emotional support and resources to develop into confident, competent, healthy, and productive members of their communities. Students will gain the necessary skills to navigate through high school and their post-secondary plans through developmentally appropriate curriculum. By strategically supporting and creating partnerships with educators and other community members, the counseling program advocates for equity and provides interventions as needed to support all students to achieve their goals.
Kindergarten Counts
Kindergarten Transition
LOSD Cares
LOSD Cares is a Connection and Resilience in Education Series hosted by the LOSD Wellness team of our school counselors, social workers and psychologists. Working with community mental health partners, LOSD has developed a workshop series for parents and guardians to support, inform, and empower families on issues surrounding mental health. Workshop recordings and supporting materials can be accessed below.
Open House & School Tours
Each school hosts an open house for incoming students:
Elementary Schools: Our elementary schools host Kindergarten Counts, an open house held on the evening of registration, opening in January. It’s an opportunity for adults to meet the principal, teachers, and school leaders, and get to know more about your school and our kindergarten program.
Middle and High Schools: Our secondary schools host information nights for incoming 6th and 9th graders, as well as all students who will be new to the school. These events, typically held in early February in advance of students forecasting classes for the new school year, provide parents/guardians and their students with an opportunity to meet the principal, school counselors, and other school leaders, learn more about our academic and extracurricular programs, and tour the school.
School Tours: Please contact our schools about a personal meeting and tour.
Smart Start
Smart Start is an opportunity specifically for our students with 504s and IEPs, and their parents and guardians, to make introductions with their teachers and to feel prepared for the start of school. Smart Start is typically held the Thursday before the first day of school. The next one is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024 at 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
School Board Meetings and Executive Sessions
All regular, special and emergency meetings of the Board will be open to the public except as provided by law. Access to and the ability to attend all meetings (excluding executive session) by telephone, video or other electronic or virtual means will be made available when reasonably possible. All meetings will be conducted in compliance with state and federal statutes. Information on how to give or submit public comment is posted on the district’s website.
Family Resources
Student Services
The Student Services Department is where you will find resources, such as special education assistance, housing instability, mental health, section 504, and more, to assist in ensuring all students receive the necessary services and support to grow as learners through partnerships with staff and parents.
Community Programs
The LOSD Community Programs offer a variety of curriculum enrichment, youth sports, and adult programs outside of regular school hours. Enrollment in many of these programs is open to all, including residents of Lake Oswego and surrounding communities. Visit Community Programs to see the many opportunities.