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.

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.

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 shares what she’s learned through social-emotional learning and the positive impact her school counselor has had on her. As Dr. Schiele reminds us, this is a timely and vital conversation, especially as we approach Mental Health Awareness Month. LOSD CARES is a model that demonstrates how schools, families, and communities can collaborate to support the whole child every day.

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

Brittany Erspamer, School Counselor, Hallinan Elementary

Kaylee Meier, Student, Hallinan Elementary

LOSD CARES

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’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 the lanes.

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

Berit Ballew, Student, Lake Oswego High School

Sadie Brix, Student, Lakeridge High School

Georgia Miller, 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.

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 Director of Communications, LOSD

Aidan Shannon, Student, Lake Oswego High School

Vi French, Student, Lakeridge High School

Lake Oswego Fire Department

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, 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. Get ready to be inspired—and maybe even a little hungry!

Dr. Jennifer Schiele, Superintendent, LOSD

Mary Kay Larson, Executive Director of Communications, LOSD

Cristobal Castro, Director of Nutrition Services, LOSD

Jake Jordan, Student, Lake Oswego High School

LOSD Nutrition Services

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 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.