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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.