Learning in Lake Oswego

Mary Kay Larson, Dr. Jennifer Schiele
  • 5.0 (17)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Join Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Schiele as she gives us an inside look at the Lake Oswego School District. With over 20 years of experience as a school counselor, principal, and administrator, Jenn provides invaluable insight into K12 education and our district. In this podcast, you will hear candid conversations with knowledgeable guests who care deeply about our learning community. Mary Kay Larson, the communications director, district parent, and community resident, will host the show and add her perspective to the conversation. Whether you are new to the community or have been with the district for decades, there is always something to learn in the Lake Oswego School District. Tune in bi-weekly to learn more.

  1. Ethics Bowl Champions in Thinking, Listening, and Leading

    5D AGO

    Ethics Bowl Champions in Thinking, Listening, and Leading

    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.

    38 min
  2. Hands-On Science: Curiosity and Discovery in Elementary Classrooms

    MAR 17

    Hands-On Science: Curiosity and Discovery in Elementary Classrooms

    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.

    34 min
  3. Student Leadership in Action: Inside the Oregon Youth Leadership Alliance

    MAR 3

    Student Leadership in Action: Inside the Oregon Youth Leadership Alliance

    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.

    30 min

  4. FEB 17

    The Joy and Power of SMART Reading

    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.

    25 min

  5. FEB 3

    Finding Your Voice: Speech & Debate in Middle School

    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.

    44 min
  6. College Athlete Recruiting: A Candid Conversation with Coach Coury and Coach Phillips

    JAN 20

    College Athlete Recruiting: A Candid Conversation with Coach Coury and Coach Phillips

    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.

    54 min
  7. Learning, Leadership, and Belonging at the Lakeridge School Store

    JAN 6

    Learning, Leadership, and Belonging at the Lakeridge School Store

    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.

    25 min
  8. Women in STEM: Building Confidence, Belonging, and Opportunity

    12/16/2025

    Women in STEM: Building Confidence, Belonging, and Opportunity

    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.

    38 min
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Trailer

5
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About

Join Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Schiele as she gives us an inside look at the Lake Oswego School District. With over 20 years of experience as a school counselor, principal, and administrator, Jenn provides invaluable insight into K12 education and our district. In this podcast, you will hear candid conversations with knowledgeable guests who care deeply about our learning community. Mary Kay Larson, the communications director, district parent, and community resident, will host the show and add her perspective to the conversation. Whether you are new to the community or have been with the district for decades, there is always something to learn in the Lake Oswego School District. Tune in bi-weekly to learn more.

Information

  • Creator
    Mary Kay Larson, Dr. Jennifer Schiele
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Learning in Lake Oswego

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