Lake Grove Elementary

Dear Lake Grove Families,

Thank you for trusting us with your incredible children. As I've shared before, we value safety above all else at our school. We know that when students feel safe, they learn more. This has been heavy on our minds and hearts with news of the tragic event at a high school in Michigan, the ambulance here yesterday afternoon, and of course, the ever-present social and emotional safety needs of our students and community. At the core of this work is our commitment to engaging in thoughtful conversations with our students and families about issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. I am so grateful to be able to witness the love and support our staff demonstrate daily to keep your children feeling safe and cared for.

We are so fortunate to work in a school district that is committed to creating a sense of belonging for each and every student. Thank you for partnering with us in making Lake Grove a safe place for everyone.

Be well,

Principal Jennie Knapp

During the month of December, we look forward to investing our time, head, heart and hands on the character trait of C R E A T I V I T Y in our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons, classrooms, and school.

One of the best things about being a human being is our ability to imagine! We get this cool part of our brain that allows us to not just think about survival, but also about sparkly space pigeons or colorful caterpillars or a cardboard box that is secretly a rocket ship. It is that same imagination that makes a sandbox into the moon that is capable of imagining the world’s problems as opportunities for new, bold, innovative solutions. This month, we will be talking about and practicing solving problems, working in teams, and dreaming up new perspectives! The only way we change the negative normals in our world is to have the Courage and Creativity to think differently and exercise our imagination to help make the world better!

The definition students will be learning this month is:

Creativity: Using your imagination to create something or solve a problem.

We believe involving families in our Social Emotional Learning is important. The letters linked below include activities, conversation starters, reading lists, and more for you to explore CREATIVITY further as a family:

K-2 Creativity Family Letter (English) 3-5 Creativity Family Letter (English)

K-2 Creatividad para Familias (En Español) 3-5 Creatividad para Familias (En Español)

Wishing you and your family a season of peace, love and joy.

Have you ever thought about working here at Lake Grove Elementary School? We have positions posted and are looking for wonderful people to join our team!

See the postings for more details, and feel free to contact the office with any questions 503-534-2357.

Volunteers need to verify the following requirements before volunteering in schools:

• Complete Background Check through school Raptor system - if you have not already completed this, bring your driver's license or passport with you on your first day back to register.

• Fill out this form: Sign Statement of Knowledge and Understanding of LOSD Policies - detailed information below.

• Show/Send Proof of Vaccination to Annika Nicholas (nicholaa@loswego.k12.or.us). LOSD will not be granting exemptions for volunteers due to requirements of weekly testing and distancing.

Statement of Knowledge and Understanding - LOSD District Policies
All contractors, volunteers, and visitors must agree to follow District policies, the most important of which are summarized or referenced below:

• No firearms, fire pits, indoor barbecues, candles, fog machines, balloons or fireworks may be used on School District property.

• Park in designated parking areas only. Violators will be towed at the owner's expense.

• Reporting of Suspected Abuse of a Child JHFE

• Reporting Requirements Regarding Sexual Conduct with Students JHFF

• HPV/Bloodborne Pathogens GBEBAA/JHCCBA/EBBAB

• Educational Equity JBB

• Nondiscrimination Policy AC

• Sexual Harassment GBN/JBA

• Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students JBBA

• Volunteers IICC

Please click on this link to sign the form that states you know and understand the information and the policies listed above.

Every year, Oregon students take assessments to meet federal requirements. The purpose of these assessments is to provide data that schools can use to ensure each and every child is on track and achieving learning goals.

State law requires us to inform you that a form is available from the State Department of Education that allows you to opt your child out of the math and English Language Arts assessments for the current school year. Should you wish to opt out your child, fill out the form and submit it to the main office at your child’s school. Please note the submission deadlines listed on the form. Meeting the deadline will help the school with planning and preparation. If you wish your child not to participate in the science assessment for grades 5, 8, and 11, submit this request in writing to the principal of your child's school.

If you have questions or want more information about state assessments, please contact your child’s principal or teacher(s).

Click here for opt-out form for Math and English Language Arts.

As the weather gets colder, we may be transitioning to more frequent indoor lunches. Students will be spaced at least 6 feet apart and will have masks on when they aren't eating. Please let your child's teacher know if you have objections to your child eating indoors.

Thank you for your cooperation in not arriving at school until 2:40 for dismissal. The students are happy waiting on the deck until 2:50 if you're not at the front of the line. Our dismissal time is back to the 11 minutes that it used to take before COVID, and the neighborhood is much safer for drivers and pedestrians without all the cars waiting on the streets. Great job, Lake Grove!

If you have lost something at school, please take a look through the slides and submit a request for pickup. Please help by labeling all items. We will do our best to return labeled items directly to the student. See all items collected here.

Lake Oswego High School’s Chapter of the National Honor Society presents their

2021 HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE

November 15 - December 13

Donation boxes are located at the entrances of Lake Oswego High School, Lake Oswego Junior High School, Oak Creek, Lake Grove, and Forest Hills elementary schools, and the Lake Oswego Public Library

Items will be donated to foster children through With Love, Oregon.

Items will be also donated to children experiencing houselessness at the Portland Rescue Mission and the Rose Haven Women’s Shelter.

TOY DONATIONS are most preferred!

Click here for more details about the gift drive, including specific items requested.

If your child will be absent, please email your student's teacher and copy the office at lgattendance@loswego.k12.or.us. Please list the date your child will be absent and any illness symptoms. You may also call us at 503-534-2357, or leave a voicemail on the 24-hour attendance line at 503-534-2299.

If you need to pick your child up early for an appointment, please be sure to bring your ID in to the office to sign them out.

12/9 Early Release Thursday - 2 pm

12/16 Early Release Thursday - 2 pm

12/20-1/2 No School - Winter Break

1/3 Welcome back!

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING ‘WITH LOVE’

Grovers made a big difference in the lives of foster families during our stocking stuff drive this week! Your stocking stuffer donations will bring joy to children in foster care this holiday season. Thank you!

SHARE SWEET TREATS WITH OUR LG STAFF THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

Our LG educators look forward to the annual cookie delivery from our families. The staff appreciation committee is looking for 65 families to bring a batch of cookies or treats on Thursday, December 16 by 10:00am. This is a great opportunity to give back to our staff who give so much to our students. Questions? Contact Ali Koper at akoper@outlook.com. Homemade or purchased are welcome! Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0545A4AB2FA6F85-winter

FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADERS INVITED TO JOIN MATH CLUB

Math Club continues on Tuesday, December 14 from 4-4:45 pm on Zoom. This club for 4th and 5th grade students is led by PTA volunteer JulieAnna Giannini, and will meet virtually once a month to sharpen students’ math skills, play games and have fun! If you want to join in on the fun or get more details, email lakegrovepta@gmail.com.

SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL WITH THE FRED MEYER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM

Visit https://www.fredmeyer.com and choose the drop down menu under ‘Sign In.’ New users will need to create an account, which requires some basic information, a valid email address and your rewards card. Once you have created a new Fred Meyer account or are logged into your existing account:

• Search for Lake Grove Elementary School
• Click Enroll

That’s it! Thank you so much for your support. Questions? Contact Marnie Lyon-Brown or Ginny Hoadley at lakegrovefundraising@gmail.com.

At Lake Grove, we are an inclusive school community fostering social, emotional, and academic growth for all students.

Principal: Jennie Knapp

Website: https://www.losdschools.org/lg
Location: 15777 Boones Ferry Road, Lake Oswego, OR, United States
Phone: 503-534-2357