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Our Mission

Ensuring more teachers, classes and experiences for all Lake Oswego students. With your help we can make a difference. Learn more and get involved.


Our Mission: We fund teaching positions.

All Gifts Help Support Our Schools!

Your contributions go a long way. Foundation support is a big reason why Lake Oswego schools have consistently ranked number one in the state, and among the top in the nation. With your gifts the Foundation provides to each and every student in the Lake Oswego School District:

  • More teachers and educational experience than what state and local taxes can provide
  • Teachers for music, reading, art, science and technology
  • Music instruction for every elementary student K-5
  • Additional reading support for students with greater needs in K-2
  • Greater exposure in in grades 6-12 to electives such as Robotics, Architecture, Oceanography, Performing Arts, to name just a few!

We need your support to continue to provide our kids the incredible education Lake Oswego offers. Please consider a gift or pledge your support today. Thank you!


Campaign Results: Lake Oswego Review

Learn more about the Foundation's 2024-25 results and how its making a real impact.

Lake Oswego Schools Foundation raises nearly $1.5 million for teaching positions

 

 

 

 

 

 


Annual Campaign Results (2024-25)

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the 2024–25 annual campaign (ended June 30). We’re so grateful for the generosity of this incredible community. Campaign highlights:

          *$1.47M Raised 

          *+87% Business Sponsorships

         *+140% Endowment Contributions

Keep an eye out for the Foundation’s 2024–25 Annual Report, coming this December.

 

 


Why do we need a foundation?

Between property taxes, volunteer hours, and school-based donations, it’s reasonable to wonder why our district needs a foundation. The answer might surprise many of you, and it’s that our district receives less money per student (~$850 less per student).

LOSD receives less state funding than other districts due to the structure of Oregon’s State School Fund formula, which is designed to provide support based on needs and local resources.  Because Lake Oswego generates comparatively high local revenue, the state contribution is correspondingly lower. To learn more about K-12 education funding in Oregon review the brief from the Legislative Policy and Research Office.

Colored pencils

Our Impact This Year

  • People Helped

    6,815

  • Volunteer Hours

    750

  • Dollars Raised

    $1,500,000

6 Activities You Can Do to Feel Like a Kid Again

There’s a lot of great things that come with adulthood: making your own decisions, staying up whenever you want, having your own money… the list goes on. Still, there are some not-so-great things that come with being an adult: paying bills, having to go to work, not having someone to take care of you when you’re sick, etc. 

The truth is sometimes we all need to feel like a kid again. If you’re tired of adulthood and want to rewind the clock, check out these six activities to relive those childhood memories.

 

1. Have a sleepover. 

Nothing’s better than a good old fashioned sleepover, especially when you're the adult that determines bedtime. So send the kids to stay with Grandma and Grandpa for a weekend and invite a friend or two over for a sleepover. Stay up late, watch scary movies and eat an exuberant amount of food. Just like the good ol’ days!

 

2. Break into song.

Remember when you were little and would sing whenever, wherever? Then adulthood hit and you realized that wasn’t “appropriate.” Take a step back again and try it out. Sing along to the radio, your favorite song or even make it up as you go whenever you feel it. The shower is great for acapella moments, but your talent is good enough to share with the whole world. Work it!

 

3. Play in puddles.

Kids love to play, regardless of weather conditions. But adults… sometimes we’re a little iffy. Throw that out the window and go enjoy yourself in the great outdoors. Splash in mud puddles, roll down grassy hills, run through the rain and get sweaty and dirty as you’re doing all of it. You can even involve your kiddos in this one. If they see you outside having a blast, they’ll be sure to join. Besides, dirty clothes are what washing machines are made for.

 

4. Go on a bike ride.

Do you recall the last time you went on a bike ride just for the fun of it? Chances are it was a while ago. Embrace Mother Nature, feel the wind on your face and go exploring all from the comfort of your bicycle seat. Take your significant other or your children with you for a fun and physical outing. If you really want to get imaginative, pack a picnic lunch for you and your family or friends and go for a classic picnic-in-the-park bike ride.

 

5. Color outside the lines.

There are few things more fun, satisfying and relaxing than spending some time coloring in a coloring book. Nowadays, there are countless adult coloring books available, but don’t be afraid to buy a good ol’ fashioned children’s coloring book as well. Whether it’s with crayons, colored pencils, markers or even on a touchscreen tablet, coloring helps you relive your childhood while also embracing your adulthood. Except now you’re better at staying inside the lines!

 

6. Dance like nobody’s watching.

Kids have no shame when it comes to dancing, and neither should you. Take back your childhood by dancing like nobody’s watching. Whether it’s in the shower, at home in the kitchen or out at the grocery store when you hear your jam come on, get down with your bad self. Not only will you have more fun, but you undoubtedly will bring joy to someone else’s day as well.

Adulthood is great, but sometimes we just need to relive our childhood. Take time to feel that old uninhibited joy and imagination by trying out these activities. You’ll have more fun and your kids will too when you feel like a kid again. Then enjoy some perks of adulthood again and go out for coffee or wine at your favorite cafe or restaurant, because life is all about balance.

Teacher reading to students
  • Maxine Walkenhorst, Lake Oswego
    Maxine Walkenhorst, Lake Oswego

    I am proud to be part of making our schools great for kids through the Lake Oswego Schools Foundation.

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