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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 Foundations 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.

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Our Impact This Year

  • People Helped

    6,815

  • Volunteer Hours

    750

  • Dollars Raised

    $1,500,000

6 Tips to Train Your Brain to Be More Positive

There’s a lot going on in the world right now. Between the news, the community and our personal lives, it can be pretty easy to get overwhelmed, stressed out and even upset. As human beings, our automatic reaction doesn’t always lean in the most positive direction.

How can you live an altruistic lifestyle when negativity is on your mind? Today we've got the answers as we share six tips to help train your brain to be more positive.

 

1. Start your day off right.

The best way to start your day off right is by making sure you take time to ease into the day and really prepare. Have a moment of quiet time in the morning by relaxing, meditating or just thinking through your day and positive life moments. Take some time to physically, emotionally and mentally prepare for the day. And of course, eat breakfast. When you start your day off on a high note, the day will feel better overall, which leads to more positive thinking.

 

2. Make a gratitude list.

Be positive by maintaining an attitude of gratitude. Take some time to sit down and consider the things in your life you are truly grateful for. Once your list is compiled, find a safe place to keep it where you can see it consistently. For example, on your phone, at your desk at work or on a bookmark. Read through the list as often as you can to remind yourself of all the good things in your life and maintain a positive mindset.

 

3. Rework your response.

When something challenging or difficult happens in our lives, it’s easy to immediately respond negatively. Instead, rewire your brain by making a conscious effort to rework every negative response you have. For instance, instead of thinking, “Wow, I hate having to work late,” consider, “This is building up my experience for better opportunities later on.” By immediately changing your negative response into a positive one, you inherently rewire your brain to think positively rather than the alternative.

 

4. Stay active.

Too much idle time can result in opportunity for a downtrodden mindset. Instead, stay active and engaged with different activities and hobbies. Find things you enjoy to fill your time and thoughts with positive moments. If you’re more of a laid back person, you can still keep your mind active by reading books, playing games or even taking up writing. When you feel negative thoughts coming on, finding a positive outlet is a great way to channel them in a new direction.

 

5. Take care of yourself.

How can your brain be positive if your body doesn’t feel that way? Taking care of yourself physically, emotionally and mentally are vital to living a positive lifestyle. Make sure to eat healthy, get exercise and build joyful relationships with loved ones for a life you can feel good about. When you feel good, chances are your brain will follow suit with more positive ideas.

 

6. Support others.

Finally, when we give to others, we find joy in our own lives. Support others in your community by volunteering for causes you care about or donating to local nonprofit organizations. Supporting others is the ultimate way to give love, which you in turn receive. And when we put good out into the world, our brains reprogram to feel good and think good thoughts.

If you want to live a more altruistic lifestyle, start by reprogramming your brain to think more positively. Try out these six tips to focus your thoughts and train your brain to be more positive. When we think positive, we send positivity out into the world for others to enjoy as well.

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  • 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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