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.

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.

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.