Elementary students in Lake Oswego won't be bringing school-issued devices home during the 2026-27 school year. The district is also blocking YouTube by default and stripping gamification features from i-Ready, its adaptive learning platform.

The changes, outlined in the Lake Oswego School District's Aug. 7 newsletter, mark a significant shift in the district's classroom technology approach. Superintendent Jennifer Schiele wrote in the newsletter that the updates reflect "educator and parent feedback, research, and our commitment to providing age-appropriate, balanced learning experiences."

Teachers will still be able to access YouTube for approved instructional content, and the district is strengthening its internet filtering and online safety protections across the board. LOSD is also increasing teacher training on GoGuardian, the monitoring software used in classrooms, and plans to offer parent education sessions on the tool.

The district framed the policies as part of a broader philosophy: technology should complement hands-on learning, discussion, play, movement, handwriting and direct interaction with teachers, not replace them.

Staggered start dates

Families should note the staggered first-day schedule for 2026-27:

  • Tuesday, Sept. 8: First day for grades Pre-K, 1–5, 6 and 9
  • Wednesday, Sept. 9: First day for grades 7–8 and 10–12
  • Friday, Sept. 11: First day for all kindergarteners

Kindergarteners begin with an orientation and staggered start during the first week. Individual school offices will send orientation details later this summer.

Before classes begin, elementary schools will host meet-and-greets on Thursday, Sept. 3, where students can visit classrooms, meet teachers and drop off supplies. Class assignments for non-kindergarten students will go out the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 2.

SmartStart, a session for students with 504 plans and IEPs and their families, runs from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 3 at all LOSD schools.

School board meeting Aug. 10

The Lake Oswego School Board meets Monday, Aug. 10, at the LOSD Administration Building. An executive session begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a contract review board session at 6 p.m. and the regular public session at approximately 6:10 p.m.

The meeting is open to the public on a first-come, first-seated basis. Written testimony must be submitted to board secretary Kelli Cranston at [email protected] by noon on Aug. 10 with "In-Person Testimony" in the subject line.

Get involved

LOSD is recruiting parents, staff and high school students for a new Technology & Learning Advisory Committee. Applications are due Monday, Sept. 14. The district is also circulating a 13-minute technology survey seeking community input on student learning, wellness and digital citizenship.

Families using the Clever app should note that student access will be unavailable from Monday, Aug. 24, through Friday, Sept. 4, while the district prepares the system for the new year. Teachers retain access during that window.

Registration is open for the before-school elementary strings program for fourth and fifth graders, with classes beginning Sept. 14.