Loveland, Ohio – Governor Mike DeWine announced today that he is ordering all of Ohio’s public, community, and private K-12 school buildings to be closed to students through May 1 due to the coronavirus health crisis. At this time, the Loveland City School District plans to return to buildings on Monday, May 4.
“This is not an unexpected announcement,” said Loveland Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse. “We know it presents a challenge to our families, but with the rapid developments over the past week and the number of confirmed cases on the rise, we knew this was a likely outcome. Over the past two weeks, our teachers and administrators have worked hard to prepare for remote learning for our students, which started today. We will continue to adjust and administer our virtual learning plans and expectations and will learn together as needed along the way. Under no uncertain terms is remote learning a full replacement for the high-quality instruction provided by our teachers and staff in our classrooms, but we will continue to give our students our very best.”
School staff will continue to work, most of them remotely. At this time, organizations that provide charitable and social services are allowed to continue operations. Food distribution is considered an essential service, and accordingly, the Loveland City School District food services are working with NEST Community Learning Center and the LIFE Food 
Pantry to continue to support the Loveland City School District community. Staff and volunteers are asked to take their temperature before reporting for service. No more than 10 people are allowed in any one area and they must remain at a six-feet distance from each other at all times. Staff will continue to comply with the most current health guidelines as they develop. For more information on the district’s meal distribution program, visit: https://www.lovelandschools.org/FoodServices.aspx.
For mental health support and services, the school counselors are monitoring emails and contacting families in need. Students or parents in crisis can contact the following local hotlines for assistance: Clermont County Crisis Hotline (513) 528-SAVE (7283); Hamilton County: Talbert House Crisis Hotline (513) 281-CARE (2273) or text Talbert to 839863; and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center at (513) 646-4124.
“I thank everyone for their patience and support as we continue our work in this temporary, new environment,” said Dr. Crouse. “We are experiencing a health crisis that none of us have ever experienced in our lifetime. There will be bumps along the way, but our teachers, counselors, building principals, and our support staff are here working with our families to support them and our students. The main focus right now is to do everything in our power to end this crisis. I urge everyone to take all precautions and heed the guidelines and orders by our governor.”
