Blue Ash, Ohio – In statements to the school community, the Sycamore District said:
The Sycamore Family is deeply saddened by the loss of Sycamore High School’s beloved athletic director, Mark Harden. His passion, dedication, and spirit will forever be remembered.
Harden 52, was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash on southbound I-75 Wednesday afternoon.
The Greater Miami Athletic Conference said on X:
It is with a heavy heart the Greater Miami Conference mourns the untimely passing of Sycamore Athletics Director Mark Harden. Mark was involved in auto accident this afternoon on I75 which took his life. His presence and leadership will be difficult to replace.
The Tahona restaurant in Blue Ash’s Summit Park (Loveland Magazine file photo)
Loveland, Ohio – The Tahona taqueria and tequila bar located in historic downtown Loveland will temporarily close its doors, taking a Winter hiatus. The last day of service is Saturday, January 20. During the hiatus, they encourage you to visit their Blue Ash location in Summit Park, open Tuesday-Saturday for dine-in service and carryout. You can find more information about the Blue Ash location HERE.
The Loveland staff members are being offered temporary positions at other restaurant locations.
Blue Ash, Ohio – September 8 will be the first day of school for all students, including those in a virtual classroom learning setting. Parents have been asked to look for more information about their student’s school’s transition days for face-to-face learners on September 3-4. Half of Grades K-4, Grades 5-6, Grades 7-8, and Grades 9 and 12 students will attend on each of those days to ease the transition to school.
September 8 will be the first day of school for all students. It will also be the first day of school for students in the virtual classroom setting.
Grades K-4, Grades 5-6, Grades 7-8, and Grades 9 and 12 students in the in-person option will enter the hallways on either September 3 or 4. Half of each will attend on each of those days to ease the transition to school.
Families have been offered two options for the return to school.
Sycamore Community Schools will provide students Grades K-12 who cannot or do not wish to return to school with 100% virtual classroom learning fIve days a week.
In Virtual Classroom Learning, parents and guardians of elementary students assume the role of a “Learning Partner”. Each child will be taught by a Sycamore Community Schools teacher who will support the child in his or her learning, grade submitted work, and monitor the child’s progress. However, parents and guardians provide “vital support” for younger students in an online learning environment.
Students will follow a daily schedule of instruction
Sycamore teachers will instruct the virtual classrooms
Virtual classrooms will follow the same sequencing and teach the same standards as the face to face instructional model.
Aligned to Ohio’s Learning Standards and Sycamore Schools’ curriculum maps.
100% online environment
Student privacy protected
How will Virtual Classroom Learning be different from the 4th Quarter remote learning experience?
Attendance will be taken daily
Students will have a daily learning schedule
Students will be actively engaged in learning new content
Student learning will be assessed formatively and summatively
Students will receive grades per the district grading scale
Teachers will engage with students daily
Teachers will monitor student progress to ensure students are learning and progressing successfully through the standards
Virtual Classrooms will be monitored to ensure student engagement and curricular alignment, similar to the process in a face to face teaching environment
To ensure educational equity, Virtual Classroom ‘walk-throughs’ by an administrator or instructional expert will occur, similar to the process in a face to face teaching environment
Live streaming of classes will be considered as an option where appropriate, such as with unique courses at the HS
How will Virtual Classroom Learning be similar to Face-to-Face Learning?
Sycamore teachers will teach the virtual classrooms
Sycamore teachers will develop relationships with students
Sycamore teachers will use curriculum resources and best instructional practices to engage students in learning
Sycamore teachers in the virtual classroom will collaborate with the face to face teachers
Students will take the same common assessments in both models, as well as MAP assessments, as a means to ensure educational equity and alignment of learning expectations
Students will receive Intervention, Special Education, Gifted and/or ESOL support and have access to mental health services
Every effort will be made to allow students to take the same courses as in the face to face environment. Some exceptions may occur.
Curriculum is either the same as Sycamore’s or aligned tightly with Ohio’s Learning Standards and Sycamore’s Curriculum to ensure educational equity.
FACIAL COVERINGS
All staff members are required by the state of Ohio to wear district-approved facial coverings during the school day, unless it is unsafe to do so or where doing so would significantly interfere with the learning process.
All students Grades K-12 will be required to wear district-approved masks on the bus and during the school day with the exception of lunch, recess, and PE classes, or if social distancing can be ensured.
Families will be responsible for providing clean, cloth masks
District will provide a mask if a student forgets, loses, or destroys their mask at school
Masks must meet CDC recommendations and adhere to the Sycamore Code of Conduct • Medical waivers will be given for both students and staff
Accommodations for medical waivers include 6 feet or more distancing from others in class and physical barriers
MODIFIED RECESS WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE PK-8 GRADE LEVELS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
Adjustments in schedules to reduce numbers of students on the playground
Limited use of shared equipment
Sanitation in between cohorts
Playground supervisors will ensure physical distancing as much as possible
MODIFIED PHYSICAL EDUCATION WILL BE PROVIDED AT ALL LEVELS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
Use of outdoor spaces as much as possible
Forward only positioning for exhalation activities
Limited partner/group games and shared equipment
Sanitation in between cohorts
REIMAGINED MUSIC AND THEATER CLASSES WILL BE PROVIDED WITH:
Enhanced levels of music appreciation, songwriting, and music culture/history
Limited exhalation and shared instrument activities
12 feet physical distancing and forward only positioning for exhalation activities
Use of outside spaces as much as possible
You can read Sycamore’s complete back to school plan HERE.
Blue Ash, Ohio – Matthew 25 Ministries is partnering with P&G and City of Blue Ash to provide free back-to-school PPE supplies to students and teachers in the Greater Cincinnati community.
Teachers and families can simply drive through the Matthew 25 parking lot to receive a free kit of supplies. With the start of the school year rapidly approaching, we hope to help both students and teachers stay safe and healthy during this unprecedented time.
WHERE: Matthew 25: Ministries, 11060 Kenwood Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45242
WHEN: Monday through Friday, August 3 – 7, from Noon – 4 PM daily
IMPORTANT INFO:
Kits will only be distributed to students and/or teachers who are present in the vehicle.
Student kits will include masks, sanitizer, coloring book and crayons.
Teacher kits will include a face shield, masks, sanitizer and pens.
Teachers will be required to show their ID/credentials.
In an effort to best protect public health and maintain social distancing, recipients must remain in their vehicles while picking up supplies.
Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio – “The health and safety of customers and staff is our first priority,” said Paula Brehm-Heeger in an announcement issued July 2 by the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Paula Brehm-Heeger is the Director of the system of libraries.
Paula Brehm-Heeger is the Director of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
Her statement was issued after Thursday’s announcement by Governor DeWine and his team of health professionals unveiled a new monitoring and reporting system for COVID 19 infections in each county.
The “Ohio Public Health Advisory System” is based upon a set of criteria and categorizes all Ohio counties in one of four levels. Counties are rated as: 1) yellow, 2) orange, 3) red or 4) purple — with purple being the highest cautionary rating.
Seven counties in Ohio are rated “red” including Hamilton County. The description and guidelines for level three include:
Very high exposure and spread
Limit activities as much as possible
Follow all current health orders
“Based upon this new information, we have made the difficult decision to pause in-person services in our buildings beginning Monday, July 6,” said Brehm-Heeger. All of the 28 open locations will continue to provide curbside or drive-thru service, and they will continue to open nine more locations to provide these services throughout July.
This temporary change is a proactive decision to help limit the spread of the virus, according to Brehm-Heeger. “We will monitor news and information from health officials daily so we can bring back in-person service as soon as the situation improves and the key alert indicators start trending downward. We have repeatedly been reminded that the pandemic is fast moving and requires our quick response and ability to adjust plans accordingly.” Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we adjust to the pandemic and find new ways to serve you.”
Between now and the middle of July, the Library is phasing services back in, with new locations being added each week. The goal is to be providing services at all locations by mid-July. The exception is Price Hill, as that location is currently closed through the end of 2020 for a major renovation and expansion project. “We’ll use this space to keep you up to date on what is going on. We are excited to see you again,” said Kathy Taylor, Regional Manager in a statement issued on July 3.
The Loveland Branch currently has Curbside Service only and no Drive-Thru Service is planned.
Brehm-Heeger said, “Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we adjust to the pandemic and find new ways to serve you.”
Hours of Service
Beginning June 15, all open locations will be operating from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Book Drops
All locations are accepting returns through their book drops, except Price Hill. Materials are being quarantined for 3 days before being checked-in, so it will be a few days before you see any changes reflected on your account.
Curbside Service
Curbside: Avondale, Blue Ash, Clifton, College Hill, Delhi, Forest Park, Green Township, Hyde Park, Loveland, Madisonville, Mariemont, Monfort Heights, North Central, Oakley, Pleasant Ridge, St. Bernard, Sharonville, Symmes, Walnut Hills, Westwood, West End and Wyoming
Beginning July 6th these branches will open curbside service: Madeira, Mt. Washington
Beginning July 13 these branches will open for curbside service: Bond Hill, Cheviot, Corryville, Deer Park, Green Hills, Miami Township, Northside, Norwood
Scheduled appointments are not required for curbside service, but calling ahead will make the process more efficient for you, especially if you need to do something other than pick up a hold.
When you arrive at your location for curbside pick-up, look for the curbside service sign, park, and call the branch at the number on the sign.
Drive-Thru Service
Drive-thrus are at these locations: Anderson, Covedale, Groesbeck, Harrison, Reading, and the Downtown Main Library
Scheduled appointments are not required drive-thru service, but calling ahead will make the process more efficient for you, especially for curbside service, or if you need to do something other than pick up a hold. Find phone numbers for all branches on this web page.
Holds/Borrowing Items
If you would like to borrow an item from the library, search our catalog, find the item you want, place a hold on it, and choose which location you’d like to pick up the item from. Or you can call us, and we’ll place the hold for you.
When the item is ready, you will receive an email notice. You can pick it up anytime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. If you’d like, you can call the location and schedule a time for pick-up.
In-Person Services
Due to the wide community spread of the virus in Hamilton County right now, the Library made the decision to temporarily suspend in-person services. Read more in this blog post from the director.
We’re Here for You Online and on the Phone
Our eBranch is always open, and we are continuing to provide events like storytimes online on a regular basis. Check our calendar for more information.
Call, email or chat with us seven days a week for help with job searching, finding trusted health information, getting assistance with a library resource, and more.
For the latest Library service updates and resources, please visit our COVID-19 resource page.
Enjoy books, songs, activities, and more while learning early literacy skills. For preschoolers and their caregivers. Ages 3-6. No registration required.
Enjoy books, songs, activities, and more while learning early literacy skills. For preschoolers and their caregivers. Ages 3-6. No registration required.
Join us every 3rd Tuesday of the month to discuss and share Genealogy tips and techniques for general Genealogy research. Everyone is welcome from beginners to experts. No registration is required.
Families, help us welcome the winter season by listening to stories, participating in activities and creating a gingerbread house. Registration is required.
Teens! Join us for exciting book discussions, crafts, and activities! Happens on the third Wednesday of every month. For ages 12-15. Registration required.
This is not your typical yoga class and does not incorporate traditional yoga moves. Laughter is nature’s most powerful stress buster and can have a profound effect on our health and well being. It oxygenates our bodies, strengthens the immune system, reduces blood pressure, and helps create peace in ourselves and our world. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and come prepared to move and laugh with Judi Winall, M.Div., CIH, CLYT.
Massive, local use has critically impacted local blood supply.
Hoxworth needs as many donors as possible as soon as possible.
Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati has an EMERGENCY NEED for type O blood donors. Massive, local use has critically impacted local blood supply. Hoxworth needs as many donors as possible as soon as possible. Call 513-451-0910 or schedule at www.hoxworth.org.
“Heavy patient usage has depleted the shelves of O negative blood,” said Alecia Lipton, Hoxworth spokesperson. “We need donors to respond immediately; especially as the 4thof July holiday approaches.”
All individuals donating blood at a Hoxworth Neighborhood Donor Center, today, July 2 thru Friday, July 6 will receive a FREE ticket to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
Hoxworth operates seven Neighborhood Donor Centers in Anderson, Blue Ash, Ft. Mitchell, Tri-County, Western Hills, West Chester and the Hoxworth Center adjacent to University Hospital. Walk-ins are welcome, however appointments are encouraged. Call (513) 451-0910 or visit hoxworth.org.
The CEI Foundation awards grant to teens’ project using virtual reality to treat eye disorder
Blue Ash, Ohio – The Cincinnati Eye Institute Foundation, the charitable foundation of Cincinnati Eye Institute, has awarded two seniors at Loveland High School a grant of $3,000. The Foundation’s Research Committee, chaired by Robert Sisk, M.D., made this IGNITE grant to fund an innovative treatment for children with amblyopia, also known as lazy eye. This grant will fund additional computer equipment that will allow children to use virtual reality glasses to play games while strengthening eye muscles.
Emily Kiehl and Radu Vasilescu came up with the idea to use Oculus Rift virtual reality technology to simulate patching one’s eye and playing games filled with perspective and optical depth perspective on the eye needing therapy.
Kiehl, who was born with amblyopia and was successfully treated for the condition, sees this as a potential treatment method. “Using the VR headset, we believe that children can force their brain to start using both eyes evenly,” Kiehl said.
“By surpassing 40 plus college-level teams with our high school prototype, we proved our project is worthwhile and has recognized potential.” – Radu Vasilescu
Kiehl and Vasilescu built a prototype of this design at the University of Cincinnati event “Revolution UC,” a 24-hour, team-based project development competition and won the first place prize awarded by a panel of IT professionals. They invested the winnings from this prize into development of the project.
“By surpassing 40 plus college-level teams with our high school prototype, we proved our project is worthwhile and has recognized potential,” added Vasilescu.
Kiehl and Vasilescu previously built a computer from scrap parts and a loaned graphics card. The computers will enable them to expand their research into the effectiveness of this approach.
Kiehl and Vasilescu presented the idea to The Cincinnati Eye Institute Foundation and were awarded a $3,000 grant which they will use to purchase two high-powered computers needed to run the program. The students previously built a computer from scrap parts and a loaned graphics card. The computers will enable them to expand their research into the effectiveness of this approach.
“We are happy to award Emily and Radu an IGNITE grant for their forward-thinking and entrepreneurial approach to help children born with amblyopia.” – Patrick Ward
“We are happy to award Emily and Radu an IGNITE grant for their forward-thinking and entrepreneurial approach to help children born with amblyopia,” said Patrick Ward, president of The Cincinnati Eye Institute Foundation. “We support efforts for new treatments to help eye disorders, and know that this project has the ability to help many young children.”
The team is hoping to involve students in the Loveland School District, as well as Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in their project to help them test out the technology.
Both Kiehl and Vasilescu will graduate from Loveland High School this spring and will pursue computer science degrees; Kiehl will attend the University of Cincinnati and Vasilescu will attend Duke University.
Watch this video where Emily and Radu explain their invention and talk about what it does.
Also read this story about Emily Kiehl and Radu Vasilescu:
Loveland High School seniors Emily Kiehl and Radu Vasilescu receive $3,000 grant
The Cities of Blue Ash, Loveland, Sharonville, Mason and Symmes Township joined forces to purchase replacement ambulances for each community. Through their combined organization known as the Northeast Fire Collaborative (NEFC) these communities look for ways to: “Improve service, enhance training and save tax dollars on group purchasing.”
“Recently we received a regional grant for new self-contained breathing apparatus. This grant was worth nearly eight hundred thousand dollars.” – Chief Kirk Mousa
Together these five communities developed a single ambulance specification that provides for commonality of patient compartment configuration. “This type cooperation allows for maximum savings through multi-unit discounts” said acting Fire Chief Bryan Brumagen, City of Mason Fire Department.
“The NEFC has been cooperating now for 10 years” said Fire Chief Rick Brown with the City of Blue Ash Fire Department. “Just last year the group came together for the construction of a Fire Training Tower that is shared by the NEFC as well as other regional partners.”
The ambulances that were purchased went in service just this past month. “These units replace aging equipment and were part of each community’s capital fleet replacement schedule” said Fire Chief Otto Huber with the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department.
“Our collaborative looks for ways to apply for grants to improve service” said Fire Chief Kirk Mousa of the City of Sharonville Fire Department. “Recently we received a regional grant for new self-contained breathing apparatus. This grant was worth nearly eight hundred thousand dollars.”
“The fire collaborative that was started in 2008, following the great recession, has proved to be a worthy endeavor for our communities. It improves service for all our communities and provides for improved training and equipment for our firefighters” said Dave Kennedy, City Manager for the City of Loveland.
Harden 52, was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash on southbound I-75 Wednesday afternoon.
Seven counties in Ohio are rated “red” including Hamilton County. The description and guidelines for level three include:
“Based upon this new information, we have made the difficult decision to pause in-person services in our buildings beginning Monday, July 6,” said Brehm-Heeger. All of the 28 open locations will continue to provide curbside or drive-thru service, and they will continue to open nine more locations to provide these services throughout July.
