Loveland Magazine

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Tag: dr. amy crouse

Melissa Prenger honored with “Celebrate Excellence” educator award

Melissa Prenger, third grade teacher at Loveland Elementary School (LES), was honored at the 2019 Celebrate Excellence educator recognition breakfast on May 3. The event, a prestigious annual scholarship fundraising event and ceremony by the Hamilton County Education Foundation, is an opportunity to honor public school educators of excellence throughout the county.

Anthony Munoz, Master of Ceremonies, presented the 2019 Celebrate Excellence Award to Melissa Prenger, teacher at Loveland Elementary School.

“Mrs. Prenger is not only an outstanding math teacher, but also passionate about spreading kindness in our school and community,” said LES Principal Jen Forren. “She has run a long list of ‘compassion projects’ and established the LES Kindness Council, which not only have helped develop empathy and compassion among the students, but also have provided leadership opportunities for our third and fourth graders.”

Over the past four years, Prenger has led the LES Kindness Council through a number of compassion projects to benefit others, including collecting backpacks for children in Haiti, collecting more than 10,000 pairs of socks for homeless shelters during “Socktober,” and sending more than 400 holiday “caring cards” to troops overseas.

“It is such a privilege to honor a teacher that empowers our Tigers to be kind and serve others,” said Loveland City School District Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse. “Mrs. Prenger inspires all of us and has had significant impact on adults as well as children over her years at Loveland. She has a heart of gold and we are so lucky to have her.”

May 18, 2019
Loveland Board of Education voting soon on a facility master plan for the district

It’s an exciting time for Building Tiger Nation!

by Loveland City School District Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse

Over the past year, the Loveland City School District has intensified its work in developing a facility master plan. The last full assessment of school buildings took place in 1998 – more than two decades ago. While we’ve diligently maintained and cared for our buildings, a thorough review of the facilities had to be put off for years as we weathered the economy. In the meantime, 21st century thinking around education has funneled dramatic changes and advancements in both building security and the use of educational spaces. A facility master plan for Loveland will allow us to address the repairs, renovations, additions and upgrades the school buildings need to accommodate our growing population of students and the kind of education they deserve.

Since the start of the 2018-19 school year, hundreds of dedicated community members have joined us in meetings with staff, students and architects to provide input into the facility master plan. In addition to the daily work led by the Building Tiger Nation Steering Committee, we’ve spent more than 50 hours engaging directly with our stakeholders: we have tapped the knowledge of focus groups to understand the needs in areas like STEM, athletics and fine arts, and we have involved community members in open finance committee discussions. We’ve learned about your priorities for the student experience and how our Tigers should be prepared to enter college and career after high school. You spoke and we listened! We have intentionally sought and systematically gathered your feedback to supplement the architect’s assessment data, which will help inform the Loveland Board of Education’s decision on a master plan in mid-April.

Over the past couple of months, the board has closely studied the master plan options in order to come to a decision that will meet the needs of our students, but also take into account cost, length and phasing of construction/renovation projects, and your priorities. The “renewal index” – the cost of upkeep and repairs of facilities over time compared to building new – is high for several buildings in the district, and replacing them would be more cost effective. Because the land where the buildings currently reside doesn’t meet state-recommended acreage for a campus, the board has entered into a contract for the option to purchase 110 acres of land for new construction. The availability of land within the district boundaries is extremely limited and securing the option to purchase is imperative in planning for the future of Loveland Schools.

After the board approves a master plan, it will consider a resolution to go on the ballot in November. If a bond issue is approved by voters – along with an operating levy that is necessary to keep our programs running – architects will embark on a year-long design process with the aim of starting construction and renovations in 2021. As we dot the i’s and cross the t’s in this important process, we are immensely grateful for the community’s involvement and commitment to the opportunities we are creating for our students!

In service to our Tigers.

Apr 5, 2019
Loveland wins “Gold Level” effective school board award

Lebanon, Ohio – The Southwest Region Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) has recognized the Loveland City Board of Education with an award for reaching the “Gold Level for Effective School Boards.” The award, which signifies the outstanding work of the school board and the positive cooperation and collaboration among the board, district superintendent, treasurer and administration, was presented at the Southwest Region OSBA Spring Conference in Lebanon, Ohio, on March 12.

“We are so grateful to our board members and the tremendous amount of work they put into the decisions for our school district,” said Dr. Amy Crouse, superintendent. “Each and every member is committed to our vision of high expectations for student achievement and quality instruction and makes significant contributions to the work we do every day. This award is well deserved!”

Gold level award winners meet at least 23 of 26 criteria determined by the OSBA, including among others, clear goal-setting, serving as a united team with the superintendent and administration, and practicing fiscal accountability. Board of Education members are: Art Jarvis (president), Dr. Kathryn Lorenz (vice president), Michele Pettit (board member), Ned Portune (board member) and Eileen Washburn (board member).

Mar 20, 2019
Loveland’s 2018-19 State of the Schools is back on the calendar!

Loveland students across grade levels showcased their talents at the 2017-18 State of the Schools.

Hands-on, student-led event now scheduled for March 20

Loveland, Ohio – Winter weather caused the postponement of the 2018-19 Loveland City School District State of the Schools in January, but it is back on the calendar for Wednesday, March 20. The event will be held as a giant open house with students showcasing the learning that takes place around the district’s three core goals of growth, care and innovation.

The State of the Schools open house is scheduled for 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, at Loveland High School (1 Tiger Trail, Loveland, Ohio, 45140).

“We had a wonderful response to our State of the Schools last year when we turned the event on its head by allowing our students to lead,” said Dr. Amy Crouse, superintendent. “What better way for us to showcase what goes on here at Loveland other than to put our students in the spotlight?”

The open house will consist of a gallery walk, where students from all grade levels will display various learning projects and interact with visitors through creative exhibits and presentations. The world-class Loveland Robotics will demonstrate robots and the exposure students gain not only to science, technology, engineering and math, but also to communication, leadership and project management through participation in the program.

There will also be music performances and art exhibits, as well as meet-and-greets with some of the many accomplished Loveland student athletes. Visitors will be engaged in a way-finding mission through the gallery walk, and rewarded with entries to drawings of gift baskets based on the completion of visits to the various booths.

“The State of the Schools is truly a highlight of the year,” said Dr. Crouse. “We hope the community takes advantage of this unique opportunity to see our amazing students in action, meet and interact with Tigers of all ages, and gain better insight into the work we do here at Loveland.”

The State of the Schools open house is scheduled for 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, at Loveland High School (1 Tiger Trail, Loveland, Ohio, 45140).

Mar 8, 2019
Building Tiger Nation focus groups will discuss aspects of facility renovations at Loveland schools
Four focus group sessions scheduled for March

Loveland, Ohio – As a follow up to the Building Tiger Nation Community Meeting on January 23, the Loveland City School District has announced four opportunities for focus groups to discuss and provide input around potential renovations of school facilities.

“The next step in our facilities master planning process is to explore and better understand what ‘renovations’ mean and what they should look like at Loveland,” said Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse. “The focus groups will help us discern the priorities of our stakeholders and the vision they have as it relates to renovations and additional spaces for fine arts, STEM and athletics in current buildings.”

Community input is one important factor for the Loveland Board of Education as it moves toward a decision on a facility master plan. The final decision will be based on the architect’s evaluation of the facilities, the student experience data collected over the past year, the ongoing work of the Building Tiger Nation Finance Committee, Fallon Research survey data, and community input. Feedback by community members on the master plan options presented in January has been published and is available to view here: https://buildingtigernation.org/lcsd-presents-facility-master-plan-options-to-the-community/.

The four focus group sessions are scheduled as outlined below. According to a release from the District, “To ensure an adequate and effective discussion, the number of attendees will be limited.” If interested in attending, RSVP in advance to Julie Dunn, administrative assistant to the superintendent (dunnju@lovelandschools.org). Additional focus group sessions may be added if interest demands. The District also said that input and planning for any new buildings will come after a bond is passed.
- Monday, March 11, 5:30-7:00 p.m. (Loveland High School Media Center)
  Topic: Loveland High School renovations and additions, including Fine Arts, STEM and Athletics
- Thursday, March 14, 6:30-8:00 p.m. (Loveland Middle/Intermediate School Media Center)
  Topic: Loveland Middle School renovations and additions, including Fine Arts, STEM and Athletics
- Monday, March 18, 6:00-7:30 p.m. (Loveland High School Media Center)
  Topic: Athletics
- Wednesday, March 20, 7:00-8:00 p.m. (This meeting will be held during the 2018-19 State of the Schools at Loveland High School.)
  Topic: Follow-up discussions on high school renovations and additions based on previous meetings.
Mar 8, 2019
Loveland schools celebrating the Loveland 2019 Valentine Poetry Contest winners
Students congratulated by Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse at
Chamber’s annual Valentine Breakfast

Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District announced congratulations to all the winners of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance 2019 Valentine’s Day Poetry Contest. The student-authors were honored at the Chamber’s annual Valentine Breakfast, held at Tano Bistro in Historic Downtown Loveland. The winning students included:
- Amalie Lyke, Loveland Early Childhood Center
- Thomas Stapleton, Loveland Primary School
- Natalie Niese, Loveland Elementary School
- Caroline Lorio, Loveland Intermediate School
- Lexi Duff, Loveland High School
The Chamber’s annual Valentine program kicked off in early January, with Dr. Kathryn Lorenz – longtime member of the Loveland Board of Education – serving as the 2019 Valentine Lady. During the first two weeks of February, Dr. Lorenz visited with hundreds of students in their classrooms and media centers at Loveland Early Childhood Center, Loveland Primary School and Loveland Elementary School.

“I am so impressed with the care and kindness expressed by our youngest Tigers,” said Dr. Lorenz. “When I asked what they associate with Valentine’s Day, they mentioned love, family and friends – candy appeared much further down the list! Our Tigers are true sweethearts.”

Students making hearts in the Loveland Primary School classroom of Brooke Hobson.
Mar 5, 2019
We’re Building Tiger Nation, Together

An update on the Loveland City School District Facility Master Plan

By Dr. Amy Crouse, Loveland City School District Superintendent

The Loveland community has once again come together for the benefit of its students: on January 23, more than 150 members of the general public and school community gathered at the third Building Tiger Nation community meeting, where the district shared the latest information on the progress of the Loveland Schools facility master planning. The architects, with whom we have worked closely for the past year in assessing our buildings and how they serve our students and staff, presented the first options for a new district facility master plan.

In addition, the Loveland Board of Education has discussed proceeding with investigations into the possible acquisition of land for construction, which brings with it new potential in this process.It allows us to potentially make possible what currently is not: creating the spaces we need to accommodate not only our current students and programs, but also the growing population of students that are projected to enroll in our schools over the next decade. It also allows us to realistically contemplate adding spaces that are specifically dedicated to science, technology, engineering, math and arts programs, which we so desperately need and are critical to the future success of our students.

Our top priority is to advance the mission of student learning and growth, and to improve the physical environment for the students and staff while continuing to be fiscally responsible. With this in mind, we are grateful for the involvement of the community in the decisions we will be making in the months to come.

We have worked hard to make the facility master planning process transparent and accessible to all Loveland stakeholders. We want everyone to be informed and engaged, providing feedback and posing questions as they arise. As we continue with our master planning process into the spring, we want to hear from you. There will be opportunities to voice opinions and concerns as we evaluate, prioritize and finalize the recommendation that will be presented to the Loveland Board of Education, likely in April. The Building Tiger Nation Finance Committee continues to hold its monthly meetings, open to the public, and will be adding more meetings to the calendar as the work intensifies to develop a financing recommendation that will be presented to the board along with the facility master plan recommendation.

I appreciate the support of this amazing community, which understands the needs of its students and values the public schools as an integral part of Loveland’s success.

In service to our Tigers.

More information on Building Tiger Nation is available on www.buildingtigernation.org

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Feb 26, 2019
Hands-on, student-led 2018-19 State of the Schools

The State of the Schools open house is scheduled for 6 – 7:30 PM on Thursday, January 31, at Loveland High School

Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District has invited the community to participate in the 2018-19 State of the Schools – a giant open house with students showcasing the learning that takes place around the district’s three core goals of growth, care and innovation.

“We had a wonderful response to our State of the Schools last year when we turned the event on its head by allowing our students to lead,” said Dr. Amy Crouse, superintendent. “What better way for us to showcase what goes on here at Loveland other than to put our students in the spotlight?”

The open house will consist of a gallery walk, where students from all grade levels will display various learning projects and interact with visitors through creative exhibits and presentations. The world-class Loveland Robotics will demonstrate robots and the exposure students gain not only to science, technology, engineering and math, but also to communication, leadership and project management through participation in the program.

There will also be music performances by Mallet Madness and the Loveland Show Choirs, among others, and art exhibits, as well as meet-and-greets with some of the many accomplished Loveland student athletes. Visitors will be engaged in a way-finding mission through the gallery walk, and rewarded with entries to drawings of gift baskets based on the completion of visits to the various booths.

“The State of the Schools is truly a highlight of the year,” said Dr. Crouse. “We hope the community takes advantage of this unique opportunity to see our amazing students in action, meet and interact with Tigers of all ages, and gain better insight into the work we do here at Loveland.”

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Jan 24, 2019
You’re invited: Presentation of Loveland Schools Facility Master Plan Options

Loveland, Ohio – The community is invited to a presentation of the Loveland City School District facility master plan options, developed by emersion DESIGN architects after the completion of the educational facility evaluation and physical assessments of the buildings in 2018. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 23(6:30-8:30 p.m.)in the LMS/LIS Cafeteria on 757 South Lebanon Road.

This is a first opportunity for Loveland community stakeholders to see the options the architects have produced.

“This is a first opportunity for Loveland community stakeholders to see the options the architects have produced, which were guided by data collection and needs identified during the assessment phase,” said Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse. “We invite all community members to attend this presentation, as their feedback is critical to the success of the planning process.”

The meeting is the third in a series of community meetings to engage the public in the master planning process. Each option presented will be accompanied by a conceptual budget range. After the initial presentation, the audience’s feedback will be sought and collected in smaller break-out groups.

Following the meeting on January 23, the community’s feedback will be considered as the options are evaluated throughout the coming months. The final master plan recommendation, along with financing recommendations, will be presented to the Loveland Board of Education in the spring.

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Jan 15, 2019
Loveland High School Earns “Momentum” and “Overall A” Awards by the Ohio State Board of Education

Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School (LHS) has been recognized with two awards by the Ohio State Board of Education. The first, the Momentum Award, is given to schools for exceeding expectations in student growth for the year. In order to be recognized, schools must earn straight A’s on all value-added measures on the state report card. They must also have at least two value-added subgroups of students, which includes gifted, lowest 20 percent in achievement, and students with disabilities. The award signifies a school’s commitment to the success of students by ensuring they exceed the growth expectations in English language arts, and mathematics.

The second award, the Overall A Award, is presented by the State Board of Education to schools that earned an overall A on their 2018 report cards. It reflects high academic performance and that schools are building bright futures for students of every background and ability level.

“We have a team of highest-caliber leaders and staff at Loveland High School,” said Loveland Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse. “I am beyond proud of how they have embraced the challenge of making sure that all of our students at LHS are prepared and empowered to take on the world after high school.”

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Jan 15, 2019