Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

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Tag: dr. amy crouse

Internationally recognized student social skills authority speaks to Loveland educators

Michelle Garcia Winner part of district’s ongoing professional development

Loveland, Ohio – Monday, Oct. 9, Loveland educators focused on their own learning district-wide as internationally recognized author and speaker Michelle Garcia Winner presented about social thinking. Her mission is to help people develop their social competencies to better connect with others and live happier, more meaningful lives.

“Loveland is very fortunate to be able to bring Michelle Garcia Winner before our staff,” said Eric Dool, Loveland director of student services. “Michelle is widely known as an expert in the development of social competencies among all students, competencies that are critical for success in school and in life. Skills such as how to build relationships and work as teams touch on all aspects of what we do as educators to prepare students for their futures – work that embodies both Tiger Care and Tiger Growth – two of our three big district goals.”

“This time is precious – we are in the business of growing people and to do that we must be continual learners,” said Loveland Interim Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse.

Winner is the founder of Social Thinking®, a methodology which specializes in developing treatment frameworks and practical strategies for individuals with social communication challenges. The Social Thinking and Its Impact At All Ages presentation was part of a larger professional development opportunity for district employees who spent the remainder of the day in learning sessions at each building.

“This time is precious – we are in the business of growing people and to do that we must be continual learners,” said Loveland Interim Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse. “The department of Teaching & Learning along with all of our building leaders do an excellent job of making the most of each moment during our professional development opportunities throughout the year, and having an expert like Michelle Garcia Winner as part of our training was priceless.”

513-683-1052
215 Loveland-Madeira Rd
Loveland, Ohio 45140

Nov 4, 2017
Tigers teamed with Matthew 25: Ministries to help hurricane relief

Loveland Elementary School students with supplies the Kindness Committee helped to collect for the district’s hurricane relief efforts.

Every building district-wide collected donations to send south

Loveland, Ohio – From a coin drive at Loveland Early Childhood Center (LECC) to thousands of items donated at Loveland Primary School (LPS), Loveland Elementary School (LES), Loveland Intermediate School (LIS), Loveland Middle School (LMS) and Loveland High School (LHS) – Tigers answered the call for help for hurricane survivors by joining together to support a collection drive for Matthew 25: Ministries.

“I want to personally recognize one of our high school students – Kailey Packer – for organizing the effort, and coordinating with all of the buildings in the district,” said LHS Principal Peggy Johnson. LHS had two truckloads of more than 500 baby items to deliver to Matthew 25.

LECC raised nearly $350 dollars, LPS collected 10 large bins full of supplies, LES needed 10 flatbed carts to load up their donations, and LIS and LMS combined collected more than 2,700 personal care items. LMS Principal Chuck Ogdan promoted the effort through Twitter, using a photograph of his own donation purchase to motivate LMS students to also help.

Loveland Middle School Principal Chuck Ogdan supported the hurricane relief collection drive through social media by posting his own donation purchase on Twitter to help motivate students.

“Lead by example,” said Ogdan. “Social media can be a powerful tool to let students know you do more than talk the talk. This was a really important show of support for our neighbors who were devastated by the hurricanes, and a good teaching opportunity to show students a real-life example of Tiger Care – which is one of our district goals.”

“As always, our students and their families showed Loveland cares,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse. “I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this Tiger Family.”

Wards Corner Chiropractic & Sports Rehab

Loveland chiropractor Douglas Portmann, DC at Wards Corner Chiropractic & Sports Rehab is one of the best chiropractors in the Loveland area.

Oct 20, 2017
Teacher Amy Stewart Educator and Xavier University Center for Innovation Partner of the Year

Clermont County Partnership Celebration Awards given to LHS Teacher Amy Stewart & Xavier University Center for Innovation

Loveland Interim Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse presenting LHS Teacher & Robotics Sponsor Amy Stewart with her Career Prep Educator of the Year Award.

Clermont County, Ohio – Loveland High School (LHS) Teacher and Robotics Sponsor Amy Stewart has been named a Career Prep Educator of the Year. Stewart was honored by the Clermont County Educational Service Center’s Partnership Celebration Tuesday, Sept. 19.

The awards are part of the Clermont Chamber Foundation’s Work Readiness Initiative – a collaborative effort of business and community leaders who partner with educators to prepare students to be “work ready” through training and mentoring; resource and expertise sharing; and filling the needs of educators and students as they arise.

“The Work Readiness Initiative is a valuable partnership between education and business, and we commend the Clermont Chamber Foundation for their forward-thinking in designing this program,” said Loveland Interim Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse. “For our district – this was an opportunity to recognize a true classroom leader. Mrs. Stewart has poured enormous amounts of time and energy into helping create a world-recognized Robotics program at Loveland High School; no one could have deserved this award more, and we congratulate her.”

Additionally, during the same ceremony, Xavier University Center for Innovation and specifically Dr. Tom Merrill were honored as Business Partners of the Year to the Loveland City School District.

“As we look to provide an innovative learning experience for our students, we have found a game-changing business partner in Dr. Merrill and the Xavier University Center for Innovation,” said David Knapp, Loveland District Director of Technology and Innovation. “From use of their innovative technology, to providing our staff and students opportunities to connect with innovators from across the city of Cincinnati – we are thankful for the work they have done to provide ideas, opportunities and networking for us as our school district enters some new worlds in regards to the experience that we strive to provide for all students.”

215 Loveland-Madeira Rd

Loveland, Ohio 45140

Oct 17, 2017
Opportunities for Tiger Growth – The State Report Card

“It is my belief that the true value of any district cannot be limited to a simple grade on a standardized test.”

By Dr. Amy Crouse,

Our district mission is Preparing Students for Tomorrow, Today; our No. 1 district goal is Tiger academic growth. As such, our educational instructional leaders at every level – teachers in the classroom, principals managing the buildings and administrators specializing in Teaching & Learning at the Board Office – stay focused on measures of our performance. One data point we are equipped with to gauge performance is the annual State Report Card, which the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) released to the public Thursday, September 14.

I want to be clear that – as an educator with 20-plus years of experience serving students – it is my belief that the true value of any district cannot be limited to a simple grade on a standardized test which is what the ODE State Report Card reflects. We are in the business of whole student growth, which encompasses the complete student experience, to include academic, social and emotional development. I invite you to take a look at the way we do business through our Quality Profile Report – it is a complement to the State Report Card scores and will give you a more intimate view of what it means to be a Tiger.

Whether we agree or disagree with our state assessments, I do have a strong belief in accountability, and understand that the State Report Card is one tool of accountability that can be of value. The State Report Card grades districts and schools on six components – Achievement, Progress, Gap Closing, Graduation Rate, K-3 Literacy and Prepared for Success. Districts and schools received an A-F grade on each of the six components and most of the individual measures. While this – on the surface – sounds like a simple pass/fail – the explanations behind those letter-grade measures are much more complex.

In Loveland, we can celebrate a gain in the Gap Closing measure as all of our subgroups showed gains in reading, we made strides in the K-3 Literacy measure, and 20 out of 23 tested areas showed an increase in performance. While we will highlight our successes, we will not ignore the areas the State Report Card highlights as opportunities for growth.

One area we are focused on is our Progress measure

One area we are focused on is our Progress measure, which is an indicator of student growth. Our Board of Education made clear it was of paramount importance that we deliver on the expectation that every Tiger will demonstrate personal academic growth, which is the heart of our Growth goal for this school year. As such, entrenched in our building goals is increased time and focus for teachers to collaborate on: curriculum work planning lessons aligned to the state standards and vertically aligned to increase rigor for students as they progress through the grades; assessment work using student MAP data to meet students where they are and measure their individual growth; and, instruction work to improve student engagement and opportunities for their application of their learning. We feel strongly this focus will move the needle for us on Progress.

We feel strongly this focus will move the needle for us on Progress.

As always, I thank you for supporting our educational mission; I invite you to contact me directly should you have any questions or concerns regarding our State Report Card.

In service to our Tigers,

Dr. Amy Crouse

Dr. Crouse is Interim Superintendent of the Loveland City School District

Loveland Magazine

Published by David Miller

We are celebrating and proud to be a member of the Ohio News Media Association along with more than 250 Ohio daily and weekly newspapers including, The Columbus Dispatch, Plain Dealer, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal, Dayton Daily News, and The Toledo Blade. Loveland Magazine was the first “digital only member”.

Oct 12, 2017
Loveland school resource officers are now approved to carry firearms

“Loveland City School District Board of Education adopts new policy to further strengthen school security.”

Loveland, Ohio – A Press Release from the Loveland City School District:

Recognizing that ensuring the safety of staff and students is of the utmost importance, and recognizing that school safety can be enhanced through the use of school resource officers (SROs) who can carry weapons while on duty at school – at the September 18, 2017, Loveland Board of Education Business Meeting – in a unanimous vote – Board Members approved a resolution establishing a new policy for SROs. The policy authorizes the Board to grant permission to individuals serving the district in the SRO position to carry firearms on school premises.

“This issue came about due to the retirement of Fred Barnes from the Loveland Police Department. When Officer Barnes worked officially with Loveland Police, he was armed – even as he served our district as a school resource officer. Due to his retirement serving in that capacity and rehire by the district – we knew we needed to address this. The district worked closely with the Loveland Police Department in the development of this plan that will both address this current situation and continue to enhance the security we provide to our students and staff,” said Loveland Interim Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse. “I thank our Board of Education for taking action to allow our school resource officers to be fully equipped to respond to any crisis situation.”

Specifically, the Board can now authorize any employee or independent contractor serving in the position of School Resource Officer to possess a firearm on property of the Board provided that the individual has satisfactorily completed an approved basic peace officer training program, unless the person has completed twenty years of active duty as a peace officer, and that the individual completes an annual firearms requalification program approved by the executive director of the Ohio peace officer training commission.

Individuals authorized by the Board to carry firearms must attend and complete any necessary training required by law and any additional training which may be required by the Board before such individuals may carry a firearm on school premises. Certification of completion must be provided to the Board.

Any person not specifically granted permission by the Board is strictly prohibited from carrying firearms or other deadly weapons on school property except in accordance with Ohio law.

Wards Corner Chiropractic & Sports Rehab

Loveland chiropractor Douglas Portmann, DC at Wards Corner Chiropractic & Sports Rehab is one of the best chiropractors in the Loveland area.

Oct 5, 2017
Loveland School District recognizes students for creating a culture of kindness

Loveland Interim Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse with students being recognized for the My Voice, My Choice Award during the September 22 Loveland High School varsity football game.

My Voice, My Choice award presentation takes center stage during football game

Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District congratulated students district-wide who were selected to receive the My Voice, My Choice award during a ceremony at the Loveland High School varsity football game Friday, Sept. 22. Loveland Interim Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse presented each student a certificate and shirt as part of the ceremony.

“These are students who have demonstrated Tiger Care – which is one of our big three district goals – it’s about developing relationships, showing empathy and taking a leadership role to be an ‘upstander’ for fellow classmates, meaning they stand up for other students when needed,” said Crouse. “The My Voice, My Choice campaign is integral to who we are as Tigers, and we could think of no better place to honor these students than in this public arena with our community as our audience.”

The My Voice, My Choice Campaign is focused on creating a positive school climate for all students. Specifically, the campaign promotes student leadership through standing up for their peers through their words and actions. Please see the list of students who were recognized below, listed by building:

Loveland Early Childhood Center

Mitchell Cutter

Anna Hoffmann

Owen Shomaker

Marcy Weathers

Loveland Primary School

Camila Garcia-Altuve

Sarinitee Massey

Emily Patterson

Dylan Skinner

Loveland Elementary School

Max Forster

Zane Hedgepeth

Jillian Lee

Peyton Meade

Ryan Pigman

Loveland Intermediate School

Isaac Astifan

Claire Federman

Gabbriella Martin

Laney Ott

Casey Walker

Loveland Middle School

Connor Bond

Blake Funk

Will Gerstemeier

Carmen Noe

Madison Snyder

Loveland High School

Sawyer Jones

Riley Massey

Alec Romer

Lindy Walker

Oct 3, 2017
Loveland City Schools to hold focus group sessions for superintendent search

Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District’s Board of Education is in the process of searching for a new school superintendent. The vacancy is the result of the resignation of Chad Hilliker, that was effective on July 31, 2017. At that time, Dr. Amy Crouse took over as interim superintendent for the district, and she continues to lead in that capacity. The Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) is assisting the Board with the search.

The Board has scheduled a Community and Staff Listening Session for OSBA consultant Steve Horton to meet with staff and community members to review the hiring process and receive input on Oct. 18, from 7 until 8 PM at the Loveland Intermediate School Media Center, 757 S. Lebanon Road, Loveland, Ohio 45140.

The conversation will focus on the following three topics:

(1) Major issues facing the district for the next three to five years;
(2) Performance expectations for the next superintendent; and
(3) Personal and professional qualities to be sought in the next superintendent.

In a statement from the District, “Horton will provide the Board of Education with a detailed report of the conversation which will help the board to develop a detailed profile of the ideal candidate, to enhance their understanding of perceived future challenges and opportunities facing the district and to assist them in setting specific criteria for the screening, selection and evaluation of candidates.”

Oct 3, 2017
Growth, Innovation, Care – The Tiger Way

By Dr. Amy Crouse, Loveland Interim Superintendent

Preparing Students for Tomorrow, Today: At the Loveland City School District, this is our collective mission. During the 2016-17 school year our administrative team began to put laser focus into defining exactly what that statement means. From those discussions, a vision was born: We are committed to being a destination school district exemplified through our dedicated approach to the complete student experience. This vision statement is the why we – as professionals – do what we do for our Tiger Family. It was beginning during the 2016-17 school year that all eyes – from our teachers, to our food service professionals, to our support staff, to our custodians, to our bus drivers, to our secretaries – were on three big goals:

• GROWTH – Every Tiger will demonstrate personal academic growth

• INNOVATION – Every Tiger will experience an innovative education environment

• CARE – Every Tiger will be cared for and supported

As we continue pushing forward on these goals for the current 2017-18 school year, I invite you to dive into both the depth and breadth of how each of our goals during the 2016-17 school enhanced the experience for our students. September 11 we officially released our fifth annual Quality Profile – a publication dedicated to detail to you how we do business beyond the standardized testing. This publication gives you the opportunity to take a detailed look at what we – as a district – were able to achieve by keeping our eye on the target of those three big goals. Please visit the “About” section of the district website (http://www.lovelandschools.org/) to access the complete 2016-17 Quality Profile report.

Preparing Students for Tomorrow, Today – it’s what we do. I personally want to thank you for your continued support.

In service to our Tigers,

Dr. Amy Crouse, Interim Superintendent

Sep 27, 2017
Our Tiger Story – The 2016-17 Quality Profile

Loveland City Schools releases annual report detailing student achievement, fiscal stewardship and community support…

One-to-one technology for students grades five through 12; selection of innovative instructional grants to enhance classroom instruction; advanced placement exams for 39 percent of the junior class, and a 5-star rated preschool program – these are some of the highlights featured in Loveland’s 2016-17 Quality Profile, released September 11, and available at lovelandschools.org.

“Focus – that is the story the 2016-17 Quality Profile tells,” said Loveland Interim Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse. “Our Board of Education supported every administrator, every teacher and every staff member in focusing on Tiger academic growth, innovation and care – and this publication is a reflection of that collective effort. From our investment in the instructional cycle learning materials, to our development of Loveland [x] – teacher innovation teams – we worked to create a world-class environment for our students. We are excited to present the strides we made.

“It is also the story of a district that embraces the complete student experience – exceptional arts, premier athletics and a close bond with the community in which we reside. Learning for our students certainly is not contained to the classroom.”

Now in its fifth year, the Loveland City School District was one of more than 20 progressive school districts throughout Ohio to first release this groundbreaking, robust companion to the state report card. Called state wide a Quality Profile, the report helps characterize the overall educational value of the district in areas that matter most to community members. This year 85 school districts throughout Ohio are releasing a Quality Profile, with accountability measures that outline a high-quality education that are not captured by the state report card – including: academics, arts, student leadership and activities, fiscal stewardship, parent and community involvement and student services.

“Ultimately – it’s all about our students – what we are doing to support their growth and development, and the amazing achievements they made during the school year,” said Crouse. “Our students are the stars of this publication, and from our award-winning food service professionals to our award-winning transportation department and all of the custodial, teaching and administrative professionals in between – we are proud of the collective focus we had to support them.”

The Quality Profile is sponsored by the Alliance for High Quality Education, a statewide education consortium that works to improve educational opportunities for students and to represent member districts on matters of educational policy and funding.

Click here to access Loveland’s 2016-17 Quality Profile.

Sep 14, 2017
A message to the Tiger Family: It’s personal

By Dr. Amy Crouse,

Greetings from the office of the Loveland City School District superintendent. When I joined the Tiger Family in 2014 as assistant superintendent of teaching and learning this was not the seat on the school bus I intended to occupy. Most of my work has been “behind the scenes” so I haven’t had the chance to really get to know many of you. So, for my debut message as this district’s interim superintendent and educational leader I thought it best to begin by getting personal.

There is a reason I have dedicated 20-plus year to serving students and families at public schools.

There is a reason I worked to earn advanced degrees in education.

It is the very reason why I am here working for you: I want to see your child succeed.

It’s personal. My parents both worked in public schools, and I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was in the first grade.

For me – the entire business of education is very personal. I love each and every young Tiger who walks through our doors, and – like the bus drivers who transport your child to and from our buildings, to the secretaries who greet them at the door, to the teachers who expand their world both inside and outside of the classroom, the food service professionals who nourish their bodies, and the custodians who clean and organize their space – I want nothing but their success. Together – we make up the Tiger Family – your student’s home away from home. Each of us feels privileged to host them as they grow and develop into who they are meant to become.

For the 2017-18 school year our district is focused on three key areas: Tiger academic growth, Tiger innovation and Tiger care. We will strive to ensure every Tiger will demonstrate personal academic growth, every Tiger will experience an innovative education environment, and every Tiger will be cared for and supported. It is our collective promise to you. It’s what a “job well done” means in this business of education that is so very personal for every professional who enters into it.

No – I hadn’t planned to move into the big office – but I want you to know that I am both humbled and honored to take the keys as a member of this special Tiger Family. We will make this a year for your student to remember – you have my word. Welcome back.

In service to our Tigers,

Dr. Amy Crouse,

Dr. Crouse is the Interim Superintendent of the Loveland City School District

Aug 16, 2017