Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: education

  • Loveland Schools Student Feature: Senior Sam Smith

    Loveland Schools Student Feature: Senior Sam Smith

    Reach of Uncertainty by Sam Smith

    Heather Higdon is the Chief Information Officer for the Loveland School District

    by Heather Higdon,

    Early on at Loveland High School (LHS) Sam Smith’s ability caught Photography Teacher Jim Barrett’s eye.

    “We have a photo contest every year at LHS and it is open to all high school students,” said Barrett. “Most of the time it is entered by students that have taken Photography. Sam entered the contest as a freshman. The contest is judged by students in the photo classes and the Art Department staff and school principals. Sam’s work stood out to all involved. He won.”

    Sam Smith – a Tiger since kindergarten – has been racking up accolades as a photographer, writer, journalist and filmmaker ever since. His passion for “sharing visual art that is both personal and universal” is evident. For this special feature, Sam shared what drives that passion – and offers younger Tigers some advice on how to make the most of their Loveland experience:

    Loveland City School District (LCSD): Your creative work has put Loveland Schools on the map in larger forums – can you tell us about the awards you have earned so far, and what projects you are currently involved in?

    LHS Senior Sam Smith (Photo courtesy of Lauren Questell)
    LHS Senior Sam Smith (SS): Really, 2016 graduate Dean Parker put Loveland Schools on the larger map in my opinion. Many of my now closest friends met on the set of his film, Regret. There, we discovered a group of like-minded creatives and formed Loveland Film Club and a filmmaking community in Loveland. Dean introduced me to a lot of awards, people and film festivals that I would have otherwise never known about.
    On the set of Regret, I received an email that I was a finalist for the Overture Awards, which is the region’s largest arts contest. I went on to speak about my work and have it displayed at the Aronoff center. From the 100 entries from different schools (each with their own vetting process), I was awarded First Place – something unusual and flattering for a sophomore. (Loveland Sophomore Sam Smith wins Overture Award)
    SAM SMITH HONORS
    Best of Category at Golden Lions Film Festival, Best Cinematography at Blue Ridge Young Filmmakers Festival, Best Cinematography at Premiere Film Festival, Best Editing and Cinematography and second overall in 2016 72 Hour Teen Film Challenge, Best Cinematography and third overall in 2017 Teen Film Challenge, Best of Show at Exposure: Montgomery Photo Show 2017 and 2016 student winner, National Film Festival for Talented Youth official selection and official selection and nominee for Best Cinematography and Best Director (for a film I assistant directed with Senior Stone Taul) at the All American High School Film Festival.
    I’ve been named Best of Category at Golden Lions Film Festival, Best Cinematography at Blue Ridge Young Filmmakers Festival, Best Cinematography at Premiere Film Festival, Best Editing and Cinematography and second overall in 2016 72 Hour Teen Film Challenge, Best Cinematography and third overall in 2017 Teen Film Challenge, Best of Show at Exposure: Montgomery Photo Show 2017 and 2016 student winner, National Film Festival for Talented Youth official selection and official selection and nominee for Best Cinematography and Best Director (for a film I assistant directed with Senior Stone Taul) at the All American High School Film Festival.
    At festivals like the All American High School Film Festival, pieces from Loveland have begun to dominate Ohio submissions. Loveland filmmakers have had their work shown on IMAX screens at the AMC in Time’s Square and the historic King’s Theater in Brooklyn. This year, three out of the five Ohio nominations at the festival were from Loveland. I shot four out of the eight total selections from Ohio, and Loveland students have collaborated with directors of six of the eight Ohio selections.
    I’m currently writing a narrative film, editing behind the scenes for a proof-of-concept for a friend’s film, helping finish an experimental drama I did cinematography on, editing an experimental film I helped make for someone’s poetry-based film project, planning and running Loveland Film Club, putting together a new photographic portfolio about life after death and working for Loveland Magazine.

    (LCSD): What is your personal favorite creation, and why?

    (SS): I think right now my favorite piece is the music video I made for 2016 Loveland graduate, Ryan Mangan.
    Delusion was a huge undertaking in very little time, and it was a chance to explore a genre of visual art I really enjoy. I had a lot of creative freedom and got a chance to utilize a technique I’d been experimenting with for a while. All the glitchy holographic effects were done in-camera frame by frame, and the entire film was shot in just two days with almost no crew. I spent most of my free time for about three months afterwards trying to piece the film together and get everything timed and looking just right. In the end, I’m pretty happy with the experimental semi-narrative told through the visuals and music. It’s not perfect, and every time I watch it I find new flaws. But I think that’s what pushes me forward as an artist and lets each piece be better than the last.

    (LCSD): Who has inspired you at Loveland Schools to stretch yourself artistically and achieve the success you’ve achieved?

    (SS): I’ve had a lot of inspiration in Loveland Schools. My biggest inspiration has definitely been from other students. Dean Parker really showed me how to have an idea and keep the forward momentum to make it a reality. Stone Taul, Sam Sauer and Jon Parker started the film club and have offered creative minds to bounce ideas off of and to inspire.
    Teachers have also really inspired me at Loveland. Creative writing teacher Mrs. Borchers created a classroom atmosphere that allowed for honest expression and gave me confidence and momentum as a writer and as a person. Physical science teacher Mr. Laughman really showed honest and genuine interest to his students and would take time after class to talk about art and even how some of my photos related to concepts in physics. Strings teacher Mrs. Bierkan has watched me grow for the past eight years and helped me find an expressive artistic outlet. English teacher and now librarian Mrs. Bosse has been very encouraging of my art and writing, and helped teach me how to organize my thoughts in a way that other people can understand and feel– the basis of good art. Art teacher Mrs. Woodruff took time to personally encourage my creative endeavors and offer feedback.
    Lastly, photo teacher Mr. Barrett has done so much for me as a student and artist. He gave an immediate and excited “yes” to the prospect of a Loveland film club and has critiqued, taught, pushed and helped me plan my photographs and films. He’s watched me grow as an artist and has always been encouraging and excited about my projects– he’s come to art shows and stayed many collective hours after school to help me prepare photographs, critique work and supervise the film club. I really appreciate what he’s done for me and for Loveland’s visual artists. He’s a dedicated teacher who really wants to help students achieve their creative potential.

     

    (LCSD): What advice would you offer to younger students who are interested in creative pursuits – what should they be taking advantage of as they progress through Loveland Schools?

    (SS): My biggest piece of advice is cliche and easier said than done, but it’s this: get out there and do it. Make art. The only thing holding you back is you. I’d heard it a million

    “Get out there and do it. Make art.”

    times, but it really took seeing the creative peers I found at Loveland making art for the notion of doing to sink in. Take electives that interest you and put everything you have into art you make for school – don’t just see it as an assignment, see it as an excuse for authentic self-expression. More than anything, surround yourself with creative and interesting people. There will always be an artistic community in Loveland. Take advantage of it.

    (LCSD): If you could design your ideal future – what would it look like?

    (SS): In a perfect world, I’d go on to make a living doing cinematography on narrative films and music videos, maybe supplementing some income shooting interesting commercials. I’d have the opportunity to bring my own visual style to the table and work somewhere interesting like LA or New York doing what I love with creative and driven peers.

    (LCSD): Is there anything else you’d like to add?

    (SS): Art is a form of expression, and in some ways a coping mechanism. Good art

    “Visual art has the ability to speak above words and to say what there aren’t words for.”

    transmits an idea, an emotion. It transmits something personal. And visual art has the ability to speak above words and to say what there aren’t words for. I really enjoy trying to share something that is both universal and personal. I try to share art that means something, art that has a purpose. If my images create a reaction, emotion or inspire thought then I feel that I’ve succeeded.

    SAM SMITH WORKS AS A WRITER, PHOTOGRAPHER, AND VIDEOGRAPHER FOR LOVELAND MAGAZINE

    Want to see some of Sam Smith’s work? 

    https://www.instagram.com/samwsmith33/?hl=en
    https://vimeo.com/swsmith
    https://lovelandmagazine.com/author/sam-smith/

     

     

    2016 Loveland Magazine Interview with Dean Parker and Sam Smith about the short film “Images”

  • Loveland women’s soccer: state champions [photo gallery+video]

    Loveland women’s soccer: state champions [photo gallery+video]

    by Sam Smith

    Columbus, Ohio – On Friday, 11/10, Loveland High School soccer competed for the Division I state title at the Columbus MAPFRE stadium. The team bested Perrysburg High School 1-0, earning Loveland the OHSAA state championship. Junior Brooke Harden scored the winning goal with 21:20 remaining in the first half. The two teams battled for the next hour but failed to score again.

    Loveland competed in the state championship in 2015 and fell to Walsh Jesuit. The freshman and sophomore players– now juniors and seniors– made it their mission to come back and claim the title. Players wrote messages about “The Mission” over car windows and fans held signs. The team was sent off to Columbus Thursday evening with a performance from the Loveland Marching Band, a police and fire escort out of the City, and a crowd gathered on a Loveland street corner to wave and cheer to the busses. At MAPFRE stadium, the home of the Columbus Crew, Loveland bolstered a packed stadium section of enthusiastic black-and-orange spectators with face paint and noisemakers.

    Loveland ends their pre-game huddle

    Watch Loveland defeat Perrysburg and claim the state title:

    For around an hour, Perrysburg fought without avail to take away the one-point lead Loveland held. Perrysburg attempted to score several times (notably within the last minute) but goalie and senior Lauren Parker consistently deflected and guarded the goal. Parker earned her 50th career shutout. She will play for the Miami Redhawks next year.

    “I can’t even put it into words. We’ve had this goal since we lost two years ago and we just did it. That’s all I can say,” Parker told Loveland Magazine in a post-game interview. 

    Southwest Ohio has formed a women’s soccer dynasty of sorts, claiming all the division state titles this year. Indian Hill took home division III, Summit Country Day Division II and Loveland Division I. Summit Country Day also won Divison III men’s soccer.

    Sarah Harter fights for the ball

    As the game neared an end, the stands turned to bedlam and rowdy excitement. Fans jumped, screamed, and cheered as it became clear that Loveland would take home the State Champion trophy. 

    When the clock hit zero, the team burst into emotion and ecstatic tears. Coaches and players embraced, jumped and screamed. A sign stating “The Mission Is Complete” appeared in the hands of players, while parents and friends embraced over the fence. 

    “It feels like we broke through a limit that was set two years ago”

    “It feels like we broke through a limit that was set two years ago when we came in second. It felt like we finally accomplished the goal we had been working so hard for every year,” said Senior Colleen “Jelly” Swift.

    Loveland paid their respects to the state runner-up while Perrysburg accepted their trophy and medals. Loveland players encouraged each other to clap for each opposing player and congratulate them on their success.

    “As a coach, I am so proud of these kids and this program, but I am equally proud to have coached so many amazing young ladies. I am exceptionally of the fine young women they have turned out to be. The love and support that our alumni have shown through the years have been off the charts, as has Tiger Nation. Thanks to the Loveland community, alumni and administration… this one’s for you,” head coach Todd Kelly said in an official release.

    A teary-eyed Julie Rener (athletic director) handed state champion medals to euphoric players and coaches. Teammates hugged and cried into each other’s shoulders in excited shock. Parents screamed and fans hollered. There was hardly a dry eye on the loveland side of the MAPFRE field.

    “We became a family this season because we wanted to play for the player standing next to us and we did not want to let them down”

    “I still can’t believe we just won state. It’s like it hasn’t processed into my brain yet because it’s just so amazing and unbelievable… We became a family this season because we wanted to play for the player standing next to us and we did not want to let them down. Also, I️ think our little saying, “Humble and Hungry”, played a big role in every one of us through our mission. Everyone used that to their own abilities which made us unstoppable,” Brooke Harden told Loveland Magazine.

    “You were not only humble but hungry all the time. It’s amazing, two years later, what you can accomplish if you stay focused,” OHSAA Director of Sports Management, Jerry Snodgrass told Loveland seniors after calling them forward.

    Loveland Varsity women’s soccer poses after their win with the scoreboard in the background
    Colleen “Jelly” Swift hoists the trophy with the scoreboard in the background
    Lauren Parker (center) poses with friends for a selfie

    Lauren Williams and Maria Bashardoust pose after winning

    “It’s hard to believe that the mission is over. The last four years with Loveland Soccer has been a blessing to me. The girls, the coaches, and the support from the community is more than I could’ve ever asked for. This state championship has been in the making for many years. All of the alumni who taught each of us what Loveland soccer is about are the ones who made last night possible. I’m proud to be part of something so special,” said Sarah Harter after the game.

    Loveland ended their season 22-1 win-loss. Colleen Swift was named the ECC women’s soccer athlete of the year and Todd Kelly coach of the year. Brice Grieshop, Brooke Harden, Riley Massey, Lauren Parker and Colleen Swift were named First Team ECC all-conference selections. Colleen Swift and Lauren Parker have been named to the Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association Division I First Team.

     

    Loveland Magazine extends its thanks and congratulations to the 2017 Loveland Varsity women’s soccer team. We would like to offer special thanks to Head Coach Todd Kelly, Athletic Director Julie Renner, Lauren Parker and everyone who has offered their time for interviews and photos. Great job, team — it’s been a pleasure reporting on your incredible journey to a State Championship.

    -Writer/photographer Sam Smith and publisher David Miller

    Thank you Jarvis Global Investments and Art Jarvis for supporting and making it possible for Loveland Magazine to cover Loveland Sports.

    Jarvis Global Investments, LLC

    Jarvis Global is an investment advisory firm in Symmes Township, Ohio which offers private portfolio management and retirement services to high net worth individuals.

  • Soccer Final 4 ticket sales announced

    Soccer Final 4 ticket sales announced

    Julie Renner is the Athletic Director of Loveland High School – file photo by Sam Smith

    Dear Tiger Nation and Loveland Community

    Tigers vs. Olentangy Liberty in the State Soccer Final 4 Game on Tuesday

    by Julie Renner,

    We our Proud of our Girls Soccer Team as they were victorious Saturday evening, beating Springboro 1-0 in overtime to capture the Regional Title and be one of only four teams remaining in the State of Ohio. As we plan for the Final Four game on Tuesday evening, please find important information below:

    Team Send Off

    We will wish our Girls well with a Send Off to the Final 4. Since we need to get on I-75, our bus route will be the following: turn right on Rich Road, right on West Loveland Avenue, left on Lebanon Road and Right on Loveland-Madeira Road to I-275. The team bus will leave the high school between 4:15-4:30 PM. Please line the streets to Cheer our Girls on to a victory. Go Tigers!

    Nov 4

    Our Senior Captains accept the Division I Regional Championship trophy. Go Tigers!

     

    Spirit Buses

    We will sell Spirit Bus Packs on Monday, 7 AM – 2:30 PM and Tuesday, 7 AM – 1 PM for $10 in the Athletic Office and during all three high school lunches.

    The Final 4 Tee Shirt Design

    Final Four T-shirt Sales

    RPDiamond has designed our Final 4 shirts. They go on sale Monday at the RPDiamond store, on Loveland-Madeira Road (next to Goodwill). We will also be selling them at the HS on Tuesday. The shirt is an orange short-sleeve for $10.

    Game Information

    Our Loveland Tigers vs. Olentangy Liberty plays in the State Soccer Final 4 Game on Tuesday, November 7th at Centerville Soccer Stadium at 7 PM.  Gates open at 6 PM and tickets are $8 for all ages. We are the away team on the bracket.

    Ticket Sales

    Monday, Nov. 6th from 3 PM – 5PM and again from 6 PM – 7 PM, both in the Athletic Office.

    Tuesday, Nov. 7th from 7 AM – 4 PM in the Athletic Office.

    Please purchase your tickets in advance to avoid lines at the gate.

    Ticket Price: $8 per ticket, Presale or at the gate, for all ages.

    Student Spirit Bus Packs Sold: Tuesday, Nov. 7th from 7am-1pm, in the Athletic Office and during all three LHS lunches. Total cost $10, includes game ticket and bus ride.

    Julie Renner is the Athletic Director of Loveland High School

    We are so Proud of our Girls and all their hard work. The Road to State is very memorable, thanks for supporting our student-athletes.

    My Best and Go Tigers!

    Up-dated to reflect current information on ticket sales 11-6-17 at 5:39 PM

    Jarvis Global Investments, LLC

    Jarvis Global is an investment advisory firm in Symmes Township, Ohio which offers private portfolio management and retirement services to high net worth individuals.

  • Girls Soccer State Final Four game information

    Girls Soccer State Final Four game information

    Julie Renner is the Athletic Director of Loveland High School – file photo by Sam Smith

    Dear Tiger Nation and Loveland Community

    Tigers vs. Olentangy Liberty in the State Soccer Final 4 Game on Tuesday

    by Julie Renner,

    We our Proud of our Girls Soccer Team as they were victorious Saturday evening, beating Springboro 1-0 in overtime to capture the Regional Title and be one of only four teams remaining in the State of Ohio. As we plan for the Final Four game on Tuesday evening, please find important information below:

    Team Send Off

    We will wish our Girls well with a Send Off to the Final 4. Since we need to get on I-75, our bus route will be the following: turn right on Rich Road, right on West Loveland Avenue, left on Lebanon Road and Right on Loveland-Madeira Road to I-275. The team bus will leave the high school between 4:15-4:30 PM. Please line the streets to Cheer our Girls on to a victory. Go Tigers!

    Nov 4

    Our Senior Captains accept the Division I Regional Championship trophy. Go Tigers!

     

    Spirit Buses

    We will sell Spirit Bus Packs on Monday, 7 AM – 2:30 PM and Tuesday, 7 AM – 1 PM for $10 in the Athletic Office and during all three high school lunches.

    The Final 4 Tee Shirt Design

    Final Four T-shirt Sales

    RPDiamond has designed our Final 4 shirts. They go on sale Monday at the RPDiamond store, on Loveland-Madeira Road (next to Goodwill). We will also be selling them at the HS on Tuesday. The shirt is an orange short-sleeve for $10.

    Game Information

    Our Loveland Tigers vs. Olentangy Liberty plays in the State Soccer Final 4 Game on Tuesday, November 7th at Centerville Soccer Stadium at 7 PM.  Gates open at 6 PM and tickets are $8 for all ages. We are the away team on the bracket.

    Ticket Sales

    Monday, Nov. 6th from 3 PM – 5PM and again from 6 PM – 7 PM, both in the Athletic Office.

    Tuesday, Nov. 7th from 7 AM – 4 PM in the Athletic Office.

    Please purchase your tickets in advance to avoid lines at the gate.

    Ticket Price: $8 per ticket, Presale or at the gate, for all ages.

    Student Spirit Bus Packs Sold: Tuesday, Nov. 7th from 7am-1pm, in the Athletic Office and during all three LHS lunches. Total cost $10, includes game ticket and bus ride.

    Julie Renner is the Athletic Director of Loveland High School

    We are so Proud of our Girls and all their hard work. The Road to State is very memorable, thanks for supporting our student-athletes.

    My Best and Go Tigers!

    Up-dated to reflect current information on ticket sales 11-6-17 at 5:39 PM

    Jarvis Global Investments, LLC

    Jarvis Global is an investment advisory firm in Symmes Township, Ohio which offers private portfolio management and retirement services to high net worth individuals.

  • Internationally recognized student social skills authority speaks to Loveland educators

    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

  • Loveland Middle School Cross Country State Champs

    Loveland Middle School Cross Country State Champs

    Girls team takes the podium as best in Ohio

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Middle School (LMS) Girls Cross Country Team won the title of State Champions at the State Junior High Cross Country meet Sunday, Oct. 22.

    “I am so excited to win the state trophy,” said LMS Eighth Grade Student Maaike Snider. “Thank you to the coaches and parents for everything. It has been a great season!”

    Meet the State Champions

    Sarah Madix, Allison Colegate, Ellie Zicka, Bella Dillhof, Jessie Gibbins, Maaike Snider, and Lindsey Dwyer

    Snider was one of three student-athletes who finished in the top 15 overall. The group included:  Jessie Gibbins (fifth place); Maaike Snider (seventh place) and Sarah Madix (11th place).

    “We are extremely excited about both of our cross country teams at LMS,” said LMS Principal Chuck Ogdan. “These student-athletes have gone above and beyond in the classroom and on the field of competition! They are true examples of our building’s four core values: grit, rise, innovation and leadership. Go Tigers!”

    “Coach Steve Federman and Coach Carol Adams, along with all of our LMS cross country coaches do such a great job working with, training and developing our runners and student-athletes,” said Loveland District Director of Student Athletics Julie Renner. “They start way before our kids join the LMS cross country team. They get them excited during Runners Club in the elementary and intermediate schools. The success of our seventh through 12th grade Girls and Boys Cross Country programs are due to the hard work and dedication of so many who are role-models for our kids, in building up the sport not only as competitive but also as a life-long activity for our student-athletes.”

    Jarvis Global Investments, LLC

    Jarvis Global is an investment advisory firm in Symmes Township, Ohio which offers private portfolio management and retirement services to high net worth individuals.

  • The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Loveland High School

    The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Loveland High School

    Quasimodo (Gabe Moss) and Esmeralda (Lily Morris) see Paris from “The Top of the World”. Photo by Caroline Hall

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School’s (LHS) production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame will be presented November 8-11th in the high school auditorium.

    Theresa Kovacs, LHS Drama Producer said:
     
    “We are proud to be the first high school in Ohio and in the TriState area to stage this new musical which pairs Victor Hugo’s classic Gothic tale with the hauntingly beautiful music from the animated version of the story. Isolated in the cathedral bell tower, Quasimodo longs to be part of the Paris scene that he sees below. When he sneaks out to join the festivities on the Feast of Fools Day, his joy turns to regret, but not before he has met the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda. She becomes the only thing he will ever truly love, but she has also caught the eye of Archdeacon Frollo, Quasimodo’s guardian, as well as Phoebus, a handsome soldier recently come to town. Filled with emotion and soul-touching melodies, the bells of the cathedral ring both in joy and sadness, as the drama explores the concept of ‘what makes a Monster and what makes a Man.”

     

    Esmeralda (Lily Morris) dances as Quasimodo (Gabe Moss) and Archdeacon Frollo (Luke Rohling) look down from the tower. Photo by Caroline Hall

    Shows are Wednesday November 8 at 7 PM

          Thursday November 9 at 7 PM

          Friday November 10 at 7 PM

          Saturday November 11 at 2 PM and 7 PM

    Tickets are a preshow price of $12 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. At the door the price will be $13 for adults and $11 for students and senior citizens.

    Tickets are available online at http://lovelandhstheater.wixsite.com/lhsdrama/box-office

     

     

  • Loveland teacher Shannon Jones named Jennings Fellow

    Loveland teacher Shannon Jones named Jennings Fellow

    Kindergarten teacher Shannon Jones one of 13 in state of Ohio honored with distinction

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland Early Childhood Center (LECC) Kindergarten Teacher Shannon Jones has been named a 2017 Jennings Fellow by the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation. Of the thousands of public school teachers in Ohio, Jones was one of 13 teachers selected for the honor, which was presented at The University of Cincinnati.

    Loveland Interim Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse presented Loveland Early Childhood Center Teacher Shannon Jones with her Jennings Fellow award surrounded by students from her class.

    This highly regarded distinction honors master teachers in select areas of Ohio each year. Candidates, who have been nominated by their superintendents, participate in the Jennings Educators Institute during the fall. Participants earn the designation “Jennings Fellow” by showing application of what they have learned.

    “Shannon Jones has never passed on a single opportunity to attend any sort of workshop, class, or professional development opportunity that is offered; that is a direct consequence of how driven she is to provide her students and their families with the best kindergarten experience possible,” said LECC Principal Kyle Bush. “She is a natural leader among her peers and in our school – always looking for ways to make our school, and by extension her own classroom, a better place to learn, grow, and be challenged.”

    “Since 1959, the Jennings Foundation has recognized teachers who set an example by pursuing and implementing excellent teaching practices,” said Dr. Daniel Keenan, executive director, Martha Holden Jennings Foundation. “We honor the Jennings Fellows because they demonstrate a commitment to further develop their own skills, to take action, and to reflect on those practices with their peers. This is what excellence is all about.”

    The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation was founded in 1959 to provide a means for greater accomplishment on the part of Ohio’s teachers and students. The Foundation awards grants to teachers, public school districts, and tax-exempt organizations that assist public elementary and secondary schools in Ohio and focuses its efforts on two themes: excellent teaching and deep learning.

    For more information, please visiting the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation website: www.mhif.org.

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

  • [SHORT SURVEY] Do Ohio parents believe that humans or computers should grade their children’s written essays on Standardized tests?

    [SHORT SURVEY] Do Ohio parents believe that humans or computers should grade their children’s written essays on Standardized tests?

    Loveland-area resident Alice Culbertson, graduate student in Education at Xavier University, is conducting a research study that asks the following question: “Do Ohio parents believe that humans or computers should grade their children’s written essays on standardized tests?” Below is some general information about the topic of human vs. computerized scoring, followed by a short survey for parents to share their opinions on this issue. 

    If you are an Ohio parent who has had at least one child take a standardized test in an Ohio school any time during grades 3-12, you are encouraged to complete a short survey to share your opinions on this issue.

    Every year, millions of school children in America take state-mandated standardized tests. To manage the cost of such large-scale testing, many of the questions follow a multiple-choice format because computers can score the answers quickly and cost-effectively. Some questions, however, require written essay responses that are graded by humans, a slower and more expensive process. In an effort to reduce the time and cost associated with human scoring, several testing firms are working with technology companies to produce automated essay scoring (AES) software that can score essays as well as humans can.

    One of the leading proponents of AES is Mark D. Shermis, Dean and Professor, School of Education, University of Houston–Clear Lake, who has conducted several studies in which computers were shown to score essays with comparable results to human scoring. Les Perelman, research affiliate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), former professor of writing and composition, and a vocal opponent of AES, has also conducted research in which computer scoring proved to be less accurate than human scoring. 

    Shermis, AES software developers, and testing companies claim that the Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the capability to grade essays correctly and consistently. Perelman and primary, secondary, and post-secondary educators maintain that computers are incapable of evaluating a number of important elements of writing such as logic, tone, organization, and creativity, and should therefore not be used to grade essays. 

    Pros of Computerized Scoring cited by Shermis and other Proponents of AES

    • Several studies have shown that computers gave virtually identical scores to those given by humans on the same set of essays.
    • Computerized scoring can save time and money spent on testing, and test results can be returned to families and schools more quickly.
    • Humans who score essays are temporary employees who only need a bachelor’s degree in any subject, and the ability to adhere to a rubric (a chart that shows them how to score the essays).

    Pros of Human Scoring cited by Perelman and other Opponents of AES

    • Several studies have shown that computers can be fooled into giving high scores to poorly written essays based solely on the length and key words contained within the essay.
    • Human scorers are able to evaluate important elements of writing that computers cannot, such as tone, logic, organization, and creativity.
    • Computers can only score simplistic essays with scores comparable to those given by humans, meaning that test questions would have to be “dumbed down” in order to be accurately scored by a computer. 

    There is virtually no research documenting how parents feel about the prospect of computers grading their children’s written essays.

    The question of whether computers should score essays is a growing area of contention among educators, software firms, and testing companies across the country. Largely absent in this debate, though, is a sector of the population that has a personal stake in standardized testing scoring: the parents of those students who take the tests, whose educational paths may be affected by the scoring outcomes. While research has shown that parents have had differences of opinion as to whether their children benefit from standardized tests in general, there is virtually no research documenting how parents feel about the prospect of computers grading their children’s written essays.

    If you are an Ohio parent who has had at least one child take a standardized test in an Ohio school any time during grades 3-12, you are encouraged to complete a short survey to share your opinions on this issue. Simply click the link below to access the survey. Please feel free to share this link with any other Ohio parents. Thank you!

    https://kwiksurveys.com/s/VJ8A5d3V#/0   

    All survey respondents will remain confidential, and the results of this survey are for classroom purposes only and will not be published. Results of the study will be available after January 2, 2018, and may be obtained by emailing a request for results to culbertsona@xavier.edu.

  • Loveland Middle School’s Weekly Awards

    Loveland Middle School’s Weekly Awards

    -7th Grade:
    • Social Studies: Angela Bober
    • Science: Kailey Hammer
    • Math: Madelyn Fox
    • English: Annabel Schamel
    -8th Grade: 
    • Social Studies: Elle Brinkman
    • Science: Cassidy Nowiski
    • Math: Conner Vanoli
    • English: Cole Ewert
    -Electives:
    • Phys Ed./Health: Paige Broermann
    • Foreign Language: Jeremy Case
    • Fine Arts: Cole Kissick
    • Music: Zachary Bakler
    -Staff: Ms. Stephanie Bradford (Math)
     
    -Athletes: 
    • Cheer – Nicole Pedicini
    • Cross Country – Ally Colegate
    • Tennis – Katie Beasley
    • Tennis – Kendall Forrest