This story was up-dated at 12: 28 PM as we received a comment from Dr. Lorenz
Loveland, Ohio – Dr. Kathryn Lorenz was re-elected Board President last night at a meeting of the Loveland City School District Board of Education.
Kevin Dougherty (Provided Photo)
Kevin Dougherty was chosen by fellow Board members to replace Michele Pettit as Vice-President.
The Board postponed the previously announced executive session (for last night) to discuss the hiring of an interim Superintendent. The session will now be held on Tuesday, January 12 at 6 PM when they will have a “virtual” meeting. Dr. Amy Crouse resigned as Superintendent on December 17.
UP-DATE at 12:28 PM: Dr. Lorenz just sent Loveland Magazine this comment: “I am honored by the comments made by board members, suggesting that they would like me to continue facilitating the administrative work of board meetings. I know that all board members are equal and I know that the board President is simply the board member who helps by running the meetings and facilitating some communication with the district administration and the public at large.”
“Students and teachers exposed to a COVID-positive person in school are no longer required to quarantine as long as the exposure occurred in a classroom setting and all students/teachers were wearing masks and following other appropriate protocols.”
by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – Governor Mike DeWine announced Wednesday that Ohio is changing its guidance regarding quarantines following an in-classroom exposure in K-12 schools. The Ohio Department of Health said, “Moving forward, students and teachers exposed to a COVID-positive person in school are no longer required to quarantine as long as the exposure occurred in a classroom setting and all students/teachers were wearing masks and following other appropriate protocols.”
Loveland Magazine has reached out to Loveland Superintendent, Dr. Amy Crouse and the District health team to inquire whether the District will adopt DeWine’s newest protocol, however, neither are available for immediate response. (Thank you for your email. Our offices are closed through Sunday, January 3, 2021. I am out of the office with limited access to email.)
Loveland school students return to the classroom on Monday, January 4.
“This evaluation confirms for us that Ohio’s classrooms are a safe place for our students and that the commitment our schools have made to keeping kids safe in the classroom is working,” said DeWine.
Schools should continue to require quarantines for exposed students in situations where masking and distancing protocols were not followed. The updated quarantine guidance does not apply to after-school activities, including sports, according to the new guidelines.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced in early December new quarantine guidelines for people who were exposed to coronavirus, reducing the length of time from 14 days to 10 days without symptoms or seven days with no symptoms and a negative test. The Loveland School District announced on December 4 that they would implement these less stringent quarantine requirements.
Meanwhile: The Associated Press reports that California has the nation’s 2nd confirmed case of a new and apparently more contagious variant of the coronavirus. Read on…
Here is the last Covid 19 Dashboard that was published by the District (12/12/20 -12/18/20) right after classes dismissed for Winter Break:
Because of the data we now have, we’re changing our guidance and are no longer recommending that students who have been exposed to another COVID+ student quarantine – as long as all students have been wearing masks and the exposure took place in a classroom setting.
The Ohio Department of Health is extending the 10 PM to 5 AM statewide curfew for another three weeks until January 23. Governor Mike DeWine said, “This is b/c we don’t yet know what effect the holidays may have on our hospitals and health care systems, so we must continue to be cautious.”
As a reminder, the curfew does not apply to those:
✅ going to and from work ✅ who have an emergency or need medical care
The curfew is not intended to stop anyone from getting groceries/going to the pharmacy.
Picking up carry-out or a drive-thru meal and ordering for delivery is permitted, but serving food and drink within an establishment must cease at 10:00 p.m.
LIS/LMS Make Temporary Switch to Hybrid After Winter Break
Loveland, Ohio – Winter Break began yesterday afternoon for the Loveland schools. Students will return to class on January 4.
The District announced in their weekly newsletter on Friday afternoon that schedule changes have being put in place for the Loveland Intermediate School (LIS) and Loveland Middle School (LMS) after the return from Winter Break.
LIS and LMS will move to hybrid learning from January 4 through January 14. There will be no changes for any other grade levels and no changes for the Remote Learning Academy learners.
The announcement said that after noticing an increase in community spread of COVID-19 after the Thanksgiving Break, and looking at the results of a recent survey, the decision was made to limit in-person learning for grades 5-8 after Winter Break. They also say that the family survey data did not indicate a need to adjust the learning model PK-4, “Therefore, Loveland Early Childhood Center, Loveland Primary School, and Loveland Elementary School will return on January 4 at the full capacity model.”
The District COVID 19 Dashboard published on 12/18/2020
Loveland High School is currently in hybrid, with plans to return to five-day, in-person learning at the start of the second semester on January 19.
In a “hybrid model”, schools operate at reduced capacity with students alternating between in-person and remote learning activities at home. To purpose is to keep class sizes smaller and increase physical distancing space between individuals.
The newsletter also included this message from the District’s health services staff
As your children head home on December 18, please remember it is not only what they do at school that matters, but outside their school day that also counts (actually our data is showing it matters most). Remember “The Bundle” there too – masks, distancing, and hand-washing. January will be our biggest challenge yet and we know that what everyone does in the next few weeks will help determine how things go. Stay aware when you are around others remembering that distance is your friend and that wearing a mask is your way of saying to others that you care. Months down the road, we will have the opportunity again to gather and hang out, but for now, be intentional about this.
On 12/12/20, a non-teaching, non-school-based staff member, last at work on 12/9/20
On 12/12/20, a teaching staff member at the Loveland Early Childhood Center, last at work on 12/11/20
On 12/12/20, a non-teaching staff member at Loveland High School, last at school on 12/7/20
On 12/14/20, a teaching staff member at Loveland Elementary School, last at school on 12/9/20
On 12/14/20, a student at Loveland Intermediate School, last at school on 12/11/20
On 12/14/20, a student at Loveland High School, last at school on 12/4/20
On 12/10/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/10/20
On 12/11/20, a student at Loveland Intermediate School, last at school on 12/8/20
On 12/11/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/7/20
On 12/11/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/8/20
On 12/11/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/8/20
On 12/11/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/10/20
On 12/11/20, a teaching staff member at Loveland High School, last at school on 12/7/20
On 12/9/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/4/20
On 12/8/20, a student at Loveland Primary School, last at school on 11/30/20
On 12/9/20, a teaching staff member at Loveland Elementary School, last at school on 11/30/20
On 12/9/20, a student at Loveland Intermediate School, last at school on 12/7/20
On 12/9/20, a student at Loveland Intermediate School, last at school on 12/4/20
On 12/8/20, a student at Loveland Elementary School, last at school on 12/3/20
On 12/8/20, a student at Loveland Intermediate School, last at school on 12/3/20
On 12/8/20, a student at Loveland Intermediate School, last at school on 12/3/20
On 12/8/20, a student at Loveland Intermediate School, last at school on 12/4/20
On 12/8/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/3/30
On 12/8/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/4/20
On 12/8/20, a teaching staff member at Loveland High School, last at school on 12/3/20
On 12/4/20, a teaching staff member at Loveland High School, last at school on 12/2/20
On 12/5/20, a non-teaching staff member at the Loveland Early Childhood Center, last at school on 12/4/20
On 12/5/20, a student at Loveland Elementary School, last at school on 12/2/20
On 12/5/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/2/20
On 12/5/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/2/20
On 12/6/20, a student at Loveland High School, last at school on 11/30/20
On 12/7/20, a teaching staff member at the Loveland Early Childhood Center, last at school on 12/1/20
On 12/7/20, a student at Loveland Elementary School, last at school on 12/4/20
On 12/7/20, a student at Loveland Intermediate School, last at school on 12/4/20
On 12/7/20, an non-teaching staff member at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/4/20
On 12/7/20, a teaching staff member at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/4/20
On 12/7/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/2/20
On 12/7/20, a teaching staff member at Loveland High School, last at school on 12/1/20
On 12/7/20, a student at Loveland High School, last at school on 12/1/20
On 12/03/20, the district was notified that a non-teaching, non-school-based staff member tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was last at work on 11/30/20
On 12/03/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Intermediate School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/18/20
On 12/03/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Middle School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/18/20
On 12/04/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Elementary School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/30/20
On 12/04/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Intermediate School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 12/02/20
Watch the Christmas Carol radio show by Loveland High School Drama “online” over the coming weekend!
The Charles Dickens holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast, complete with vintage commercials and the magic of live sound effects. Three ghosts take Ebenezer Scrooge on a thrilling journey to teach him the true meaning of Christmas. A charming take on a family favorite that will leave no one saying “Bah Humbug!”
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District said today that there have been 7 new COVID 19 cases in the District. Yesterday the District reported 14 new positive cases. The District did not release any information on the number of quarantines.
On 12/8/20, a student at Loveland Elementary School, last at school on 12/3/20;
On 12/8/20, a student at Loveland Intermediate School, last at school on 12/3/20;
On 12/8/20, a student at Loveland Intermediate School, last at school on 12/3/20;
On 12/8/20, a student at Loveland Intermediate School, last at school on 12/4/20;
On 12/8/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/3/30
On 12/8/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/4/20; and
On 12/8/20, a teaching staff member at Loveland High School, last at school on 12/3/20.
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District today reported 14 new positive cases of COVID-19.
On 12/4/20, a teaching staff member at Loveland High School, last at school on 12/2/20;
On 12/5/20, a non-teaching staff member at the Loveland Early Childhood Center, last at school on 12/4/20;
On 12/5/20, a student at Loveland Elementary School, last at school on 12/2/20;
On 12/5/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/2/20;
On 12/5/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/2/20;
On 12/6/20, a student at Loveland High School, last at school on 11/30/20;
On 12/7/20, a teaching staff member at the Loveland Early Childhood Center, last at school on 12/1/20;
On 12/7/20, a student at Loveland Elementary School, last at school on 12/4/20;
On 12/7/20, a student at Loveland Intermediate School, last at school on 12/4/20;
On 12/7/20, an non-teaching staff member at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/4/20;
On 12/7/20, a teaching staff member at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/4/20;
On 12/7/20, a student at Loveland Middle School, last at school on 12/2/20;
On 12/7/20, a teaching staff member at Loveland High School, last at school on 12/1/20; and
On 12/7/20, a student at Loveland High School, last at school on 12/1/20.
The report does not say how many students or staff are in quarantine. The District has refused to list quarantines on a daily basis and only release the number on Fridays. Today, Loveland Magazine repeated our request for these numbers.
Here is that data from Last Friday:
Last Friday the District announced that during the next few weeks, some school buildings may have to temporarily switch to remote learning because of staff absences.
Loveland District says staff absences may cause last-minute notice of school closing
Loveland, Ohio – In a news release issued this afternoon, the Loveland School District said that during the next few weeks, some school buildings may have to temporarily switch to remote learning because of staff absences.
The District said in the release, “This year it has become challenging to find substitute teachers, and we may run short on staffing due to COVID-19 cases or quarantines.” If this happens, a switch to remote learning will happen on a school-by-school basis. The District said they are trying to plan ahead so that families can plan ahead, however, these changes may happen as late as the morning of scheduled attendance.
They suggest that parents and caregivers should begin considering how they might handle a possible late-notice class cancelation.
The District said they will notify families as “quickly as possible” about closings through their alert notification system, the website, Facebook (Loveland City Schools), and Twitter (@lovelandtigers) pages.
CDC still recommends 14 days however District adopts a less restrictive “acceptable alternative” quarantine period
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a change in guidance for quarantines. The new guidance shortens the quarantine period for someone who has been exposed to a positive COVID-19 case. The Ohio Department of Health has also adopted the new CDC guidelines, as has Hamilton County Public Health.
The District said in the release that the new less restrictive guideline notification came to them late today. They will begin implementing those directives and will personally notify families affected.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced new quarantine guidelines for people who were exposed to coronavirus, reducing the length of time from 14 days to 10 days without symptoms or seven days with no symptoms and a negative test. Officials said the shorter time period is intended to encourage more people to quarantine.
Ohio Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said today, “Staying home for 14 days after contact is still the safest way to limit possible spread of COVID-19. We continue to recommend this time period for people in congregate living facilities, such as nursing homes; in workplaces with a large number of employees; and in other settings in which COVID-19 could spread extensively.”
Dr. Andy Thomas, chief clinical officer at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, yesterday warned that “Ohio is not yet seeing the impact of gatherings that took place over Thanksgiving because hospitalizations are a lagging indicator. Symptoms generally develop within 10 days of transmission, and hospitalizations typically occur a week after diagnosis.”
According to CBS News the CDC rationale for the less restrictive guidelines is:
“Reducing the length of quarantine may encourage more people to do so, especially when they may not be able to work during quarantine time,” CDC’s COVID-19 Incident Manager, Dr. Henry Walke, told reporters on a call Wednesday. He said the agency still recommends 14 days, but is now offering two “acceptable alternative quarantine periods.”
According to the District, “We are pleased with these new recommendations from an educational perspective. Our goal is to keep students learning in our school buildings and shortening the required quarantine time is key.”
This is the District’s COVID 19 Dashboard published today:
On 12/03/20, the district was notified that a non-teaching, non-school-based staff member tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was last at work on 11/30/20.
On 12/03/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Intermediate School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/18/20.
On 12/03/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Middle School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/18/20.
On 12/04/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Elementary School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/30/20.
On 12/04/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Intermediate School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 12/02/20.
On 12/03/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Intermediate School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 12/01/20.
On 12/02/20, the district was notified that a teaching staff member at Loveland Intermediate School tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was last at school on 11/24/20. No close contacts were identified for this confirmed case.
On 12/02/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Elementary School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/30/20.
On 12/1/20, the district was notified that a non-teaching staff member at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was last at work on 11/18/20. No close contacts were identified for this confirmed case.
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District operates on a two-hour delay schedule for weather-related delays. This means all buildings will begin classes on a two-hour delay from regular start times, and all buses will run on a two-hour delay to pick up students. Individual school schedules will be sent from each building.
The Remote Learning Academy will follow the same delay or closure schedule.
Families will be notified about weather-related delays and closings through the district’s alert notification system, the district website, and on the district’s Facebook (Loveland City Schools) and Twitter (@lovelandtigers). Traditional media outlets will also run listings of school delays and closings.
The District will re-evaluate plans for delays and closures before the second semester.
This last year has been filled with divisiveness within our community. Clearly the failed levy issues from last November and this past March fractured trust and created a confidence challenge to the leadership of the School District and Board of Education. We accept responsibility for putting an ultimately massively unpopular proposal up for vote. In retrospect, we realize our vision for our schools went well beyond what the community desired and we clearly misread the public. What began as an honorable intent to build new facilities and programs that would elevate the educational experience for our children regrettably resulted in creating division and controversy for the community in the process.
On the heels of failed levy propositions, the Covid crisis struck and challenged once again the cohesiveness of our community. The Board & the Administration are striving to find the right solution for our children and their families in these unprecedented times. Schools across the country are operating on a myriad of models and everyone is learning how to deal with the virus as we gain experience. We are trying to operate in the most responsible manner we can determine and be flexible enough to deal with changes in the virus’s impact as we and the nation, continue to understand the nature of the threat.
As is the essence of how our country works, voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on Board members at future elections. We accept that. It is both important and fair to realize that these past levy decisions were ultimately made by the Board. The duties of the Superintendent and Treasurer are multifaceted and, as employees of the Board, they execute the decisions of the Board as well as exercise leadership roles in the vision and operation of our schools.
We recently announced we would begin the normal process of meeting to review the performance and employment contract renewals for our Superintendent and Treasurer. Shortly following that announcement, online discussions began. We respect the public’s right to voice opinion on the decision to renew these employment agreements. We intend to listen carefully to all input, but we urge civility and basic human respect if you elect to provide perspective. The Board began this activity by aligning all parties on the process on Thursday, November 6 in preparation for contract renewal decisions which are due by March 1, 2021.
As a Board, we have received significant feedback from the community. As a result, we are continuing to take steps to improve fiscal controls to help delay the need for new levies. We are also striving to create a new level of transparency into the workings of the District.
All of this is a focused attempt to heal the division within the community and restore us to a level of shared support for our schools, helping them deliver on the promise of an excellent education for every child in our care.
We believe that our focus has to be preparing our children for their futures through schools that provide the best educational experience we can design and deliver – guided by our shared values and within our available resources. Each one of us is committed to these principles as we continue to navigate the challenges before us. We urge everyone, regardless of what has happened in the past, to share in that commitment. We hope that this common goal will serve as the pathway to healing our community.
Respectfully, The Loveland City School District Board of Education
