Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: LECC

  • Meet the 2025 Loveland Valentine Lady Lynn Oury

    Meet the 2025 Loveland Valentine Lady Lynn Oury

    Lynn Oury and preschooler Olivia Smith in 2008 (Photo provided by Jen Miller)

    “That pic of Olivia and Lynn. That’s what a lasting legacy looks like. Her time spent with so many young children through her teaching life. So sweet. So pure.”

    – Jennifer Miller, Olivia’s mother.

    Loveland, Ohio – The 2025 Loveland Valentine Lady started her journey in Genoa, a small rural town in northwest Ohio. Lynn Oury said that it is very much like Loveland. However, Lynn emphatically adds, “I am home! Loveland truly has that ‘rural-ness’ that very much reminds me of my hometown. And it keeps getting better.”

    She met her husband Neal through college friends who grew up in Loveland and they were married in 1983. Lynn got her undergraduate degree from Morehead State University and her masters degree at Xavier University.

    “Those are my grandparents on my dad’s side; grandma was 1st generation American, from Poland. I am the one in the back making the peace sign.” (Photo provided by Lynn Oury)

    Lynn has a son Nick, who is 40, and a daughter Catherine, is who is 37. Lynn and Neal live in a house that Neal built in the Clermont side of the city.

    Lynn Oury at her home built by husband Neal in the Clermont County side of Loveland. (Photo provided by Lynn Oury)

    Lynn taught school for 36 years; 22 years in Loveland. While in the Loveland Schools, she was a preschool intervention specialist at the Loveland Early Childhood Center (LECC) and retired in June 2022. This year Lynn started to substitute teach at LECC; getting her “teaching fix” and visiting with her teacher and staff friends.”

    (Photo provided by Jennifer Miller)

    Lynn told Loveland Magazine that she has many fond teaching memories. “From the children to families and coworkers. Perhaps to see the progress a child made supported by myself and a dedicated, hard-working  team including teaching assistants, speech pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, school psychologists and counselors and parents … it really does take a village.”

    Oliver who is eight-years-old and former student, now a first-grader told Loveland Magazine, “Miss Lynn is a great teacher who is nice.”

    Lynn was asked what were her fondest early impressions of Loveland, and she replied, “I am home. Loveland truly has that rural-ness that very much reminds me of my hometown. And it keeps getting better.”

    Lynn and Neal Oury in Historic Downtown Loveland (Photo provided by Lynn Oury)

    Her “now” fondest thing about Loveland is the vibrancy in Downtown with its numerous restaurants and shops; to the Bike Trail and Little Miami River. She also mentioned the parks with great playgrounds and picnic areas to for families and, “Our beloved Loveland Farmer’s Market and Loveland Paddle Sports.” she added that she enjoys the events created by The Little Miami Chamber Alliance and the City of Loveland. “Too many to name; Loveland really does have it all.”

    Lynn was on the Loveland Beautification Committee for over 15 years, with “great people”. She volunteers to help with events created by The Little Miami Chamber Alliance.

    (Photo provided by Lynn Oury)

    “I am currently on the Core Team of The Loveland Learning Garden; watering, weeding, and harvesting produce.” Lynn said that in 2024 they took over 1,000 pounds of produce to The Loveland LIFE Food Pantry. They also lead nature related education classes for students at the Loveland Primary and Elementary schools.

    “I can’t think of a better person for this year’s Valentine Lady,” said Loveland first-grade teacher, Jennifer Miller. “I had the privilege of working with Lynn for many years at the Loveland Early Childhood Center. She was also my daughter’s preschool teacher and the preschool teacher of many of my Kindergarten and First Grade Students. When I think about Lynn I automatically think of her huge heart and smile. I can’t wait for her to visit my classroom leading up to Valentine’s Day in February.”

    Miller currently has a boy in her first-grade class named Oliver who was in Lynn Oury’s pre-school class during her last year of teaching, he told Miller last week, “Miss Lynn is a great teacher who is nice.”

    Lynn is also a member of the Loveland Women’s Club. “Through these experiences, I have met amazing, caring, and fun people.”

    “I was very surprised when I found out I was this year’s Loveland Valentine Lady. Surprised, honored, and humbled. I found out at our December Loveland Women’s Club Holiday Luncheon,” Lynn said.

    Lynn was asked what were the things are she was really looking forward to as 2025 unfolds as a Valentine Lady. “I love reading to children and sharing my most favorite books. I also look forward to promoting all the wonderfulness of Loveland.”

    Among her duties as Valentine Lady are being an ambassador for the Chamber’s Valentine Program, visits to area businesses, nursing homes, and schools. Lynn will return to the Loveland schools to visit classrooms and hand-stamp the student’s personalize cards with Loveland’s unique Valentine cachet, which will be modeled after this year’s winning card design.

    The Oury’s hand-built teardrop camper (Photo provided by Lynn Oury)

    Lynn and Neal are campers; hitting the campsites with the teardrop camper he built, as well as his restored 1963 Luxor camper. She added, “I enjoy watercolor painting, playing with our two grandchildren, and yoga. I also enjoy playing golf.”

    The Valentine Program began in 1972 and now includes a variety of Valentine community activities, including a nationally-known cachet stamping and postmark program.

    Lynn will be formally introduced to the community as well as an unveiling of a new Valentine card design winner at a public event in January. Lynn will be the guest of honor at the annual Valentine Breakfast in February.

  • Safety drill tomorrow at Loveland Early Childhood Center

    Safety drill tomorrow at Loveland Early Childhood Center

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District is partnering with the Loveland Police Department to conduct a safety drill tomorrow, Wednesday, May 29 at the Loveland Early Childhood Center.

    During the drill, there will be a large number of police and fire vehicles at the school, and the building will be closed to visitors.

    If you have any questions, contact the Loveland City School District Central Office at 513-683-5600.

  • Loveland City Schools Seeking New Early Childhood Center Principal

    Loveland City Schools Seeking New Early Childhood Center Principal

    Loveland Magazine File Photo

    Loveland, Ohio –  The Loveland City School District is beginning the search for the next great leader of the Loveland Early Childhood Center. Current principal Sara Gehring is leaving the district for a new position in Madeira City Schools.

    Sara Gehring (Photo by Loveland Schools)

    Gehring joined Loveland City School District in 2018 as assistant principal of Loveland Middle School before taking the position of principal of Loveland Early Childhood Center in 2021. She will join Madeira City School District as the assistant principal of Madeira Elementary.

    “These last two years have been some of the best of my career, and the LECC team is a special and strong group of educators who rise up each day to do what is best for kids. This is a bittersweet moment because I’ll miss Loveland, yet I’m excited to become the assistant principal of Madeira Elementary,” Sara Gehring said.

    The search will begin immediately. The campus is home to Loveland’s preschool and kindergarten programs.

  • Loveland Early Childhood Center Earns Five-Star Award from the State of Ohio

    Loveland Early Childhood Center Earns Five-Star Award from the State of Ohio

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Early Childhood Center has received a Five-Star Step Up To Quality Award from the State of Ohio. The award recognizes the preschool program offered at LECC.

    Loveland Superintendent Mike Broadwater

    “Congratulations to our team at the Loveland Early Childhood Center for this recognition of their outstanding work and effort they put into helping our youngest Loveland Tiger Students have a successful start on their educational journey,” Loveland Superintendent Mike Broadwater said.

    Step Up To Quality is Ohio’s rating system for learning development programs. It is designed to recognize high-quality educational programs and make it easy for families to select programs for their children.

    LECC Principal Sara Gehring

    “We believe in Loveland City Schools that Preschool is an important time for young students to develop their love of learning in a safe and nurturing environment. This award recognizes the amazing partnership between our LECC team and our families to support our Preschool students during this important time in their development in building self-confidence and pre-academic skills,” LECC Principal Sara Gehring said.

    Step Up To Quality is administered by the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. You can learn more about the Step Up To Quality Award by following this link.

  • Federal funding coming to Ohio for kindergarten readiness

    Federal funding coming to Ohio for kindergarten readiness

    BY: SUSAN TEBBEN – Ohio Capital Journal

    An infusion of federal funds is coming to Ohio, targeted at improving kindergarten readiness.

    The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services is set to receive a total of $48 million over three years as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Preschool Development Grant, according to an announcement from Gov. Mike DeWine’s office.

    ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder said plans for the grant are “expansive,” and will include “culturally appropriate trauma training, credentialing and parent supports,” along with “creating long-term and sustainable local, state and federal funding for early childhood education programs.”

    Through a partnership with the state departments of education, health, mental health and addiction, Medicaid and developmental disabilities, the grant will also be used to expand child care for special needs, homeless and English language learners.

  • “Thank you for being a friendly, smiling face for generations of our youngest Tigers!”

    “Thank you for being a friendly, smiling face for generations of our youngest Tigers!”

    Loveland, Ohio – Thursday was a very special day at Loveland Early Childhood Center, as staff and students wished “Happy Retirement” to secretary DeAnn Gilmore after 23 and a half years!

    Their message on the Loveland City Schools FaceBook page was, “Thank you for being a friendly, smiling face for generations of our youngest Tigers!”

    All photos by Loveland City Schools:

  • Bus Drivers Shown Love by LECC Staff

    Bus Drivers Shown Love by LECC Staff

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland school bus drivers got a nice surprise when they pulled into Loveland Early Childhood Center (LECC) Thursday morning. Staff members were outside with signs and breakfast treats to say thank you.

    “Many of our drivers wrap up their morning routes with our youngest students, and the LECC staff took it upon themselves to give back to our drivers. Thank you to everyone who donated items, packed bags, and even cooked breakfast sandwiches for each of our drivers. This is a great example of our Loveland Tiger team members taking care of each other,” said Superintendent Mike Broadwater in the District newsletter on Friday.

  • Loveland Preschool application process

    Loveland Preschool application process

    Applications are due by January 7th

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City Schools Preschool program serves children 3-5 years of age with a wide variety of disabilities qualifying for special education services in response to a federal mandate.  

    The program model includes children with typical development in order to provide for a more inclusive and enriching learning environment and experience. 

    Those interested in entering their typically developing 3-5-year-old child in Loveland City Schools Preschool program may do so by completing the application and returning it directly to Loveland Early Childhood Center.  

    All parents will be notified by mail, email, and/or phone regarding admission to the program.

    All applications are due by January 7th, 2022.

    For information:

    Penny Dippold, Loveland Early Childhood Center (LECC) Secretary

    Phone: (513) 683-4200

    Email: dippolpe@lovelandschools.org

  • Resignations and building re-alignment mean big adjustments for Loveland Schools

    Resignations and building re-alignment mean big adjustments for Loveland Schools

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Several administrative staff resignations, including the resignation of former Superindant Dr. Amy Crouse, the re-arrangement of 1st grade classrooms, and additional full-day kindergarten opportunities will bring significant change to the Loveland City School District this Fall.

    Photo of Julie Carter
    Julie Carter will be the next principal of Loveland Intermediate School

    Julie Carter, will be the principal of Loveland Intermediate School beginning this fall. She is currently serving as the Assistant Principal and will be taking over for Garth Carlier, as he becomes the new Director of Human Resources for Loveland City Schools.

    Carlier will fill the position vacant because of the resignation of the current Director of Human Resources, Charles Ogdan who has been hired by the Mt. Healthy School District for a similar position.

    Garth Carlier is the current Principal of the Loveland Intermediate School and will become the new Director of Human Resources

    Superintendent Finalists announced

    CF Educational Solutions has been assisting the district in the search process for the next Superintendent. The District says they received broad interest in the position from across the country. Bradley Neavin was hired in January to lead the District after the resignation of Dr. Amy Crouse until a person could be hired to lead the District this Fall and into 2022.

    Crouse resigned last December and was hired as the founding Principal of the new Citizens of the World Charter Schools in Madisonville.

    The Board and members of a Community Advisory Group (CAG) were given a list of anonymous profiles to consider in a new Superintendent. They narrowed the list down to seven candidates who were interviewed by the Board in executive sessions this week. The Board and the Community Advisory Group also worked together on the interview format and questions to present to the candidates. The Community Advisory Group is made up of members of the Loveland community, district staff, and parents.

    A release by the District said the Board and the CAG reached “very similar conclusions about which candidates to interview.”

    A final pool of three caucasian, male candidates was released Wednesday afternoon to lead the outer-suburban Cincinnati school District and its all-White central office, school administrative team, and Board of Education. This announcement comes three weeks after the Board adopted a statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion. (Loveland City Schools adopt Statement on Diversity)

    The finalists are:

    The community is invited to a Virtual Community Engagement Session on Tuesday, May 18 at 6 PM. Each of the candidates will speak individually. The Board would like community members to submit questions for the candidates in advance of the meeting. Submit questions here.

    Information about access to the Virtual Community Engagement Session will be posted on the Loveland City Schools Board of Education webpage prior to the Tuesday, May 18 meeting. 

    In-Person Learning For Fall 

    The District has announced that due to a lack of interest “from our families” there will be no Remote Academy for the 2021-2022 school year.

    “In the months ahead, we will be watching for the latest state guidance on health and safety protocols and adapting as necessary. We will continue to accommodate students with special health concerns, as we have in prior years. Families with specific concerns should reach out to their building principal.” 

    Masking for Fall 

    The District said in a communication to parents that they have received several questions from parents about masking and other restrictions for the fall. The release said:

    “It is simply too soon for us to predict what will be expected; however, based on the communication from parents, we are working on a strategy to engage decision-makers at the state level for more specific guidance to ensure that our parents’ voices are heard.” 

    “At this point, Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health have not issued any new orders or guidance for how schools should operate during the 2021-2022 school year. DeWine has stated that when COVID cases drop to fewer than 50 per 100,000 people for two weeks, all health orders will be lifted across Ohio.” 

    “With increasing vaccination rates and lower case numbers, many things can change between now and the new school year in mid-August. We have been committed to providing a safe learning environment while supporting our students’ academic growth. We are hopeful that when we welcome students back after the summer break, everyone will be able to see the smiles on our faces.”

    Changes for Early Learners

    Loveland Early Childhood Center

    At the Board of Education meeting on April 20 the district announced that they will be implementing an additional full-day kindergarten section for the 2021-2022 school year. 

    Immediately after students leave for summer break, work will begin at LPS and LES to accommodate the changes. Some classroom spaces will be remodeled and modular units will be used for classrooms and additional office space. The District plans to maximize every available space in LPS and LES to serve students of the same grade level all in one location. 

    Changes include the implementation of an additional full-day kindergarten section at LECC. This change will allow the district to eliminate the current lottery system that is now used for assigning access to full-day or half-day kindergarten offerings. For the 2021-2022 school year, LECC will be offering 7 sections of full-day kindergarten and 6 sections of half-day kindergarten. 

    Tuition for full-day kindergarten for the 2021-2022 school year will be $385 per month.

    There will be a realignment of grades involving LECC and LPS. All of Loveland’s first-grade classrooms will be on the LPS campus beginning in the fall. Currently, there are first-graders at both LECC and LPS. After the realignment, the Head Start Program, our preschool, and our kindergarten students will all be together on the LECC campus, while our first and second-grade students will be together on the LPS campus. 

    Andrea Conner, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning said, “By bringing all of our first-grade students together on one campus, our first-grade staff will have more opportunities for a more collaborative approach in addressing the needs of our youngest learners while sharing valuable resources.” 

    Director of Student Services will leave

    Eric Dool

    Eric Dool, the Director of Student Services has announced that he will be taking another job. Dools job responsibilities included, Student Health and Wellness, Student Safety, Special Education and Related Services, Section 504 Accommodation PlansTitle I, Reading Intervention, English as a Second Language (ESL) – Title III,  Homelessness, and  Student Attendance. 

    New High School Principal

    Loveland High School
    Adam Reed

    Peggy Johnson announced her retirement at the end of January after 39 years in education and 6 years as Principal of Loveland High School (LHS).

    Thirty-nine-year-old Wyoming High School Principal, Adam Reed, who is entering his 17th year in education was recently announced as Johnson’s successor for the 2021-2022 school year. (Meet Adam Reed the next leader for Loveland High School)

    New common entrance branding proposed for Loveland Intermediate and Middle School Campus

  • [Video] Senior Miya Brines sets Loveland High School high jump record

    [Video] Senior Miya Brines sets Loveland High School high jump record

    by Grace Nunn

    Loveland, Ohio – Senior Miya Brines set a new Loveland High School high jump record on Saturday, March 27 clearing the bar at 5’6 1/2″ in the Loveland dual meet vs Princeton at Tiger Stadium. She placed 1st in the high jump.

    LHS Senior Miya Brines

    “I am very honored to be in the Loveland High School record books with so many other athletes. I believe hard work and dedication have a big impact on the way I perform and compete as an athlete,” Brines said.

    Miya also thanked her coaches for investing their time and effort into herself and the team and cannot wait for her future as an athlete.

    The previous record was 5’6 set in 2016 by Kendall Ewert.

    She also came in 1st in the long jump with a leap of 16′-10.75″, 1st in the 100-meter hurdles running a 14.59, and 1st in the 300 Meter hurdles at 48.67.

    Brines will continue her track and academic career at the University of Iowa.

    Complete Meet Results