Loveland, Ohio – Loveland Elementary School (LES) is doing its November Compassion Project “Read to Feed”. The students will be collecting monetary donations for the LIFE Food Pantry based on the amount that they read, “a win/win for the kids AND the pantry!”
The pantry leaders say that literacy and education are a huge factors in escaping poverty and these students are “amazing”.
The pantry also asks that if you have a student at LES, “Please support their efforts. If you don’t, please seek one out and let them know they make a huge difference in the lives of their community, especially other children! Thank you for your support – these children are our future.”
Loveland, Ohio – “Thanks to all of the parents, students, and staff at LPS and LES who donated either money or new books,” said mom, Amy Burns. The books that were collected are being donated to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for patients. Amy also said, “A huge thank you to Melissa Hawkins Prenger,” who worked with Brady to help get this compassion project off the ground. “She is a blessing to the Loveland City School District.”
Brady is a 10th grader at Loveland High School. He was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease two years ago and knows what it is like to be away from friends and family while getting treatments at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. He gets IVIG infusions once a month which lasts 12-14 hours.
Brady said, “I spend a lot of time at Children’s Hospital and it is boring. I take a book along with my Play Station to pass time. I see other kids who are away from home for days on end. I wanted to organize a compassion project for the patients at Children’s Hospital. If we can all give them something to brighten their day and make the hospital stay more manageable then it is worth it.”
Prenger says that “Brady is such an inspiration for taking his own experiences and hardships and turning it into good for others. That’s what makes him a true leader. Each and every book represents a smile and, perhaps, a day made. I am so proud of him.” Melissa Prenger teaches 3rd grade at the Loveland Elementary School.
Brady is also working with Mrs. Heybruch at the Loveland Early Childhood Center and will be doing another service project in the coming months.
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.
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
Mary Frees (front center) was recognized for her work serving individuals with autism and their families at “Faces of Autism” on March 5. Left to right: Heidi Terselic, Donna Ernst, Jane Miller, Lara Ferrer, Joe Frees, Taylor Reid, Mary Frees, Dr. Kathryn Lorenz, Dr. Amy Crouse, Helen Jones, Michelle Grafflin and Jennifer Forren.
Loveland, Ohio – The Regional Autism Advisory Council (RAAC) of Southwest Ohio celebrated its 20th anniversary in March with “Faces of Autism”- an event presented in collaboration with Autism Society Greater Cincinnati to recognize autism “ambassadors and unsung heroes” in the region. Mary Frees, an intervention specialist at Loveland Elementary School (LES), was among those honored for their work serving individuals with autism and their families.
“When I learned about this special recognition, I was shocked, but felt so valued for doing what I love,” said Frees. “This just motivates and energizes me to continue to accomplish more for my students with autism and other special needs. My students make my job enjoyable each day and push me further to continue to learn more about this ever-changing field of special education.”
The Faces of Autism Unsung Hero nominees were selected for going above and beyond the expectations of their jobs in advocating for acceptance, community inclusion, relationship building, and community impact. 12 educators were recognized, two of whom represent public school districts – Loveland and Sycamore Schools.
“Mary is an outstanding educator who works tirelessly for her students, going above and beyond on a daily basis,” said LES Principal Jen Forren. “She works to ensure that her students and their families have an excellent experience at LES, both academically and socially. She established an ambassador program that matches her students with other students in the building to help them work on their social skills and it has been very impactful for everyone involved.”
Faces of Autism was presented by RAAC and the Autism Society Greater Cincinnati in partnership with several other organizations, including Cincinnati Children’s, Linden Grove School, and the Heidt Center of Excellence by The Children’s Home, among others.
About the Autism Society Greater Cincinnati and the Regional Autism Advisory Council (RAAC)
The Autism Society Greater Cincinnati is a leading resource and advocate for the local autism community, working to improve the lives of all who are affected by autism through education, support, and services. RAAC leads community partnerships to plan, develop, and implement a vibrant continuum of services that meets the lifelong needs of individuals with autism, their families, and those who serve them. The Advisory Council facilitates task forces on a range of subjects, such as early intervention, educational identification, and adult services.
State Board of Education and Ohio Superintendent of Public Instruction Paolo DeMaria (Image ODE)
Columbus, Ohio – The State Board of Education and Ohio Superintendent of Public Instruction Paolo DeMaria announced this week the recognition of schools across the state for achieving high performance, outstanding progress and momentum for students – and among them are Loveland High School (LHS), Loveland Elementary School (LES) and the Loveland Early Childhood Center (LECC).
Loveland High School earned the “Momentum Award” for the third consecutive year in recognition of exceeding expectations in student growth. In order to be recognized, schools must earn straight A’s on all value-added measures on the report card and must have at least two value-added subgroups of students, which include gifted, lowest 20% in achievement, and students with disabilities. Value-added measures use student achievement over time in English Language Arts and Math to measure the gain in learning from year to year.
Loveland Elementary School earned the “Overall A Award” for receiving an “A” as a school on the report card. The overall letter grade is calculated by using results in the six components that make up the state report card: Achievement, Progress, Gap Closing, Improving At-Risk K-3 Readers, Graduation Rate and Prepared for Success.
Loveland Early Childhood Center earned the “All A Award” for receiving A grades on the applicable Ohio School Report Card measures. Only 50 schools and four school districts across the state were recognized for this achievement in 2019.
“I’m incredibly proud of our educational leaders and staff across the district who embrace the mindset of continuous improvement,” said Loveland City School District Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse. “They have done a remarkable job putting goals into action for the benefit of student achievement and academic momentum at Loveland Schools.”
State Board of Education President Laura Kohler issued a statement in a press release issued by the Ohio Department of Education:
“The students, teachers, administrators and staff honored today are shining examples to peers and colleagues around Ohio. We are so proud of these award recipients and the effort they put into learning, leading and growing every day. We are both encouraged and challenged by the example of excellence they are setting.”
There are still several issues that need to be addressed with this request being made of the taxpayers; issues such as reducing the millage, and the short and long term cost risk. Below are issues that need to be closely reviewed, addressed, and considered in order to achieve a millage reduction and a clearer path to this levy passing.
Why are three buildings needed for grades K-5?
One building for grades K-5, or two separate buildings; one for grades K-2 and one for grades 3-5 will be less costly to design, construct and maintain than three separate buildings, even if located on the same property. The new facility plan for grades K-5 is not efficient cost-wise. Significant cost savings can be realized by reducing the number of buildings, without sacrificing the safety and delivery of education, and still maintains the same number of grade levels between one or two buildings versus three buildings.
New or renovated educational facilities are more important than upgraded athletic facilities. The current athletic facilities are more than adequate for now. Priority needs to be focused towards the educational facilities’ needs and not the athletic facilities’ needs.
What maintenance has occurred at the existing middle school athletic facilities?
Having been to the athletic facilities at the middle school, it appears to me that maintenance has been largely ignored. Illustration of care needs to be shown towards the existing athletic facilities before asking the taxpayers to fund new; otherwise, history will quickly repeat itself. The existing high school athletic facilities are wonderful in my opinion. The field turf and track surface are brand new at the football stadium, and the baseball and softball fields are more than adequate. There is no need to spend taxpayer dollars unnecessarily.
The immediate needs pertaining to capital building improvements appear to be the current LECC, LPS, and LES buildings. I have attended several functions at all three buildings and it is obvious that these buildings need to be replaced with new ones. I have much respect for the administration and staff for delivering quality education given the antiquated state of these buildings. Regarding the capital building improvements for the LIS, LMS, and the HS, either place this scope on a future ballot for permanent improvements if upgraded athletic facilities take precedent over updated buildings, or eliminate the entire scope for the upgraded athletic facilities. If safer buildings and delivery of quality education are the priorities, then the scope for upgrades to the athletic facilities is expendable.
Why risk combining the operation portion of the levy with the permanent improvement portion?
The Loveland community has largely supported the levies placed on the ballot over the last approximately 20 years. I do not want to hear that services will have to be reduced or eliminated since the entire levy did not pass when a stand-alone operation levy will have a much better chance of passing instead of combining with the permanent improvement portion.
Melissa Prenger, third grade teacher at Loveland Elementary School (LES), was honored at the 2019 Celebrate Excellence educator recognition breakfast on May 3. The event, a prestigious annual scholarship fundraising event and ceremony by the Hamilton County Education Foundation, is an opportunity to honor public school educators of excellence throughout the county.
Anthony Munoz, Master of Ceremonies, presented the 2019 Celebrate Excellence Award to Melissa Prenger, teacher at Loveland Elementary School.
“Mrs. Prenger is not only an outstanding math teacher, but also passionate about spreading kindness in our school and community,” said LES Principal Jen Forren. “She has run a long list of ‘compassion projects’ and established the LES Kindness Council, which not only have helped develop empathy and compassion among the students, but also have provided leadership opportunities for our third and fourth graders.”
Over the past four years, Prenger has led the LES Kindness Council through a number of compassion projects to benefit others, including collecting backpacks for children in Haiti, collecting more than 10,000 pairs of socks for homeless shelters during “Socktober,” and sending more than 400 holiday “caring cards” to troops overseas.
“It is such a privilege to honor a teacher that empowers our Tigers to be kind and serve others,” said Loveland City School District Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse. “Mrs. Prenger inspires all of us and has had significant impact on adults as well as children over her years at Loveland. She has a heart of gold and we are so lucky to have her.”
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland Elementary School (LES) has been recognized as a “Rising Breakfast All-Star” for meeting noteworthy school breakfast Average Daily Participation (ADP) rates as established by the 2018 Ohio Breakfast Challenge.
We know from research that students who eat breakfast perform better in school than those who don’t.
“We know from research that students who eat breakfast perform better in school than those who don’t,” said Loveland District Food Service Director Kris Tracy. “On average, they also attend more days of school per year and score almost 18 percent better on standardized math tests.”
The breakfast program was implemented at LES in 2016, followed by the High School, Early Childhood Center and Primary School in 2017. It was also added to the Intermediate and Middle Schools at the start of the 2018-19 school year.
The mission of the Ohio School Breakfast Challenge is to increase and sustain student participation in the School Breakfast Program, ensuring that Ohio students start each day ready to learn. The Ohio Department of Education, American Dairy Association Mideast, Children’s Hunger Alliance, Ohio Action for Healthy Kids, and Ohio School Nutrition Association are all sponsors of the Ohio School Breakfast Challenge. For more information, visit OhioSchoolBreakfastChallenge.com.
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Overall, Loveland City School District received a B
Loveland, Ohio – On September 13, the Ohio Department of Education released its annual report cards for public school districts across the state and Loveland High School was listed as one of six high schools in the Greater Cincinnati area to receive an A, the highest grade a school can obtain.
Dr. Amy Crouse
“I am so proud of the work we’re doing in all of our classrooms for all of our students, although I believe we will always have room for growth and improvement,” said Dr. Amy Crouse, superintendent. “Even though we know the state report card is just one tool of accountability based on one standardized test, it is validation that we are on the right track in preparing students for tomorrow, today.”
The report card grades, A through F, are based on other sub-grades in areas such as Achievement, Progress, Graduation Rate and Gap Closing. For the first time, the state also released an overall district-level grade summing up how districts performed in this year’s report cards. Loveland City School District received a B. In Hamilton County, four school districts received an A, five received a B, and the 13 remaining districts received a grade of C or lower.
“We know the state report card can provide us with useful information, although we have to keep in mind that its data offers just one snapshot of the very complex work we do every day in our classrooms,” said Crouse. “As a school district committed to high achievement and continuous growth, we monitor, analyze and factor in multiple data points when we consider the educational experience we strive to provide in our schools.”
Later this month, the Loveland City School District will also release their own “Quality Profile”, which offers a look at the performance of district students and staff, using multiple measures and data points. The Quality Profile is supported by the Alliance for High Quality Education, an education consortium that works to improve educational opportunities for students and represent member districts on matters of educational policy and funding.
“Our Quality Profile includes measures beyond the test scores that make up the state report card and seeks to show the complete picture of the total value our schools provide to our students, staff and community,” said Crouse. “While we will continue to celebrate our successes, we will never ignore the areas that present opportunities for progress. Ultimately, our goal is that every Tiger student is empowered to learn, grow and embody our core values of care, respect and responsibility.”
State Report Card District Overview
District Grade B
Achievement
The Achievement Component represents whether student performance on state tests met established thresholds and how well students performed on tests overall. A new indicator measures chronic absenteeism.
The Gap Closing component shows how well schools are meeting the performance expectations for our most vulnerable students in English language arts, math, graduation and English language proficiency.
Whether training in a technical field or preparing for work or college, the Prepared for Success component looks at how well prepared Ohio’s students are for all future opportunities.
Students worked with family members to create origami during the second annual Loveland Elementary School Family Art Night
Loveland, Ohio– Four hundred people packed the campus at Loveland Elementary School (LES) for the second annual Family Art Night Wednesday, March 14. From live caricature production, to the creation of slime, origami, weaving, shrinky dinks, building and abstract tile production – it was one creative event!
“The building was packed with creative energy,” said LES Art Teacher Jeff Flaig
“The building was packed with creative energy,” said LES Art Teacher Jeff Flaig, who organized the event. “This was LES art in action – it was a great experience for everyone involved, young and old!”
“Our Tiger parents are busy with some pretty long days at their jobs; sometimes going through backpacks and reading school emails just isn’t enough to really understand what learning is like for their kiddos,” said LES Principal Jennifer Forren. “This is an opportunity for those family members to come to their child’s building and be a bit of a kid again. It’s creative, it’s innovative, and it is building a connection between our community and our school. It is our privilege to spend our days helping children grow and innovate each day at LES – this is our way of sharing that joy.”
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Loveland, Ohio – Loveland Elementary School (LES) has been recognized as a “Rising Breakfast All-Star” for meeting noteworthy school breakfast Average Daily Participation (ADP) rates as established by the 2018 Ohio Breakfast Challenge.
