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.”
Loveland, Ohio – Shannon Russell Pennington is the Staff Naturalist with the Warren County Park District and tells Loveland Magazine the District had a potential sighting of a barn owl near Davis and Rich Roads. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is interested in tracking this threatened species. She said, “So I was wondering if anyone else has seen or heard one recently. If so, we may be able to get some nest boxes installed by ODNR nearby.”
All About Birds says that you might find them by “listening for their eerie, raspy calls, quite unlike the hoots of other owls.”
“If any of your readers have seen or heard this bird, or know where it might be nesting, can you please let me know? This would be an exciting discovery for our area,” said Russell Pennington.
Photo by Peter Trimming (‘Tutoke’) c.c. from Wikimedia Commons
The bird has been spotted in White Pines and Columbia Farm neighborhood.
Russell Pennington added, “A couple of other people have chimed in that they have seen it near Nisbet Park in Downtown Loveland as well.” She is trying to pinpoint locations of sightings so they can give ODNR the most accurate information she can gather.
“I’ve had sixteen people get in touch so far, saying they’ve either heard it or seen it in the area. I’m going to reach out to ODNR tomorrow and see exactly what info they would like people to report. For now, feel free to have people reach out to me, Shannon Russell Pennington, Warren County Park District Naturalist, at MotherNaturesClassroom@gmail.com.”
She is currently keeping a list of where and when it has been observed. “If anyone has pictures, video, or a sound recording of it, that would be very helpful for documentation,” said Russell Pennington.
Use this resource from All About Birds to help identify the barn owl.
Barn Owl – Tyto alba
Overview from ODNR Division of Wildlife:
Perhaps no other animal is more a part of folklore and superstition than the owl, and it is likely the behavior of the barn owl is one of the reasons. The barn owl likes to haunt old buildings like barns, church steeples or abandoned houses. In reality, having a barn owl roosting nearby is more helpful than haunting. While barn owls may be no wiser than the average bird, they are good at catching mice and other small rodents that can sometimes be a problem for people. You may have never seen a barn owl; they are nocturnal hunters, flying at dark over Ohio farm country in search of prey. Barn owls are rare in Ohio and are listed as a threatened species.
Mihaela Manova interviewed Loveland’s newest member of City Council, Andrew Bateman, at City Hall Monday.
Baily and Weisgerber continue as Mayor and Vice Mayor
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland Magazine Reporter Mihaela Manova covered last night’s City Council meeting and will have complete coverage of the swearing-in of the successful candidates in the November election.
Last night Council selected a Mayor and Vice-Mayor for the next two years. She will also have that news.
Mihaela has video of the complete ceremony including speeches, photos, and video interviews of the next Mayor and the winners of the election in the can and it will be published soon.
Be swept back in time while visiting Old Historic Loveland on this special day. Everything from Jolly Ole’ St. Nick and Mrs. Claus at the North Pole, to a live Nativity scene, to a Winter Wonderland!
This is the time of year that Loveland Businesses give back to the community. This complimentary event offered to the community draws over 3000 individuals each year and is Loveland’s way of saying “Thank you for your Business!!”
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.
On weather delay days, Loveland Early Childhood Center (LECC) will enact the following schedule:
• Preschool and AM Kindergarten = 11:10-12:50
• Preschool and PM Kindergarten = 2:10-3:50
• All Day Kindergarten & First grade = 11:10-3:50
Breakfast will not be served in any of the buildings on days with a delayed start.
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.
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland Magazine has partnered through the generosity of local business,Buygiftcards.com, to be able to allow our readers the chance to “Gift” others each ThankfulThursday for the next 3 Thursdays.
All are over a $29.99 value
To participate, visit the Loveland Magazine Facebook page each Thursday and look for the post about #ThankfulThursday.
Gift a Fondue Night Gift Card Box to a teacher
We want to spread the love and say thank you to others, including our readers. We are giving away a Fondue Night Gift Card Box to a teacher you tag or name that deserves to win. This #giveaway only lasts 24 hours so here’s how to enter:
Loveland, Ohio – The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance had two reasons, really about 308 reasons to celebrate on November 20, so they threw a party. The decision to celebrate at Oasis Turf & Tree was because they had just recently become the 300th Chamber member. Since the date for the party was set, Chamber membership has now grown to 308.
Oasis was also chosen because their brand new building was to be open in time and they have an incredibly big, ideal atrium just perfect for a party.
The Oasis Turf and Tree atrium – Photo from Oasis Turf and Tree
Chamber President, CeeCee Collins said, “What a gift the owners of Oasis Turf & Tree have brought to the Loveland area, specifically Loveland-Madeira Road. They have given us not only a beautiful building but amazing landscaping to enjoy.” The new building is across from the Loveland Kroger, on land where the old Loveland Lanes bowling alley used to be. Collins added, “It was an honor to hold our 300th member celebration at the new location. We are appreciative of all our chamber members and the business they have brought to Loveland, Symmes and Miami Townships.”
Here are some photos from the party…
Co-owner of Oasis Turf & Tree Angela Reindl
Chamber
Chamber Board of Directors President, Doug Portmann
Loveland, Ohio – On Wednesday, November 13th, several Tigers were recognized for both their minds and their athletic abilities at the 2019 Annual Fall Sports Awards at Loveland High School! LHS Athletic Director, Brian Conatser invited friends, families, and Fall Tiger student-athletes to celebrate their 2019 sports seasons.
Loveland High School Athletic Director, Brian Conaster
Conatser began the heartfelt evening with a tradition of this ceremony at LHS…the senior athletes are announced and led into the gym by their head coach. Conatser invited LHS’s Site Manager and Facilities Coordinator, Jake Elfers to announce the 2019 Fall senior athletes and their coaches.
Next Conatser took the opportunity to thank everyone who made the athletes and coaches seasons so special! “Thank you, Seniors, for your leadership and laying the groundwork within our programs,” Conatser said, “This evening I would like to introduce the administration and members from the athletic department that have joined me in this celebration. Principal, Peggy Johnson, Assistant Director of Student Athletics, Eric Fry, Site Manager & Facilities Coordinator, Jake Elfers. And Finally…our Administrative Assistant in the Athletic Department, Kristy Brulport. A special thanks to all the individuals who support and assist the athletic department and our student-athletes on a daily basis. Parents, Student-Athletes please give your parents a round of applause for their support, feeding you, driving you to and from practices, and always being a part of your games and competition,” Conatser added, “LAB Team Liaisons please stand and be recognized. We appreciate your time commitment and efforts…as you are the link between our Boosters and our Athletic Programs. Thank you for all you do. Coaches, thank you for the tremendous amount of time you spend with our student-athletes. We appreciate you mentoring our young men and women and teaching them the life skills necessary to be successful both now and in their future. Thank you! We are “Extremely Proud” of our teams and programs this Fall season. You have all been Very enjoyable to Watch and Cheer on,” Conatser said.
The Tigers’ 2019 Fall Sports Season marked one of the most successful Fall sports seasons in school history with 5 ECC Champions, 4 ECC Coaches of the Year and 2 ECC Athletes of the Year. With all of these accolades, this puts the Loveland Tigers in the number one spot in running for the All-Sports Trophy. Conatser was sure to give praise to both the coaches and athletes for their designated seasons as he shared the “Coaches Highlights of the Fall Season” told through the coaches’ own words during the ceremony.
Next on the Fall Sports Awards agenda was the recognition of all of the Fall sports athletes who received top ECC honors. You can read about which Tigers received ECC accolades in the Loveland Sports 411 With Cassie MattiaHERE.
Next in the ceremony, each student-athlete who participated in a Fall varsity sport for all 4 years were honored. Conatser announced the following Tigers to receive this particular honor.
Men’s Cross Country
Sam Dippold, Alex Ditchen, Kyle Griffin and Brady Jeffcott
Women’s Cross Country
Sofia Dillhoff, Lexi Duff, Alexi Funk, Sarah Hallock, and Kirstin Thomas
Women’s Golf
Allison Rountree
Women’s Soccer
Maria Bashardoust and Claire Massey
Women’s Tennis
Anna Svitkovich
Following the announcement of the athletes who played all 4 years varsity in their designated sport, was the presentation of the 2019 Fall “Sportsperson of the Season,” and shortly after the presentation of the “Edward Jones Community Student-Athlete Award.” Loveland Magazine plans on featuring these two very special awards and its winners in a separate article coming soon!
At the conclusion of the 2019 Fall Sports Awards ceremony, Conatser recognized individual student-athletes that received awards “beyond” the Eastern Cincinnati Conference. Below are the student-athletes who were recognized for these very prestigious awards.
Women’s Tennis
All-City (GCTCA) Greater Cincinnati Tennis Coaches Association Award
Anna Svitkovich – 1st Team Singles
Tess Broermann and Hannah Wenger – Honorable Mention for Doubles
The Women’s Volleyball Team were ranked 6th in the city
Men’s Golf
District Academic Honors
Matt Rychlik and Luke Sence
Men’s and Women’s Cross Country
Both teams participated in OHSAA Regionals
Women’s Cross Country placed 6th at the State Meet
Jessie Gibbins was named All-Ohio Runner
Women’s Volleyball
All-District Recognition
Jillian Hayes – 2nd Team All-district
Men’s Soccer
All-Southwest City
Cole Harter and Connor Patton
1st Team All-State
Cole Harter
All-Southwest City Coach of the Year
Mike Dunlap
Women’s Soccer
All-Southwest Ohio and All-City
Kaitlyn Andrews, Lauren Donovan, and Clair Massey
2nd-Team All-State
Kaitlyn Andrews
Women’s Golf
Adopt-A-Team winner
Below are the Fall sports teams that received accolades within the ECC and in post-season play.
Women’s Soccer
OHSAA District Champions and OHSAA Regional Runner-ups (Elite 8)
Men’s Golf
2019 ECC Champs
Women’s Volleyball
2019 ECC Champs
2019 Coach of the Year – Brian Baugh
Women’s Cross Country
2019 ECC Champs
OHSAA District Runner-ups
Placed 6th at the State Meet
2019 Coach of the Year – Steve Nester
Men’s Soccer
2019 ECC Champs
2019 Coach of the Year – Mike Dunlap
2019 ECC Player of the Year – Cole Harter
Women’s Tennis
ECC Champs
2019 ECC Coach of the Year – Dara Hudson
2019 ECC Player of the Year – Anna Svitkovich
Loveland Magazine would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all of the Tiger coaches, student-athletes and their families for all the rightly deserved awards they received for the 2019 Fall sports season. I can say as former high school and collegiate student-athlete that your efforts have not gone unnoticed! The hard work, dedication, and motivation that all of you have put in during the season and off-season have paid off and for that, we are very proud to cheer loud and proud throughout the community of Loveland…..GO TIGERS!!!!
Loveland Schools College and Career Counselor Drews Mitchell presented about Tiger Steps Ahead at the Board of Education business meeting on October 15
Loveland, Ohio – Over the past year, students have been placed in internships with several local companies and organizations, including First Star Logistics, the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, NEST Learning Center, Whistle Stop Clay Works, and Loveland Magazine. Career shadowing opportunities have been created at Real Link, Bond Furniture, Festo and Lifeboat Digital Media.
To prepare students for higher education and career choices, the Loveland City School District has launched Tiger Steps Ahead ̶ a program allowing students a systematic approach to career advising. Starting with activities as early as sixth grade, Tiger Steps Ahead offers students career exploration, internship opportunities, career shadow experiences, and lunch and learn sessions with local professionals to help them hone in on their strengths, interests, and passions.
“We are excited to see the increased engagement and use of career planning tools by our students in sixth through twelfth grade,” said Loveland Schools College and Career Counselor Drews Mitchell. “Using advisory time for career assessments at school helps students better understand their personal strengths and gives them research opportunities to assist them in planning for high school and beyond. The follow-up to the career assessments also creates more awareness of potential academic pathways available right here at Loveland.”
Ricky Mulvey recently won the Region 4 Mark of Excellence Award for collegiate journalism. Mulvey was Loveland Magazine’s 1st paid student intern. Stipends for our paid student interns have been provided through the generous support of Jarvis Global Investments since 2008 when Mulvey was in 8th grade. This photo was from 2012 when Mulvey reported for Loveland Magazine at a campaign rally in Eden Park when Barak Obama was running for President.
Academic pathways have been accessible to students at Loveland Schools for several years and serve as guiding maps for students as they explore personal career interests and make connections to their course sequencing. The district has clearly defined pathways for a list of careers, and partnerships with local colleges and universities that can expedite a student’s chosen path. Academic pathways define core requirements and provide resources for extended learning opportunities, including internships and job shadowing experiences.
While Tiger Steps Ahead is an intentional progression of traditional academic counseling services, it also allows student input data to impact the planning of future programs and courses at Loveland Schools:
“When planning for program expansion and course offerings in the district, it’s critical that we align them with potential career pathways for our students,” said the district’s Director of Teaching and Learning Andrea Conner. “The knowledge of trends in student choices gives us valuable information to make purposeful decisions, while also making us better equipped to support our students in their post-secondary planning.”
Loveland, Ohio – It’s that time of year where we sit down with our families, consume too much turkey, and curate a mental list for what we are thankful for. It begins with your mom, your dad, even your grandma who lives in Florida, and the list goes on…
While some bask in this holiday’s traditions, others cannot wait for the Christmas preparations that will soon follow. In Loveland High school, students are “wrapping” up their studies to finally enjoy their long-awaited five-day break. To celebrate I went through the hallways to ask them the season’s most popular question “What are you grateful for?” but there was a catch; they cannot say, family or friends. Despite this difficulty, it opened up the hearts and minds of seventeen students, who shared with us what they appreciated around them in their lives.
With answers from Megan Atkins, Dahlia Kressler, Livia McClellan, Eli Metzger, Noelle Cotter, Kathleen Tepe, Courtney Kunysz, Madeline Killon, Samantha James, Erin Dickman, Ethan Libby, Marisa Kelley, Ryan Smith, and Mitchell McMannis, we began the time for expressing our gratitude and sentiments to each other.
![[Coming] City Council swearing in ceremony and selection of Mayor and Vice-Mayor](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/feature-mihaela-on-video-camera.jpg)
![[w/photo album] Loveland Magazine Presents Loveland High School’s 2019 Fall Sports Awards!](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-fall-lhs-sports-awards.jpg)
![[Video] What are Loveland High School students grateful for?](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/maxresdefault-3.jpg)
