News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area
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Since 2004
Loveland, Ohio – Beginning Wednesday, November 6, Cedar Drive from Oak Street to Tall Timbers Drive will be closed for a water main installation. The roadway will be re-opened each evening and on weekends. Construction is anticipated to last three weeks, weather dependent.
Access to properties within project limited will be maintained, although no through traffic will be permitted.
Daniel Zamagias with his parents Anna and Stephen at the 2019 Community Awards Dinner on October 17
“I’m honored to be selected for the Student of the Year Award and for the amazing opportunities the Rotary Club has offered me,” said Zamagias. “The Worlds Affairs Seminar this summer was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. More than 300 delegates from over 30 nations attended the seminar for a full week of discussion and activities around the promises and perils of social media. It was really interesting to share views and work through issues, like ethical dilemmas and the economic and political ramifications of social media use.”
Zamagias, an LHS varsity soccer player and member of the National Honor Society, was also chosen by Loveland High School to be a student delegate to the Loveland City Council, which involved shadowing a council member and subsequently running a council meeting in accordance with city government rules and regulations.
In addition, Zamagias has volunteered for several organizations; among others, serving as a photographer for the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League and as a counselor in training at the Cincinnati Nature Center. Zamagias’ future ambitions involve a college education in psychology and biology to later undertake research on mental illness.
At the annual Rotary Northeast Cincinnati Community Awards Dinner on Thursday, October 17, he received a $5,000 scholarship as part of the Student of the Year Award.
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Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School will present the Lerner and Loewe classic musical My Fair Lady at 7 PM on November 6, 7 and 8, and at 2 PM and 7 PM on Saturday, November 9.
Tickets are $10 for students/senior citizens and $12 for adults if bought online (https://lovelandhstheater.wixsite.com/lhsdrama), and $11 for students/senior citizens and $13 for adults if bought at the door.
by Brock Kinser
I feel compelled to ask for your support on November 5th for the Loveland Schools levy request. The District has done a great job of seeking community input and providing detail after detail about the specific request.
Brock Kinser lives in the Loveland School District on Enyart Road
While there are many reasons to support the request, as an educator who lives in Loveland and works in another district, I am particularly sensitive to and supportive of the significant need to upgrade the safety and security of our buildings. We, unfortunately, live in a very different world than we did ten years ago, not to mention 50-80 years ago, when the Early Childhood Center, Primary School, and Elementary School were built. Safety requirements are different today, and the current infrastructure places limitations on the upgrades and enhancements that can be made. We have to do everything in our power to protect our children while they are at school.
The District has been prudent and sought feedback from the Department of Homeland Security and other experts in the realm of safety. Many of the recommendations have been implemented, but others are not possible until new facilities are built.
While there are many reasons to support the levy request on November 5th, we have to address the need to upgrade safety and security to protect our children and staff for the circumstances of the modern world. My second-grade son talks about Tiger Care. What better way can we show Tiger Care than providing our youngest students and their educators with a safe and secure environment in which to learn and lead? If you are in doubt, please go take a tour of the campuses and ask yourself if we should do better for the children of our community. Please join me in voting FOR the levy request on November 5th.
Maria Bashardoust helps defeat Beavercreek in Regional Semi-Final
Monroe, Ohio – To get to the Regional Finals the Loveland Women’s Soccer Team had to beat the #2 team in the nation and a team that until Tuesday evening held the longest winning streak in Ohio history of 43 straight games. The Tigers won over Beavercreek, 3-2 in a game played at Monroe High School. Beavercreek, the reigning Ohio Div. I Champions had not lost a match since they lost in the post-season in 2017.
Caroline Florea, Claire Massey, and Lauren Donavon scored for the Tigers.
Loveland Magazine caught up with Head Coach Todd Kelly after the game…
The Tigers play 19-0-2 Lakota West on Saturday at Princeton High School at 7 PM for the Regional Title. Loveland traveled to Lakota West on August 20 to open their season and lost 1-2.
In 2017, Loveland High School soccer competed for the Division I state title at the Columbus MAPFRE stadium and beat Perrysburg High School 1-0, earning Loveland the OHSAA state championship. Loveland competed in the state championship in 2015 and fell to Walsh Jesuit. They are currently on a 12-game winning streak and have a 16-3-0 record.
Here is a slide show of photos taken at the victory over Beavercreek. All photos are © protected but you can purchase high resolution files by sending an email to Loveland Magazine.
Charlie Mirus received the “Outstanding New Program” award at the OSBA Southwest Region Fall Meeting on October 10, 2019. Pictured (left to right): OSBA Southwest Region President Linda Jordan, Charlie Mirus, Loveland City School District Director of Teaching and Learning Andrea Conner, and OSBA President John Halkias
Loveland, Ohio – “I am humbled and honored to have the efforts of my past and current students honored in this way. The Legendary Loveland gamified approach is just one example of the amazing things happening in each and every classroom across the Loveland School District,” said 8th grade English Language Arts teacher Charlie Mirus
The Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) Southwest Region has recognized “Legendary Loveland” – a gamified classroom concept implemented by Loveland Middle School Teacher Charlie Mirus – as an “Outstanding New Program.” The program was officially recognized as one of the top three new outstanding programs in the region with an award at the OSBA annual fall meeting on October 10.
“It was a surprise to be chosen, but it’s an honor to be recognized for this approach to teaching and learning,” said Mirus. “Gamification has been the center of my classroom at Loveland since I joined the district at the beginning of the 2018-19 school year. While working with the same curriculum as all other eighth grade English Language Arts classrooms, this approach emphasizes opportunities for collaboration, exploration, and creativity.”
“The greatest benefit has been seeing students take ownership of their own growth and learning,” said Mirus. “I’m excited to see the next great things that students will do because they are so excited to demonstrate innovation and mastery.”
The gamification strategy has gained increased popularity among teachers and students throughout the United States over the past several years. It transforms the delivery of education by turning traditional academic content into games, with the added benefit of increasing both motivation and collaboration among the students.
For those unfamiliar with gamification, it’s the approach of using various ideas inspired by all types of games and applying those ideas to educational or training situations.
Within education, gamified learning experiences have been used by other educators in kindergarten through university/college courses in all subject areas.
I have read about a great number of Fortune 500 companies who utilize aspects of gamification for training as well as to increase motivation and productivity. Types of games that can be used for inspiration include board games, tabletop RPGs – such as Dungeons and Dragons, collectible card games, video games, TV reality shows, and more). The ideas utilized are known as game mechanics, and they are put into place to enhance the experience, increase motivation, and immerse learners into a “world” where their learning is contextualized and given greater meaning.
While I teach 8th grade ELA, and I address the same Ohio Learning Standards and curricular materials, my classroom environment and approach look different than my colleagues.
For example, in my gamified classroom, Legendary Loveland, students are one of three avatar/character types: a mage, a healer, or a warrior. Students (which are referred to as citizens), are placed into teams (known as factions) within their period/class (known as their society). Citizens are given health points (HP) and Action Points (AP). They can also earn experience points (XP) and gold pieces (GP). Each of these currencies has their own benefits, and these are examples of the previously-mentioned game mechanics that are taken from various types of games. At least one citizen from each of the three characters classes makes up each faction. This is important because their roles are interdependent, as citizens have “powers” that are collaborative in nature. These powers allow citizens to positively affect the currencies of members of their factions.
This teamwork aspect goes beyond just “sitting” with one another at connected desks, as it teaches empathy, collaboration, and strategic thinking.
Student’s main drive in my classroom game is to earn XP. Doing so allows students to eventually level up (every 1,500 XP). Leveling up comes with opportunities to earn new powers and use different items (these come in the form of collectible-card game style cards, and they are rewards that are also awarded or earned in various ways).
Examples of items and powers would be being able to turn in an assignment a day late without penalty, listening to music during structured work time, or doubling the reward from a Side Quest.
That idea, of course, brings up the question about what Side Quests are. In short, Side Quests are additional enrichment opportunities that are tied to the Ohio Learning Standards for 8th grade ELA. Side Quests are never required assignments; rather, they are chances to do work, in addition to the typical content. Students can be rewarded with various in-game rewards, such as XP, GP, or items. While Side Quests do not have affect grades in any way, students who do them benefit academically as they work with the standards and the content of the class in new and creative ways.
I have seen an increase in student engagement with Side Quests this year, compared to last year, which was the first year of Legendary Loveland. Students have created Hollywood-style book trailers, magazine covers, character resumes, and more!
Four societies had a Royal Seminar (Socratic Seminar) during class today. Gamemaster (
) used
to track interaction, trends, participation, and quality of responses. Interesting data. Mostly proud of citizens for embracing a new challenge. #LMSinnovation
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – “Congratulations to our girls cross country team on their fantastic season,” said Brian Conaster the Loveland High School Athletic Director.
The Loveland High School Women’s cross country team qualified to compete for the Division I State Championship which will take place on Saturday, at the National Trail Raceway, in Hebron. The Women’s Division I race is at 12:30 PM.
The Tigers placed 3rd in the Regional tournament this past Saturday at Troy High School. The 2019 state-bound Tigers team will consist of Emmy Sager, Jessie Gibbins, Sarah Madix, Ellie Carr, Audrey O’Keefe, Allyson Colegate, and Ansley Richards. Alternate Runners if needed will be, Maaike Snider, Ellie Zicka, Bella Dillhoff, and Skyler Daumeyer. Leading the Tigers to state will be head coach Steve Nester.
“Our girls dedicated themselves to run against some of the toughest competition, not only in the state of Ohio but other top programs of other states too. They understand what it takes to be the best and are committed to getting there. They worked hard to be better than last year and have now set the new Tiger standard of excellence. Best of luck at State” added Conaster.
The last time Loveland runners qualified as a team was in 2007 so this year will definitely be making Tiger school history!
42nd Girls State Cross Country Tournament. National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio
Race Schedule
Girls Div III – 11:00 AM
Girls Div II – 11:45 AM
Girls Div I – 12:30 PM
Boys Div III – 1:30 PM
Boys Div II – 2:15 PM
Boys Div I – 3 PM
National Trail Raceway is located at 2650 National Road SW Hebron, OH 43025
School transportation and spectators should enter Gate A off State Route 40 and follow parking coordinator directions to designated parking.
School spirit signs are permitted to be placed on facility fencing. Recommendation is for zip tied material. Taping of signs is not recommended.
Spectator vehicles traveling from the east should exit I-70 at Exit 126 Rt. 37N entering the Campground Gate or Gate A on Route 40. When traveling from the west spectators must exit I-70 at Exit 122 Rt. 158N. Turn right onto Route 40. Enter Gate D. After parking for free, admission into the facility is $10.00 for all school age and older. Handicapped registered vehicles will enter Gate D from State Route 40. Recreational Vehicles wishing to set up tailgating inside the competition grounds should use exit 126 from I-70 and proceed to Gate A on Route 40. A $25.00 parking fee will be taken at Gate A. Spectator admission ($10.00) will also be taken at the gate. Vehicles will park inside the meet facility with tailgating space available for each RV unit. Recreation Vehicles may park in the Campground lot outside the competition area without paying the parking fee, but due to limited parking spaces, RV tailgating is not permitted in the main parking lots.
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School Fall sports have been running away with ECC titles left and right, but one team in particular actually did “run away” with the ECC title! The Loveland High school Women’s Cross Country is marking one of their best seasons in history not only winning the 2019 ECC title but also continuing well into the post-season where the Lady Tigers will compete for a bid to the State Tournament on Saturday at Troy High School.
2019 Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year Steve Nester has also managed to lead the Men’s Cross Country Team to regionals on Saturday. With all of the great athletes running around the halls of Loveland High School Loveland Magazine had to, of course, take another trip out to the land of the Tigers to chase down and chat with the Women’s Cross Country Team about their season of personal bests! Click the below to see Loveland Magazine TV’s sit down interview with the Loveland High School Women’s Cross Country Team!
by Rob Geiger
What a beautiful day on Monday, September 16th, 2019 turned out to be not only weather-wise but after waiting 23 years the work started on the Ramsey Paxton Cemetery located on Ramsey Drive in Loveland, Ohio.
The Rainey Tree Service started early that morning to remove the old rusted chain-link fence, started the clearing of bushes and trees. “We got the trees in the nick of time!” stated Steve Rainey, owner of the Rainey Tree Service, “Since the roots were pretty far gone due to rot, and damaged by ants. Most of the wild Cherry Trees we just pulled them out, roots and all.” The tree service company worked hard for three days to get the cemetery shipshape removing all the potential hazards that could harm the new fence, removing and grinding the stumps, and reworking the ground that was disturbed in the process.
Eads Fence Company started their work by installing the new fence on Thursday, September 19th and got much of the project finished. I arrived in the late afternoon on Thursday and I was astonished most of the project was finished and how wonderful the new fence looked? I could not help but look at the surrounding area imagining what the old Ramsey Farm must have looked like when the first interment took place in March 1813 with Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton the first permanent white settler in the Virginia Military Track.
We are waiting for the installation of a section of fence and setting the gateposts before the gate can be restored and put into place. We 
are hoping this part of the project will be completed by mid to late November 2019. The headstones are scheduled to be cleaned by October 22, 2019, by Cold Jet located on Wards Corner Road. I’m looking into how much it would cost to have a new marker placed on the weathered limestone slab of Lt. Col. Paxton’s grave having the same verbiage that was once etched depicting his contributions when he fought in the American Revolution and the Battle of Fallen Timbers. If the cost is substantial, we might have to wait for the next group of caretakers of the cemetery to take on that project? Hopefully, it won’t be another 23 years.
I could not help myself getting choked up a little to see what was accomplished in the last four days and how many people were involved to make this project a success! Everyone who was and is involved by donating money and or their time should come up to the cemetery see the great progress in preserving one of our great landmarks in the area!
We are hoping in the Spring of 2020 to have a formal rededication of the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery. Please continue to look for additional updates with the Loveland Magazine publication.
![[Video Interview] Loveland Men’s Soccer Win Back to Back ECC titles!](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/maxresdefault-25.jpg)
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Tiger athletes continue to represent Loveland High School with flying colors earning yet again another 2019 ECC title – this time the Boys Soccer Team! Coach Mike Dunlap and his team of dedicated soccer players went undefeated in the ECC with a 7-0 record, competed in the sectional finals and grabbed some top coach, team, and individual ECC accolades.
Loveland Magazine decided to pay another visit this week to the home of the Loveland Tigers, Loveland High School, to talk with Coach Dunlap and the Boys Soccer Team about just what went into being able to compete at such a high level and how the team achieved such great chemistry. Click below to see LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV’s exclusive interview with the Loveland High School Boys Soccer Team!
