LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Tag: loveland high school

LHS’s Women’s Soccer Coach Weighs in on What his Athletes are Doing to Stay in Shape!

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School is staying “Loveland Strong” by keeping both their students and athletes motivated through virtual classes and workouts! This year during these unfamiliar times, LHS coaches are dedicating a lot of their time to making sure their athletes are staying in shape.

This week we chatted with LHS’s Women’s Soccer Coach, Todd Kelly, to see just what his team is doing to stay in competition shape during the COVID-19 Stay At Home Order! Coach Kelly told us that in late February the coaching staff designed a series of workouts that are released to the team every couple weeks.

LHS’s Women’s Soccer Coach, Todd Kelly (Loveland Magazine file photo)

“These workouts are specific to what we do as a program so they focus on things we believe are inherent to the success of the women’s soccer program,” Kelly explained, “Anyone that has been in the program knows this and passes on the importance of the workouts to our incoming freshmen. Each day the girls can choose between a beginning workout, intermediate workout, or an advanced workout…so they have three choices each day depending on how they feel.”

Coach Kelly said that in order to encourage unity within the team, the coaching staff asked the 9 returning varsity juniors and seniors to be group leaders. The group leaders are responsible for following up with 6 to 7 players every day about how their individual workout went.

Maria Bashardoust during the 2019 season. Maria has committed to play for Cleveland State this Fall. (Loveland Magazine file photo)

“Each individual player in their respective group sends a snapshot of themselves after the workout each day, also indicating how they feel and which workout they completed,” Kelly said, “As you can imagine, the snapshots have continued to get more creative with text, emojis’, etc. They have even come up with taglines on their snapshots and also on twitter like #Beastssss, #LetsGetIt, and #WinTheOffseason to name just a few. The 9 leaders are assigned to one of the varsity coaches who they connect with every day by sending their group’s snapshots. These snapshots are compiled every two weeks and sent out to the players and parents in a video for them to watch so they can know what each of their teammates is doing. This has also created a little bit of a rivalry on which group or individual can come up with the best snapshots,” Kelly added.

LYSA COVID Relief

LYSA Challenge Grant to our soccer community DONATE NOW

The LHS Women’s Soccer coaching staff provided the women’s team with shirts in early March to keep them motivated to keep pushing themselves. Kelly said most of the team wear the shirts during each of their workouts.

The shirts above are the workout shirts the LHS Women’s Soccer Team has been wearing during the COVID-19 outbreak to stay motivated!

“In addition, the leaders have gone to the houses of their group members and left chalk messages on the driveway to help support and motivate them. We have the coaches and girls answering 12-15 questions about themselves on a slide with pictures, designs, etc. that represent them, kind of a “Get to Know” them or an “In the Spotlight” feature so they can learn more about their teammates while we are away from each other,” Kelly said, “We will put all these together into a slide show that we will send out each week with 7-10 new entries. We also have former players including some as far back as 2010 (and earlier) and some from our State Championship team that reached out and sent a 1-2 minute video message we are sending the current players to encourage them. These former players know the importance of what we do in the workouts and they wanted to encourage the current players during this difficult time to make sure they are staying focus and doing what needs to be done. They all view each other as one big family regardless of when you graduate…once a Tiger, always a Tiger,” Kelly said.

The 2017 State Champion Ring (Loveland Magazine file photo)

Coach Kelly really wanted to focus on the team connecting during these tough times so the coaches decided to hold a Zoom call every 2 weeks with all the team leaders and their groups. This has allowed each player in the Women’s Soccer program to get an idea of what is going on and has allowed the coaches to see how each player is doing, if they have any struggles, and how they can help support each player.

LHS’s Women’s Soccer Coach, Todd Kelly (Loveland Magazine file photo)

“As a result, we are connecting with either our leaders or our players each week on a video call. Since the leaders have access to a coaching staff member, we are interacting each day to ensure they have what they need to get through these unchartered times,” Kelly explained, “These are just a few of things we as a staff and program are doing to stay connected with our players and encourage them. It is important we all stay connected and supported and we want the girls to continue working out for their physical and mental health…and ours too.”

Thank you to all the LHS staff, coaches, administrators, and parents for keeping the students motivated and dedicated to bettering themselves as students and athletes! Here at Loveland Magazine, we will continue to bring the latest updates on COVID-19 and the effects it’s having on the community of Loveland as well as the latest LHS news!

Stayed tuned for the next “What are LHS Athletes Doing to Stay in Shape” segment!

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Apr 22, 2020
LHS Principal Peggy Johnson to Class of 2020: You are the light of hope for school, community, and society

Loveland, Ohio – In honor of the Loveland High School Spring Athletes and Class of 2020, the lights of Tiger Stadium were turned on for 20 minutes last evening.

Watch this heartfelt video greeting that Principal Peggy Johnson recorded for the students about the tribute.

Tigers @classof2020LHS pic.twitter.com/tpw3hTm8j8

— Loveland High School (@Loveland_HS) April 20, 2020

LovelandAthletics

@LovTigers_AD

In honor of our Spring Athletes and Class of 2020. These lights are on for you this evening. We appreciate all your dedication and commitment. We miss you ALL! Forever, Go Tigers!

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Apr 21, 2020
LHS Men’s Tennis Coach lets us in on What his Athletes are Doing to Stay in Shape!

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – Ohio is starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel and so are LHS’s coaches and athletes! Over the past couple of months, athletes and coaches have been in limbo waiting to see if their season will continue. During the COVID-19 outbreak, LHS’s Coaches have been hard at work with their athletes trying to keep them motivated and doing workouts even though they aren’t in school or competing. This week we spoke with LHS’s Men’s Tennis Coach, Thomas Sharpless, to see just what his athletes have been doing to stay in shape.

LHS’s Men’s Tennis Coach, Thomas Sharpless

Coach Sharpless gave a lot of credit to LHS’s Strength Coach for keeping his athletes in shape, but he also didn’t fail to recognize how dedicated his athletes have been during this time.

“Most of my athletes play tennis year-round at the club; however since the tennis clubs have been closed per the governor’s directions along with most of the local public courts, my players, like all Ohio athletes, are indeed having to find other means to stay fit,” Sharpless explained, “Luckily, we have an awesome weight coach at LHS and he has put together a nice list of dumbbell and free weight exercises for our players. I’ve shared this valuable resource with my players in the hopes that, if they have the equipment, they will utilize this information to stay in shape,” Sharpless added.

Sharpless had an unbelievable 2019 season leading his team to an ECC Championship! The Men’s Tennis team ended 2019 with a perfect 6-0 record and a 14-3 record overall.

We are excited to hopefully be seeing some Tiger competition very soon! Stay tuned to read more about what LHS coaches and athletes are doing to prepare for their potential seasons!

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Where: 370 Loveland-Madeira Rd. (This is NOT the retail store. It’s the door to the left of the store entrance.)

Why: Our retail store is currently closed but we are still filling online orders, custom orders, yard signs, banners, and decals.

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Apr 18, 2020
Loveland High School’s Spring Athletes Commit to Collegiate Play!

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – Although time seems to be slowly dragging due to the COVID-19 Stay At Home Order, for LHS Seniors time is still flying by as graduation is right around the corner! With graduation just a few weeks away, LHS Senior Athletes are also preparing for collegiate sports opportunities. We would like to take the time to give a big shout out to the LHS Senior Athletes that have committed to playing their sport at the collegiate level! Congratulations to the following LHS Student-Athletes:

Katlyn Kramer-Softball

Otterbein University

Jake Cotsonas-Wrestling

University of Mount Union

Connor Patton-Soccer

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Nathan Holman-Football

Heidelberg University

Andrew Gwynn-Football

Thomas More University

(No Photograph Available)

Iyon Davis-Football

Hocking College

A Note from the Publisher to these athletes – their teachers, coaches, and parents

Over the past, five or so years Loveland Magazine TV was at the annual Spring, Fall, and Winter signing events at LHS to record the ceremonies so the whole community could hear the athletic director brag about your accomplishments on and off the playing fields, courts, pools, and alleys.

It was also a time I could see the athletes alongside their parents with those proud smiles and their own well deserved sense of accomplishment.

It was always a wonderful afternoon seeing the representatives of the Athletic Department, the Principals, teachers, and coaches deservedly proud of their own unwavering work.

It is darned sad that the event couldn’t be held this Spring because it was something you all deserved due to your outstanding work as an athlete, in your classroom, and at home. Being there has always been a real treat for me, however, I also know you didn’t accomplish so much just to get a few moments of fame and applause. Hard work is its own reward.

Your continued success is guaranteed because you have been scholars of merit, good sports, and good representatives of your school and the entire community. I have enjoyed every single moment watching you compete.

Best regards as you take these next steps,

David Miller

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Apr 17, 2020
[Exclusive Video] April 7 meeting of the Loveland Board of Education
Loveland, Ohio – On April 7 the Loveland Board of Education held a work session using a remote meeting platform.

Here is a re-play of the meeting.

AGENDA

1.1 Adoption of Board Agenda

1.2 Pledge of Allegiance

2. Superintendent Discussion Topics

2.1 Progress Report on Building Closure Due to COVID-19

2.2 Planning Commission
3. Superintendent Resolutions

3.1 Resolution declaring an emergency, suspending board policy related to public participation at board meetings, and authorizing remote meetings

A RESOLUTION DECLARING AN EMERGENCY, SUSPENDING BOARD POLICY RELATED TO PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS, AND AUTHORIZING REMOTE MEETINGS

WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death, is caused by the SARS-C0V-2 virus, which is a new strain of coronavirus that had not been previously identified in humans and can easily spread from person to person between individuals who are in close contact with each other (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected persons coughs or sneezes. It may also be possible to contract COVID-19 through the touching of a surface that has the virus on it then touching one’s own mouth, nose or eyes; and

WHEREAS, the Governor has declared a state of emergency with respect to the spread of the novel coronavirus; and

WHEREAS, the Director of the Ohio Department of Health has ordered that all K-12 schools be closed to students through 11:59 p.m. on May 1, 2020, and this order may be extended beyond that date; and

WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Health has further ordered residents of the state to stay at home except to conduct essential business and prohibits public or private gatherings of more than ten individuals occurring outside a single household; and

WHEREAS, House Bill 197 was enacted on March 27, 2020 as an emergency measure which was designed to assist schools and other public bodies to maintain operations during this health emergency in a way that complies with orders issued by the state and federal government; and

WHEREAS, in order to permit the fair and orderly expression of public comment at its meetings, the Board has adopted a public participation policy; and

WHEREAS, while the Board intends to continue to conduct the business of Loveland City Schools and to keep the community informed of its discussions and decisions related to the official business of the District, the Board must also act to protect the health and safety of its members, staff, students and other community members who may enter on to school premises.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Education of the Loveland City School District, that after careful consideration and evaluation of the information before it:

Section 1. The Board of Education hereby finds that an emergency exists with regard to the spread of a serious communicable disease, COVID-19.

Section 2. In order to prevent against the further spread of the novel coronavirus, the Board of Education hereby temporarily suspends its public participation policy, which shall no longer be in effect upon adoption of this Resolution by a majority of the Board. Such policy may be reinstated through a subsequent action taken by the Board of Education.

Section 3.In order to enable the Board of Education to continue with District operations during the public health emergency,the Board of Education may meet telephonically or through other electronic means, including conference calls or other meeting technology to conduct the public business of the public body while emergency orders of the federal and/or state government are in effect limiting public gatherings. Members will be considered present regardless of whether they attend in person or remotely, and their votes shall be counted for the purpose of determining quorum. Such meetings will be properly noticed to the public through the established and usual method of notice to the public.

SECTION 4. In order to provide an opportunity for attendance by the public, news media, and any other person that has requested notification of meetings via the technology utilized will be made available to the extent reasonably possible and feasible. The means of technology and information on how to access the meeting as a member of the public will be made available. The Board of Education intends to fully honor its obligations under the Open Meetings Act (R.C. §121.22) through measures approved by House Bill 197 (2020).

Section 5. The Board of Education hereby finds and determines that all formal actions relative to the adoption of this resolution were taken in an open meeting of this Board of Education, and that all deliberations of this Board of Education and of its committees, if any, which resulted in formal action, were taken in meetings open to the public, in full compliance with applicable legal requirements, including Section 121.22, ORC and House Bill 197 (2020).

Section 6. This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and immediately after its adoption and shall supersede any prior resolution or act of this Board of Education that may be inconsistent or duplicative with the provisions of this resolution.
3.2 Resolution for a Contingency Plan for the 2019-2020 school year in the event school is closed for more than the hours permitted under board policy and state law

CONTINGENCY PLAN

FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR

IN THE EVENT SCHOOL IS CLOSED

FOR MORE THAN THE HOURS PERMITTED UNDER

BOARD POLICY AND STATE LAW

WHEREAS, Ohio Revised Code §3313.48 mandates that a school district must be open for instruction with pupils in attendance for a minimum number of hours each school year; and

WHEREAS, R.C. §3313.482 authorizes a board of education to adopt a plan that permits students to make up missed hours of instruction via online/remote learning in the event that schools are closed for a disease epidemic or other reasons; and

WHEREAS, House Bill 197 (2020), which was enacted on March 27, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic health emergency, authorizes the Loveland City School District Board of Education (the “Board”) to adopt a plan to provide for online learning opportunities for students to make up an unlimited number of hours in lieu of attendance on days when buildings are not open to students during the 2019-2020 school year in compliance with any order issued by the Ohio Director of Health and/or a local board of health; and

WHEREAS, the Board has developed a contingency plan in accordance with R.C. §3313.482 under which district students will make up any time missed through online instruction/remote learning that caused the district to fall below the minimum number of hours of instruction required by section 3313.48 of the Ohio Revised Code and Board Policy; and

WHEREAS, the Board desires to adopt said plan; and

WHEREAS, House Bill 197 (2020) also permits the Board to adjust the student grading criteria and the Board has determined it necessary to modify the method for student promotion and retention during this crisis.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of the Loveland City School District that:

SECTION I

Pursuant to R.C. §3313.482 and House Bill 197 (2020), the Board hereby authorizes the following plan to allow students of the Loveland City School District to access and complete online/remote lessons in order to fulfill the required number of hours during the 2019-2020 school year:

Each teacher shall develop a sufficient number of lessons for the days and hours of closure.

Teachers will submit the lessons to the building principal for approval. The building principal will certify that the lessons are equal to or greater than the amount of instructional time the student missed.

As soon as practicable, the appropriate administrator will direct staff about how to make lessons available through a District approved website or other technology portal.

The teacher will be responsible for posting the lessons online.

Teachers will regularly assess the progress of students and will update or replace such lessons as necessary throughout the remainder of the school year based on the results of the assessments.

For students who experience difficulty accessing the online material or who do not have access to a computer, the Board hereby authorizes “blizzard bags” as needed, which are paper copies of the lessons/assignments posted. Teachers shall prepare paper copies approximating the content of the online lessons and shall update such paper copies when updating any of the online lessons. Blizzard bags will be distributed by school personnel or during scheduled pick up times. Printed copies of any graded lessons or assignments will be included in the blizzard bags.

This plan was shared with the teacher’s employee representative.

SECTION II

Should circumstances warrant a change in the plan during the 2019-2020 school year, this contingency plan may be amended by the Superintendent at any time in his or her discretion.

SECTION III

In order to provide appropriate educational opportunities to students through alternative methods, to allow promotion from grade-to-grade, and so not as to penalize students who determine to complete assignments through the offered alternative means, the Board temporarily suspends current Board Policy 5421 on the award of letter grades, which shall no longer be in effect upon adoption of this Resolution by a majority of the Board. Such policy may be reinstated through a subsequent action taken by the Board. Any other Board Policy that is inconsistent with the action taken within Sections III and IV of this Resolution shall also be temporarily suspended until such time as Board Policy 5421 is reinstated.

SECTION IV

The Board authorizes the Superintendent and School Administration to develop and implement a system of pass/not pass grading for each course in grades 5-8 within the Loveland City Schools instructional program until such time as the Board restores the grading policy.

SECTION V

IT IS FOUND AND DETERMINED that all formal action of this Board concerning or related to the adoption of this Resolution was adopted in an open meeting of this Board, and all deliberations of this Board that resulted in such formal action were adopted in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all applicable requirements of the Ohio Revised Code.
3.3 Resolution delegating authority for determining it impracticable or impossible to evaluate employees due to COVID-19

RESOLUTION DELEGATING AUTHORITY FOR DETERMINING IT IMPRACTICABLE OR IMPOSSIBLE TO EVALUATE EMPLOYEES

DUE TO COVID-19

WHEREAS, Board of Education of the Loveland City School District (the “Board”) employees are annually evaluated in accordance with Ohio statues and Board policies; and

WHEREAS, an Order of School Closure was issued by Ohio Department of Health Director Acton on March 14, 2020 and in response to the Order of School closure, House Bill 197 (2020) was enacted on March 27, 2020; and

WHEREAS, language contained in HB 197 (2020) permits the Board to elect not to evaluate employees when it is deemed impossible or impractical to do so based on the implications of COVID-19.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Education of the Loveland City School District:

SECTION I

For the 2019-2020 school year, due to the Director of Health’s March 14^th Order, or any extension of an order to close all kindergarten through 12th grade schools, and the language of House Bill 197 (2020), the Board hereby delegates authority to the Superintendent, Treasurer, or their individual designees to determine and deem it impossible or impracticable to conduct an evaluation of Board employees in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code and Board policies.

SECTION II

It is found and determined that all formal actions of this Board concerning or related to the adoption of this Resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this Board, and all deliberations of this Board and any of its committees that resulted in such formal actions were adopted in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all applicable requirements of the Ohio Revised Code.

3.4 Approve rescheduling of Board Meetings

Move the April 21, 2020 Board of Education Business Meeting to April 30, 2020

Move the May 5, 2020 Board of Education Work Session to May 12, 2020

Move the May 19, 2020 Board of Education Business Meeting to May 28, 2020

These meetings will all be conducted in a virtual format due to the extension of the “Stay at Home” order signed on 4/2/2020.

4. Treasurer Discussion Topics

4.1 Costs Related to the Building Closure Due to COVID-19

5. Treasurer Resolutions

5.1 Recommend to refund tuition for full day kindergarten for 50% of March and 100% for April

6. Meeting Closing

6.1 Adjournment
Apr 15, 2020
LHS’s Men’s Track and Field Coach Tells us What his Athletes are Doing to Stay in Shape!

On Senior Night, April 26, 2019, during the Dawn Dahart Track and Field Invitational, Cooper Smeller cleared 14’9” to break the school pole vault record by an inch.

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – As May inches closer and closer, many LHS athletes are working hard to stay in the best shape they can in preparation for their Spring seasons. School is set to potentially open on May 4th and if indeed that happens Spring sports will reconvene as well!

Over the past couple of weeks, we have made it our goal to check in with LHS’s coaches and athletes to see just what they are doing to stay in shape in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. We have received some impressive responses from several motivated athletes and coaches! This week we chatted with LHS’s Head Men’s Track and Field Coach, James Vanatsky, to see what he is having his team do just in case the 2020 Track season continues.

LHS’s Head Men’s Track and Field Coach, James Vanatsky

Coach Vanatsky shared that he has been consistently sending out optional workouts every morning at 7:30 A.M. for his dedicated team.

“Some of our guys are early risers and they want to know what the workout will be so they can plan accordingly as to where and how they may have to complete their workouts,” Vanatsky said, “We send our workouts out through an app we have used for several years called ‘Remind 101.’ Before the quarantine I would use the app to send reminders to our guys for all kinds of things in the off-season and in-season but is it obviously handy in our current situation.”

Vanatsky also mentioned that the other Men’s Track team coaches have been getting involved by sending him daily optional workouts so that he can then add the workouts to what he sends out to the team.

“Our strength coach Derek Berry sends the team various workouts they can do based on the teams’ access to available weights, dumbbells, stretch bands, etc,” Vanatsky explained, “Our kids have told us they have been using the Loveland Bike Trail quite a bit for their workouts. They are supposed to be practicing social distancing while they workout but without being there in person (which we are not allowed to do) so it is hard to say if kids are completely by themselves or if they are getting up with a teammate or two in order to stay motivated and accountable for their workouts.”

With large neighborhoods spread throughout Loveland and easy access to the Loveland Bike Trail, Coach Vanatsky told us that he is very fortunate that his team is able to train outside in a safe and open environment.

“What percent of our kids are actually working out is hard to say,” Vanatsky added, “Also we do not know what intensity and regularity the workouts are being completed. It is obviously difficult to stay motivated when the season is not guaranteed or even probable at this point but we have a lot of very committed guys who I am sure are staying on top of their fitness levels.”

Here at Loveland Magazine, we commend all of the LHS coaches and athletes that continue to strive for success through these very tough times! We will continue to bring you the latest updates on what LHS athletes and coaches are doing to stay in shape so STAY TUNED!

Apr 14, 2020
Should Loveland school taxes increase while residents Lose their livelihoods?
by Kim and Rick Donaldson

While many in Loveland are losing their jobs and their businesses, our school board persists in asking us to raise our taxes. As it stands today, they may very well get their way simply by virtue of low voter turnout. So, if you

Kim and Rick Donaldson live on Paxton Road in Miami Township

haven’t already done so, apply for an absentee ballot now. The primary election originally scheduled for March 17^th is now by mail only. Completed ballots must be postmarked no later than midnight, April 27^th or dropped off at your county board of elections by 7:00 PM April 28^th. Since you will first need to apply to have a ballot mailed to you, there is no time to lose.

Now back to the original question: should our school taxes be increased? We are told that additional funding is needed to “protect our progress”. This would imply that past increases have improved district performance. However, according to Ohio Department of Education data, Loveland’s overall performance index score ranked in the top 15% of Ohio schools from 2010 through 2014, with correspondingly high overall grades. In 2015, Loveland’s performance dropped precipitously, nearly to the bottom 25%. Various explanations have been floated for this drop: Common Core implementation, testing changes, students opting out of testing, etc. Available data do not definitively show what the explanation is, but it does show what it isn’t: spending. Referring to the first chart, note that Loveland’s 2019 overall performance is virtually identical to its 2010 to 2014 performance, but expenditure per pupil is as much as 20% higher after adjusting for inflation. Also note that Loveland’s performance had already recovered to pre-2015 levels by 2018, before the big ramp-up in expenditure.

Graph provided by Kim and Rick Donaldson

Since increased funding doesn’t seem to be improving our district’s rating, it is difficult to see exactly what progress we are protecting. Moreover, if we are to invest more of our hard-earned and increasingly scarce money in the schools, we expect to reap some benefit as a community. So far, our children don’t seem to have reaped the benefit of a better education and our property owners haven’t reaped the benefit of the appreciation that should result from a better-rated school system. However, there is one segment of the community who has reaped the benefit: teachers.

According to Ohio Department of Education data, presented in the second chart, Loveland’s average teacher salary was $63,566 in 2010, which was about average for an Ohio school district with similar demographics among both the community and the teachers. In 2019, Loveland’s average teacher salary had increased to $78,248, 10% above the comparable Ohio district average. Loveland’s average teacher salary has also risen faster than median income. In 2010, the average teacher salary was 28% above median income. By 2019 it had risen to 47% above median income. While some might argue that paying teachers more improves educational quality, Loveland’s teacher salary and performance trends do not support that claim. Statistical analysis of statewide trends also shows no practical benefit for paying teachers above-market salaries.

Graph provided by Kim and Rick Donaldson

We do not question the quality, dedication or professionalism of Loveland teachers. Nor do we fault them for negotiating the most favorable compensation package they can. It is the responsibility of the board of education and administration to negotiate effectively on behalf of the Loveland community at large to deliver a high-quality education at a cost we can afford. Sadly, they do not seem to be doing an adequate job of cost control at a time when residents cannot afford to pay more.

While no one knows how severe the current economic downturn will be or how long it will last, we do know the proposed levy will cost property owners an additional $20 per month for each $100,000 of appraised value, forever. Under the circumstances, it would be appropriate for the Loveland School Board to withdraw the levy, and we wholeheartedly agree with those who have already called on them to do so. However, the board’s past behavior indicates they are unlikely to heed those calls. The only way we can stop this levy and impose fiscally responsibility is to get an absentee ballot and vote no.

References:
1. Elections and Voting in Ohio, Ohio Secretary of State website: https://www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/voters
2. Ohio Department of Education District Profile (Cupp) Reports: http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Finance-and-Funding/School-Payment-Reports/District-Profile-Reports
3. Ohio Department of Education District Achievement/Rating Data: https://reportcard.education.ohio.gov/download
4. US Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI Inflation Calculator:
  https://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm
5. Ohio Department of Education District Teacher Information: https://reportcard.education.ohio.gov/download
Apr 13, 2020
OHSAA Announces Potential Ohio High School Spring Sports Plans!

Cassie Mattia

by Cassie Mattia

Columbus, Ohio – Athletes all over the state of Ohio are at a standstill as they wait to hear if their 2020 sport seasons will continue. Well the wait, for now, has ended as OHSAA announced last Wednesday that if school facilities reopen in early May Spring sports schedules and tournaments are in place and ready to go!

OHSAA’s Director of Communications, Tim Stried, and Executive Director, Jerry Snodgrass constructed and sent out a press release last Thursday addressing the state of Ohio’s concerns about high school athletes continuing their Spring sports schedules. Below are the plans OHSAA has put in place for Ohio High School Spring athletes.

“School facilities are closed through May 1 due to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. If the closure is extended beyond May 1, the OHSAA will provide updated information. If school facilities do not reopen this school year, there will not be a spring sports season.

State tournament venues listed below are subject to change.

‘If the Governor and Ohio Department of Health deems it safe to reopen school facilities in early May, then we will have a shortened spring sports season that extends into June,’ said OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass. ‘I commend our sports administration staff for putting the schedules together working on state tournament sites.’

Wednesday’s memo to school administrators also included details regarding Pupil Activity/Coaching Permits, annual awards certificates, District Athletic Board elections and academic eligibility for fall sports and college-bound seniors. The memo is posted at https://www.ohsaa.org/news-media/articles/school-administrators-update-april-8

‘We continue to applaud each of you for helping provide guidance and leadership to your coaches and your efforts to keep students engaged,’ Snodgrass wrote to school administrators in the memo. ‘This crisis has heightened the awareness that students want to be back in the classroom. Teachers want students back in the classroom. In our solid belief that school-based athletic programs are an extension of the classroom, we hold that same belief for our student-athletes and coaches. Getting kids back with coaches is much more than winning and we feel it a vital part of returning life to normalcy.’

SPRING SPORTS OVERVIEW

– If school facilities are closed for the remainder of the school year, spring sports will be canceled.

– The dates below for each sport are tentative and are based on the Governor’s optimistic direction that schools will reopen May 4. We will adjust accordingly.

– The mandatory no-contact period remains in place through May 1. No practices or group workouts may occur through this date, but the OHSAA encourages coaches to maintain electronic correspondence with their student-athletes.

– With a current return on May 4, the schedules below have been adopted for spring sports. Specific information relative to sectional and district tournaments, playing dates, seeding procedures, game sites, will all be provided in communications from the respective six District Athletic Boards.

– State tournament venues listed below are subject to change.

– If for any reason specific sites are shut down due to Governor’s orders, ALL sites will be shut down and tournaments will not be held.

BASEBALL

State tournament dates determined by the availability of Akron Canal Park.

Acclimation Period – May 4-8

Season Begins – May 9

Tournament Entry/Withdrawal – May 11

Tournament Draw/Coaches Meeting – May 17

Sectional Tournaments – May 23-30

District Tournaments – June 1-6

Regional Tournaments – June 11-12

State Tournament at Akron Canal Park (subject to change) – June 19-21

Season Concludes (regular-season games can be played up until this date) – June 27

SOFTBALL

Acclimation Period – May 4-8

Season Begins – May 9

Tournament Entry/Withdrawal – May 18

Tournament Draw/Coaches Meeting – May 24

Sectional Tournaments – May 30-June 6

District Tournaments – June 8-13

Regional Tournaments – June 15-20

State Tournament at Akron Firestone Stadium (subject to change) – June 25-27

Season Concludes (regular-season games can be played up until this date) – July 4

LACROSSE

Acclimation Period – May 4-8

Season Begins – May 9

Tournament Entry/Withdrawal – May 18

Tournament Draw/Coaches Meeting – May 25

Regional Qualifying – May 26-30

Regional Tournaments – June 1-7

State Semifinals – June 8-10

State Championships at Ohio Wesleyan University (subject to change) – June 13

Season Concludes (regular-season games can be played up until this date) – June 13

BOYS TENNIS

Acclimation Period – May 4-8

Season Begins – May 9

Tournament Entry/Withdrawal – May 18

Tournament Draw/Coaches Meeting – May 24

Sectional Tournaments – May 30-June 6

District Tournaments – June 8-13

State Tournament at Hilliard Davidson High School (subject to change) – June 18-20

Season Concludes (regular-season contests can be played up until this date) – June 27

TRACK AND FIELD

Athletic facilities at The Ohio State University will not be available in June, so the state tournament will be split into three different sites, per division. The details are below.

Acclimation Period – May 4-8

Season Begins – May 9

Tournament Entry/Withdrawal – May 25

Tournament Draw/Coaches Meeting – May 31

District Tournaments – June 9-13

Regional Tournaments – June 17-20

State Tournament – June 26-27

State Tournament Sites (subject to change): Division I at Hilliard Darby; Division II At Pickerington North; Division III at Westerville North

Season Concludes (regular-season meets can be held up until this date) – June 27″

For the latest news in the world of OHSAA, you can visit www.ohsaa.org. If you have any urgent questions about the tentative Spring sport plans contact Tim Stried at tstried@ohsaa.org.

Apr 13, 2020
[Video Interview] Former Loveland High School student Stacye Toups on the frontlines in Spain

The former LHS student is now a fourth year medical student on the frontlines of the coronavirus response in Spain, where cases have spiked.

By: Katherine Collins

Posted at 4:15 PM, Apr 09, 2020

and last updated 4:50 PM, Apr 09, 2020

RICHMOND, Ky. (LEX 18) — The hardest part for Stacye Toups has been putting patients in isolation.

The former EKU student is now a fourth year medical student on the frontlines of the coronavirus response in Spain, where cases have spiked.

She works in a nursing home where her days now consist of calling families to give them updates on their loved ones, caring for patients and even crying with patients.

Watch Katherine Collins’s interview with Stacye Toups…

Apr 11, 2020
LHS Women’s Track and Field Coach Shares What his Athletes are Doing to Stay in Shape!

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – The community of Loveland has proven time and time again that it can get through anything! The inspiration from the community has trickled down to the youth of Loveland especially the LHS athletes as they are continuing to put in as much work as they can to prepare for their potential sports seasons. The LHS coaching staff along with the Athletic Director has gathered around and taken time to not only prepare workouts for the athletes but has also made them easily accessible for the athletes through the new workout app Teambuildr!

LHS’s Women’s Track Coach, Herbert Laughman, is one of the many LHS coaches that has dedicated a lot of time and effort into helping his athletes succeed during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“This has been a very difficult time for all of us. It’s tough to keep things in perspective. Our staff and athletes have done a great job of this. We know the community and the health of the community comes first,” Laughman explained, “That being said, we are very creative in how we are staying in contact with the girls. We have a spring track group and I have put suggested workouts on there.”

Coach Laughman also created some fun challenges for his athletes!

“We have also done fun things like the Camera roll challenge. In this challenge, you pick the 5th picture on camera roll and post. Another fun activity we have done is having the athletes select their top 5 movies of all time,” Coach Laughman said, “My personal favorite activity has been having the athletes post pictures after their optional workout. The girls flooded me with pictures! These girls are still working hard and still want to be pushed. I am so honored and blessed to be a part of this group. I pray for the safety of all of those around us and hope that we can continue on with our spring season,” Coach Laughman added.

LHS’s Women’s Track captains’ weighed in as well on how COVID-19 is affecting them and how they are motivating themselves to keep working out.

“As a three-year varsity athlete, it’s scary to think that I may not get my fourth year,” LHS Women’s Track Captain, Sophia Horrigan, said, “Despite the setbacks, I have been working hard to stay in shape for a season that still may be. From lifting weights in my basement to running on the bike trail, I am doing whatever it takes to stay ahead of future competition. I see this as a reason to work harder, rather than giving up in the face of adversity. The season isn’t over yet!”

LHS’s Megan Korniak, who is also a Captain for the Women’s Track team said she is still working hard and that the team has made so much progress over the last few months.

“Now there is a lot more individual accountability to stay in shape,” Korniak added, “I personally have been doing home workouts and going on runs in public parks to stay active. We are still close as a team and love to send timer pictures of our workouts to keep spirits high!”

We would like to encourage the Loveland community to stay active and stay safe! If you aren’t sure what activities you can do to stay active check out our weekly “What are LHS Athletes Doing to Stay in Shape?” for tips! Stay tuned!

LHS Softball Coach Tells us What his Athletes are Doing to…

Apr 9, 2020