During the week of November 8-14, there was a 140 percent increase in the number of daily cases in Clermont County.
The Loveland City School District reported 16 new COVID 19 CASES since last Wednesday.
Batavia, Ohio – The number of new cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and Clermont County is increasing at an alarming rate according to a statement issued by the Clermont County health district today. The department reports a high of 186 new cases was reported in Clermont County on November 13 and the state of Ohio reported an all-time high of 8,071 new cases.
As of November 12, when the latest public health advisory system numbers were released, Clermont County had a rate of 410 new cases per 100,000 residents. For comparison, on October 1, the county’s rate was only 62 new cases per 100,000 residents. During the week of November 8-14, there was a 140 percent increase in the number of daily cases in Clermont County.
The exponential growth in the number of new cases in Clermont County has made it nearly impossible to keep up with disease investigation and contact tracing. “Up until this point, our goal has been to begin disease investigations within 24 hours of each new case being reported to us,” said Health Commissioner Julianne Nesbit.
Disease investigations take time and involve a public health staff member calling each individual who has tested positive and get details like where they may have been exposed, every location they have been in the previous few days, and every person they may have been in contact with.
After public health does their initial investigation, then they begin the process of contact tracing. That usually involves calling each person who was considered a close contact with the infected person and advising them to quarantine for 14 days from the date of exposure.
“We have hired additional contact tracers, but it’s still not enough to keep up with the demand,” said Nesbit. “Our staff is doing everything we possibly can to keep up with the new cases, we are physically and emotionally exhausted, but we are continuing to do this important work to the best of our ability to protect our community.”
“Our staff is doing everything we possibly can to keep up with the new cases, we are physically and emotionally exhausted
“We have hired additional contact tracers, but it’s still not enough to keep up with the demand,” said Nesbit. “Our staff is doing everything we possibly can to keep up with the new cases, we are physically and emotionally exhausted, but we are continuing to do this important work to the best of our ability to protect our community.”
In addition to hiring additional contact tracers, Clermont County Public Health (CCPH) has been using staff members from every other department to fill in the gaps and assist with contact tracing. CCPH also has a contract with the Ohio Department of Health for additional contact tracers that are being cross-trained to assist with disease investigations.
Public Health has switched from making phone calls in some situations to sending emails to provide information on quarantine to save time. Now, with this many new cases, they have also begun mailing letters to each person that tests positive to save time. Phone calls are still being made when CCPH is aware of situations where there are a large number of contacts and the potential for further spread of the disease.
The letters notify each person that tests positive what to do while they are in isolation and asks them to identify their contacts, who are advised to quarantine. “We are seeing so many new cases, we just cannot possibly keep up at this rate,” said Nesbit.
“Local hospitals are already being stressed,” said Nesbit. “While all hospitals have surge plans in place where they can add more beds and take in more patients, they are going to run out of healthy, experienced workers to care for the sick patients, if this trend continues.”
“We saw in the spring that we can flatten the curve, but we must be extra vigilant now, especially with the holidays coming up,” urged Nesbit.
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The Loveland City School District reported 16 new COVID 19 CASES since last Wednesday.
• On 11/16/20, the district was notified that a student at the Loveland Early Childhood Center tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/12/20.
• On 11/16/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/09/20.
• On 11/16/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/13/20.
• On 11/16/20, the district was notified that a non-teaching staff member from Transportation and Loveland Primary School tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was last at work / school on 11/12/20.
• On 11/13/20, the district was notified that a staff member at the Loveland Early Childhood Center tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was last at school on 11/10/20.
• On 11/13/20, the district was notified that a Board of Education Central Office staff member tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was last at work on 11/12/20.
• On 11/14/20, the district was notified that a staff member at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was last at school on 11/6/20.
• On 11/12/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/4/20.
• On 11/13/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Middle School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/10/20.
• On 11/13/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/5/20.
• On 11/12/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/4/20.
• On 11/13/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Middle School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/10/20.
• On 11/13/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/5/20.
• On 11/12/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Middle School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/9/20.
• On 11/12/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/6/20.
• On 11/12/20, the district was notified that a staff member at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was last at school on 11/6/20.
The District does not publish quarantine data during the week, only on Fridays.
Right-Click on the image and open in a new tab to see a larger view.
What can you do to help?
Stay home if you are sick.
Quarantine yourself if you have been around someone who recently tested positive for COVID-19.
Wear a mask whenever you are in public.
Avoid large crowds.
Keep at least six feet of space between yourself and others.
Limit contact with people outside of your immediate household. If you are tested and receive a positive test result, you should:
Isolate yourself in your own home, away from others, as much as possible, for at least 10 days after your symptoms first appeared.
Notify each person you had direct contact with (defined as someone within six feet of you for a length of 15 minutes or longer within 24 hours) and ask them to quarantine in their house for 14 days after the potential exposure occurred. For more information or resources, visit the Ohio Department of Health’s coronavirus website at www.coronavirus.ohio.gov or Clermont County Public Health’s website at www.ccphohio.org.
There have been 281 COVID 19 cases in the 45140 ZIP Code in the previous 2-weeks
(This story was corrected at 8 PM to reflect more accurate data about 45140)
According to today’s updated Ohio Public Health Advisory System map, 68 counties are currently rated as having a very high risk of exposure and spread (Red Level 3), up from 56 counties last week. This represents the highest number of Red Level 3 counties since the launch of the advisory system in July. Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren counties remain at Red Level 3.
Ohio also had another record-breaking day for new cases reported in a 24-hour period, with 7,101 cases reported between yesterday and today. A total of 268 new hospitalizations were reported, as well as 35 more deaths.
Loveland, Ohio – Here are the positive cases of COVID 19 that have been reported in the Loveland Schools this week. The District does not report on the number of quarantine during the week, instead choosing to withhold that data until Friday afternoons.
• On 11/12/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Middle School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/9/20.
• On 11/12/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/6/20.
• On 11/12/20, the district was notified that a staff member at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was last at school on 11/6/20.
• On 11/08/20, the district was notified that a staff member in the Transportation Department tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member was last at work on 11/03/20.
• On 11/05/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland Middle School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/03/20.
• On 11/5/20, the district was notified that a student at Loveland High School tested positive for COVID-19. This student was last at school on 11/3/20. No members of the school community were determined to be close contacts with this confirmed case.
Below is the last COVID 19 Dashboard the District released
You can Right-Click on the image to open in a new tab to see a larger view
Loveland High School students, grades 9-12, will remain in hybrid learning through the rest of the semester. The current expectation according to the District is that high school students would return to five-day in-person learning beginning on January 19, at the start of the second semester.
Students in PreK-8 will remain in five-day in-person learning, and there will be no changes for students in the Remote Learning Academy.
A Note from the District:
“The district is offering both in-person and online learning options for the second semester. If families choose the in-person option, they are selecting this with the understanding that the second semester will begin with five-day in-person learning. Loveland families must select the learning option for their students and each building will communicate with families directly. Please be on the lookout for that communication.”
As I reflect on what I can do as white woman in America to change our society, I am overwhelmed with doubt and uncertainty.
by Trinity Mahan Walsh
I grew up with White Privilege that I didn’t even know I had. Growing up in Loveland in the 80’s and 90’s, it was a pretty white town. I went to Loveland Schools for 13 years, with maybe 3-5 classmates of color. It never seemed weird to me, but I did notice. We really didn’t talk about race in my house. Not because we were afraid to talk about it or my parents are bad people (they are loving and wonderful), but it just wasn’t anything we “needed” to consider. White privilege.
Trinity Mahan Walsh grew up in Loveland, Ohio, graduated LHS in 1994, and is now a Guidance Counselor at Highlands High School in Fort Thomas, Kentucky.
I often thought about what it was like for my black classmates to live in Loveland. To be a very, very small minority in our school and town. It wasn’t until I was in high school, I had my first real black friend. Yep… HIGH SCHOOL! I wasn’t as brave as I am now to ask the question, “How do you feel living here?” I am sure it was hard, but I am grateful for her seeing me as “safe” and accepting. I wanted to be her friend because she is awesome and not because she is black.
I’ve always considered myself to be accepting of everyone and the least racist person around. As I reflect on my friend choices over the years, I must have known early on who had the same types of life views as me, as I am still friends with several of those people today. But still, my circle of friends doesn’t include too many people of color. I’d like to believe that this isn’t a choice, it’s just how my life is, but now as I really think about it, it is a choice.
I live in a predominantly white community and work at a predominately white school. Searching out friends of color to say that I have diverse friends seems disingenuous. I don’t avoid it, my life is such that I very rarely travel in circles where my diversity factor could even be expanded.
Why did I move to a town much like where I grew up? Comfort. Is that bad to say? I don’t think so. We all want to live where we are comfortable. Does it help expand our understanding of each other as human beings? Not necessarily, but we can choose to find other ways to make sure we do find ways to understand each other.
I don’t mind if I look “stupid” because I can guarantee that these white faced teenagers have the same questions as me.
Trinity Mahan Walsh and fellow educator Elise Carter
One of the greatest blessings in my life has been my friendship with Elise Carter. You guessed it… she’s black. She and I have the most frank and honest conversations about what it’s like to be a person of color, especially working in a predominately white school.
She has opened my eyes to issues that I didn’t know existed… not because I chose to look the other way, but as a part of my white privilege I never had to consider. And, what I consider to be the most powerful part of our friendship is that we OPENLY talk about race issues.
At the high school where we work, she and I often have very honest and frank conversations in front of students. I don’t mind if I look “stupid” because I can guarantee that these white faced teenagers have the same questions as me. And, like I was in high school with my friend, they are too ashamed and scared to ask the questions. So I will ask for them.
I want them to see that she and I can have real conversations about what it’s like to be a person of color in America. She will be the first to tell the students, “I am not a spokesperson for the black community, but I will give you my perspective.” Probably one of the most powerful conversations we can have with the students is to tell them, it’s OK to call her black. She IS black! “Guys, you can call me black. I know I am! Are you offended when I call you white?” This is a common phrase from her.
One of the most heartbreaking conversations that we have ever had is about “the talk.”
One of the most heartbreaking conversations that we have ever had is about “the talk.” As we started that conversation, I honestly and truly thought we were having a totally different conversation. I couldn’t understand why she was talking to me about giving her then 5-year-old son “the talk.”
As a mother of white boys “the talk” is about sex.
As a mother of black boys “the talk” is VERY different. It was never something I had ever thought about; I didn’t have to. And if you are like me, and are still wondering what “the talk” is, ask yourself these questions: Do I have to warn my son about the way he approaches a white woman? Do I have to warn my son that when he is running, it might appear that he is not just getting exercise? Do I have to warn my son that when he is 16 and gets pulled over for going a few miles over the speed limit, the situation can turn ugly very, very quickly? Do I have to warn my son that when he is hanging out with his white friends and things get rowdy, he might be the one blamed for anything that might go wrong?
And this list goes on and on.
I want to break into tears when I think about anyone ever wanting to harm her son just because of the color of his skin. It hurts me to my core. He is kind, loving, inquisitive, and hilarious – just the same as any other 7-year-old boy. And it isn’t just her son, but every mother’s black son.
If you’re a dumb white girl with white privilege like me, start asking questions.
I am grateful every day that she is willing to be my friend and continues to educate this white girl about the reality of the world. If you’re a dumb white girl with white privilege like me, start asking questions. IT IS OK! We can only get better as a society when we start asking each other what it’s like to be them. You may not be able to relate personally, but you certainly can try and understand.
I am trying, and when I don’t hit the mark, I hope that someone calls me out on it.
I wasn’t raised to be racist or not racist. And now recognizing that white privilege, I am trying to make some different choices in raising my children with open and honest conversations about the world we live in. I am trying, and when I don’t hit the mark, I hope that someone calls me out on it.
You may judge what is happening with riots in your own personal way. You don’t have to agree with what is happening around our country, but just consider the why.
As I reflect on what I can do as white woman in America to change our society, I am overwhelmed with doubt and uncertainty. What I know I can do is to keep having those open and frank conversations with Elise and with our students. I am an educator, and that is my gift. This is one way that I can use it. You don’t need to be a trained educator though to have these conversations, too.
I’ll leave you with this one last thought…
I’ll leave you with this one last thought… do not surround yourselves with people only like you. Your face-to-face personal interactions, but even easier on social media. I am “friends” with so many different types of people with so many different perspectives on the world on social media. I actively choose to not de-friend people who have sometimes very different views than me. Yes, sometimes what they post makes me mad – raging mad – but I cannot grow as a person if I do not read what they are saying, consider it, and then come to my own conclusion. The greatest gift we can give each other is agreeing to disagree, but at the same time agree to just be good and loving humans.
If you need some more perspective on the issue of “the talk,” take a few minutes to read this powerful article:
Loveland, Ohio – With “Summary/Unofficial” results, the Loveland City School District operating levy of 6.95 mills is failing in all three counties as of 6:30 AM Wednesday morning.
All mail-in ballots and provisional ballots will still have to be tabulated in the days to come. The mail-in ballots needed a postmark of April 27, so some of those ballots will still have to be received from the Post Office. Validly cast provisional ballots also will need to be tabulated.
Hamilton County says they will need 2-3 weeks to publish final results.
Clermont County
YES – 1,988
NO – 2,741
Hamilton County
YES – 1780
NO – 2921
Warren County
YES 76
NO 104
TOTAL
YES – 3844
NO – 5766
In a statement posted on the District web site, Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse said, “We accept the outcome and respect the decision voters made, but this is a devastating loss for our schools. At this time of national and global uncertainty, we will also prepare to start the new school year in August with a significantly reduced budget, which will directly impact programs, class size, and services to our students. In addition, we will have to start preparing to go back on the ballot. This is unfortunately how school funding works in Ohio.”
As of this morning, the “Loveland Voice” Political Action Committee has not issued a statement only posting preliminary results on their FaceBook page. Loveland Voice had organized to actively oppose the levy.
The District statement also said:
In addition to the $2.7 million in expense reductions already made in 2019, significant cuts will be made to the operating budget in the coming months. These reductions include, among others, the elimination of at least 25 administrative, teaching and non-teaching staff positions, and the elimination of high school busing.
“Yes for Loveland” the Political Action Committee supporting the school levy posted this message on their FaceBook page 3 hours ago:
According to current results, it appears the Loveland Community has voted to NOT pass the Operating Levy. Official results will be reported in 2 – 3 weeks.
We appreciate all of your hard work and support this year. We understand we have to rally together once again to find the answer to funding the district for our children. We will do this together.
Seeing the out pour of love for one another and the care of our community gives us all hope in this time of a pandemic. Continue to support and take care of one another. We’re all in this together!
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.”
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.
Loveland, Ohio – For many years, Loveland Schools have produced outstanding graduates who have excelled in their professional and personal lives and have had an impact on their communities, society, and the lives of others on a local, national and global level.It is the purpose of the Loveland Schools Foundation to identify these individuals, recognize then and to make current Loveland students, employees of the school district and the Loveland community as a whole aware of their qualities and accomplishments.The following four individuals will be inducted into the Loveland Schools Foundation “Hall of Fame” on Friday evening, September 21, at the Oasis Golf and Conference Center.
COLONEL (DR.) JEFFREY SCOTT CALDER
Colonel (Dr.) Jeffrey Scott Calder, Loveland Class of 1984, received his commission from the Reserve Officer Training Corps graduating from Miami University in 1988.He earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1992 on a Health Professions Scholarship.He completed residency in general surgery at Wright State University in 1997.After moving up the ranks from Staff General Surgeon he received his promotion to Colonel in May of 2010.
He has attended the Air War College, and the Aerospace Medicine Primary Course as well as others as he continued his Professional Military Education.
Scott has served both at home and abroad, accepting his first overseas assignment to Misawa AB, Japan in July 1997.Later he was assigned to Bitburg AB, Germany where he was the Surgical Services Flight Commander.He served in Oman in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and later in Afghanistan and Italy.American shore assignments have included Barksdale AFB, LA, San Antonia – Lackland, Texas and Florida.
He holds an Unrestricted Medical License from the State Medical Board of Ohio, is Board Certified, American Board of Surgery and is a Certified Physician Executive.
During his years of service Colonel Calder has received numerous decorations and awards:Meritorious Service with five oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal, The Air Force Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, The Humanitarian Service Medal, the NATO Medal, as well as 13 additional decorations and eight Awards for leadership and excellence in his service to our country.
Colonel Calder is a fellow, American College of Surgeons, a Certified Physician Executive, American College of Physician Executives and is board certified in General Surgery.He is a Senior Flight Surgeon with 409.5 flying hours in 10 aircraft.
LARRY HAMILTON
Larry Hamilton is a native of Loveland and a Loveland High School graduate in 1967.He is a retired teacher of African American History, World Studies and Current Events from Piqua, Ohio.Mr. Hamilton is a founding member of the African American Genealogy Group on the Miami Valley and is a presenter on family history and genealogy.
He was selected for Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and was awarded the Ohio Tri-County NAACP’s Martin Luther King Outstanding African American Award as well as the state of Ohio’s MLK Cultural Awareness Award in 2005.
Mr. Hamilton authored a book in August of 2009 titled Lucy’s Story: Right Choices But Wrongs Still Left.Book II of Lucy’s Story became available in November of 2011 and the trilogy was completed with the release of Book III in January of 2013 titled Refuge from the Deluge:On Being Railroaded.This heroic story commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Loveland/Little Miami Flood of 1913 and a struggle for justice, equality and inclusion in Ohio’s Upper Miami Valley relating to the Randolph Freedmen, one of the largest manumissions in U.S. History.
He continues to make presentations about his book series, Lucy’s Story, and family history research in support of his interest in genealogy as well as his work for equality among all.
DAVID LITTERAL
A 1980 graduate of Loveland High School, David has given over thirty-three years of honorable service to the United States Army Medical Department, culminating as the Commandant of the Army’s Medical Noncommissioned Officer Academy.He has served on the home front as well as in Iraq where he was the Enlisted Personnel Director of the U.S. Army, 10th Combat Support Hospital.He also assisted the Iraqi Government in establishing training programs for Medics, Physicians and Nurses as well as planning and executing the pre-deployment training necessary to ensure mission success at six locations across Iraq.
David implemented the training programs for Advanced and Senior Leader Noncommissioned Officer Courses for the Army Medical Department which earned a rating as TRADOC Institute of Excellence.
He received his Doctorate of Psychology in 2014 and was an Adjunct Instructor at both Kentucky Christian University and Morgan Community College. He served as Chief Instructor, Department of Combat Medic Training, Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
During his many years of service he has acquired numerous medals among which are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal (2 campaign stars) and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Currently David is Director of Military Initiatives for Morehead State University, Morehead, KY.
KEVIN TAYLOR
A graduate of Loveland High School in 1972, Kevin Taylor has devoted his life to teaching, coaching and inspiring youth to attain their highest goals.A native of Loveland, he has spent over 45 years as a member of the “Tiger Family” as a student, teacher, coach, Assistant Athletic Director and Facilities Manager.He has been a role model for generations of students and has provided them with lifelong experiences that go beyond the classroom.He provides faculty, staff and students with a sense of history and respect for the “Tiger Tradition.”
Loveland City Schools produces outstanding graduates who have demonstrated leadership and excellence in their professional and personal lives.Kevin Taylor is this person.
Mr. Taylor is the founder and chairman of the present Loveland High School Athletic Hall of Fame into which he was inducted in 2016.In retirement he continues to support Tiger athletics.Each year he schedules a banquet and awards ceremony which honors Loveland athletes who, during their high school career, reached high levels of achievement in their chosen sport of sports.
If you would like additional information about the Loveland Schools Foundation or would like to actively participate, call the Foundation office at 513/774-6228, or email Linda Slusher – Executive Director at slucheli@lovelandschools.org.
RP Diamond is the exclusive retailer of LOVELAND HIGH SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR Welcome to RP Diamond Printing & Embroidery located at 370 Loveland Madeira Road.
(First row, L to R:) Loveland High School (LHS) Teacher Phil Marchal, Loveland Interim Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse, University of Cincinnati (UC) Director of School of Information Technology (IT) Dr. Hazem Said, LHS Principal Peggy Johnson; (Second row, L to R:) Patrick Keyser, Sogeti USA, Loveland Board of Education President Art Jarvis, Loveland Board of Education Vice President Dr. Kathryn Lorenz, Loveland Board of Education Member Eileen Washburn, Loveland Director of Secondary Programs Andrea Conner, UC Graduate Coordinator and Project Manager School of IT Lauren Kirgis
Pathway program will be ready for fall 2018
Loveland, Ohio– With cameras rolling to capture the significant moment, Loveland Interim Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse and University of Cincinnati (UC) Director of School of Information Technology Dr. Hazem Said made formal the new partnership between the educational institutions that will equip the Loveland City School District to offer college-level Information Technology (IT) course work to high school students. The formal signing ceremony took place just before the State of Schools Open House Thursday, Feb. 22, at Loveland High School.
“This partnership places Loveland students in a unique position for advanced learning opportunities that will qualify for college credit – a win for our families both academically and financially with the ever increasing student-loan debt that UC is sensitive to,” said Dr. Crouse. “We are simply thrilled to sit at the table with a school as premier as UC.”
“The UC Information Technology Early College program is a unique and innovative program that will enable Loveland students to complete the first year of the UC BSIT program in high school,” said Dr. Said. “Those who receive a C or above will receive automatic admission to the BSIT program to study Software Development, Cybersecurity, Networking/Systems and Game Development & Simulation. We are excited to work with the leaders at Loveland City Schools to make this program available to Loveland parents and students.”
The partnership with UC creates an Information Technology (IT) Academic Pathway for Loveland High School (LHS) students, and is part of the district’s strategic plan to bring Academic Pathways to Loveland students beginning in middle school. LHS students will have access to post-secondary IT coursework starting in ninth grade. LHS students will have the ability to earn college credit through the College Credit Plus (CCP) program, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
“Ultimately this partnership enables LHS students taking these courses to earn a masters degree through UC with only four years of college; it includes the courses they take through their senior year of high school plus four years of college,” explained Loveland Director of Secondary Programs Andrea Conner. “It also provides our Tiger students with the opportunity to apply for paid co-ops related to their course work the summer following their senior year.”
Along with having the IT Pathway ready for fall of 2018, the district has clearly defined Academic Pathways for careers in: Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communication; Business Management and Administration; Health Science; and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – with the phase-in of additional pathways in the 2018-2019 school year.
By Andrea Conner, Loveland Director of Secondary Programs
If only educating our young people were as simple as plugging in coordinates on a GPS, then every graduate would know exactly what he/she wants to do after high school and have a defined plan detailing how to get there.
Well, Tiger Family… meet your new GPS: Academic Pathways.
Think of Academic Pathways as guiding maps for our students as they explore personal career interests and make connections to their course sequencing beginning in middle school. The district has clearly defined Academic Pathways for careers in: Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communication; Business Management and Administration; Health Science; Information Technology (in partnership with University of Cincinnati); and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – with the phase-in of additional pathways in the 2018-2019 school year.
The Academic Pathways contain information about which courses are available at the middle school and high school that, in addition to meeting the core requirements, will be helpful in pursuing the chosen pathway. They also provide suggestions about opportunities for extended learning, such as job shadowing/mentoring and internship placements, as well as links to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ updated information about the various professions within the Academic Pathway. For instance, the Academic Pathway for business will tell you what courses you could take in middle school through graduation, and then define the career with sample job choices complete with expected pay.
So, how do Tigers access this rich data?
With the expansion of Naviance, a college/career readiness tool, into grades six-eight, students will begin their college/career planning. This spring, sixth-grade students will explore various careers in the system and begin to create goals for themselves that will be refined throughout their educational experience in grades seven-12, as students will be revisiting their electronic portfolio in Naviance every year. By beginning Naviance work at the middle school, our students will have a greater opportunity in high school for more in-depth explorations and planning as they continue to make more detailed post-secondary plans.
Our buildings will equip parents with information to set up a special parent account in Naviance to share in this cutting-edge student journey.
Educating our Tigers is not as simple as plugging in set coordinates to find their set direction – we know this, but with parents and the school working together through assisting our students in making the connection between their academics and their passions, we can better support their post-secondary planning, and grow college and career-ready Tigers.
Andrea Conner is Director of Secondary Programs
for the Loveland City School District conneran@lovelandschools.org
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