LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: Ronald McDonald House

  • Loveland Schools Robotics Team Supported Loveland Police Department inclusion efforts for Halloween

    Loveland Schools Robotics Team Supported Loveland Police Department inclusion efforts for Halloween

    “Loveland FTC Lego Team Striped Might, their coaches Anna Macura and Jay Frazier, and mentors Joanna Reese, Brayden Watts, and Ally Oh, created candy bags – including special robot candy – for the LPD’s efforts to make Halloween in Loveland inclusive of all, especially those who are restricted by disabilities. Inclusion is a core value of the FIRST Robotics program.”

    During his hour-long visit with Striped Might, Lt. Szpak took the opportunity to demonstrate the technology he uses on the job.

    Loveland, Ohio – On Halloween, the Loveland Police Department (LPD) took candy to the homes of children and adults in the Loveland community who were unable to trick-or-treat due to a disability. It was part of the LPD’s effort to include those who otherwise would not be able to participate and make Halloween special for them, too. Loveland Middle School FIRSTLego Robotics team “Striped Might” met with Lieutenant Mike Szpak last Sunday evening to share their supply of candy and gifts to be distributed. Striped Might is a rookie team with rookie coaches – Anna Macura and Jay Frazier – rising up to the challenge of FIRSTRobotics.

    Grant, one of more than a hundred students in grades 2-12 involved in robotics at Loveland Schools, showed his work to Lt. Szpak.

    “Robotics is not just about the BOT,” said Joanna Reese. “Inclusion is a core value of the robotics program and this is a wonderful way for us to share that with our community.” Reese is a member of the Bionic Tigers, one of two FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics teams at Loveland High School, and serves as a mentor for the younger members of Striped Might.

    Lt. Szpak spent about an hour with the team members during their Sunday practice at Loveland Middle School. At the end of the visit, the team was invited to help deliver any Halloween leftover candy to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House.

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  • Entire Loveland High School senior class spent one day putting Tiger Care to action

    Entire Loveland High School senior class spent one day putting Tiger Care to action

    LHS Senior Ian Cronin helps refinish an outdoor table at Loveland’s Grailville for his Senior Service Day project October 11, 2017

    Loveland Senior Service

    Loveland, Ohio – The day began fairly typically for all 383 members of the Loveland High School (LHS) senior class – gathered in a room to listen and learn, the students heard from presenters about the importance of service. But, Wednesday, Oct. 11, was no ordinary lesson. It marked the sixth annual LHS Senior Service Day, and from 11:30 AM until 2 PM the students were tasked with volunteering at one of 14 Loveland and Cincinnati-area non-profit agencies.

    “This is a learning opportunity we look forward to every year at Loveland High School – and that is not limited to the educators who are involved – our students see the seniors doing this and anticipate the day from the time they are freshmen in our building,” said LHS Principal Peggy Johnson. “It is our Tiger Care building goal in action. It does make a difference in our community. It will continue to influence how our students grow and develop as servant leaders. I want to thank LHS Teacher Brian Baugh for taking the leadership role in organizing the event this year for our students. It was a wonderful experience.”

    “It is our Tiger Care building goal in action.”

    Social media platforms turned into a real-time showcase for the community to see the learning that was taking place during the senior-chosen theme of Let’s come together as one to make a difference; seniors used the Twitter hashtag #383hearts to share their volunteer efforts, and Loveland Interim Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse featured the service learning opportunities using Facebook Live from the district’s Facebook page (Loveland City Schools).

    “What an amazing opportunity for us to show Tiger Care – one of our big three district goals – in action,” said Crouse. “This annual event is the very heart of what we are trying to teach our students – empathy. It is designed to create an atmosphere for our students to both lead and serve, and see the world – if only for a few hours – from the perspective of a neighbor who they otherwise might not have met.” 

    Students served the service day at the following agencies: Bethany House, Cincinnati Parks Ault Park, Dragonfly, Dress for Success, Grailville, Granny’s Garden, Little Miami River Cleanup, Matthew 25 Ministries, NEST Loveland Community Learning Center, New Life Furniture, QPR Training, Ronald McDonald House, SPCA and St. Francis Seraph School.