Based on current conditions, this is what we need to do to make that happen. Athletics DirectorScott McClintock reported that the Georgia High School Association is providing every high school with two automated cameras that will live-stream games online. Sign in or Subscribe When voting to rescind the mask mandate, the Augusta County School Board said it would watch COVID numbers in schools and keep the mandate in place if numbers weren't trending in a good direction. @NBC29 pic.twitter.com/L8eS6n0bxz. Anastasio said the big three in minimizing the spread of COVID-19 in schools are universal masking, vaccination when possible and pool testing, which Augusta agreed to take part in at the end of the last school year. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. Do you all understand that? AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - Augusta County Public Schools is set to become mask-optional in three weeks. Certification or licensure (if required for the position for which you are applying) . Heres why. Students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside. Afterward, the public spoke and most of the comments were about masks in school. List of Augusta County Public Schools. Learn more. Some quoted scripture, while others blamed politics. The winners of the 2015 races in the Beverly Manor, Pastures and Middle River Districts served . Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols". As a further precaution, the superintendent said they are partnering with Heritage Pharma Groupto offer on-site COVID-19 testing with guaranteed results in 24 to 48 hours. Social distancing was one of the larger issues in the past as to why the schools had to do hybrid learning, but now, social distancing is less of a priority Anastasio said, if universal masking is mandated. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. The CDC also hasnt said how teachers can know which students are vaccinated or how parents will know which teachers are immunized. The opportunity to grow professionally is evident there. MORE: Mask Mandates Are Hot Topic at Columbia County School Board Meeting Northam's K-12 mask mandate, and we will continue to make decisions that prioritize the health, safety . Editor. Log in to join the discussion. Augusta County Public Schools18 Government Center LaneVerona, VA 24482Phone: 540-245-5100Fax: 540-245-5115. In a statement, the Blue Ridge Health District said: The Virginia Department of Health will analyze the CDCs guidance now that it has been released. Success. Subscribe to usat newsleader.com. People are also reading See Offers. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. We got to show some force or whatever you need to do to show those people down there to understand that we need to be allowed to make the decision that best suits our kids because we deal with our kids, we deal with the parents, board member Tim Swortzel said. Rules for school Masks have been mandated for all students, staff and visitors at all Richmond County School System facilities and on school buses, regardless of vaccination status. Waynesboro Public Schools followed the VDHs guidance and voted earlier this week to mandate masks for elementary students and staff. Washtenaw County schools opt to keep masks on 'until further notice' . You can share 5 more gift articles this month. We are excited to begin the school year but have some updates and reminders to help prepare our students as they return next week. We fear if we dont have universal masking, the letter stated, there will be outbreaks warranting school closure.. ", Staunton and Waynesboro, in their announcements, mentioned SB1303, which requireseach school board in Virginia to provide the in-person instruction "in a manner in which it adheres, to the maximum extent practicable, to any currently applicable mitigation strategies for early childhood care and education programs and elementary and secondary schools to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 that have been provided by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Verify your phone numbers and contact preferences are correct in Campus Parent > User > Settings > Contact Preferences. Several counties have full mask wearing policies for both on the bus and in the school buildings including: McDuffie County; Richmond County; Warren County; Hancock County; The other CSRA . Masks may be removed during lunch and while outside. School boards are required by state law to enact the policies for the 2021-22. Shop the collection. North River representative Nick Collins made the motion Thursday, which gives the school board a chance to reevaluate the decision in the coming weeks if there are any legal challenges to Virginia Gov. Augusta County School Boards motion on Wednesday includes flexibility to alter its plans if case numbers change. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. The only vote against the motion was fromBeverley Manor representative Donna Wells, who had tried to amend the motion to extend the mandatory mask policy until Feb. 28. Hope everyone is doing well. Augusta County Public Schools is the organization that operates the public school system in Augusta County, Virginia. She asked if it was considered by administration to have a mask mandate for the younger students and recommended for the older students. Augustas annual free backpack, school supplies event scheduled for Sunday, Amid shouts and anger from parents, Skowhegan-area school board requires masks for first weeks of school, Madison man serving 30 days for violation of privacy in cellphone incident, With Domino's opening in Farmington, 'pizza wars' taking place on community Facebook group, Reporting Aside: As China woman confronts fatal diagnosis, she hopes for a final wish, Girls basketball: Lawrence defeats Brunswick to win Class A title, Clinton man sentenced to at least 9 months in jail for reckless driving that killed girlfriend. [CDATA[ "Not seeing facial expressions. At their meeting. Although most of the discussion at Wednesday nights meeting surrounded the VDOE model treatment of transgender students policies, Kristine Welcher spoke out against masks as a parent of children attending Stuarts Draft schools. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. FISHERSVILLE The Augusta County School Board voted unanimously to make masks optional at all grade levels for both staff and students Thursday night at Wilson Memorial High School, which was met with cheers from the packed auditorium. Ensure that the phone number is not blocked in phone settings. The Augusta County School Board voted 5-1 during its annual retreat Thursday to set the date when students and staff can take off their masks, with parameters in place that allow the board members to change its mind if cases persist or legal objections strike down Gov. Harrisonburg man charged with crimes connected to Jan. 6 attack on U.S. Capitol, Charlie Obaugh RV & Outdoor Student Athlete of the Week. The testing will at first be offered to only employees and students (with parents' permission), but the school district is open to possibly expanding it to the rest of the community. As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. Face coverings and masks will be optional at Charleston County schools when students return to their classrooms Aug. 18. All rights reserved. Some counties within the BRHD qualify for indoor masking, per the CDC guideline.Charlottesville and Albemarle County are not there as of today, but as you can see, the 7-day moving average is going in the wrong direction district-wide. More: Augusta schools' 1:1 tech rollout under way, benefiting students who have gone without. The district had held. While Aiken County has lifted mandatory mask mandates inside its schools, Richmond County says for now it won't be changing any of its mask or social distancing guidelines. A. R. Ware Elem 330 Grubert Avenue Staunton, VA. Augusta Corr Center 1821 Estaline Valley Road Craigsville, VA. Berkeley Glenn Elem 1020 Jefferson Avenue Waynesboro, VA. The only instance where county students are required to wear masks is on the school bus because of a federal mandate related to public transportation. School Superintendent Steven Flynt announced the rescinding of the mask mandate during the board's regular session Tuesday. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes to you. I anticipated more discussion before we voted.. He was referring to how the Georgia Department of Public Health color-codesCOVID-19 concentrations. The school board sent out a letter on July 22 stating the county did not have the legal authority to reject the state-mandated policies. All say theyre waiting for additional guidance from the Virginia Department of Education, the Virginia Department of Health and Governor Ralph Northam. 2022, 12:02 p.m. Paula Gentile helps out as a substitute in Tana Spelman's class at Bishop Elementary in Augusta . You are muzzling our children. We have always tried to be non-political. Otherwise, a 14-day quarantine will be required. McCormick voted against the mandate, saying she believes the decision for students to wear masks should be up to families, not the school administration. Copyright 2021 WVIR. Mask Policy AMI Dates; Augusta School District: Full mask requirement: McCrory School District: Augusta County Public Schools. ", As of its most recent update on Jan. 13, the CDC "recommends universal indoor masking by allstudents (ages 2 years and older), staff, teachers, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status.". The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator Kelly F. Troxell Ed.D., Executive Director of Personnel (540) 245-5107, Section 504 Coordinator Douglas W. Shifflett, Jr. Ed.D, Deputy Superintendent (540) 245-5108. Only two people spoke out in favor of masks. Beloved local eatery, The Pie Chest, closing for good this month, Family of Ukrainian refugees using music to adapt to life in Charlottesville. Glenn Youngkin's executive order that made their decision possible. The Augusta County Board of Supervisors will conduct a Public Hearing at 7 p.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2023, in the Board Meeting Room, Augusta County Government Center, 18 Government Center Lane, Verona, Virginia. Send us your news tip here. The speakers who opposed the policies voiced concerns about safety issues, parental and privacy rights, and religious freedom. New CDC guidance says some counties in our viewing area meet the threshold to put those face coverings back on. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. Bond's letter did say that parents who choose to keep their children home for the full 10-day quarantine period can do so. The Columbia County Board of Education will be withdrawing its requirements for students and faculty to wear face-coverings beginning Sept. 29. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a child-friendly fit. Columbia County . You have permission to edit this article. Between Jan. 4 and 18, Georgia reported over 200,000 new cases, and the map had turned a dark burgundy. People spoke for and against requiring students to wear masks this fall, as the school board previously stated masks would be optional. (844) 698-3261 Free Consultation info@ritchielawfirm.com Case Results Schools, including in Waynesboro and Augusta County, have the freedom to "implement local mask policies." Waynesboro school board members will meet 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Waynesboro High School and are expected to tackle the state's guidelines when discussing the city's reopening plan. Even though mask mandates will not be enforced inside school, masks will still be required on school buses, as well as for staff members and adults inside the school building. I hope youre on the same side.. Fourteen people spoke out against the mandates, citing their fear of heath issues they believe could be caused by masks. Mask Policy Due to recent in local COVID conditions, the advice of our local health department, and school divisions policies, masks are now mandatory for all students, staff, and visitors. "We'll revisit it. Thats because its flu season, masks dont work, and upcoming elections., This is not a joke to any of us, said Rebecca Lotts, who opposes the mandates. Timothy Simmons will take a seat on the Augusta County School Board in January. EVANS, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The decision for Columbia County schools to require masks comes after the district says it has at least 1,000 people at home quarantining, and 296 more students who. Teacher at Dixon Preschool Center Augusta County Public Schools 4.2 The Augusta County School Board unanimously affirmed at its meeting Thursday they would follow the law as now presented to them. The letter continued, we know masking works and applauded children for their efforts in masking in the past school year. "These absences from school will be excused and students will be permitted to make up all missed work," the letter said. Its still a big health problem, she said. If you dont, I dont have a problem with that either.. MORE | Threat puts Thomson High School put on. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Here are a few of them: Blue Ridge Health District vaccination scheduler, Call the BRHD COVID-19 Hotline 434-972-6261. "Arlington Public Schools implemented our mask requirement this school year prior to Gov. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Parent Portal Student registration DOCUMENTS PERSONNEL Acceptable use policy STAFF Portal bGMS construction update RMS Construction Update Our children under 12 years of age are not eligible to be vaccinated, so the best thing to protect them is to continue masking and social distancing, the letter from the local pediatricians said. Your cooperation with this change is expectedand appreciated. Were gonna have to step back, go by the law, and prove them wrong, Ward said. Lawrence County School District: Full mask requirement: Sloan-Hendrix School District: . Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday night. 13 Virginia tops Clemson, snaps losing streak and clinches ACC tournament double-bye, On 'emotional' day, female wrestlers finally get to compete for their own Virginia state title, Former Virginia basketball coach Terry Holland dies after battling Alzheimer's, Buffalo Gap girls basketball team knocks off Rappahannock to reach semis, Augusta County School Board votes against transgender policies, Alaskas Iditarod kicks off with ceremonial start, Dogs, mushers prep for Iditarod as PETA accuses racers of animal abuse, Moscow reportedly threatened new parents in Ukraine: Register your newborns as Russian or else. Timothy Simmons, who represents the Pastures District, said he is in favor of making masks optional. The VDOE did not mandate the mask usage, and Augusta County opted to leave it up to individual students and staff. The school board voted unanimously Aug. 9 to allow the district to change . The school division will also follow the CDCs shortened timeline for those who have toisolateorquarantine. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The rise in COVID cases is also a concern for our local school districts. ", More: Here's how fast the special use permit process has gone for Houff's Churchville pit, More: Resignation of Staunton City Manager Steve Rosenberg: Councilor Mead's remarks. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. About 20 minutes into the school. My recommendation to follow recommendation of the CDC is on the basis of following those who are more knowledgeable than I am regarding information on the pandemic.. Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 cases surge. With this vote, students and staff must still wear masks while in school until Feb. 14. The CDC recommends those with COVID-19 should isolate for five days and, if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving, then wear a mask for fivedays when around others. Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. The superintendent is great, the principal was wonderful. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. Create one. Already have a commenting profile? The developer, Augusta County Public Schools, indicated that the app's privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. There were no specific numbersgiven as far as the number of COVID cases that would make the board consider extending the mandatory mask policy, only a very broad explanation by the board's chair. The community level of Covid-19 in Augusta County is low based on cases and hospitalizations, according to the most recent update from the C.D.C. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Bradshaw said they are not putting an end-date on theprotocol, but that they are continuing to monitor the latest data and consult with experts on the necessary way to proceed. His first item of focus is the rights of parents. //]]> The CDC released this map of the country, which says how your city or county is doing as far as COVID-19 transmission. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. Collins said he worded his motion so it gave a date for going mask optional, but also gave the board its own options. You can cancel at any time. Designed and sold by artists. Im asking for a choice for a virtual option during this surge. I feel like its the parents decision. A sign encourages students, teachers and visitors to wear masks at Ladson Elementary School on Aug. 11, 2021. That is its highest weekly total of the school year. More. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"ndsTchhICxLNjF_dxI18aRlyWnQfS.IeNB3Ql0MS2hM-1800-0"}; Superintendent James Anastasio strongly recommended the board vote in favor of the mandate. All rights reserved. That guidance comes as cases are rising virtually everywhere across the country -- including in the Charlottesville area. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. Shenandoah Valley Center for Advanced Learning, Valley Career & Technical Center49 Hornet RoadFishersville, VA 22939Phone: (540) 245-5002Fax: (540) 885-0407info@valleytech.us. VERONA Officials with Augusta County Public Schools have announced that masks won't be required beginning Monday for students, staff and visitors. Learn More You are now exiting the Augusta County, VA. More than 300 Augusta County students have tested positive for COVID-19 since school started four weeks ago. The Augusta Board of Education voted Wednesday night, 5 to 1, to mandate mask wearing. This is a political scam to see who is going to sit down and shut up, Riverheads student Joshua Cox said . Its why the news isnt sitting well with him and others. Welcher said the number of cases did not show a need for further mask mandates in schools as students return five days a week for in-person instruction. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Kelly F. Troxell Ed.D., Executive Director of Personnel (540) 245-5107, Douglas W. Shifflett, Jr. Her motion died for lack of a second. Augusta County Public Schools reported on its dashboard that the week of Jan. 9 it had 236 total cases of COVID, including 209 among students. Welcher, a licensed nurse and mental health professional, said her child in pre-K came home from school last year with remnants of food, moisture and snot from being forced to wear a face-covering for eight hours. Via has three kids in Augusta County Public Schools and only one of them is old enough to get the shot. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. No parent electing that a mask mandate should not apply to his or her child shall be required to provide a reason or make any certification concerning their childs health or education. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. "In light of those considerations, the practice is to allowconsistencyin how students and staff are treated with respect to mitigation measures.". I feel like everyone should still be wearing masks, vaccinated or not, said Shae Helms, a sophomore at Amherst County High School. More:A month since Rosenberg was forced out, Staunton City Council hasn't secured search firm, More:Staunton man pleads guilty to a string of burglaries, gets nearly 10 years in prison. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta County students will head to school on Tuesday, August 10 wearing masks. But she also says this guidance makes sense because of the more transmissible Delta variant. A child whose parent has elected that he or she is not subject to a mask mandate should not be required to wear a mask under any policy implemented by a teacher, school, school district, the Department of Educationor any other state authority. Columbia County schools decided to make masks optional for students moving forward effective for summer school. Riverheads High School 19 Howardsville Road Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: (540) 337-1921 Fax: (540) 337-0258. I want to work with you. Milestones were waived in 2020 as a result of the chaos caused by the initial outbreak of COVID-19, and the weight of the test was greatly diminished last year. Data Not Collected The developer does not collect any data from this app. In the last five weeks since students returned from winter break, Augusta County Schools have reported 889 positive cases, the highest five-week total of the school year. I was excited not to have them (masks), but then I saw new data said the delta variant could infect people with the vaccine and could result in a spread. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Scotto's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria building up for lease, KFC is bringing back a fan favorite after a nearly 10-year hiatus, Jim Wood urged to surrender vice mayors position, resign, Waynesboro family-owned pig farm embraces sustainable pork production, Newly-opened local fashion boutique celebrates grand opening, Waynesboro City Council appoints RISE co-founder Chanda McGuffin to Waynesboro's Economic Development Authority board, Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office ends affiliation with Reelz TV show 'On Patrol: Live', Staunton boys basketball team suffers season-ending loss to Cave Spring, No. nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask. Get up to 20% off. As we learn more, I am comfortable with yes. They have been in public places and taken place in social gatherings. This a wonderful school district to work, and a beautiful area! Already registered? People are also reading 'Cousin Eddie' display from 'Christmas Vacation' leads to Kentucky police response AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) - "It's just not right to have them mandate it," said 8th grader Jonathan Vasquez. Need a COVID-19 test? Studentswill be permitted to remove masksduring lunch and while outside. Board member Donna Wells stated that the board learned this afternoon that legislation passed earlier this year requires schools to follow CDC recommendations for mask wearing. If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. I was a Title 1 reading teacher and was treated with professionalism and respect. Allegan Public Schools: K-6 masks required; 7-8 TBD; 9-12 optional | Details. Tomorrow marks one week until Columbia County and some Richmond County students start the new year. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. The parents of any child enrolled in an elementary or secondary school or a school based early childcare and educational program may elect for their children not to be subject to any mask mandate in effect at the childs school or educational program. The Augusta County School Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, status as a veteran, national origin, or disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. I think they should still be wearing masks for their safety and everyone elses, said Will Via, a dad from Verona. Masks will return to Augusta County schools this fall. Best for a great weekend. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. Between Dec. 4 and 18, Georgia reported just under 20,000new cases, and most of the state's map was a light-yellow. Still, theres no doubt this will make for some challenging school environments. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. So far this week the school division has reported 85 casesdespite studentsbeing out all week because of a holiday and snow. When voting to rescind the mask mandate, the Augusta County School Board said it would watch COVID numbers in schools and keep the mandate in place if numbers weren't trending in a good direction. Anastasio also said the DOE will require schools to report teacher vaccination status, which will be done anonymously and through a survey. The Governor also stated, "K-12 school districts and charter schools still maintain the right to institute and enforce policies to mitigate against COVID-19 spread including the use of masks." . Over the summer, our children have been maskless, Welcher said. Contact tracing will only be done when there's anoutbreak, which is definedas"10% of a grade level, staff or entire school," per the letter. The Augusta County, VA is not responsible for the content of external sites. Tuesday Columbia County school leaders made their decision on the mask mandate. While the nation's top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some. The policies say schools should allow students to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity. Get notified when the ePaper has been delivered (requires subscription), Augusta Public Schools to enforce mask wearing for all students, staff, visitors, Augusta Public School Board pursues pool testing for reducing pandemic requirements. Please subscribe to keep reading. But the Virginia Department of Health is not making any masking decisions yet. The Augusta County School Board voted 5-1 on Thursday to make masks optional . AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Richmond County Board of Education met Tuesday night to get a COVID update from the superintendent. The delta variant is so very contagious it appears to cause high viral loads even in vaccinated people who become infected.. In light of Virginia's school mask policy change, we have included a list of school districts and their decisions on masking. Make masks mandatory!" Aiken Public Safety officers rushed out to where the overflow crowd was gathered because of meeting room capacity restrictions, and the . As areas around the state see an uptick in COVID-19 cases, with many related to the delta variant, the Virginia Department of Health, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education, released guidance on July 21 that urged masks for all students and staff at elementary schools, regardless of vaccination status. The 2015 election was the last election for all seven seats to appear on the ballot at the same time. On Tuesday, Richmond County Superintendent Kenneth Bradshaw displayed a map of Georgia for the school board and said, "The map tells it all with all that red.". He said universal masking is recommended in schools by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Maine CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, Department of Education, Maine Education Association, Maine School Management Association, Maine School Superintendent Association, Leadership of Augusta Education Association, and pediatric doctors in Augusta and Winthrop who personally sent Anastasio a letter urging the mandate. Please wait for the page to reload. Glenn Youngkin's executive order making masks optional or "any changing negative trends related to our local area health concerns.". To date, they have distributed 20,230 devices. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Virginia (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases rise within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask requirements. Enter your email and password to access comments. You will receive an email to complete the registration. There is [sic] three reasons why COVID cases are going up. Kati McCormick was the only board member to vote against the measure. Photo by Atoms on Unsplash. I want to work with every one of you. Masks will be required for anyone inside Charleston County schools until Oct. 15, 2021. However, counties around the state had already rejected the policies, and lawsuits appear to show funding is not in jeopardy for localities that voted no, according to a report from the Courthouse News Service. Add the 10-digit school phone number and the Augusta County Schools district phone number (540-245-5100) to your phone contacts. While the nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some say its too soon. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a. Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School .
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