More. McCormick said she wished the discussion about masking would have been at the business meeting instead. Pediatric death is rare, but not zero, so its our responsibility to protect all children. Administrators say theyre hearing the same from other parents. Augusta County, VA Decision on Masking Goes Against Science & Data 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. Augusta County chose to follow Youngkin's executive order, which states in part: Youngkin's order goes into effect Monday, Jan. 24, but Augusta County's School Board wanted to add additional time to see if the current COVID surge in the area will subside. Afterward, the public spoke and most of the comments were about masks in school. Augusta County Virginia schools quickly go mask optional for all The availability of onsite testing will be of particular help since testing appointments at area providers have been backed up and there are shortages of at-home, rapid tests available for purchase. Studentswill be permitted to remove masksduring lunch and while outside. Beloved local eatery, The Pie Chest, closing for good this month, Family of Ukrainian refugees using music to adapt to life in Charlottesville. 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. Waynesboro school officials still deciding on mask mandate AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. 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. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). That comes days after Staunton and Waynesboro announced their school divisions will continue to require masks to help with COVID-19 mitigation with no end date set for thosemandates. People are also reading 'Cousin Eddie' display from 'Christmas Vacation' leads to Kentucky police response That guidance comes as cases are rising virtually everywhere across the country -- including in the Charlottesville area. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - With the latest surge in COVID cases easing, the Richmond County School System is dropping its mask mandate on campuses starting Tuesday. Augusta County Public Schools | Augusta County, VA Tuesday Columbia County school leaders made their decision on the mask mandate. Published: Jan. 20, 2022 at 7:43 PM PST. Its vaccination that Walensky says will prevent her biggest fear. Over the summer, our children have been maskless, Welcher said. Its equal or worse than in December, and our healthcare workers are drowning, said Tara Mahanes. Please subscribe to continue reading 0 Comments Get local news delivered to your inbox! The CDC released this map of the country, which says how your city or county is doing as far as COVID-19 transmission. Virginia School Mask Policies - Ritchie Law Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. 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. VERONA Officials with Augusta County Public Schools have announced that masks won't be required beginning Monday for students, staff and visitors. Collins said he worded his motion so it gave a date for going mask optional, but also gave the board its own options. Augusta County Public Schools is the organization that operates the public school system in Augusta County, Virginia. Were gonna have to step back, go by the law, and prove them wrong, Ward said. 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.. This is a political scam to see who is going to sit down and shut up, Riverheads student Joshua Cox said . Find Augusta County, Virginia public schools, including charter schools, k-12, elementary, middle, and high schools. List of Augusta County Public Schools. The superintendent also reminded families that student assessments, such as Georgia Milestones, will count toward student promotion. "We have to consider how the mask is affecting them emotionally," Simmons said. School board votes to make masks optional for all students, staff in Augusta County. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. "We'll revisit it. Learn more. Many protest mask mandate in Columbia County schools | WJBF Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. Log in to join the discussion. The week of Jan. 17 there were 171 cases. 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. Campus Parent | Augusta County Public Schools Richmond County students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside. Make masks mandatory!" Aiken Public Safety officers rushed out to where the overflow crowd was gathered because of meeting room capacity restrictions, and the . You can cancel at any time. Augusta County Schools, VA 4+ - App Store 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. Create one. Add the 10-digit school phone number and the Augusta County Schools district phone number (540-245-5100) to your phone contacts. Board member John Ward said they do not want to expose faculty to liability and said hopefully they will see low numbers throughout the start of the school year. ", 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. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols" . I feel like everyone should still be wearing masks, vaccinated or not, said Shae Helms, a sophomore at Amherst County High School. I want to work with every one of you. Local parents, students react to CDC guidance on masks in schools - WSLS ", 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.". All rights reserved. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - The Augusta County School Board voted unanimously Thursday night not to adopt model policies for the treatment of transgender students put forth by the. You have permission to edit this article. 2023 www.newsleader.com. In the meantime, there are many ways for you to get vaccinated in our community. May 19, 2021. The Augusta Board of Education voted. AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. Timothy Simmons, who represents the Pastures District, said he is in favor of making masks optional. Augusta County is still considered to be a community with a high transmission level, with the VDH reporting a 36.4% positivity level in its most recent update. Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 - WHSV Walensky says thats not the case now, and vaccines are very effective. "Personally, I would like to see the masks gone," Chairperson David Shiflett said, "but now I dont think is the time.. Certification or licensure (if required for the position for which you are applying) A month since Rosenberg was forced out, Staunton City Council hasn't secured search firm, Staunton man pleads guilty to a string of burglaries, gets nearly 10 years in prison, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Augusta County Public Schools Where Students Grow Intellectually, Physically, and Emotionally Menu Schools Translate Employment Calendars COVID Info ACPS Podcast Please allow notifications from your school (s). AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. Masks will return to Augusta County schools this fall - NBC29 How to order free testing kits from the government. The school board also voted to follow the contact tracing guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health. I believe in Jesus Christ. on March 2.Read more about the C.D . . Not even fire-engine red Augusta County is on board with Gov. To mask or not to mask? Local schools determine policies - WRDW Via has three kids in Augusta County Public Schools and only one of them is old enough to get the shot. Thank you for visiting the Augusta County, VA. You will be redirected to the destination page below in 0 seconds. But the Virginia Department of Health is not making any masking decisions yet. Data Not Collected The developer does not collect any data from this app. Now. Again, we are excited to begin the year and look forward to having our students back. We are excited to begin the school year but have some updates and reminders to help prepare our students as they return next week. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. The school board met Thursday night to discuss their back-to-school. Verify your phone numbers and contact preferences are correct in Campus Parent > User > Settings > Contact Preferences. This a wonderful school district to work, and a beautiful area! Dr. Flynt tells us plans are dependent on cases staying low and the mask policy . While the nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some say its too soon. I want to work with you. The school division will also follow the CDCs shortened timeline for those who have toisolateorquarantine. But she also says this guidance makes sense because of the more transmissible Delta variant. The policy was part of the districts response to COVID last school year, but now state law prohibits individual school systems from requiring students to wear masks. School Superintendent Steven Flynt announced the rescinding of the mask mandate during the board's regular session Tuesday. New CDC guidance says some counties in our viewing area meet the threshold to put those face coverings back on. Harrisonburg man charged with crimes connected to Jan. 6 attack on U.S. Capitol, Charlie Obaugh RV & Outdoor Student Athlete of the Week. on. "Arlington Public Schools implemented our mask requirement this school year prior to Gov. They have thrived and remained healthy.. New CDC re-masking guidelines say several Central Virginia areas should bring back masks, Youngkin signs universal license recognition law at Richmond barber shop, National Park Service says never push a slower friend down when escaping a bear, V.D.O.T to conduct lane closures on I-95 north in Henrico, Health Minute: First at-home flu and COVID test authorized. Augusta Co. schools to make masks optional on Valentine's Day, with 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 main issue was the recent Commonwealth decision that all schools needed to have a non-discrimination policy in place in regards to transgender students. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols". Augusta County Public Schools18 Government Center LaneVerona, VA 24482Phone: 540-245-5100Fax: 540-245-5115. The school board is elected, and the current superintendent is Dr. Eric Bond. Allegan Public Schools: K-6 masks required; 7-8 TBD; 9-12 optional | Details. Columbia County schools make face masks optional moving forward - WRDW The Columbia County Board of Education will be withdrawing its requirements for students and faculty to wear face-coverings beginning Sept. 29. Enter your email and password to access comments. The goal is to be finished by Jan.31. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. List: West Michigan schools' mask policies | WOODTV.com 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. We have no affiliation up here because we did not want that to interfere, it does not need to interfere with the decisions that we make for our parents and for our kids, but I am going to go against the grain tonight and say that we have got to get a republican governor into the state house this fall, board member Nicholas Collins said. Starting Thursday, masks will be required for students, staff, and visitors to all district facilities and buses, regardless of vaccination status. Becoming a Foster Parent Become a foster parent to a child in need. "These absences from school will be excused and students will be permitted to make up all missed work," the letter said. Some quoted scripture, while others blamed politics. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols". 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. Editor. Don't have a commenting profile? In light of Virginia's school mask policy change, we have included a list of school districts and their decisions on masking. New CDC re-masking guidelines say several Central Virginia - NBC12 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. Already registered? Based on current conditions, this is what we need to do to make that happen. 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. Ensure that the phone number is not blocked in phone settings. Glenn Youngkin's executive order on masks in schools. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) - "It's just not right to have them mandate it," said 8th grader Jonathan Vasquez. With this vote, students and staff must still wear masks while in school until Feb. 14. Between Dec. 4 and 18, Georgia reported just under 20,000new cases, and most of the state's map was a light-yellow. We do not appreciate it. Columbia County schools decided to make masks optional for students moving forward effective for summer school. The Augusta Public Schools will have in-person learning, five days a week. 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. 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. Some people asked what the penalty is for not wearing a mask and the board said they do not have an exact answer at this time. Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. 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. 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. Anastasio also said the DOE will require schools to report teacher vaccination status, which will be done anonymously and through a survey. Washtenaw County schools opt to keep masks on 'until further notice' Public Schools - Augusta County, VA (Enrollment & Calendars) 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. School Board members made the decision Thursday . Between Jan. 4 and 18, Georgia reported over 200,000 new cases, and the map had turned a dark burgundy. I would rather go with safety; I want kids to be in school five days a week.. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. We fear if we dont have universal masking, the letter stated, there will be outbreaks warranting school closure.. Many board members said they are not happy that the decision is out of their hands, and went on to say they want things to change in Richmond. 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. Augusta County School Board reverses course, complies with state on At their meeting. The VDOE did not mandate the mask usage, and Augusta County opted to leave it up to individual students and staff. About 20 minutes into the school board meeting Thursday evening, members went into closed session with its legal council. That's why we try our best to make it easy to live in this beautiful place we call home. 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. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday night. Copyright 2021 WVIR. Augusta County Schools will become mask-optional in three weeks. Bond's letter did say that parents who choose to keep their children home for the full 10-day quarantine period can do so. 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. That is its highest weekly total of the school year. Need a COVID-19 test? All rights reserved. See Offers. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. To date, they have distributed 20,230 devices. Do you all understand that? I feel like its the parents decision. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. In numbers reported throughThursday morning, Augusta County was at 87positive cases this week, with 12 of those at Stuarts Draft High School and 11 more at Stuarts Draft Elementary. Augusta County School Boards motion on Wednesday includes flexibility to alter its plans if case numbers change. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Timothy Simmons will take a seat on the Augusta County School Board in January. Augusta Public Schools to enforce mask wearing for all students, staff 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. Augusta County joins other Valley schools masking up - WHSV 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. Aiken County Public Schools spokesperson Mike Rosier said via email that they will not be mandating masks, citing a memo from South Carolina Superintendent Molly Spearman saying the General Assembly's Proviso 1.108 in the 2021-22 Appropriations Bill prohibits any school district from requiring students or staff to wear a mask. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Wear a mask, wash your hands, stay safe. Copyright 2023 WSLS.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Official transcripts are required at the time of employment. 1:30 PM Community Policy Management Team. I was a Title 1 reading teacher and was treated with professionalism and respect. McDuffie County schools mandate masks; surge hits hospitals hard - WRDW All students, staff and volunteers in county schools will wear masks to begin the school year. How many Columbia County students are following mask rules? - WRDW Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - It may be time for some of us in Central Virginia to mask back up. Weve been saying all along students should be in school and shouldnt be tied to masks, said Conservative Parents of Lynchburg Founder Andrew Glover. 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. There was a problem saving your notification. We reached out to school leaders all over the region. 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. Superintendent James Anastasio strongly recommended the board vote in favor of the mandate. Im asking for a choice for a virtual option during this surge. nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask. Residents | Augusta County, VA As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. Virginias approach to COVID-19 has always been driven by the science, and we continue to emphasize that the only way out of this pandemic is through vaccination., A spokesperson for the Blue Ridge Health District, Jason Elliott, said in an interview with NBC29 last week that it is extremely important -- probably the most important -- to get vaccinated now more than it ever has been before.. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. The Augusta County School Board voted 5-1 on Thursday to make masks optional . Helms added that she would also like to see the masks stay. (844) 698-3261 Free Consultation info@ritchielawfirm.com Case Results The CDC released this map of the country, which says how your city or county is doing as far as COVID-19 transmission. Learn More You are now exiting the Augusta County, VA. 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. //Aiken County Schools eliminate mask mandate | WJBF In a retreat Thursday afternoon at the Augusta County Government Center, the school board voted 5-1 to make masks optional in schools beginning Monday, Feb. 14. 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. Make masks mandatory! Augusta County residents lead busy lives. School board votes to make masks optional for all students, staff in The biggest questions will be at middle schools, where some students can get the shot and others cant. However, in a letter sent to families of students Thursday, Superintendent Eric Bond said masks would be optional for staff Monday as well. 5:00 PM Joint Meeting-Augusta County Board of Supervisors and Augusta County . Copyright 2021 WHSV. The CDC also hasnt said how teachers can know which students are vaccinated or how parents will know which teachers are immunized. Glenn Youngkin's executive order making masks optional or "any changing negative trends related to our local area health concerns.". Parent Portal Student registration DOCUMENTS PERSONNEL Acceptable use policy STAFF Portal bGMS construction update RMS Construction Update The superintendent is great, the principal was wonderful. Otherwise, a 14-day quarantine will be required. McCormick wondered about a remote option for families if they preferred their child not go into school for safety or medical reasons, but Anastasio said there is no plan since the CDC strongly recommends we have students in school. He said school officials may work with some families if there is a medial reason, but the district does not have the resources and staffing to offer a full remote option as it did last school year. It had already been announced that students could go masklessfollowing a vote by the school board in January, but there was some question about whether teachers would still be required to wear masks under requirements fromthe Occupational Health and Safety Administration and the Department of Labor and Industry. Under the protocol, masks are required for all students, staff and visitors to all school district facilities and on buses, regardless of vaccination status. Fennville Public . The speakers who opposed the policies voiced concerns about safety issues, parental and privacy rights, and religious freedom.
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