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Her motion died for lack of a second. Not even fire-engine red Augusta County is on board with Gov. . Augusta County residents fill Wilson Memorial High School's auditorium on Wednesdaynight for a school board meeting where transgender policies and a mask mandate were voted on. Copyright 2021 WVIR. I was a Title 1 reading teacher and was treated with professionalism and respect. Ensure that the phone number is not blocked in phone settings. 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. 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. 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. I hope youre on the same side.. 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. 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. May 19, 2021. The numbers have fluctuated within the school division. The Augusta Board of Education voted. Face coverings and masks will be optional at Charleston County schools when students return to their classrooms Aug. 18. 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 . See Offers. 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. His first item of focus is the rights of parents. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. Administrators say theyre hearing the same from other parents. Afterward, the public spoke and most of the comments were about masks in school. My biggest concern is, I would never go into your home and tell you whats best for your child, McCormick said. Pediatric death is rare, but not zero, so its our responsibility to protect all children. 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. People spoke for and against requiring students to wear masks this fall, as the school board previously stated masks would be optional. 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. 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. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) - "It's just not right to have them mandate it," said 8th grader Jonathan Vasquez. Now it is easier than ever to stay up-to-date with the news. Under the protocol, masks are required for all students, staff and visitors to all school district facilities and on buses, regardless of vaccination status. Dr. Flynt tells us plans are dependent on cases staying low and the mask policy . Make masks mandatory!" Aiken Public Safety officers rushed out to where the overflow crowd was gathered because of meeting room capacity restrictions, and the . All rights reserved. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols" . 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. Verify your phone numbers and contact preferences are correct in Campus Parent > User > Settings > Contact Preferences. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Its still a big health problem, she said. Some quoted scripture, while others blamed politics. Bond's letter did say that parents who choose to keep their children home for the full 10-day quarantine period can do so. 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. They have been in public places and taken place in social gatherings. Data Not Collected The developer does not collect any data from this app. Here's how fast the special use permit process has gone for Houff's Churchville pit, Resignation of Staunton City Manager Steve Rosenberg: Councilor Mead's remarks, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols". MORE: Mask Mandates Are Hot Topic at Columbia County School Board Meeting Collins said he worded his motion so it gave a date for going mask optional, but also gave the board its own options. The opportunity to grow professionally is evident there. https://www.augusta.k12.va.us School boards are required by state law to enact the policies for the 2021-22. "We'll revisit it. The school board also voted to follow the contact tracing guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health. How to order free testing kits from the government. The superintendent is great, the principal was wonderful. If you dont, I dont have a problem with that either.. In light of Virginia's school mask policy change, we have included a list of school districts and their decisions on masking. The school board met Thursday night to discuss their back-to-school. Augusta County Schools will become mask-optional in three weeks. Its vaccination that Walensky says will prevent her biggest fear. Via has three kids in Augusta County Public Schools and only one of them is old enough to get the shot. "Personally, I would like to see the masks gone," Chairperson David Shiflett said, "but now I dont think is the time.. 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. Still, theres no doubt this will make for some challenging school environments. Fennville Public . CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - It may be time for some of us in Central Virginia to mask back up. Studentswill be permitted to remove masksduring lunch and while outside. ", 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). As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes to you. 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. The division also said that. The superintendent also reminded families that student assessments, such as Georgia Milestones, will count toward student promotion. The CDC also says all schools should have universal masking, which is something Albemarle County Public Schools are already planning to do, and Charlottesvilles school board could vote to do in early August. Designed and sold by artists. Don't have a commenting profile? Shenandoah Valley Center for Advanced Learning, Valley Career & Technical Center49 Hornet RoadFishersville, VA 22939Phone: (540) 245-5002Fax: (540) 885-0407info@valleytech.us. Accommodations will be made for students and employees unable to wear a mask for documented medical reasons. If you can't find the answer, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. 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. But othersincluding her momhave a different opinion. Published: Jan. 20, 2022 at 7:43 PM PST. You will receive an email to complete the registration. About 20 minutes into the school. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. Other board members shared their reasoning for voting in favor of the mask mandate. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. 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. 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. {{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. More than 300 Augusta County students have tested positive for COVID-19 since school started four weeks ago. Below you will find several links to helpful resources for our residents. 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. Best for a great weekend. 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. About 20 minutes into the school board meeting Thursday evening, members went into closed session with its legal council. 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. We do not appreciate it. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. Following the publics comments, board member Donna Wells stated that the board learned just this afternoon that Senate Bill 1303 passed earlier this year requires schools to follow CDC recommendations, which recommends masks for teachers, students and staff inside. The week of Jan. 17 there were 171 cases. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. Do you have a story idea? How to order free testing kits from the government, Augusta schools' 1:1 tech rollout under way, benefiting students who have gone without, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. 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. Heres why. The Augusta County School Board voted 5-1 on Thursday to make masks optional . Columbia County schools decided to make masks optional for students moving forward effective for summer school. However, in a letter sent to families of students Thursday, Superintendent Eric Bond said masks would be optional for staff Monday as well. Mask Policy AMI Dates; Augusta School District: Full mask requirement: McCrory School District: 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.. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. Learn More You are now exiting the Augusta County, VA. 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. 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. "Not seeing facial expressions. New CDC guidance says some counties in our viewing area meet the threshold to put those face coverings back on. You can cancel at any time. . nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask. Please subscribe to keep reading. Success. The letter continued, we know masking works and applauded children for their efforts in masking in the past school year. The school board voted unanimously Aug. 9 to allow the district to change . Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. The winners of the 2015 races in the Beverly Manor, Pastures and Middle River Districts served . Augusta County residents lead busy lives. "We have to consider how the mask is affecting them emotionally," Simmons said. 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. Becoming a Foster Parent Become a foster parent to a child in need. I would rather go with safety; I want kids to be in school five days a week.. 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. Please wait for the page to reload. All students, staff and volunteers in county schools will wear masks to begin the school year. Columbia County . Beloved local eatery, The Pie Chest, closing for good this month, Family of Ukrainian refugees using music to adapt to life in Charlottesville. "In light of those considerations, the practice is to allowconsistencyin how students and staff are treated with respect to mitigation measures.". MORE | Threat puts Thomson High School put on. 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. Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. The policies say schools should allow students to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity. 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. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. The Augusta County School Board held a special session on July 29th to discuss what turned out to be two issues. The biggest questions will be at middle schools, where some students can get the shot and others cant. Superintendent James Anastasio strongly recommended the board vote in favor of the mandate. The Allegan County Health Department is requiring masks in schools from kindergarten to sixth grade. 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. The CDC released this map of the country, which says how your city or county is doing as far as COVID-19 transmission. List of Augusta County Public Schools. Walensky says thats not the case now, and vaccines are very effective. Wayne District representative Tim Swortzel made the motion to make face-coverings optional and North River representative Nicholas Collins seconded. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. Timothy Simmons, who represents the Pastures District, said he is in favor of making masks optional. on March 2.Read more about the C.D . 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. I feel like everyone should still be wearing masks, vaccinated or not, said Shae Helms, a sophomore at Amherst County High School. 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. All rights reserved. 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. 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. A sign encourages students, teachers and visitors to wear masks at Ladson Elementary School on Aug. 11, 2021. The school district will not have to pay for them so long as theysign an agreement to keep the cameras up for five years. Glenn Youngkin's executive order making masks optional or "any changing negative trends related to our local area health concerns.". The board voted to confirm that they will abide by the law, but members went on to say they would like to write to Richmond and shake the tree.. [CDATA[ Board Chairperson Amanda Olson told McCormick there had been more of a discussion for the mask mandate at a board workshop a couple of weeks earlier, which McCormick did not attend. 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. He said the basis for his recommendation came from the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention, among other scientific studies, and said he would only make an unpopular decision on the err of safety., Im an experienced educator; I dont have medical training; I dont pretend to know what professionals in the medical field do, Anastasio said. I want to work with every one of you. The Columbia County Board of Education will be withdrawing its requirements for students and faculty to wear face-coverings beginning Sept. 29. Parent Portal Student registration DOCUMENTS PERSONNEL Acceptable use policy STAFF Portal bGMS construction update RMS Construction Update Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - Augusta County Public Schools is set to become mask-optional in three weeks. Log in to join the discussion. The Virginia Department of Health reported 113 new COVID cases in Augusta County Thursday, the highest one-day total since Feb. 4. Subscribe to usat newsleader.com. Students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside. Augusta County School Boards motion on Wednesday includes flexibility to alter its plans if case numbers change. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. 0:57. By Jessica Mallow. At their meeting. Copyright 2021 WVIR. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta County students will head to school on Tuesday, August 10 wearing masks. Timothy Simmons will take a seat on the Augusta County School Board in January. Were gonna have to step back, go by the law, and prove them wrong, Ward said. VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. on. If you want to wear one, I dont see a problem with that. Create one. Kati McCormick was the only board member to vote against the measure. Patrick Hite is The News Leader's educationreporter. Weve been saying all along students should be in school and shouldnt be tied to masks, said Conservative Parents of Lynchburg Founder Andrew Glover. Harrisonburg man charged with crimes connected to Jan. 6 attack on U.S. Capitol, Charlie Obaugh RV & Outdoor Student Athlete of the Week. 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. 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. 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. About 50 people attended the Augusta. Virginia Public Schools are required by law to enforce mask mandates, and the State Health Commissioner has made it clear that masks are required to be worn by everyone inside the schools. Add the 10-digit school phone number and the Augusta County Schools district phone number (540-245-5100) to your phone contacts. 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. Anastasio said its easier at all levels since people move around the district. 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." Its why the news isnt sitting well with him and others. There was a problem saving your notification. On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended universal masking in schools at every grade level. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. Teacher at Dixon Preschool Center Augusta County Public Schools 4.2 Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 cases surge. As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. Lawrence County School District: Full mask requirement: Sloan-Hendrix School District: . While the nation's top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some. Masks may be removed during lunch and while outside. That guidance comes as cases are rising virtually everywhere across the country -- including in the Charlottesville area. The Augusta County School Board unanimously affirmed at its meeting Thursday they would follow the law as now presented to them. You have permission to edit this article. 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. He said "lots of parents" had reached out to him saying masks had created emotional damage for their children. That is its highest weekly total of the school year. . It was heated at times - like when people called board members cowards for wearing masks and forcing students to wear them. Use the form below to reset your password. The Augusta Public Schools will have in-person learning, five days a week. Starting on Jan. 24, Highland County Public Schools says masks will be recommended to protect students and staff amid a high number of COVID-19 cases in the county. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Virginia (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases rise within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask requirements. We have always tried to be non-political. Otherwise, a 14-day quarantine will be required. They have thrived and remained healthy.. The school board is elected, and the current superintendent is Dr. Eric Bond. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. School Board members made the decision Thursday . He shared the letter from the pediatricians at the board meeting. 2023 www.newsleader.com. Only two people spoke out in favor of masks. Allegan Public Schools: K-6 masks required; 7-8 TBD; 9-12 optional | Details. I anticipated more discussion before we voted.. All rights reserved. Tuesday Columbia County school leaders made their decision on the mask mandate. "Arlington Public Schools implemented our mask requirement this school year prior to Gov. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. While the nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some say its too soon. The developer, Augusta County Public Schools, indicated that the app's privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. 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. Washtenaw County schools opt to keep masks on 'until further notice' . 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. Sign in or Subscribe But the Virginia Department of Health is not making any masking decisions yet. Many have since returned to school, but the virus continues to spread. Certification or licensure (if required for the position for which you are applying) The Augusta County, VA is not responsible for the content of external sites. (844) 698-3261 Free Consultation info@ritchielawfirm.com Case Results Already registered? 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. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday evening.