"We'll revisit it. People spoke for and against requiring students to wear masks this fall, as the school board previously stated masks would be optional. Between Jan. 4 and 18, Georgia reported over 200,000 new cases, and the map had turned a dark burgundy. 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. Heres why. 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. In rare occasions, some vaccinated people infected with the Delta variants after vaccination may be contagious and spread the virus to others, she said. Photo by Atoms on Unsplash. VERONA Officials with Augusta County Public Schools have announced that masks won't be required beginning Monday for students, staff and visitors. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols" . 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. Other board members shared their reasoning for voting in favor of the mask mandate. Weve been saying all along students should be in school and shouldnt be tied to masks, said Conservative Parents of Lynchburg Founder Andrew Glover. 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 are muzzling our children. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. This new science is worrisome and unfortunately warrants an update to our recommendation., RELATED: New CDC guidelines call for masks in schools K-12. Albemarle County Public Schools announced Monday that it continue to comply with the state law that masks be worn by all students in all schools and facilities. 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. 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. I want to work with every one of you. AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. With this vote, students and staff must still wear masks while in school until Feb. 14. Glenn Youngkin's executive order making masks optional or "any changing negative trends related to our local area health concerns.". Now. Story ideas and tips always welcome. @NBC29 pic.twitter.com/L8eS6n0bxz. Make masks mandatory!" Aiken Public Safety officers rushed out to where the overflow crowd was gathered because of meeting room capacity restrictions, and the . 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. All rights reserved. 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. Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. 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. This is a political scam to see who is going to sit down and shut up, Riverheads student Joshua Cox said . AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. 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. Data Not Collected The developer does not collect any data from this app. "If between now and then things go crazy," Shiflett said. Kortney joined the 10 News team as a Lynchburg Bureau Reporter in May 2021. I want to work with you. Kati McCormick was the only board member to vote against the measure. The Augusta County School Board is a seven-member board elected by district to four-year terms. The 2015 election was the last election for all seven seats to appear on the ballot at the same time. Anastasio said its easier at all levels since people move around the district. 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. {{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. About 20 minutes into the school board meeting Thursday evening, members went into closed session with its legal council. Augusta County Schools will become mask-optional in three weeks. 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. Best for a great weekend. 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. Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent (540) 245-5108, Where Students Grow Intellectually, Physically, and Emotionally. Now it is easier than ever to stay up-to-date with the news. Stay Connected . Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. 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. CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - It may be time for some of us in Central Virginia to mask back up. 2022, 12:02 p.m. Paula Gentile helps out as a substitute in Tana Spelman's class at Bishop Elementary in Augusta . Masks are still required on buses per federal law. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. Already registered? The superintendent also reminded families that student assessments, such as Georgia Milestones, will count toward student promotion. Glenn Youngkin's executive order that made their decision possible. Timothy Simmons will take a seat on the Augusta County School Board in January. In the meantime, there are many ways for you to get vaccinated in our community. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a. Afterward, the public spoke and most of the comments were about masks in school. 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.. . Make masks mandatory! While the nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some say its too soon. We have always tried to be non-political. Fourteen people spoke out against the mandates, citing their fear of heath issues they believe could be caused by masks. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. Here are a few of them: Blue Ridge Health District vaccination scheduler, Call the BRHD COVID-19 Hotline 434-972-6261. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday night. 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." The week of Jan. 17 there were 171 cases. 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. Again, we are excited to begin the year and look forward to having our students back. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. : Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, More: At-home COVID test website launches early. The Augusta County, VA is not responsible for the content of external sites. "These absences from school will be excused and students will be permitted to make up all missed work," the letter said. The opportunity to grow professionally is evident there. Another potential headache: the CDC is still recommending schools continue to space kids out and keep their desks three feet apart. Copyright 2021 WHSV. VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks. 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. 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. Based on current conditions, this is what we need to do to make that happen. All say theyre waiting for additional guidance from the Virginia Department of Education, the Virginia Department of Health and Governor Ralph Northam. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. If you dont, I dont have a problem with that either.. Augusta County residents lead busy lives. 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. On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended universal masking in schools at every grade level. Studentswill be permitted to remove masksduring lunch and while outside. . All rights reserved. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The rise in COVID cases is also a concern for our local school districts. Pediatric death is rare, but not zero, so its our responsibility to protect all children. Tuesday Columbia County school leaders made their decision on the mask mandate. 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. Tomorrow marks one week until Columbia County and some Richmond County students start the new 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. "Not seeing facial expressions. Under the protocol, masks are required for all students, staff and visitors to all school district facilities and on buses, regardless of vaccination status. Hope everyone is doing well. Your cooperation with this change is expectedand appreciated. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"ndsTchhICxLNjF_dxI18aRlyWnQfS.IeNB3Ql0MS2hM-1800-0"}; Please subscribe to continue reading 0 Comments Get local news delivered to your inbox! The school district will not have to pay for them so long as theysign an agreement to keep the cameras up for five years. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. Although theres not yet an indoor mask mandate in Virginia, the CDC says there should be. The Augusta Board of Education voted Wednesday night, 5 to 1, to mandate mask wearing. Certification or licensure (if required for the position for which you are applying) 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. You can cancel at any time. 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. Masks will be required for anyone inside Charleston County schools until Oct. 15, 2021. Augusta County Public Schools is the organization that operates the public school system in Augusta County, Virginia. 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. She asked if it was considered by administration to have a mask mandate for the younger students and recommended for the older students. "Arlington Public Schools implemented our mask requirement this school year prior to Gov. This huge statewide spike, and the 29schools that were shifted to distance learning in Richmond County, led to the school board's reaffirming its mask mandate Tuesday. 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. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. School Board members made the decision Thursday . Washtenaw County schools opt to keep masks on 'until further notice' . Timothy Simmons, who represents the Pastures District, said he is in favor of making masks optional. Some quoted scripture, while others blamed politics. The district had held. 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 general election was held on November 3, 2015. By Jessica Mallow. 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. Chief Technology OfficerCarolyn McCord provided an update on the school district's 1:1 initiative, PowerUp, which will supply every student with the use of a laptop with internet connectivity. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes to you. Several attendees at Tuesday night's Aiken County school board meeting jumped at the sound of a woman outside the meeting room shouting, "Make masks mandatory! ", 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.". 0:57. More: Augusta schools' 1:1 tech rollout under way, benefiting students who have gone without. About 50 people attended the Augusta. "Personally, I would like to see the masks gone," Chairperson David Shiflett said, "but now I dont think is the time.. They have thrived and remained healthy.. Create one. That is its highest weekly total of the school year. 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. To be considered for employment, you must provide the following: A completed online application Transcripts or high school diploma (if required for the position for which you are applying). Patrick Hite is The News Leader's educationreporter. All rights reserved. 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. 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. All rights reserved. Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, At-home COVID test website launches early. So far this week the school division has reported 85 casesdespite studentsbeing out all week because of a holiday and snow. At their meeting. Shenandoah Valley Center for Advanced Learning, Valley Career & Technical Center49 Hornet RoadFishersville, VA 22939Phone: (540) 245-5002Fax: (540) 885-0407info@valleytech.us. Sign in or Subscribe 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. My biggest concern is, I would never go into your home and tell you whats best for your child, McCormick said. 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. 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. 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. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). 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. More than 300 Augusta County students have tested positive for COVID-19 since school started four weeks ago. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. 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. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Richmond County Board of Education met Tuesday night to get a COVID update from the superintendent. Latest trends. Login. I feel like its the parents decision. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. The CDC also hasnt said how teachers can know which students are vaccinated or how parents will know which teachers are immunized. Northam's K-12 mask mandate, and we will continue to make decisions that prioritize the health, safety . If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. Starting Thursday, masks will be required for students, staff, and visitors to all district facilities and buses, regardless of vaccination status. I anticipated more discussion before we voted.. 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. Im asking for a choice for a virtual option during this surge. The letter continued, we know masking works and applauded children for their efforts in masking in the past school year. Students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside. School boards are required by state law to enact the policies for the 2021-22. As we learn more, I am comfortable with yes. Below you will find several links to helpful resources for our residents. Shop the collection. See Offers. Anastasio also said the DOE will require schools to report teacher vaccination status, which will be done anonymously and through a survey. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday evening. In light of Virginia's school mask policy change, we have included a list of school districts and their decisions on masking. 5:00 PM Joint Meeting-Augusta County Board of Supervisors and Augusta County . 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. on March 2.Read more about the C.D . The Augusta County School Board voted 5-1 on Thursday to make masks optional . Learn more. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School . Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. 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. 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. Copyright 2021 WVIR. 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. Harrisonburg man charged with crimes connected to Jan. 6 attack on U.S. Capitol, Charlie Obaugh RV & Outdoor Student Athlete of the Week. The Augusta County School Board unanimously affirmed at its meeting Thursday they would follow the law as now presented to them. 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.". ", 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. Wayne District representative Tim Swortzel made the motion to make face-coverings optional and North River representative Nicholas Collins seconded. May 19, 2021. 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. Please wait for the page to reload. [CDATA[ 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. on. Subscribe to usat newsleader.com. Heritage Pharma plans to start testing Monday, Jan. 24, and families are asked to stay tuned for more details. But othersincluding her momhave a different opinion. The Augusta Board of Education voted. 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. 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. Its equal or worse than in December, and our healthcare workers are drowning, said Tara Mahanes. 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. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols". 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. Masks will return to Augusta County schools this fall. The school board is elected, and the current superintendent is Dr. Eric Bond. School board votes to make masks optional for all students, staff in Augusta County. Columbia County . The school board voted unanimously Aug. 9 to allow the district to change . His first item of focus is the rights of parents. 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. I feel like everyone should still be wearing masks, vaccinated or not, said Shae Helms, a sophomore at Amherst County High School. VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks. Copyright 2023 WSLS.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. 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. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. 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. That guidance comes as cases are rising virtually everywhere across the country -- including in the Charlottesville area. The biggest questions will be at middle schools, where some students can get the shot and others cant. //
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