VERONA Officials with Augusta County Public Schools have announced that masks won't be required beginning Monday for students, staff and visitors. 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 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. Wayne District representative Tim Swortzel made the motion to make face-coverings optional and North River representative Nicholas Collins seconded. Hope everyone is doing well. Otherwise, a 14-day quarantine will be required. 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. If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes to you. 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. 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. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a child-friendly fit. Parent Portal Student registration DOCUMENTS PERSONNEL Acceptable use policy STAFF Portal bGMS construction update RMS Construction Update 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. 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. Again, we are excited to begin the year and look forward to having our students back. Via has three kids in Augusta County Public Schools and only one of them is old enough to get the shot. Use the form below to reset your password. The policies say schools should allow students to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity. Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. 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. 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. Make masks mandatory!" Aiken Public Safety officers rushed out to where the overflow crowd was gathered because of meeting room capacity restrictions, and the . To get one, go to the subscriptions page. 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. Copyright 2023 WSLS.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Its vaccination that Walensky says will prevent her biggest fear. 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. 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.. The 2015 election was the last election for all seven seats to appear on the ballot at the same time. Afterward, the public spoke and most of the comments were about masks in school. In light of Virginia's school mask policy change, we have included a list of school districts and their decisions on masking. 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. Now it is easier than ever to stay up-to-date with the news. There was a problem saving your notification. Story ideas and tips always welcome. The district had held. 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 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 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 rights reserved. Need a COVID-19 test? 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. Fourteen people spoke out against the mandates, citing their fear of heath issues they believe could be caused by masks. The VDOE did not mandate the mask usage, and Augusta County opted to leave it up to individual students and staff. 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. 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. We do not appreciate it. Between Jan. 4 and 18, Georgia reported over 200,000 new cases, and the map had turned a dark burgundy. Photo by Atoms on Unsplash. Im not real sure how well they work to begin with, Dana Worley, her mom, said. Fennville Public . You have permission to edit this article. Do you all understand that? She asked if it was considered by administration to have a mask mandate for the younger students and recommended for the older students. The letter continued, we know masking works and applauded children for their efforts in masking in the past school year. 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. Many have since returned to school, but the virus continues to spread. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols" . Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. About 20 minutes into the school. The division also said that. Certification or licensure (if required for the position for which you are applying) 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. "If between now and then things go crazy," Shiflett said. Collins said he worded his motion so it gave a date for going mask optional, but also gave the board its own options. 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). Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Augusta County School Boards motion on Wednesday includes flexibility to alter its plans if case numbers change. But othersincluding her momhave a different opinion. 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. That guidance comes as cases are rising virtually everywhere across the country -- including in the Charlottesville area. How to order free testing kits from the government. This a wonderful school district to work, and a beautiful area! Administrators say theyre hearing the same from other parents. Masks will return to Augusta County schools this fall. 5:00 PM Joint Meeting-Augusta County Board of Supervisors and Augusta County . You can cancel at any time. That rose to 206 the following week, but dropped back to 167 the week of Jan. 31. 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. My biggest concern is, I would never go into your home and tell you whats best for your child, McCormick said. nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask. The opportunity to grow professionally is evident there. I was a Title 1 reading teacher and was treated with professionalism and respect. 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. All rights reserved. More. Thank you for visiting the Augusta County, VA. You will be redirected to the destination page below in 0 seconds. "Personally, I would like to see the masks gone," Chairperson David Shiflett said, "but now I dont think is the time.. Face coverings and masks will be optional at Charleston County schools when students return to their classrooms Aug. 18. Sign in or Subscribe Learn More You are now exiting the Augusta County, VA. Board member Martha Witham said masks are the one thing that will keep everyone safe when school starts and they are a small price to pay to get kids back in school full time and to keep everyone safe., This wasnt a quick decision, board member Jennifer Dumond said. Timothy Simmons, who represents the Pastures District, said he is in favor of making masks optional. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"ndsTchhICxLNjF_dxI18aRlyWnQfS.IeNB3Ql0MS2hM-1800-0"}; As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. 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. 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. Over the summer, our children have been maskless, Welcher said. 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. If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. School Board members made the decision Thursday . All say theyre waiting for additional guidance from the Virginia Department of Education, the Virginia Department of Health and Governor Ralph Northam. ", 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. The week of Jan. 17 there were 171 cases. List of Augusta County Public Schools. We fear if we dont have universal masking, the letter stated, there will be outbreaks warranting school closure.. Between Dec. 4 and 18, Georgia reported just under 20,000new cases, and most of the state's map was a light-yellow. What we in public health and science are worried about is the virus and (how many) potential mutations away we are from a very transmissible virus that has the potential to evade our vaccines in terms of how it protects us from severe disease and death, she said. Create one. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. Masks will be required for anyone inside Charleston County schools until Oct. 15, 2021. . Success. The school division will also follow the CDCs shortened timeline for those who have toisolateorquarantine. Allegan Public Schools: K-6 masks required; 7-8 TBD; 9-12 optional | Details. 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. "Arlington Public Schools implemented our mask requirement this school year prior to Gov. Based on current conditions, this is what we need to do to make that happen. 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. People are also reading Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. Anastasio said its easier at all levels since people move around the district. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. In the central Virginia community, as of the July 27 update, here are the following localities in the: The potential for this to be a problem is much, much lower in areas with low amounts of disease, said CDC Director Rochelle Walensky. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. If you can't find the answer, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. 2023 www.newsleader.com. The Augusta Board of Education voted. Find Augusta County, Virginia public schools, including charter schools, k-12, elementary, middle, and high schools. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. 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. Teacher at Dixon Preschool Center Augusta County Public Schools 4.2 . Kristine Welcher, a licensed nurse, speaks out against a mask mandate at Wednesday nights Augusta County School Board meeting at Wilson Memorial High School in Fishersville. Stay Connected . Augusta County Public Schools. Northam's K-12 mask mandate, and we will continue to make decisions that prioritize the health, safety . Glenn Youngkin's executive order that made their decision possible. The Columbia County Board of Education will be withdrawing its requirements for students and faculty to wear face-coverings beginning Sept. 29. 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. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Were gonna have to step back, go by the law, and prove them wrong, Ward said. "In light of those considerations, the practice is to allowconsistencyin how students and staff are treated with respect to mitigation measures.". ", 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). That's why we try our best to make it easy to live in this beautiful place we call home. Pediatric death is rare, but not zero, so its our responsibility to protect all children. There is [sic] three reasons why COVID cases are going up. Tuesday Columbia County school leaders made their decision on the mask mandate. Augusta County residents lead busy lives. Latest trends. School Superintendent Steven Flynt announced the rescinding of the mask mandate during the board's regular session Tuesday. . Verify your phone numbers and contact preferences are correct in Campus Parent > User > Settings > Contact Preferences. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. 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. The superintendent also reminded families that student assessments, such as Georgia Milestones, will count toward student promotion. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols". 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. We reached out to school leaders all over the region. This new science is worrisome and unfortunately warrants an update to our recommendation., RELATED: New CDC guidelines call for masks in schools K-12. The general election was held on November 3, 2015. 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 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. Masks may be removed during lunch and while outside. His first item of focus is the rights of parents. : Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, More: At-home COVID test website launches early. The winners of the 2015 races in the Beverly Manor, Pastures and Middle River Districts served . Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. He said the Maine Department of Education is strongly recommending school in person, universal masking and following other recommendations such as hand washing and staying home when sick. on March 2.Read more about the C.D . We are excited to begin the school year but have some updates and reminders to help prepare our students as they return next week. On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended universal masking in schools at every grade level. 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! Reading Specialist (Former Employee) - Verona, VA - August 12, 2020. 2022, 12:02 p.m. Paula Gentile helps out as a substitute in Tana Spelman's class at Bishop Elementary in Augusta . Lawrence County School District: Full mask requirement: Sloan-Hendrix School District: . It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. 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. CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - It may be time for some of us in Central Virginia to mask back up. AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. All students, staff and volunteers in county schools will wear masks to begin the school year. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The rise in COVID cases is also a concern for our local school districts. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. 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. As we learn more, I am comfortable with yes. He was referring to how the Georgia Department of Public Health color-codesCOVID-19 concentrations. "TheBoard and administration have consideredand reviewedthe continued reduction of positive cases amongourstudentsand staff, as well as recent court rulings, General Assembly action,Executive Order 6, andpendingHealth and Safety Codes Board actionnext week," Bond wrote in an email to The News Leader asking about the decision for staff. About 50 people attended the Augusta. 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. 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. Under the protocol, masks are required for all students, staff and visitors to all school district facilities and on buses, regardless of vaccination status. 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 . Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols". AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Richmond County Board of Education met Tuesday night to get a COVID update from the superintendent. This is a political scam to see who is going to sit down and shut up, Riverheads student Joshua Cox said . 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 biggest questions will be at middle schools, where some students can get the shot and others cant.
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