augusta county schools mask policy augusta county schools mask policy

Your cooperation with this change is expectedand appreciated. On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended universal masking in schools at every grade level. : Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, More: At-home COVID test website launches early. 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. Although most of the discussion at Wednesday nights meeting surrounded the VDOE model treatment of transgender students policies, Kristine Welcher spoke out against masks as a parent of children attending Stuarts Draft schools. The Allegan County Health Department is requiring masks in schools from kindergarten to sixth grade. Its still a big health problem, she said. The winners of the 2015 races in the Beverly Manor, Pastures and Middle River Districts served . Learn More You are now exiting the Augusta County, VA. 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. Certification or licensure (if required for the position for which you are applying) His first item of focus is the rights of parents. 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. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. Do you all understand that? Augusta County Public Schools. 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. 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. By Jessica Mallow. 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 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." Wear a mask, wash your hands, stay safe. The numbers have fluctuated within the school division. Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. All rights reserved. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. A sign encourages students, teachers and visitors to wear masks at Ladson Elementary School on Aug. 11, 2021. 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. "These absences from school will be excused and students will be permitted to make up all missed work," the letter said. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. The district had held. Again, we are excited to begin the year and look forward to having our students back. {{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. I hope youre on the same side.. 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. 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). Make masks mandatory!" Aiken Public Safety officers rushed out to where the overflow crowd was gathered because of meeting room capacity restrictions, and the . Northam's K-12 mask mandate, and we will continue to make decisions that prioritize the health, safety . 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. "Not seeing facial expressions. Anastasio said its easier at all levels since people move around the district. Im asking for a choice for a virtual option during this surge. 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. While the nation's top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. Studentswill be permitted to remove masksduring lunch and while outside. I think they should still be wearing masks for their safety and everyone elses, said Will Via, a dad from Verona. Masks may be removed during lunch and while outside. Otherwise, a 14-day quarantine will be required. The delta variant is so very contagious it appears to cause high viral loads even in vaccinated people who become infected.. "In light of those considerations, the practice is to allowconsistencyin how students and staff are treated with respect to mitigation measures.". Pediatric death is rare, but not zero, so its our responsibility to protect all children. 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. 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! 2022, 12:02 p.m. Paula Gentile helps out as a substitute in Tana Spelman's class at Bishop Elementary in Augusta . Accommodations will be made for students and employees unable to wear a mask for documented medical reasons. About 50 people attended the Augusta. 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. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. Use the form below to reset your password. 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. Another potential headache: the CDC is still recommending schools continue to space kids out and keep their desks three feet apart. Due to recent in local COVID conditions,the advice of our local health department, and school divisions policies, masks are now mandatory for all students, staff, and visitors. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - Augusta County Public Schools is set to become mask-optional in three weeks. 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. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols". Now it is easier than ever to stay up-to-date with the news. Copyright 2021 WHSV. The CDC released this map of the country, which says how your city or county is doing as far as COVID-19 transmission. Don't have a commenting profile? 1:30 PM Community Policy Management Team. Richmond County students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside. They have thrived and remained healthy.. AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. 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.. But othersincluding her momhave a different opinion. That is its highest weekly total of the school year. . The school board met Thursday night to discuss their back-to-school. 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 main issue was the recent Commonwealth decision that all schools needed to have a non-discrimination policy in place in regards to transgender students. Tomorrow marks one week until Columbia County and some Richmond County students start the new year. All rights reserved. . 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. If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558. In light of Virginia's school mask policy change, we have included a list of school districts and their decisions on masking. Designed and sold by artists. School board votes to make masks optional for all students, staff in Augusta County. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. Lawrence County School District: Full mask requirement: Sloan-Hendrix School District: . North River representative Nick Collins made the motion Thursday, which gives the school board a chance to reevaluate the decision in the coming weeks if there are any legal challenges to Virginia Gov. Timothy Simmons, who represents the Pastures District, said he is in favor of making masks optional. 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). All rights reserved. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. Waynesboro Public Schools followed the VDHs guidance and voted earlier this week to mandate masks for elementary students and staff. 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. There was a problem saving your notification. If you want to wear one, I dont see a problem with that. Login. Regardless of vaccination status, the Augusta Public Schools will require masks for people entering its buildings next school year. Below you will find several links to helpful resources for our residents. Teacher at Dixon Preschool Center Augusta County Public Schools 4.2 We have always tried to be non-political. Collins said he worded his motion so it gave a date for going mask optional, but also gave the board its own options. All rights reserved. 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. 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. While the nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some say its too soon. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. That rose to 206 the following week, but dropped back to 167 the week of Jan. 31. Need a COVID-19 test? All say theyre waiting for additional guidance from the Virginia Department of Education, the Virginia Department of Health and Governor Ralph Northam. That guidance comes as cases are rising virtually everywhere across the country -- including in the Charlottesville area. Washtenaw County schools opt to keep masks on 'until further notice' . . He was referring to how the Georgia Department of Public Health color-codesCOVID-19 concentrations. 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. AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. Stay Connected . Learn more. ", 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.". However, in a letter sent to families of students Thursday, Superintendent Eric Bond said masks would be optional for staff Monday as well. "If between now and then things go crazy," Shiflett said. Log in to join the discussion. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"ndsTchhICxLNjF_dxI18aRlyWnQfS.IeNB3Ql0MS2hM-1800-0"}; MORE | Threat puts Thomson High School put on. Find Augusta County, Virginia public schools, including charter schools, k-12, elementary, middle, and high schools. The school board is elected, and the current superintendent is Dr. Eric Bond. Students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside. The week of Jan. 17 there were 171 cases. They have been in public places and taken place in social gatherings. Create one. 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. People are also reading 'Cousin Eddie' display from 'Christmas Vacation' leads to Kentucky police response 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. Some quoted scripture, while others blamed politics. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. Kortney joined the 10 News team as a Lynchburg Bureau Reporter in May 2021. But she also says this guidance makes sense because of the more transmissible Delta variant. Were gonna have to step back, go by the law, and prove them wrong, Ward said. Verify your phone numbers and contact preferences are correct in Campus Parent > User > Settings > Contact Preferences. 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. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. The Augusta County School Board held a special session on July 29th to discuss what turned out to be two issues. That's why we try our best to make it easy to live in this beautiful place we call home. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Best for a great weekend. Story ideas and tips always welcome. 2023 www.newsleader.com. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. 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. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. 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. If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. 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. 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. Although theres not yet an indoor mask mandate in Virginia, the CDC says there should be. Beloved local eatery, The Pie Chest, closing for good this month, Family of Ukrainian refugees using music to adapt to life in Charlottesville. You can cancel at any time. Harrisonburg man charged with crimes connected to Jan. 6 attack on U.S. Capitol, Charlie Obaugh RV & Outdoor Student Athlete of the Week. 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. 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. Sign up for breaking news alerts. 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. Augusta County Public Schools18 Government Center LaneVerona, VA 24482Phone: 540-245-5100Fax: 540-245-5115. Over the summer, our children have been maskless, Welcher said. He said "lots of parents" had reached out to him saying masks had created emotional damage for their children. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. ", More: Here's how fast the special use permit process has gone for Houff's Churchville pit, More: Resignation of Staunton City Manager Steve Rosenberg: Councilor Mead's remarks. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Richmond County Board of Education met Tuesday night to get a COVID update from the superintendent. How to order free testing kits from the government. Ensure that the phone number is not blocked in phone settings. In the meantime, there are many ways for you to get vaccinated in our community. Augusta County Schools will become mask-optional in three weeks. More: Augusta schools' 1:1 tech rollout under way, benefiting students who have gone without. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. So far this week the school division has reported 85 casesdespite studentsbeing out all week because of a holiday and snow. Please subscribe to keep reading. Superintendent James Anastasio strongly recommended the board vote in favor of the mandate. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes to you. Shenandoah Valley Center for Advanced Learning, Valley Career & Technical Center49 Hornet RoadFishersville, VA 22939Phone: (540) 245-5002Fax: (540) 885-0407info@valleytech.us. "Personally, I would like to see the masks gone," Chairperson David Shiflett said, "but now I dont think is the time.. The goal is to be finished by Jan.31. We do not appreciate it. Masks have been and continue to be required on all Georgia school buses. Timothy Simmons will take a seat on the Augusta County School Board in January. 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. Data Not Collected The developer does not collect any data from this app. Still, theres no doubt this will make for some challenging school environments. 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. The division also said that. If you can't find the answer, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. Walensky says thats not the case now, and vaccines are very effective. Augusta County Public Schools is the organization that operates the public school system in Augusta County, Virginia. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. All rights reserved. Rules for school Masks have been mandated for all students, staff and visitors at all Richmond County School System facilities and on school buses, regardless of vaccination status. Between Dec. 4 and 18, Georgia reported just under 20,000new cases, and most of the state's map was a light-yellow. May 19, 2021. The general election was held on November 3, 2015. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a child-friendly fit. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. Photo by Atoms on Unsplash. If you dont, I dont have a problem with that either.. McClintock said they hope to get the cameras within the next month. The speakers who opposed the policies voiced concerns about safety issues, parental and privacy rights, and religious freedom. Glenn Youngkin's executive order making masks optional or "any changing negative trends related to our local area health concerns.". 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 COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. Kortney Lockey, Lynchburg Bureau - Multimedia Journalist. Please subscribe to continue reading 0 Comments Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. 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. 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. on March 2.Read more about the C.D . The superintendent is great, the principal was wonderful. I want to work with you. You are muzzling our children. 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. Fourteen people spoke out against the mandates, citing their fear of heath issues they believe could be caused by masks. New CDC guidance says some counties in our viewing area meet the threshold to put those face coverings back on. Please wait for the page to reload. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. Sign in or Subscribe 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. 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. Thank you for visiting the Augusta County, VA. You will be redirected to the destination page below in 0 seconds. Patrick Hite is The News Leader's educationreporter. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. 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. Get up to 20% off. Editor. "Arlington Public Schools implemented our mask requirement this school year prior to Gov. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. 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 . More:A month since Rosenberg was forced out, Staunton City Council hasn't secured search firm, More:Staunton man pleads guilty to a string of burglaries, gets nearly 10 years in prison. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The rise in COVID cases is also a concern for our local school districts. The opportunity to grow professionally is evident there. McCormick said she wished the discussion about masking would have been at the business meeting instead. CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - It may be time for some of us in Central Virginia to mask back up. Only two people spoke out in favor of masks. 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. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School . We are excited to begin the school year but have some updates and reminders to help prepare our students as they return next week. McCormick voted against the mandate, saying she believes the decision for students to wear masks should be up to families, not the school administration. See Offers. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. Now. I want to work with every one of you. VERONA Officials with Augusta County Public Schools have announced that masks won't be required beginning Monday for students, staff and visitors. Face coverings and masks will be optional at Charleston County schools when students return to their classrooms Aug. 18. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy. 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. I believe in Jesus Christ. Many have since returned to school, but the virus continues to spread. To date, they have distributed 20,230 devices. At their meeting. Administrators say theyre hearing the same from other parents. People are also reading 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. 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.