The Augusta County School Board is a seven-member board elected by district to four-year terms. CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - It may be time for some of us in Central Virginia to mask back up. While the nation's top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some. AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. 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. You are muzzling our children. Not even fire-engine red Augusta County is on board with Gov. That's why we try our best to make it easy to live in this beautiful place we call home. 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. I want to work with every one of you. . Were gonna have to step back, go by the law, and prove them wrong, Ward said. 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. "If between now and then things go crazy," Shiflett said. More. 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. The Virginia Department of Health reported 113 new COVID cases in Augusta County Thursday, the highest one-day total since Feb. 4. The VDOE did not mandate the mask usage, and Augusta County opted to leave it up to individual students and staff. Login. Below you will find several links to helpful resources for our residents. Patrick Hite is The News Leader's education and sports reporter. Afterward, the public spoke and most of the comments were about masks in school. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a. . //]]> Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School . Heritage Pharma plans to start testing Monday, Jan. 24, and families are asked to stay tuned for more details. 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. I want to work with you. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. Kortney joined the 10 News team as a Lynchburg Bureau Reporter in May 2021. 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. 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. Augusta County Public Schools Where Students Grow Intellectually, Physically, and Emotionally Menu Schools Translate Employment Calendars COVID Info ACPS Podcast Please allow notifications from your school (s). AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. 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. In a retreat Thursday afternoon at the Augusta County Government Center, the school board voted 5-1 to make masks optional in schools beginning Monday, Feb. 14. The school board met Thursday night to discuss their back-to-school. As we learn more, I am comfortable with yes. MORE | Threat puts Thomson High School put on. The general election was held on November 3, 2015. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. 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. 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. Northam's K-12 mask mandate, and we will continue to make decisions that prioritize the health, safety . 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. 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. "We have to consider how the mask is affecting them emotionally," Simmons said. Photo by Atoms on Unsplash. The Allegan County Health Department is requiring masks in schools from kindergarten to sixth grade. You have permission to edit this article. The Augusta Public Schools will have in-person learning, five days a week. Allegan Public Schools: K-6 masks required; 7-8 TBD; 9-12 optional | Details. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. on. While the nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some say its too soon. 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. To date, they have distributed 20,230 devices. Subscribe to usat newsleader.com. That is its highest weekly total of the school year. Some quoted scripture, while others blamed politics. Wear a mask, wash your hands, stay safe. 5:00 PM Joint Meeting-Augusta County Board of Supervisors and Augusta County . The letter continued, we know masking works and applauded children for their efforts in masking in the past school year. Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. Again, we are excited to begin the year and look forward to having our students back. Masks may be removed during lunch and while outside. 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. Weve been saying all along students should be in school and shouldnt be tied to masks, said Conservative Parents of Lynchburg Founder Andrew Glover. You can cancel at any time. 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 . The CDC released this map of the country, which says how your city or county is doing as far as COVID-19 transmission. The Augusta Board of Education voted. They have been in public places and taken place in social gatherings. 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. 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. About 20 minutes into the school board meeting Thursday evening, members went into closed session with its legal council. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. The Augusta County School Board voted 5-1 on Thursday to make masks optional . Its why the news isnt sitting well with him and others. The CDC released this map of the country, which says how your city or county is doing as far as COVID-19 transmission. 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. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. In rare occasions, some vaccinated people infected with the Delta variants after vaccination may be contagious and spread the virus to others, she said. People spoke for and against requiring students to wear masks this fall, as the school board previously stated masks would be optional. Face coverings and masks will be optional at Charleston County schools when students return to their classrooms Aug. 18. 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.. If you want to wear one, I dont see a problem with that. "We'll revisit it. 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. He was referring to how the Georgia Department of Public Health color-codesCOVID-19 concentrations. Teacher at Dixon Preschool Center Augusta County Public Schools 4.2 If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. In the meantime, there are many ways for you to get vaccinated in our community. 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. Masks will return to Augusta County schools this fall. 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. 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. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday evening. Studentswill be permitted to remove masksduring lunch and while outside. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta County students will head to school on Tuesday, August 10 wearing masks. Waynesboro Public Schools followed the VDHs guidance and voted earlier this week to mandate masks for elementary students and staff. I believe in Jesus Christ. Already have a commenting profile? He said "lots of parents" had reached out to him saying masks had created emotional damage for their children. 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.. Need a COVID-19 test? window.__mirage2 = {petok:"ndsTchhICxLNjF_dxI18aRlyWnQfS.IeNB3Ql0MS2hM-1800-0"}; Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Create one. 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. Shop the collection. Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 cases surge. Certification or licensure (if required for the position for which you are applying) "Personally, I would like to see the masks gone," Chairperson David Shiflett said, "but now I dont think is the time.. 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. Anastasio said its easier at all levels since people move around the district. Its still a big health problem, she said. It was heated at times - like when people called board members cowards for wearing masks and forcing students to wear them. Otherwise, a 14-day quarantine will be required. Over the summer, our children have been maskless, Welcher said. 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. 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). Now it is easier than ever to stay up-to-date with the news. Lawrence County School District: Full mask requirement: Sloan-Hendrix School District: . Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. The CDC also hasnt said how teachers can know which students are vaccinated or how parents will know which teachers are immunized. Timothy Simmons, who represents the Pastures District, said he is in favor of making masks optional. 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. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Shenandoah Valley Center for Advanced Learning, Valley Career & Technical Center49 Hornet RoadFishersville, VA 22939Phone: (540) 245-5002Fax: (540) 885-0407info@valleytech.us. Masks have been and continue to be required on all Georgia school buses. The opportunity to grow professionally is evident there. All rights reserved. "These absences from school will be excused and students will be permitted to make up all missed work," the letter said. Learn more. This new science is worrisome and unfortunately warrants an update to our recommendation., RELATED: New CDC guidelines call for masks in schools K-12. Augusta County School Boards motion on Wednesday includes flexibility to alter its plans if case numbers change. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. All rights reserved. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) - "It's just not right to have them mandate it," said 8th grader Jonathan Vasquez. How to order free testing kits from the government. Although theres not yet an indoor mask mandate in Virginia, the CDC says there should be. Its vaccination that Walensky says will prevent her biggest fear. 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. Glenn Youngkin's executive order on masks in schools. Augusta County Public Schools is the organization that operates the public school system in Augusta County, Virginia. Log in to join the discussion. [CDATA[ 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. School Superintendent Steven Flynt announced the rescinding of the mask mandate during the board's regular session Tuesday. 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. The goal is to be finished by Jan.31. There was a problem saving your notification. I feel like everyone should still be wearing masks, vaccinated or not, said Shae Helms, a sophomore at Amherst County High School. If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. I was a Title 1 reading teacher and was treated with professionalism and respect. Please subscribe to continue reading 0 Comments Get local news delivered to your inbox! All rights reserved. Copyright 2021 WVIR. Glenn Youngkin's executive order making masks optional or "any changing negative trends related to our local area health concerns.". At their meeting. Glenn Youngkin's executive order that made their decision possible. 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. The community level of Covid-19 in Augusta County is low based on cases and hospitalizations, according to the most recent update from the C.D.C. Thank you for visiting the Augusta County, VA. You will be redirected to the destination page below in 0 seconds. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols". 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. If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended universal masking in schools at every grade level. With this vote, students and staff must still wear masks while in school until Feb. 14. 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. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. He shared the letter from the pediatricians at the board meeting. New CDC guidance says some counties in our viewing area meet the threshold to put those face coverings back on. Wayne District representative Tim Swortzel made the motion to make face-coverings optional and North River representative Nicholas Collins seconded. I anticipated more discussion before we voted.. School boards are required by state law to enact the policies for the 2021-22. 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. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. All rights reserved. Make masks mandatory! Between Dec. 4 and 18, Georgia reported just under 20,000new cases, and most of the state's map was a light-yellow. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - With the latest surge in COVID cases easing, the Richmond County School System is dropping its mask mandate on campuses starting Tuesday. Augusta County 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. Timothy Simmons will take a seat on the Augusta County School Board in January. Editor. The delta variant is so very contagious it appears to cause high viral loads even in vaccinated people who become infected.. May 19, 2021. VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks. That rose to 206 the following week, but dropped back to 167 the week of Jan. 31. The developer, Augusta County Public Schools, indicated that the app's privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. 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. The school board also voted to follow the contact tracing guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols" . 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. 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. Send us your news tip here. But she also says this guidance makes sense because of the more transmissible Delta variant. (844) 698-3261 Free Consultation info@ritchielawfirm.com Case Results A sign encourages students, teachers and visitors to wear masks at Ladson Elementary School on Aug. 11, 2021. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator Kelly F. Troxell Ed.D., Executive Director of Personnel (540) 245-5107, Section 504 Coordinator Douglas W. Shifflett, Jr. Ed.D, Deputy Superintendent (540) 245-5108. Kati McCormick was the only board member to vote against the measure. The winners of the 2015 races in the Beverly Manor, Pastures and Middle River Districts served . Riverheads High School 19 Howardsville Road Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: (540) 337-1921 Fax: (540) 337-0258. The superintendent also reminded families that student assessments, such as Georgia Milestones, will count toward student promotion. All rights reserved. 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. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a child-friendly fit. 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. 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, Virginia (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases rise within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask requirements. Verify your phone numbers and contact preferences are correct in Campus Parent > User > Settings > Contact Preferences. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. Walensky says thats not the case now, and vaccines are very effective. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. 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. As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask 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. I would rather go with safety; I want kids to be in school five days a week.. Story ideas and tips always welcome. I hope youre on the same side.. More: Augusta schools' 1:1 tech rollout under way, benefiting students who have gone without. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. Here are a few of them: Blue Ridge Health District vaccination scheduler, Call the BRHD COVID-19 Hotline 434-972-6261. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes to you. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Add the 10-digit school phone number and the Augusta County Schools district phone number (540-245-5100) to your phone contacts. 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. The school board voted unanimously Aug. 9 to allow the district to change . Only two people spoke out in favor of masks. 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. We are excited to begin the school year but have some updates and reminders to help prepare our students as they return next week. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. Augusta County residents lead busy lives. 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. Mask Policy 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. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings.
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