Please subscribe or login first for digital access. While the nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some say its too soon. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a. 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. I think they should still be wearing masks for their safety and everyone elses, said Will Via, a dad from Verona. 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. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. Following the publics comments, board member Donna Wells stated that the board learned just this afternoon that Senate Bill 1303 passed earlier this year requires schools to follow CDC recommendations, which recommends masks for teachers, students and staff inside. The developer, Augusta County Public Schools, indicated that the app's privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. Otherwise, a 14-day quarantine will be required. Between Dec. 4 and 18, Georgia reported just under 20,000new cases, and most of the state's map was a light-yellow. Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 cases surge. Augusta County School Boards motion on Wednesday includes flexibility to alter its plans if case numbers change. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. "Personally, I would like to see the masks gone," Chairperson David Shiflett said, "but now I dont think is the time.. The district had held. 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. // Again, we are excited to begin the year and look forward to having our students back. Mask Policy AMI Dates; Augusta School District: Full mask requirement: McCrory School District: Reading Specialist (Former Employee) - Verona, VA - August 12, 2020. Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, At-home COVID test website launches early. The CDC released this map of the country, which says how your city or county is doing as far as COVID-19 transmission. 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. Below you will find several links to helpful resources for our residents. The week of Jan. 17 there were 171 cases. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Virginia (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases rise within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask requirements. 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. Timothy Simmons, who represents the Pastures District, said he is in favor of making masks optional. 2022, 12:02 p.m. Paula Gentile helps out as a substitute in Tana Spelman's class at Bishop Elementary in Augusta . People are also reading 'Cousin Eddie' display from 'Christmas Vacation' leads to Kentucky police response Please subscribe to keep reading. While the nation's top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some. 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 . 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. Certification or licensure (if required for the position for which you are applying) 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. 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. 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. Need a COVID-19 test? Kortney joined the 10 News team as a Lynchburg Bureau Reporter in May 2021. 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. Log in to join the discussion. AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. 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. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. Shop the collection. Collins said he worded his motion so it gave a date for going mask optional, but also gave the board its own options. Augusta County residents lead busy lives. 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). The Augusta County School Board unanimously affirmed at its meeting Thursday they would follow the law as now presented to them. The general election was held on November 3, 2015. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Use the form below to reset your password. Some quoted scripture, while others blamed politics. May 19, 2021. Create one. The Augusta Board of Education voted. 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. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. Im not real sure how well they work to begin with, Dana Worley, her mom, said. There is [sic] three reasons why COVID cases are going up. Harrisonburg man charged with crimes connected to Jan. 6 attack on U.S. Capitol, Charlie Obaugh RV & Outdoor Student Athlete of the Week. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. Sign up for breaking news alerts. She asked if it was considered by administration to have a mask mandate for the younger students and recommended for the older students. Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. Masks will be required for anyone inside Charleston County schools until Oct. 15, 2021. 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. ", 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. Enter your email and password to access comments. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes to you. All rights reserved. Augusta County Public Schools18 Government Center LaneVerona, VA 24482Phone: 540-245-5100Fax: 540-245-5115. 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. This is a political scam to see who is going to sit down and shut up, Riverheads student Joshua Cox said . Only two people spoke out in favor of masks. He was referring to how the Georgia Department of Public Health color-codesCOVID-19 concentrations. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. Do you have a story idea? Waynesboro Public Schools followed the VDHs guidance and voted earlier this week to mandate masks for elementary students and staff. 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. Face coverings and masks will be optional at Charleston County schools when students return to their classrooms Aug. 18. 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. Walensky says thats not the case now, and vaccines are very effective. Anastasio said its easier at all levels since people move around the district. nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask. CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - It may be time for some of us in Central Virginia to mask back up. 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. Studentswill be permitted to remove masksduring lunch and while outside. Accommodations will be made for students and employees unable to wear a mask for documented medical reasons. There was a problem saving your notification. The Allegan County Health Department is requiring masks in schools from kindergarten to sixth grade. Beloved local eatery, The Pie Chest, closing for good this month, Family of Ukrainian refugees using music to adapt to life in Charlottesville. Wayne District representative Tim Swortzel made the motion to make face-coverings optional and North River representative Nicholas Collins seconded. Photo by Atoms on Unsplash. 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. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday night. We have always tried to be non-political. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) - "It's just not right to have them mandate it," said 8th grader Jonathan Vasquez. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols". Verify your phone numbers and contact preferences are correct in Campus Parent > User > Settings > Contact Preferences. Starting Thursday, masks will be required for students, staff, and visitors to all district facilities and buses, regardless of vaccination status. . You have permission to edit this article. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Via has three kids in Augusta County Public Schools and only one of them is old enough to get the shot. 0:57. 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. "Not seeing facial expressions. 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. VERONA Officials with Augusta County Public Schools have announced that masks won't be required beginning Monday for students, staff and visitors. The 2015 election was the last election for all seven seats to appear on the ballot at the same time. Ensure that the phone number is not blocked in phone settings. 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. [CDATA[ The school division will also follow the CDCs shortened timeline for those who have toisolateorquarantine. The Augusta County School Board held a special session on July 29th to discuss what turned out to be two issues. Subscribe to usat newsleader.com. 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. The Augusta Public Schools will have in-person learning, five days a week. Please wait for the page to reload. Over the summer, our children have been maskless, Welcher said. All students, staff and volunteers in county schools will wear masks to begin 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. Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. That is its highest weekly total of the school year. The CDC released this map of the country, which says how your city or county is doing as far as COVID-19 transmission. 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. Although theres not yet an indoor mask mandate in Virginia, the CDC says there should be. on March 2.Read more about the C.D . Heres why. 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. If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. 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." Data Not Collected The developer does not collect any data from this app. 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. About 20 minutes into the school board meeting Thursday evening, members went into closed session with its legal council. The goal is to be finished by Jan.31. If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. Copyright 2021 WHSV. Regardless of vaccination status, the Augusta Public Schools will require masks for people entering its buildings next school year. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. 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! Were gonna have to step back, go by the law, and prove them wrong, Ward said. "We have to consider how the mask is affecting them emotionally," Simmons said. Published: Jan. 20, 2022 at 7:43 PM PST. 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. School Superintendent Steven Flynt announced the rescinding of the mask mandate during the board's regular session Tuesday. To date, they have distributed 20,230 devices. The biggest questions will be at middle schools, where some students can get the shot and others cant. @NBC29 pic.twitter.com/L8eS6n0bxz. Get up to 20% off. You can cancel at any time. All rights reserved. The VDOE did not mandate the mask usage, and Augusta County opted to leave it up to individual students and staff. Copyright 2021 WVIR. The Augusta County, VA is not responsible for the content of external sites. 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. 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. 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. Masks will return to Augusta County schools this fall. 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. But she also says this guidance makes sense because of the more transmissible Delta variant. In the meantime, there are many ways for you to get vaccinated in our community. Parent Portal Student registration DOCUMENTS PERSONNEL Acceptable use policy STAFF Portal bGMS construction update RMS Construction Update Glenn Youngkin's executive order making masks optional or "any changing negative trends related to our local area health concerns.". 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. Here are a few of them: Blue Ridge Health District vaccination scheduler, Call the BRHD COVID-19 Hotline 434-972-6261. Timothy Simmons will take a seat on the Augusta County School Board in January. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday evening. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. Now. 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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. Glenn Youngkin's executive order that made their decision possible. Many have since returned to school, but the virus continues to spread. Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent (540) 245-5108, Where Students Grow Intellectually, Physically, and Emotionally. 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.". If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558. School board votes to make masks optional for all students, staff in Augusta County. Columbia County . 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. 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. The CDC also hasnt said how teachers can know which students are vaccinated or how parents will know which teachers are immunized. Afterward, the public spoke and most of the comments were about masks in school. Wear a mask, wash your hands, stay safe. Under the protocol,masks arerequired for allstudents, staff andvisitors to all school districtfacilities and onbuses,regardless of vaccination status. They have been in public places and taken place in social gatherings. If you dont, I dont have a problem with that either.. I would rather go with safety; I want kids to be in school five days a week.. 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. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. He said "lots of parents" had reached out to him saying masks had created emotional damage for their children. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. But the Virginia Department of Health is not making any masking decisions yet. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - Augusta County Public Schools is set to become mask-optional in three weeks. The school board met Thursday night to discuss their back-to-school. People are also reading I want to work with you. At their meeting. The winners of the 2015 races in the Beverly Manor, Pastures and Middle River Districts served . 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 20 minutes into the school. I anticipated more discussion before we voted.. But othersincluding her momhave a different opinion. 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. Lawrence County School District: Full mask requirement: Sloan-Hendrix School District: . Dr. Flynt tells us plans are dependent on cases staying low and the mask policy . 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. 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. 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. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. 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. Copyright 2021 WVIR. We fear if we dont have universal masking, the letter stated, there will be outbreaks warranting school closure.. 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. 1:30 PM Community Policy Management Team. 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. 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). 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. {{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. 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. https://www.augusta.k12.va.us More. "Arlington Public Schools implemented our mask requirement this school year prior to Gov. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. Please subscribe to continue reading 0 Comments Get local news delivered to your inbox! ", 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.". I feel like everyone should still be wearing masks, vaccinated or not, said Shae Helms, a sophomore at Amherst County High School. Richmond County students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside. 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. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. All rights reserved. . See Offers. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Teacher at Dixon Preschool Center Augusta County Public Schools 4.2 Add the 10-digit school phone number and the Augusta County Schools district phone number (540-245-5100) to your phone contacts. 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. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. Bradshaw said they are not putting an end-date on theprotocol, but that they are continuing to monitor the latest data and consult with experts on the necessary way to proceed. On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended universal masking in schools at every grade level. About 50 people attended the Augusta County 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. If you can't find the answer, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. Learn More You are now exiting the Augusta County, VA. Weve been saying all along students should be in school and shouldnt be tied to masks, said Conservative Parents of Lynchburg Founder Andrew Glover. List of Augusta County Public Schools. It was heated at times - like when people called board members cowards for wearing masks and forcing students to wear them. VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks.