Tuesday Columbia County school leaders made their decision on the mask mandate. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. The division also said that. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. People are also reading 'Cousin Eddie' display from 'Christmas Vacation' leads to Kentucky police response As we learn more, I am comfortable with yes. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday evening. We fear if we dont have universal masking, the letter stated, there will be outbreaks warranting school closure.. Superintendent James Anastasio strongly recommended the board vote in favor of the mandate. Parent Portal Student registration DOCUMENTS PERSONNEL Acceptable use policy STAFF Portal bGMS construction update RMS Construction Update Augusta County Public Schools | Home 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. I think they should still be wearing masks for their safety and everyone elses, said Will Via, a dad from Verona. Masks have been and continue to be required on all Georgia school buses. Now. 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! The week of Jan. 17 there were 171 cases. I hope youre on the same side.. 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.. Kortney joined the 10 News team as a Lynchburg Bureau Reporter in May 2021. 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. Northam's K-12 mask mandate, and we will continue to make decisions that prioritize the health, safety . We do not appreciate it. 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, Va. (WVIR) - Augusta County Public Schools is set to become mask-optional in three weeks. Timothy Simmons will take a seat on the Augusta County School Board in January. Wear a mask, wash your hands, stay safe. There is [sic] three reasons why COVID cases are going up. Create one. School board votes to make masks optional for all students, staff in Patrick Hite is The News Leader's education and sports reporter. The goal is to be finished by Jan.31. 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. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday night. Now it is easier than ever to stay up-to-date with the news. Allegan Public Schools: K-6 masks required; 7-8 TBD; 9-12 optional | Details. 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 County School Board unanimously affirmed at its meeting Thursday they would follow the law as now presented to them. Login. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. Copyright 2021 WHSV. Ensure that the phone number is not blocked in phone settings. 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. Some quoted scripture, while others blamed politics. Please wait for the page to reload. 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. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. 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. Mask Mandate Rescinded In Columbia County Schools - The Augusta Press If you can't find the answer, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. 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. Waynesboro school officials still deciding on mask mandate In light of Virginia's school mask policy change, we have included a list of school districts and their decisions on masking. Riverheads High School 19 Howardsville Road Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: (540) 337-1921 Fax: (540) 337-0258. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. While the nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some say its too soon. The district had held. Weve been saying all along students should be in school and shouldnt be tied to masks, said Conservative Parents of Lynchburg Founder Andrew Glover. Here are a few of them: Blue Ridge Health District vaccination scheduler, Call the BRHD COVID-19 Hotline 434-972-6261. Patrick Hite is The News Leader's educationreporter. However, in a letter sent to families of students Thursday, Superintendent Eric Bond said masks would be optional for staff Monday as well. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). "We have to consider how the mask is affecting them emotionally," Simmons said. A sign encourages students, teachers and visitors to wear masks at Ladson Elementary School on Aug. 11, 2021. About 20 minutes into the school. AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Richmond County Board of Education met Tuesday night to get a COVID update from the superintendent. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a. 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. "If between now and then things go crazy," Shiflett said. Timothy Simmons, who represents the Pastures District, said he is in favor of making masks optional. 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. 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. The CDC released this map of the country, which says how your city or county is doing as far as COVID-19 transmission. 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. Again, we are excited to begin the year and look forward to having our students back. The opportunity to grow professionally is evident there. CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - It may be time for some of us in Central Virginia to mask back up. Augusta County School Boards motion on Wednesday includes flexibility to alter its plans if case numbers change. Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. Augusta County Schools will become mask-optional in three weeks. All rights reserved. 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. People are also reading Make masks mandatory!" Aiken Public Safety officers rushed out to where the overflow crowd was gathered because of meeting room capacity restrictions, and the . As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. 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. Please subscribe to keep reading. Need a COVID-19 test? Regardless of vaccination status, the Augusta Public Schools will require masks for people entering its buildings next school year. The Columbia County Board of Education will be withdrawing its requirements for students and faculty to wear face-coverings beginning Sept. 29. How to order free testing kits from the government. "Arlington Public Schools implemented our mask requirement this school year prior to Gov. 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.. All students, staff and volunteers in county schools will wear masks to begin the school year. The Augusta County Board of Supervisors will conduct a Public Hearing at 7 p.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2023, in the Board Meeting Room, Augusta County Government Center, 18 Government Center Lane, Verona, Virginia. 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. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols" . Between Jan. 4 and 18, Georgia reported over 200,000 new cases, and the map had turned a dark burgundy. Enter your email and password to access comments. Augusta County Public Schools - Wikipedia The developer, Augusta County Public Schools, indicated that the app's privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. Otherwise, a 14-day quarantine will be required. Over the summer, our children have been maskless, Welcher said. ", 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). Many have since returned to school, but the virus continues to spread. Augusta County Public Schools18 Government Center LaneVerona, VA 24482Phone: 540-245-5100Fax: 540-245-5115. That's why we try our best to make it easy to live in this beautiful place we call home. The general election was held on November 3, 2015. School boards are required by state law to enact the policies for the 2021-22. 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. "These absences from school will be excused and students will be permitted to make up all missed work," the letter said. The VDOE did not mandate the mask usage, and Augusta County opted to leave it up to individual students and staff. 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. Augusta County Schools to make masks optional on Valentine's Day, with More: Augusta schools' 1:1 tech rollout under way, benefiting students who have gone without. It was heated at times - like when people called board members cowards for wearing masks and forcing students to wear them. 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. Glenn Youngkin's executive order that made their decision possible. Send us your news tip here. Augusta County Public Schools | Augusta County, VA AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. 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. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. 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. We are excited to begin the school year but have some updates and reminders to help prepare our students as they return next week. 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. Washtenaw County schools opt to keep masks on 'until further notice' . Helms added that she would also like to see the masks stay. Board member John Ward said they do not want to expose faculty to liability and said hopefully they will see low numbers throughout the start of the school year. That 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. The Augusta Public Schools will have in-person learning, five days a week. Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, At-home COVID test website launches early. That is its highest weekly total of the school year. "Not seeing facial expressions. I want to work with you. The letter continued, we know masking works and applauded children for their efforts in masking in the past school year. Below you will find several links to helpful resources for our residents. Masks will return to Augusta County schools this fall - WHSV Wayne District representative Tim Swortzel made the motion to make face-coverings optional and North River representative Nicholas Collins seconded. Beloved local eatery, The Pie Chest, closing for good this month, Family of Ukrainian refugees using music to adapt to life in Charlottesville. To date, they have distributed 20,230 devices. 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. MORE: Mask Mandates Are Hot Topic at Columbia County School Board Meeting Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. Richmond County schools will require masks - The Augusta Chronicle Masks will return to Augusta County schools this fall - NBC29 The superintendent also reminded families that student assessments, such as Georgia Milestones, will count toward student promotion. 0:57. I want to work with every one of you. If you want to wear one, I dont see a problem with that. Subscribe to usat newsleader.com. Other board members shared their reasoning for voting in favor of the mask mandate. Accommodations will be made for students and employees unable to wear a mask for documented medical reasons. This is a political scam to see who is going to sit down and shut up, Riverheads student Joshua Cox said . 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. 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. 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. At their meeting. If you dont, I dont have a problem with that either.. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) - "It's just not right to have them mandate it," said 8th grader Jonathan Vasquez. Were gonna have to step back, go by the law, and prove them wrong, Ward said. See Offers. Masks requirements for GA county schools | WJBF If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558. The Augusta County School Board held a special session on July 29th to discuss what turned out to be two issues. The Augusta County School Board voted 5-1 on Thursday to make masks optional . 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. Albemarle County, Charlottesville bucking Youngkin on school mask policies 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. All rights reserved. Augusta County Public Schools. Although theres not yet an indoor mask mandate in Virginia, the CDC says there should be. Local parents, students react to CDC guidance on masks in schools - WSLS Augusta County Schools to make masks optional starting Feb. 14 Heritage Pharma plans to start testing Monday, Jan. 24, and families are asked to stay tuned for more details. Make 2023 the year to let that wonderful you-ness shine. 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.. Face coverings and masks will be optional at Charleston County schools when students return to their classrooms Aug. 18. Masks will return to Augusta County schools this fall. Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. . Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Via has three kids in Augusta County Public Schools and only one of them is old enough to get the shot. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Lawrence County School District: Full mask requirement: Sloan-Hendrix School District: . Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks. Washtenaw County schools opt to keep masks on 'until further notice' In the meantime, there are many ways for you to get vaccinated in our community. Official transcripts are required at the time of employment. This a wonderful school district to work, and a beautiful area! Learn more. 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. School Superintendent Steven Flynt announced the rescinding of the mask mandate during the board's regular session Tuesday. 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. The Virginia Department of Health reported 113 new COVID cases in Augusta County Thursday, the highest one-day total since Feb. 4. Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. People spoke for and against requiring students to wear masks this fall, as the school board previously stated masks would be optional. Its still a big health problem, she said. But she also says this guidance makes sense because of the more transmissible Delta variant. Its equal or worse than in December, and our healthcare workers are drowning, said Tara Mahanes. Do you all understand that? To mask or not to mask? Local schools determine policies - WRDW Verify your phone numbers and contact preferences are correct in Campus Parent > User > Settings > Contact Preferences. McCormick said she wished the discussion about masking would have been at the business meeting instead. 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 policies say schools should allow students to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity. Already have a commenting profile? Public Schools - Augusta County, VA (Enrollment & Calendars) 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. All rights reserved. The CDC also hasnt said how teachers can know which students are vaccinated or how parents will know which teachers are immunized. //]]> Shop the collection. 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. Columbia County schools make face masks optional moving forward - WRDW on. Campus Parent | Augusta County Public Schools Augusta County follows Staunton, Waynesboro on masks in schools Im not real sure how well they work to begin with, Dana Worley, her mom, said. https://www.augusta.k12.va.us Your cooperation with this change is expectedand appreciated. 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 . Administrators say theyre hearing the same from other parents. Masks no longer required for anyone, even teachers, in Augusta County Between Dec. 4 and 18, Georgia reported just under 20,000new cases, and most of the state's map was a light-yellow. He said "lots of parents" had reached out to him saying masks had created emotional damage for their children. 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. If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. The school board also voted to follow the contact tracing guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health. 2023 www.newsleader.com. 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. Stay Connected . Success. Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 - WHSV The school division will also follow the CDCs shortened timeline for those who have toisolateorquarantine. Under the protocol,masks arerequired for allstudents, staff andvisitors to all school districtfacilities and onbuses,regardless of vaccination status. The parents of any child enrolled in an elementary or secondary school or a school based early childcare and educational program may elect for their children not to be subject to any mask mandate in effect at the childs school or educational program. Do you have a story idea? AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. . More. All rights reserved. You can cancel at any time. 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. Bond's letter did say that parents who choose to keep their children home for the full 10-day quarantine period can do so.
Itchy Bug Bites That Look Like Hickeys, Articles A