Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Teacher at Dixon Preschool Center Augusta County Public Schools 4.2 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 get one, go to the subscriptions page. The VDOE did not mandate the mask usage, and Augusta County opted to leave it up to individual students and staff. 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. Get up to 20% off. 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. Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes to you. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday evening. The superintendent is great, the principal was wonderful. Copyright 2023 WSLS.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Accommodations will be made for students and employees unable to wear a mask for documented medical reasons. 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. MORE: Mask Mandates Are Hot Topic at Columbia County School Board Meeting The policies say schools should allow students to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity. All rights reserved. Under the protocol,masks arerequired for allstudents, staff andvisitors to all school districtfacilities and onbuses,regardless of vaccination status. In rare occasions, some vaccinated people infected with the Delta variants after vaccination may be contagious and spread the virus to others, she said. "TheBoard and administration have consideredand reviewedthe continued reduction of positive cases amongourstudentsand staff, as well as recent court rulings, General Assembly action,Executive Order 6, andpendingHealth and Safety Codes Board actionnext week," Bond wrote in an email to The News Leader asking about the decision for staff. on March 2.Read more about the C.D . Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. 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. 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. 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. Enter your email and password to access comments. Its why the news isnt sitting well with him and others. 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. Superintendent James Anastasio strongly recommended the board vote in favor of the mandate. I hope youre on the same side.. Verify your phone numbers and contact preferences are correct in Campus Parent > User > Settings > Contact Preferences. Lawrence County School District: Full mask requirement: Sloan-Hendrix School District: . The only instance where county students are required to wear masks is on the school bus because of a federal mandate related to public transportation. Another potential headache: the CDC is still recommending schools continue to space kids out and keep their desks three feet apart. Shenandoah Valley Center for Advanced Learning, Valley Career & Technical Center49 Hornet RoadFishersville, VA 22939Phone: (540) 245-5002Fax: (540) 885-0407info@valleytech.us. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) - "It's just not right to have them mandate it," said 8th grader Jonathan Vasquez. 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. 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. Send us your news tip here. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday night. 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 . All rights reserved. Regardless of vaccination status, the Augusta Public Schools will require masks for people entering its buildings next school year. He shared the letter from the pediatricians at the board meeting. Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. 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. Use the form below to reset your password. 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. Masks have been and continue to be required on all Georgia school buses. Between Jan. 4 and 18, Georgia reported over 200,000 new cases, and the map had turned a dark burgundy. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. About 20 minutes into the school. 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. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School . 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. Already registered? Again, we are excited to begin the year and look forward to having our students back. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. All rights reserved. The Augusta County, VA is not responsible for the content of external sites. 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. Copyright 2021 WVIR. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside. I want to work with every one of you. While the nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some say its too soon. Its equal or worse than in December, and our healthcare workers are drowning, said Tara Mahanes. 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. Subscribe to usat newsleader.com. Heritage Pharma plans to start testing Monday, Jan. 24, and families are asked to stay tuned for more details. 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. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Virginia (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases rise within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask requirements. Kati McCormick was the only board member to vote against the measure. 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. 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.". 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. The Augusta County School Board unanimously affirmed at its meeting Thursday they would follow the law as now presented to them. 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. nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask. By Jessica Mallow. This new science is worrisome and unfortunately warrants an update to our recommendation., RELATED: New CDC guidelines call for masks in schools K-12. But the Virginia Department of Health is not making any masking decisions yet. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols". 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. Contact tracing will only be done when there's anoutbreak, which is definedas"10% of a grade level, staff or entire school," per the letter. 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. Beloved local eatery, The Pie Chest, closing for good this month, Family of Ukrainian refugees using music to adapt to life in Charlottesville. The week of Jan. 17 there were 171 cases. Anastasio also said the DOE will require schools to report teacher vaccination status, which will be done anonymously and through a survey. 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. (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. All rights reserved. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Learn More You are now exiting the Augusta County, VA. 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. That guidance comes as cases are rising virtually everywhere across the country -- including in the Charlottesville area. Stay Connected . Pediatric death is rare, but not zero, so its our responsibility to protect all children. Only two people spoke out in favor of masks. 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. Based on current conditions, this is what we need to do to make that happen. ", 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. You can cancel at any time. All say theyre waiting for additional guidance from the Virginia Department of Education, the Virginia Department of Health and Governor Ralph Northam. 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. 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. 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. You will receive an email to complete the registration. //]]> Its still a big health problem, she said. I feel like everyone should still be wearing masks, vaccinated or not, said Shae Helms, a sophomore at Amherst County High School. 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. My biggest concern is, I would never go into your home and tell you whats best for your child, McCormick said. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Copyright 2021 WHSV. The Augusta County School Board is a seven-member board elected by district to four-year terms. Fourteen people spoke out against the mandates, citing their fear of heath issues they believe could be caused by masks. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. Fennville Public . 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. "Arlington Public Schools implemented our mask requirement this school year prior to Gov. Columbia County schools decided to make masks optional for students moving forward effective for summer school. The speakers who opposed the policies voiced concerns about safety issues, parental and privacy rights, and religious freedom. Make masks mandatory!" Aiken Public Safety officers rushed out to where the overflow crowd was gathered because of meeting room capacity restrictions, and the . 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. 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. School boards are required by state law to enact the policies for the 2021-22. 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. {{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. Do you all understand that? Mask Policy AMI Dates; Augusta School District: Full mask requirement: McCrory School District: 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. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. Now it is easier than ever to stay up-to-date with the news. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"ndsTchhICxLNjF_dxI18aRlyWnQfS.IeNB3Ql0MS2hM-1800-0"}; 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. 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. I would rather go with safety; I want kids to be in school five days a week.. Board member Donna Wells stated that the board learned this afternoon that legislation passed earlier this year requires schools to follow CDC recommendations for mask wearing. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. The 2015 election was the last election for all seven seats to appear on the ballot at the same time. 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. In light of Virginia's school mask policy change, we have included a list of school districts and their decisions on masking. Timothy Simmons will take a seat on the Augusta County School Board in January. Below you will find several links to helpful resources for our residents. There is [sic] three reasons why COVID cases are going up. The Virginia Department of Health reported 113 new COVID cases in Augusta County Thursday, the highest one-day total since Feb. 4. Waynesboro Public Schools followed the VDHs guidance and voted earlier this week to mandate masks for elementary students and staff. Need a COVID-19 test? If you want to wear one, I dont see a problem with that. How to order free testing kits from the government. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. "We'll revisit it. List of Augusta County Public Schools. Create one. The delta variant is so very contagious it appears to cause high viral loads even in vaccinated people who become infected.. 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. Photo by Atoms on Unsplash. 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 COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. Under the protocol, masks are required for all students, staff and visitors to all school district facilities and on buses, regardless of vaccination status. The Augusta Board of Education voted Wednesday night, 5 to 1, to mandate mask wearing. Not even fire-engine red Augusta County is on board with Gov. Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent (540) 245-5108, Where Students Grow Intellectually, Physically, and Emotionally. Learn more. Login. 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. This a wonderful school district to work, and a beautiful area! 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! "Personally, I would like to see the masks gone," Chairperson David Shiflett said, "but now I dont think is the time.. Some quoted scripture, while others blamed politics. The division also said that. School board votes to make masks optional for all students, staff in Augusta County. If you dont, I dont have a problem with that either.. Virginias approach to COVID-19 has always been driven by the science, and we continue to emphasize that the only way out of this pandemic is through vaccination., A spokesperson for the Blue Ridge Health District, Jason Elliott, said in an interview with NBC29 last week that it is extremely important -- probably the most important -- to get vaccinated now more than it ever has been before.. The 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. 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 general election was held on November 3, 2015. Do you have a story idea? . Sign in or Subscribe : Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, More: At-home COVID test website launches early. Parent Portal Student registration DOCUMENTS PERSONNEL Acceptable use policy STAFF Portal bGMS construction update RMS Construction Update Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a. Now. If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558. Reading Specialist (Former Employee) - Verona, VA - August 12, 2020. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - It may be time for some of us in Central Virginia to mask back up. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. About 20 minutes into the school board meeting Thursday evening, members went into closed session with its legal council. Other board members shared their reasoning for voting in favor of the mask mandate. I want to work with you. Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. Make 2023 the year to let that wonderful you-ness shine. Columbia County . Walensky says thats not the case now, and vaccines are very effective. The CDC also hasnt said how teachers can know which students are vaccinated or how parents will know which teachers are immunized. Here are a few of them: Blue Ridge Health District vaccination scheduler, Call the BRHD COVID-19 Hotline 434-972-6261. 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. I anticipated more discussion before we voted.. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. Please wait for the page to reload. See Offers. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. [CDATA[ Its vaccination that Walensky says will prevent her biggest fear. Face coverings and masks will be optional at Charleston County schools when students return to their classrooms Aug. 18. On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended universal masking in schools at every grade level. 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. Masks will return to Augusta County schools this fall. New CDC guidance says some counties in our viewing area meet the threshold to put those face coverings back on. The school board is elected, and the current superintendent is Dr. Eric Bond. If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside.