The school board voted unanimously Aug. 9 to allow the district to change . Published: Jan. 20, 2022 at 7:43 PM PST. Augusta County residents lead busy lives. But she also says this guidance makes sense because of the more transmissible Delta variant. 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. Regardless of vaccination status, the Augusta Public Schools will require masks for people entering its buildings next school year. More:A month since Rosenberg was forced out, Staunton City Council hasn't secured search firm, More:Staunton man pleads guilty to a string of burglaries, gets nearly 10 years in prison. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday night. Shenandoah Valley Center for Advanced Learning, Valley Career & Technical Center49 Hornet RoadFishersville, VA 22939Phone: (540) 245-5002Fax: (540) 885-0407info@valleytech.us. Otherwise, a 14-day quarantine will be required. Glenn Youngkin's executive order making masks optional or "any changing negative trends related to our local area health concerns.". AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Richmond County Board of Education met Tuesday night to get a COVID update from the superintendent. ", 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. VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks. The Augusta County School Board held a special session on July 29th to discuss what turned out to be two issues. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta County students will head to school on Tuesday, August 10 wearing masks. Wayne District representative Tim Swortzel made the motion to make face-coverings optional and North River representative Nicholas Collins seconded. 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. Even though mask mandates will not be enforced inside school, masks will still be required on school buses, as well as for staff members and adults inside the school building. If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558. Official transcripts are required at the time of employment. Below you will find several links to helpful resources for our residents. Best for a great weekend. How to order free testing kits from the government. Your cooperation with this change is expectedand appreciated. Please subscribe to continue reading 0 Comments Get local news delivered to your inbox! On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended universal masking in schools at every grade level. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. The goal is to be finished by Jan.31. 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. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. It was heated at times - like when people called board members cowards for wearing masks and forcing students to wear them. 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. The superintendent is great, the principal was wonderful. Teacher at Dixon Preschool Center Augusta County Public Schools 4.2 Although theres not yet an indoor mask mandate in Virginia, the CDC says there should be. More: Augusta schools' 1:1 tech rollout under way, benefiting students who have gone without. Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. 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. Copyright 2021 WHSV. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) - "It's just not right to have them mandate it," said 8th grader Jonathan Vasquez. 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. That's why we try our best to make it easy to live in this beautiful place we call home. Becoming a Foster Parent Become a foster parent to a child in need. The Augusta County School Board unanimously affirmed at its meeting Thursday they would follow the law as now presented to them. I was a Title 1 reading teacher and was treated with professionalism and respect. Columbia County . 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! 2023 www.newsleader.com. "Arlington Public Schools implemented our mask requirement this school year prior to Gov. Subscribe to usat newsleader.com. All rights reserved. Richmond County students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside. Wear a mask, wash your hands, stay safe. 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. "We'll revisit it. Pediatric death is rare, but not zero, so its our responsibility to protect all children. Under the protocol,masks arerequired for allstudents, staff andvisitors to all school districtfacilities and onbuses,regardless of vaccination status. The general election was held on November 3, 2015. 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. That is its highest weekly total of the school year. Some quoted scripture, while others blamed politics. Kortney Lockey, Lynchburg Bureau - Multimedia Journalist. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. Augusta County Public Schools. Tomorrow marks one week until Columbia County and some Richmond County students start the new year. So far this week the school division has reported 85 casesdespite studentsbeing out all week because of a holiday and snow. Im asking for a choice for a virtual option during this surge. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. 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. Augusta County Schools will become mask-optional in three weeks. 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. They have been in public places and taken place in social gatherings. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent (540) 245-5108, Where Students Grow Intellectually, Physically, and Emotionally. There was a problem saving your notification. Between Dec. 4 and 18, Georgia reported just under 20,000new cases, and most of the state's map was a light-yellow. "We have to consider how the mask is affecting them emotionally," Simmons said. 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. "If between now and then things go crazy," Shiflett said. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. If you want to wear one, I dont see a problem with that. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"ndsTchhICxLNjF_dxI18aRlyWnQfS.IeNB3Ql0MS2hM-1800-0"}; Many have since returned to school, but the virus continues to spread. If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. 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. We do not appreciate it. Another potential headache: the CDC is still recommending schools continue to space kids out and keep their desks three feet apart. https://www.augusta.k12.va.us However, in a letter sent to families of students Thursday, Superintendent Eric Bond said masks would be optional for staff Monday as well. Make masks mandatory!" Aiken Public Safety officers rushed out to where the overflow crowd was gathered because of meeting room capacity restrictions, and the . You can share 5 more gift articles this month. 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. on March 2.Read more about the C.D . : Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, More: At-home COVID test website launches early. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Accommodations will be made for students and employees unable to wear a mask for documented medical reasons. Enter your email and password to access comments. Sign up for breaking news alerts. Timothy Simmons, who represents the Pastures District, said he is in favor of making masks optional. 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 released this map of the country, which says how your city or county is doing as far as COVID-19 transmission. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. All rights reserved. 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. Masks have been and continue to be required on all Georgia school buses. The Augusta Board of Education voted Wednesday night, 5 to 1, to mandate mask wearing. 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. More. But othersincluding her momhave a different opinion. MORE: Mask Mandates Are Hot Topic at Columbia County School Board Meeting Get up to 20% off. May 19, 2021. My biggest concern is, I would never go into your home and tell you whats best for your child, McCormick said. 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. Waynesboro Public Schools followed the VDHs guidance and voted earlier this week to mandate masks for elementary students and staff. Learn More You are now exiting the Augusta County, VA. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols". The school board is elected, and the current superintendent is Dr. Eric Bond. Reading Specialist (Former Employee) - Verona, VA - August 12, 2020. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. 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. 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. Other board members shared their reasoning for voting in favor of the mask mandate. Data Not Collected The developer does not collect any data from this app. 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 you can't find the answer, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. I think they should still be wearing masks for their safety and everyone elses, said Will Via, a dad from Verona. Helms added that she would also like to see the masks stay. 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. About 50 people attended the Augusta. 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 main issue was the recent Commonwealth decision that all schools needed to have a non-discrimination policy in place in regards to transgender students. All students, staff and volunteers in county schools will wear masks to begin the school year. "Personally, I would like to see the masks gone," Chairperson David Shiflett said, "but now I dont think is the time.. //]]> 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. He was referring to how the Georgia Department of Public Health color-codesCOVID-19 concentrations. All rights reserved. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. 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. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School . Story ideas and tips always welcome. Now it is easier than ever to stay up-to-date with the news. 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. McCormick said she wished the discussion about masking would have been at the business meeting instead. About 20 minutes into the school. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Virginia (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases rise within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask requirements. Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public 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). Make 2023 the year to let that wonderful you-ness shine. Find Augusta County, Virginia public schools, including charter schools, k-12, elementary, middle, and high schools. Heres why. All say theyre waiting for additional guidance from the Virginia Department of Education, the Virginia Department of Health and Governor Ralph Northam. Copyright 2021 WVIR. 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. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. The school board also voted to follow the contact tracing guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health. Already have a commenting profile? 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. 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. Kati McCormick was the only board member to vote against the measure. Glenn Youngkin's executive order on masks in schools. To date, they have distributed 20,230 devices. Board Chairperson Amanda Olson told McCormick there had been more of a discussion for the mask mandate at a board workshop a couple of weeks earlier, which McCormick did not attend. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - Augusta County Public Schools is set to become mask-optional in three weeks. 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. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. 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. Now. This is a political scam to see who is going to sit down and shut up, Riverheads student Joshua Cox said . I anticipated more discussion before we voted.. See Offers. About 20 minutes into the school board meeting Thursday evening, members went into closed session with its legal council. The Augusta Public Schools will have in-person learning, five days a week. 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. In the meantime, there are many ways for you to get vaccinated in our community. Fourteen people spoke out against the mandates, citing their fear of heath issues they believe could be caused by masks. The biggest questions will be at middle schools, where some students can get the shot and others cant. Success. More than 300 Augusta County students have tested positive for COVID-19 since school started four weeks ago. By Jessica Mallow. If you dont, I dont have a problem with that either.. McCormick voted against the mandate, saying she believes the decision for students to wear masks should be up to families, not the school administration. Walensky says thats not the case now, and vaccines are very effective. 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.". Editor. AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. 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. Lawrence County School District: Full mask requirement: Sloan-Hendrix School District: . Sign in or Subscribe Washtenaw County schools opt to keep masks on 'until further notice' . 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. Its equal or worse than in December, and our healthcare workers are drowning, said Tara Mahanes. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes to you. The week of Jan. 17 there were 171 cases. Its why the news isnt sitting well with him and others. 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. In light of Virginia's school mask policy change, we have included a list of school districts and their decisions on masking. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. The Augusta County School Board voted 5-1 on Thursday to make masks optional . 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. Harrisonburg man charged with crimes connected to Jan. 6 attack on U.S. Capitol, Charlie Obaugh RV & Outdoor Student Athlete of the Week. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. The Augusta County, VA is not responsible for the content of external sites. List of Augusta County Public Schools. 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 letter continued, we know masking works and applauded children for their efforts in masking in the past school year. (844) 698-3261 Free Consultation info@ritchielawfirm.com Case Results . Riverheads High School 19 Howardsville Road Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: (540) 337-1921 Fax: (540) 337-0258.