Please subscribe to keep reading. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. That's why we try our best to make it easy to live in this beautiful place we call home. The school board also voted to follow the contact tracing guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy. MORE | Threat puts Thomson High School put on. 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. (844) 698-3261 Free Consultation info@ritchielawfirm.com Case Results More. 2023 www.newsleader.com. Subscribe to usat newsleader.com. The winners of the 2015 races in the Beverly Manor, Pastures and Middle River Districts served . Augusta County residents lead busy lives. Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, At-home COVID test website launches early. Enter your email and password to access comments. 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.. I want to work with every one of you. 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. I believe in Jesus Christ. Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 cases surge. Some quoted scripture, while others blamed politics. The school board voted unanimously Aug. 9 to allow the district to change . People spoke for and against requiring students to wear masks this fall, as the school board previously stated masks would be optional. Best for a great weekend. 2022, 12:02 p.m. Paula Gentile helps out as a substitute in Tana Spelman's class at Bishop Elementary in Augusta . 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. More than 300 Augusta County students have tested positive for COVID-19 since school started four weeks ago. If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. 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. He said "lots of parents" had reached out to him saying masks had created emotional damage for their children. In rare occasions, some vaccinated people infected with the Delta variants after vaccination may be contagious and spread the virus to others, she said. Not even fire-engine red Augusta County is on board with Gov. The numbers have fluctuated within the school division. The goal is to be finished by Jan.31. 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. Make masks mandatory!" Aiken Public Safety officers rushed out to where the overflow crowd was gathered because of meeting room capacity restrictions, and the . The biggest questions will be at middle schools, where some students can get the shot and others cant. Glenn Youngkin's executive order on masks in schools. In the last five weeks since students returned from winter break, Augusta County Schools have reported 889 positive cases, the highest five-week total of the school year. 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 delta variant is so very contagious it appears to cause high viral loads even in vaccinated people who become infected.. Masks may be removed during lunch and while outside. 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. on March 2.Read more about the C.D . 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. Anastasio also said the DOE will require schools to report teacher vaccination status, which will be done anonymously and through a survey. By Jessica Mallow. If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. Now it is easier than ever to stay up-to-date with the news. The Augusta County School Board unanimously affirmed at its meeting Thursday they would follow the law as now presented to them. Welcher said the number of cases did not show a need for further mask mandates in schools as students return five days a week for in-person instruction. "These absences from school will be excused and students will be permitted to make up all missed work," the letter said. The letter continued, we know masking works and applauded children for their efforts in masking in the past school year. 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. The superintendent also reminded families that student assessments, such as Georgia Milestones, will count toward student promotion. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. 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. Please wait for the page to reload. 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. Log in to join the discussion. Although theres not yet an indoor mask mandate in Virginia, the CDC says there should be. 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 . 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. VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The rise in COVID cases is also a concern for our local school districts. Glenn Youngkin's executive order that made their decision possible. She asked if it was considered by administration to have a mask mandate for the younger students and recommended for the older students. ", 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.". "Arlington Public Schools implemented our mask requirement this school year prior to Gov. "Not seeing facial expressions. AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Richmond County Board of Education met Tuesday night to get a COVID update from the superintendent. 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. Her motion died for lack of a second. 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. School board votes to make masks optional for all students, staff in Augusta County. School boards are required by state law to enact the policies for the 2021-22. 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. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. 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. ", 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. Aiken County Public Schools spokesperson Mike Rosier said via email that they will not be mandating masks, citing a memo from South Carolina Superintendent Molly Spearman saying the General Assembly's Proviso 1.108 in the 2021-22 Appropriations Bill prohibits any school district from requiring students or staff to wear a mask. We do not appreciate it. //]]> Some counties within the BRHD qualify for indoor masking, per the CDC guideline.Charlottesville and Albemarle County are not there as of today, but as you can see, the 7-day moving average is going in the wrong direction district-wide. 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. Its still a big health problem, she said. Heres why. All rights reserved. Copyright 2021 WHSV. All rights reserved. School Board members made the decision Thursday . The superintendent is great, the principal was wonderful. Via has three kids in Augusta County Public Schools and only one of them is old enough to get the shot. Based on current conditions, this is what we need to do to make that happen. 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.". Augusta County Public Schools18 Government Center LaneVerona, VA 24482Phone: 540-245-5100Fax: 540-245-5115. At their meeting. He shared the letter from the pediatricians at the board meeting. Wayne District representative Tim Swortzel made the motion to make face-coverings optional and North River representative Nicholas Collins seconded. 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. Copyright 2021 WVIR. 1:30 PM Community Policy Management Team. The developer, Augusta County Public Schools, indicated that the app's privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. 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. nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask. Walensky says thats not the case now, and vaccines are very effective. Latest trends. 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. 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. Allegan Public Schools: K-6 masks required; 7-8 TBD; 9-12 optional | Details. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School . About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday night. Teacher at Dixon Preschool Center Augusta County Public Schools 4.2 The Augusta Board of Education voted. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The Augusta County School Board held a special session on July 29th to discuss what turned out to be two issues. 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. This new science is worrisome and unfortunately warrants an update to our recommendation., RELATED: New CDC guidelines call for masks in schools K-12. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. Sign up for breaking news alerts. I hope youre on the same side.. Masks will return to Augusta County schools this fall. However, in a letter sent to families of students Thursday, Superintendent Eric Bond said masks would be optional for staff Monday as well. The Virginia Department of Health reported 113 new COVID cases in Augusta County Thursday, the highest one-day total since Feb. 4. Under the protocol,masks arerequired for allstudents, staff andvisitors to all school districtfacilities and onbuses,regardless of vaccination status. 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. List of Augusta County Public Schools. 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. Columbia County schools decided to make masks optional for students moving forward effective for summer school. Milestones were waived in 2020 as a result of the chaos caused by the initial outbreak of COVID-19, and the weight of the test was greatly diminished last year. You can cancel at any time. 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. 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). 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. We reached out to school leaders all over the region. 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. Data Not Collected The developer does not collect any data from this app. People are also reading 'Cousin Eddie' display from 'Christmas Vacation' leads to Kentucky police response Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols" . Fourteen people spoke out against the mandates, citing their fear of heath issues they believe could be caused by masks. 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. Columbia County . Use the form below to reset your password. 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. 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. But the Virginia Department of Health is not making any masking decisions yet. @NBC29 pic.twitter.com/L8eS6n0bxz. Other board members shared their reasoning for voting in favor of the mask mandate. Copyright 2023 WSLS.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Don't have a commenting profile? CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - It may be time for some of us in Central Virginia to mask back up. "In light of those considerations, the practice is to allowconsistencyin how students and staff are treated with respect to mitigation measures.". Riverheads High School 19 Howardsville Road Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: (540) 337-1921 Fax: (540) 337-0258. McCormick wondered about a remote option for families if they preferred their child not go into school for safety or medical reasons, but Anastasio said there is no plan since the CDC strongly recommends we have students in school. He said school officials may work with some families if there is a medial reason, but the district does not have the resources and staffing to offer a full remote option as it did last school year. Login. 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. Anastasio said its easier at all levels since people move around the district. Find Augusta County, Virginia public schools, including charter schools, k-12, elementary, middle, and high schools. Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. Masks will be required for anyone inside Charleston County schools until Oct. 15, 2021. 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. . The general election was held on November 3, 2015. 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.. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. Certification or licensure (if required for the position for which you are applying) The Augusta County School Board voted 5-1 on Thursday to make masks optional . Augusta County Public Schools. The week of Jan. 17 there were 171 cases. 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. The 2015 election was the last election for all seven seats to appear on the ballot at the same time. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) - "It's just not right to have them mandate it," said 8th grader Jonathan Vasquez. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta County students will head to school on Tuesday, August 10 wearing masks. Becoming a Foster Parent Become a foster parent to a child in need. 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. Dr. Flynt tells us plans are dependent on cases staying low and the mask policy . 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. Its why the news isnt sitting well with him and others. The school division will also follow the CDCs shortened timeline for those who have toisolateorquarantine. Add the 10-digit school phone number and the Augusta County Schools district phone number (540-245-5100) to your phone contacts. 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. Harrisonburg man charged with crimes connected to Jan. 6 attack on U.S. Capitol, Charlie Obaugh RV & Outdoor Student Athlete of the Week. I feel like everyone should still be wearing masks, vaccinated or not, said Shae Helms, a sophomore at Amherst County High School. "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. Augusta County Schools will become mask-optional in three weeks. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes to you. All rights reserved. There is [sic] three reasons why COVID cases are going up. 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. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a child-friendly fit. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Starting Thursday, masks will be required for students, staff, and visitors to all district facilities and buses, regardless of vaccination status. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - Augusta County Public Schools is set to become mask-optional in three weeks. "If between now and then things go crazy," Shiflett said. Lawrence County School District: Full mask requirement: Sloan-Hendrix School District: .