But she also says this guidance makes sense because of the more transmissible Delta variant. Photo by Atoms on Unsplash. If you dont, I dont have a problem with that either.. Please subscribe to continue reading 0 Comments Get local news delivered to your inbox! Copyright 2023 WSLS.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. The general election was held on November 3, 2015. 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. Augusta County Schools to make masks optional starting Feb. 14 Augusta County follows Staunton, Waynesboro on masks in schools McCormick voted against the mandate, saying she believes the decision for students to wear masks should be up to families, not the school administration. I would rather go with safety; I want kids to be in school five days a week.. The biggest questions will be at middle schools, where some students can get the shot and others cant. Augusta County Public Schools. Superintendent James Anastasio strongly recommended the board vote in favor of the mandate. Please subscribe to keep reading. "Not seeing facial expressions. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Its still a big health problem, she said. Thank you for visiting the Augusta County, VA. You will be redirected to the destination page below in 0 seconds. https://www.augusta.k12.va.us The week of Jan. 17 there were 171 cases. The school board met Thursday night to discuss their back-to-school. But othersincluding her momhave a different opinion. That guidance comes as cases are rising virtually everywhere across the country -- including in the Charlottesville area. ", 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. 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. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. Augusta County joins other Valley schools masking up - WHSV Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent (540) 245-5108, Where Students Grow Intellectually, Physically, and Emotionally. "If between now and then things go crazy," Shiflett said. Some quoted scripture, while others blamed politics. The school board also voted to follow the contact tracing guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health. Helms added that she would also like to see the masks stay. Already have a commenting profile? 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. nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask. 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. The letter continued, we know masking works and applauded children for their efforts in masking in the past school year. Augusta County Schools will become mask-optional in three weeks. 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. 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. Mask Mandate Rescinded In Columbia County Schools - The Augusta Press Northam's K-12 mask mandate, and we will continue to make decisions that prioritize the health, safety . Face coverings and masks will be optional at Charleston County schools when students return to their classrooms Aug. 18. 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. Augusta County residents lead busy lives. The CDC also hasnt said how teachers can know which students are vaccinated or how parents will know which teachers are immunized. 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. This is a political scam to see who is going to sit down and shut up, Riverheads student Joshua Cox said . 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. New CDC re-masking guidelines say several Central Virginia - NBC12 I was a Title 1 reading teacher and was treated with professionalism and respect. People are also reading 'Cousin Eddie' display from 'Christmas Vacation' leads to Kentucky police response 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. Timothy Simmons will take a seat on the Augusta County School Board in January. "We'll revisit it. Designed and sold by artists. Wayne District representative Tim Swortzel made the motion to make face-coverings optional and North River representative Nicholas Collins seconded. That rose to 206 the following week, but dropped back to 167 the week of Jan. 31. Augusta County Public Schools will keep masks mandatory until Feb. 14 2023 www.newsleader.com. 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. VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks. The CDC released this map of the country, which says how your city or county is doing as far as COVID-19 transmission. Your cooperation with this change is expectedand appreciated. 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. There is [sic] three reasons why COVID cases are going up. People are also reading Masks requirements for GA county schools | WJBF Augusta County School Board reverses course, complies with state on Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Augusta County, VA | Home Riverheads High School | Home - Augusta County Public Schools Waynesboro school officials still deciding on mask mandate Studentswill be permitted to remove masksduring lunch and while outside. I feel like its the parents decision. That's why we try our best to make it easy to live in this beautiful place we call home. New CDC guidance says some counties in our viewing area meet the threshold to put those face coverings back on. 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. Teacher at Dixon Preschool Center Augusta County Public Schools 4.2 Sign up for breaking news alerts. Glenn Youngkin's executive order that made their decision possible. However, in a letter sent to families of students Thursday, Superintendent Eric Bond said masks would be optional for staff Monday as well. Otherwise, a 14-day quarantine will be required. 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. Get up to 20% off. Via has three kids in Augusta County Public Schools and only one of them is old enough to get the shot. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. Washtenaw County schools opt to keep masks on 'until further notice' All students, staff and volunteers in county schools will wear masks to begin the school year. If you want to wear one, I dont see a problem with that. All rights reserved. Not even fire-engine red Augusta County is on board with Gov. More. In light of Virginia's school mask policy change, we have included a list of school districts and their decisions on masking. Tomorrow marks one week until Columbia County and some Richmond County students start the new year. Pediatric death is rare, but not zero, so its our responsibility to protect all children. Regardless of vaccination status, the Augusta Public Schools will require masks for people entering its buildings next school year. 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. Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. "These absences from school will be excused and students will be permitted to make up all missed work," the letter said. Augusta school board reaffirms mask mandate, plans COVID-19 testing His first item of focus is the rights of parents. Timothy Simmons, who represents the Pastures District, said he is in favor of making masks optional. Masks may be removed during lunch and while outside. Already registered? Augusta County School Board's refusal to enact state policy - WHSV Richmond County schools dropping mask mandate in buildings - WRDW Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Over the summer, our children have been maskless, Welcher said. Tuesday Columbia County school leaders made their decision on the mask mandate. 'Parental rights' at the front of Simmons' agenda for Augusta County The numbers have fluctuated within the school division. 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. Im asking for a choice for a virtual option during this surge. 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. Shop the collection. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. 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. I hope youre on the same side.. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. 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. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. Augusta County School Board votes against VDoE transgender model policies 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. The speakers who opposed the policies voiced concerns about safety issues, parental and privacy rights, and religious freedom. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Youngkin, Psaki respond to Northern Va. school systems' announcements 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. Under the protocol,masks arerequired for allstudents, staff andvisitors to all school districtfacilities and onbuses,regardless of vaccination status. But the Virginia Department of Health is not making any masking decisions yet. We do not appreciate it. Kortney joined the 10 News team as a Lynchburg Bureau Reporter in May 2021. The Columbia County Board of Education will be withdrawing its requirements for students and faculty to wear face-coverings beginning Sept. 29. All rights reserved. The division also said that. Now it is easier than ever to stay up-to-date with the news. Subscribe to usat newsleader.com. Between Jan. 4 and 18, Georgia reported over 200,000 new cases, and the map had turned a dark burgundy. Send us your news tip here. Masks will return to Augusta County schools this fall - NBC29 The only vote against the motion was fromBeverley Manor representative Donna Wells, who had tried to amend the motion to extend the mandatory mask policy until Feb. 28. Allegan Public Schools: K-6 masks required; 7-8 TBD; 9-12 optional | Details. Other board members shared their reasoning for voting in favor of the mask mandate. Its why the news isnt sitting well with him and others. 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. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a. Heres why. As areas around the state see an uptick in COVID-19 cases, with many related to the delta variant, the Virginia Department of Health, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education, released guidance on July 21 that urged masks for all students and staff at elementary schools, regardless of vaccination status. Some in Augusta County oppose faculty masks mandates as COVID-19 Copyright 2021 WHSV. 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. Masks will return to Augusta County schools this fall. Kati McCormick was the only board member to vote against the measure. 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. About 20 minutes into the school board meeting Thursday evening, members went into closed session with its legal council. This a wonderful school district to work, and a beautiful area! Wear a mask, wash your hands, stay safe. //]]> As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes to you. Subscribe to usat newsleader.com. Best for a great weekend. Add the 10-digit school phone number and the Augusta County Schools district phone number (540-245-5100) to your phone contacts. The district had held. All say theyre waiting for additional guidance from the Virginia Department of Education, the Virginia Department of Health and Governor Ralph Northam. She asked if it was considered by administration to have a mask mandate for the younger students and recommended for the older students. 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. 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. Richmond County students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Masks have been and continue to be required on all Georgia school buses. CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - It may be time for some of us in Central Virginia to mask back up. Columbia County . All rights reserved. Create one. 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. 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 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy. Aiken County Schools eliminate mask mandate | WJBF Bradshaw said they are not putting an end-date on theprotocol, but that they are continuing to monitor the latest data and consult with experts on the necessary way to proceed. Augusta County Schools, VA 4+ - App Store Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. 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