Augusta school board reaffirms mask mandate, plans COVID-19 testing Create one. "We have to consider how the mask is affecting them emotionally," Simmons said. Log in to join the discussion. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols". 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. Some quoted scripture, while others blamed politics. Waynesboro Public Schools followed the VDHs guidance and voted earlier this week to mandate masks for elementary students and staff. I would rather go with safety; I want kids to be in school five days a week.. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. 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. About 20 minutes into the school board meeting Thursday evening, members went into closed session with its legal council. McDuffie County schools mandate masks; surge hits hospitals hard - WRDW For more information, see the developer's privacy policy. They have been in public places and taken place in social gatherings. VERONA Officials with Augusta County Public Schools have announced that masks won't be required beginning Monday for students, staff and visitors. To mask or not to mask? Local schools determine policies - WRDW 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. Mask 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. Wear a mask, wash your hands, stay safe. Shenandoah Valley Center for Advanced Learning, Valley Career & Technical Center49 Hornet RoadFishersville, VA 22939Phone: (540) 245-5002Fax: (540) 885-0407info@valleytech.us. Login. The letter continued, we know masking works and applauded children for their efforts in masking in the past school year. All rights reserved. There were no specific numbersgiven as far as the number of COVID cases that would make the board consider extending the mandatory mask policy, only a very broad explanation by the board's chair. Augusta County Virginia schools quickly go mask optional for all Masks will be required for anyone inside Charleston County schools until Oct. 15, 2021. Afterward, the public spoke and most of the comments were about masks in school. The Augusta County School Board is a seven-member board elected by district to four-year terms. Augusta County Schools Kids Masks for Sale | Redbubble 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. 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. 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. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. 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. There was a problem saving your notification. LIST: Arizona school districts keeping, removing mask mandates - KNXV Verify your phone numbers and contact preferences are correct in Campus Parent > User > Settings > Contact Preferences. The division also said that. Don't have a commenting profile? Copyright 2021 WVIR. Augusta County Public Schools - Wikipedia 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. Sign up for breaking news alerts. 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. Were gonna have to step back, go by the law, and prove them wrong, Ward said. Augusta County Public Schools Where Students Grow Intellectually, Physically, and Emotionally Menu Schools Translate Employment Calendars COVID Info ACPS Podcast Please allow notifications from your school (s). The opportunity to grow professionally is evident there. Below you will find several links to helpful resources for our residents. The Augusta County, VA is not responsible for the content of external sites. Now. ", 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.". The numbers have fluctuated within the school division. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. 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. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. Use the form below to reset your password. The 2015 election was the last election for all seven seats to appear on the ballot at the same time. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"ndsTchhICxLNjF_dxI18aRlyWnQfS.IeNB3Ql0MS2hM-1800-0"}; 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. Riverheads High School | Home - Augusta County Public Schools The Augusta County School Board unanimously affirmed at its meeting Thursday they would follow the law as now presented to them. About 20 minutes into the school. Make masks mandatory! This new science is worrisome and unfortunately warrants an update to our recommendation., RELATED: New CDC guidelines call for masks in schools K-12. 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. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. If you want to wear one, I dont see a problem with that. Collins said he worded his motion so it gave a date for going mask optional, but also gave the board its own options. He shared the letter from the pediatricians at the board meeting. School boards are required by state law to enact the policies for the 2021-22. 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. The winners of the 2015 races in the Beverly Manor, Pastures and Middle River Districts served . She asked if it was considered by administration to have a mask mandate for the younger students and recommended for the older students. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. School Board members made the decision Thursday . Do you all understand that? The week of Jan. 17 there were 171 cases. In light of Virginia's school mask policy change, we have included a list of school districts and their decisions on masking. 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. He was referring to how the Georgia Department of Public Health color-codesCOVID-19 concentrations. Anastasio also said the DOE will require schools to report teacher vaccination status, which will be done anonymously and through a survey. Subscribe to usat newsleader.com. 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. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. I want to work with every one of you. All rights reserved. "These absences from school will be excused and students will be permitted to make up all missed work," the letter said. Walensky says thats not the case now, and vaccines are very effective. Augusta County School Board reverses course, complies with state on {{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. Stay Connected . The CDC released this map of the country, which says how your city or county is doing as far as COVID-19 transmission. The Columbia County Board of Education will be withdrawing its requirements for students and faculty to wear face-coverings beginning Sept. 29. 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 The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. Many have since returned to school, but the virus continues to spread. Her motion died for lack of a second. Masks will return to Augusta County schools this fall. 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. 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. Students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside. Augusta County, VA | Home . 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. 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. Certification or licensure (if required for the position for which you are applying) The goal is to be finished by Jan.31. Augusta County Public Schools elections (2015) - Ballotpedia How many Columbia County students are following mask rules? - WRDW Charleston County schools to require masks; senators want session on Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols" . 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. Success. That guidance comes as cases are rising virtually everywhere across the country -- including in the Charlottesville area. Shop the collection. 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. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Washtenaw County schools opt to keep masks on 'until further notice' Studentswill be permitted to remove masksduring lunch and while outside. VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. If you dont, I dont have a problem with that either.. Augusta County Public Schools. At their meeting. Aiken County school board to fight state's restriction on mask mandate Timothy Simmons, who represents the Pastures District, said he is in favor of making masks optional. Your cooperation with this change is expectedand appreciated. Now it is easier than ever to stay up-to-date with the news. Kortney joined the 10 News team as a Lynchburg Bureau Reporter in May 2021. If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. 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. New CDC guidance says some counties in our viewing area meet the threshold to put those face coverings back on. AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Richmond County Board of Education met Tuesday night to get a COVID update from the superintendent. Latest trends. But the Virginia Department of Health is not making any masking decisions yet. Accommodations will be made for students and employees unable to wear a mask for documented medical reasons. We fear if we dont have universal masking, the letter stated, there will be outbreaks warranting school closure.. I want to work with you. The speakers who opposed the policies voiced concerns about safety issues, parental and privacy rights, and religious freedom. Augusta County Public Schools is the organization that operates the public school system in Augusta County, Virginia. Already have a commenting profile? MORE: Mask Mandates Are Hot Topic at Columbia County School Board Meeting Northam's K-12 mask mandate, and we will continue to make decisions that prioritize the health, safety . Many protest mask mandate in Columbia County schools | WJBF Augusta Public Schools to enforce mask wearing for all students, staff It was heated at times - like when people called board members cowards for wearing masks and forcing students to wear them. 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. Human Resources - Richmond County School System 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 . 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. I believe in Jesus Christ. We have always tried to be non-political. Data Not Collected The developer does not collect any data from this app. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The rise in COVID cases is also a concern for our local school districts. Richmond County students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside. McCormick voted against the mandate, saying she believes the decision for students to wear masks should be up to families, not the school administration. The school division will also follow the CDCs shortened timeline for those who have toisolateorquarantine. Masks requirements for GA county schools | WJBF Columbia County . Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols". Augusta County School Boards motion on Wednesday includes flexibility to alter its plans if case numbers change. Riverheads High School 19 Howardsville Road Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: (540) 337-1921 Fax: (540) 337-0258. His first item of focus is the rights of parents. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. Hope everyone is doing well. The school board also voted to follow the contact tracing guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health. Im asking for a choice for a virtual option during this surge. Copyright 2023 WSLS.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. The school board voted unanimously Aug. 9 to allow the district to change . While the nation's top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some. In the meantime, there are many ways for you to get vaccinated in our community. 'Parental rights' at the front of Simmons' agenda for Augusta County Otherwise, a 14-day quarantine will be required. Wayne District representative Tim Swortzel made the motion to make face-coverings optional and North River representative Nicholas Collins seconded. The delta variant is so very contagious it appears to cause high viral loads even in vaccinated people who become infected..
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