Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. 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. Sign in or Subscribe Timothy Simmons, who represents the Pastures District, said he is in favor of making masks optional. Still, theres no doubt this will make for some challenging school environments. We have always tried to be non-political. Make masks mandatory! In the meantime, there are many ways for you to get vaccinated in our community. 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. 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. Shop the collection. Masks may be removed during lunch and while outside. The developer, Augusta County Public Schools, indicated that the app's privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. 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. The Augusta County School Board voted 5-1 on Thursday to make masks optional . Board member Martha Witham said masks are the one thing that will keep everyone safe when school starts and they are a small price to pay to get kids back in school full time and to keep everyone safe., This wasnt a quick decision, board member Jennifer Dumond said. The speakers who opposed the policies voiced concerns about safety issues, parental and privacy rights, and religious freedom. We fear if we dont have universal masking, the letter stated, there will be outbreaks warranting school closure.. The policies say schools should allow students to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity. The goal is to be finished by Jan.31. You have permission to edit this article. Reading Specialist (Former Employee) - Verona, VA - August 12, 2020. Stay Connected . 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. All rights reserved. 1:30 PM Community Policy Management Team. People are also reading 'Cousin Eddie' display from 'Christmas Vacation' leads to Kentucky police response We reached out to school leaders all over the region. The VDOE did not mandate the mask usage, and Augusta County opted to leave it up to individual students and staff. Already registered? Walensky says thats not the case now, and vaccines are very effective. The CDC recommends those with COVID-19 should isolate for five days and, if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving, then wear a mask for fivedays when around others. The superintendent also reminded families that student assessments, such as Georgia Milestones, will count toward student promotion. Enter your email and password to access comments. ", 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 Columbia County Board of Education will be withdrawing its requirements for students and faculty to wear face-coverings beginning Sept. 29. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Story ideas and tips always welcome. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The rise in COVID cases is also a concern for our local school districts. For more information, see the developer's privacy 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. 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. 2023 www.newsleader.com. Helms added that she would also like to see the masks stay. 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. Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. Another potential headache: the CDC is still recommending schools continue to space kids out and keep their desks three feet apart. McCormick voted against the mandate, saying she believes the decision for students to wear masks should be up to families, not the school administration. Here are a few of them: Blue Ridge Health District vaccination scheduler, Call the BRHD COVID-19 Hotline 434-972-6261. 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. 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. 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. 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. "Not seeing facial expressions. The delta variant is so very contagious it appears to cause high viral loads even in vaccinated people who become infected.. 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. We do not appreciate it. 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. Now it is easier than ever to stay up-to-date with the news. 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. The Augusta County School Board unanimously affirmed at its meeting Thursday they would follow the law as now presented to them. Login. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. A month since Rosenberg was forced out, Staunton City Council hasn't secured search firm, Staunton man pleads guilty to a string of burglaries, gets nearly 10 years in prison, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Waynesboro Public Schools followed the VDHs guidance and voted earlier this week to mandate masks for elementary students and staff. Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent (540) 245-5108, Where Students Grow Intellectually, Physically, and Emotionally. Official transcripts are required at the time of employment. 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.. The Augusta County School Board held a special session on July 29th to discuss what turned out to be two issues. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). 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. 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. Do you have a story idea? Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. 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. 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. About 20 minutes into the school. Create one. I feel like its the parents decision. Best for a great weekend. Only two people spoke out in favor of masks. 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. Otherwise, a 14-day quarantine will be required. The opportunity to grow professionally is evident there. Now. Anastasio also said the DOE will require schools to report teacher vaccination status, which will be done anonymously and through a survey. The Governor also stated, "K-12 school districts and charter schools still maintain the right to institute and enforce policies to mitigate against COVID-19 spread including the use of masks." Heres why. They have been in public places and taken place in social gatherings. I anticipated more discussion before we voted.. Beloved local eatery, The Pie Chest, closing for good this month, Family of Ukrainian refugees using music to adapt to life in Charlottesville. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta County students will head to school on Tuesday, August 10 wearing masks. I want to work with you. "We have to consider how the mask is affecting them emotionally," Simmons said. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. Fennville Public . I was a Title 1 reading teacher and was treated with professionalism and respect. So far this week the school division has reported 85 casesdespite studentsbeing out all week because of a holiday and snow. Glenn Youngkin's executive order on masks in schools. 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. 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. Weve been saying all along students should be in school and shouldnt be tied to masks, said Conservative Parents of Lynchburg Founder Andrew Glover. 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. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. The winners of the 2015 races in the Beverly Manor, Pastures and Middle River Districts served . The Augusta County, VA is not responsible for the content of external sites. You can cancel at any time. I believe in Jesus Christ. Superintendent James Anastasio strongly recommended the board vote in favor of the mandate. If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. At their meeting. nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask. His first item of focus is the rights of parents. If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558. All say theyre waiting for additional guidance from the Virginia Department of Education, the Virginia Department of Health and Governor Ralph Northam. Subscribe to usat newsleader.com. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School . Editor. 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. 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. Its vaccination that Walensky says will prevent her biggest fear. School boards are required by state law to enact the policies for the 2021-22. Kati McCormick was the only board member to vote against the measure. 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. 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. While the nation's top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some. 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. 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. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a child-friendly fit. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes to you. Augusta County Schools will become mask-optional in three weeks. [CDATA[ 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Fourteen people spoke out against the mandates, citing their fear of heath issues they believe could be caused by masks. Although theres not yet an indoor mask mandate in Virginia, the CDC says there should be. The week of Jan. 17 there were 171 cases. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. If you dont, I dont have a problem with that either.. Get up to 20% off. The numbers have fluctuated within the school division. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. "In light of those considerations, the practice is to allowconsistencyin how students and staff are treated with respect to mitigation measures.". Copyright 2021 WVIR. However, in a letter sent to families of students Thursday, Superintendent Eric Bond said masks would be optional for staff Monday as well. All rights reserved. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. 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. "If between now and then things go crazy," Shiflett said. The Augusta County School Board is a seven-member board elected by district to four-year terms. {{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. We got to show some force or whatever you need to do to show those people down there to understand that we need to be allowed to make the decision that best suits our kids because we deal with our kids, we deal with the parents, board member Tim Swortzel said. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Dr. Flynt tells us plans are dependent on cases staying low and the mask policy . In the central Virginia community, as of the July 27 update, here are the following localities in the: The potential for this to be a problem is much, much lower in areas with low amounts of disease, said CDC Director Rochelle Walensky. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols" . 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.. While the nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some say its too soon. 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. Im asking for a choice for a virtual option during this surge. Some quoted scripture, while others blamed politics. The biggest questions will be at middle schools, where some students can get the shot and others cant. 0:57. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. 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. McClintock said they hope to get the cameras within the next month. 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. 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. The Augusta Public Schools will have in-person learning, five days a week. Augusta County residents lead busy lives. 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. Add the 10-digit school phone number and the Augusta County Schools district phone number (540-245-5100) to your phone contacts. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. 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! 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. Verify your phone numbers and contact preferences are correct in Campus Parent > User > Settings > Contact Preferences. Between Jan. 4 and 18, Georgia reported over 200,000 new cases, and the map had turned a dark burgundy. I was excited not to have them (masks), but then I saw new data said the delta variant could infect people with the vaccine and could result in a spread. The school board is elected, and the current superintendent is Dr. Eric Bond. 5:00 PM Joint Meeting-Augusta County Board of Supervisors and Augusta County . Send us your news tip here. That guidance comes as cases are rising virtually everywhere across the country -- including in the Charlottesville area. Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, At-home COVID test website launches early. The school division will also follow the CDCs shortened timeline for those who have toisolateorquarantine. 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. Starting Thursday, masks will be required for students, staff, and visitors to all district facilities and buses, regardless of vaccination status. People are also reading 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. Richmond County students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside. Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 cases surge. Its equal or worse than in December, and our healthcare workers are drowning, said Tara Mahanes.