augusta county schools mask policy

Over the summer, our children have been maskless, Welcher said. 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. We have always tried to be non-political. Wear a mask, wash your hands, stay safe. More than 300 Augusta County students have tested positive for COVID-19 since school started four weeks ago. : Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, More: At-home COVID test website launches early. Were gonna have to step back, go by the law, and prove them wrong, Ward said. Im asking for a choice for a virtual option during this surge. Masks will return to Augusta County schools this fall - NBC29 Under the protocol, masks are required for all students, staff and visitors to all school district facilities and on buses, regardless of vaccination status. If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558. 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. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a child-friendly fit. 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. 5:00 PM Joint Meeting-Augusta County Board of Supervisors and Augusta County . That's why we try our best to make it easy to live in this beautiful place we call home. All rights reserved. The Augusta County School Board held a special session on July 29th to discuss what turned out to be two issues. ", 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. Virginia School Mask Policies - Ritchie Law Augusta County Schools to make masks optional starting Feb. 14 MORE: Mask Mandates Are Hot Topic at Columbia County School Board Meeting Augusta County, Virginia Covid Case and Risk Tracker Mask Policy AMI Dates; Augusta School District: Full mask requirement: McCrory School District: I think they should still be wearing masks for their safety and everyone elses, said Will Via, a dad from Verona. This is a political scam to see who is going to sit down and shut up, Riverheads student Joshua Cox said . Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. 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. Face coverings and masks will be optional at Charleston County schools when students return to their classrooms Aug. 18. 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. Masks may be removed during lunch and while outside. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. The Augusta County School Board is a seven-member board elected by district to four-year terms. Reading Specialist (Former Employee) - Verona, VA - August 12, 2020. 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. //Augusta County Virginia schools quickly go mask optional for all Find Augusta County, Virginia public schools, including charter schools, k-12, elementary, middle, and high schools. Copyright 2021 WVIR. Shop the collection. In the meantime, there are many ways for you to get vaccinated in our community. Sign in or Subscribe Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. About 20 minutes into the school. Glenn Youngkin's executive order that made their decision possible. Don't have a commenting profile? 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. Augusta County Public Schools. Human Resources - Richmond County School System I feel like its the parents decision. Richmond County schools will require masks - The Augusta Chronicle Timothy Simmons, who represents the Pastures District, said he is in favor of making masks optional. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. (844) 698-3261 Free Consultation info@ritchielawfirm.com Case Results The Virginia Department of Health reported 113 new COVID cases in Augusta County Thursday, the highest one-day total since Feb. 4. Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 - NBC29 Administrators say theyre hearing the same from other parents. Its still a big health problem, she said. Here are a few of them: Blue Ridge Health District vaccination scheduler, Call the BRHD COVID-19 Hotline 434-972-6261. MORE | Threat puts Thomson High School put on. She asked if it was considered by administration to have a mask mandate for the younger students and recommended for the older students. May 19, 2021. 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. Between Dec. 4 and 18, Georgia reported just under 20,000new cases, and most of the state's map was a light-yellow. 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. Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. 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 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 Public Schools reported on its dashboard that the week of Jan. 9 it had 236 total cases of COVID, including 209 among students. 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. Northam's K-12 mask mandate, and we will continue to make decisions that prioritize the health, safety . Subscribe to usat newsleader.com. CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - It may be time for some of us in Central Virginia to mask back up. 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. Campus Parent | Augusta County Public Schools Augusta County School Board votes against transgender 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. nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask. The CDC released this map of the country, which says how your city or county is doing as far as COVID-19 transmission. The winners of the 2015 races in the Beverly Manor, Pastures and Middle River Districts served . window.__mirage2 = {petok:"ndsTchhICxLNjF_dxI18aRlyWnQfS.IeNB3Ql0MS2hM-1800-0"}; 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 2015 election was the last election for all seven seats to appear on the ballot at the same time. So far this week the school division has reported 85 casesdespite studentsbeing out all week because of a holiday and snow. Heritage Pharma plans to start testing Monday, Jan. 24, and families are asked to stay tuned for more details. VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks. If you want to wear one, I dont see a problem with that. Copyright 2021 WHSV. Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 - WHSV Learn More You are now exiting the Augusta County, VA. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. Pediatric death is rare, but not zero, so its our responsibility to protect all children. Augusta County School Board's refusal to enact state policy - WHSV Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The Allegan County Health Department is requiring masks in schools from kindergarten to sixth grade. Masks have been and continue to be required on all Georgia school buses. The Augusta County School Board unanimously affirmed at its meeting Thursday they would follow the law as now presented to them. Aiken County Schools eliminate mask mandate | WJBF Augusta County Public Schools will keep masks mandatory until Feb. 14 . 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. 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. That is its highest weekly total of the school year. Ensure that the phone number is not blocked in phone settings. The school district will not have to pay for them so long as theysign an agreement to keep the cameras up for five years. Story ideas and tips always welcome. At their meeting. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. But she also says this guidance makes sense because of the more transmissible Delta variant. In rare occasions, some vaccinated people infected with the Delta variants after vaccination may be contagious and spread the virus to others, she said. on. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. Not even fire-engine red Augusta County is on board with Gov. Tuesday Columbia County school leaders made their decision on the mask mandate. Lawrence County School District: Full mask requirement: Sloan-Hendrix School District: . The goal is to be finished by Jan.31. 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. Washtenaw County schools opt to keep masks on 'until further notice' Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, At-home COVID test website launches early. You have permission to edit this article. Residents | Augusta County, VA School Board members made the decision Thursday . Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. Timothy Simmons will take a seat on the Augusta County School Board in January. 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. School board votes to make masks optional for all students, staff in Augusta County. {{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. Riverheads High School 19 Howardsville Road Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: (540) 337-1921 Fax: (540) 337-0258. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. About 20 minutes into the school board meeting Thursday evening, members went into closed session with its legal council. Published: Jan. 20, 2022 at 7:43 PM PST. But othersincluding her momhave a different opinion. Columbia County . Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. Please wait for the page to reload. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy. Its why the news isnt sitting well with him and others. 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. 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. 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. A sign encourages students, teachers and visitors to wear masks at Ladson Elementary School on Aug. 11, 2021. He said "lots of parents" had reached out to him saying masks had created emotional damage for their children. Already have a commenting profile? The speakers who opposed the policies voiced concerns about safety issues, parental and privacy rights, and religious freedom. The Augusta County School Board voted 5-1 on Thursday to make masks optional . If you can't find the answer, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. Richmond County School System standing by its mask policy for now Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. 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. Kati McCormick was the only board member to vote against the measure. @NBC29 pic.twitter.com/L8eS6n0bxz. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. Shenandoah Valley Center for Advanced Learning, Valley Career & Technical Center49 Hornet RoadFishersville, VA 22939Phone: (540) 245-5002Fax: (540) 885-0407info@valleytech.us. Augusta County Schools to make masks optional on Valentine's Day, with Waynesboro Public Schools followed the VDHs guidance and voted earlier this week to mandate masks for elementary students and staff. Her motion died for lack of a second. "We'll revisit it. Superintendent James Anastasio strongly recommended the board vote in favor of the mandate. Certification or licensure (if required for the position for which you are applying) More. Copyright 2021 WVIR. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. 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. Waynesboro school officials still deciding on mask mandate 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. I believe in Jesus Christ. on March 2.Read more about the C.D . 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. The Columbia County Board of Education will be withdrawing its requirements for students and faculty to wear face-coverings beginning Sept. 29. Success. 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. Kortney Lockey, Lynchburg Bureau - Multimedia Journalist. 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. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. The school division will also follow the CDCs shortened timeline for those who have toisolateorquarantine. AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. The Augusta County, VA is not responsible for the content of external sites. If you dont, I dont have a problem with that either.. Teacher at Dixon Preschool Center Augusta County Public Schools 4.2 The numbers have fluctuated within the school division. Augusta County School Board votes against VDoE transgender model policies Afterward, the public spoke and most of the comments were about masks in school. AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Richmond County Board of Education met Tuesday night to get a COVID update from the superintendent. 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. On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended universal masking in schools at every grade level. 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. 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. Its vaccination that Walensky says will prevent her biggest fear. We reached out to school leaders all over the region. Im not real sure how well they work to begin with, Dana Worley, her mom, said. The community level of Covid-19 in Augusta County is low based on cases and hospitalizations, according to the most recent update from the C.D.C. All rights reserved. Beloved local eatery, The Pie Chest, closing for good this month, Family of Ukrainian refugees using music to adapt to life in Charlottesville. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Masks requirements for GA county schools | WJBF Learn more. 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. Patrick Hite is The News Leader's educationreporter. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. Although theres not yet an indoor mask mandate in Virginia, the CDC says there should be. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols". About 50 people attended the Augusta County School . McCormick said she wished the discussion about masking would have been at the business meeting instead. Stay Connected . All say theyre waiting for additional guidance from the Virginia Department of Education, the Virginia Department of Health and Governor Ralph Northam. 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. If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. I would rather go with safety; I want kids to be in school five days a week.. Official transcripts are required at the time of employment. 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. McCormick voted against the mandate, saying she believes the decision for students to wear masks should be up to families, not the school administration. 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.