Afterward, the public spoke and most of the comments were about masks in school. Under the protocol, masks are required for all students, staff and visitors to all school district facilities and on buses, regardless of vaccination status. Do you have a story idea? If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. "These absences from school will be excused and students will be permitted to make up all missed work," the letter said. I think they should still be wearing masks for their safety and everyone elses, said Will Via, a dad from Verona. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. "In light of those considerations, the practice is to allowconsistencyin how students and staff are treated with respect to mitigation measures.". Your cooperation with this change is expectedand appreciated. 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. They have been in public places and taken place in social gatherings. The school district will not have to pay for them so long as theysign an agreement to keep the cameras up for five years. On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended universal masking in schools at every grade level. "Personally, I would like to see the masks gone," Chairperson David Shiflett said, "but now I dont think is the time.. Subscribe to usat newsleader.com. Anastasio also said the DOE will require schools to report teacher vaccination status, which will be done anonymously and through a survey. About 50 people attended the Augusta. By Jessica Mallow. 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. 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. Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. 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. The superintendent also reminded families that student assessments, such as Georgia Milestones, will count toward student promotion. Kortney joined the 10 News team as a Lynchburg Bureau Reporter in May 2021. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. 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. We have always tried to be non-political. 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. nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask. How to order free testing kits from the government. 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. All rights reserved. "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. Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, At-home COVID test website launches early. All rights reserved. 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. 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). @NBC29 pic.twitter.com/L8eS6n0bxz. 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. AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. Regardless of vaccination status, the Augusta Public Schools will require masks for people entering its buildings next school year. 1:30 PM Community Policy Management Team. People are also reading 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). This a wonderful school district to work, and a beautiful area! He said "lots of parents" had reached out to him saying masks had created emotional damage for their children. The CDC also hasnt said how teachers can know which students are vaccinated or how parents will know which teachers are immunized. 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. Waynesboro Public Schools followed the VDHs guidance and voted earlier this week to mandate masks for elementary students and staff. Thank you for visiting the Augusta County, VA. You will be redirected to the destination page below in 0 seconds. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. Weve been saying all along students should be in school and shouldnt be tied to masks, said Conservative Parents of Lynchburg Founder Andrew Glover. Im asking for a choice for a virtual option during this surge. 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. Collins said he worded his motion so it gave a date for going mask optional, but also gave the board its own options. Kati McCormick was the only board member to vote against the measure. 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. I believe in Jesus Christ. Make 2023 the year to let that wonderful you-ness shine. Thats because its flu season, masks dont work, and upcoming elections., This is not a joke to any of us, said Rebecca Lotts, who opposes the mandates. Heritage Pharma plans to start testing Monday, Jan. 24, and families are asked to stay tuned for more details. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. The goal is to be finished by Jan.31. 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. Masks will return to Augusta County schools this fall. 2023 www.newsleader.com. The numbers have fluctuated within the school division. Use the form below to reset your password. As we learn more, I am comfortable with yes. The CDC released this map of the country, which says how your city or county is doing as far as COVID-19 transmission. That rose to 206 the following week, but dropped back to 167 the week of Jan. 31. MORE | Threat puts Thomson High School put on. : Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, More: At-home COVID test website launches early. In light of Virginia's school mask policy change, we have included a list of school districts and their decisions on masking. In numbers reported throughThursday morning, Augusta County was at 87positive cases this week, with 12 of those at Stuarts Draft High School and 11 more at Stuarts Draft Elementary. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. Parent Portal Student registration DOCUMENTS PERSONNEL Acceptable use policy STAFF Portal bGMS construction update RMS Construction Update Now it is easier than ever to stay up-to-date with the news. Here are a few of them: Blue Ridge Health District vaccination scheduler, Call the BRHD COVID-19 Hotline 434-972-6261. Starting Thursday, masks will be required for students, staff, and visitors to all district facilities and buses, regardless of vaccination status. Hope everyone is doing well. Augusta County Public Schools is the organization that operates the public school system in Augusta County, Virginia. 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. That's why we try our best to make it easy to live in this beautiful place we call home. Below you will find several links to helpful resources for our residents. The school division will also follow the CDCs shortened timeline for those who have toisolateorquarantine. I anticipated more discussion before we voted.. Latest trends. 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. Riverheads High School 19 Howardsville Road Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: (540) 337-1921 Fax: (540) 337-0258. ", Staunton and Waynesboro, in their announcements, mentioned SB1303, which requireseach school board in Virginia to provide the in-person instruction "in a manner in which it adheres, to the maximum extent practicable, to any currently applicable mitigation strategies for early childhood care and education programs and elementary and secondary schools to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 that have been provided by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About 50 people attended the Augusta County School . 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. About 20 minutes into the school board meeting Thursday evening, members went into closed session with its legal council. As a further precaution, the superintendent said they are partnering with Heritage Pharma Groupto offer on-site COVID-19 testing with guaranteed results in 24 to 48 hours. All rights reserved. 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. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. 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. Editor. Published: Jan. 20, 2022 at 7:43 PM PST. Make masks mandatory!" Aiken Public Safety officers rushed out to where the overflow crowd was gathered because of meeting room capacity restrictions, and the . Richmond County students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside. Copyright 2023 WSLS.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. I want to work with every one of you. Reading Specialist (Former Employee) - Verona, VA - August 12, 2020. She asked if it was considered by administration to have a mask mandate for the younger students and recommended for the older students. Patrick Hite is The News Leader's educationreporter. Other board members shared their reasoning for voting in favor of the mask mandate. 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. There was a problem saving your notification. The Augusta Board of Education voted Wednesday night, 5 to 1, to mandate mask wearing. https://www.augusta.k12.va.us The school board voted unanimously Aug. 9 to allow the district to change . About 20 minutes into the school. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Our children under 12 years of age are not eligible to be vaccinated, so the best thing to protect them is to continue masking and social distancing, the letter from the local pediatricians said. Columbia County schools decided to make masks optional for students moving forward effective for summer school. 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 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." 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. So far this week the school division has reported 85 casesdespite studentsbeing out all week because of a holiday and snow. Its why the news isnt sitting well with him and others. Already registered? Copyright 2021 WHSV. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. The Augusta County School Board is a seven-member board elected by district to four-year terms. Walensky says thats not the case now, and vaccines are very effective. Certification or licensure (if required for the position for which you are applying) Its equal or worse than in December, and our healthcare workers are drowning, said Tara Mahanes. The delta variant is so very contagious it appears to cause high viral loads even in vaccinated people who become infected.. Story ideas and tips always welcome. 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 School Boards motion on Wednesday includes flexibility to alter its plans if case numbers change. . "Not seeing facial expressions. 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. All rights reserved. The letter continued, we know masking works and applauded children for their efforts in masking in the past school year. People spoke for and against requiring students to wear masks this fall, as the school board previously stated masks would be optional. Enter your email and password to access comments. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday night. 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. To date, they have distributed 20,230 devices. 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. All rights reserved. Copyright 2021 WVIR. Teacher at Dixon Preschool Center Augusta County Public Schools 4.2 Pediatric death is rare, but not zero, so its our responsibility to protect all children. 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. 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. Fourteen people spoke out against the mandates, citing their fear of heath issues they believe could be caused by masks. The winners of the 2015 races in the Beverly Manor, Pastures and Middle River Districts served . Masks are still required on buses per federal law. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes to you. 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. Welcher, a licensed nurse and mental health professional, said her child in pre-K came home from school last year with remnants of food, moisture and snot from being forced to wear a face-covering for eight hours. The Virginia Department of Health reported 113 new COVID cases in Augusta County Thursday, the highest one-day total since Feb. 4. 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. You have permission to edit this article. VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks. 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. Northam's K-12 mask mandate, and we will continue to make decisions that prioritize the health, safety . 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. I feel like its the parents decision. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols". The Augusta County School Board voted 5-1 on Thursday to make masks optional . 5:00 PM Joint Meeting-Augusta County Board of Supervisors and Augusta County . As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. Face coverings and masks will be optional at Charleston County schools when students return to their classrooms Aug. 18. 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. If you dont, I dont have a problem with that either.. We reached out to school leaders all over the region. There is [sic] three reasons why COVID cases are going up. My biggest concern is, I would never go into your home and tell you whats best for your child, McCormick said. ", 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.". Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. This new science is worrisome and unfortunately warrants an update to our recommendation., RELATED: New CDC guidelines call for masks in schools K-12. Heres why. 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. Several counties have full mask wearing policies for both on the bus and in the school buildings including: McDuffie County; Richmond County; Warren County; Hancock County; The other CSRA . In the meantime, there are many ways for you to get vaccinated in our community. Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. The developer, Augusta County Public Schools, indicated that the app's privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. Patrick Hite is The News Leader's education and sports reporter. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta County students will head to school on Tuesday, August 10 wearing masks. //]]> 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. Under the protocol,masks arerequired for allstudents, staff andvisitors to all school districtfacilities and onbuses,regardless of vaccination status. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. This is a political scam to see who is going to sit down and shut up, Riverheads student Joshua Cox said . Augusta County residents fill Wilson Memorial High School's auditorium on Wednesdaynight for a school board meeting where transgender policies and a mask mandate were voted on. The policies say schools should allow students to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity. The CDC released this map of the country, which says how your city or county is doing as far as COVID-19 transmission. Wear a mask, wash your hands, stay safe. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - Augusta County Public Schools is set to become mask-optional in three weeks. People are also reading 'Cousin Eddie' display from 'Christmas Vacation' leads to Kentucky police response Find Augusta County, Virginia public schools, including charter schools, k-12, elementary, middle, and high schools. Columbia County . Need a COVID-19 test? McClintock said they hope to get the cameras within the next month. Glenn Youngkin's executive order that made their decision possible. VERONA Officials with Augusta County Public Schools have announced that masks won't be required beginning Monday for students, staff and visitors. Anastasio said its easier at all levels since people move around the district. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. 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. 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. In rare occasions, some vaccinated people infected with the Delta variants after vaccination may be contagious and spread the virus to others, she said. 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. The Augusta County School Board unanimously affirmed at its meeting Thursday they would follow the law as now presented to them. All rights reserved. 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. We do not appreciate it. See Offers. Dr. Flynt tells us plans are dependent on cases staying low and the mask policy . 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. More than 300 Augusta County students have tested positive for COVID-19 since school started four weeks ago. 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. MORE: Mask Mandates Are Hot Topic at Columbia County School Board Meeting Beloved local eatery, The Pie Chest, closing for good this month, Family of Ukrainian refugees using music to adapt to life in Charlottesville. More. It was heated at times - like when people called board members cowards for wearing masks and forcing students to wear them. If you can't find the answer, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. But she also says this guidance makes sense because of the more transmissible Delta variant. The school board met Thursday night to discuss their back-to-school. Success. Already have a commenting profile? The general election was held on November 3, 2015. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Between Dec. 4 and 18, Georgia reported just under 20,000new cases, and most of the state's map was a light-yellow. The biggest questions will be at middle schools, where some students can get the shot and others cant. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. Please subscribe to continue reading 0 Comments Get local news delivered to your inbox! Shop the collection. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. Were gonna have to step back, go by the law, and prove them wrong, Ward said. Her motion died for lack of a second. 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. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month.