Waynesboro school officials still deciding on mask mandate Find Augusta County, Virginia public schools, including charter schools, k-12, elementary, middle, and high schools. 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. Patrick Hite is The News Leader's educationreporter. 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. School boards are required by state law to enact the policies for the 2021-22. Login. Glenn Youngkin's executive order on masks in schools. Masks requirements for GA county schools | WJBF Learn more. 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. We do not appreciate it. Masks will return to Augusta County schools this fall - WHSV Only two people spoke out in favor of masks. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. 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. Please subscribe to continue reading 0 Comments Get local news delivered to your inbox! The speakers who opposed the policies voiced concerns about safety issues, parental and privacy rights, and religious freedom. There was a problem saving your notification. Thank you for visiting the Augusta County, VA. You will be redirected to the destination page below in 0 seconds. Make masks mandatory! {{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. If you can't find the answer, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. Another potential headache: the CDC is still recommending schools continue to space kids out and keep their desks three feet apart. Tomorrow marks one week until Columbia County and some Richmond County students start the new 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. Augusta County Public Schools - Wikipedia People are also reading 'Cousin Eddie' display from 'Christmas Vacation' leads to Kentucky police response Copyright 2023 WSLS.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Augusta Public Schools to enforce mask wearing for all students, staff Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 - WHSV 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. Get up to 20% off. 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. Weve been saying all along students should be in school and shouldnt be tied to masks, said Conservative Parents of Lynchburg Founder Andrew Glover. 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. 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 Augusta County School Board held a special session on July 29th to discuss what turned out to be two issues. Between Dec. 4 and 18, Georgia reported just under 20,000new cases, and most of the state's map was a light-yellow. "If between now and then things go crazy," Shiflett said. Based on current conditions, this is what we need to do to make that happen. Augusta County Schools Kids Masks for Sale | Redbubble Augusta County Public Schools. Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. 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. Augusta County Public Schools18 Government Center LaneVerona, VA 24482Phone: 540-245-5100Fax: 540-245-5115. AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Richmond County Board of Education met Tuesday night to get a COVID update from the superintendent. Face coverings and masks will be optional at Charleston County schools when students return to their classrooms Aug. 18. Published: Jan. 20, 2022 at 7:43 PM PST. The 2015 election was the last election for all seven seats to appear on the ballot at the same time. 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. He said "lots of parents" had reached out to him saying masks had created emotional damage for their children. The division also said that. McCormick said she wished the discussion about masking would have been at the business meeting instead. The Augusta County School Board is a seven-member board elected by district to four-year terms. VERONA Officials with Augusta County Public Schools have announced that masks won't be required beginning Monday for students, staff and visitors. Augusta County School Boards motion on Wednesday includes flexibility to alter its plans if case numbers change. 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. 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. The school board also voted to follow the contact tracing guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health. "These absences from school will be excused and students will be permitted to make up all missed work," the letter said. About 50 people attended the Augusta. Augusta County Schools will become mask-optional in three weeks. As we learn more, I am comfortable with yes. You have permission to edit this article. May 19, 2021. 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. Richmond County schools will require masks - The Augusta Chronicle Campus Parent | Augusta County Public Schools Mask Policy AMI Dates; Augusta School District: Full mask requirement: McCrory School District: The biggest questions will be at middle schools, where some students can get the shot and others cant. Augusta County School Board votes against transgender policies Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Augusta County, VA Decision on Masking Goes Against Science & Data 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. All students, staff and volunteers in county schools will wear masks to begin the school year. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. If you want to wear one, I dont see a problem with that. Enter your email and password to access comments. 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. Dr. Flynt tells us plans are dependent on cases staying low and the mask policy . As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes to you. Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 cases surge. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. Starting Thursday, masks will be required for students, staff, and visitors to all district facilities and buses, regardless of vaccination status. Official transcripts are required at the time of employment. Heritage Pharma plans to start testing Monday, Jan. 24, and families are asked to stay tuned for more details. Stay Connected . Some counties within the BRHD qualify for indoor masking, per the CDC guideline.Charlottesville and Albemarle County are not there as of today, but as you can see, the 7-day moving average is going in the wrong direction district-wide. The developer, Augusta County Public Schools, indicated that the app's privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. Her motion died for lack of a second. About 20 minutes into the school. All rights reserved. Regardless of vaccination status, the Augusta Public Schools will require masks for people entering its buildings next school year. 2022, 12:02 p.m. Paula Gentile helps out as a substitute in Tana Spelman's class at Bishop Elementary in Augusta . The opportunity to grow professionally is evident there. 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. 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. The Augusta County School Board unanimously affirmed at its meeting Thursday they would follow the law as now presented to them. Im asking for a choice for a virtual option during this surge. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School . Already registered? Albemarle County, Charlottesville bucking Youngkin on school mask policies Columbia County schools decided to make masks optional for students moving forward effective for summer school. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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). "We'll revisit it. Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. The letter continued, we know masking works and applauded children for their efforts in masking in the past school year. Glenn Youngkin's executive order making masks optional or "any changing negative trends related to our local area health concerns.". School districts in southwest, central Virginia address COVID mask policies Collins said he worded his motion so it gave a date for going mask optional, but also gave the board its own options. Superintendent James Anastasio strongly recommended the board vote in favor of the mandate. We are excited to begin the school year but have some updates and reminders to help prepare our students as they return next week. COVID-19 cases in Augusta schools hit 200. What is the school district 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. Do you have a story idea? Kortney Lockey, Lynchburg Bureau - Multimedia Journalist. With this vote, students and staff must still wear masks while in school until Feb. 14. Many have since returned to school, but the virus continues to spread. The winners of the 2015 races in the Beverly Manor, Pastures and Middle River Districts served . 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. The CDC released this map of the country, which says how your city or county is doing as far as COVID-19 transmission. There is [sic] three reasons why COVID cases are going up. The Augusta Public Schools will have in-person learning, five days a week. Again, we are excited to begin the year and look forward to having our students back. Its why the news isnt sitting well with him and others. New CDC guidance says some counties in our viewing area meet the threshold to put those face coverings back on. 5:00 PM Joint Meeting-Augusta County Board of Supervisors and Augusta County . 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. 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. The Columbia County Board of Education will be withdrawing its requirements for students and faculty to wear face-coverings beginning Sept. 29. This new science is worrisome and unfortunately warrants an update to our recommendation., RELATED: New CDC guidelines call for masks in schools K-12. Augusta County Schools to make masks optional on Valentine's Day, with If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. Pediatric death is rare, but not zero, so its our responsibility to protect all children. The goal is to be finished by Jan.31. "In light of those considerations, the practice is to allowconsistencyin how students and staff are treated with respect to mitigation measures.". Augusta County Virginia schools quickly go mask optional for all Make 2023 the year to let that wonderful you-ness shine. Helms added that she would also like to see the masks stay. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. I believe in Jesus Christ. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. 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. Allegan Public Schools: K-6 masks required; 7-8 TBD; 9-12 optional | Details. To mask or not to mask? Local schools determine policies - WRDW Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a child-friendly fit. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Virginia (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases rise within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask requirements. Reading Specialist (Former Employee) - Verona, VA - August 12, 2020. Youngkin, Psaki respond to Northern Va. school systems' announcements AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. Masks have been and continue to be required on all Georgia school buses. Between Jan. 4 and 18, Georgia reported over 200,000 new cases, and the map had turned a dark burgundy. The school board voted unanimously Aug. 9 to allow the district to change . 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. Bond's letter did say that parents who choose to keep their children home for the full 10-day quarantine period can do so. 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. ", 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.".