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. 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. McCormick voted against the mandate, saying she believes the decision for students to wear masks should be up to families, not the school administration. Wayne District representative Tim Swortzel made the motion to make face-coverings optional and North River representative Nicholas Collins seconded. . The Augusta County School Board voted 5-1 during its annual retreat Thursday to set the date when students and staff can take off their masks, with parameters in place that allow the board members to change its mind if cases persist or legal objections strike down Gov. Washtenaw County schools opt to keep masks on 'until further notice' . The Augusta Public Schools will have in-person learning, five days a week. Copyright 2021 WHSV. AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. His first item of focus is the rights of parents. MORE: Mask Mandates Are Hot Topic at Columbia County School Board Meeting Virginia School Mask Policies - Ritchie Law Its vaccination that Walensky says will prevent her biggest fear. The winners of the 2015 races in the Beverly Manor, Pastures and Middle River Districts served . The school board also voted to follow the contact tracing guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. 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. The superintendent also reminded families that student assessments, such as Georgia Milestones, will count toward student promotion. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. Augusta County Public Schools will keep masks mandatory until Feb. 14 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. Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent (540) 245-5108, Where Students Grow Intellectually, Physically, and Emotionally. All rights reserved. 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. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta County students will head to school on Tuesday, August 10 wearing masks. Pediatric death is rare, but not zero, so its our responsibility to protect all children. 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. {{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. How to order free testing kits from the government. Otherwise, a 14-day quarantine will be required. The division also said that. 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. 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. Heritage Pharma plans to start testing Monday, Jan. 24, and families are asked to stay tuned for more details. 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. 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. While the nation's top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some. The developer, Augusta County Public Schools, indicated that the app's privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. Latest trends. Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 cases surge. 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. The 2015 election was the last election for all seven seats to appear on the ballot at the same time. https://www.augusta.k12.va.us "Personally, I would like to see the masks gone," Chairperson David Shiflett said, "but now I dont think is the time.. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Make 2023 the year to let that wonderful you-ness shine. 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. (844) 698-3261 Free Consultation info@ritchielawfirm.com Case Results Walensky says thats not the case now, and vaccines are very effective. Other board members shared their reasoning for voting in favor of the mask mandate. Sign in or Subscribe But the Virginia Department of Health is not making any masking decisions yet. Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 - WHSV 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. Im asking for a choice for a virtual option during this surge. If you can't find the answer, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. Don't have a commenting profile? "Arlington Public Schools implemented our mask requirement this school year prior to Gov. . If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. 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. 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 school district will not have to pay for them so long as theysign an agreement to keep the cameras up for five years. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. The Columbia County Board of Education will be withdrawing its requirements for students and faculty to wear face-coverings beginning Sept. 29. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. School districts in southwest, central Virginia address COVID mask policies Richmond County students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside. Augusta County Schools to make masks optional on Valentine's Day, with You are muzzling our children. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. 1:30 PM Community Policy Management Team. The CDC released this map of the country, which says how your city or county is doing as far as COVID-19 transmission. 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. So far this week the school division has reported 85 casesdespite studentsbeing out all week because of a holiday and snow. The Augusta County, VA is not responsible for the content of external sites. ", 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.". Augusta County Schools will become mask-optional in three weeks. Please subscribe to keep reading. Masks will return to Augusta County schools this fall - WHSV 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. 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. "We'll revisit it. Augusta County Public Schools is the organization that operates the public school system in Augusta County, Virginia. 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.. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. Face coverings and masks will be optional at Charleston County schools when students return to their classrooms Aug. 18. 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. Shop the collection. At their meeting. //Augusta County Schools Jobs, Employment | Indeed.com School board votes to make masks optional for all students, staff in Augusta County. The school division will also follow the CDCs shortened timeline for those who have toisolateorquarantine. Richmond County schools will require masks - The Augusta Chronicle Augusta County Schools Kids Masks for Sale | Redbubble 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. Glenn Youngkin's executive order on masks in schools. Data Not Collected The developer does not collect any data from this app. Bond's letter did say that parents who choose to keep their children home for the full 10-day quarantine period can do so. Hope everyone is doing well. Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. 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. Only two people spoke out in favor of masks. Some people asked what the penalty is for not wearing a mask and the board said they do not have an exact answer at this time. McClintock said they hope to get the cameras within the next month. Area schools announce mask policies, AMI days - KAIT In light of Virginia's school mask policy change, we have included a list of school districts and their decisions on masking. Human Resources - Richmond County School System "In light of those considerations, the practice is to allowconsistencyin how students and staff are treated with respect to mitigation measures.". More. Editor. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. That's why we try our best to make it easy to live in this beautiful place we call home. Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 - NBC29 We are excited to begin the school year but have some updates and reminders to help prepare our students as they return next week. 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. Augusta County, VA Decision on Masking Goes Against Science & Data School boards are required by state law to enact the policies for the 2021-22. Verify your phone numbers and contact preferences are correct in Campus Parent > User > Settings > Contact Preferences. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. He shared the letter from the pediatricians at the board meeting. The letter continued, we know masking works and applauded children for their efforts in masking in the past school year. More than 300 Augusta County students have tested positive for COVID-19 since school started four weeks ago. We fear if we dont have universal masking, the letter stated, there will be outbreaks warranting school closure.. ", 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. You have permission to edit this article. 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.. 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). 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. Masks may be removed during lunch and while outside. 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. Please wait for the page to reload. Campus Parent | Augusta County Public Schools Im not real sure how well they work to begin with, Dana Worley, her mom, said. Superintendent James Anastasio strongly recommended the board vote in favor of the mandate. McDuffie County schools mandate masks; surge hits hospitals hard - WRDW Not even fire-engine red Augusta County is on board with Gov. The Augusta Board of Education voted Wednesday night, 5 to 1, to mandate mask wearing. Columbia County schools make face masks optional moving forward - WRDW . The CDC released this map of the country, which says how your city or county is doing as far as COVID-19 transmission. The Augusta Board of Education voted. 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. Allegan Public Schools: K-6 masks required; 7-8 TBD; 9-12 optional | Details. Working at AUGUSTA COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS: 22 Reviews - Indeed 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. Aiken County school board to fight state's restriction on mask mandate Learn More You are now exiting the Augusta County, VA. Best for a great weekend. 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. The school board met Thursday night to discuss their back-to-school. 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. Columbia County schools decided to make masks optional for students moving forward effective for summer school. The Augusta County School Board is a seven-member board elected by district to four-year terms. 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. VERONA Officials with Augusta County Public Schools have announced that masks won't be required beginning Monday for students, staff and visitors. 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. Riverheads High School | Home - Augusta County Public Schools Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. I anticipated more discussion before we voted.. Waynesboro school officials still deciding on mask mandate