This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Learn More You are now exiting the Augusta County, VA. The district had held. Thank you for visiting the Augusta County, VA. You will be redirected to the destination page below in 0 seconds. 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. Sign up for breaking news alerts. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. https://www.augusta.k12.va.us About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday evening. Harrisonburg man charged with crimes connected to Jan. 6 attack on U.S. Capitol, Charlie Obaugh RV & Outdoor Student Athlete of the Week. Verify your phone numbers and contact preferences are correct in Campus Parent > User > Settings > Contact Preferences. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. Teacher at Dixon Preschool Center Augusta County Public Schools 4.2 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. Stay Connected . Make masks mandatory! Please wait for the page to reload. (844) 698-3261 Free Consultation info@ritchielawfirm.com Case Results 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! Here are a few of them: Blue Ridge Health District vaccination scheduler, Call the BRHD COVID-19 Hotline 434-972-6261. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The rise in COVID cases is also a concern for our local school districts. . Collins said he worded his motion so it gave a date for going mask optional, but also gave the board its own options. Now. 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. May 19, 2021. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. The Columbia County Board of Education will be withdrawing its requirements for students and faculty to wear face-coverings beginning Sept. 29. 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 week of Jan. 17 there were 171 cases. Timothy Simmons, who represents the Pastures District, said he is in favor of making masks optional. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School . : Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, More: At-home COVID test website launches early. 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 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. We reached out to school leaders all over the region. Do you have a story idea? This a wonderful school district to work, and a beautiful area! I would rather go with safety; I want kids to be in school five days a week.. 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. Add the 10-digit school phone number and the Augusta County Schools district phone number (540-245-5100) to your phone contacts. The CDC also hasnt said how teachers can know which students are vaccinated or how parents will know which teachers are immunized. Its equal or worse than in December, and our healthcare workers are drowning, said Tara Mahanes. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - With the latest surge in COVID cases easing, the Richmond County School System is dropping its mask mandate on campuses starting Tuesday. Fourteen people spoke out against the mandates, citing their fear of heath issues they believe could be caused by masks. In the meantime, there are many ways for you to get vaccinated in our community. Im not real sure how well they work to begin with, Dana Worley, her mom, said. The developer, Augusta County Public Schools, indicated that the app's privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. Certification or licensure (if required for the position for which you are applying) Students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside. ", 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.". 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. "Arlington Public Schools implemented our mask requirement this school year prior to Gov. 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 school board voted unanimously Aug. 9 to allow the district to change . Between Dec. 4 and 18, Georgia reported just under 20,000new cases, and most of the state's map was a light-yellow. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. Some quoted scripture, while others blamed politics. 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 school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. Otherwise, a 14-day quarantine will be required. Make masks mandatory!" Aiken Public Safety officers rushed out to where the overflow crowd was gathered because of meeting room capacity restrictions, and the . Official transcripts are required at the time of employment. Masks have been and continue to be required on all Georgia school buses. 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. Its why the news isnt sitting well with him and others. The VDOE did not mandate the mask usage, and Augusta County opted to leave it up to individual students and staff. MORE: Mask Mandates Are Hot Topic at Columbia County School Board Meeting You will receive an email to complete the registration. Now it is easier than ever to stay up-to-date with the news. 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. With this vote, students and staff must still wear masks while in school until Feb. 14. 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. Copyright 2021 WVIR. 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. 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. They have been in public places and taken place in social gatherings. Masks will return to Augusta County schools this fall. Helms added that she would also like to see the masks stay. 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. Heritage Pharma plans to start testing Monday, Jan. 24, and families are asked to stay tuned for more details. List of Augusta County Public Schools. "If between now and then things go crazy," Shiflett said. The school division will also follow the CDCs shortened timeline for those who have toisolateorquarantine. Under the protocol, masks are required for all students, staff and visitors to all school district facilities and on buses, regardless of vaccination status. Parent Portal Student registration DOCUMENTS PERSONNEL Acceptable use policy STAFF Portal bGMS construction update RMS Construction Update 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 . All rights reserved. The general election was held on November 3, 2015. Below you will find several links to helpful resources for our residents. McCormick said she wished the discussion about masking would have been at the business meeting instead. Tomorrow marks one week until Columbia County and some Richmond County students start the new year. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. Already have a commenting profile? The Allegan County Health Department is requiring masks in schools from kindergarten to sixth grade. You can cancel at any time. 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. "Not seeing facial expressions. 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. 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. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a. "Personally, I would like to see the masks gone," Chairperson David Shiflett said, "but now I dont think is the time.. 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. Virginias approach to COVID-19 has always been driven by the science, and we continue to emphasize that the only way out of this pandemic is through vaccination., A spokesperson for the Blue Ridge Health District, Jason Elliott, said in an interview with NBC29 last week that it is extremely important -- probably the most important -- to get vaccinated now more than it ever has been before.. Although theres not yet an indoor mask mandate in Virginia, the CDC says there should be. He said "lots of parents" had reached out to him saying masks had created emotional damage for their children. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Virginia (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases rise within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask requirements. About 20 minutes into the school. People are also reading 'Cousin Eddie' display from 'Christmas Vacation' leads to Kentucky police response 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. 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. Its vaccination that Walensky says will prevent her biggest fear. 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. They have thrived and remained healthy.. ", 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. Under the protocol,masks arerequired for allstudents, staff andvisitors to all school districtfacilities and onbuses,regardless of vaccination status. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. Shenandoah Valley Center for Advanced Learning, Valley Career & Technical Center49 Hornet RoadFishersville, VA 22939Phone: (540) 245-5002Fax: (540) 885-0407info@valleytech.us. Kortney Lockey, Lynchburg Bureau - Multimedia Journalist. Learn more. He was referring to how the Georgia Department of Public Health color-codesCOVID-19 concentrations. "We have to consider how the mask is affecting them emotionally," Simmons said. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. The speakers who opposed the policies voiced concerns about safety issues, parental and privacy rights, and religious freedom. About 50 people attended the Augusta. 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. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. Need a COVID-19 test? Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. 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. Riverheads High School 19 Howardsville Road Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: (540) 337-1921 Fax: (540) 337-0258. Latest trends. Please subscribe to continue reading 0 Comments Get local news delivered to your inbox! It was heated at times - like when people called board members cowards for wearing masks and forcing students to wear them. Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, At-home COVID test website launches early. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a child-friendly fit. While the nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some say its too soon. 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. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes to you. However, in a letter sent to families of students Thursday, Superintendent Eric Bond said masks would be optional for staff Monday as well. 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. Becoming a Foster Parent Become a foster parent to a child in need. If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. 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. Face coverings and masks will be optional at Charleston County schools when students return to their classrooms Aug. 18. 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. VERONA Officials with Augusta County Public Schools have announced that masks won't be required beginning Monday for students, staff and visitors. Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. New CDC guidance says some counties in our viewing area meet the threshold to put those face coverings back on. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. 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. Augusta County Public Schools18 Government Center LaneVerona, VA 24482Phone: 540-245-5100Fax: 540-245-5115. Enter your email and password to access comments. I anticipated more discussion before we voted.. 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. 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. {{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. Copyright 2023 WSLS.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) - "It's just not right to have them mandate it," said 8th grader Jonathan Vasquez. The Virginia Department of Health reported 113 new COVID cases in Augusta County Thursday, the highest one-day total since Feb. 4. School board votes to make masks optional for all students, staff in Augusta County. People are also reading Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. 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. 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 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. Over the summer, our children have been maskless, Welcher said. VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks. That comes days after Staunton and Waynesboro announced their school divisions will continue to require masks to help with COVID-19 mitigation with no end date set for thosemandates. Augusta County residents lead busy lives. 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. The biggest questions will be at middle schools, where some students can get the shot and others cant. The school board met Thursday night to discuss their back-to-school. 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. By Jessica Mallow. Kati McCormick was the only board member to vote against the measure. Masks may be removed during lunch and while outside. You have permission to edit this article. 1:30 PM Community Policy Management Team. All rights reserved. The winners of the 2015 races in the Beverly Manor, Pastures and Middle River Districts served . AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Richmond County Board of Education met Tuesday night to get a COVID update from the superintendent. Photo by Atoms on Unsplash. 2022, 12:02 p.m. Paula Gentile helps out as a substitute in Tana Spelman's class at Bishop Elementary in Augusta . The delta variant is so very contagious it appears to cause high viral loads even in vaccinated people who become infected.. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. 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. 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.. 0:57. 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. 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.. The Augusta Public Schools will have in-person learning, five days a week. 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 numbers have fluctuated within the school division. There is [sic] three reasons why COVID cases are going up. nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask. If you dont, I dont have a problem with that either.. Augusta County School Boards motion on Wednesday includes flexibility to alter its plans if case numbers change. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). We have always tried to be non-political. AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. So far this week the school division has reported 85 casesdespite studentsbeing out all week because of a holiday and snow. //]]> 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. Kortney joined the 10 News team as a Lynchburg Bureau Reporter in May 2021. Augusta County Public Schools is the organization that operates the public school system in Augusta County, Virginia. More. 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. The Augusta County School Board unanimously affirmed at its meeting Thursday they would follow the law as now presented to them. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. 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. But she also says this guidance makes sense because of the more transmissible Delta variant. A sign encourages students, teachers and visitors to wear masks at Ladson Elementary School on Aug. 11, 2021. Please subscribe to keep reading. on. At their meeting. I feel like its the parents decision. Augusta County Schools will become mask-optional in three weeks. 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. . Glenn Youngkin's executive order making masks optional or "any changing negative trends related to our local area health concerns.". Wayne District representative Tim Swortzel made the motion to make face-coverings optional and North River representative Nicholas Collins seconded. Regardless of vaccination status, the Augusta Public Schools will require masks for people entering its buildings next school year. Her motion died for lack of a second.
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