See Offers. Copyright 2021 WVIR. Verify your phone numbers and contact preferences are correct in Campus Parent > User > Settings > Contact Preferences. 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. MORE | Threat puts Thomson High School put on. 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 . He said "lots of parents" had reached out to him saying masks had created emotional damage for their children. Photo by Atoms on Unsplash. 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. 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. 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. {{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. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Its why the news isnt sitting well with him and others. Augusta County School Boards motion on Wednesday includes flexibility to alter its plans if case numbers change. Please wait for the page to reload. May 19, 2021. Some quoted scripture, while others blamed politics. Fourteen people spoke out against the mandates, citing their fear of heath issues they believe could be caused by masks. The VDOE did not mandate the mask usage, and Augusta County opted to leave it up to individual students and staff. Social distancing was one of the larger issues in the past as to why the schools had to do hybrid learning, but now, social distancing is less of a priority Anastasio said, if universal masking is mandated. VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks. 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. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Virginia (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases rise within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask requirements. 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. Login. 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. Get up to 20% off. Accommodations will be made for students and employees unable to wear a mask for documented medical reasons. Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, At-home COVID test website launches early. Riverheads High School 19 Howardsville Road Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: (540) 337-1921 Fax: (540) 337-0258. 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. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols". As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. School boards are required by state law to enact the policies for the 2021-22. 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. She asked if it was considered by administration to have a mask mandate for the younger students and recommended for the older students. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Here are a few of them: Blue Ridge Health District vaccination scheduler, Call the BRHD COVID-19 Hotline 434-972-6261. 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. 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. 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. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. The delta variant is so very contagious it appears to cause high viral loads even in vaccinated people who become infected.. 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 district had held. Data Not Collected The developer does not collect any data from this app. Designed and sold by artists. All rights reserved. The speakers who opposed the policies voiced concerns about safety issues, parental and privacy rights, and religious freedom. I anticipated more discussion before we voted.. All rights reserved. We do not appreciate it. 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. Need a COVID-19 test? Now. Regardless of vaccination status, the Augusta Public Schools will require masks for people entering its buildings next school year. McCormick wondered about a remote option for families if they preferred their child not go into school for safety or medical reasons, but Anastasio said there is no plan since the CDC strongly recommends we have students in school. He said school officials may work with some families if there is a medial reason, but the district does not have the resources and staffing to offer a full remote option as it did last school year. A sign encourages students, teachers and visitors to wear masks at Ladson Elementary School on Aug. 11, 2021. I was a Title 1 reading teacher and was treated with professionalism and respect. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols" . 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. Reading Specialist (Former Employee) - Verona, VA - August 12, 2020. Heres why. There is [sic] three reasons why COVID cases are going up. Augusta County Public Schools18 Government Center LaneVerona, VA 24482Phone: 540-245-5100Fax: 540-245-5115. 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. "In light of those considerations, the practice is to allowconsistencyin how students and staff are treated with respect to mitigation measures.". The policies say schools should allow students to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity. I believe in Jesus Christ. Published: Jan. 20, 2022 at 7:43 PM PST. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. In light of Virginia's school mask policy change, we have included a list of school districts and their decisions on masking. Sign in or Subscribe . While the nation's top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some. https://www.augusta.k12.va.us AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. Already registered? Anastasio also said the DOE will require schools to report teacher vaccination status, which will be done anonymously and through a survey. ", 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, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday night. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. Washtenaw County schools opt to keep masks on 'until further notice' . 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. 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). 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 . Collins said he worded his motion so it gave a date for going mask optional, but also gave the board its own options. 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. However, in a letter sent to families of students Thursday, Superintendent Eric Bond said masks would be optional for staff Monday as well. Between Dec. 4 and 18, Georgia reported just under 20,000new cases, and most of the state's map was a light-yellow. 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. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"ndsTchhICxLNjF_dxI18aRlyWnQfS.IeNB3Ql0MS2hM-1800-0"}; McCormick said she wished the discussion about masking would have been at the business meeting instead. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. The school board voted unanimously Aug. 9 to allow the district to change . Only two people spoke out in favor of masks. Success. Augusta County Public Schools is the organization that operates the public school system in Augusta County, Virginia. Face coverings and masks will be optional at Charleston County schools when students return to their classrooms Aug. 18. Find Augusta County, Virginia public schools, including charter schools, k-12, elementary, middle, and high schools. 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. About 20 minutes into the school. Please subscribe to keep reading. Copyright 2021 WHSV. (844) 698-3261 Free Consultation info@ritchielawfirm.com Case Results When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols". 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. On Tuesday, Richmond County Superintendent Kenneth Bradshaw displayed a map of Georgia for the school board and said, "The map tells it all with all that red.". The school board is elected, and the current superintendent is Dr. Eric Bond. Richmond County students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside. 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. The availability of onsite testing will be of particular help since testing appointments at area providers have been backed up and there are shortages of at-home, rapid tests available for purchase. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Timothy Simmons will take a seat on the Augusta County School Board in January. 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 Augusta County, VA is not responsible for the content of external sites. My biggest concern is, I would never go into your home and tell you whats best for your child, McCormick said. Im not real sure how well they work to begin with, Dana Worley, her mom, said. 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. Based on current conditions, this is what we need to do to make that happen. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Heritage Pharma plans to start testing Monday, Jan. 24, and families are asked to stay tuned for more details. 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. If you dont, I dont have a problem with that either.. "We'll revisit it. I feel like its the parents decision. 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. Bond's letter did say that parents who choose to keep their children home for the full 10-day quarantine period can do so. 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. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The rise in COVID cases is also a concern for our local school districts. Thank you for visiting the Augusta County, VA. You will be redirected to the destination page below in 0 seconds. McCormick voted against the mandate, saying she believes the decision for students to wear masks should be up to families, not the school administration. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. The Augusta County School Board unanimously affirmed at its meeting Thursday they would follow the law as now presented to them. In the meantime, there are many ways for you to get vaccinated in our community. VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes to you. Otherwise, a 14-day quarantine will be required. 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. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. Shop the collection. 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. If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. Glenn Youngkin's executive order making masks optional or "any changing negative trends related to our local area health concerns.". All say theyre waiting for additional guidance from the Virginia Department of Education, the Virginia Department of Health and Governor Ralph Northam. Another potential headache: the CDC is still recommending schools continue to space kids out and keep their desks three feet apart. We reached out to school leaders all over the region. All rights reserved. 0:57. "If between now and then things go crazy," Shiflett said. Allegan Public Schools: K-6 masks required; 7-8 TBD; 9-12 optional | Details. 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. Columbia County schools decided to make masks optional for students moving forward effective for summer school. 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. Again, we are excited to begin the year and look forward to having our students back. The Augusta County Board of Supervisors will conduct a Public Hearing at 7 p.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2023, in the Board Meeting Room, Augusta County Government Center, 18 Government Center Lane, Verona, Virginia. The school board met Thursday night to discuss their back-to-school. Make masks mandatory! Learn More You are now exiting the Augusta County, VA. 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. 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. //]]> CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - It may be time for some of us in Central Virginia to mask back up. 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. Use the form below to reset your password. That is its highest weekly total of the school year. Under the protocol, masks are required for all students, staff and visitors to all school district facilities and on buses, regardless of vaccination status. The winners of the 2015 races in the Beverly Manor, Pastures and Middle River Districts served . We fear if we dont have universal masking, the letter stated, there will be outbreaks warranting school closure.. Make masks mandatory!" Aiken Public Safety officers rushed out to where the overflow crowd was gathered because of meeting room capacity restrictions, and the . Not even fire-engine red Augusta County is on board with Gov. But the Virginia Department of Health is not making any masking decisions yet. 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. More than 300 Augusta County students have tested positive for COVID-19 since school started four weeks ago. Augusta County Public Schools. Sign up for breaking news alerts. 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. To date, they have distributed 20,230 devices.