Masks will be required for anyone inside Charleston County schools until Oct. 15, 2021. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols". 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. . Only two people spoke out in favor of masks. LIST: Arizona school districts keeping, removing mask mandates - KNXV 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. 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. Augusta County Public Schools - Wikipedia Richmond County schools dropping mask mandate in buildings - WRDW My biggest concern is, I would never go into your home and tell you whats best for your child, McCormick said. Local parents, students react to CDC guidance on masks in schools - WSLS I would rather go with safety; I want kids to be in school five days a week.. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. The VDOE did not mandate the mask usage, and Augusta County opted to leave it up to individual students and staff. 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. Albemarle County, Charlottesville bucking Youngkin on school mask policies Richmond County schools will require masks - The Augusta Chronicle 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. 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. Masks will return to Augusta County schools this fall. If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558. 5:00 PM Joint Meeting-Augusta County Board of Supervisors and Augusta County . Augusta school board reaffirms mask mandate, plans COVID-19 testing 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. 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." About 50 people attended the Augusta County School . She asked if it was considered by administration to have a mask mandate for the younger students and recommended for the older students. "We have to consider how the mask is affecting them emotionally," Simmons said. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. The district had held. VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks. Its equal or worse than in December, and our healthcare workers are drowning, said Tara Mahanes. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Richmond County Board of Education met Tuesday night to get a COVID update from the superintendent. Between Jan. 4 and 18, Georgia reported over 200,000 new cases, and the map had turned a dark burgundy. 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. Many protest mask mandate in Columbia County schools | WJBF I feel like everyone should still be wearing masks, vaccinated or not, said Shae Helms, a sophomore at Amherst County High School. If you can't find the answer, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. Heritage Pharma plans to start testing Monday, Jan. 24, and families are asked to stay tuned for more details. Beloved local eatery, The Pie Chest, closing for good this month, Family of Ukrainian refugees using music to adapt to life in Charlottesville. Aiken County Schools eliminate mask mandate | WJBF Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a. Augusta County Public Schools is the organization that operates the public school system in Augusta County, Virginia. Augusta Co. schools to make masks optional on Valentine's Day, with Bond's letter did say that parents who choose to keep their children home for the full 10-day quarantine period can do so. To mask or not to mask? Local schools determine policies - WRDW The speakers who opposed the policies voiced concerns about safety issues, parental and privacy rights, and religious freedom. 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. There was a problem saving your notification. Augusta County School Board votes against VDoE transgender model policies As we learn more, I am comfortable with yes. Another potential headache: the CDC is still recommending schools continue to space kids out and keep their desks three feet apart. Sign in or Subscribe Please subscribe or login first for digital access. He was referring to how the Georgia Department of Public Health color-codesCOVID-19 concentrations. 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. 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. Already have a commenting profile? 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. 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, VA 4+ - App Store Lawrence County School District: Full mask requirement: Sloan-Hendrix School District: . The school board is elected, and the current superintendent is Dr. Eric Bond. 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. Need a COVID-19 test? Already registered? 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. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Subscribe to usat newsleader.com. Administrators say theyre hearing the same from other parents. How to order free testing kits from the government. "These absences from school will be excused and students will be permitted to make up all missed work," the letter said. Enter your email and password to access comments. 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). AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. 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. MORE: Mask Mandates Are Hot Topic at Columbia County School Board Meeting Fourteen people spoke out against the mandates, citing their fear of heath issues they believe could be caused by masks. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols". Were gonna have to step back, go by the law, and prove them wrong, Ward said. Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 cases surge. You can cancel at any time. Augusta County Schools to make masks optional on Valentine's Day, with 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. All rights reserved. Masks have been and continue to be required on all Georgia school buses. CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - It may be time for some of us in Central Virginia to mask back up. School boards are required by state law to enact the policies for the 2021-22. on. The policies say schools should allow students to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity. Login. Parent Portal Student registration DOCUMENTS PERSONNEL Acceptable use policy STAFF Portal bGMS construction update RMS Construction Update 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. 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. Augusta County, VA Decision on Masking Goes Against Science & Data This is a political scam to see who is going to sit down and shut up, Riverheads student Joshua Cox said . As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes to you. The winners of the 2015 races in the Beverly Manor, Pastures and Middle River Districts served . 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. 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. Ensure that the phone number is not blocked in phone settings. Tuesday Columbia County school leaders made their decision on the mask mandate. Augusta County Public Schools will keep masks mandatory until Feb. 14 Shop the collection. No parent electing that a mask mandate should not apply to his or her child shall be required to provide a reason or make any certification concerning their childs health or education. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Allegan Public Schools: K-6 masks required; 7-8 TBD; 9-12 optional | Details. Augusta County Public Schools | Home Im asking for a choice for a virtual option during this surge. But the Virginia Department of Health is not making any masking decisions yet. More: Augusta schools' 1:1 tech rollout under way, benefiting students who have gone without. 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. "We'll revisit it. You have permission to edit this article. Washtenaw County schools opt to keep masks on 'until further notice' Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. All rights reserved. Some in Augusta County oppose faculty masks mandates as COVID-19 Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Augusta County Public Schools elections (2015) - Ballotpedia Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. They have been in public places and taken place in social gatherings. Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, At-home COVID test website launches early. Shenandoah Valley Center for Advanced Learning, Valley Career & Technical Center49 Hornet RoadFishersville, VA 22939Phone: (540) 245-5002Fax: (540) 885-0407info@valleytech.us. People spoke for and against requiring students to wear masks this fall, as the school board previously stated masks would be optional. Log in to join the discussion. 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. (844) 698-3261 Free Consultation info@ritchielawfirm.com Case Results AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta County students will head to school on Tuesday, August 10 wearing masks. Copyright 2021 WVIR. Mask Policy AMI Dates; Augusta School District: Full mask requirement: McCrory School District: Kortney Lockey, Lynchburg Bureau - Multimedia Journalist. AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. 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. The school board met Thursday night to discuss their back-to-school. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. Masks will return to Augusta County schools this fall - WHSV Although theres not yet an indoor mask mandate in Virginia, the CDC says there should be. 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! 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. Her motion died for lack of a second. Walensky says thats not the case now, and vaccines are very effective. Waynesboro school officials still deciding on mask mandate 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. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy. Fennville Public . Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. 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. Patrick Hite is The News Leader's education and sports reporter. Wayne District representative Tim Swortzel made the motion to make face-coverings optional and North River representative Nicholas Collins seconded. Please wait for the page to reload. 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. There were no specific numbersgiven as far as the number of COVID cases that would make the board consider extending the mandatory mask policy, only a very broad explanation by the board's chair. 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. The CDC released this map of the country, which says how your city or county is doing as far as COVID-19 transmission. All rights reserved. Weve been saying all along students should be in school and shouldnt be tied to masks, said Conservative Parents of Lynchburg Founder Andrew Glover. Augusta County Virginia schools quickly go mask optional for all In the last five weeks since students returned from winter break, Augusta County Schools have reported 889 positive cases, the highest five-week total of the school year. Aiken County school board to fight state's restriction on mask mandate //]]> AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The rise in COVID cases is also a concern for our local school districts. 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. 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. The week of Jan. 17 there were 171 cases. Glenn Youngkin's executive order that made their decision possible. : Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, More: At-home COVID test website launches early. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. Waynesboro Public Schools followed the VDHs guidance and voted earlier this week to mandate masks for elementary students and staff. Masks no longer required for anyone, even teachers, in Augusta County (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Anastasio said its easier at all levels since people move around the district. Use the form below to reset your password. Augusta County Public Schools. Its still a big health problem, she said. About 20 minutes into the school board meeting Thursday evening, members went into closed session with its legal council. Data Not Collected The developer does not collect any data from this app. Augusta Public Schools to enforce mask wearing for all students, staff Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. Augusta County Public Schools18 Government Center LaneVerona, VA 24482Phone: 540-245-5100Fax: 540-245-5115. https://www.augusta.k12.va.us 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. Get up to 20% off. The division also said that. 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. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday evening. By Jessica Mallow. ", 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.". His first item of focus is the rights of parents. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. That's why we try our best to make it easy to live in this beautiful place we call home. In the meantime, there are many ways for you to get vaccinated in our community. Photo by Atoms on Unsplash. Sign up for breaking news alerts. But othersincluding her momhave a different opinion. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. Still, theres no doubt this will make for some challenging school environments. Virginia School Mask Policies - Ritchie Law Charleston County schools to require masks; senators want session on Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Between Dec. 4 and 18, Georgia reported just under 20,000new cases, and most of the state's map was a light-yellow. Under the protocol, masks are required for all students, staff and visitors to all school district facilities and on buses, regardless of vaccination status. [CDATA[ Tomorrow marks one week until Columbia County and some Richmond County students start the new year. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. Copyright 2021 WVIR. 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 delta variant is so very contagious it appears to cause high viral loads even in vaccinated people who become infected.. School board votes to make masks optional for all students, staff in Augusta-area governments weigh response to revised CDC mask guidelines More than 300 Augusta County students have tested positive for COVID-19 since school started four weeks ago. This a wonderful school district to work, and a beautiful area! The goal is to be finished by Jan.31. 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). Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 - WHSV There is [sic] three reasons why COVID cases are going up. The Augusta County School Board unanimously affirmed at its meeting Thursday they would follow the law as now presented to them. Add the 10-digit school phone number and the Augusta County Schools district phone number (540-245-5100) to your phone contacts. Timothy Simmons, who represents the Pastures District, said he is in favor of making masks optional. Here are a few of them: Blue Ridge Health District vaccination scheduler, Call the BRHD COVID-19 Hotline 434-972-6261. Helms added that she would also like to see the masks stay. Success. 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. Hope everyone is doing well.