augusta county schools mask policy

on March 2.Read more about the C.D . @NBC29 pic.twitter.com/L8eS6n0bxz. Official transcripts are required at the time of employment. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. 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. Glenn Youngkin's executive order on masks in schools. 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. 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. It was heated at times - like when people called board members cowards for wearing masks and forcing students to wear them. "In light of those considerations, the practice is to allowconsistencyin how students and staff are treated with respect to mitigation measures.". As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes to you. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. 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. Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 cases surge. 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. Afterward, the public spoke and most of the comments were about masks in school. All rights reserved. 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. Weve been saying all along students should be in school and shouldnt be tied to masks, said Conservative Parents of Lynchburg Founder Andrew Glover. 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 opportunity to grow professionally is evident there. The division also said that. : Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, More: At-home COVID test website launches early. Even though mask mandates will not be enforced inside school, masks will still be required on school buses, as well as for staff members and adults inside the school building. 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. Sign up for breaking news alerts. 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. 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. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Columbia County . AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) - "It's just not right to have them mandate it," said 8th grader Jonathan Vasquez. 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. You have permission to edit this article. 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. 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. So far this week the school division has reported 85 casesdespite studentsbeing out all week because of a holiday and snow. The district had held. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. To date, they have distributed 20,230 devices. Allegan Public Schools: K-6 masks required; 7-8 TBD; 9-12 optional | Details. 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. Administrators say theyre hearing the same from other parents. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Now. 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. Many have since returned to school, but the virus continues to spread. Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, At-home COVID test website launches early. Collins said he worded his motion so it gave a date for going mask optional, but also gave the board its own options. The school board is elected, and the current superintendent is Dr. Eric Bond. She asked if it was considered by administration to have a mask mandate for the younger students and recommended for the older students. Use the form below to reset your password. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. 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. There is [sic] three reasons why COVID cases are going up. With this vote, students and staff must still wear masks while in school until Feb. 14. As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. How to order free testing kits from the government, Augusta schools' 1:1 tech rollout under way, benefiting students who have gone without, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. "We'll revisit it. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. Please subscribe to keep reading. I feel like everyone should still be wearing masks, vaccinated or not, said Shae Helms, a sophomore at Amherst County High School. If you want to wear one, I dont see a problem with that. I want to work with you. 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. VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks. You can cancel at any time. The Columbia County Board of Education will be withdrawing its requirements for students and faculty to wear face-coverings beginning Sept. 29. 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.". 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. The biggest questions will be at middle schools, where some students can get the shot and others cant. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a. His first item of focus is the rights of parents. A month since Rosenberg was forced out, Staunton City Council hasn't secured search firm, Staunton man pleads guilty to a string of burglaries, gets nearly 10 years in prison, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Washtenaw County schools opt to keep masks on 'until further notice' . "Personally, I would like to see the masks gone," Chairperson David Shiflett said, "but now I dont think is the time.. Under the protocol, masks are required for all students, staff and visitors to all school district facilities and on buses, regardless of vaccination status. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. The speakers who opposed the policies voiced concerns about safety issues, parental and privacy rights, and religious freedom. Story ideas and tips always welcome. 5:00 PM Joint Meeting-Augusta County Board of Supervisors and Augusta County . Ensure that the phone number is not blocked in phone settings. Log in to join the discussion. They have thrived and remained healthy.. 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! The Augusta County School Board voted 5-1 on Thursday to make masks optional . Becoming a Foster Parent Become a foster parent to a child in need. 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. More than 300 Augusta County students have tested positive for COVID-19 since school started four weeks ago. 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). 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. Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. He shared the letter from the pediatricians at the board meeting. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. Its why the news isnt sitting well with him and others. ", 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. Again, we are excited to begin the year and look forward to having our students back. Anastasio also said the DOE will require schools to report teacher vaccination status, which will be done anonymously and through a survey. Timothy Simmons, who represents the Pastures District, said he is in favor of making masks optional. All students, staff and volunteers in county schools will wear masks to begin the school year. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. 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.. Mask Policy AMI Dates; Augusta School District: Full mask requirement: McCrory School District: Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. 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. Please wait for the page to reload. . Masks are still required on buses per federal law. Helms added that she would also like to see the masks stay. However, in a letter sent to families of students Thursday, Superintendent Eric Bond said masks would be optional for staff Monday as well. 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 education and sports reporter. 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. Im asking for a choice for a virtual option during this surge. In light of Virginia's school mask policy change, we have included a list of school districts and their decisions on masking. Augusta County School Boards motion on Wednesday includes flexibility to alter its plans if case numbers change. 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. 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. That rose to 206 the following week, but dropped back to 167 the week of Jan. 31. Copyright 2023 WSLS.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. The general election was held on November 3, 2015. The winners of the 2015 races in the Beverly Manor, Pastures and Middle River Districts served . 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. Make 2023 the year to let that wonderful you-ness shine. More. Do you have a story idea? Students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside. In rare occasions, some vaccinated people infected with the Delta variants after vaccination may be contagious and spread the virus to others, she 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. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols". 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. Tuesday Columbia County school leaders made their decision on the mask mandate. New CDC guidance says some counties in our viewing area meet the threshold to put those face coverings back on. McCormick said she wished the discussion about masking would have been at the business meeting instead. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. Designed and sold by artists. Hope everyone is doing well. Editor. The policies say schools should allow students to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity. Under the protocol,masks arerequired for allstudents, staff andvisitors to all school districtfacilities and onbuses,regardless of vaccination status. 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. He was referring to how the Georgia Department of Public Health color-codesCOVID-19 concentrations. 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. [CDATA[ As we learn more, I am comfortable with yes. School Board members made the decision Thursday . Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. Glenn Youngkin's executive order that made their decision possible. (844) 698-3261 Free Consultation info@ritchielawfirm.com Case Results While the nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some say its too soon. Enter your email and password to access comments. 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 . Between Jan. 4 and 18, Georgia reported over 200,000 new cases, and the map had turned a dark burgundy. The goal is to be finished by Jan.31. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday night. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The rise in COVID cases is also a concern for our local school districts. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. About 20 minutes into the school board meeting Thursday evening, members went into closed session with its legal council. If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. Face coverings and masks will be optional at Charleston County schools when students return to their classrooms Aug. 18. Make masks mandatory!" Aiken Public Safety officers rushed out to where the overflow crowd was gathered because of meeting room capacity restrictions, and the . 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. AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Richmond County Board of Education met Tuesday night to get a COVID update from the superintendent. The letter continued, we know masking works and applauded children for their efforts in masking in the past school year. Riverheads High School 19 Howardsville Road Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: (540) 337-1921 Fax: (540) 337-0258. Latest trends. People spoke for and against requiring students to wear masks this fall, as the school board previously stated masks would be optional. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. The Augusta County School Board is a seven-member board elected by district to four-year terms. Were gonna have to step back, go by the law, and prove them wrong, Ward said. Not even fire-engine red Augusta County is on board with Gov. MORE | Threat puts Thomson High School put on. 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. I would rather go with safety; I want kids to be in school five days a week.. The Augusta County School Board held a special session on July 29th to discuss what turned out to be two issues. on. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. The school board met Thursday night to discuss their back-to-school. They have been in public places and taken place in social gatherings. . Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. List of Augusta County Public Schools. The superintendent is great, the principal was wonderful. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - Augusta County Public Schools is set to become mask-optional in three weeks. Below you will find several links to helpful resources for our residents. CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - It may be time for some of us in Central Virginia to mask back up. ", 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.". 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. Pediatric death is rare, but not zero, so its our responsibility to protect all children. The Augusta Board of Education voted Wednesday night, 5 to 1, to mandate mask wearing. Richmond County students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside. Anastasio said its easier at all levels since people move around the district. All rights reserved. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. 1:30 PM Community Policy Management Team. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"ndsTchhICxLNjF_dxI18aRlyWnQfS.IeNB3Ql0MS2hM-1800-0"}; 2022, 12:02 p.m. Paula Gentile helps out as a substitute in Tana Spelman's class at Bishop Elementary in Augusta . While the nation's top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some. I anticipated more discussion before we voted..

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