It was heated at times - like when people called board members cowards for wearing masks and forcing students to wear them. Stay Connected . That rose to 206 the following week, but dropped back to 167 the week of Jan. 31. About 20 minutes into the school. Patrick Hite is The News Leader's educationreporter. As we learn more, I am comfortable with yes. Not even fire-engine red Augusta County is on board with Gov. However, in a letter sent to families of students Thursday, Superintendent Eric Bond said masks would be optional for staff Monday as well. Learn More You are now exiting the Augusta County, VA. Augusta County Schools will become mask-optional in three weeks. . 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. A sign encourages students, teachers and visitors to wear masks at Ladson Elementary School on Aug. 11, 2021. : Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, More: At-home COVID test website launches early. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. He was referring to how the Georgia Department of Public Health color-codesCOVID-19 concentrations. Based on current conditions, this is what we need to do to make that happen. All rights reserved. The Augusta Public Schools will have in-person learning, 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 winners of the 2015 races in the Beverly Manor, Pastures and Middle River Districts served . The school board met Thursday night to discuss their back-to-school. If you want to wear one, I dont see a problem with that. You have permission to edit this article. Subscribe to usat newsleader.com. Accommodations will be made for students and employees unable to wear a mask for documented medical reasons. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School . Lawrence County School District: Full mask requirement: Sloan-Hendrix School District: . More: Augusta schools' 1:1 tech rollout under way, benefiting students who have gone without. Otherwise, a 14-day quarantine will be required. [CDATA[ Allegan Public Schools: K-6 masks required; 7-8 TBD; 9-12 optional | Details. Please subscribe to keep reading. Becoming a Foster Parent Become a foster parent to a child in need. 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. 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. 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. 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. Bond's letter did say that parents who choose to keep their children home for the full 10-day quarantine period can do so. AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Richmond County Board of Education met Tuesday night to get a COVID update from the superintendent. Kortney Lockey, Lynchburg Bureau - Multimedia Journalist. 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. Im not real sure how well they work to begin with, Dana Worley, her mom, said. 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. Glenn Youngkin's executive order making masks optional or "any changing negative trends related to our local area health concerns.". Im asking for a choice for a virtual option during this surge. Thats because its flu season, masks dont work, and upcoming elections., This is not a joke to any of us, said Rebecca Lotts, who opposes the mandates. Northam's K-12 mask mandate, and we will continue to make decisions that prioritize the health, safety . Again, we are excited to begin the year and look forward to having our students back. Learn more. 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. Waynesboro Public Schools followed the VDHs guidance and voted earlier this week to mandate masks for elementary students and staff. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. List of Augusta County Public Schools. 0:57. @NBC29 pic.twitter.com/L8eS6n0bxz. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a child-friendly fit. However, counties around the state had already rejected the policies, and lawsuits appear to show funding is not in jeopardy for localities that voted no, according to a report from the Courthouse News Service. Its vaccination that Walensky says will prevent her biggest fear. Copyright 2021 WVIR. By Jessica Mallow. School board votes to make masks optional for all students, staff in Augusta County. Do you have a story idea? The school district will not have to pay for them so long as theysign an agreement to keep the cameras up for five years. 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. Pediatric death is rare, but not zero, so its our responsibility to protect all children. The Augusta County, VA is not responsible for the content of external sites. Studentswill be permitted to remove masksduring lunch and while outside. "In light of those considerations, the practice is to allowconsistencyin how students and staff are treated with respect to mitigation measures.". Via has three kids in Augusta County Public Schools and only one of them is old enough to get the shot. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy. I think they should still be wearing masks for their safety and everyone elses, said Will Via, a dad from Verona. VERONA Officials with Augusta County Public Schools have announced that masks won't be required beginning Monday for students, staff and visitors. 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. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. I believe in Jesus Christ. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. 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. Weve been saying all along students should be in school and shouldnt be tied to masks, said Conservative Parents of Lynchburg Founder Andrew Glover. 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. Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. Kortney joined the 10 News team as a Lynchburg Bureau Reporter in May 2021. 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. Ensure that the phone number is not blocked in phone settings. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Starting Thursday, masks will be required for students, staff, and visitors to all district facilities and buses, regardless of vaccination status. "Arlington Public Schools implemented our mask requirement this school year prior to Gov. 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. Timothy Simmons will take a seat on the Augusta County School Board in January. AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"ndsTchhICxLNjF_dxI18aRlyWnQfS.IeNB3Ql0MS2hM-1800-0"}; 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. Its still a big health problem, she said. McCormick voted against the mandate, saying she believes the decision for students to wear masks should be up to families, not the school administration. The policies say schools should allow students to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity. "Personally, I would like to see the masks gone," Chairperson David Shiflett said, "but now I dont think is the time.. See Offers. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. "We'll revisit it. All rights reserved. McCormick said she wished the discussion about masking would have been at the business meeting instead. The division also said that. "Not seeing facial expressions. 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. 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. But she also says this guidance makes sense because of the more transmissible Delta variant. 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. 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. Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. We fear if we dont have universal masking, the letter stated, there will be outbreaks warranting school closure.. We have always tried to be non-political. Afterward, the public spoke and most of the comments were about masks in school. 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. 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. The Augusta County School Board held a special session on July 29th to discuss what turned out to be two issues. 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. The 2015 election was the last election for all seven seats to appear on the ballot at the same time. How to order free testing kits from the government. 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. VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks. The CDC also hasnt said how teachers can know which students are vaccinated or how parents will know which teachers are immunized. 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. Shenandoah Valley Center for Advanced Learning, Valley Career & Technical Center49 Hornet RoadFishersville, VA 22939Phone: (540) 245-5002Fax: (540) 885-0407info@valleytech.us. So far this week the school division has reported 85 casesdespite studentsbeing out all week because of a holiday and snow. The Augusta County School Board unanimously affirmed at its meeting Thursday they would follow the law as now presented to them. 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. His first item of focus is the rights of parents. The Augusta Board of Education voted. You can cancel at any time. The Virginia Department of Health reported 113 new COVID cases in Augusta County Thursday, the highest one-day total since Feb. 4. They have been in public places and taken place in social gatherings. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Many have since returned to school, but the virus continues to spread. The school division will also follow the CDCs shortened timeline for those who have toisolateorquarantine. Make masks mandatory!" Aiken Public Safety officers rushed out to where the overflow crowd was gathered because of meeting room capacity restrictions, and the . 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." Designed and sold by artists. 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. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. I was a Title 1 reading teacher and was treated with professionalism and respect. While the nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask, some say its too soon. 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.. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. MORE: Mask Mandates Are Hot Topic at Columbia County School Board Meeting Now it is easier than ever to stay up-to-date with the news. 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. 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. The Augusta County School Board voted 5-1 on Thursday to make masks optional . AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta County students will head to school on Tuesday, August 10 wearing masks. 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. If you dont, I dont have a problem with that either.. Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 cases surge. "TheBoard and administration have consideredand reviewedthe continued reduction of positive cases amongourstudentsand staff, as well as recent court rulings, General Assembly action,Executive Order 6, andpendingHealth and Safety Codes Board actionnext week," Bond wrote in an email to The News Leader asking about the decision for staff. Already have a commenting profile? Wayne District representative Tim Swortzel made the motion to make face-coverings optional and North River representative Nicholas Collins seconded. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. New CDC guidance says some counties in our viewing area meet the threshold to put those face coverings back on. Heres why. The school board voted unanimously Aug. 9 to allow the district to change .

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