AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The rise in COVID cases is also a concern for our local school districts. We have always tried to be non-political. {{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. Fourteen people spoke out against the mandates, citing their fear of heath issues they believe could be caused by masks. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. Do you have a story idea? All students, staff and volunteers in county schools will wear masks to begin the school year. "We have to consider how the mask is affecting them emotionally," Simmons said. We do not appreciate it. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. More: Augusta schools' 1:1 tech rollout under way, benefiting students who have gone without. Your cooperation with this change is expectedand appreciated. Columbia County schools decided to make masks optional for students moving forward effective for summer school. 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. Latest trends. Lawrence County School District: Full mask requirement: Sloan-Hendrix School District: . 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. Accommodations will be made for students and employees unable to wear a mask for documented medical reasons. Designed and sold by artists. [CDATA[ Shenandoah Valley Center for Advanced Learning, Valley Career & Technical Center49 Hornet RoadFishersville, VA 22939Phone: (540) 245-5002Fax: (540) 885-0407info@valleytech.us. 5:00 PM Joint Meeting-Augusta County Board of Supervisors and Augusta County . The Virginia Department of Health reported 113 new COVID cases in Augusta County Thursday, the highest one-day total since Feb. 4. 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. "In light of those considerations, the practice is to allowconsistencyin how students and staff are treated with respect to mitigation measures.". Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. Subscribe to usat newsleader.com. The district had held. His first item of focus is the rights of parents. 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. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. The school board is elected, and the current superintendent is Dr. Eric Bond. McCormick said she wished the discussion about masking would have been at the business meeting instead. "We'll revisit it. 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. We have no affiliation up here because we did not want that to interfere, it does not need to interfere with the decisions that we make for our parents and for our kids, but I am going to go against the grain tonight and say that we have got to get a republican governor into the state house this fall, board member Nicholas Collins said. You have permission to edit this article. The school district will not have to pay for them so long as theysign an agreement to keep the cameras up for five years. All rights reserved. Only two people spoke out in favor of masks. Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 cases surge. Kortney Lockey, Lynchburg Bureau - Multimedia Journalist. Story ideas and tips always welcome. 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. Waynesboro Public Schools followed the VDHs guidance and voted earlier this week to mandate masks for elementary students and staff. 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. Heres why. Story ideas and tips always welcome. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy. The school board met Thursday night to discuss their back-to-school. With this vote, students and staff must still wear masks while in school until Feb. 14. Best for a great weekend. School Board members made the decision Thursday . 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. In the meantime, there are many ways for you to get vaccinated in our community. 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. As we learn more, I am comfortable with yes. Make 2023 the year to let that wonderful you-ness shine. 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. 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. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. 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. This new science is worrisome and unfortunately warrants an update to our recommendation., RELATED: New CDC guidelines call for masks in schools K-12. Data Not Collected The developer does not collect any data from this app. 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. Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. People are also reading 'Cousin Eddie' display from 'Christmas Vacation' leads to Kentucky police response Success. Make masks mandatory!" Aiken Public Safety officers rushed out to where the overflow crowd was gathered because of meeting room capacity restrictions, and the . 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. Allegan Public Schools: K-6 masks required; 7-8 TBD; 9-12 optional | Details. ", 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. Tomorrow marks one week until Columbia County and some Richmond County students start the new year. The Augusta County School Board unanimously affirmed at its meeting Thursday they would follow the law as now presented to them. Photo by Atoms on Unsplash. Studentswill be permitted to remove masksduring lunch and while outside. 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. 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. Were gonna have to step back, go by the law, and prove them wrong, Ward said. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School . Glenn Youngkin's executive order that made their decision possible. Helms added that she would also like to see the masks stay. Riverheads High School 19 Howardsville Road Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: (540) 337-1921 Fax: (540) 337-0258. Subscribe to usat newsleader.com. (844) 698-3261 Free Consultation info@ritchielawfirm.com Case Results Other board members shared their reasoning for voting in favor of the mask mandate. The delta variant is so very contagious it appears to cause high viral loads even in vaccinated people who become infected.. 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). nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask. The Augusta County School Board voted 5-1 on Thursday to make masks optional . Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a child-friendly fit. Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. 0:57. 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. 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. That guidance comes as cases are rising virtually everywhere across the country -- including in the Charlottesville area. 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.". Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. 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. Enter your email and password to access comments. Patrick Hite is The News Leader's education and sports reporter. 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. McClintock said they hope to get the cameras within the next month. Mask Policy AMI Dates; Augusta School District: Full mask requirement: McCrory School District: People spoke for and against requiring students to wear masks this fall, as the school board previously stated masks would be optional. 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. "These absences from school will be excused and students will be permitted to make up all missed work," the letter said. The speakers who opposed the policies voiced concerns about safety issues, parental and privacy rights, and religious freedom. Ensure that the phone number is not blocked in phone settings. Columbia County . Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. Verify your phone numbers and contact preferences are correct in Campus Parent > User > Settings > Contact Preferences. If you can't find the answer, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. The Augusta County School Board held a special session on July 29th to discuss what turned out to be two issues. The Columbia County Board of Education will be withdrawing its requirements for students and faculty to wear face-coverings beginning Sept. 29. Tuesday Columbia County school leaders made their decision on the mask mandate. I want to work with every one of you. 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. @NBC29 pic.twitter.com/L8eS6n0bxz. 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. You will receive an email to complete the registration. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. 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. . My biggest concern is, I would never go into your home and tell you whats best for your child, McCormick said. 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. Augusta County School Boards motion on Wednesday includes flexibility to alter its plans if case numbers change. 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! They have thrived and remained healthy.. 2023 www.newsleader.com. 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 policies say schools should allow students to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity. Augusta County Public Schools18 Government Center LaneVerona, VA 24482Phone: 540-245-5100Fax: 540-245-5115. Anastasio also said the DOE will require schools to report teacher vaccination status, which will be done anonymously and through a survey. We reached out to school leaders all over the region. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. Thank you for visiting the Augusta County, VA. You will be redirected to the destination page below in 0 seconds. Timothy Simmons, who represents the Pastures District, said he is in favor of making masks optional. Otherwise, a 14-day quarantine will be required. 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. Copyright 2021 WVIR. Create one. 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 . Glenn Youngkin's executive order making masks optional or "any changing negative trends related to our local area health concerns.". 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 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 .
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