augusta county schools mask policy

Its vaccination that Walensky says will prevent her biggest fear. Don't have a commenting profile? 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. Best for a great weekend. 5:00 PM Joint Meeting-Augusta County Board of Supervisors and Augusta County . Parent Portal Student registration DOCUMENTS PERSONNEL Acceptable use policy STAFF Portal bGMS construction update RMS Construction Update Verify your phone numbers and contact preferences are correct in Campus Parent > User > Settings > Contact Preferences. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. Accommodations will be made for students and employees unable to wear a mask for documented medical reasons. Collins said he worded his motion so it gave a date for going mask optional, but also gave the board its own options. This a wonderful school district to work, and a beautiful area! 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. ", 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. How to order free testing kits from the government. Augusta County Public Schools is the organization that operates the public school system in Augusta County, Virginia. People spoke for and against requiring students to wear masks this fall, as the school board previously stated masks would be optional. Her motion died for lack of a second. See Offers. The goal is to be finished by Jan.31. School boards are required by state law to enact the policies for the 2021-22. Regardless of vaccination status, the Augusta Public Schools will require masks for people entering its buildings next school year. Use the form below to reset your password. The Augusta Board of Education voted. However, in a letter sent to families of students Thursday, Superintendent Eric Bond said masks would be optional for staff Monday as well. 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. 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. 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. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a child-friendly fit. About 20 minutes into the school board meeting Thursday evening, members went into closed session with its legal council. Augusta County School Boards motion on Wednesday includes flexibility to alter its plans if case numbers change. 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. 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. All rights reserved. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. I was a Title 1 reading teacher and was treated with professionalism and respect. 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. 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. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. . Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. People are also reading The general election was held on November 3, 2015. Richmond County students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside. Copyright 2023 WSLS.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. on March 2.Read more about the C.D . Heritage Pharma plans to start testing Monday, Jan. 24, and families are asked to stay tuned for more details. Virginias approach to COVID-19 has always been driven by the science, and we continue to emphasize that the only way out of this pandemic is through vaccination., A spokesperson for the Blue Ridge Health District, Jason Elliott, said in an interview with NBC29 last week that it is extremely important -- probably the most important -- to get vaccinated now more than it ever has been before.. 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. Patrick Hite is The News Leader's education and sports reporter. I feel like everyone should still be wearing masks, vaccinated or not, said Shae Helms, a sophomore at Amherst County High School. Hope everyone is doing well. That's why we try our best to make it easy to live in this beautiful place we call home. 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. All say theyre waiting for additional guidance from the Virginia Department of Education, the Virginia Department of Health and Governor Ralph Northam. He was referring to how the Georgia Department of Public Health color-codesCOVID-19 concentrations. Weve been saying all along students should be in school and shouldnt be tied to masks, said Conservative Parents of Lynchburg Founder Andrew Glover. The Augusta Public Schools will have in-person learning, five days a week. https://www.augusta.k12.va.us 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." Becoming a Foster Parent Become a foster parent to a child in need. The opportunity to grow professionally is evident there. Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, At-home COVID test website launches early. AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. Studentswill be permitted to remove masksduring lunch and while outside. Based on current conditions, this is what we need to do to make that happen. We reached out to school leaders all over the region. Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 cases surge. 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. The school board also voted to follow the contact tracing guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health. 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. "Not seeing facial expressions. Bond's letter did say that parents who choose to keep their children home for the full 10-day quarantine period can do so. The 2015 election was the last election for all seven seats to appear on the ballot at the same time. The Augusta Board of Education voted Wednesday night, 5 to 1, to mandate mask wearing. Masks may be removed during lunch and while outside. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. That guidance comes as cases are rising virtually everywhere across the country -- including in the Charlottesville area. 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.. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Im not real sure how well they work to begin with, Dana Worley, her mom, said. If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558. If you dont, I dont have a problem with that either.. Success. Designed and sold by artists. Pediatric death is rare, but not zero, so its our responsibility to protect all children. Add the 10-digit school phone number and the Augusta County Schools district phone number (540-245-5100) to your phone contacts. AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. 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. 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. AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Richmond County Board of Education met Tuesday night to get a COVID update from the superintendent. 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. Glenn Youngkin's executive order that made their decision possible. 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. Augusta County Schools will become mask-optional in three weeks. They have been in public places and taken place in social gatherings. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. 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. Augusta County residents lead busy lives. 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. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. Kortney Lockey, Lynchburg Bureau - Multimedia Journalist. Certification or licensure (if required for the position for which you are applying) Lawrence County School District: Full mask requirement: Sloan-Hendrix School District: . Im asking for a choice for a virtual option during this surge. While Aiken County has lifted mandatory mask mandates inside its schools, Richmond County says for now it won't be changing any of its mask or social distancing guidelines. Wear a mask, wash your hands, stay safe. 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. May 19, 2021. If you want to wear one, I dont see a problem with that. Need a COVID-19 test? [CDATA[ Latest trends. Login. More. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) [email protected] follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. 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. 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. 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. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. Columbia County . On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended universal masking in schools at every grade level. Anastasio said its easier at all levels since people move around the district. 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 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. Already have a commenting profile? School Superintendent Steven Flynt announced the rescinding of the mask mandate during the board's regular session Tuesday. Augusta County residents fill Wilson Memorial High School's auditorium on Wednesdaynight for a school board meeting where transgender policies and a mask mandate were voted on. 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. A sign encourages students, teachers and visitors to wear masks at Ladson Elementary School on Aug. 11, 2021. With this vote, students and staff must still wear masks while in school until Feb. 14. Learn more. School board votes to make masks optional for all students, staff in Augusta County. Afterward, the public spoke and most of the comments were about masks in school. All students, staff and volunteers in county schools will wear masks to begin the school year. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols" . Allegan Public Schools: K-6 masks required; 7-8 TBD; 9-12 optional | Details. 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 . Copyright 2021 WVIR. Subscribe to usat newsleader.com. In light of Virginia's school mask policy change, we have included a list of school districts and their decisions on masking. 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. 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). He said "lots of parents" had reached out to him saying masks had created emotional damage for their children. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Make 2023 the year to let that wonderful you-ness shine. The Augusta County School Board held a special session on July 29th to discuss what turned out to be two issues. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday evening. There is [sic] three reasons why COVID cases are going 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. Administrators say theyre hearing the same from other parents. "In light of those considerations, the practice is to allowconsistencyin how students and staff are treated with respect to mitigation measures.". Masks have been and continue to be required on all Georgia school buses. Walensky says thats not the case now, and vaccines are very effective. The school board is elected, and the current superintendent is Dr. Eric Bond. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. 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. MORE | Threat puts Thomson High School put on. Copyright 2021 WVIR. 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. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. Fennville Public . VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks. The district had held. So far this week the school division has reported 85 casesdespite studentsbeing out all week because of a holiday and snow. A child whose parent has elected that he or she is not subject to a mask mandate should not be required to wear a mask under any policy implemented by a teacher, school, school district, the Department of Educationor any other state authority. You can cancel at any time. I want to work with every one of you. Photo by Atoms on Unsplash. It was heated at times - like when people called board members cowards for wearing masks and forcing students to wear them. In rare occasions, some vaccinated people infected with the Delta variants after vaccination may be contagious and spread the virus to others, she said. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. The division also said that. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Augusta county school board members say they were blind-sided by news out of Richmond over masks in the classrooms. 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. Copyright 2021 WHSV. Northam's K-12 mask mandate, and we will continue to make decisions that prioritize the health, safety . They have thrived and remained healthy.. Stay Connected . The Augusta County School Board is a seven-member board elected by district to four-year terms. Starting Thursday, masks will be required for students, staff, and visitors to all district facilities and buses, regardless of vaccination status. All rights reserved. Learn More You are now exiting the Augusta County, VA. (844) 698-3261 Free Consultation [email protected] Case Results This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Log in to join the discussion. The school district will not have to pay for them so long as theysign an agreement to keep the cameras up for five years. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday night. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.

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