All rights reserved. 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. 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. 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. 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. The school board also voted to follow the contact tracing guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health. Don't have a commenting profile? Im not real sure how well they work to begin with, Dana Worley, her mom, said. nations top public health agency says vaccinated teachers and students can ditch the mask. Collins said he worded his motion so it gave a date for going mask optional, but also gave the board its own options. This new science is worrisome and unfortunately warrants an update to our recommendation., RELATED: New CDC guidelines call for masks in schools K-12. [CDATA[ Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. Learn More You are now exiting the Augusta County, VA. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Schools, including in Waynesboro and Augusta County, have the freedom to "implement local mask policies." Waynesboro school board members will meet 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Waynesboro High School and are expected to tackle the state's guidelines when discussing the city's reopening plan. Bond's letter did say that parents who choose to keep their children home for the full 10-day quarantine period can do so. Already registered? Masks may be removed during lunch and while outside. 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 division also said that. Verify your phone numbers and contact preferences are correct in Campus Parent > User > Settings > Contact Preferences. "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. Becoming a Foster Parent Become a foster parent to a child in need. Another potential headache: the CDC is still recommending schools continue to space kids out and keep their desks three feet apart. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. Face coverings and masks will be optional at Charleston County schools when students return to their classrooms Aug. 18. The CDC released this map of the country, which says how your city or county is doing as far as COVID-19 transmission. . 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. The Augusta County, VA is not responsible for the content of external sites. "Personally, I would like to see the masks gone," Chairperson David Shiflett said, "but now I dont think is the time.. 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. Augusta County Schools will become mask-optional in three weeks. 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. Kristine Welcher, a licensed nurse, speaks out against a mask mandate at Wednesday nights Augusta County School Board meeting at Wilson Memorial High School in Fishersville. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. Augusta County Public Schools. All students, staff and volunteers in county schools will wear masks to begin the school year. Photo by Atoms on Unsplash. The general election was held on November 3, 2015. How to order free testing kits from the government. Riverheads High School 19 Howardsville Road Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: (540) 337-1921 Fax: (540) 337-0258. . 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. Heritage Pharma plans to start testing Monday, Jan. 24, and families are asked to stay tuned for more details. The opportunity to grow professionally is evident there. Fourteen people spoke out against the mandates, citing their fear of heath issues they believe could be caused by masks. Allegan Public Schools: K-6 masks required; 7-8 TBD; 9-12 optional | Details. 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. 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. Its still a big health problem, she said. If you want to wear one, I dont see a problem with that. Data Not Collected The developer does not collect any data from this app. Kortney joined the 10 News team as a Lynchburg Bureau Reporter in May 2021. (844) 698-3261 Free Consultation info@ritchielawfirm.com Case Results Now it is easier than ever to stay up-to-date with the news. Columbia County schools decided to make masks optional for students moving forward effective for summer school. Richmond County students will be permitted to remove masks during lunch and while outside. 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. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. Click here for "Masks and Safety Protocols" . VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks. Wear a mask, wash your hands, stay safe. More: Augusta schools' 1:1 tech rollout under way, benefiting students who have gone without. The school board met Thursday night to discuss their back-to-school. 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. ", 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.". 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. This is a political scam to see who is going to sit down and shut up, Riverheads student Joshua Cox said . 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. May 19, 2021. 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 CDC also hasnt said how teachers can know which students are vaccinated or how parents will know which teachers are immunized. Sign up for breaking news alerts. See Offers. 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. Lawrence County School District: Full mask requirement: Sloan-Hendrix School District: . Log in to join the discussion. "If between now and then things go crazy," Shiflett said. 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. 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. Best for a great weekend. 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. 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. Pediatric death is rare, but not zero, so its our responsibility to protect all children. Beloved local eatery, The Pie Chest, closing for good this month, Family of Ukrainian refugees using music to adapt to life in Charlottesville. Masks will be required for anyone inside Charleston County schools until Oct. 15, 2021. By Jessica Mallow. "Arlington Public Schools implemented our mask requirement this school year prior to Gov. : Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, More: At-home COVID test website launches early. Get up to 20% off. 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. The policy was part of the districts response to COVID last school year, but now state law prohibits individual school systems from requiring students to wear masks. We have always tried to be non-political. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. But she also says this guidance makes sense because of the more transmissible Delta variant. They have thrived and remained healthy.. Tomorrow marks one week until Columbia County and some Richmond County students start the new year. 2023 www.newsleader.com. The developer, Augusta County Public Schools, indicated that the app's privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. Harrisonburg man charged with crimes connected to Jan. 6 attack on U.S. Capitol, Charlie Obaugh RV & Outdoor Student Athlete of the Week. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - With the latest surge in COVID cases easing, the Richmond County School System is dropping its mask mandate on campuses starting Tuesday. 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. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - The Augusta County School Board voted unanimously Thursday night not to adopt model policies for the treatment of transgender students put forth by the. At their meeting. "These absences from school will be excused and students will be permitted to make up all missed work," the letter said. 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. Tuesday Columbia County school leaders made their decision on the mask mandate. Shop the collection. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Story ideas and tips always welcome. Heres why. Enter your email and password to access comments. The school board is elected, and the current superintendent is Dr. Eric Bond. About 50 people attended the Augusta County School Board meeting Thursday evening. 2022, 12:02 p.m. Paula Gentile helps out as a substitute in Tana Spelman's class at Bishop Elementary in Augusta . The numbers have fluctuated within the school division. Plenty of Augusta-area locations offer them, At-home COVID test website launches early. McCormick said she wished the discussion about masking would have been at the business meeting instead. Studentswill be permitted to remove masksduring lunch and while outside. Its equal or worse than in December, and our healthcare workers are drowning, said Tara Mahanes. The speakers who opposed the policies voiced concerns about safety issues, parental and privacy rights, and religious freedom. Make masks mandatory! Add the 10-digit school phone number and the Augusta County Schools district phone number (540-245-5100) to your phone contacts. Administrators say theyre hearing the same from other parents. 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. 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. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. Find Augusta County, Virginia public schools, including charter schools, k-12, elementary, middle, and high schools. 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.. I want to work with you. Other board members shared their reasoning for voting in favor of the mask mandate. The week of Jan. 17 there were 171 cases. Northam's K-12 mask mandate, and we will continue to make decisions that prioritize the health, safety . 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 . Fennville Public . Copyright 2021 WHSV. Starting Thursday, masks will be required for students, staff, and visitors to all district facilities and buses, regardless of vaccination status. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) atphite@newsleader.comand follow himon Twitter @Patrick_Hite. MORE | Threat puts Thomson High School put on. Over the summer, our children have been maskless, Welcher said. Afterward, the public spoke and most of the comments were about masks in school. Walensky says thats not the case now, and vaccines are very effective. In light of Virginia's school mask policy change, we have included a list of school districts and their decisions on masking. Although theres not yet an indoor mask mandate in Virginia, the CDC says there should be. 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. Here are a few of them: Blue Ridge Health District vaccination scheduler, Call the BRHD COVID-19 Hotline 434-972-6261. Designed and sold by artists. "We'll revisit it. 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. Staunton and Waynesboro schools will continue requiring masks for all students and staff. 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. 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. //
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