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. Weve been saying all along students should be in school and shouldnt be tied to masks, said Conservative Parents of Lynchburg Founder Andrew Glover. "These absences from school will be excused and students will be permitted to make up all missed work," the letter said. 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. Although theres not yet an indoor mask mandate in Virginia, the CDC says there should be. If your area is orange or red, you should require masks inside. {{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. Its equal or worse than in December, and our healthcare workers are drowning, said Tara Mahanes. That's why we try our best to make it easy to live in this beautiful place we call home. As we learn more, I am comfortable with yes. Helms added that she would also like to see the masks stay. Timothy Simmons, who represents the Pastures District, said he is in favor of making masks optional. ", Staunton and Waynesboro, in their announcements, mentioned SB1303, which requireseach school board in Virginia to provide the in-person instruction "in a manner in which it adheres, to the maximum extent practicable, to any currently applicable mitigation strategies for early childhood care and education programs and elementary and secondary schools to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 that have been provided by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He said "lots of parents" had reached out to him saying masks had created emotional damage for their children. I want to work with every one of you. 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. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes to you. The policies say schools should allow students to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity. Masks have been and continue to be required on all Georgia school buses. ", 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. Story ideas and tips always welcome. We fear if we dont have universal masking, the letter stated, there will be outbreaks warranting school closure.. Your cooperation with this change is expectedand appreciated. 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. VERONA Augusta County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks for students and staff at least three more weeks. Albemarle County Public Schools announced Monday that it continue to comply with the state law that masks be worn by all students in all schools and facilities. However, in a letter sent to families of students Thursday, Superintendent Eric Bond said masks would be optional for staff Monday as well. 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. 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. Were gonna have to step back, go by the law, and prove them wrong, Ward said. He was referring to how the Georgia Department of Public Health color-codesCOVID-19 concentrations. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. 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. 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. That guidance comes as cases are rising virtually everywhere across the country -- including in the Charlottesville area. Copyright 2021 WVIR. Below you will find several links to helpful resources for our residents. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. We do not appreciate it. Augusta County Public Schools18 Government Center LaneVerona, VA 24482Phone: 540-245-5100Fax: 540-245-5115. Kids' face masks with Augusta County Schools designs for a child-friendly fit. Login. AUGUSTA The Augusta Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks regardless of vaccination status next school year. 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. The school board is elected, and the current superintendent is Dr. Eric Bond. 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 Officials with Augusta County Public Schools have announced that masks won't be required beginning Monday for students, staff and visitors. Only two people spoke out in favor of masks. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. Walensky says thats not the case now, and vaccines are very effective. The Allegan County Health Department is requiring masks in schools from kindergarten to sixth grade. "Arlington Public Schools implemented our mask requirement this school year prior to Gov. Superintendent James Anastasio strongly recommended the board vote in favor of the mandate. Here are a few of them: Blue Ridge Health District vaccination scheduler, Call the BRHD COVID-19 Hotline 434-972-6261. 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. 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 . Vaccinated teachers and students don't have to wear masks inside school buildings. I would rather go with safety; I want kids to be in school five days a week.. 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 . Copyright 2023 Augusta County Public Schools. Simply, we just want our students back everyday and back safely. "We have to consider how the mask is affecting them emotionally," Simmons said. You can cancel at any time. He shared the letter from the pediatricians at the board meeting. I hope youre on the same side.. The numbers have fluctuated within the school division. //