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Vol. 6 No. 47 | Richmond Suburban News | July 21, 2021
Students’ fall return seeks normality By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local
ASHLAND -- When almost 16,000 Hanover County Public Schools students return to the classroom this fall, the future of mandatory masks in the classroom is on the minds of some parents. While other mandates have been eased or lifted, school officials are still awaiting guidance on policies regarding mask wearing. Only about 500 students have opted for the county’s online school in its second year of operation, meaning classrooms and campuses will welcome more students than last year. Halls will be busier, cafeterias will serve more students, and buses will be filled
to pre-pandemic levels. “It’s going to look a little different than it did last year because we will simply have more bodies and human beings in our classGreif rooms,” Jennifer Greif, assistant superintendent in charge of instructional leadership, said. County officials have vowed to adhere to CDC (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines and Virginia Department of Education guidelines regarding mitigation practices, but at the Tuesday, June 13, meet-
Profiles of town council candidates welcome By Melody Kinser Managing Editor
ASHLAND – Three residents, including two incumbents, have filed their candidacy for two seats on Ashland Town Council. According to the Virginia State Board of Elections, David J. Frisch joins current council members Daniel W. McGraw and John H. Hodges in seeking two of the seats available in the Nov. 2 General Election. The two seats open are for four-year terms. Citizens also have the opportunity to run for town council. Effective Aug. 2, The
Mechanicsville Local and Ashland-Hanover Local will accept profiles of the candidates. Information should include education and employment background, as well as platforms if elected. The deadline to submit profiles is Oct. 4. To submit candidacy press releases, send them to Managing Editor Melody Kinser at mkinser@mechlocal. com. For more information, call her at 804-775-4622. Voters will cast their ballots during a General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 2. Ashland Town Hall at 121 see COUNCIL, pg. 2
ing, Superintendent Michael Gill hinted that further guidance regarding restrictions is expected, perhaps within the next month. As in months past, a number of parents expressed concern with the mandatory mask policy at last week’s meeting, many citing not only the physical limitations on their children but also the social and emotional toll the face coverings evoke. Chickahominy District resident and parent of three Danielle Floyd said the mask requirement caused her fifth-grader to return from classes each day with a headache. “I am here today against masks,” she told board members during a public comment period. “My kindergartener cried every day
Kids’ History Day Camp Photo courtesy of the Ashland Museum
The Ashland Museum will hold its history day camp for rising 2nd-6th grade history buffs from 9 a.m.-noon Aug. 2-6 at The Center, located at 500 S. Center St. in Ashland. Campers will explore historic Ashland and participate in games, activities, and arts and crafts. For more details and registration, visit ashlandmuseum.org, email ashlandmuseum@comcast.net, or leave a voice message at 804-3687314. History campers explore downtown Ashland and discover Jay Pace reading the newspaper.
see STUDENTS, pg. 5
File photo/Jim Ridolphi
More than 93% of Hanover County Public Schools students have indicated a desire to return to face-to-face instruction in the fall and officials are preparing for a return to normal operations. Hanover County School Board members were briefed on that return to learn plan at last week’s meeting at the Central Office.