A. Yes! Richland One is excited to offer this new enhanced virtual school program to elementary students in grades kindergarten through five who meet the criteria of a student who is equipped to learn in a digital learning environment. This program will be much like a traditional school setting and will be conducted by certified and highly qualified staff who will offer a variety of research-based and varied virtual learning experiences for all types of learners. Students will be expected to complete and submit all assignments. Staff will provide ongoing support, communication, and guidance so that your child will be successful with his/her virtual education.

A. The daily schedule will be from 7:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. with extended virtual after-school learning opportunities from 2:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. Students will follow the virtual learning program schedule that consists of four days a week of virtual learning and one face-to-face learning day. On face-to-face learning days, transportation is provided. The face-to-face day is optional, and students who are not participating in the face-to-face learning day will have an asynchronous learning day.

A. Classes will be a combination of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (independent) learning activities for all types of learners. Learners include gifted and talented, special services, and English language learners. The VSP will offer related arts (music, art, physical education) social and emotional activities, and a support schedule. Students in grades K-3 will receive approximately 2-3 hours of virtual instruction and, students in grades 4-5 will receive about 3-4 hours of virtual instruction per day. It is essential to adhere to a flexible and balanced schedule that promotes rigor and responsibility and opportunities for socialization, collaboration, and community.

A. No, students in the Virtual School Program will be enrolled in this separate program. All Richland One policies, procedures, and schedules will be the same for the Virtual School Program.

A. The preference is that your child remains enrolled in the program. If a family requests a transfer to his/her zoned school, we will make every effort to work towards a semester transition release if appropriate space is available. If approved, the family will follow the procedures of their zoned school to include transportation.

A. The district’s 1:1 initiative is being expanded. All VSP students in grades K-5 will receive devices this school year. Hot spots will support families without internet connectivity. The district is exploring other ways to provide support to students who live in areas without service.

A. Teachers will follow the South Carolina state standards and use a combination of the District’s curriculum units of instruction and research-based and vetted instructional resources.

A. If your child meets most of the following qualifications, he/she may be a good fit for the VSP program. My child would be a good candidate for the VSP because he/she:

• completed all prerequisite coursework;
• can read, write, and communicate at or above grade level;
• can work independently and meet the demands of a rigorous schedule of online learning;
• has no record of behavioral issues that are disruptive to the learning environment; and
• has access to technology with an internet connection.

A. Here is a summary of the steps necessary for the VSP:

• Complete an online application and registration information process.
• Upload all requested document, preferably all at the same time as submitting individual documents slow the process.
• Watch a virtual Parent Information Session and complete the survey.

When all of the items above are complete, a committee of administrators and educators will evaluate the application and accept or deny the request for attendance via letter/email. If there is a waiting list, a lottery selection process begins. It is encouraged to complete and submit all requested information as soon as possible.

A. Yes, parents requesting their child attend the Virtual School Program must complete the above steps of applying. (Steps and information will be forthcoming on Richland One website)

A. Teachers will follow the South Carolina state standards and use a combination of the District’s curriculum units of instruction and research-based and vetted instructional resources.

A. Special accommodations can be made for a sibling to attend if they meet the characteristics’ criteria and space is available

A. Here is a summary of the steps necessary for the VSP:  Complete an online application and registration information process.  Upload all requested document, preferably all at the same time as submitting individual documents slow the process.  Watch a virtual Parent Information Session and complete the survey. When all of the items above are complete, a committee of administrators and educators will evaluate the application and accept or deny the request for attendance via letter/email. If there is a waiting list, a lottery selection process begins. It is encouraged to complete and submit all requested information as soon as possible.

A. As your child’s first teacher, parents will become partners with your child’s teachers. We encourage parents to communicate and collaborate with their child’s teacher to ensure academic success.

A. Training materials such as student- and parent-friendly videos, documents with screenshots, and simple directions are being developed and posted to our district’s website. Print copies will be made available in our schools, as well.

A. When technical issues arise, the District has a competent and caring IT team that is ready and willing to assist. Additional information will be provided on the Richland One website and communicated to parents through digital communications to ensure parents and students know how to reach someone for IT support and times IT support will be accessible.

A. Students will have online instruction four days a week and face-to-face instruction one day a week. The face-to-face learning day is for assessments, conferences, extra help, or service-learning project work. The face-to-face day is optional and should your child choose not to participate, he/she will have an asynchronous learning day. The daily instructional schedule will look very similar to a traditional day in that all content will be research-based, engaging, and rigorous. The same Richland One District Calendar will be the same for families in the virtual school program.

A. For all learners, it is critically important that parents are informed about learning expectations.
With this in mind, teachers in the Virtual School Program will consistently communicate with parents
regarding their child’s upcoming learning experiences and individual progress. We encourage our
parents to become learning partners in their child’s education.

A. No, the Virtual School Program will adhere to a schedule that incorporates synchronous and
asynchronous learning experiences for kindergarten through five learners. Students will receive
engaging and differentiated content with a sufficient number of brain breaks to ensure that they are
not sitting at their computers for extended periods. Teachers will include independent hands-on
activities that do not require the use of a device.

A. Teachers will provide information regularly. The staff will post and communicate specific
office/conference hours to establish and build a collaborative partnership for the benefit of your child.
On face-to-face learning days, scheduled appointments may be allowed if time allows.

A. Yes, just as important as regularly attending a traditional school, it is the same for the VSP. All
District policies regarding attendance or consistent tardiness will apply.

A. Yes, assessments are a critical part of the planning process, and data will determine your child’s
individual learning needs. The children will follow the same testing schedule as a traditional school.
Teachers will regularly assess using formative and summative assessments coupled with
differentiated activities that will help paint a clear picture of what your child needs to academically,
intellectually, and socially grow.

A. Yes, it is vital to feed a child’s mind and body that improves focus for learning. A meal/snack plan
and schedule will be forthcoming.

A. Before the beginning of the new school year, a class list of supplies will be available so that you
can prepare for school. A printer should be available for your child as he/she may need to submit
digital products of learning.

A. Students with Disabilities (SWDS) will have equal access to the general curriculum through
Richland One's Virtual School Program. Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams will meet to
determine student services. IEPs are evaluated and amended to meet the individual needs of
students