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CTE Program: Automotive

Will my student be able to receive his/her automotive certification (ASE) for Automotive/Diesel Technology Programs at Heyward Career and Technology Center?

At this time students are not able to complete the certification process. We are currently awaiting additional guidance from the State Department of Education on the certification process and will update this document as soon as we receive that information.

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CTE Program: Barber/Master Hair Care

Will my student be able to complete barbering service hours required by the State Board of Barber Examiners?

Students may work with their instructor to complete online hours that will count toward hours for their state assessment but will not be able to test until the State Board opens testing.

The South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners has approved the use of distance learning platforms for up to 25 percent of the required hours for each program over a 10-week period during the current health emergency. They also voted to give school administrators the ability to extend student permits and 90-day work permits that are affected by the current public health emergency.

The Board of Examiners is continuing to monitor the challenges presented by COVID-19 as the situation progresses and will provide additional guidance in regards to issues that may emerge, as circumstances warrant.

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CTE Program: Cosmetology, Nail Technology, Esthetics

Will my student be able to complete cosmetology service hours required by the State Board of Cosmetology? Students may work with their instructor to complete online hours that will count toward hours for their state assessment but will not be able to test until the State Board opens testing.

The South Carolina Board of Cosmetology has approved the use of distance learning platforms for Cosmetology, Nail Technology, and Esthetics programs for up to 25 percent of the required hours for each program over a 10-week period during the current health emergency.

The Board of Cosmetology is continuing to monitor the challenges presented by COVID-19 as the situation progresses and will provide additional guidance in regards to issues that may emerge, as circumstances warrant.

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CTE Program: Health Science

What if my student is very close to finishing the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, but cannot complete the program requirements due to the closure? Are there any options to help them finish their clinical rotation?

Students cannot perform patient work in long-term care, nursing facilities, or hospitals. Students must work with their instructor to gain hours online to meet hour requirements. State testing will not be available until the State Board opens the testing window.

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CTE Program: Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Do students have access to PLTW online resources?

Yes, the PLTW network is providing technical assistance to all schools, teachers, and students, so that there will be limited interruption in the instructional delivery process. For example, students can access PLTW through their normal login process and complete online lessons.

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How can students access the PLTW end-of-course portal?

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) has suspended end-of-course assessments for the spring 2020 semester due to the complications with the COVID-19 pandemic. The end-of-course exams are not available at this time.

We are awaiting additional guidance from the State Board of Education and Project Lead the Way and will update this document as soon as we receive this information.

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Work-based Learning Opportunities

Are students permitted to participate in work-based learning?

At this time work-based learning activities are following the state and district guidelines. Students are not asked or required to report to work-based learning activities.

Teachers and students may utilize the free virtual resources provided by Microburst to complete work-based learning activities. Microburst job shadowing videos are being offered to all students statewide. Each video is accompanied by a reflective worksheet for students. Offline paper and pencil opportunities are also available for students without access to connectivity.

For access to the online Microburst Portal, visit www.microcareerburst.com.

Students may use the following login information:

Username: SC2020      Password: gr8tcareers

For onsite work-based learning opportunities, we are awaiting additional guidance from the State Department of Education

Will high school graduations still be held in June?

Our high school graduation ceremonies were scheduled for June 1, 2 and 3 at the Colonial Life Arena. Districts that hold their graduations at the Colonial Life Arena were notified on April 9 that no events will be held at that venue until August 1. 

 

On May 7, the district announced that its high school graduation ceremonies will be held June 2-5 at the district’s football stadiums. Rain dates, if needed, will be June 8-9.

 

Each graduating senior will receive two tickets for family members to attend. No other guests will be admitted into the stadiums. Seniors will walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. Social distancing and other health and safety protocols will be enforced.

 

The graduation ceremonies will be livestreamed and recorded.

 

“We appreciate the input that we received from members of the senior class, parents, staff and health care officials as we considered various options for our graduations,” said Richland One Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon.

 

“Graduating from high school is one of life’s most important milestones, and we want to recognize and celebrate all of our graduates for their achievements. We believe we have come up with a plan that will allow us to do that and do it safely. We look forward to honoring the Class of 2020.”

 

Tuesday, June 2 – The Stadium at Lower Richland

Lower Richland High School – 8:00 a.m.

Richland One Middle College – 11:00 a.m.

 

Wednesday, June 3 – Memorial Stadium

Dreher High School – 8:00 a.m.

A.C. Flora High School – 11:00 a.m.

Thursday, June 4 – Bolden Stadium

C.A. Johnson High School – 8:00 a.m.

Columbia High School – 11:00 a.m.

Friday, June 5 – The Stadium at W.J. Keenan

W.J. Keenan High School – 8:00 a.m.

Eau Claire High School – 11:00 a.m.

 

Graduating seniors from the Richland One Evening High School Program will participate in their home schools’ graduation ceremonies.

 

The district’s clear bag policy will be enforced at all of the stadiums. Additional details – including arrival times for graduates, masks and other safety measures, and parking information – will be communicated to seniors and their families by their respective high schools. Graduation information that is applicable to all high schools will be posted on the district’s website (www.richlandone.org).

Is the district providing meals for students while schools are closed?

Yes, our Nutrition Services team is providing meals for students. Five days’ worth of meals are distributed to families on Mondays at designated sites. To sign up students for the program, parents/guardians need to complete an online form (see links below). Once you have submitted the form and your information has been verified, you will receive an email confirming your order.

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Richland One Adding Weekend Meals for Students

Beginning Monday, May 18, Richland One will add weekend meals to its weekly meal distribution program for students.

The current program includes meals for five days. Starting May 18, students will receive enough meals for seven days so that they will have food for the weekend, as well.

While schools are closed, families will continue to pick up meals on Mondays at the district’s 10 curbside distribution sites. Meals also will be delivered to the homes of families with verified hardships.

Since Richland One will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, meals will be distributed on Friday, May. 22. The district will provide meals through June 7. More information about the district’s meal program is available at www.richlandone.org.

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English: 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R1Meals 

Spanish: 

https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/R1MealsSPANISH 

Arabic: 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R1MealsArabic  

Simplified Chinese:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R1MealsCHINESE  

Swahili:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R1MealsSwahili   

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Please note that meal distribution is based on electronic forms that have been collected and verified Monday through Thursday of each week for the following Monday’s meal service.

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Once I sign up, do I need to complete the form each week?

No, you do not have to resubmit the form once you have completed the initial request to pick up meals for your children.

What are the meal pick-up sites?

Meals may be picked up from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Mondays at the sites listed below. Parents will select their preferred pick-up site when they complete the online form.

• Carver-Lyon, Hyatt Park, Caughman Road, South Kilbourne and Edward E. Taylor elementary schools; St. Andrews and Southeast middle schools; Eau Claire and Lower Richland high schools; and Richland One Central Kitchen

What kind of meals will my children receive?

All meals served will meet the program’s federal meal pattern guidelines except in cases where a meal component is not available. The meal pattern consists of five components: (1) vegetable, (2) fruit, (3) whole grain, (4) meat/meat alternative, and (5) dairy.

Do children have to be present to receive meals?

Yes, unless the district has verified your student’s data and eligibility, you must have all children present in order to receive meals.

What about parents who are unable to pick up the meals?

Our Nutrition Services team is working with community partners to provide home delivery for parents who are unable to pick up meals for their children from one of the designated locations. Those parents should request delivery when they complete the form. Parents will receive a follow-up email.

What is an eLearning Day?

On eLearning Days, students complete standards-based assignments at home. Teachers support students through a variety of electronic and web-based media, including but not limited to email, Zoom, Microsoft 365 (Teams), ClassDojo and others.

How is attendance taken for an eLearning Day?

All students will be counted “present” during eLearning Days due to COVID-19. Submission of work is not a requirement for attendance.

Is there an expectation that all eLearning lessons be completed online?

No. Not all students have assignments that require the use of devices, nor have devices been distributed to every student. Some students have learning packets, which will be returned to schools at a later date for review by teachers.

Students who have electronic devices should complete their assignments and submit them online, based on submission requirements established by individual teachers.

What will students do if they need help with their assignments?

Each teacher holds virtual “office hours” every day from 9:30-11:00 a.m. and from 1:00-2:30 p.m. Students (and parents) should reach out during this time, or at any time, by email. Teachers will respond to emails as quickly as possible and within 24 hours. If the classroom teacher cannot be reached, contact the school, and an administrator will assist you in making a connection.

Note: If your child has special learning needs or is an English Learner and needs additional assistance, please see the questions and responses referencing special assistance below.

How much work should students be required to accomplish for each class/course?

The goals of eLearning Days are to provide an opportunity for practice and to promote deeper learning of grade level/course standards.

Pre-K through Grade 8 – Students in pre-kindergarten through grade 8 should be assigned no more than 50 minutes of classroom instruction for each core content area per day, i.e., ELA, math, science and social studies. Assignments for elective courses, such as music, art, physical education and drama may be assigned as well but should be for no longer than the percentage of time the course takes during the week. For example, if the student has physical education one day per week, no more than a total of 50 minutes of physical education time should be assigned for the week.

Students in grades 9-12 and high school courses taken at the middle school level – No more than 50 minutes of classroom instruction time may be assigned for each Carnegie unit-bearing high school course per day. The schedule for completing course assignments should follow the regular schedule. For example, if a student has a Spanish I class that meets every day when school is in session, the student should have a 50-minute assignment every day during eLearning. If the student takes a course on an A/B period schedule, the student will meet for A-day courses for 50 minutes each on each A day and will meet for B-day courses for 50 minutes each on each B day. The state-approved eLearning plan does not allow for schools to change students’ schedules or the times when classes “meet.”

When are eLearning/distance learning assignments due? How should they be submitted?

Learning packets – Students who are completing learning packets will be provided specific dates to drop off their learning packets at their home school. These dates will be announced to families through social media and by phone calls, emails and other means of communication from schools.

Electronic submission of lessons – Students who have electronic devices should upload their work and submit to teachers as they complete assignments. Students who do not have Internet access in their homes may access the Internet in a variety of public locations where free Wi-Fi is available.

Additionally, the district is using buses to serve as Wi-Fi hotspots to help provide Internet access to students while schools are closed. Students and parents can access free Wi-Fi at nine locations across the district (other sites may be added later). Just park within 200-250 feet of the bus to get connected. The password is posted in the windows of the bus.

Buses will be at the following sites from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday through Friday:

Annie Burnside Elementary School

Burton-Pack Elementary School

Forest Heights Elementary School

Gadsden Elementary School

W.S. Sandel Elementary School

Edward E. Taylor Elementary School

Watkins-Nance Elementary School

Webber Elementary School 

Columbia High School

Colony Apartments

Latimer Manor Apartments

Lewis Scott Court Apartments

Also, Charter Communications is offering free Spectrum Internet Assist and Spectrum broadband, including in-home Wi-Fi, to new subscriber households with K-12 and/college students, as well as teachers, for 60 days. To enroll, call 1-844-488-8395.

If Wi-Fi is not accessible, students will have up to five days to submit their work after schools reopen.

It is important for all students to work throughout the time schools are closed so that they are not struggling to complete the assignments during the five days after they return to school, when new assignments will be made. If work has been done throughout the time school has been closed and only uploading assignments or submission of work remains, students can focus on new learning and assignments.

For how much longer will my child receive assignments from his teachers?

No new assignments for students in grades PreK through 11 will have a due date that is later than May 22. During the last two weeks of school, students may be asked to re-do assignments to improve a grade or to demonstrate mastery. Students may also use this time to complete assignments that were not submitted previously.

*Exceptions: Students in AP, IB or dual enrollment classes may have dates that are different because of requirements of institutions awarding credit. Please contact your child’s teacher for specific guidance. Additionally, and as previously shared, all assignments completed by seniors are due no later than May 15.

Is technical support available for eLearning?

The district’s IT Support Team is providing eLearning technical assistance for students and parents Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Just call (803) 231-7436 if you need assistance.

Are parents expected to teach their child an assignment?

Students in pre-kindergarten through grade 2 will need guidance at home to complete the activities. While some other students may need assistance, most should be able to complete their work independently or with the support of the teacher.

Do students with identified special learning needs have an alternative means to access their education on eLearning Days?

Yes. Special education and regular education teachers will collaborate to ensure accommodations are addressed to the extent possible during eLearning Days. The Office of Special Services is working closely with classroom teachers and administrators to address individual student needs. Parents who have questions should contact the following individuals:

• If you have questions regarding 504 Plans and evaluations, call Nancy Carnes, coordinator of school psychologists and behavioral supports, at (803) 297-4517.
  
  
• If you have questions regarding compliance related to IEP meetings, call Elaine Miles, coordinator of quality assurance and compliance, at (803) 319-6465.
  
  
  
• If you have questions regarding accommodations through eLearning, call LaVeda Green, coordinator of specialized instruction, at (803) 846-1461.
  
  
  
• If you have other questions, call LaJamea Dixon, director of special services, at (803) 626-7828.

Do English Learners (ELs) receive any type of special support during eLearning?

It is essential that English Learners continue to receive support during eLearning. ESOL teachers will support core area teachers, students, and parents to navigate the eLearning process. If your child is an EL and is struggling in any area, email his or her ESOL teacher. If you cannot reach his or her ESOL teacher, please call the school and ask the principal to assist you. You also may contact Ernesto Bernal, coordinator of world languages and ESOL programs, at (803) 381-6714.

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What resources are available to families to support literacy at home?

 

Destiny Discover

Students can access their school's virtual library to read from a selection of eBooks, audiobooks and periodicals at www.gofollett.com. Students can log in using their student ID number and birthday.

 

SC Discus

SC Discus, South Carolina’s Virtual Library, is the “information place” for all South Carolinians. www.scdiscus.org provides free access to an electronic library that’s available 24/7. From Tumblebooks to Teen Book Cloud, there are over 50 different resources that support learning for the whole family. Please check with your school’s librarian for login information.

 

Richland Library

The ConnectED partnership between Richland One and Richland Library allows students to access books, movies, music, homework help and more at www.richlandlibrary.com. Your student's Richland One ID number is their library card number and their PIN is the last four digits of your phone number. Please call Richland Library at (803) 799-9084 if you have any questions about your library account.

 

Please contact your Richland One librarian if you have any questions about accessing these resources.

The statewide closure of schools due to COVID-19 has led to unprecedented challenges for students, parents and educators. In Richland One, our goal has been to support continued learning of our students while taking into consideration the added stress and anxiety that learning and working at home have presented for our students, families, teachers and staff. We fully recognize the value of direct, face-to-face interaction between teachers and students; without it, many students will struggle to master skills and concepts. We also understand that students have varying levels of support at home. In some instances, parents are working remotely themselves while they are trying to support learning of multiple children at various grade levels at home. In other instances, parents may be on the front lines as health care providers or staff in essential businesses, without the benefit of their regular child care support. Even in the most perfect situations where parents have flexibility and students have access to support, the current situation has understandably added stress. Our “ask” has been and continues to be that parents do their best to ensure students complete assignments so that learning can and will continue, but we understand that not all work may be completed perfectly by the due date. Our teachers will provide feedback to students and may ask them to redo work to support their learning. Rest assured that as long as students are attempting to complete assignments, credit will be given for participation.

 

What are the district’s expectations regarding completion of work and grading?

In consideration of the many stresses upon students, families, and teachers, the following grading practices will be followed for Semester 2 during the 2019-2020 school year:

 

Pre-Kindergarten

 

• Students in Pre-K will receive a Semester 2 Progress Report at the end of the year. This report will summarize students’ mastery of concepts, taking into account their remote learning and work they did at school prior to school closure.  

 

• All work completed remotely will be reviewed for participation only, though teachers are expected to provide feedback to improve students’ understanding of the material.

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Grades K-2

• Kindergarten students will receive a Semester 2 Progress Report.

 

• Students in grades 1 and 2 will receive a Semester 2 Report Card at the end of the year. This report will summarize students’ understanding of concepts and their ability to apply skills and processes in each content area, taking into account their remote learning and work they did at school prior to school closure.  (*see note below)
• All work completed remotely will be reviewed for participation only, though teachers are expected to provide feedback to improve students’ understanding of the material. 

*Note: A rating of 4 on the Progress Report would be rare, unless a student has had the opportunity to demonstrate consistently an understanding of concepts virtually after March 13. A rating of 1 is acceptable if the student needs more time and support to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts.

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Grades 3-5

• Based on direction provided by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE), students in grades 3-5 will not receive a standalone grade for the fourth quarter; instead, students will receive a Semester 2 grade only. 
• The Semester 2 grade will be based on grades earned for work assigned for completion or completed during the third quarter when students had access to face-to-face instruction, as well as a minimum of one participation grade for the fourth quarter. Participation will be determined by: completion of work (packets or digital), phone calls, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc. Participation grades will correspond to a numeric grade based on the following three categories: Meets Expectations (100), Approaches Expectations (85) and Does Not Meet Expectations (70).

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Grades 6-12

• Based on direction provided by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE), students in grades 6-12 will not receive a standalone grade for the fourth quarter; instead, students will receive a second semester grade only.
• The Semester 2 grade will be based on grades earned for work assigned for completion or completed during the third quarter when students had access to face-to-face instruction, as well as a minimum of one participation grade for the fourth quarter. Participation will be determined by: completion of work (packets or digital), phone calls, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc. Participation grades will correspond to a numeric grade based on the following four categories: Meets Expectations (100), Approaches Expectations (85), Does Not Meet Expectations (70) and Not Submitted (50).
• No final exams will be administered in any class.
• Important Note: Seniors must submit all assignments no later than May 15.

 

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AP, IB, Dual Credit and Quarter Classes

• Students taking Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and dual credit courses will be graded using traditional grading methods since these courses carry potential college credit. Students should talk with their teacher regarding specifics around grading and expectations for these classes during the closure. 
• Teachers will work with students to make accommodations for individuals that might need additional support due to limited access. 

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Will third and fourth quarter grades be weighted equally?

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) has restructured the second semester so that only one final semester grade will be reported. Third quarter grades should be viewed the same as interim grades, which means that students have the opportunity throughout the semester to improve upon their current grades as they work to demonstrate mastery. The second semester grade should be composed of third quarter grades, as well as grades deemed appropriate by the district to assure competency or provide remediation.                                      

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Since schools are closed, what is the purpose of students continuing to do work?

It is important to note that, while school buildings are closed, schools are not closed. State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman issued a COVID-19 Grade Reporting Guidance Memorandum on March 31, 2020. According to this memorandum, during second semester of this school year, students should have the opportunity to:

• complete the courses in which they are currently enrolled;
• complete the courses in which they would have enrolled in during the fourth quarter (i.e. economics for schools on a 4x4 schedule);
• enroll in any credit recovery courses needed;
• demonstrate mastery in an effort to improve a course grade; and
• finalize dual credit courses offered jointly with higher education institutions.

 

In the majority of instances, most students in pre-K through grade 12 will be using this semester to “complete courses in which they are currently enrolled” and “demonstrate mastery in an effort to improve a course grade.”

 

What did the district consider when making decisions about completion of work and grading practices?

The goal of Richland One leaders is to ensure that our grading practices are fair to all students and that grades capture students’ mastery of knowledge and skills and their efforts to continue learning. 

 

We believe that a fair system is one that takes into consideration three factors over which we have little or no control:

 

1. The additional, undeniable stress of our students and families due to illness and death, economic strain, and uncertainties about the present and future;

 

2. The inequities in home environments due to availability of technology, ability of parents/guardians to provide support, and demands of parents who may be "essential" workers; and

 

3. The challenging situation in which our teachers are being placed to support and make judgments about remote learning that has extended much longer than any of us could have imagined with little preparation for doing so.

Will students still have to take state assessments?

The SCDE applied for and received a waiver from the U.S. Department of Education that eliminates the requirement for the administration of the following assessments:

• SC READY (English language arts (ELA) and mathematics in grades 3-8);
  
  
  
• SCPASS (science in grades 4 and 6);
  
  
  
• End-of-Course Examination Program (English, Algebra, Biology, United States History and the Constitution) – the requirement that these examinations count 20 percent has been waived;
  
  
  
• Pre-kindergarten assessments – 4-year-old kindergarten (Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS Pre-K™), Individual Growth and Development Indicators (myIGDIs™) and Teaching Strategies® GOLD); and
  
  
• Alternate assessments – some students have already taken the alternate assessments.

Will the school day SAT and ACT exams be given?

ACT school day exams and make-ups were completed before schools closed. SAT school day exams were administered, but make-ups are currently canceled.

Will IB exams be given?

No, the International Baccalaureate program has canceled all end-of-year assessments. For more information, go to https://www.ibo.org.

Will AP exams be given?

Yes, The College Board has decided that students will take Advanced Placement exams online at home. The exams will be 45-minute free-response exams that will not include content typically covered in March and April. The College Board will release the exam dates by April 3.

Access to free, live review lessons is available online. For more information, go to https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/coronavirus-updates.

What is being planned for the 2020-2021 school year? Will we continue to have remote learning, or will things be back to normal?

 

The State Department of Education (SCDE) has engaged a group of educators, parents, and others as a part of the AccelerateEd Task Force to provide statewide recommendations for the opening of the next school year. The Task Force has met several times to discuss issues related to (1) buildings and student services, (2) instruction, and (3) safe operations. 

 

As we await the recommendations of the SCDE, we are considering multiple options for the 2020-2021 school year. Our goal is to provide as much face-to-face instruction as we can and as permitted, taking into consideration the health and safety of students, staff, and families. We recognize that some parents may not feel comfortable having their children in a traditional face-to-face environment. Therefore, various “hybrids” that include face-to-face learning complemented by virtual learning are being explored as well as a virtual model.

 

Additional information regarding our plans for 2020-2021 will be shared as soon as we have more information from the SCDE.

 

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What information will the district consider in making decisions regarding the reopening of schools?

 

While we await further guidance from the SCDE, our team members are engaged in several activities to inform our decisions regarding the reopening of schools. These activities include but are not limited to:

 

1. communicating daily with staff in districts and agencies across our state and nation; 
   
   
2.  examining research on virtual and “hybrid” learning models, social and emotional learning and support, learning loss, and a variety of other relevant topics; and 
   
   
   
3. working together to examine the impact of various factors such as transportation, student nutrition services, and personal protective equipment that are integral in providing face-to-face instruction during the pandemic. 
   
   

 

We recognize how important it is for parents/guardians to feel comfortable about their child's learning environment. Therefore, we will survey parents/guardians to solicit their input during the next couple of weeks as we investigate options.

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