LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. — The Lancaster County School District is now taking applications for virtual school, just weeks after starting the year without a remote learning option unless parents applied their kids for a state-run program.
The district sent an email to parents with a link to the virtual learning application. Parents have until 12 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24 to apply for virtual learning through Lancaster County schools.
In addition to this application, the school board met at 7 p.m. Tuesday to discuss COVID-19 metrics and protocols, as well as virtual learning options. District leaders said at the meeting they need more time to evaluate as over 400 students signed up for the virtual learning program. Educators said they want to make sure each student is a good fit and can handle long-term remote instruction.
Allyson Fore, who has two children in the district, said she feels torn between the option to keep her children in schools or enroll them in the virtual academy.
"We did the virtual option for the first half of last year, and it was not good for my kids," Fore said. "Basically, right now I feel like I'm choosing between their emotional and social wellbeing, versus their health and physical wellbeing."
Fore said she has concerns about COVID-19 protocols not being followed in classrooms. She plans to attend the school board meeting on Tuesday evening.
"It's challenging and frustrating, and scary," Fore said.
Lancaster County's virtual learning program will be available for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The district will accept a limited number of applications, and offerings will be dependent upon enrollment in the grade level or course, as well as teacher availability.
Lancaster County School Superintendent said that like many school districts, Lancaster County is facing a teacher shortage. The district is looking at the possibility of recruiting retired teachers for the virtual academy.
"We've had to get a little creative," Phipps said at the district's August school board meeting, "and look at the possibility of introducing some retired teachers and some other folks to come back and be able to teach virtually and online."
The state of South Carolina has four virtual options, but Phipps said state-run programs are almost at capacity and, besides, parents prefer working with local teachers. However, he warned that if students don't participate or start failing the virtual academy, they will be pulled out of the program.
"I think last year it became an easy way for some folks to say, 'Well, my child's in virtual,' and we never saw them again," Phipps said.
The district said insufficient enrollment may lead to some courses being unavailable through remote learning.
Lancaster County virtual learning requirements:
- Lancaster County resident
- Passed all coursework in the 2020-21 year
- Currently maintaining passing grades this year
- Broadband internet connection for school-issued Chromebook
- Met attendance requirements during the 2020-21 year
- State-required tests will be administered in-person
Last month, the Lancaster County board voted to shorten the 14-day quarantine for students who may have been exposed to COVID-19 to 10 days. If no symptoms are present during the first 10 days of quarantine, students can return on the 11th day but must wear a mask for the remainder of the 14-day quarantine period in all school events.
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