The recent global pandemic known as Coronavirus has not only affected over 177 countries and territories in the world, but also the Rock Hill School District’s schedule.

On Mar. 15, Governor Henry McMaster made an announcement that schools in South Carolina will remain closed until Mar. 31, 2020 to prevent the virus from spreading. In the upcoming weeks, McMaster will continue to decide if students go back to school and if so, when they do?

E-learning, which is online classes for students in the Rock Hill School District, started Mar. 18, 2020. Schools have provided packets in English and Spanish for students that do not have internet access at home.

With tables set up outside the school, schools also keep students relatively safe when coming to get their packets by doing a packet drive through outside of the school to limit contact.

Teachers work together to make sure students without the necessary materials were able to succeed with the unexpected situation this semester.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person”.

Coronavirus spreads within about 6 feet of people in close contact and through respiratory droplets from an infected person.

Along with providing packets, the schools will continue to provide breakfast and lunches to students who are in need. The “Grab and Go” meal service runs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Students must be 18 years of age or younger and have a parent or guardian present.

“Grab and Go” will continue at these select locations: Belleview Elementary, 501 Belleview Road, Finley Road Elementary, 1089 Finley Road, Richmond Drive Elementary, 1162 Richmond Drive, Rosewood Elementary, 2240 Rosewood Drive, Oakdale Elementary, 1129 Oakdale Road, College Downs Park, Boyd Hill Park, Freedom Park, Southland Park, Confederate Park, Arcade Victoria Park, and Catawba Indian Reservation Long House.

The park locations will have Wi-Fi hotspots for students to be able to work on E-learning from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Teachers also have office hours to help students continue to learn even while it is virtual. These office hours are found on the specified school’s websites.

Along with virtual learning, South Pointe’s Student Council is holding a virtual spirit week for the week of Mar. 23-Mar. 27, 2020.

“Stampeding Through Corona” consists of activities that are “intended to maintain and boost school spirit during unprecedented times”, said Advisor Mr. Rashaan Perry. The themes are as follows:

Mar. 23: Netflix & Snacks Monday; Share pictures of your favorite Netflix/Hulu Show & your favorite quarantine snack!

Mar. 24: Staying in PJ’s Tuesday; Share pictures in your favorite PJ’s!

Mar. 25: Doing Our Work Wednesday’ Share pictures of how you are engaging in eLearning!

Mar. 26: Tik Tok Thursday; Share your favorite Tik Tok or post a Tik Tok you’ve made!

Mar. 27: Clean Corona Friday- Mop Challenge; Share a video of your best “Mop” dance!

These activities can be posted with the hashtag #eSpiritStallions! to Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, or Tik Tok.

While an unanticipated time like this has taken over Rock Hill, South Pointe, and the Rock Hill School District is trying to keep things controlled.

More information will be updated from the Governor and the school district in upcoming weeks pertaining to the school’s schedule.

The Rock Hill School District is providing assistance to the community at this time. “If you need assistance, please contact us at [email protected] or call our dedicated phone support hotline, 803-980-2016 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. on weekdays”, said Rock Hill Schools.