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Frequently asked Questions (FAQ's):

What do I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms, exposure, or a positive test result? 

COVID-19 Information:

We are dedicated to the health and safety of our students and community. As we continue to work with state/local health officials and the State Department of Education, we will keep you updated.  This page should provide you with the information you are looking for as it pertains to schools and COVID-19/FLU. We will update this page as needed throughout this school year.
The District Call Center will be open starting August 17, 2023.  All COVID-19-related questions and reporting must be directed to the call center.  Staff will be available Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer questions, provide a return to school dates, code attendance related to COVID-19 and/or Flu, and assist with arranging Flu and/or COVID testing when needed. You must contact the District Call Center to ensure absences related to COVID or Flu are coded correctly for your student. You may reach the call center at 803-980-2016 or covid@rhmail.org.

Students:

DHEC GUIDANCE AUGUST 2023:

•    SCDHEC has provided updated guidelines for exclusion criteria for individuals who are positive or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 as well as guidance for schools during an outbreak of COVID-19.  ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û has made changes to COVID-19 processes based on this guidance.
 
Positive or Symptomatic Students:

Any student who has tested positive for COVID-19 are still required to isolate at home and report test results and symptoms to the COVID call center.  The recommended isolation period is 5-10 days from the onset of symptoms or date of positive test. The isolation period is determined by the severity of the illness.  The district will send notifications to families when there is a positive case in their child’s classroom.

In addition, all students should notify the school.  The main number is 803.981.1375.  If you have a positive Covid test, remain home until the recommended time.  

Criteria for Returning to school/work if POSITIVE for COVID-19:
•    Isolate at least 5 days since symptoms started or from the date of the positive test if no symptoms
•    24 hours since the last fever without using fever-reducing medication 
•    Symptoms are significantly improving
•    Parents/Staff must complete the Positive Early Return Request Form on the district website
 
 
Quarantine, Contact Tracing, Test to Stay: 
DHEC guidance no longer requires schools to contact trace and quarantine students or staff for close/household contact with a positive COVID-19 individual.   
 
DHEC Guidance related to reporting outbreaks of positive or symptomatic cases in a cohort/classroom has not changed.  DHEC defines an outbreak as 20% or more of students/staff within a shared setting are absent or sent home due to COVID-19/respiratory illness within a 72-hour period.  

Staff:  
•    All staff should call or email the District Call Center if you are sick or have positive flu or COVID test results. It is imperative that you call so attendance will be coded correctly and numbers can be tracked for reporting purposes.
•    In addition, notify your supervisor. 
•    District Call Center: 803-980-2016, covid@rhmail.org
•    School nurses are able to test staff for COVID and flu at each school and Belleview. This testing is free of charge.

Positive or Symptomatic Students/Staff:
Any staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 are still required to isolate at home and report test results and symptoms to the COVID-19 call center.  The recommended isolation period is 5-10 days from the onset of symptoms or date of positive test.  Isolation period is determined by the severity of the illness.  The district will send notifications to families when there is a positive case in their child’s classroom.
 
We are still providing free testing at each school for students or staff who have symptoms of COVID-19. Please reach out to your school nurse or the call center to schedule a test.  COVID-19 home test results will not be accepted. 
 
As outlined in the DHEC School Exclusion List, students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 must be excluded from school/work until all criteria for return are met. 
 
Criteria for Returning to school/work if POSITIVE for COVID-19:
•    Isolate at least 5 days since symptoms started or from date of positive test if no symptoms
•    24 hours since the last fever without using fever-reducing medication 
•    Symptoms are significantly improving
•    Parent/Staff must complete the Positive Early Return Request Form on the district website
 
Quarantine, Contact Tracing, Test to Stay: 
DHEC guidance no longer requires schools to contact trace and quarantine students or staff for close/household contact to a positive COVID-19 individual.   
 
DHEC Guidance related to reporting outbreaks of positive or symptomatic cases in a cohort/classroom has not changed.  DHEC defines an outbreak as 20% or more of students/staff within a shared setting are absent or sent home due to COVID-19/respiratory illness within 72 hours. 

 What does the acronym GED mean?
a.    General Educational Diploma or Graduate Equivalency Degree 

What do I need to know before enrolling?
a.    Must be 17 years of age or above, a resident of South Carolina with valid SC identification to be considered for enrollment.
b.   17-year-old high school students must have an application document signed by their parents, the high school principal, and the ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û Director of Student Services before enrollment.
c.    Call 803-981-1375 to arrange registration and schedule pre-testing sessions. 
d.    Cost:  $40 nonrefundable fee which includes:  registration, TABE testing, software, classes, instructional material, etc. 

When are GED diploma classes scheduled?
a.    The adult education program follows the ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û yearly calendar.
b.    9:00 – 12:00 Monday through Thursday
c.    4:30 – 7:30 Monday and Tuesday only

When are English as a Second Language (ESL) classes scheduled?
a.    9:00 – 12:00:  Monday through Thursday

 Are on-line/virtual classes available?
a.    Yes, for qualifying participants and based on individual circumstances. Call the school to discuss this option.  

What if I can’t attend classes due to lack of child care, transportation needs, or a disability that keeps me from attending?
a.    Always communicate with your teacher or the director.  We have partnering agencies ready to help.  

May I take the four (4) GED exams without enrolling in the ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û adult education program? 
Yes, but we are here to help prepare you for these exams.  Attending classes will significantly increase your chances of passing the four exams and earning the GED diploma.
a.    To sign up for the computerized GED using the internet go to and create a personal account.  (Be certain to remember your login and password, as it will be needed for each additional login.
b.    If you have never taken any portion of the GED test on computer, fill in the form under "Sign up for MyGED today."
c.    If you have taken a portion of the GED test on a computer, fill in your credentials under "Already registered? Sign in"
d.    Follow the online instructions and register for sections of GED tests you need.
e.    Should you have questions about how to sign up, call 1-877-EXAM-GED (1 877 392 6433)
f.    The staff does not have access to the available slots for dates & times. You can only find out what is available by logging into

What are the advantages of enrolling in the ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û Adult Ed program versus pursuing the GED diploma independently?
a.    Full access to professional guidance and instruction services
b.    Experience in navigating the sometimes-difficult GED online process
c.    May receive scholarships to pay the cost of GED assessments (~$150 savings)
d.    Post-graduation college and career services available at no cost
e.    Employment assistance, including resume building, interview preparation, and soft skills training are available at no cost.

How long does it take to earn the GED diploma?
a.    It depends upon the individual’s academic readiness level, and more importantly, their commitment.

Where do I take my tests?
a.    All exams are scheduled and administered on-site at the Adult Education location:  501 Belleview Road, ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û, SC. 29730.

What if I had an IEP in high school?  Am I still eligible for accommodations?
a.    If you are under the age of 21 before September 1st of the year, you enroll, you are still eligible for services.
b.    A request for special accommodations on the final GED exams, for individuals with an IEP, must be submitted to Pearson Vue (GED) for final approval in advance.

How difficult is it to earn the GED diploma?
a.    The exams are designed to be rigorous to meet the mandate for being equivalent to achieving the high school diploma.
b.    Success on the exams is dependent on the student’s focused and intentional commitment, planning, and preparation.
c.    There are four (4) final exams: Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.  The high school equivalency diploma is awarded upon successfully passing all four, with a score of 145 or greater on each exam. 
Practice exams are available at the GED website

Am I eligible to attend college with the GED diploma?
a.    Yes, 95% of all colleges except the GED diploma.
b.    200 is a perfect score on GED exams.  A score of 165 or higher on either exam is considered a college-ready score, which could assist in the college admission process.

Are the ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û Adult Education teachers certified?
a.    Yes, all instructors are required to have a valid South Carolina teaching certificate.

Is staff available to assist students and graduates with employment and/or post-secondary training?
a.     Yes, a trained College and Career Counselor is available on site to provide in-class instruction, as well as individual counseling to assist participants in achieving their academic and career goals.

I earned a Work Ready Certification by passing the WIN exam. What does that mean?
a. The WIN Work Ready Certification is an indicator of the holder’s level of academic readiness to enter and be successful in the workforce with minimal training necessary. Achieving WIN Achievement Level 3 is an indicator of readiness for up to 60% of all jobs advertised in the O-Net online listings.  Achievement Level 4 is an indicator of readiness for 89% of all jobs.  Achievement Level 5 is an indicator of readiness in 100% of all job listings. Many employers will require candidates for employment to take the WIN assessment and score at a certificate level commensurate with the advertised job. To learn more about the benefits of earning a WIN Career Readiness Credential, review the websites. 
Work Ready Credential | Proctored Assessments (winlearning.com)
WRCredential_Brochure_2022 (winlearning.com)

 How do I know if I am making progress in class?
a.    Participants are tested when they enroll and post-tested after forty hours of instruction in Math and Reading.  Scores on the forty-hour post-test are compared to those on the entrance pre-test to measure the level of progress.

What if I need to be absent from class?
a.    Call the office or contact your teacher in the case of an absence.  

 If I attended classes previously, am I required to re-enroll?
a.    A new program year begins July1st of every year.   All students are required to re-enroll at the start of a new program year. 

If I am a former graduate, how do I get a duplicate copy of my diploma or an official copy of my transcript?
a.    To request a duplicate copy of your diploma or transcript click the link:    
b.    All diplomas and transcripts are issued by the SC Department of Education.

What other services are available to me?
York County Personal and Family Resources Quick Guide