SDOC Class of 2021 Graduation 

May 29, 2021   8:30am

To ensure the health and safety of all those in attendance, the following guidelines will be in place for graduation:

• Each graduate will receive one ticket that allows up to eight guests into the stadium.  Guests must enter and sit together as a group.  No guests will be allowed into the stadium separately or without a ticket.  

• Gates will open at 7:30am.  Entrance will be through the main gate on the home side; all other gates will be locked. Seating will be on a first come, first seated basis. In the case of rain, ceremonies will be moved to 8:00pm on the same day.

• Guests will be escorted to their seats by a faculty member.  Guests will not be allowed to enter areas where graduates will report.

• Individuals will not be permitted to leave seating areas to take pictures. School photographers will be taking pictures during graduation. These pictures will be available to graduates and families for no cost.  

• No bags will be allowed into the stadium. Please leave all handbags, backpacks, etc., locked in vehicles.  No noise makers of any kind will be allowed in the stadium.

This information is subject to change due to the ongoing pandemic.  Specific details on social distancing and mask requirements will be released closer to the time of graduation. 

The School District of Oconee County is closely monitoring the weather situation for Thursday, March 18th. 

We are keenly aware of the trauma caused to many students, staff members and the community with the devastating tornado that went through Seneca last April.  For the majority of our students, the safest place for them to be during severe weather is in our buildings. However, if any family feels that sending their student to school is not the best choice for their family, absences will be excused with a note submitted to the school upon return.  

Announcement of any change to the above plan will be made through the following outlets:

• SDOC and school websites (immediate posting with up to date information)

• School Messenger Call System (delivered to parents & staff via phone, email or text)

• Radio (WGOG–101.7FM, The Lake 94.1 or 1150AM, WCCP-105.5FM, WJMZ 107.3)

• Local TV (WYFF-4, WSPA-7, WHNS-21)

• Twitter @OconeeSC_school

• Facebook – School District of Oconee County

The School District of Oconee County opened several applications for the 2021-2022 school year on Monday, March 1, 2021. Families may visit the district website to access the applications for School Choice, Virtual Academy, and Kindergarten Pre-Registration.

School Choice

• Only students that reside in Oconee County are eligible for school choice.
• Transportation to a "choice school" is the responsibility of the parent/guardian (no bus service). 
• Principals will consider behavior, attendance, and grades before approving applications.
• A lottery system will be used to fill spaces if more applications are received than available space.

SDOC Virtual Academy - Families who wish for their elementary or middle school student to attend the Virtual Academy for the 2021-2022 school year must complete an application. The application must be completed by 8:00am, Monday, March 15, 2021. Students must meet all requirements to attend.  Please note that space is limited; if more qualifying applications are received than spots available, a lottery system will be used to choose students. You may read more about virtual options for the 2021-2022  by viewing this document:  2021-2022 SDOC Virtual Instruction Options

K5 Pre-Registration - Students 5 years of age on or before September 1, 2021 are eligible for Kindergarten (K5) for the 2021-2022 school year.  Families are encouraged to complete the pre-registration form for any children eligible to attend.  Children presently attending an SDOC  K4 program do not need to pre-register. Those students will be included with returning-student registration that will open in July 2021.  Parents who pre-register their student will receive email notification when online registration becomes available. If families wish for their student to attend the virtual academy or a school other than the one they are zoned for must also submit a Virtual School or School Choice application. The School Zone Locator tool is available for families to determine what school their child is zoned to attend.

SDOC ofrecerá opciones de instrucción virtual para el año escolar 2021-2022

Students in K5 through 8th grade will have the ability to be fully virtual. High school students will have virtual options, but there is not a guarantee that a student will have a fully virtual schedule. It is important to note that students will be required to take all state-mandated tests (SC Ready, MAP, EOC, progress monitoring, etc) as well as final exams, from a school building.  There will not be an option for remote testing. 

Elementary School - Students will receive a blended model of synchronous and asynchronous instruction through a variety of teaching methods and technology. In early grades (K5 - 3rd), students will be strongly encouraged to attend up to 4 hours of in-person instruction most weeks. Students will receive electives virtually, including classes such as Art, Music, and PE. 

Middle School - Students in 6th through 8th grade will receive all core classes (Math, ELA, Science, Social Studies) virtually, with a blended model of synchronous and asynchronous instruction through a variety of teaching methods and technology. There will be some options for virtual electives; however, any student wishing to participate in fine arts (Visual Arts, Strings, Band, and Chorus) will be required to attend those classes in person at their home school. 

High School - Students will have the opportunity to enroll in asynchronous, virtual class options through both VirtualSC and VirtualSDOC.  VirtualSC is a state-sponsored online program that offers free, rigorous online courses aligned to state standards that are developed and taught by highly qualified, SC licensed teachers, but not necessarily SDOC teachers. Students register for classes through the VirtualSC website, not through the registration process at SDOC high schools. VirtualSDOC classes are for SDOC students and are taught by SDOC teachers using the same curriculum as VirtualSC. Students register for SDOCVirtual classes through the normal high school registration process. Students will not be guaranteed a full virtual schedule; they may take a combination of virtual and face-to-face classes. It is important to note that all fine arts, JROTC, and Hamilton Career and Technology Center classes will only be offered in-person.

*Synchronous learning is interactive, two-way online instruction that happens in real time with a teacher. Asynchronous learning occurs virtually, through prepared resources, without live, teacher-led interaction. K5-8th grade virtual classes will use a blend of both types of instruction.