SAVE THE DATE!
Dorchester School District Four is hosting our annual District Spelling Bee on January 27 at 6 PM in the DD4 Boardroom. Families and friends are invited to cheer on our students as they take the stage.
about 21 hours ago, DD4 Communications
A dark background poster with yellow honeycomb patterns along the top and bottom. Large white and yellow text reads Spelling Bee. Cartoon bees fly around the page with dotted flight paths. The event details say Jan 27, DD4 Boardroom, starts at 6 PM, and everyone is invited to watch and cheer. It lists that participants should arrive by 5:15 PM and gives the address 600 Minus Street, St. George. The Dorchester School District Four logo sits in the lower left corner.
DD4 Community, please review the two draft instructional schedules below and submit one vote for your preferred calendar by Friday, January 16, 2026. Feedback from the community, along with input from our teachers and staff, will be carefully considered as we make a final calendar decision. Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective.

https://forms.gle/JgzpZJFexuqp4rXT7
about 23 hours ago, DD4 Communications
Two side-by-side draft instructional calendars labeled “Draft A” and “Draft B” for Dorchester School District Four for the 2026–2027 school year, each showing monthly calendars from July 2026 through June 2027 with color-coded days indicating student attendance, holidays, teacher workdays, professional development days, weather make-up days, early release days, and half days, along with a legend on the right listing first and last days of school, student and staff holidays, teacher workdays, weather make-up days, end-of-term reporting dates, half days, and graduation date placeholders.
Two side-by-side draft instructional calendars labeled “Draft A” and “Draft B” for Dorchester School District Four for the 2026–2027 school year, each showing monthly calendars from July 2026 through June 2027 with color-coded days indicating student attendance, holidays, teacher workdays, professional development days, weather make-up days, early release days, and half days, along with a legend on the right listing first and last days of school, student and staff holidays, teacher workdays, weather make-up days, end-of-term reporting dates, half days, and graduation date placeholders.
Congratulations to Dr. James Hodges on being recognized for 35 years of dedicated service to Dorchester School District Four; his leadership and commitment have made a lasting impact on students, staff, and the community. Dr. Hodges will be formally honored during the Board of Trustees meeting on January 20.
5 days ago, DD4 Communications
Formal portrait of Dr. Hodges wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and light gold tie, standing against a gray backdrop, with the Dorchester School District Four logo in the upper right corner and text reading “Congratulations Dr. Hodges” and “Thank you for 35 years.”
Press release document from the South Carolina School Boards Association announcing January 2026 Board Recognition Month award recipients, recognizing Dr. James Hodges of Dorchester School District Four for 35 years of school board service, with contact information, date, and organizational details displayed.
Project Prom is a locally led initiative driven by Kelly Education staff to help ensure students have access to formalwear for prom and other formal events.

They are currently accepting donations of dresses, suits, dress shoes, and jewelry. This year, First Citizens Bank has generously allowed the use of its St. George location as an official drop-off point.

Donations may be dropped off at First Citizens Bank, 129 N Parler Ave, St. George, SC 29477. For questions or pickup information, call or text Stephanie Worden at 843-909-8747. Your support helps students shine this formal season. #ProjectProm #FormalSeason #DD4
6 days ago, DD4 Communications
Pink gradient flyer announcing “Formal Season Is Almost Here.” The graphic explains a Project Prom donation drive to help students access formalwear for prom and other formal events, listing accepted items as dresses, suits, dress shoes, and jewelry, shown with matching icons. It includes a drop-off location at First Citizens Bank, 129 N Parler Ave, St. George, SC 29477, contact information for Stephanie Worden at 843-909-8747 for questions or pickup, and hashtags #ProjectProm, #FormalSeason, and #DD4.
Beginning January 6, routine bus updates will be shared through the DD4 app using notifications only. We will no longer send routine bus updates by text message. This change helps ensure families who do not ride the bus are not receiving bus texts and protects text messaging for urgent and emergency district communications.

Families who need bus information are encouraged to download the DD4 app to continue receiving updates and manage notification preferences in one place. The app is available on the Google Play Store and the App Store by searching “Dorchester School District 4.” The app icon features the district logo.

Thank you for your support and partnership.
9 days ago, DD4 Communications
Dorchester School District Four logo centered over a row of yellow school buses parked in a lot, with the words “Communication Update” displayed across the bottom of the image.
The January Parent Newsletter is now available. https://tinyurl.com/3y4v8n84
9 days ago, DD4 Communications
Green Dorchester School District Four graphic announcing the January Parent Newsletter, with the district logo at the top, the word “Newsletter” centered, and a smartphone mockup below displaying a parent-focused article about helping children succeed in school.
Winter Break is almost over!

Students return to school on Tuesday, January 6th. We can’t wait to see you back and ready to kick off 2026 with energy and excitement!

¡Las vacaciones de invierno están por terminar!

Los estudiantes regresan a clases el martes 6 de enero. ¡Estamos ansiosos por verlos de regreso y listos para comenzar el 2026 con energía y entusiasmo!
10 days ago, DD4 Communications
Dorchester School District Four flyer reminding families that students return on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. The flyer reads: “We can’t wait to see you! Welcome Back!”
SAVE THE DATE!
Dorchester School District Four is hosting our annual District Spelling Bee on January 27 at 6 PM in the DD4 Boardroom. Families and friends are invited to cheer on our students as they take the stage.
11 days ago, DD4 Communications
A dark background poster with yellow honeycomb patterns along the top and bottom. Large white and yellow text reads Spelling Bee. Cartoon bees fly around the page with dotted flight paths. The event details say Jan 27, DD4 Boardroom, starts at 6 PM, and everyone is invited to watch and cheer. It lists that participants should arrive by 5:15 PM and gives the address 600 Minus Street, St. George. The Dorchester School District Four logo sits in the lower left corner.
Join us for the "Tour de Four", a guided bus tour designed for future employees and future parents who want a true look at Dorchester School District Four. Most recruiting events stay inside one school with a theme and a presentation, but this one takes you beyond the walls. You’ll ride through the district, visit multiple schools, meet our people, and see DD4 in action. Special stops, real conversations, and snacks included. Seats are limited, so reserve yours today.

Register here: https://www.dorchester4.k12.sc.us/forms

January 31, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Clay Hill Elementary School, 387 S. Railroad Ave, Ridgeville, SC
11 days ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer for Dorchester School District Four advertising the Tour de Four Employee Recruitment and Future Parent Event. The top half shows a white and green school bus labeled Tour de Four driving on a road with trees and hills in the background. The DD4 district seal appears on the left. The headline reads “Tour de Four Employee Recruitment and Future Parent Event! Saturday, January 31st.” Text explains that attendees will take a guided bus tour through district schools to see classrooms, meet people, and learn what makes DD4 a strong place to work and learn. The event runs from 10 AM to 12 PM at Clay Hill Elementary, 387 South Railroad Avenue, Ridgeville, South Carolina. The bottom section notes that seats are limited and includes the registration website: www.dorchester4.k12.sc.us .
Happy New Year from Dorchester School District Four!

Welcome, 2026! We're excited for a year filled with learning, growth, and new opportunities for our students, staff, and families. Let’s make it a great one together!

¡Feliz Año Nuevo de parte del Distrito Escolar Cuatro de Dorchester!

¡Bienvenido, 2026! Estamos entusiasmados por un año lleno de aprendizaje, crecimiento y nuevas oportunidades para nuestros estudiantes, personal y familias. Hagamos de este un gran año juntos.
13 days ago, DD4 Communications
blue background with fireworks popping behind a gold 2026. At the bottom in gold "Happy new year". District logo above the 2026
Join us for the "Tour de Four", a guided bus tour designed for future employees and future parents who want a true look at Dorchester School District Four. Most recruiting events stay inside one school with a theme and a presentation, but this one takes you beyond the walls. You’ll ride through the district, visit multiple schools, meet our people, and see DD4 in action. Special stops, real conversations, and snacks included. Seats are limited, so reserve yours today.

Register here: https://www.dorchester4.k12.sc.us/forms

January 31, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Clay Hill Elementary School, 387 S. Railroad Ave, Ridgeville, SC
18 days ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer for Dorchester School District Four advertising the Tour de Four Employee Recruitment and Future Parent Event. The top half shows a white and green school bus labeled Tour de Four driving on a road with trees and hills in the background. The DD4 district seal appears on the left. The headline reads “Tour de Four Employee Recruitment and Future Parent Event! Saturday, January 31st.” Text explains that attendees will take a guided bus tour through district schools to see classrooms, meet people, and learn what makes DD4 a strong place to work and learn. The event runs from 10 AM to 12 PM at Clay Hill Elementary, 387 South Railroad Avenue, Ridgeville, South Carolina. The bottom section notes that seats are limited and includes the registration website: www.dorchester4.k12.sc.us .
We are proud to introduce the 2025–2026 Dorchester School District Four Teacher Forum. This group meets regularly with the Superintendent to share feedback, discuss district improvements, and ensure teachers and staff have a strong voice in decision-making. Their work is a vital part of keeping DD4 a safe, supportive, and enjoyable place to work.

Pictured: Jessica Rickborn, Lacey Ayer, Wycliffe Ongou, Paula Huggins, Denise Washington, Penny Buckley, Dr. Jeffery Thompson, Linda Lewis, Sara McClellan. Not Pictured: Yolanda Bennett
Cody Floyd, MaHalie Muckenfuss and Rochelle Thompson.
26 days ago, DD4 Communications
Group of Dorchester School District Four staff members standing shoulder to shoulder in a school hallway, smiling at the camera while wearing matching gray district T-shirts and jeans.
SAVE THE DATE!
Dorchester School District Four is hosting our annual District Spelling Bee on January 27 at 6 PM in the DD4 Boardroom. Families and friends are invited to cheer on our students as they take the stage.
26 days ago, DD4 Communications
A dark background poster with yellow honeycomb patterns along the top and bottom. Large white and yellow text reads Spelling Bee. Cartoon bees fly around the page with dotted flight paths. The event details say Jan 27, DD4 Boardroom, starts at 6 PM, and everyone is invited to watch and cheer. It lists that participants should arrive by 5:15 PM and gives the address 600 Minus Street, St. George. The Dorchester School District Four logo sits in the lower left corner.
The FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge UNEARTHED season invites students ages 9 - 16 to explore archaeology, uncovering the past using tech to solve future problems, build and program LEGO robots to complete missions, develop a solution to a real-would related to uncovering the past, and emphasizes teamwork, discovery, and core STEM principles.

Tiger Bots Team #67100 from Williams Memorial Elementary competed in Walterboro on December 6 against 24 other teams around the state. They finished 11 out of 25.

Coach Buckley and Coach Rickborn are very proud of the dedication and work all members put into this year’s season. Tiger Bots Members: Kayden Colter, Rylee Cornette, Tillie Forest, Zayden Ober, Lilly Rickborn, and Laycee Wozniak.

Dorchester School District Four is proud of the hard work and dedication from the students and coaches that make this all possible.
26 days ago, DD4 Communications
A group of Williams Memorial Elementary Tiger Bots students in yellow tie-dye shirts and tiger-ear headbands stand at a robotics competition table speaking with a referee in a black-and-white striped shirt who is reviewing a score sheet. LEGO mission models cover the table.
Two Tiger Bots students in yellow shirts and tiger-ear headbands stand at a FIRST LEGO League competition table, gesturing and watching their robot’s run while referees and other teams work in the background.
Tiger Bots team members gather around a competition table. One student gives a thumbs-up while another focuses on the robot game. Their coach stands nearby, smiling.
Students and coaches in yellow Tiger Bots shirts wait around a robotics table inside a busy gymnasium as multiple teams compete. Spectators sit in the bleachers behind them.
A tabletop display shows a handmade tri-fold board with a True or False archaeology game. Two cups of answer cards sit in front of the board on a checked tablecloth.
A full Tiger Bots research and innovation station is set up with tri-fold boards detailing robot design, the robot game, and an archaeology project. Handouts, LEGO pieces, and a water bottle sit on the table.
Tiger Bots students sit on the gym floor eating snacks while a coach reads from a booklet. Other teams and tables fill the background.
A Tiger Bots coach sits in a folding chair speaking with team members who are gathered around a tote full of snacks. Students wear yellow tie-dye shirts and tiger-ear headbands.
Three Tiger Bots students stand with a referee reviewing a score sheet at the competition table. The students wear yellow tie-dye shirts with Tiger Bots printed on the back.
Tiger Bots students prepare for a match at a robotics table inside a crowded gym. Referees oversee multiple games while families and teams watch from the sidelines.
Dorchester School District Four held its December board meeting on Tuesday, December 16. The Board honored Everyday Heroes Lakisha Pigatt of CHES, Paula Huggins of CHES, and Latorsha Bryant of WMS. Updates included a positive report from the State Auditor confirming DD4 is under budget and financially strong, ongoing building and branding improvements, and new kitchen equipment scheduled for installation over winter break. Superintendent Beckwith also shared an end of year review highlighting the great work happening across the district. The next board meeting is Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
26 days ago, DD4 Communications
Paula Huggins, a CHES teacher, holds her DD4 Everyday Hero certificate while standing with district leadership in front of the board room, captured in a proud moment following her recognition.
Latorsha Bryant, assistant principal at Woodland Middle School, holds her DD4 Everyday Hero certificate while standing with colleagues and district leaders, several dressed in festive holiday attire, marking her recognition during the December board meeting.
Lakisha Pigatt, a CHES interventionist, stands centered holding her DD4 Everyday Hero certificate and commemorative coin, surrounded by district leaders at the board meeting dais, all smiling during her recognition.
The Woodland Wolverine Express stopped by our monthly directors meeting to share handmade Christmas cards, spreading joy, smiles, and a little extra holiday cheer.
27 days ago, DD4 Communications
Group photo inside a Dorchester School District Four meeting room showing students and staff from Woodland holding handmade Christmas cards, smiling and standing together in festive holiday attire during a directors meeting.
Christmas at DD4 was a tremendous success, and Dorchester School District Four is grateful to our incredible partners, sponsors, and volunteers who made it possible. Thank you to Select Health of South Carolina, A Second Chance Resource Center, Bundles of Joy, and our other sponsors for your generosity and commitment to our families. We are also deeply thankful for the volunteers who gave their time, energy, and hearts to serve our community and make the day special for so many families.
29 days ago, DD4 Communications
Volunteers and staff stand beside a grill outside Woodland High School, preparing food for families during Christmas at DD4.
Two volunteers wearing Santa hats stand behind tables stocked with napkins, utensils, and snacks, helping distribute food to attendees.
A group of community volunteers pose together in front of tables filled with donated toys and gifts at Christmas at DD4.
A staff member wearing an apron stands with two others outside Woodland High School, smiling during the Christmas at DD4 event.
A staff member and community volunteer pose together outdoors during Christmas at DD4, with the school campus visible behind them.
Santa Claus kneels and speaks with a group of young children gathered around him outside Woodland High School.
A Bundles of Joy table displays stacks of donated diapers and baby supplies for families attending Christmas at DD4.
A South Carolina Department of Public Health table provides health information, brochures, and giveaways during the event.
A wide view shows multiple tables filled with donated toys and gifts provided by A Second Chance Resource Center and other sponsors.
Dorchester School District Four will hold a Regular Board Meeting on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM, located at the Administrative Office Board Room, 600 Minus Street, St. George, SC 29477.

~Parking will be located in the back paved parking lot adjacent to the St. George Diamond Youth Baseball Will Rickborn Field off of Behling Street.

Listed is the link for the board meeting: https://dorchester4-k12-sc.community.highbond.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=322
30 days ago, DD4 Communications
DD4 logo
Dorchester School District Four thanks the community members who joined us for our mentoring program meeting and stepped forward to support our students. The strong turnout and willingness to serve made the meeting a success. We appreciate everyone who invested their time, guidance, and encouragement in our students’ futures.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Local law enforcement and community partners sit at a table listening during a Dorchester School District Four mentoring program meeting focused on student support and collaboration.
Community members sit at tables listening attentively during a Dorchester School District Four mentoring program meeting, showing engagement and interest in supporting students.
Community mentors sit around a table listening during a Dorchester School District Four mentoring program meeting, reflecting strong community involvement and commitment.
A presenter stands next to a screen reading “Supporting Our Multilingual Students” during a Dorchester School District Four mentoring program meeting with community members in attendance.
A presenter speaks beside a screen discussing confidentiality and mentor responsibilities during a Dorchester School District Four mentoring program training session.
A presenter stands beside a screen reading “Build Trust and Rapport,” sharing mentoring best practices with community members seated at tables during a Dorchester School District Four mentoring program meeting.
Dorchester School District Four has been monitoring winter weather conditions throughout the weekend in coordination with Dorchester County Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, and neighboring districts. Based on the latest forecasts, DD4 will operate on a normal schedule Monday, December 15. With cold temperatures and wind chills expected overnight, families are encouraged to ensure students are dressed warmly for morning travel.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
weather update letters in blue district logo, stormy background image