🌟 Mark your calendars, DD4! 🌟

The week of April 13th, Dorchester School District Four will be participating DISTRICT-WIDE in Unified Spirit Week 2026 alongside Special Olympics South Carolina Unified Champion Schools.

Every school. Every student. Every day. Celebrating inclusion, teamwork, wellness, and fearlessness together.

We cannot wait to see our students and staff show up and show out all week long! 💙
21 days ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic titled “Unified Spirit Week 2026” with Special Olympics South Carolina Unified Champion Schools logos. A group of elementary-aged students cheer and smile while holding blue and white pom-poms outdoors. Background is light blue with bold navy and white text.
Weekly schedule graphic labeled “Week at a Glance” showing themed dress-up days: Mindful Monday, Takes a Team Tuesday, Wellness Wednesday, Thoughtful Thursday, and Fearless Friday, each with short participation descriptions. Includes colorful icons and “Be Kind to Your Mind” message.

Dorchester School District Four is encouraging all parents and guardians to participate in the 2026 Parent and Guardian School Climate Survey, sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE). You have until April 17, 2026 to complete the survey.

This anonymous survey is a powerful way to shape the future of education in our community. Your honest feedback helps our schools understand what's working, where we can improve, and how to better support our students and families. Results are factored into each school's annual report card and play a direct role in decisions made at the school, district, and state levels.

Every response counts! Thank you for taking a few moments to invest in our students' success!

How to Access the Survey
Parents and guardians of K–12 students can complete the survey through the PowerSchool Parent Portal:

Website Access to PowerSchool Parent Portal
1. Visit: https://dorchester4.powerschool.com/public/
2. Log in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
3. Select Forms from the menu.
4. Click on “2026 Parent and Guardian School Climate Survey.”
5. Complete the survey and click "Submit".


Mobile App Access to PowerSchool Parent Portal
1. Log in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
2. Click on “More”.
3. Select Forms from the menu.
4. Click on “2026 Parent and Guardian School Climate Survey.”
5. Complete the survey and click "Submit”.

If you experience any trouble accessing the PowerSchool Parent Portal, don't hesitate to reach out to your child's school.

Parents and guardians may complete one survey per enrolled student, with each survey taking around 10 to 15 minutes of your time.

We truly appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts and experiences. When families and schools work hand in hand, amazing things happen for our kids. Together, we can continue to grow, improve, and create an environment where every DD4 student has the opportunity to thrive.

For further instructions click here: https://aptg.co/rLm-Qk

22 days ago, DD4 Communications
A dark green square graphic featuring the Dorchester School District Four logo and seal at the top with the tagline "Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures." Large bold white text in the center reads "Strong Schools Start With You." Below in white cursive script reads "Take the 2026 SCDE Parent Survey Today."
Kindergarten is closer than you think, and we want our families ready.

South Carolina First Steps is hosting Ready for Kindergarten LIVE, a free one-hour virtual event featuring a pediatrician, a children’s librarian, and an elementary principal sharing real, practical tips to help your child start school with confidence. From health checkups to building reading habits and knowing what schools expect, this session covers it all, with time to ask your questions live.

Friday, April 24
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Free and virtual

Register now: readyforkindergarten.vfairs.com
22 days ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic promoting “Ready for Kindergarten LIVE 2026” featuring a smiling cartoon fox with a backpack giving a thumbs up. Text highlights the event date and time, April 24 at 12 PM, and includes logos for South Carolina First Steps and the South Carolina Early Childhood Advisory Council.
Hands-on learning meets serious fun this summer. STEM Camp for Kids is coming to St. George with activities like circuit wiring, epoxy molding, engineering projects, and more. Open to elementary and middle school students, June 8–12 from 9 AM to 3 PM, and it is completely free.

Register now at www.STEMRocks.net
.
23 days ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer for STEM Camp for Kids featuring students working on hands-on STEM activities like soldering and building projects. Includes QR codes for elementary and middle camp registration, list of activities such as circuit wiring, biometrics, epoxy molding, and engineering projects, dates of June 8–12, 2026 from 9 AM to 3 PM, location at Rosendale School in St. George, SC, and a note that the camp is free with materials and mentoring included.

Take control of your financial future. Join us for a Financial Education Workshop with Cassandra Russell and learn how to better understand your spending habits, identify triggers, and build healthier financial routines.

Sessions available April 16 at 9:00 AM or April 23 at 5:30 PM at the DD4 Adult Education Center.

24 days ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer for a Financial Education Workshop hosted by Legacy Wealth Financial LLC featuring Cassandra Russell. The event invites participants to learn about spending habits, financial triggers, and strategies for building healthy financial routines. Sessions are scheduled for April 16, 2026 at 9:00 AM and April 23, 2026 at 5:30 PM at the DD4 Administration Offices Adult Education Center in St. George, South Carolina.
Welcome Back Students!
24 days ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic with a bright blue sky and blooming tree branches reads “Welcome Back Students!” in bold lettering. Dorchester School District Four logo is centered, with school logos aligned along the right side. A yellow backpack, books, pencils, and an apple sit on a desk in the foreground, with the message “Let’s finish the school year strong!” at the bottom.
Behind every great school is an incredible Assistant Principal!

This week, we proudly celebrate National Assistant Principals Week and the dedicated leaders who help our schools run smoothly each day.

Their leadership creates safe, supportive, and inspiring learning environments across Dorchester School District Four, and we are grateful for the impact they make in our classrooms and communities.

Join us in giving a big THANK YOU to our outstanding Assistant Principals:

Kimberly Hartzog - Clay Hill Elementary School
DeVane Trigiani - Harleyville Elementary School
Adrian Busch - Williams Memorial Elementary School
Latorsha Bryant - Woodland Middle School
Markayla Busby - Woodland Middle School
Makeisha Butler - Woodland High School
Bo Charpia - Woodland High School
25 days ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic celebrating Assistant Principals Week for Dorchester School District Four, featuring seven smiling assistant principals arranged in a collage over a green, chalkboard-style background with gold stars and ribbons, district logo at the top, and a banner at the bottom reading “Thank You For All You Do!” with a red apple on a desk.

The DD4 April Parent Newsletter is now available.

El boletín para padres de abril de DD4 ya está disponible.

https://tinyurl.com/4jcpp5zv

25 days ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic with a green background and Dorchester School District Four logo at the top. Large text reads “NEWSLETTER” with the message “The April Parent Newsletter is now available.” Below, a smartphone displays a preview of the newsletter featuring a child on a playground and parenting tips.
Woodland High School seniors took a major step toward their future on March 27, just before Spring Break, at the school’s 5th Annual L.A.W. event, Life After Woodland.

Led by Career Specialist Rania Thompson, students spent the day in hands-on, real-world preparation. They rotated through sessions on building a 5-year plan, career readiness, resumes and cover letters, law enforcement insights, college planning, financial literacy, social media and character, speed interviews, and the SC Career Coach Mobile.

Dorchester School District Four extends sincere appreciation to Ms. Thompson for the leadership, planning, and care she puts into making this experience meaningful for students. We are also proud of the student facilitators who helped guide the day: Briauna Hanberry, Samya Summers, Aliyah Carson, Imani Daniels, Jalina Goodwin, Kristiana Martino, Elias Dowell, Melaysia Rhodes, Christian Summers, Taylor Fogle, Janelle Footman, Janae Brown, Justice Pryor, and Roxanna Britt.

Thank you as well to our sponsors, Dr. Patricia Ferguson with the SC Department of Employment and Workforce and Tomicia Gaillard, Manager at McDonald’s, for investing in this work and supporting our students’ next steps beyond Woodland High School.
25 days ago, DD4 Communications
Student participates in a mock interview with a community volunteer inside Woodland High School’s gym, seated at a table with paperwork while other interviews take place in the background.
Student smiles during a one-on-one mock interview with a business professional, with a Woodland Wolverines backdrop visible behind them.
Group of Woodland High School students wearing name badges pose together in a hallway during the L.A.W. event, smiling and holding materials from the day.
Group of student facilitators stand together in a classroom with trophies displayed behind them, dressed professionally and ready to support the event.
Panel of community members sits at the front of a classroom speaking with students during a session, with an American flag and classroom materials visible.
Student smiles while participating in a mock interview across from a volunteer in the gym, with other students and interview stations visible in the background.
Presenter speaks to a group of students in a classroom setting, gesturing while another adult sits nearby with a laptop.
🌟 Mark your calendars, DD4! 🌟

The week of April 13th, Dorchester School District Four will be participating DISTRICT-WIDE in Unified Spirit Week 2026 alongside Special Olympics South Carolina Unified Champion Schools.

Every school. Every student. Every day. Celebrating inclusion, teamwork, wellness, and fearlessness together.

We cannot wait to see our students and staff show up and show out all week long! 💙
28 days ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic titled “Unified Spirit Week 2026” with Special Olympics South Carolina Unified Champion Schools logos. A group of elementary-aged students cheer and smile while holding blue and white pom-poms outdoors. Background is light blue with bold navy and white text.
Weekly schedule graphic labeled “Week at a Glance” showing themed dress-up days: Mindful Monday, Takes a Team Tuesday, Wellness Wednesday, Thoughtful Thursday, and Fearless Friday, each with short participation descriptions. Includes colorful icons and “Be Kind to Your Mind” message.
Dorchester School District Four is hiring. Join a team committed to Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures. Certified teachers can earn a $2,000 sign-on bonus, and employees can earn a $200 referral bonus. Apply today at dorchester4.k12.sc.us and help make a difference in DD4.
29 days ago, DD4 Communications
Green and white hiring graphic with Dorchester School District Four logo and the heading “Now Hiring Certified Positions.” Listed positions include Elementary School Librarian, PreK Teachers, Elementary Teachers, High School Math Teacher, Elementary Special Education Teacher, Secondary Special Education Teacher, and Director of Curriculum and Instruction/CTE Coordinator. Bottom text reads “Dorchester School District Four – Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures” and “Apply today at dorchester4.k12.sc.us.”
Graphic with Dorchester School District Four logo at the top over a background of U.S. currency. Large text reads “Sign-On Bonus.” Below, it states “Certified Teachers $2,000” and “Referral $200.” The district website, dorchester4.k12.sc.us, appears at the bottom.
Today, on behalf of all DD4 Schools, we are proud to recognize and thank our incredible paraprofessionals for their dedication, support, and impact. Your hard work behind the scenes helps our students and schools thrive. We appreciate you today and every day!
30 days ago, DD4 Communications
A vibrant appreciation graphic for DD4 paraprofessionals dated April 1, 2026. The design features bold text that reads: “Honoring Paraprofessionals – On behalf of DD4 Schools: Thank you!” with a purple, pink, and blue gradient background. The Dorchester School District Four logo appears in the top right and bottom left corners. The message expresses gratitude to paraprofessionals for their contributions.
Dorchester School District Four is piloting a new transportation resource for parents and guardians, My Ride K-12. This free app allows you to track your student's bus, view routes and stop times, and receive updates about schedule changes.

Visit our transportation page for instructions on how to download and use the app: https://www.dorchester4.k12.sc.us/o/dsdf/page/my-ride-k-12

Questions? Contact the Transportation Department at (843) 636-5001.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Promotional banner introducing 'My Ride K-12,' a school bus tracking or transportation app. The background shows a row of yellow school buses with students boarding. A circular logo featuring a school bus icon and 'K-12' label appears on the left, alongside the text 'Introducing My Ride K-12' in white and bold blue lettering.
🦴 Fossils in Third Grade Science!

Today in Mrs. Washington’s class at Clay Hill Elementary School, students explored preserved remains to deepen their understanding of fossilization, environmental change, and how scientists use evidence from the past to learn about living things. Using frozen specimens, students acted like real paleontologists; observing, comparing, and recording scientific data.

One student shared, “I didn’t know fossils could tell us so much about what used to live here!”

Hands‑on learning builds curiosity, critical thinking, and real‑world connections. These third graders are rising to the challenge.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
A student focuses on a yellow worksheet at a classroom table with magnifying tools and a basket holding a frozen sample. Other students sit nearby collaborating on the same activity.
Close-up of a plastic bag containing a frozen leaf sample placed inside a white classroom basket, used for a hands-on fossil study activity.
A third grade student in a pink jacket writes on a yellow worksheet while examining a classroom science sample. Magnifying glasses, rulers, and a basket with a frozen specimen are on the table. Other students work in the background.
Close-up of a frozen specimen inside a sealed plastic bag, showing a small lizard preserved in ice as part of a classroom fossil exploration activity.
History Made! Congratulations to the Woodland Middle School- DD4 Concert Band and their director, Ms. Yolanda Bennett!

Today they received a rating of EXCELLENT at the South Carolina Band Director's Association Concert Performance Assessment.

This marks the highest rating the WMS Band has received at this event. All the hard work and dedication has paid off!
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Woodland Middle School concert band members and director Ms. Yolanda Bennett pose together outside in front of the school building and palm trees. The group is dressed in black performance attire, with one student holding the award plaque at the center.
Woodland Middle School concert band performs on stage in a concert hall, dressed in black attire, seated in sections with instruments including flutes, clarinets, trumpets, trombones, and percussion. The band is led by director Ms. Yolanda Bennett, who stands on a podium conducting in front of the group, with wooden acoustic panels behind them and stage microphones set up.
Ms. Yolanda Bennett stands outside near a brick wall, smiling while holding a plaque that reads “South Carolina Band Directors Association Award of Excellent” for Concert Performance Assessment. She is wearing glasses and a black outfit with a gray cardigan.
Williams Memorial takes the title!

The Dorchester School District Four Youth Basketball season wrapped up this week with an exciting two nights of playoff action on Tuesday and Wednesday. Congratulations to Williams Memorial Elementary and Harleyville Elementary for earning their spots in the finals after strong performances throughout the tournament. In the end, WMES rose to the moment and captured the championship.

More playoff photos are on the way, featuring all three elementary schools.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
A group of elementary students in red “DD4 Basketball” uniforms stand on a gym floor holding gold trophies, smiling after winning their championship. Two adult coaches stand behind them, also holding a large trophy, while teammates raise smaller trophies in celebration. The team is gathered in front of bleachers, showing pride and excitement after their victory.
Dorchester School District Four is proud to recognize and celebrate our 2025–2026 Employees of the Year from each of our schools.

These individuals represent the very best of DD4. They lead with purpose, serve with heart, and make a lasting impact on our students, staff, and community every single day.

Thank you for the difference you make across our district. Your dedication reflects what it means to live out our mission of Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures.

From Clay Hill Elementary School
Teacher of the Year: Jenna Rudd
Rookie Teacher of the Year: Dawkins Beilhartz
Classified Employee of the Year: Maykela Black

From Harleyville Elementary School
Teacher of the Year: Gina Sawicki
Rookie Teacher of the Year: Michaela Williams
Classified Employee of the Year: Rainey White

From Williams Memorial Elementary School
Teacher of the Year: Ashley Griffith
Rookie Teacher of the Year: Alana Scott
Classified Employee of the Year: Lauren Miles

From Woodland Middle School
Teacher of the Year: Pam Rhode
Rookie Teacher of the Year: Kristina Brandt
Classified Employee of the Year: Monica Williams

From Woodland High School
Teacher of the Year: Austin Jeffries
Classified Employee of the Year: Wanda Rasberry

From Odyssey Educational Center
Teacher of the Year: Dr. Cassandra Jenkins
Classified Employee of the Year: JaQuay Snell
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic with confetti background and district logo recognizing 2025–2026 Teachers of the Year. Six teachers are shown in individual portraits: Jenna Rudd (Clay Hill Elementary), Gina Sawicki (Harleyville Elementary), Ashley Griffith (Williams Memorial Elementary), Pam Rhode (Woodland Middle School), Austin Jeffries (Woodland High School), and Dr. Cassandra Jenkins (Odyssey Educational Center). Closing text thanks them for their unwavering dedication and commitment.
Graphic with confetti background and district logo highlighting 2025–2026 Rookie Teachers of the Year. Four teachers are featured: Dawkins Beilhartz (Clay Hill Elementary), Michaela Williams (Harleyville Elementary), Alana Scott (Williams Memorial Elementary), and Kristina Brandt (Woodland Middle School). Bottom text expresses appreciation for their dedication and commitment to the district.
Graphic with confetti background and Dorchester School District Four logo celebrating 2025–2026 Classified Staff of the Year. Six staff members are pictured in individual portraits: Maykela Black (Clay Hill Elementary), Rainey White (Harleyville Elementary), Lauren Miles (Williams Memorial Elementary), Monica Williams (Woodland Middle School), Wanda Rasberry (Woodland High School), and JaQuay Snell (Odyssey Educational Center). Text at the bottom expresses gratitude for their dedication and commitment.

Congratulations to JayVonne Mayfield on earning his SILVER DD4 Campus Creator Badge. He earned this recognition by consistently capturing and sharing the great things happening at Woodland High School and across the district through his photography and written stories. Excellent work, JayVonne.

about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Student standing in a gymnasium in front of green bleachers, smiling and holding a tablet. He is wearing a gray Woodland Athletic Training pullover with the school logo visible on the chest.
Circular DD4 Campus Creator Silver Badge featuring a green and silver design with a bold “D4” in the center and the words “Campus Creator Silver Badge” around the outer ring.

Is your child turning 4 this year? 🎒

Spots are filling up! Pre-K registration is now open for Dorchester School District Four!

Our full-day program is open to ALL 4-year-olds, regardless of family income. Give your little one a strong start in a safe, nurturing environment built just for them.

Don't wait. Apply today before spots are gone.

👉 https://dorchesterfour-sc.finalforms.com/

about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Dorchester School District Four Pre-K registration graphic. A cartoon school bus is shown from the front with the district logo on the grille. Text reads: Are You Four Years Old? Pre-K Registration Now Open to All Families! Full-Day for All 4-Year-Olds.
🌸 Spring Break Reminder 🌸

Dorchester School District Four schools and offices will be closed March 30 – April 3 for Spring Break.
Staff return Monday, April 6 for a Teacher Work Day (no students).
Students return Tuesday, April 7.
We hope everyone enjoys a safe and restful break!

🌸 Recordatorio de Vacaciones de Primavera 🌸
Las escuelas y oficinas de Dorchester School District Four estarán cerradas del 30 de marzo al 3 de abril por las Vacaciones de Primavera.
El personal regresa el lunes 6 de abril para un día de trabajo para maestros (sin estudiantes). Los estudiantes regresan el martes 7 de abril.
¡Esperamos que todos disfruten de un descanso seguro y reparador!
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic announcing Dorchester School District Four Spring Break. Green background with pink blossoms and tropical leaves. Text reads: “Spring Break – March 30 to April 3. All schools and offices will be closed. Teachers return Monday, April 6 for a teacher workday (no students). Students return Tuesday, April 7.”