Clay Hill Elementary students brought the energy and color to last Friday’s Color Fun Run. From start to finish, it was all smiles, laughter, and a whole lot of fun. Great job to everyone who participated and made it a day to remember. You can see all the photos on our Instagram or on the CHES Facebook Page.

about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Adult standing under a colorful balloon arch at the Clay Hill Elementary Color Fun Run, covered head to toe in bright string spray with arms outstretched in celebration.
Student mid-jump over a hurdle during the Clay Hill Elementary Color Fun Run, running through a cone-marked course on the field.
Student smiling and posing with peace signs, wearing sunglasses and covered in bright color powder during the Clay Hill Elementary Color Fun Run.
Student looking down at their shirt covered in multicolored powder after participating in the Clay Hill Elementary Color Fun Run.
Group of students running across the field as color powder is tossed in the air behind them during the Clay Hill Elementary Color Fun Run.

🎉 Quarter 3 Attendance Champions! 🎉

Dorchester School District Four is celebrating students across all of our schools who achieved satisfactory attendance for Quarter 3! These amazing students were recognized with cookies and juice for their consistency and commitment to showing up every day. 📚🍪

Attendance matters, and these students are proving it! We are SO proud of their dedication and effort. Keep setting the standard! 💙

You can see all the photos on our Instagram.

about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
A smiling elementary school student wearing a black cowboy hat and vest holds a snack in a school cafeteria during a Quarter 3 attendance celebration at Dorchester School District Four.
A school staff member wearing a lanyard helps a young student in a red Marvel t-shirt select a juice drink from a table filled with colorful juice bottles during a student attendance recognition event.
A school staff member wearing gloves hands out cookies to a line of excited elementary students in a school cafeteria while a teacher supervises in the background during a Quarter 3 attendance celebration.
A high school student in a black Under Armour hoodie smiles and gives a thumbs up while holding a blue juice drink, celebrating his Quarter 3 attendance achievement at Dorchester School District Four.
A smiling elementary student in a navy Nike t-shirt holds a chocolate chip cookie on a napkin and a red juice drink while walking through the school cafeteria during a Quarter 3 attendance celebration at Dorchester School District Four.
A student and two staff members pose together for a photo backstage during the Quarter 3 attendance celebration event at Dorchester School District Four.
A young elementary student smiles at the camera while holding a blue juice drink next to a chocolate chip cookie on a napkin, celebrating her Quarter 3 attendance achievement in the school cafeteria.
A middle school student wearing glasses and a black hoodie holds a red juice drink and a cookie on a napkin while students line up behind him during a Quarter 3 attendance recognition event at Dorchester School District Four.
A group of young elementary students sit together at a cafeteria table enjoying chocolate chip cookies and colorful juice drinks during a Quarter 3 attendance celebration at Dorchester School District Four, with a packed cafeteria of students visible in the background.
Students in Ms. Cadena’s 1st Grade class at Clay Hill Elementary are exploring ecosystems from around the world. From deserts to the Arctic, students learned how different environments support plant and animal life, then brought their learning to life by drawing their favorite ecosystem. Hands-on learning like this helps students connect creativity with science in meaningful ways.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Teacher standing beside a classroom board pointing to images of ecosystems labeled savanna, desert, and Arctic while students observe.
Close-up of a student drawing a whale with blue crayon on paper.
Students leaning over a table working together to draw ocean scenes on large blue paper with crayons.
Student sitting at a desk focused on coloring with a green crayon during the ecosystem activity.
Students working together at a table using crayons and paper to create ecosystem drawings.
Student carefully drawing on blue paper with crayons while classmates work nearby.
Student coloring on white paper with crayons during a classroom activity.
Student seated at a desk concentrating while drawing with a crayon on paper.
Growing Readers Story Time is coming to our schools. We are inviting children ages 2 to 4 to join us for a fun 45-minute experience featuring Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn, followed by a hands-on craft. This is a great opportunity to build early literacy skills and spend meaningful time learning together. Scan the QR code or use the link to register and join us at a location near you.

https://tinyurl.com/mwjazrs3

Lectores en Crecimiento: Tiempo de Cuentos llega a nuestras escuelas. Invitamos a niños de 2 a 4 años a disfrutar de una divertida experiencia de 45 minutos con la lectura de Lola Plants a Garden de Anna McQuinn, seguida de una actividad práctica. Es una excelente oportunidad para fomentar la lectura desde temprana edad y compartir tiempo de calidad en familia. Escanee el código QR o use el enlace para registrarse y acompañarnos en una ubicación cercana.

https://tinyurl.com/53up5u5j
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer promoting “Growing Readers Story Time” for children ages 2 to 4, featuring a 45-minute reading of Lola Plants a Garden followed by a craft activity. Includes event dates, times, locations, contact information for Chaquilla Green, and a QR code for registration. The design shows a cartoon child in a garden with a plant and the Dorchester School District Four logo.
Flyer in Spanish promoting “Lectores en Crecimiento: Tiempo de Cuentos” for children ages 2 to 4, featuring a 45-minute reading of Lola Plants a Garden and a hands-on craft activity. Includes event dates, times, locations, contact information for Chaquilla Green, and a QR code for registration. The design shows a cartoon child gardening with a plant and the Dorchester School District Four logo.
Woodland High School Wind Ensemble Earns “Excellent” at State Assessment

Congratulations to the Woodland High School Wind Ensemble for earning a rating of Excellent at the 2026 South Carolina Band Directors Association Concert Performance Assessment.

This state-level evaluation measures tone, balance, technique, and musicality through prepared performances, along with a sight-reading component that tests students’ ability to perform music they have never seen before.

An Excellent rating reflects strong performance at a competitive level and highlights the dedication and growth of the Woodland band program.

Congratulations to our students and directors on this achievement.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Six Woodland High School students dressed in black concert attire stand together in a music classroom, with one student in the center holding an “Excellent” award plaque. Colorful wall art and a row of trophies are visible behind them, highlighting the band program’s achievements.

Today is the last chance to register!

Step aboard and see Dorchester School District Four in action. In one hour, you will visit our schools, meet our team, and experience what makes DD4 a great place to work and learn.

Can't ride the bus? You can still attend the recruitment event at CHES, interview and complete an application.

Seats are limited. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/k385vh26

about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic of a white and green Dorchester School District Four bus labeled “Tour de Four” driving on a road. The text reads: “Tour de Four – Employee Recruitment & Future Parent Event. Saturday, March 21st. 10 AM – 12 PM. Clay Hill Elementary, 387 S. Railroad Ave., Ridgeville, SC.” The graphic invites guests to take a guided bus tour of DD4 schools and includes a registration call to action.
Students in Ms. Jazmyne Smith’s 7th grade ELA class at Woodland Middle School recently finished reading A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. To wrap up the unit, students created character analysis projects focused on Nya and Salva.

Each student broke down the characters by looking at their strengths, challenges, beliefs, and what motivated them throughout the story.

The projects helped students think more deeply about how the characters changed and what they went through.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Teacher stands in the classroom smiling while holding the book A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park, which students are studying for a character analysis activity.
A student sits at a desk concentrating while writing and coloring on a character analysis worksheet about Nya from A Long Walk to Water. Scissors and paper strips sit beside the project.
Ms. Smith stands with students at a table as they review and discuss their completed character analysis pages based on the novel A Long Walk to Water.
Close-up of a student’s completed character analysis illustration of Salva from A Long Walk to Water, showing labeled sections about strengths, values, and important traits.
Character analysis worksheet featuring Nya from A Long Walk to Water, with drawings and written notes about her personality, challenges, and beliefs.
Students sit at a table reading and reviewing their printed character analysis pages during the activity.
A group of students gather around a table comparing their character analysis work from A Long Walk to Water while discussing the story.
A student carefully cuts out sections of a character analysis worksheet while the teacher assists in the background.
A completed character analysis poster of Nya from A Long Walk to Water spread across a desk with colored pencil drawings and written responses about the character.
Congratulations to the Iron Wolverines: Angels, FIRST Robotics Team 10388 on winning their first championship at the FSC District Richland Event.

FIRST Team 10388 also won the Rising All-Star Award.

The team will compete at the FSC Champion to earn a spot at the World Championship in Houston, Texas under the Direction of Mr. Sylvester Rolack.

South Carolina's First FRC All-Girls Team (Certified by Nancy Mace) : https://youtu.be/mMnhs0roT-Y?si=Ab-oAWLhzX7rtvlO


about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Four students and an adult kneel and stand together holding a trophy and plaque, wearing medals in front of a wall with a FIRST Robotics Competition winner banner on the floor.
Group of students and mentors pose on a gym floor at a robotics competition, many wearing medals and team shirts, smiling and holding a horse prop in front of their robot setup.
Competition scoreboard shows Alliance 2 winning 163 to 134 in a final tiebreaker match at a FIRST Robotics Competition event.
Group of students and mentors pose on a gym floor at a robotics competition, many wearing medals and team shirts, smiling and holding a horse prop in front of their robot setup.
Close-up of a gold FIRST Robotics Competition medal labeled “Rebuilt” presented by Haas, featuring icons of tools and materials.
Close-up of a FIRST Robotics Competition trophy and plaque that reads “Uncover The Future,” recognizing the 2026 South Carolina District Richland Event winner.
Last night at the DD4 School Board meeting, the Board approved to make May 29th a full day for students. This is due to school being canceled on March 16 as a result of weather conditions.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic with Dorchester School District Four logo at the top and the phrase “Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures.” Large text reads “Schedule Change Announcement.” Below, it states “Friday, May 29, 2026” and “Full Day for Students,” followed by “Make-Up Day.” Background features a faint repeating DD4 logo watermark.
Mrs. Chaquilla Green, DD4 Parent and Family Engagement Coordinator, and the administration of Woodland Middle School collaborated to host the Rising 6th Grade Parent Open House. During the event, parents and students received helpful information about the transition from elementary school to middle school and what to expect as new WMS Wolves.

After gathering in the cafeteria for an overview, future students and their families had the opportunity to tour the building, explore key areas of the school, and begin getting comfortable in their new environment. It was a great opportunity to build excitement and ensure families feel prepared for a successful start at Woodland Middle School.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Two students sit at a cafeteria table with snacks and water bottles, smiling as they participate in the Rising 6th Grade Parent Open House.
Parents and students sit together at cafeteria tables, listening attentively during an informational session about transitioning to Woodland Middle School.
Two students sit in a technology lab at Woodland Middle School, using desktop computers with multiple monitors mounted on the wall, as they explore digital tools during the Rising 6th Grade Parent Open House.
A family poses together inside the school library, smiling during the Rising 6th Grade Parent Open House as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
Parents and students sit at tables in the cafeteria while listening to a presentation, with informational materials and drinks placed in front of them.
A parent and child sit together at a table, smiling and embracing during the event, with Woodland Middle School materials visible nearby.
A family of three sits together at a cafeteria table, smiling for the camera with refreshments and event information in front of them.
Spring bus evacuation drills are coming up across DD4. Take a look at your school’s date and make sure students are ready.

On drill day, please have children wear appropriate clothing that allows them to SIT & SCOOT safely during the evacuation practice.

All drills begin at 9:30 AM unless otherwise noted.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Colorful flyer titled “Spring DD4 Bus Evacuation Schedule” featuring a clipboard design with school bus graphics, emergency lights, and an exit sign. The flyer lists evacuation drill dates for each school: Woodland Middle (March 19, 2026), Odyssey Education Center (March 20, 2026), Clay Hill Elementary (March 23, 2026), Woodland High (March 24, 2026), Williams Memorial Elementary (March 25, 2026), and Harleyville Elementary (March 26, 2026). A banner at the bottom states that all bus evacuations will take place at 9:30 AM unless otherwise specified, alongside the Dorchester School District Four logo.
Students in Mrs. Weather’s ProTeam class at Woodland Middle School recently welcomed a special guest, Meredith Dantzler, Director of Pre-Collegiate Programs for CERRA. Dantzler spoke with students about their futures and walked them through several real-world scenarios where they had to decide what type of leader the situation needed, such as a problem solver, encourager, peacemaker, organizer, motivator, or creative thinker.

The activity pushed students to think through how they would respond in different situations and the kind of leadership they want to show moving forward.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Group photo of Mrs. Weather’s ProTeam students and visiting speaker standing together in the Woodland Middle School library.
Close-up of a handmade student pendant displayed on a table, created as part of a project about personal goals and future aspirations.
Guest speaker stands at the front of the Woodland Middle School library speaking with students during the ProTeam leadership session.
Students sit at tables in the library listening attentively as the speaker discusses leadership and future opportunities.
Student raises his hand to participate in the leadership discussion during the ProTeam class.
Student raises her hand to respond to a question during the leadership activity in the library.
Mrs. Weather sits at a table listening while students participate in the leadership presentation.
Students stand together in the library during the ProTeam class activity and discussion.
Two students stand near the bookshelves listening to the speaker during the ProTeam leadership session in the Woodland Middle School library.
Good afternoon. Dorchester School District Four will hold a Regular Board Meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM, located at the Administrative Office Boardroom, 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=325
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Dorchester school district four logo
Unified Track & Field is in full swing! Come check them out on Wednesday, 3/18 at Woodland HS at 5:00 PM.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
A large group of Woodland Unified Track athletes pose together on a grassy field near a track and football goalpost at dusk. Students wear green and gray “Woodland Unified Track” uniforms and T-shirts, smiling and standing shoulder to shoulder. A student in a wheelchair is visible on the far left, and stadium lights glow in the background with trees lining the field.
A group of Woodland Unified Track athletes walk toward the camera along a grassy area beside a track, smiling and relaxed. They wear a mix of green uniforms and gray team shirts, with trees and a road in the background during early evening light.
Woodland Unified Track athletes stand in a line on a grassy field with two coaches beside them. The students wear green uniforms, and the coaches are dressed in black athletic gear. A track, goalpost, and tree line are visible behind them under the evening sky.
Dorchester School District Four is excited to announce that Universal Pre-K registration is now open.

Our full-day Pre-K program is available to all eligible 4-year-old children, regardless of family income. We are committed to providing every child with a strong start in a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment.

Give your child the foundation they deserve. Click on the link to get started. Spots are limited so get your application in today.

https://dorchesterfour-sc.finalforms.com/
about 2 months ago, DD4 Communications
Illustration of a yellow school bus facing forward on a road with trees and clouds in the background. Text reads “Universal Pre-K,” “Registration Now Open to All Families,” and “Full-Day for All 4 Year Olds,” with the Dorchester School District Four logo displayed on the front of the bus.
Dorchester School District Four is hiring certified educators. Certified teachers may also qualify for a $2,000 sign-on bonus, and referrals for certified teachers could earn $200.

Apply today at dorchester4.k12.sc.us.
about 2 months ago, DD4 Communications
Green Dorchester School District Four hiring graphic listing certified positions including 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, with the district motto “Empowering Minds. Shaping Futures.” and website dorchester4.k12.sc.us.
Dorchester School District Four graphic announcing a sign-on bonus for certified teachers with $2,000 offered to new hires and a $200 referral bonus, displayed over a background of U.S. currency with the district logo and website dorchester4.k12.sc.us.
Students in Mrs. Dionis’ Spanish class at Woodland High School recently wrapped up projects on Spanish-speaking countries. Each student researched a country and presented what they learned to the class and visitors, covering the culture, food, traditions, history, and famous landmarks.

Some students even brought in traditional food from their country, giving everyone a chance to experience the culture in a hands-on way. It was a great opportunity for students to practice their Spanish while learning more about the world around them.
about 2 months ago, DD4 Communications
Student stands behind a presentation board about the Dominican Republic featuring maps, food, traditions, and cultural facts during a Spanish class cultural project at Woodland High School.
Student gives a thumbs-up while standing behind a presentation board about Uruguay that includes the flag, map, foods, and facts about Montevideo.
Close-up of a plate of traditional food cut into small squares, prepared for students to sample as part of the cultural presentation.
Teacher stands in the classroom holding a plate of traditional food while students present their country projects during Spanish class.
Student stands beside a presentation board about Spain that includes the Spanish flag, cities, traditional festivals, foods, sports, and currency.
Student smiles while holding a plate of food next to a presentation board about Equatorial Guinea featuring photos, landmarks, and cultural information.
Student stands next to a presentation board about Chile displaying the national flag, currency, map, and images of Santiago.
Student stands beside a presentation board about Paraguay that highlights cities, sports, food, and cultural facts.
Student gives a thumbs-up behind a presentation board about Cuba featuring the national flag, cities, foods, and cultural details.
Hands hold a colorful informational brochure about Colombian culture that includes sections on activities, food, sports, climate, and traditional festivals.
Out of an abundance of caution, Dorchester School District Four will be closed on Monday, March 16 due to the risk of high winds and severe storms expected to move through our area late Monday morning into the early afternoon. All afterschool activities are also canceled. The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority, and we encourage everyone to stay safe as the weather moves through our community. We apologize for the late notice, as we wanted to gather as much information as possible before making this decision. We appreciate your understanding.
about 2 months ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic with palm trees bending in strong wind behind the words “Important Announcement: Weather Update.” The Dorchester School District Four logo appears in the center with the district name at the bottom, indicating a school district weather announcement.

Step aboard and see Dorchester School District Four in action. In one hour, you will visit our schools, meet our team, and experience what makes DD4 a great place to work and learn.

Can't ride the bus? You can still attend the recruitment event at CHES, interview and complete an application.

Seats are limited. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/k385vh26

about 2 months ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic of a white and green Dorchester School District Four bus labeled “Tour de Four” driving on a road. The text reads: “Tour de Four – Employee Recruitment & Future Parent Event. Saturday, March 21st. 10 AM – 12 PM. Clay Hill Elementary, 387 S. Railroad Ave., Ridgeville, SC.” The graphic invites guests to take a guided bus tour of DD4 schools and includes a registration call to action.
Mrs. Pafford’s math class at Harleyville Elementary School had a fun way to learn about probability. Students used bags of M&M’s to figure out the chances of picking certain colors based on what was in their bag.

Once they worked through the probability part of the lesson, the class moved into fractions using the same candy as examples. And yes, once the math was done, students got to enjoy their M&M’s while finishing the lesson.
about 2 months ago, DD4 Communications
Student sits at a classroom desk sorting colorful M&M’s on a worksheet as part of a probability math activity at Harleyville Elementary School.
Student leans over a desk writing answers on a worksheet while working through a math assignment during Mrs. Pafford’s class.
Student pours M&M’s onto a worksheet and begins grouping the candy by color for a probability lesson.
Student carefully arranges M&M’s by color on a worksheet while completing a probability activity.
Student wearing glasses studies a worksheet with M&M’s sorted by color during a hands-on math lesson.
Student wearing a green shirt and bow tie reacts excitedly while working on a probability activity using M&M’s.
Close-up of a worksheet showing M&M’s sorted into color groups for a probability math exercise.
Mrs. Pafford leans over a table helping students as they complete a hands-on probability activity using M&M’s.
Student smiles and eats an M&M while working on the probability activity at a classroom table.
Student places an M&M in their mouth while seated at a desk during the hands-on math lesson.