Dorchester School District Four Board of Trustees met Tuesday, February 17, to recognize excellence and advance important district work. We honored our January Everyday Heroes, Ms. Kristina Brandt, School Counselor at Woodland Middle School, and Mrs. Mary Primus, Teacher at Woodland High School, for the steady impact they make on students and staff.

The Board approved the FY27 budget calendar and several out-of-state field trips, including the Woodland High School Boys Wrestling team competing at the state championship in Florence. On March 7, DD4 will host a public auction at Woodland Middle School featuring used furniture that has been replaced through the 16 million dollar grant awarded to the district last summer. The district is also transitioning Technology to the FMX work order system to align with Maintenance and streamline work orders on one platform. Transportation continues its intentional hiring campaign with three additional drivers in training, bus safety is being strengthened with upgraded five-camera systems that include front-view capability, and the long-anticipated Harleyville water project is expected to begin this summer despite previous setbacks.

Strong leadership and steady progress continue to drive great things happening across DD4.
about 18 hours ago, DD4 Communications
Four adults stand together at a Dorchester School District Four Board meeting. Kristina Brandt, School Counselor at Woodland Middle School, holds a framed “DD4 Everyday Hero” certificate and a small award. She stands with district leaders in a boardroom setting.
Four adults stand together at a Dorchester School District Four Board meeting. Mary Primus, Teacher at Woodland High School, holds a framed “DD4 Everyday Hero” certificate and a small award. District leaders stand beside her in the boardroom.

Growing Readers Story Time is coming to DD4.

We are inviting children ages 2 to 4 and their families to join us for a 45-minute reading of Love Monster by Rachel Bright, followed by a hands-on craft activity.

Sessions are from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Harleyville Elementary – Tuesday, February 24
Clay Hill Elementary – Wednesday, February 25
Williams Memorial Elementary – Friday, February 27

Register by scanning the QR code on the flyer or by visiting https://tinyurl.com/y5uwzdwk
. We look forward to growing readers together.

La Hora de Cuentos Growing Readers llega a DD4.

Invitamos a niños de 2 a 4 años y a sus familias a disfrutar de una lectura de 45 minutos del libro Love Monster de Rachel Bright, seguida de una manualidad práctica.

Cada sesión será de 1:30 p.m. a 2:15 p.m.
Harleyville Elementary – martes 24 de febrero
Clay Hill Elementary – miércoles 25 de febrero
Williams Memorial Elementary – viernes 27 de febrero

Regístrese escaneando el código QR en el volante o visitando https://tinyurl.com/y5uwzdwk
Esperamos crecer lectores juntos.

1 day ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer titled “Growing Readers Story Time” from Dorchester School District Four with a pink heart background. It invites students ages 2 to 4 to attend a 45-minute reading of Love Monster by Rachel Bright followed by a hands-on craft activity. Contact information for Chaquilla Green, Parent and Family Engagement Coordinator, is listed with phone numbers 843-563-5923 and 843-636-4030 and email cjgreen@dd4.k12.sc.us . Each session runs from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Dates and locations include Harleyville Elementary School on Tuesday, February 24; Clay Hill Elementary School on Wednesday, February 25; and Williams Memorial Elementary School on Friday, February 27. A QR code appears on the bottom right for registration, along with an image of the Love Monster book cover.
Volante titulado “Growing Readers Story Time” del Distrito Escolar Cuatro de Dorchester con fondo de corazones rosados. Invita a estudiantes de 2 a 4 años a participar en una lectura de 45 minutos del libro “Love Monster” de Rachel Bright seguida de una manualidad práctica. Incluye la información de contacto de Chaquilla Green, Coordinadora de Participación de Padres y Familias, con los números 843-563-5923 y 843-636-4030 y el correo electrónico cjgreen@dd4.k12.sc.us . Cada sesión es de 13:30 a 14:15 horas. Las fechas y lugares son Harleyville Elementary School el martes 24 de febrero; Clay Hill Elementary School el miércoles 25 de febrero; y Williams Memorial Elementary School el viernes 27 de febrero. En la parte inferior derecha aparece un código QR para registrarse y la imagen de la portada del libro Love Monster.
The Tour de Four is back on the calendar.

After being postponed on January 31, our Employee Recruitment and Future Parent Event has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 21 from 10 AM to 12 PM at Clay Hill Elementary.

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.

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

Woodland Middle School students put their learning on display for Black History Month.

In Ms. Sheahan Smith’s ELA classes, students researched influential African Americans and used what they learned to decorate their teachers’ doors in honor of those individuals. Each door tells a story and highlights someone who made a real impact.

It was more than a project. Students worked together, shared their discoveries, and filled the hallways with meaningful history.

3 days ago, DD4 Communications
A student lifts a flap on a Martin Luther King Jr. themed classroom door display, revealing printed research beneath the images.
A student stands in the hallway presenting a door display about Michelle Obama, pointing toward photos and printed research while another student listens nearby.
Two students stand in front of a large purple poster about Thurgood Marshall, reviewing images, quotes, and historical information posted on the wall.
A student stands beside a blue poster display highlighting an African American astronaut, reading facts and looking at photos attached to the board.
A student smiles while explaining details on a green hallway display filled with photos and written research for Black History Month.
Two students stand in a school hallway beside a classroom door decorated with a Black History Month project featuring photos and facts about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. One student lifts a flap on the display while the other looks on.
A student studies a green poster about Aretha Franklin, which includes her birth date, achievements, and photos from different stages of her life.
A group of students stands together in the hallway, listening and observing as a classmate presents information from a Black History Month project.
A student stands beside a decorated classroom door featuring artwork and portraits of influential African Americans, looking thoughtfully at the display.
A student looks up at a green poster about Aretha Franklin, reading printed facts about her life, accomplishments, and legacy.
Dorchester School District Four will hold a Regular Board Meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 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=324
5 days ago, DD4 Communications
Reminder: Dorchester School District Four schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026 in observance of Presidents' Day. Enjoy the day and stay safe! 🇺🇸
5 days ago, DD4 Communications
A bold and patriotic graphic announces a school closure for Presidents' Day. The top of the image features a waving American flag with rich red, white, and blue colors. Below the flag, on a deep red background, white text reads:  “DD4 Schools and Offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026 for President's Day.”  The Dorchester School District Four logo appears in the top left corner. The design is clean, formal, and respectful, fitting for a national holiday observance.
Today, we pause to say THANK YOU to our dedicated School Resource Officers! On behalf of Dorchester School District Four, we are grateful for your service, protection, and commitment to the safety of our students and staff. February 15 is a day to honor YOU! Heroes who make a difference on our campuses.
6 days ago, DD4 Communications
A bold graphic honoring School Resource Officers, featuring the date February 15, 2026, and the logos of Dorchester School District Four. The text reads: “Honoring School Resource Officers. On behalf of DD4 Schools, Thank you!” in a combination of blue, white, and black fonts over a blue gradient background. The Dorchester School District Four seal is prominently displayed.
In Dorchester School District Four, our bus drivers and bus assistants do more than drive routes. They build relationships, set the tone for the day, and make sure every child arrives safely and ready to learn.
8 days ago, DD4 Communications
A smiling school bus driver wearing glasses and a dark cap looks out from the driver’s seat through the open bus window, seatbelt fastened, with the yellow exterior of the bus visible along the frame.
A young man in a brown hoodie and black beanie stands leaning against the side of a bright yellow South Carolina public schools bus, looking confidently at the camera.
A transportation staff member wearing a green Dorchester School District Four polo stands with one hand on her hip in front of a yellow school bus grille, smiling at the camera.
A bus driver sits between blue bus seats inside the vehicle, wearing a plaid shirt and jacket, looking toward the camera with a calm expression.
A school bus driver wearing a green transportation polo and orange safety belt sits in the driver’s seat, smiling warmly while holding the steering wheel inside the bus.
In Dorchester School District Four, our bus drivers and bus assistants do more than drive routes. They build relationships, set the tone for the day, and make sure every child arrives safely and ready to learn.
9 days ago, DD4 Communications
Smiling woman with curly hair and glasses stands outside on a school campus near green poles, wearing a patterned blouse and black cardigan.
Young woman seated in the driver’s seat of a school bus, smiling toward the camera with hands near the steering wheel.
School bus driver wearing a black jacket and knit hat smiles while seated behind the wheel, interior fan visible above.
Two school transportation staff members smile from inside a yellow school bus, visible through the open window.
School bus driver wearing a green blouse sits in the driver’s seat, looking toward the camera.
School bus driver with long locs smiles while seated behind the wheel inside the bus.
School bus driver with sunglasses on her head and visible arm tattoo looks toward the camera from the driver’s seat.
Older school bus driver wearing glasses and a light jacket sits behind the wheel with seatbelt fastened.
School bus driver smiles while holding a young student seated on her lap inside the bus, the child holding a small gift bag.
School bus driver wearing a red shirt sits behind the wheel, looking toward the camera inside the bus.
Dorchester County families are invited to a Community Food Distribution on Thursday, February 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Odyssey Educational Center – Jenkins Hill Campus, 145 Hill Street in Harleyville. Free food will be available for families in need.
9 days ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer for a Community Food Distribution event featuring fruits and vegetables at the top and a grocery bag on the left. Text reads: “Community Food Distribution – Free Food for Families.” Location: Odyssey Educational Center – Jenkins Hill Campus, 145 Hill Street, Harleyville, SC 29448. Thursday, February 12, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Sponsored by Mr. Louis Smith, Executive Director, Community Resource Center, and Lowcountry Food Bank.

In Mrs. Hartzog’s first-grade classroom at Harleyville Elementary, she projects her lesson onto the interactive board while students follow along and work in their books. The focus is on clear instruction and steady practice as students build their math skills. It’s a calm, focused room where learning stays front and center.

11 days ago, DD4 Communications
Mrs. Hartzog projects her book onto the screen as students follow along.
An interactive board displays a projected math workbook page as part of a first-grade lesson, with classroom number and alphabet charts visible above.
A first-grade student sits at a table, focused on completing a math worksheet in a workbook using a pencil.
A student with glasses works carefully in a math workbook at a classroom table, coloring and writing answers.
A student sits on a round classroom seat at a low table, writing in a workbook while sunlight fills the room.
Several first-grade students sit at grouped tables, each working independently in their math books during class.
A first-grade student looks up from a workbook holding a pencil, with classmates working nearby.
A first-grade student sits at a table, focused on completing a math worksheet in a workbook using a pencil.
A first-grade student leans over a workbook, writing answers during independent math practice.
A first-grade student looks up from a workbook holding a pencil, with classmates working nearby.
Good evening DD4!
Friday, February 13th is a Teacher Workday, and there will be no school for students.
Monday, February 16th is Presidents' Day, and all schools and offices will be closed.

¡Buenas tardes, DD4!
El viernes 13 de febrero es día de trabajo para maestros y no habrá clases para los estudiantes.
El lunes 16 de febrero es el Día de los Presidentes y todas las escuelas y oficinas estarán cerradas.
11 days ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic from Dorchester School District Four titled “Important Dates Reminder” listing Friday, February 13, 2026, as No School for Students and Teacher Workday, and Monday, February 16, 2026, as DD4 Schools and Offices Closed for President’s Day, with the district logo at the top on a light patterned background.
During Bus Driver Appreciation Week, Dorchester School District Four thanks the dedicated professionals who safely transport our students each day. Our bus drivers do more than drive routes; they provide care, consistency, and a trusted presence for students and families. We appreciate your commitment, professionalism, and the important role you play in keeping our students safe.
11 days ago, DD4 Communications
Bright graphic honoring Bus Driver Appreciation Week featuring a yellow school bus with the words “School Bus” on the sign, bold text reading “Thank You Drivers,” an orange background with glowing accents, and the Dorchester School District Four logo in the top corner.
DD4 Student Transportation is in the spotlight! Great things are happening in DD4!
Read the article here.
https://stnonline.com/news/deploying-electric-school-buses-in-rural-and-suburban-districts/
12 days ago, DD4 Communications
Yellow school buses parked in a lot while charging at a blue-and-white electric vehicle charging station, with charging cables connected and a fenced facility in the background.

Free Family Fun Day is coming to Davis-Bailey Park. Saturday, February 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for games, food, inflatables, archery, face painting, bubbles, balloon art, music, books, the train, and more. Activities begin at 11:00 a.m. at 5190 E. Jim Bilton Blvd. in St. George.

14 days ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer for a Free Family Fun Day at Davis-Bailey Park showing the park entrance, benches, and activity photos. Event is Saturday, February 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with games, food, inflatables, archery, face painting, bubbles, balloon art, music, books, and a train. Hosted by Dorchester County Parks and Recreation at 5190 E. Jim Bilton Blvd., St. George, South Carolina.
Looking for job training, career guidance, or help paying for training? SC Works Trident will host information sessions on February 12 at Dorchester Adult Education. Walk-ins welcome at 10 AM, 1 PM, or 5 PM. Learn how to take your next step toward employment.
15 days ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer promoting SC Works Trident information sessions on February 12 with times listed as 10 AM, 1 PM, and 5 PM. Event location is Dorchester Adult Education, 600 Minus Street, St. George, South Carolina, with instructions to use the Behling Street entrance. Flyer highlights training programs, career guidance, and financial assistance, with logos for SC Works Trident and Dorchester School District Four.
Fresh produce is coming to our community. Lowcountry Food Bank’s Fresh for All distribution will be held Friday, February 6, from 9–11 a.m. at Clay Hill Elementary School. This is a no-cost, first-come, first-served event.

Productos frescos estarán disponibles para nuestra comunidad. La distribución Fresh for All del Lowcountry Food Bank se llevará a cabo el viernes 6 de febrero, de 9 a 11 a. m., en la Escuela Primaria Clay Hill. Este es un evento sin costo, por orden de llegada. Por favor traiga sus propias bolsas.
16 days ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer for a Fresh for All Neighbor Choice Produce Distribution hosted by Lowcountry Food Bank. Event is Friday, February 6, 2026, from 9–11 a.m. at Clay Hill Elementary School in Ridgeville, South Carolina. Free produce, first come, first served. Bring your own bags.
Volante en español que anuncia una distribución de alimentos frescos del Lowcountry Food Bank. El evento se realizará el viernes 6 de febrero de 2026, de 9 a 11 a.m., en la Escuela Primaria Clay Hill, 387 S. Railroad Ave, Ridgeville, Carolina del Sur. Incluye una imagen de una canasta con verduras frescas, indica que es un evento sin costo, que los alimentos se entregan por orden de llegada hasta agotar suministros, y pide traer bolsas reutilizables.
At our most recent Board of Trustees meeting, Dorchester School District Four recognized three December Everyday Heroes whose work makes a daily difference for students and families.

Mrs. Margie Lewis, a dedicated school bus driver, sets the tone for each school day with care and consistency.

Mr. Michael Samson, Woodland High School history teacher and student government sponsor, invests in leadership and learning beyond the classroom.

Mrs. Latisha Brown, Woodland Middle School student concern specialist and after-school director, supports students where they need it most.

Thank you for serving DD4 with heart, purpose, and impact.
17 days ago, DD4 Communications
Four adults stand indoors at a school board meeting. Mrs. Latisha Brown holds a DD4 Everyday Hero certificate and coin while standing with district leaders in front of a meeting room backdrop.
Four adults pose at a school board meeting. Mrs. Margie Lewis holds a DD4 Everyday Hero certificate and coin, standing beside district leaders in a meeting room.
hree adults stand at a school board meeting. Mr. Michael Samson holds a DD4 Everyday Hero certificate and coin while standing with district leaders near the board dais.
At Clay Hill Elementary, Mr. McMichael works side by side with students in small groups, offering targeted support and real-time feedback as they learn. This approach creates space for stronger understanding, active participation, and steady growth.
18 days ago, DD4 Communications
A teacher works with several elementary students at a round table, handing out materials as students write with dry-erase markers during small group instruction.
An elementary student sits at a desk working independently on a Chromebook, focused on the screen with classroom materials and posters visible in the background.
A teacher points toward materials on a table as students sit nearby, one student looking toward the camera while others follow along during a small group learning activity.
An elementary teacher leads a small group of students seated around a round table, engaging them in discussion while they use markers and a laptop during focused instruction.
February is nationally recognized as Love the Bus Month, a time when schools and communities across the country come together to celebrate the yellow school bus and the professionals who safely transport students each day. This month-long observance highlights the essential role student transportation plays in education, while offering an opportunity to recognize the commitment, care, and responsibility behind every route. Love the Bus Month reminds us that safe, reliable transportation is foundational to student access, learning, and success.
18 days ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic with a teal background reading “NAPT Love the Bus Month” with a yellow school bus icon and red heart, above the message “School Bus Safety Matters!”