In our Classrooms:
Fourth graders at Clay Hill Elementary took learning to new heights with a special visit from American Airlines flight attendant Tei Hurst! Based in Dayton, Ohio, Ms. Hurst shared her experiences working on regional flights and explained how the concepts of energy and motion helped the Wright Brothers achieve flight in 1903.

It was an exciting and inspiring way to launch Mrs. Tayler Bell’s new science unit on forms of energy! ✈️
8 days ago, DD4 Communications
A group of fourth-grade students from Clay Hill Elementary stand together smiling inside their classroom with American Airlines flight attendant Tei Hurst. Ms. Hurst is centered behind the group, wearing her navy uniform and pink scarf. The classroom walls display colorful numbers, student work, and a large screen that reads “Hi There” with a boarding pass graphic.
American Airlines flight attendant Tei Hurst sits on a stool at the front of a classroom, holding her lanyard and ID badge while speaking to attentive fourth-grade students. The students are seated and listening closely, with one raising a hand to ask a question. The classroom is decorated with educational posters and a world map.
Tei Hurst, dressed in her flight attendant uniform, reads aloud to a Clay Hill Elementary fourth grader seated nearby. The student listens intently while other classmates look on. The classroom background includes bright decorations, educational charts, and a screen showing an image of an airplane window view.

Dorchester School District Four celebrated students with satisfactory attendance before the break, recognizing those who missed fewer than two days of school during the first quarter. These students were treated to a short cotton candy party as a fun reward for their dedication to showing up and staying engaged.

We’re proud of their commitment and encourage all students to keep up the great attendance! Let’s see even more faces at the next celebration!

9 days ago, DD4 Communications
A group of middle school students gathers around a table filled with bags of pink and blue cotton candy. A teacher assists as students excitedly choose their treats during the attendance celebration.
A group of students poses outdoors, smiling and holding bags of cotton candy. Some students are eating their treats while others make peace signs, celebrating their good attendance.
Young elementary students sit in a gym bleacher row, each holding a small bag of cotton candy. Some children are eating, while others smile and chat with friends during the reward event.
Three elementary students sit together on a yellow playground bench, enjoying pink and blue cotton candy under the sunlight. Each child holds a plastic bag of candy, smiling and relaxed.
In our Classrooms: Woodland High School held their annual College Application Day on Friday, giving seniors hands-on support as they navigated the college admissions process. Students spent time in the library completing applications and taking one more step toward their futures.

Staff and students joined in by wearing college gear to promote higher education and school spirit! Special thanks to Mr. Montegomery from TRIO, Kenneth Shuler, Shaketta Reed and Cameraon Keib, Trident Tech, Kenyatta Grimmage, College of Charleston, and Onyx Barksdale, USC Salkehatchie.
10 days ago, DD4 Communications
A student with short braids works on a laptop at a library table during College Application Day, with papers and other laptops on the table and bookshelves in the background.
A staff member wearing glasses, a maroon blazer, and a name badge stands at a service counter, smiling in a school office area.
A woman in a green blazer hands a brochure to a seated student who smiles while using a laptop at a round library table.
A student in a green camouflage hoodie leans over a laptop, concentrating at a library table while groups of students work at nearby tables.
Ms. Thompson, in a red Newberry College shirt sits beside a student and points at a laptop screen as they review application materials together.
A student in a gray sweater smiles while working on a laptop in the library, with papers and a water bottle on the table and a presentation screen in the distance.
A staff member in a maroon polo bends to assist a student in a white hoodie who is viewing a laptop at a round table in the library.
Two students sit side by side at a rectangular library table, each typing on a laptop, with papers, a phone, and a large tumbler on the table and bookshelves behind them.
A student with long dreadlocks types on a laptop at a library table, with a drink bottle, flyers, and other students working in the background.
A student with bright red hair in a cream headband and lavender fleece works on a laptop at a library table, with a large pink water bottle nearby.
Calling all little learners ages 2–4! Join Dorchester School District Four for a fun-filled 45-minute reading adventure as we enjoy It’s Pumpkin Day, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff. After the story, children and their caregivers will dive into a hands-on craft and enjoy a tasty snack together.

Sessions will be held at:
• Harleyville Elementary – Tuesday, October 28
• Clay Hill Elementary – Wednesday, October 29
• Williams Memorial Elementary – Friday, October 31

Each session runs from 1:30 PM to 2:15 PM.
Register by scanning the QR code or contact Mrs. Chaquilla Green at cjgreen@dd4.k12.sc.us
.
11 days ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer with fall leaves border promoting Dorchester School District Four’s early childhood reading event for ages 2–4. The event features a reading of It’s Pumpkin Day, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff, followed by a hands-on craft and snack. Dates listed are October 28 at Harleyville Elementary, October 29 at Clay Hill Elementary, and October 31 at Williams Memorial Elementary. Sessions run from 1:30 PM to 2:15 PM. The flyer includes a QR code for registration, DD4 logo at the top center, and an image of the book cover showing a smiling pumpkin with a mouse beside it. Contact information for Chaquilla Green, Parent and Family Engagement Coordinator, is provided with phone numbers and email address cjgreen@dd4.k12.sc.us .
Today we celebrate our Assessment & Accountability Department—a team dedicated to ensuring accuracy, integrity, and excellence in student data and performance reporting across Dorchester School District Four.

Under the leadership of Director Shelissa Bowman and Coordinator Elixzina Breadmon, this department plays a vital role in supporting instruction, guiding data-driven decisions, and ensuring that every assessment reflects the hard work of our students and educators.

Thank you, Mrs. Bowman and Ms. Breadmon, for your attention to detail, your commitment to fairness, and your unwavering support of our schools and staff. Your work truly makes a difference in the success of every student in DD4!
11 days ago, DD4 Communications
A blue and white graphic reads, “Honoring Assessment & Accountability. On behalf of DD4 Schools, Thank You!” The date “October 25, 2025” appears on the left, and the Dorchester School District Four logo is shown in the corners. The design celebrates the district’s Assessment and Accountability Department.
Attention DD4 Parents! Dorchester School District Four is inviting parents to join the next cohort of the Parent Leadership Partners Program. This six-session series will empower you to take an active leadership role in your child’s education and connect with other parents in the community.

The first session begins Monday, November 3 at Woodland High School. Registration is free but limited to the first 15 parents. Sign up by Friday, October 31, 2025.

Learn more and register using the QR code on the flyer, by clicking here https://tinyurl.com/ep8th7k3, or contact Mrs. Green at cjgreen@dd4.k12.sc.us
12 days ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer titled “Attention DD4 Parents! Discover the Parent Leadership Partners Program.” The flyer explains that Dorchester School District Four is offering a six-week program beginning November 3, 2025, at Woodland High School to help parents strengthen leadership roles in their children’s education. Benefits include learning to advocate effectively, finding support resources, and connecting with a parent community. Registration is free and limited to 15 participants. The deadline is October 31, 2025. Contact Mrs. Green at cjgreen@dd4.k12.sc.us for details. The flyer features two circular photos—one of a smiling Black family and another of a white family reading a book together—and a DD4 logo in the top right corner.
In Our Schools:
Students at Williams Memorial Elementary had an inspiring author visit from Gina Casazza, founder of EmpowerLit – Literacy & Beyond and author of You Really, Truly Do Belong.

What began as one children’s book about belonging has grown into a national movement helping kids build confidence through reading and storytelling. After learning that 1 in 3 children feels like they don’t belong and only 30% read at grade level, Gina created EmpowerLit to change that.

Through her visit, students were reminded that they matter, their voices have power, and their stories belong in the world.
12 days ago, DD4 Communications
Author Gina Casazza stands at the front of a classroom, wearing a bright pink dress and holding a tablet. She gestures with open arms while speaking to a group of elementary students. Behind her, a large screen displays the words “Come along,” and the classroom is decorated with fall leaves and a Pete the Cat poster.
Several young students sit close together on the floor, looking toward the front of the room. A girl with long braids and gold beads gazes forward, appearing thoughtful and engaged.
A young student with short dreadlocks looks upward attentively while listening to the author’s presentation. Other students and bright classroom colors appear slightly blurred in the background.
A young boy in a red-striped shirt sits cross-legged on the floor, resting his chin on his hand as he listens to the author’s story. Other students sit nearby, facing forward toward the speaker.
A group of diverse elementary students sit quietly on the floor, watching the speaker at the front of the room. Their expressions show focus and curiosity.
A young boy with short brown hair looks toward the front of the room with a focused expression. Around him, other students sit closely together and watch the presentation.
A group of elementary students sit on the floor of a library, listening attentively. One student with braided hair and colorful beads raises her hand to answer a question. Bookshelves and chairs line the background.

Get ready for another exciting week of DD4 Youth Soccer! ⚽ Games kick off Tuesday, October 28, at Woodland High School. Check out the full schedule below for team matchups, times, and field locations. Come out and cheer on our young athletes!

13 days ago, DD4 Communications
A flyer titled “DD4 Youth Soccer” shows the October 28 game schedule at Woodland High School. It lists five fields—Baseball Fields 1 and 2, Football Fields 3 and 4, and Softball Field 5—with games for grades 1st–2nd and 3rd–5th starting at 6:00 and 7:00 PM. Each field lists color-coded teams like Light Blue, Gold Diggers, Dark Gray, Hawks, Royal Blue, Jaguars, Navy, Playmakers, and others. The flyer includes a team and coach reference chart for CHES, HES, WMES, and WMS, and a labeled campus map showing parking and field locations near Highway 78.
In our Classrooms: In Mrs. Washington’s class at Clay Hill Elementary, students explored the distributive property of multiplication! Through hands-on examples and active participation, students learned how to break apart multiplication problems into smaller, easier parts, making math both engaging and fun.
13 days ago, DD4 Communications
Mrs. Washington uses hand gestures to explain the distributive property of multiplication to her class as students follow along.
A laptop displays a colorful slide about the distributive property of multiplication, showing an example problem broken into smaller parts using visuals and numbers.
A student raises her hand eagerly to answer a question while another student watches attentively during a math lesson on multiplication.
Mrs. Washington smiles as she interacts with her students during a math discussion on the distributive property of multiplication.
A student with red braids raises her hand confidently to participate in a classroom discussion about multiplication while another student listens beside her.
A student in a light green shirt listens attentively during the math lesson, with a workbook open on the desk.
Students actively participate during class—one raising her hand while another uses her fingers to explain a math problem.
Dorchester School District Four held its October School Board meeting on Tuesday, October 21. During the meeting, the Board and Superintendent Jeffrey Beckwith honored the district’s first Everyday Heroes of the 2025–2026 school year for the month of September.

Recognized were Officer John Stone, School Resource Officer at Harleyville Elementary; Shirley Eskew, Teacher at Odyssey Educational Center; and David Ross, Activity Bus Driver for DD4. Each honoree received a Certificate of Achievement and a DD4 Superintendent’s Challenge Coin in recognition of their dedication and impact. Monica Tudder, Director of Exceptional Children, read heartfelt nominations submitted by their peers, highlighting the difference each makes in their school community.

The Board also recognized member Jenny Infinger for achieving Level 1 status through the South Carolina School Boards Association (SCSBA). Board Chair Phyllis Hughes was commended for reaching Level 5 status and will be formally honored at the November meeting.

The next DD4 School Board meeting will be held on Monday, November 18 at 6:00 PM.
13 days ago, DD4 Communications
Officer John Stone, School Resource Officer at Harleyville Elementary, stands smiling with Principal Jeremy Wolfgang and Superintendent Jeffrey Beckwith after receiving his DD4 Everyday Hero award and Challenge Coin.
Shirley Eskew, teacher at Odyssey Educational Center, holds her DD4 Everyday Hero certificate while standing with Principal Dr. Jeffery Thompson and Superintendent Jeffrey Beckwith at the recognition ceremony.
David Ross, DD4 Activity Bus Driver, holds his DD4 Everyday Hero certificate and Challenge Coin while standing with Assistant Athletic Director Wylie McCall and Superintendent Jeffrey Beckwith.
Board member Jenny Infinger stands with Superintendent Jeffrey Beckwith, holding her Certificate of Achievement from the South Carolina School Boards Association recognizing her for achieving Level 1 status.
David Ross stands in front of the Dorchester School District Four logo, holding his DD4 Everyday Hero certificate and Challenge Coin alongside his wife smiling beside him.
A framed DD4 Everyday Hero certificate on a table recognizes David Ross for his commitment to the students and staff of Dorchester School District Four. A DD4 Superintendent’s Challenge Coin is displayed behind the frame.
A close-up view of the Dorchester School District Four Superintendent’s Challenge Coin, gold-rimmed with the DD4 logo centered in green and white, displayed on a small clear stand.

🔴 National Red Ribbon Week is October 23–31! Dorchester School District Four supports the theme “Life is a Puzzle – Solve It Drug Free.” We're committed to encouraging students to live drug-free and connecting families to helpful resources.

Learn more at www.redribbon.org #RedRibbonWeek #DrugFreeDD4

13 days ago, DD4 Communications
A bright yellow poster with red and blue puzzle pieces reads, “Life is a puzzle, solve it drug free.” The text promotes Red Ribbon Week, observed October 23–31. The bottom includes the Red Ribbon Campaign logo, website www.redribbon.org , and the Dorchester School District Four logo.
Good Afternoon, Bus 412 will be 20 minutes late this afternoon
14 days ago, Harold Nix
Woodland High School Agricultural Mechanics students put their skills to the test this semester under the guidance of teacher Markie Leonard. After learning about measurements, safety, tool use, and material planning, students designed, scaled, and built a custom set of cornhole boards from start to finish.

Their finished project was proudly awarded to the community during the Woodland FFA “Shuck n’ Chuck” Oyster Roast and Cornhole Tournament. Great job, Wolverines, on combining craftsmanship, teamwork, and real-world learning!
14 days ago, DD4 Communications
Two completed cornhole boards stand against a green wall beneath a sign that reads “Woodland FFA Shuck n’ Chuck Oyster Roast & Cornhole Tournament,” decorated with oysters, lemons, and cornhole boards.
A finished stained cornhole board sits on a classroom table with “Shuck n’ Chuck” etched into the wood.
Three students assemble a wooden frame on a classroom table using a drill and teamwork.
A student sands a wooden board with a power sander on an outdoor workbench while another student watches.
A student in a red hoodie measures and marks a piece of wood using a ruler at a classroom table.
Two students use a miter saw outside the classroom to cut a piece of wood while wearing safety glasses.
Students in Agricultural Mechanics class work together measuring and marking a wooden board on a classroom table
In Our Classrooms: In Mrs. Ayer’s English Language Arts class at Woodland Middle School- DD4, students explored figurative language! The day’s lesson focused on identifying and explaining similes, metaphors, personification, and more; helping students see how creative language brings writing to life.
15 days ago, DD4 Communications
Mrs. Ayer, An English teacher speaks passionately to students, engaging the class in a lively discussion.
A middle school student wearing a pink hoodie works independently on a laptop at her desk in an English Language Arts classroom.
Mrs. Ayer enthusiastically gestures while leading a discussion with students seated around the classroom.
A student focuses intently as he writes in his notebook during a classroom writing activity.
A student concentrates on his work, holding a pencil above his notebook during an English lesson.
Two students work quietly at their desks, one writing in a notebook and another reading a paper during class.
A student wearing glasses listens carefully during an English Language Arts lesson, with papers spread on his desk.
A student smiles slightly while looking across the classroom, holding a pencil and notebook on her desk.
A student in a blue hoodie writes in his notebook while seated near a bookshelf filled with classroom books.
Dorchester School District Four will hold a Regular Board Meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 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=320
16 days ago, DD4 Communications
DD4 Logo

Good afternoon DD4 Families!

The 2025-2026 Quarter 2 Parent & Family Engagement Newsletter is now available.

Click here to view the letter. https://5il.co/3rcer

16 days ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic featuring the Dorchester School District Four logo centered above the word “Newsletter.” Below, text reads “Parent & Family Engagement Newsletter is now available.” The image of a smartphone displays the newsletter cover, which shows a smiling family of four and includes the title “Parent and Family Engagement Newsletter” along with headlines such as “Supporting Our DD4 Community,” “Attendance Celebrations,” and “Virtual Trainings and Family Events.” The overall design is clean with green and white branding consistent with DD4’s style.
DD4 Youth Soccer starts tomorrow night!
16 days ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic titled “DD4 Youth Soccer Match Schedule” for Dorchester School District Four. The background features green turf with blue and black text boxes. The schedule lists match times, locations, and dates for youth soccer games held at Woodland High School (WHS). Games are scheduled at 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM on October 21, October 28, and November 4. Locations include Baseball Fields #1 and #2, Football Fields #1 and #2, and the Practice Field #1. Each matchup includes abbreviations for schools such as WMES (Williams Memorial Elementary School), HES (Harleyville Elementary School), and CHES (Clay Hill Elementary School), with grade levels noted as 1st/2nd or 3rd–5th. The Dorchester School District Four logo appears in the top left corner.
🚌 It’s School Bus Safety Week!

Safety starts at the bus stop:
🚏 Stand 5 giant steps from the curb
👁️ Always make eye contact with the driver
🛑 Wait for the signal before boarding

Drivers:
🟡 Slow down for flashing yellow lights
🛑 Stop when the stop-arm is out
🏫 Watch for children near bus stops

Let’s work together to keep our students safe!
#SchoolBusSafetyWeek #DD4Safety #BusStopTips
17 days ago, DD4 Communications
: 🚌 It’s School Bus Safety Week! Safety starts at the bus stop: ⌚ Arrive 5 minutes early 🚏 Stand 5 giant steps from the curb 👁️ Always make eye contact with the driver 🛑 Wait for the signal before boarding Drivers: 🟡 Slow down for flashing yellow lights 🛑 Stop when the stop-arm is out 🏫 Watch for children near bus stops Let’s work together to keep our students safe! #SchoolBusSafetyWeek #DD4Safety #BusStopTips
Williams Memorial Elementary School wrapped up September with another exciting Club Day! Students explored their interests and discovered new passions through a variety of engaging activities.

From building creative designs with Legos and experimenting with robotics to expressing themselves through art, dance, and cooking, every club offered a unique hands-on experience. Students also enjoyed working with computers right in their classrooms, learning new skills and having fun along the way.

And to finish the day on a calm note, one group participated in yoga, a peaceful and unexpected highlight that showed just how diverse and enjoyable Club Day can be at WMES!
19 days ago, DD4 Communications
A young student with braided hair focuses on coloring a worksheet at her desk using a bright orange marker. School supplies and folders are on the desk, with classroom decor visible in the background.
An elementary student builds a colorful Lego structure at his desk, carefully attaching pieces from a nearby container filled with building blocks.
A blonde-haired student sits at a round table, programming a Lego robotics project on a laptop. A small motorized build is connected to the computer with a white cable.
A smiling student in a light blue shirt performs a yoga pose on a purple mat during class, balancing on hands and knees while looking toward the camera.
A group of students raises plastic cups in celebration inside a classroom. They are smiling and toasting together in front of colorful posters and classroom decor.
A student wearing glasses and a red shirt works intently on a coding project using a laptop in a classroom setting. Other students are visible in the background working on computers.
A student in glasses and a black hoodie paints a green figure on white paper during art class. Art supplies, scissors, and paint trays are spread across the table.
A group of students in a music classroom laughs and participates while one student sings into a yellow microphone. The atmosphere is lively and interactive.
Two students work on colorful watercolor paintings at an art table, smiling and concentrating as they use scissors and brushes to complete their projects.
A cheerful student flashes double peace signs while sitting at a classroom desk. School supplies and other students are visible in the background.
Join the Dorchester County Library for PJ Picnic Storytime at the St. George Branch on Tuesday, October 21 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Families with 3- and 4-year-olds are invited to come in their pajamas, enjoy songs and stories, and share a free meal together.

This special event is part of the DCL Reads Kindergarten Readiness program in collaboration with Save the Children.
No registration required — everyone is welcome!

📍 St. George Branch | 506 N Parler Ave, St. George, SC
19 days ago, DD4 Communications
A flyer for the Dorchester County Library’s “PJ Picnic Storytime” at the St. George Branch on Tuesday, October 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The design features a red-and-white picnic pattern background, teddy bears, and illustrations of smiling children in pajamas. Text explains that families with children ages 3 and 4 are invited to wear pajamas, enjoy songs and stories, and have a meal at the library. Event presented by Dorchester County Library and Save the Children’s Kindergarten Readiness program. Address: 506 N Parler Ave, St. George, SC.
A print layout showing four identical “PJ Picnic Storytime” flyers arranged in a two-by-two grid. Each flyer promotes the Dorchester County Library’s event at the St. George Branch on Tuesday, October 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., featuring teddy bear graphics and children in pajamas on a picnic blanket background.