Williams Memorial Elementary School recently celebrated Kindergarten through fifth grade students who showed the highest growth on the Winter i-Ready Reading or Math Diagnostic. Students with top gains in their classes received a Tiger drawstring bag filled with items for use at school and at home.

School-wide honors went to Bryson Parnell for the highest math gain, earning a STEM robotic car, and to DeShaun Utsey for the highest reading gain. To celebrate DeShaun’s achievement, Miss Montjoy’s class will enjoy a special class party.

In addition, 195 students who made at least a 15-point gain in Reading or Math received a popcorn treat, while 165 students who made at least a 15-point gain in both assessments earned Kona Ice and extra recess. Grade-level math and reading teachers whose students showed the highest progress toward yearly stretch growth also received a $50 classroom shopping spree to support student learning.

about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
A group of elementary-aged students stand in front of a colorful school mural featuring a tiger mascot and the word “WMES,” each student holding a paw-print drawstring bag.
A group of upper elementary and middle school students pose in front of a “WMES” tiger mural, holding colorful paw-print drawstring bags and smiling at the camera.
A class of elementary students stands shoulder to shoulder in front of the WMES tiger mural, each holding a paw-print drawstring bag, with bright school colors filling the background.
A group of elementary students pose in front of the WMES tiger mural, holding blue and pink paw-print drawstring bags, with the Dorchester School District Four logo visible in the corner.
A single elementary-aged student stands in front of the WMES tiger mural holding a boxed prize and a blue paw-print drawstring bag.
A small group of elementary students stand in front of the WMES tiger mural, each holding a paw-print drawstring bag, smiling proudly.
A group of younger elementary students stand in front of the WMES tiger mural, holding blue and pink paw-print drawstring bags.
A Kona Ice truck is parked outside on a sunny day as a long line of elementary students waits to order shaved ice.
Dorchester School District Four invites community members to attend a Virtual Mentoring Program Orientation on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This session will share details about the mentoring program and how community support helps strengthen student success. Scan the QR code on the flyer to register and receive the Zoom link.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer for Dorchester School District Four Virtual Mentoring Program Orientation. The flyer features photos of students learning with mentors and children gathered around a globe. Event details read Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A QR code is included to register for the virtual orientation and receive a Zoom link, along with contact information for Dr. Nancy Britt-Stevens, Anntoinette Haynes, and Chaquilla Green.
Dorchester School District Four schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Las escuelas y oficinas del Distrito Escolar Cuatro de Dorchester estarán cerradas el lunes 19 de enero de 2026 en honor al Día del Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Black-and-white commemorative graphic honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring a side-profile portrait of him speaking, with large “MLK” text, the date January 19, 2026, a quote reading “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that,” his signature, and text stating that Dorchester School District Four schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Dorchester School District Four was proud to host the South Carolina Department of Education’s Palmetto Math Project professional development today, bringing educators together to strengthen math instruction and support student learning across our schools.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Wide view of educators seated at round tables during a professional development session, working on laptops and participating in group discussions in a large meeting room.
An educator stands beside a table speaking with participants as they work during a professional development session.
Small group discussion at a table as an educator listens and takes notes during a professional development session.
Three educators smiling and talking together at a table during a collaborative professional development activity.
Educators collaborate at tables while a presenter stands near a screen at the front of the room during a professional development workshop.
Close-up of an educator wearing a name tag, listening attentively during a group discussion at professional development.
Group of educators seated at a table reviewing materials and working on laptops during professional development.
Close-up of an educator smiling toward the camera while seated at a table with colleagues working in the background during professional development.
Sign outside the building reading “Professional Development Meeting” with an arrow pointing left, displaying the Dorchester School District Four logo.
The Quarter 3 Parent & Family Engagement Newsletter is available. Click the link to read the newsletter. https://5il.co/3tdws
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Dorchester School District Four graphic announcing the Quarter 3 Parent and Family Engagement Newsletter, shown on a green background with the district logo above a smartphone displaying the newsletter cover featuring elementary-aged children playing outdoors and a list of topics included in the issue.
SAVE THE DATE!
Dorchester School District Four is hosting our annual District Spelling Bee on January 27 at 6 PM in the DD4 Boardroom. Families and friends are invited to cheer on our students as they take the stage.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
A dark background poster with yellow honeycomb patterns along the top and bottom. Large white and yellow text reads Spelling Bee. Cartoon bees fly around the page with dotted flight paths. The event details say Jan 27, DD4 Boardroom, starts at 6 PM, and everyone is invited to watch and cheer. It lists that participants should arrive by 5:15 PM and gives the address 600 Minus Street, St. George. The Dorchester School District Four logo sits in the lower left corner.
DD4 Community, please review the two draft instructional schedules below and submit one vote for your preferred calendar by Friday, January 16, 2026. Feedback from the community, along with input from our teachers and staff, will be carefully considered as we make a final calendar decision. Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective.

https://forms.gle/JgzpZJFexuqp4rXT7
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Two side-by-side draft instructional calendars labeled “Draft A” and “Draft B” for Dorchester School District Four for the 2026–2027 school year, each showing monthly calendars from July 2026 through June 2027 with color-coded days indicating student attendance, holidays, teacher workdays, professional development days, weather make-up days, early release days, and half days, along with a legend on the right listing first and last days of school, student and staff holidays, teacher workdays, weather make-up days, end-of-term reporting dates, half days, and graduation date placeholders.
Two side-by-side draft instructional calendars labeled “Draft A” and “Draft B” for Dorchester School District Four for the 2026–2027 school year, each showing monthly calendars from July 2026 through June 2027 with color-coded days indicating student attendance, holidays, teacher workdays, professional development days, weather make-up days, early release days, and half days, along with a legend on the right listing first and last days of school, student and staff holidays, teacher workdays, weather make-up days, end-of-term reporting dates, half days, and graduation date placeholders.
Congratulations to Dr. James Hodges on being recognized for 35 years of dedicated service to Dorchester School District Four; his leadership and commitment have made a lasting impact on students, staff, and the community. Dr. Hodges will be formally honored during the Board of Trustees meeting on January 20.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Formal portrait of Dr. Hodges wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and light gold tie, standing against a gray backdrop, with the Dorchester School District Four logo in the upper right corner and text reading “Congratulations Dr. Hodges” and “Thank you for 35 years.”
Press release document from the South Carolina School Boards Association announcing January 2026 Board Recognition Month award recipients, recognizing Dr. James Hodges of Dorchester School District Four for 35 years of school board service, with contact information, date, and organizational details displayed.
Project Prom is a locally led initiative driven by Kelly Education staff to help ensure students have access to formalwear for prom and other formal events.

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

Donations may be dropped off at First Citizens Bank, 129 N Parler Ave, St. George, SC 29477. For questions or pickup information, call or text Stephanie Worden at 843-909-8747. Your support helps students shine this formal season. #ProjectProm #FormalSeason #DD4
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Pink gradient flyer announcing “Formal Season Is Almost Here.” The graphic explains a Project Prom donation drive to help students access formalwear for prom and other formal events, listing accepted items as dresses, suits, dress shoes, and jewelry, shown with matching icons. It includes a drop-off location at First Citizens Bank, 129 N Parler Ave, St. George, SC 29477, contact information for Stephanie Worden at 843-909-8747 for questions or pickup, and hashtags #ProjectProm, #FormalSeason, and #DD4.
Beginning January 6, routine bus updates will be shared through the DD4 app using notifications only. We will no longer send routine bus updates by text message. This change helps ensure families who do not ride the bus are not receiving bus texts and protects text messaging for urgent and emergency district communications.

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

Thank you for your support and partnership.
about 2 months ago, DD4 Communications
Dorchester School District Four logo centered over a row of yellow school buses parked in a lot, with the words “Communication Update” displayed across the bottom of the image.
The January Parent Newsletter is now available. https://tinyurl.com/3y4v8n84
about 2 months ago, DD4 Communications
Green Dorchester School District Four graphic announcing the January Parent Newsletter, with the district logo at the top, the word “Newsletter” centered, and a smartphone mockup below displaying a parent-focused article about helping children succeed in school.
Winter Break is almost over!

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

¡Las vacaciones de invierno están por terminar!

Los estudiantes regresan a clases el martes 6 de enero. ¡Estamos ansiosos por verlos de regreso y listos para comenzar el 2026 con energía y entusiasmo!
about 2 months ago, DD4 Communications
Dorchester School District Four flyer reminding families that students return on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. The flyer reads: “We can’t wait to see you! Welcome Back!”
SAVE THE DATE!
Dorchester School District Four is hosting our annual District Spelling Bee on January 27 at 6 PM in the DD4 Boardroom. Families and friends are invited to cheer on our students as they take the stage.
about 2 months ago, DD4 Communications
A dark background poster with yellow honeycomb patterns along the top and bottom. Large white and yellow text reads Spelling Bee. Cartoon bees fly around the page with dotted flight paths. The event details say Jan 27, DD4 Boardroom, starts at 6 PM, and everyone is invited to watch and cheer. It lists that participants should arrive by 5:15 PM and gives the address 600 Minus Street, St. George. The Dorchester School District Four logo sits in the lower left corner.
Join us for the "Tour de Four", a guided bus tour designed for future employees and future parents who want a true look at Dorchester School District Four. Most recruiting events stay inside one school with a theme and a presentation, but this one takes you beyond the walls. You’ll ride through the district, visit multiple schools, meet our people, and see DD4 in action. Special stops, real conversations, and snacks included. Seats are limited, so reserve yours today.

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

January 31, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Clay Hill Elementary School, 387 S. Railroad Ave, Ridgeville, SC
about 2 months ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer for Dorchester School District Four advertising the Tour de Four Employee Recruitment and Future Parent Event. The top half shows a white and green school bus labeled Tour de Four driving on a road with trees and hills in the background. The DD4 district seal appears on the left. The headline reads “Tour de Four Employee Recruitment and Future Parent Event! Saturday, January 31st.” Text explains that attendees will take a guided bus tour through district schools to see classrooms, meet people, and learn what makes DD4 a strong place to work and learn. The event runs from 10 AM to 12 PM at Clay Hill Elementary, 387 South Railroad Avenue, Ridgeville, South Carolina. The bottom section notes that seats are limited and includes the registration website: www.dorchester4.k12.sc.us .
Happy New Year from Dorchester School District Four!

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

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

¡Bienvenido, 2026! Estamos entusiasmados por un año lleno de aprendizaje, crecimiento y nuevas oportunidades para nuestros estudiantes, personal y familias. Hagamos de este un gran año juntos.
about 2 months ago, DD4 Communications
blue background with fireworks popping behind a gold 2026. At the bottom in gold "Happy new year". District logo above the 2026
Join us for the "Tour de Four", a guided bus tour designed for future employees and future parents who want a true look at Dorchester School District Four. Most recruiting events stay inside one school with a theme and a presentation, but this one takes you beyond the walls. You’ll ride through the district, visit multiple schools, meet our people, and see DD4 in action. Special stops, real conversations, and snacks included. Seats are limited, so reserve yours today.

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

January 31, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Clay Hill Elementary School, 387 S. Railroad Ave, Ridgeville, SC
about 2 months ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer for Dorchester School District Four advertising the Tour de Four Employee Recruitment and Future Parent Event. The top half shows a white and green school bus labeled Tour de Four driving on a road with trees and hills in the background. The DD4 district seal appears on the left. The headline reads “Tour de Four Employee Recruitment and Future Parent Event! Saturday, January 31st.” Text explains that attendees will take a guided bus tour through district schools to see classrooms, meet people, and learn what makes DD4 a strong place to work and learn. The event runs from 10 AM to 12 PM at Clay Hill Elementary, 387 South Railroad Avenue, Ridgeville, South Carolina. The bottom section notes that seats are limited and includes the registration website: www.dorchester4.k12.sc.us .
We are proud to introduce the 2025–2026 Dorchester School District Four Teacher Forum. This group meets regularly with the Superintendent to share feedback, discuss district improvements, and ensure teachers and staff have a strong voice in decision-making. Their work is a vital part of keeping DD4 a safe, supportive, and enjoyable place to work.

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

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

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

Dorchester School District Four is proud of the hard work and dedication from the students and coaches that make this all possible.
2 months ago, DD4 Communications
A group of Williams Memorial Elementary Tiger Bots students in yellow tie-dye shirts and tiger-ear headbands stand at a robotics competition table speaking with a referee in a black-and-white striped shirt who is reviewing a score sheet. LEGO mission models cover the table.
Two Tiger Bots students in yellow shirts and tiger-ear headbands stand at a FIRST LEGO League competition table, gesturing and watching their robot’s run while referees and other teams work in the background.
Tiger Bots team members gather around a competition table. One student gives a thumbs-up while another focuses on the robot game. Their coach stands nearby, smiling.
Students and coaches in yellow Tiger Bots shirts wait around a robotics table inside a busy gymnasium as multiple teams compete. Spectators sit in the bleachers behind them.
A tabletop display shows a handmade tri-fold board with a True or False archaeology game. Two cups of answer cards sit in front of the board on a checked tablecloth.
A full Tiger Bots research and innovation station is set up with tri-fold boards detailing robot design, the robot game, and an archaeology project. Handouts, LEGO pieces, and a water bottle sit on the table.
Tiger Bots students sit on the gym floor eating snacks while a coach reads from a booklet. Other teams and tables fill the background.
A Tiger Bots coach sits in a folding chair speaking with team members who are gathered around a tote full of snacks. Students wear yellow tie-dye shirts and tiger-ear headbands.
Three Tiger Bots students stand with a referee reviewing a score sheet at the competition table. The students wear yellow tie-dye shirts with Tiger Bots printed on the back.
Tiger Bots students prepare for a match at a robotics table inside a crowded gym. Referees oversee multiple games while families and teams watch from the sidelines.
Dorchester School District Four held its December board meeting on Tuesday, December 16. The Board honored Everyday Heroes Lakisha Pigatt of CHES, Paula Huggins of CHES, and Latorsha Bryant of WMS. Updates included a positive report from the State Auditor confirming DD4 is under budget and financially strong, ongoing building and branding improvements, and new kitchen equipment scheduled for installation over winter break. Superintendent Beckwith also shared an end of year review highlighting the great work happening across the district. The next board meeting is Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
2 months ago, DD4 Communications
Paula Huggins, a CHES teacher, holds her DD4 Everyday Hero certificate while standing with district leadership in front of the board room, captured in a proud moment following her recognition.
Latorsha Bryant, assistant principal at Woodland Middle School, holds her DD4 Everyday Hero certificate while standing with colleagues and district leaders, several dressed in festive holiday attire, marking her recognition during the December board meeting.
Lakisha Pigatt, a CHES interventionist, stands centered holding her DD4 Everyday Hero certificate and commemorative coin, surrounded by district leaders at the board meeting dais, all smiling during her recognition.