Last week, Dorchester School District Four hosted a Teacher Mentor Training to prepare experienced educators to support and guide new teachers joining DD4. The session was led by Mrs. Catherine Yates and Mrs. Candi Crosby and focused on building strong mentor relationships that support teacher growth and success.
3 months ago, DD4 Communications
A teacher wearing a knit cap writes notes in a workbook during Dorchester School District Four Teacher Mentor Training.
Teachers seated at a table during Dorchester School District Four mentor training, listening and discussing mentor strategies with a facilitator.
Two educators collaborate during mentor training as a facilitator in a yellow jacket moves between tables to support discussion.
Teachers engage in focused conversation during mentor training, with notebooks, binders, and materials spread across the table.
A teacher works on a laptop during DD4 Teacher Mentor Training while another participant takes notes nearby.
A teacher reviews a workbook and training materials while seated at a table during Dorchester School District Four mentor training.
A teacher listens attentively during mentor training while seated among colleagues in a classroom setting.
Two educators stand together reviewing mentor training materials while other participants work at tables nearby.
A teacher listens attentively during mentor training while seated among colleagues in a classroom setting.
Veteran teachers sit side by side during Dorchester School District Four mentor training, listening and taking notes during a session.
Dorchester School District Four will operate on a regular schedule tomorrow. All schools and offices will be open. Families and staff are encouraged to dress warmly for cold morning temperatures.
3 months ago, DD4 Communications
inclement weather update. blue text. district logo.

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. Participants should arrive by 5:15 PM. Address: 600 Minus Street, St. George.

3 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.

Interested in your son or daughter playing basketball this Spring? Well here’s your chance. Dorchester School District Four will be continue it's Youth basketball program this school year during the month of March and it will be available to all students across our school district in grades 3rd through 5th. Click the link for the registration form. https://aptg.co/-3L_1v

3 months ago, DD4 Communications
DD4 Youth Basektball Logo
DD4 Family,

We are monitoring the weekend weather forecast closely as colder conditions move into the area. At this time, no decisions have been made regarding potential schedule changes for the upcoming week. Student and staff safety remains our top priority, and any decisions will be made based on the most current and reliable information available.

We will continue to assess conditions and share updates with families as needed. Thank you for your patience and continued support.
3 months ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic with a cloudy sky background reading “Important Announcement Weather Update,” featuring the Dorchester School District Four logo centered and the district name displayed at the bottom.
January is School Board Appreciation Month, and Dorchester School District Four thanks our Board of Trustees for their leadership, service, and commitment to our students, staff, and community. We are grateful for the time, care, and steady guidance each of you brings to DD4 every day.
3 months ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic reading “Thank You DD4 School Board Appreciation” with the Dorchester School District Four logo at the top. Five circular headshots appear left to right with names and titles beneath: Evelyn Inyinger, Board Member; Tony Pope, Vice Chairman; Phyllis Hughes, Board Chair; Dr. James Hodges, Secretary; and Jenny Inyinger, Board Member. Green and white color scheme on a light background.
Last week we visited Woodland Middle School to celebrate students who earned honors at their 2nd Quarter Awards Ceremonies. Congratulations students. Keep up the great work!
3 months ago, DD4 Communications
A group of Woodland Middle School students stand with the school mascot holding academic awards in front of a Woodland Middle School Wolves backdrop.
A Woodland Middle School staff member places a medal over a student’s head during the Quarter 2 awards ceremony while other students watch.
A Woodland Middle School staff member places a medal around a smiling student’s neck during the Quarter 2 awards ceremony with students seated in the background.
A table displaying trophies and medals for the Woodland Middle School Quarter 2 Awards is set up in the gym with students seated behind it.
A Woodland Middle School staff member and student pose together holding an academic award during the Quarter 2 awards ceremony.
A Woodland Middle School staff member and student pose together holding an academic award as the audience applauds during the Quarter 2 ceremony.
A Woodland Middle School staff member and student smile while holding a wolf-themed academic award during the Quarter 2 awards ceremony.
A Woodland Middle School staff member and student smile while holding a wolf-themed academic award during the Quarter 2 awards ceremony.
A Woodland Middle School student in a red hoodie smiles while receiving a certificate from a staff member as other students look on during the Quarter 2 awards ceremony.
A Woodland Middle School student wearing a colorful striped sweater accepts a certificate from a staff member during the Quarter 2 awards ceremony in the school gym.
Growing Readers Story Time is coming for children ages 2–4. Families are invited to enjoy a 45-minute reading of How to Catch a Snowman followed by a hands-on craft. Sessions take place January 27–30 at select elementary schools. Scan the QR code or click the link to register. https://tinyurl.com/3anhd9nc

Hora de Cuentos Lectores en Crecimiento llega para niños de 2 a 4 años. Las familias están invitadas a disfrutar una lectura de 45 minutos de Cómo atrapar a un hombre de nieve seguida de una manualidad práctica. Las sesiones se realizarán del 27 al 30 de enero en varias escuelas primarias. Escanee el código QR O haz clic en el enlace para registrarse. https://tinyurl.com/2s36pp7y
3 months ago, DD4 Communications
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Volante de Hora de Cuentos Lectores en Crecimiento del Distrito Escolar Cuatro de Dorchester. Diseño invernal con un muñeco de nieve y un pingüino sosteniendo el libro Cómo atrapar a un hombre de nieve. El texto invita a niños de 2 a 4 años a una hora de cuentos de 45 minutos y una actividad manual. Fechas del evento: Harleyville Elementary martes 27 de enero, Clay Hill Elementary miércoles 28 de enero y Williams Memorial Elementary viernes 30 de enero. Horario de 1:30 p.m. a 2:15 p.m. Incluye código QR para registrarse e información de contacto de Chaquilla Green, Coordinadora de Participación de Padres y Familias.
Dorchester School District Four is offering sign-on incentives for the 2026–2027 school year.
New certified teachers can earn a $2,000 sign-on bonus, and current DD4 employees can earn a $200 referral bonus.
Learn more and apply at www.dorchester4.k12.sc.us
3 months ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer with Dorchester School District Four logo announcing sign-on bonuses for the 2026–2027 school year. Text reads: “Sign On Bonus. Certified Teachers $2,000. Referral $200.” Referral bonus applies to current DD4 employees. Website listed at dorchester4.k12.sc.us. Background features faint images of U.S. dollar bills.

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.

3 months 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.
3 months 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.
4 months 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.
4 months 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
4 months 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.
4 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.
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
4 months 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.
4 months 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
4 months 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.
4 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
4 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.