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
4 months 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.
4 months 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!

4 months 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.
4 months 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.
4 months 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

4 months 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
4 months 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!
4 months 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.
4 months 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
4 months 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

4 months 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!
4 months 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
4 months 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!
4 months 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
4 months 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.
Woodland High School Spanish teachers Ms. Dionis and Ms. Pernia led engaging projects that brought culture, language, and tradition to life.
In Ms. Dionis’ Spanish 3 class, students researched Hispanic celebrities, learning about their home countries and careers, then answered questions in Spanish about their presentations. Principal Michael White joined in the discussion and even sampled authentic Hispanic cuisine prepared by students.

In Ms. Pernia’s class, students explored Hispanic countries, sharing facts about each nation’s history, culture, famous people, music, and flag. Her students also enjoyed tasting traditional dishes that highlighted the diversity of Hispanic heritage.

It was a meaningful way to close out Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrate the many cultures that enrich our schools and community.
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
A student proudly displays a colorful trifold poster about Carlos Santana, featuring images of Mexican cuisine, family, and music awards.
A group of high school students and their teacher pose together in a Spanish classroom decorated with cultural posters and alphabet letters.
Two students sit behind their trifold presentation board on Cuba, featuring the Cuban flag, maps, food, and famous people.
A smiling student stands beside a Puerto Rico project board decorated with photos, the flag, and images of Bad Bunny and Puerto Rican dishes.
Two students stand behind a bright yellow and red project board about Shakira and Colombia, featuring pictures of the singer, Colombian food, and symbols.
A male teacher dressed in a sparkling black and silver jacket with a white feather boa samples food while smiling during a classroom celebration.
A large group of students poses with their Hispanic Heritage Month projects on countries including El Salvador, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, surrounded by international flags.
A student and teacher smile while holding a colorful Venezuela project board in front of a digital display reading “Hispanic Heritage Month.”
A student eats from a cup while participating in a classroom celebration, with another student standing beside him enjoying food.
Two students stand beside their Dominican Republic project display featuring information on music, famous people, and traditional clothing.
Happy Columbus Day!
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
Happy Columbus Day October 13, 2025
Get ready for some Halloween fun at Davis Bailey Park! 🎃
Join Dorchester County Parks & Recreation for Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October 24, from 5–7 PM!

Enjoy treats, costumes, and fun for the whole family — plus an electric train, food truck, and Sweet Southern Chill!

📍 Davis Bailey Park
5190 E Jim Bilton Blvd, St. George, SC

Come out for a safe, family-friendly evening of fall fun! 👻🍬
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
Colorful Trunk or Treat flyer from Dorchester County Parks & Recreation. The purple and orange design features playful ghosts, candy, and Halloween graphics. Text reads: “Dorchester County Parks and Recreation Trunk or Treat. Davis Bailey Park, 5190 E Jim Bilton Blvd, St. George, SC 29477. Electric Train – Food Truck – Sweet Southern Chill! October 24th, 5–7 PM.”
In Our Classrooms: Woodland High School’s JROTC program, led by Chaplain MAJ (USA Retired) John Logan Jr. and Sergeant (Ret.) Kevin Simpson, took learning outdoors for a student-led PT session on the back lawn. Cadets demonstrated teamwork, discipline, and leadership as they guided their peers through physical training exercises.

It’s all part of building strong minds, strong bodies, and strong leaders at Woodland High!
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
Woodland High JROTC cadets jog in formation across the back lawn during a student-led PT session.
A group of Woodland High JROTC cadets jog together in step, wearing black Army PT uniforms.
Chaplain MAJ (USA Retired) John Logan Jr. observes cadets during outdoor physical training on the back lawn.
Sergeant (Ret.) Kevin Simpson stands on the field, overseeing cadets during student-led PT at Woodland High.
Cadets stand in small groups between exercises, preparing for the next part of their PT session.
JROTC cadets perform jumping jacks in unison under the morning sun during their student-led workout.
A large group of Woodland High JROTC cadets move in formation during physical training, led by their peers.
Cadets perform arm-raise exercises while instructors observe and encourage from the sidelines.
In Mrs. Gina Sawicki’s 4th grade class at Harleyville Elementary, students were all in during a hands-on science lesson about energy. Through call and response, they broke down how energy cannot be created or destroyed, it just changes form. From note taking to lively discussion, the class stayed locked in and learning together.
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
A student’s notebook open to notes labeled “Conservation of Energy,” describing how energy cannot be created or destroyed and can change form.
Teacher Mrs. Gina Sawicki smiles and gestures energetically during her science lesson on energy, with the class notes projected on the screen behind her.
Students sit at round tables as one raises a hand to answer a question during the energy lesson.
A student seated near the teacher’s desk raises his hand to participate in the discussion, with classroom posters and supplies in the background.
A student writes notes in her notebook while focusing on the science lesson about energy.
A student with braided hair and glasses writes in her notebook while participating in Mrs. Sawicki’s science lesson.
A student with a ponytail listens attentively and holds a pencil during the class discussion.
Two students seated at desks look toward the front of the classroom, listening during the interactive lesson.
A student focuses on writing in his notebook during the energy discussion, surrounded by bookshelves in the background.
A student wearing glasses concentrates while taking notes about how energy changes form during the hands-on science lesson.