Dorchester School District Four families,
The October Newsletters are now available on our district website.

You can view them here: https://tinyurl.com/49x72f68

20 days ago, DD4 Communications
Newsletter titled “Helping Students Learn – Middle School, October 2025, Dorchester School District Four.” The main article on the left is titled “Spending time learning in nature supports success in school” with a photo of a smiling middle school boy in a green and yellow jacket outdoors. The article lists activities such as photo scavenger hunts, making maps, identifying wildlife, writing poetry, and using the sun to make a sundial. Below it is a green box titled “Talk about student responsibilities,” encouraging families to help children fulfill duties, be self-reliant, and persist with goals. On the right side, shorter articles include: “Promote active thinking” with a photo of a girl. “Encourage reading ahead” about preparing before class. “Offer tips for clear writing” encouraging focus on topic, organization, word choice, and mechanics. The footer lists sources, credits, and copyright for The Parent Institute.
Parents, please expect school bus delays this afternoon.

As of 1:00 p.m., I-95 southbound at the St. George interchange (mile marker 77) is closed due to a hazardous material spill. Traffic is being rerouted along Highways 15 and 78, which may cause significant delays in our area.

If you have questions about transportation, please contact the Transportation Office at (843) 636-5001.
20 days ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic with the Dorchester School District Four logo in the top left corner. The background is a dark brick wall. Large text reads “Traffic Alert Delay” in red, orange, yellow, and green gradient colors. On the right side, there are three stacked traffic lights showing red, yellow, and green signals.
Route 441 will be 25 minutes late this morning.
21 days ago, Sandra Felder

In our classrooms!

Woodland Middle School kicked off its first club meetings of the year this past Friday! One of the featured clubs is Robotics, where students jumped right in by practicing their engineering skills with snap circuits. Thank you to Mrs. Pamela Rhode for leading this exciting opportunity for our students.

23 days ago, DD4 Communications
A student in a black hoodie works intently with a snap circuits board, connecting components to create an electronic project. Another student in red is seated beside them working on a similar project.
A student in a leopard print shirt follows instructions from a snap circuits manual while assembling a project on their circuit board. Other students in the background are also engaged in building.
A smiling student in a leopard print shirt poses proudly with her snap circuits project in progress, sitting at a classroom desk with materials spread out.
A student in a red hoodie carefully places components onto a snap circuits board while another student beside him works on their project. The snap circuits kit and instruction manual are visible.
A student in a black t-shirt works on a snap circuits board, pointing to a lit-up bulb on the project while following instructions from the manual.
Dear DD4 Community,

We continue to closely monitor Tropical Disturbance 94L.
At this time, Dorchester School District Four will operate on a regular schedule.
Thank you for your flexibility and ongoing support of our students.
24 days ago, DD4 Communications
A weather update announcement graphic from Dorchester School District Four. The background shows a cloudy sky. The text reads: "Important Announcement – Weather Update." The Dorchester School District Four logo is centered below the word "Update," with the district name written underneath.

Dorchester School District Four hosted the Fall Collaborative Networking Session Thursday night at the Dorchester County Career and Technology Center (DCCTC).

This event, coordinated by Mrs. Catherine Yates, Coordinator of Teacher Effectiveness, is one of many designed to equip new educators in DD4 and those new to the profession with the tools, mentorship, and support they need to succeed. Teachers also received valuable resources to support their work in the classroom.

A special thank you to DCCTC for providing the delicious Greek chicken meal and to our speakers from DCCTC, DD4, and outside agencies for sharing their time and expertise.

25 days ago, DD4 Communications
A woman with long braided hair and glasses sits at a table with an orange checkered tablecloth. She is wearing a bright yellow shirt and looking toward the camera with her hands clasped in front of her face, smiling. A laptop and white cups are on the table.
A man with short curly hair and glasses, wearing a light blue shirt, sits at a table with an orange checkered tablecloth. He is smiling and looking down while writing on a piece of paper.
A woman with short hair and glasses, wearing a green jacket, smiles while looking at her laptop. Another person’s arm is visible in the foreground holding papers.
A woman with red hair tied back in a ponytail, wearing a leopard print cardigan, sits at a table with an orange tablecloth. She smiles while holding a fork and eating. Drinks and flowers are visible on the table.
Two women sit side by side at a table. The woman on the left wears glasses and a red patterned blouse, while the woman on the right wears glasses and a yellow shirt. They are focused on something in front of them.
A woman wearing a dark blue blouse stands at a podium, speaking into a microphone. An American flag is visible behind her.
A woman wearing a green and black leaf-patterned dress stands and speaks into a microphone while gesturing with her hand. An American flag is in the background.
A man in a khaki shirt and glasses holds a microphone while speaking. He gestures with one hand. A large screen with a blue background is visible behind him.
A woman wearing glasses and a black polo shirt with the DD4 logo speaks at a podium in front of a projected presentation slide. Seated attendees listen while facing the screen and podium.
A young woman with long blonde hair, wearing a light blue shirt, sits at a table with her chin resting on her clasped hands. She looks forward attentively, listening. A laptop, papers, and a flower arrangement are visible on the table.
Dear DD4 ​Community,

We continue to closely monitor Tropical Disturbance 94L. Governor McMaster has declared a state of emergency as the system could strengthen into a tropical storm or hurricane approaching the Southeast early next week.

Superintendent Beckwith and our principals are prepared, and we will communicate quickly if school schedules need to be adjusted.

Thank you for your flexibility and continued support of our students.
25 days ago, DD4 Communications
A graphic with a cloudy sky background featuring the text “Important Announcement: Weather Update” in bold green and gray letters. The Dorchester School District Four logo is centered at the bottom, along with the district’s name.
Today is also National Teacher Assistants Day, and Dorchester School District Four is proud to recognize the incredible impact our Teacher Assistants have across our schools.

You are encouragers, supporters, and difference makers in the lives of students and teachers every single day. Your hard work and dedication help create classrooms where students can grow and succeed.

On behalf of the entire DD4 family—thank you for all that you do!
25 days ago, DD4 Communications
A graphic with a purple, orange, and white gradient background featuring the Dorchester School District Four logo. Bold text reads: “Honoring Teacher Assistants. On behalf of DD4 Schools Thank you!” The date September 26, 2025, is displayed along the left side in black text.
Today, we proudly recognize and celebrate the dedicated HR professionals of Dorchester School District Four. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but their impact is felt in every classroom, office, and school across our district.

From recruiting and supporting staff to ensuring smooth operations and caring for the people who make DD4 thrive, our HR team works tirelessly to put people first. Their commitment helps create a workplace where teachers, staff, and administrators can focus on what matters most—our students.
26 days ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic honoring HR Professionals Day, dated September 26, 2025. The design features bold text that reads “Honoring HR Professionals. On behalf of DD4 Schools, Thank you!” with Dorchester School District Four logos on a purple, pink, and blue gradient background.
Dorchester County Emergency Management, Dorchester School District Four, and our key stakeholders are closely monitoring Invest 94L (future Imelda), which is currently forecast to become a Tropical Depression near the central and northwest Bahamas in the next few days.

Although details remain uncertain, if impacts do occur, the most likely time frame would be early next week.

Superintendent Beckwith has been in contact with school principals to ensure preparedness in the event school schedules need to be adjusted. Please stay tuned for official updates as forecasts are released.
26 days ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic with a cloudy sky background showing the words 'Important Announcement' at the top, 'Weather Update' in bold large letters in the center, and the Dorchester School District Four logo beneath. The bottom text reads 'Dorchester School District Four.
In Our Classrooms | Clay Hill Elementary

Mrs. Rudd's kindergarten students kicked off their day with an energetic warm-up—counting all the way to 100! One student took the lead while the class combined movement with their counting to stay active and engaged. Today’s focus built on those skills by practicing how to write numerals, giving students a strong foundation in number recognition and handwriting.
27 days ago, DD4 Communications
A colorful classroom banner reads “Welcome to Kindergarten” with bright drawings of crayons, apples, and confetti-like shapes on brown paper above a doorway.
Several kindergarten students sit in a row on the classroom floor. One boy in a red shirt raises his hand while other students look up toward Mrs. Rudd.
Kindergarten students sit attentively on a rug decorated with numbers and letters, watching Mrs. Rudd at the front of the classroom.
Mrs. Rudd stands at the front of the classroom holding pink gloves, speaking to her kindergarten students who are sitting on a colorful rug. A large screen behind her displays a math lesson about writing numerals.
Mrs. Rudd, wearing a yellow shirt and beige sweater, gestures with both hands while wearing bright pink gloves as she teaches her kindergarten students.
Four kindergarten students stand side by side, watching attentively as they participate in their classroom warm-up activity.
A young boy in a yellow hoodie smiles and raises his hand while standing near the front of the classroom during the counting activity.
Two kindergarten students stand near the classroom board smiling and moving their arms during an interactive lesson.
A group of kindergarten students stand on the colorful alphabet rug, facing the teacher’s screen while performing physical movements as part of their counting exercise.
Kindergarten students stand on the classroom rug, moving their arms as they count together. One student smiles toward the camera while participating in the activity.
Clay Hill Elementary celebrated its 2nd annual “Speak Life Event” on Friday, a day dedicated to building community through encouraging, motivating, and uplifting one another with positive words and actions.

This year’s theme was “Be the Light, Share the Love!” Students, faculty, and staff gathered to embrace the power of speaking life into each other and creating an atmosphere of kindness and support.

The guest speaker, Michael White, Principal of Woodland High School, reminded everyone that they are the most important part of DD4. He spoke about the light within us and challenged students to:
• Stand up for what is right, even when it’s hard.
• Encourage yourself and those around you.
• Pour positivity into your life.
• Refuse to let anyone or anything dim your light.

He also declared September 19th the official last day for laziness at CHES, pushing students to rise above obstacles and shine. His message closed with an empowering reminder: You are the light of the world, and the only way to drive out darkness is to shine.
28 days ago, DD4 Communications
A group of Clay Hill Elementary students stand with two teachers in the gym, smiling and holding colorful handmade posters. The signs read “Be Kind,” “Little Hands Big Kind Words,” and “Kind Hearts Grow Here!” with hearts, flowers, and bright decorations.
Another group of young students stand with two staff members, holding large posters with uplifting words. Their signs read “You are accepted, loved, and chosen!,” “You are strong & courageous,” and “You were made with a special purpose,” decorated with hearts and drawings.
Michael White, Principal of Woodland High School, poses with two CHES staff members while holding a framed certificate of appreciation for serving as the Speak Life Day 2025 guest speaker. Smiling students and staff are seated in the background.
A section of the bleachers filled with elementary students wearing red, black, and white shirts. Many students are smiling and singing along during the event.
Michael White speaks at the front of the gym while a group of CHES students in the bleachers raise their hands. A handmade “Speak Life Day” poster can be seen in the background.
A wide-angle view of the event, showing Michael White addressing the student body. Rows of students and teachers fill the bleachers, with red, black, and white balloon columns on the gym floor.
Three children in the bleachers. One child cheers with both arms raised, another smiles at the camera, and the third watches attentively.
Students and staff in the bleachers laughing and cheering together during the Speak Life Day program. Smiles and joy are evident across the group.
A CHES staff member in a red shirt stands in the gym, looking to the side, with students in the background.
A group of upper elementary students sit in the bleachers making peace signs, smiling, and posing for the camera, while others look on during the program.

Dorchester School District Four invites all families to Bingo & Pizza Family Night on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Woodland Middle School!
Enjoy pizza, play bingo, and learn how to support your child’s success. Prizes will be awarded!

Please register by scanning the QR code on the flyer or by clicking here: Register in English
.
We can’t wait to see you there!

¡El Distrito Escolar Dorchester 04 invita a todas las familias a la Noche Familiar de Bingo y Pizza el miércoles 1 de octubre de 2025 a las 6:00 p.m. en la Escuela Media Woodland!
Disfruta de pizza, juega bingo y aprende cómo apoyar el éxito de tu hijo/a. ¡Habrá premios!

Por favor regístrate escaneando el código QR en el volante o haciendo clic aquí: Registrarse en Español

¡Esperamos verlos allí!

28 days ago, DD4 Communications
A colorful flyer with decorative papel picado designs at the top, promoting Dorchester School District Four Bingo & Pizza Family Night. The event is Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Woodland Middle School. The flyer highlights free pizza, bingo, and prizes, and includes a registration form with spaces for student and family information. A QR code is displayed at the bottom for registration.
Un volante colorido con banderines de papel picado en azul, rojo, amarillo y verde. El volante anuncia la Noche Familiar de Bingo y Pizza del Distrito Escolar Dorchester 04 el miércoles 1 de octubre de 2025 a las 6:00 p.m. en la Escuela Media Woodland en Dorchester, Carolina del Sur. Invita a las familias a disfrutar de pizza, jugar bingo y ganar premios. En la parte inferior hay un formulario para registrar el nombre del estudiante, la escuela y el número de asistentes. Incluye un código QR para registrarse.

Dorchester School District Four invites all families to Bingo & Pizza Family Night on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Woodland Middle School!
Enjoy pizza, play bingo, and learn how to support your child’s success. Prizes will be awarded!

Please register by scanning the QR code on the flyer or by clicking here: Register in English
.
We can’t wait to see you there!

¡El Distrito Escolar Dorchester 04 invita a todas las familias a la Noche Familiar de Bingo y Pizza el miércoles 1 de octubre de 2025 a las 6:00 p.m. en la Escuela Media Woodland!
Disfruta de pizza, juega bingo y aprende cómo apoyar el éxito de tu hijo/a. ¡Habrá premios!

Por favor regístrate escaneando el código QR en el volante o haciendo clic aquí: Registrarse en Español

¡Esperamos verlos allí!

about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
A colorful flyer with decorative papel picado designs at the top, promoting Dorchester School District Four Bingo & Pizza Family Night. The event is Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Woodland Middle School. The flyer highlights free pizza, bingo, and prizes, and includes a registration form with spaces for student and family information. A QR code is displayed at the bottom for registration.
Un volante colorido con banderines de papel picado en azul, rojo, amarillo y verde. El volante anuncia la Noche Familiar de Bingo y Pizza del Distrito Escolar Dorchester 04 el miércoles 1 de octubre de 2025 a las 6:00 p.m. en la Escuela Media Woodland en Dorchester, Carolina del Sur. Invita a las familias a disfrutar de pizza, jugar bingo y ganar premios. En la parte inferior hay un formulario para registrar el nombre del estudiante, la escuela y el número de asistentes. Incluye un código QR para registrarse.
September is Attendance Awareness Month, and Woodland Middle School students are spreading the message through their Creative Flow Projects! This artwork highlights the many opportunities that open up when students show up—academics, the arts, athletics, and more. Every day counts, and every student matters.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
A hand-painted student mural for Attendance Awareness Month at Woodland Middle School. On the left, a student is shown in dull gray tones sitting sadly under the words “Don’t Stay Home.” The right side is vibrant and colorful, filled with drawings of students celebrating school life—graduating, reading books, playing sports, making music, cheering, and doing science. Text across the mural reads: “Think of all the things you can do here at Woodland Middle School.”
A poster created by Woodland Middle School students as part of Attendance Awareness Month. The artwork explains the importance of showing up to school, comparing attendance to teamwork in band where every member matters. The design emphasizes that each day in class builds success, and missing school makes it harder for the whole group to thrive. The poster was created by student Ember Shockley

Join us for fun and engaging 45-minute workshops where parents and children explore books, stories, and hands-on activities together. Each month features a new theme and take-home resources to keep the love of reading growing at home.

If you’re ready to join the fun, please complete a registration form by scanning the QR code or by clicking here https://forms.gle/2awR2iZow7Cui4GJ9.

The dates of the first sessions are listed below. Each month, you’ll receive a new registration link to continue participating.

We look forward to partnering with you in Growing Readers and Shaping Futures!

Harleyville Elementary School on Tuesday, September 23rd
Clay Hill Elementary School on Wednesday, September 24th
Williams Memorial Elementary on Friday, September 26th

Each session is from 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM

Chaquilla Green
Parent and Family Engagement Coordinator
📞 843-563-5923 | 843-636-4030
📧 cjgreen@dd4.k12.sc.us

about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
A flyer for Dorchester School District Four titled “Growing Readers, Shaping Futures.” The background is white with blue curved accents. At the top is the district’s circular logo. The flyer invites parents and children to 45-minute workshops featuring books, stories, and hands-on activities, with a new theme and take-home resources each month. A QR code is centered in the middle for registration. Contact information is listed for Chaquilla Green, Parent and Family Engagement Coordinator, with phone numbers and an email address. At the bottom, the flyer lists session dates: Harleyville Elementary School on Tuesday, September 23; Clay Hill Elementary School on Wednesday, September 24; and Williams Memorial Elementary School on Friday, September 26. Each session runs from 1:30 PM to 2:15 PM. On the right side of the flyer are two photos: one of two young girls reading a yellow book together, and another of a smiling boy looking at a blue book while sitting with other children.
Inside Mrs. Looper’s yearbook class, students are hard at work turning everyday moments into lasting memories. By combining storytelling and photography, they’re capturing the heart of this school year so classmates can look back for years to come.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
A teacher in a denim jacket leans over to assist a student at a computer. The student, wearing glasses, looks at the screen while the teacher provides guidance.
A student with blonde hair in a ponytail sits at a desk, working on a computer. The screen displays a page layout with photos and text, while a soda can and notebook sit nearby.
A student wearing glasses and a black hoodie labeled “We Are Family” focuses intently on a computer screen, resting their hand on their face. A large binder and laptop are on the desk.
Two students sit side by side at separate computers, reviewing photos of a school event on their screens. One student with long braids uses the mouse while the other looks on attentively.
A student in a navy blue “Howard” hoodie and glasses works at a computer, concentrating on the screen. A backpack and water bottle are visible on the desk nearby.
Special thanks to SC Works Trident, Trident Technical College, and Dorchester County Government for hosting Monday’s Career Fair! We had a great time meeting so many candidates and connecting with members of our community. The turnout was incredible, and the event was a big success!
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Two Dorchester School District Four representatives stand behind a decorated display table at the Career Fair. The table is covered with a white and green DD4 tablecloth featuring the district logo. On top are brochures, a sign, decorative items, candy, and light-up letters spelling “DD4.” The woman is wearing an orange floral dress and the man is dressed in a light blue suit with a striped tie.

Dorchester School District Four invites all families to Bingo & Pizza Family Night on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Woodland Middle School!
Enjoy pizza, play bingo, and learn how to support your child’s success. Prizes will be awarded!

Please register by scanning the QR code on the flyer or by clicking here: Register in English
.
We can’t wait to see you there!

¡El Distrito Escolar Dorchester 04 invita a todas las familias a la Noche Familiar de Bingo y Pizza el miércoles 1 de octubre de 2025 a las 6:00 p.m. en la Escuela Media Woodland!
Disfruta de pizza, juega bingo y aprende cómo apoyar el éxito de tu hijo/a. ¡Habrá premios!

Por favor regístrate escaneando el código QR en el volante o haciendo clic aquí: Registrarse en Español

¡Esperamos verlos allí!

about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
A colorful flyer with decorative papel picado designs at the top, promoting Dorchester School District Four Bingo & Pizza Family Night. The event is Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Woodland Middle School. The flyer highlights free pizza, bingo, and prizes, and includes a registration form with spaces for student and family information. A QR code is displayed at the bottom for registration.
Un volante colorido con banderines de papel picado en azul, rojo, amarillo y verde. El volante anuncia la Noche Familiar de Bingo y Pizza del Distrito Escolar Dorchester 04 el miércoles 1 de octubre de 2025 a las 6:00 p.m. en la Escuela Media Woodland en Dorchester, Carolina del Sur. Invita a las familias a disfrutar de pizza, jugar bingo y ganar premios. En la parte inferior hay un formulario para registrar el nombre del estudiante, la escuela y el número de asistentes. Incluye un código QR para registrarse.
Dorchester School District Four’s Title I schools will soon host their annual Title I meetings. These meetings give parents and guardians an overview of how federal funds will support students in 2025–2026, including instructional programs, assessments, and family engagement activities.

Check the schedule below and join us to learn more about how Title I benefits our schools and students!

Las escuelas Título I del Distrito Escolar Cuatro de Dorchester pronto celebrarán sus reuniones anuales de Título I. Estas reuniones ofrecen a padres y tutores una visión general de cómo los fondos federales apoyarán a los estudiantes en 2025–2026, incluyendo programas de instrucción, evaluaciones y actividades de participación familiar.

Revise el horario a continuación y acompáñenos para conocer más sobre cómo el programa Título I beneficia a nuestras escuelas y estudiantes.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer titled “Dorchester School District Four Announces Annual Title I Meetings.” The flyer explains that Title I provides federal funding to support and expand educational services and that schools are required to hold annual meetings. The flyer lists meeting dates, times, grades, and locations for Clay Hill Elementary, Harleyville Elementary, Williams Memorial Elementary, and Woodland Middle. Clay Hill: September 18, 2025, 5:30–6:30 p.m., cafeteria. Harleyville: September 18, 2025, 6:00–7:00 p.m., cafeteria. Williams Memorial: September 3 (Pre-K), September 4 (5th grade), September 8 (4th grade), September 9 (2nd grade), September 10 (1st grade), September 11 (3rd grade), all from 5:00–6:00 p.m., media center. Woodland Middle: September 10, 2025, 4:30–6:30 p.m., cafeteria. Contact information for Dr. Tracy Elmore Jackson is provided at the bottom.
Folleto titulado “Dorchester School District Four Anuncia Reuniones Anuales del Título I.” El folleto explica que el programa Título I proporciona fondos federales para apoyar y ampliar los servicios educativos y que las escuelas deben celebrar reuniones anuales. El folleto incluye fechas, horas, grados y lugares para Clay Hill Elementary, Harleyville Elementary, Williams Memorial Elementary y Woodland Middle. Clay Hill: 18 de septiembre de 2025, 5:30–6:30 p.m., cafetería. Harleyville: 18 de septiembre de 2025, 6:00–7:00 p.m., cafetería. Williams Memorial: 3 de septiembre (Pre-Kinder), 4 de septiembre (5º grado), 8 de septiembre (4º grado), 9 de septiembre (2º grado), 10 de septiembre (1º grado), 11 de septiembre (3º grado), todos de 5:00–6:00 p.m., centro de medios. Woodland Middle: 10 de septiembre de 2025, 4:30–6:30 p.m., cafetería. La información de contacto de la Dra. Tracy Elmore Jackson aparece al final.