Dorchester School District Four

Woodland Middle School students in Ms. Thompson’s class are being celebrated for their outstanding work designing and producing custom shirts for Clayton Homes of Walterboro! 🙌 As part of a class-based small business project, these talented students launched their own t-shirt business and demonstrated exceptional dedication by meeting a real-world client deadline with professionalism and creativity. Their high-quality designs earned recognition on Clayton Homes’ official Facebook page and were also featured in The Press and Standard following interviews with company employees. Clayton Homes was thoroughly impressed with both the design and quality of the shirts. Dorchester School District Four is proud of Ms. Thompson and her students for representing Woodland Middle with excellence and entrepreneurial spirit! 👏👏

This week is Assistant Principal's Week, and we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible leaders who help keep Dorchester School District Four moving forward each day. Our assistant principals are the heartbeat of our schools — committed, dependable, and always willing to go the extra mile for students, staff, and families. Their leadership makes a lasting impact, and we are so grateful for all they do. Join us in celebrating these outstanding educators: 🌟 Mark Blacklocke – Woodland High School 🌟 LaTorsha Bryant – Woodland Middle School 🌟 Markayla Busby – Woodland Middle School 🌟 Makeisha Butler – Woodland High School 🌟 Kim Hartzog – Clay Hill Elementary School 🌟 Brittany Sibert – Williams Memorial Elementary School 🌟 DeVane Trigiani – Harleyville Elementary School Your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you for everything you do to support our schools and communities! #AssistantPrincipalsWeek #DD4Proud #ThankYouAPs #LeadershipInAction.

Today we celebrate National School Librarian Appreciation Day! We proudly recognize our exceptional team of school librarians: ​Ebonie Ervin from Clay Hill Elementary School​ ​Dr. Denise Gadson from Woodland High School​ ​Nicole Richardson from Harleyville Elementary School​ Jill Spearman from Woodland Middle School​ ​Lisa Stephenson from Williams Memorial Elementary School​ These professionals do more than manage our libraries; they create welcoming environments that foster curiosity, support academic achievement, and inspire a lifelong love of reading. Their unwavering dedication and innovative approaches profoundly impact both students and faculty.​ "Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve and contribute to improving our quality of life. Libraries change lives for the better." ​~ Sidney Sheldon Please join us in expressing heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Spearman, Ms. Ervin, Ms. Stephenson, Ms. Richardson, and Dr. Gadson. Your hard work and passion are truly appreciated, and you make a significant difference in our school community.

Congratulations to Woodland High School sophomore Collin Ferguson! Collin placed 2nd in the state weight lifting competition in the 180lb class! Way to go Collin! Go WOLVERINES!

Attention Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle School Parents! The April newsletters are now available! Click the link below to visit Dorchester School District Four’s Parent’s Corner, where you’ll find important updates, helpful resources, and this month’s newsletters. https://www.dorchester4.k12.sc.us/page/dorchester-district-four-parents-corner

DD4's Truancy Team has "Boots on the Ground", making school attendance a priority! They're bringing the party to a school near you for students with SATISFACTORY ATTENDANCE! That means you've been present 95% of the time this year. Will YOU be on the invite list? Here are some photos from the WMS and OEC celebration!

Though not everyone is pictured, Dorchester School District 4 sends a heartfelt HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all our amazing Faculty and Staff with MARCH birthdays! We love and appreciate each of you and hope your special day was filled with joy and excitement! #dd4family #happybirthday

Today, April 2nd, is Paraprofessional Appreciation Day! 💥 We’re giving a big shoutout to the paraprofessionals of Dorchester School District Four — the quiet strength behind so much of our students’ success! Helping students is their superpower 🛡️ — and they use it every day with patience, compassion, and a heart for helping others thrive. From classroom support and small group instruction to one-on-one care and everything in between, our paras show up ready to make a difference. You are seen. You are valued. And you are appreciated more than words can say. 🌟 Thank you to each and every one of our amazing paraprofessionals. We appreciate all that you do to support our schools, our teachers, and most importantly, our students. 💛📚

🌟 April 2nd is Autism Acceptance Day 🌟 Tomorrow and every day, we celebrate the brilliance, uniqueness, and strengths of individuals with autism. At Dorchester School District Four, we are committed to building inclusive classrooms where every student is valued, supported, and empowered to shine. Let’s continue to lead with understanding, speak with kindness, and support one another with love. Together, we can create a world that embraces differences and celebrates neurodiversity. 💙 Wear blue. 💛 Spark conversations. 🌍 Spread awareness. 💜 Show acceptance.

To better support students and families, starting Monday, 3/31/25, Student Transportation phone dispatch hours will be from 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM on days that school is in session. General building hours will still be from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Our telephone number is (843) 563-5906, Option 2.

Dorchester School District Four will cancel all after-school activities today, including athletic practices and the scheduled softball game, due to forecasted severe weather. 3/31/25 We will continue to monitor the weather and will notify stakeholders of any changes. Please stay tuned to our official media outlets for the latest updates. As always, the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. El Distrito Escolar Cuatro de Dorchester cancelará hoy todas las actividades extraescolares, incluyendo las prácticas deportivas y el partido de sóftbol programado, debido al pronóstico de mal tiempo. 3/31/25 Seguiremos monitoreando el clima y notificaremos a las partes interesadas sobre cualquier cambio. Manténganse al tanto de nuestros medios de comunicación oficiales para mantenerse al día. Como siempre, la seguridad de nuestros estudiantes y personal sigue siendo nuestra máxima prioridad.

Don't forget! Students and staff return tomorrow morning! Monday, March 31st.

The next discussion on the consolidation of our school district will be held Monday, March 31st at 6:00 PM in the Dorchester County Council chambers in Summerville. The address is 500 N. Main Street, Summerville, SC.

DD4's Truancy Team has "Boots on the Ground", making school attendance a priority! They're bringing the party to a school near you for students with SATISFACTORY ATTENDANCE! That means you've been present 95% of the time this year. Will YOU be on the invite list?

Dorchester School District Four Pre-Kindergarten Enrollment Who: All students who will be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2025 When: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 - Friday, May 23, 2025 Where: Your home school (Please contact the school to schedule an appointment). Please Bring the Required Information: All information must be complete before a student is accepted Child’s State Birth Certificate Child’s Up- To- Date Immunization Record 2 Proof of Residency (Lease or Utility Bill with Current Address Parent/Guardian Drivers License or ID Card Legal documents concerning Custody or Guardianship (If applicable) Inscripción a Prejardín Infantil del Distrito Escolar Cuatro de Dorchester Quiénes: Todos los estudiantes que cumplan 4 años el 1 de septiembre de 2025 o antes Cuándo: Del miércoles 19 de marzo de 2025 al viernes 23 de mayo de 2025 Dónde: Su escuela de origen (Comuníquese con la escuela para programar una cita). Por favor, traiga la información requerida: Debe completar toda la información antes de aceptar a un estudiante: Acta de nacimiento estatal del niño/niña Cartilla de vacunación actualizada del niño/niña Dos comprobantes de domicilio (contrato de arrendamiento o factura de servicios públicos con dirección actual) Licencia de conducir o tarjeta de identificación del padre/madre/tutor Documentos legales relacionados con la custodia o tutela (si corresponde)

Last Wednesday, Harleyville Elementary School celebrated its Character Kids of the Month 🎉. Students were chosen by their homeroom teachers for showing outstanding cooperation 🤝. Congratulations to all the winners for leading by example! 🏆

🎉 Congratulations to Woodland High School’s Jay'Vonne Mayfield! 🎉 Jay'Vonne, a dedicated DD4 Campus Creator, has earned his Bronze Creator Badge for his outstanding work capturing photos and writing articles about Odyssey, Woodland High School, and Dorchester School District 4! 📸✍️ The Campus Creator Program invites students and teachers to become content creators, highlighting key moments in their schools, from sporting events to exceptional staff and students. Their work is featured across district websites and even in The Eagle Record! 📰 Want to be a Campus Creator? It’s easy to join! Click the link below to fill out the interest form and start sharing the incredible stories happening in our district. 📢 https://forms.gle/CQ99QWVRGFpYhiRK9 #CampusCreator #StudentJournalism #DD4Pride

Woodland High School FCCLA Achieves Silver and Gold Medals From March 10-12, 2025, twelve members of the Woodland High School Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) participated in the state leadership conference held in Charleston. Among them, ten students showcased their skills in Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events, while one member served as a judge, and two acted as voting delegates. Majesty Elmore completed her tenure as First Vice President as part of the Executive Council during this event. During the awards ceremony, the achievements of our students were celebrated, with ten members receiving silver and gold medals for their exceptional performances: Gold Medals: Heather Aycock, Jamayah Footman, and Emani Holmes – Level 3 Focus on Children Zoee Middleton – Level 3 Repurpose and Redesign Roxanna Britt, Janelle Footman, and Justice Pryor – Level 2 Interpersonal Communications Erin Garvin and Jaziya Davis – Level 2 Entrepreneurship Silver Medal: Kerri Davis – Level 3 Career Investigation Additionally, Zoee Middleton and Brazil Nelson served as voting delegates, with Brazil also fulfilling the role of a STAR Event judge. All students who competed at the state conference and received gold medals have earned the opportunity to advance to the national-level competition, which will take place in Orlando, Florida, from July 5-9, 2025. Article by Linda Lewis, WHS FCCLA Advisor

Woodland FFA Shines at Regional Creed Speaking Competition Last Thursday, Woodland High School’s FFA made history at the Regional FFA Creed Speaking Competition, bringing home gold under the guidance of agriculture teacher Markie Leonard. Ryan Seunandan dominated the Upper Creed Speaking Division, earning a perfect score and securing first place. His victory brings Woodland FFA its very first Regional Champion plaque. Jacob Jackson also delivered an outstanding performance in the Greenhand Creed Speaking Division, earning third place in a highly competitive field. Both students showcased incredible poise, confidence, and passion, making Woodland proud. Next stop: state. Congratulations to Ryan and Jacob on this outstanding achievement.

It’s that special time of year when Dorchester School District 4 takes a moment to recognize the outstanding educators and staff members who go above and beyond for their students and school communities. Each year, employees are honored by their peers for their dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence. This year’s honorees represent the best of DD4, showcasing passion, perseverance, and a deep love for education. The district is proud to announce the Employees of the Year for each school: Williams Memorial Elementary School Support Staff of the Year: Jennifer Felder, Kindergarten Teacher Assistant Rookie Teacher of the Year: Kory Montjoy, 1st Grade Teacher Teacher of the Year: Jessica Rickborn, 4th Grade Math, Science, and GT Teacher Harleyville Elementary School Support Staff of the Year: Michelle Council, Teacher Assistant Rookie Teacher of the Year: Ruthermae Randolph, 3rd Grade Teacher Teacher of the Year: MaHalie Muckenfuss, 3rd Grade Teacher Clay Hill Elementary School Support Staff of the Year: Gail Pinkney, Kindergarten Teacher Assistant Rookie Teacher of the Year: Elizabeth Huff, 5th Grade Teacher Teacher of the Year: Denise Washington, 3rd Grade Teacher Woodland Middle School Support Staff of the Year: Kacy Britt, Cafeteria Manager Rookie Teacher of the Year: Sheahan Smith, 8th Grade ELA Teacher Teacher of the Year: Lacey Ayer, 6th Grade ELA Teacher Woodland High School Support Staff of the Year: Crystal McCormack, Attendance Clerk Rookie Teacher of the Year: Markie Leonard, Agriculture Teacher Teacher of the Year: Sara McClellan, Social Studies Teacher Odyssey Education Center Support Staff of the Year: Sandy Felder, Administrative Assistant Rookie Teacher of the Year: Monica Carter, Career and Technology Teacher Teacher of the Year: Dr. Jeffery Thompson, Science Teacher Superintendent Beckwith, along with the entire DD4 staff, extends heartfelt congratulations to each of these exceptional educators and support staff members. Their dedication and hard work make a lasting impact on the lives of students every day. Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you for your commitment to shaping the future of education in Dorchester School District Four!