Today, on behalf of all DD4 Schools, we are proud to recognize and thank our incredible paraprofessionals for their dedication, support, and impact. Your hard work behind the scenes helps our students and schools thrive. We appreciate you today and every day!
about 18 hours ago, DD4 Communications
A vibrant appreciation graphic for DD4 paraprofessionals dated April 1, 2026. The design features bold text that reads: “Honoring Paraprofessionals – On behalf of DD4 Schools: Thank you!” with a purple, pink, and blue gradient background. The Dorchester School District Four logo appears in the top right and bottom left corners. The message expresses gratitude to paraprofessionals for their contributions.
Dorchester School District Four is piloting a new transportation resource for parents and guardians, My Ride K-12. This free app allows you to track your student's bus, view routes and stop times, and receive updates about schedule changes.

Visit our transportation page for instructions on how to download and use the app: https://www.dorchester4.k12.sc.us/o/dsdf/page/my-ride-k-12

Questions? Contact the Transportation Department at (843) 636-5001.
2 days ago, DD4 Communications
Promotional banner introducing 'My Ride K-12,' a school bus tracking or transportation app. The background shows a row of yellow school buses with students boarding. A circular logo featuring a school bus icon and 'K-12' label appears on the left, alongside the text 'Introducing My Ride K-12' in white and bold blue lettering.
🦴 Fossils in Third Grade Science!

Today in Mrs. Washington’s class at Clay Hill Elementary School, students explored preserved remains to deepen their understanding of fossilization, environmental change, and how scientists use evidence from the past to learn about living things. Using frozen specimens, students acted like real paleontologists; observing, comparing, and recording scientific data.

One student shared, “I didn’t know fossils could tell us so much about what used to live here!”

Hands‑on learning builds curiosity, critical thinking, and real‑world connections. These third graders are rising to the challenge.
4 days ago, DD4 Communications
A student focuses on a yellow worksheet at a classroom table with magnifying tools and a basket holding a frozen sample. Other students sit nearby collaborating on the same activity.
Close-up of a plastic bag containing a frozen leaf sample placed inside a white classroom basket, used for a hands-on fossil study activity.
A third grade student in a pink jacket writes on a yellow worksheet while examining a classroom science sample. Magnifying glasses, rulers, and a basket with a frozen specimen are on the table. Other students work in the background.
Close-up of a frozen specimen inside a sealed plastic bag, showing a small lizard preserved in ice as part of a classroom fossil exploration activity.
History Made! Congratulations to the Woodland Middle School- DD4 Concert Band and their director, Ms. Yolanda Bennett!

Today they received a rating of EXCELLENT at the South Carolina Band Director's Association Concert Performance Assessment.

This marks the highest rating the WMS Band has received at this event. All the hard work and dedication has paid off!
6 days ago, DD4 Communications
Woodland Middle School concert band members and director Ms. Yolanda Bennett pose together outside in front of the school building and palm trees. The group is dressed in black performance attire, with one student holding the award plaque at the center.
Woodland Middle School concert band performs on stage in a concert hall, dressed in black attire, seated in sections with instruments including flutes, clarinets, trumpets, trombones, and percussion. The band is led by director Ms. Yolanda Bennett, who stands on a podium conducting in front of the group, with wooden acoustic panels behind them and stage microphones set up.
Ms. Yolanda Bennett stands outside near a brick wall, smiling while holding a plaque that reads “South Carolina Band Directors Association Award of Excellent” for Concert Performance Assessment. She is wearing glasses and a black outfit with a gray cardigan.
Williams Memorial takes the title!

The Dorchester School District Four Youth Basketball season wrapped up this week with an exciting two nights of playoff action on Tuesday and Wednesday. Congratulations to Williams Memorial Elementary and Harleyville Elementary for earning their spots in the finals after strong performances throughout the tournament. In the end, WMES rose to the moment and captured the championship.

More playoff photos are on the way, featuring all three elementary schools.
7 days ago, DD4 Communications
A group of elementary students in red “DD4 Basketball” uniforms stand on a gym floor holding gold trophies, smiling after winning their championship. Two adult coaches stand behind them, also holding a large trophy, while teammates raise smaller trophies in celebration. The team is gathered in front of bleachers, showing pride and excitement after their victory.
Dorchester School District Four is proud to recognize and celebrate our 2025–2026 Employees of the Year from each of our schools.

These individuals represent the very best of DD4. They lead with purpose, serve with heart, and make a lasting impact on our students, staff, and community every single day.

Thank you for the difference you make across our district. Your dedication reflects what it means to live out our mission of Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures.

From Clay Hill Elementary School
Teacher of the Year: Jenna Rudd
Rookie Teacher of the Year: Dawkins Beilhartz
Classified Employee of the Year: Maykela Black

From Harleyville Elementary School
Teacher of the Year: Gina Sawicki
Rookie Teacher of the Year: Michaela Williams
Classified Employee of the Year: Rainey White

From Williams Memorial Elementary School
Teacher of the Year: Ashley Griffith
Rookie Teacher of the Year: Alana Scott
Classified Employee of the Year: Lauren Miles

From Woodland Middle School
Teacher of the Year: Pam Rhode
Rookie Teacher of the Year: Kristina Brandt
Classified Employee of the Year: Monica Williams

From Woodland High School
Teacher of the Year: Austin Jeffries
Classified Employee of the Year: Wanda Rasberry

From Odyssey Educational Center
Teacher of the Year: Dr. Cassandra Jenkins
Classified Employee of the Year: JaQuay Snell
7 days ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic with confetti background and district logo recognizing 2025–2026 Teachers of the Year. Six teachers are shown in individual portraits: Jenna Rudd (Clay Hill Elementary), Gina Sawicki (Harleyville Elementary), Ashley Griffith (Williams Memorial Elementary), Pam Rhode (Woodland Middle School), Austin Jeffries (Woodland High School), and Dr. Cassandra Jenkins (Odyssey Educational Center). Closing text thanks them for their unwavering dedication and commitment.
Graphic with confetti background and district logo highlighting 2025–2026 Rookie Teachers of the Year. Four teachers are featured: Dawkins Beilhartz (Clay Hill Elementary), Michaela Williams (Harleyville Elementary), Alana Scott (Williams Memorial Elementary), and Kristina Brandt (Woodland Middle School). Bottom text expresses appreciation for their dedication and commitment to the district.
Graphic with confetti background and Dorchester School District Four logo celebrating 2025–2026 Classified Staff of the Year. Six staff members are pictured in individual portraits: Maykela Black (Clay Hill Elementary), Rainey White (Harleyville Elementary), Lauren Miles (Williams Memorial Elementary), Monica Williams (Woodland Middle School), Wanda Rasberry (Woodland High School), and JaQuay Snell (Odyssey Educational Center). Text at the bottom expresses gratitude for their dedication and commitment.

Congratulations to JayVonne Mayfield on earning his SILVER DD4 Campus Creator Badge. He earned this recognition by consistently capturing and sharing the great things happening at Woodland High School and across the district through his photography and written stories. Excellent work, JayVonne.

8 days ago, DD4 Communications
Student standing in a gymnasium in front of green bleachers, smiling and holding a tablet. He is wearing a gray Woodland Athletic Training pullover with the school logo visible on the chest.
Circular DD4 Campus Creator Silver Badge featuring a green and silver design with a bold “D4” in the center and the words “Campus Creator Silver Badge” around the outer ring.

Is your child turning 4 this year? 🎒

Spots are filling up! Pre-K registration is now open for Dorchester School District Four!

Our full-day program is open to ALL 4-year-olds, regardless of family income. Give your little one a strong start in a safe, nurturing environment built just for them.

Don't wait. Apply today before spots are gone.

👉 https://dorchesterfour-sc.finalforms.com/

9 days ago, DD4 Communications
Dorchester School District Four Pre-K registration graphic. A cartoon school bus is shown from the front with the district logo on the grille. Text reads: Are You Four Years Old? Pre-K Registration Now Open to All Families! Full-Day for All 4-Year-Olds.
🌸 Spring Break Reminder 🌸

Dorchester School District Four schools and offices will be closed March 30 – April 3 for Spring Break.
Staff return Monday, April 6 for a Teacher Work Day (no students).
Students return Tuesday, April 7.
We hope everyone enjoys a safe and restful break!

🌸 Recordatorio de Vacaciones de Primavera 🌸
Las escuelas y oficinas de Dorchester School District Four estarán cerradas del 30 de marzo al 3 de abril por las Vacaciones de Primavera.
El personal regresa el lunes 6 de abril para un día de trabajo para maestros (sin estudiantes). Los estudiantes regresan el martes 7 de abril.
¡Esperamos que todos disfruten de un descanso seguro y reparador!
9 days ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic announcing Dorchester School District Four Spring Break. Green background with pink blossoms and tropical leaves. Text reads: “Spring Break – March 30 to April 3. All schools and offices will be closed. Teachers return Monday, April 6 for a teacher workday (no students). Students return Tuesday, April 7.”

Clay Hill Elementary students brought the energy and color to last Friday’s Color Fun Run. From start to finish, it was all smiles, laughter, and a whole lot of fun. Great job to everyone who participated and made it a day to remember. You can see all the photos on our Instagram or on the CHES Facebook Page.

10 days ago, DD4 Communications
Adult standing under a colorful balloon arch at the Clay Hill Elementary Color Fun Run, covered head to toe in bright string spray with arms outstretched in celebration.
Student mid-jump over a hurdle during the Clay Hill Elementary Color Fun Run, running through a cone-marked course on the field.
Student smiling and posing with peace signs, wearing sunglasses and covered in bright color powder during the Clay Hill Elementary Color Fun Run.
Student looking down at their shirt covered in multicolored powder after participating in the Clay Hill Elementary Color Fun Run.
Group of students running across the field as color powder is tossed in the air behind them during the Clay Hill Elementary Color Fun Run.

🎉 Quarter 3 Attendance Champions! 🎉

Dorchester School District Four is celebrating students across all of our schools who achieved satisfactory attendance for Quarter 3! These amazing students were recognized with cookies and juice for their consistency and commitment to showing up every day. 📚🍪

Attendance matters, and these students are proving it! We are SO proud of their dedication and effort. Keep setting the standard! 💙

You can see all the photos on our Instagram.

10 days ago, DD4 Communications
A smiling elementary school student wearing a black cowboy hat and vest holds a snack in a school cafeteria during a Quarter 3 attendance celebration at Dorchester School District Four.
A school staff member wearing a lanyard helps a young student in a red Marvel t-shirt select a juice drink from a table filled with colorful juice bottles during a student attendance recognition event.
A school staff member wearing gloves hands out cookies to a line of excited elementary students in a school cafeteria while a teacher supervises in the background during a Quarter 3 attendance celebration.
A high school student in a black Under Armour hoodie smiles and gives a thumbs up while holding a blue juice drink, celebrating his Quarter 3 attendance achievement at Dorchester School District Four.
A smiling elementary student in a navy Nike t-shirt holds a chocolate chip cookie on a napkin and a red juice drink while walking through the school cafeteria during a Quarter 3 attendance celebration at Dorchester School District Four.
A student and two staff members pose together for a photo backstage during the Quarter 3 attendance celebration event at Dorchester School District Four.
A young elementary student smiles at the camera while holding a blue juice drink next to a chocolate chip cookie on a napkin, celebrating her Quarter 3 attendance achievement in the school cafeteria.
A middle school student wearing glasses and a black hoodie holds a red juice drink and a cookie on a napkin while students line up behind him during a Quarter 3 attendance recognition event at Dorchester School District Four.
A group of young elementary students sit together at a cafeteria table enjoying chocolate chip cookies and colorful juice drinks during a Quarter 3 attendance celebration at Dorchester School District Four, with a packed cafeteria of students visible in the background.
Students in Ms. Cadena’s 1st Grade class at Clay Hill Elementary are exploring ecosystems from around the world. From deserts to the Arctic, students learned how different environments support plant and animal life, then brought their learning to life by drawing their favorite ecosystem. Hands-on learning like this helps students connect creativity with science in meaningful ways.
10 days ago, DD4 Communications
Teacher standing beside a classroom board pointing to images of ecosystems labeled savanna, desert, and Arctic while students observe.
Close-up of a student drawing a whale with blue crayon on paper.
Students leaning over a table working together to draw ocean scenes on large blue paper with crayons.
Student sitting at a desk focused on coloring with a green crayon during the ecosystem activity.
Students working together at a table using crayons and paper to create ecosystem drawings.
Student carefully drawing on blue paper with crayons while classmates work nearby.
Student coloring on white paper with crayons during a classroom activity.
Student seated at a desk concentrating while drawing with a crayon on paper.
Growing Readers Story Time is coming to our schools. We are inviting children ages 2 to 4 to join us for a fun 45-minute experience featuring Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn, followed by a hands-on craft. This is a great opportunity to build early literacy skills and spend meaningful time learning together. Scan the QR code or use the link to register and join us at a location near you.

https://tinyurl.com/mwjazrs3

Lectores en Crecimiento: Tiempo de Cuentos llega a nuestras escuelas. Invitamos a niños de 2 a 4 años a disfrutar de una divertida experiencia de 45 minutos con la lectura de Lola Plants a Garden de Anna McQuinn, seguida de una actividad práctica. Es una excelente oportunidad para fomentar la lectura desde temprana edad y compartir tiempo de calidad en familia. Escanee el código QR o use el enlace para registrarse y acompañarnos en una ubicación cercana.

https://tinyurl.com/53up5u5j
12 days ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer promoting “Growing Readers Story Time” for children ages 2 to 4, featuring a 45-minute reading of Lola Plants a Garden followed by a craft activity. Includes event dates, times, locations, contact information for Chaquilla Green, and a QR code for registration. The design shows a cartoon child in a garden with a plant and the Dorchester School District Four logo.
Flyer in Spanish promoting “Lectores en Crecimiento: Tiempo de Cuentos” for children ages 2 to 4, featuring a 45-minute reading of Lola Plants a Garden and a hands-on craft activity. Includes event dates, times, locations, contact information for Chaquilla Green, and a QR code for registration. The design shows a cartoon child gardening with a plant and the Dorchester School District Four logo.
Woodland High School Wind Ensemble Earns “Excellent” at State Assessment

Congratulations to the Woodland High School Wind Ensemble for earning a rating of Excellent at the 2026 South Carolina Band Directors Association Concert Performance Assessment.

This state-level evaluation measures tone, balance, technique, and musicality through prepared performances, along with a sight-reading component that tests students’ ability to perform music they have never seen before.

An Excellent rating reflects strong performance at a competitive level and highlights the dedication and growth of the Woodland band program.

Congratulations to our students and directors on this achievement.
13 days ago, DD4 Communications
Six Woodland High School students dressed in black concert attire stand together in a music classroom, with one student in the center holding an “Excellent” award plaque. Colorful wall art and a row of trophies are visible behind them, highlighting the band program’s achievements.

Today is the last chance to register!

Step aboard and see Dorchester School District Four in action. In one hour, you will visit our schools, meet our team, and experience what makes DD4 a great place to work and learn.

Can't ride the bus? You can still attend the recruitment event at CHES, interview and complete an application.

Seats are limited. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/k385vh26

13 days ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic of a white and green Dorchester School District Four bus labeled “Tour de Four” driving on a road. The text reads: “Tour de Four – Employee Recruitment & Future Parent Event. Saturday, March 21st. 10 AM – 12 PM. Clay Hill Elementary, 387 S. Railroad Ave., Ridgeville, SC.” The graphic invites guests to take a guided bus tour of DD4 schools and includes a registration call to action.
Students in Ms. Jazmyne Smith’s 7th grade ELA class at Woodland Middle School recently finished reading A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. To wrap up the unit, students created character analysis projects focused on Nya and Salva.

Each student broke down the characters by looking at their strengths, challenges, beliefs, and what motivated them throughout the story.

The projects helped students think more deeply about how the characters changed and what they went through.
13 days ago, DD4 Communications
Teacher stands in the classroom smiling while holding the book A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park, which students are studying for a character analysis activity.
A student sits at a desk concentrating while writing and coloring on a character analysis worksheet about Nya from A Long Walk to Water. Scissors and paper strips sit beside the project.
Ms. Smith stands with students at a table as they review and discuss their completed character analysis pages based on the novel A Long Walk to Water.
Close-up of a student’s completed character analysis illustration of Salva from A Long Walk to Water, showing labeled sections about strengths, values, and important traits.
Character analysis worksheet featuring Nya from A Long Walk to Water, with drawings and written notes about her personality, challenges, and beliefs.
Students sit at a table reading and reviewing their printed character analysis pages during the activity.
A group of students gather around a table comparing their character analysis work from A Long Walk to Water while discussing the story.
A student carefully cuts out sections of a character analysis worksheet while the teacher assists in the background.
A completed character analysis poster of Nya from A Long Walk to Water spread across a desk with colored pencil drawings and written responses about the character.
Congratulations to the Iron Wolverines: Angels, FIRST Robotics Team 10388 on winning their first championship at the FSC District Richland Event.

FIRST Team 10388 also won the Rising All-Star Award.

The team will compete at the FSC Champion to earn a spot at the World Championship in Houston, Texas under the Direction of Mr. Sylvester Rolack.

South Carolina's First FRC All-Girls Team (Certified by Nancy Mace) : https://youtu.be/mMnhs0roT-Y?si=Ab-oAWLhzX7rtvlO


14 days ago, DD4 Communications
Four students and an adult kneel and stand together holding a trophy and plaque, wearing medals in front of a wall with a FIRST Robotics Competition winner banner on the floor.
Group of students and mentors pose on a gym floor at a robotics competition, many wearing medals and team shirts, smiling and holding a horse prop in front of their robot setup.
Competition scoreboard shows Alliance 2 winning 163 to 134 in a final tiebreaker match at a FIRST Robotics Competition event.
Group of students and mentors pose on a gym floor at a robotics competition, many wearing medals and team shirts, smiling and holding a horse prop in front of their robot setup.
Close-up of a gold FIRST Robotics Competition medal labeled “Rebuilt” presented by Haas, featuring icons of tools and materials.
Close-up of a FIRST Robotics Competition trophy and plaque that reads “Uncover The Future,” recognizing the 2026 South Carolina District Richland Event winner.
Last night at the DD4 School Board meeting, the Board approved to make May 29th a full day for students. This is due to school being canceled on March 16 as a result of weather conditions.
14 days ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic with Dorchester School District Four logo at the top and the phrase “Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures.” Large text reads “Schedule Change Announcement.” Below, it states “Friday, May 29, 2026” and “Full Day for Students,” followed by “Make-Up Day.” Background features a faint repeating DD4 logo watermark.
Mrs. Chaquilla Green, DD4 Parent and Family Engagement Coordinator, and the administration of Woodland Middle School collaborated to host the Rising 6th Grade Parent Open House. During the event, parents and students received helpful information about the transition from elementary school to middle school and what to expect as new WMS Wolves.

After gathering in the cafeteria for an overview, future students and their families had the opportunity to tour the building, explore key areas of the school, and begin getting comfortable in their new environment. It was a great opportunity to build excitement and ensure families feel prepared for a successful start at Woodland Middle School.
15 days ago, DD4 Communications
Two students sit at a cafeteria table with snacks and water bottles, smiling as they participate in the Rising 6th Grade Parent Open House.
Parents and students sit together at cafeteria tables, listening attentively during an informational session about transitioning to Woodland Middle School.
Two students sit in a technology lab at Woodland Middle School, using desktop computers with multiple monitors mounted on the wall, as they explore digital tools during the Rising 6th Grade Parent Open House.
A family poses together inside the school library, smiling during the Rising 6th Grade Parent Open House as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
Parents and students sit at tables in the cafeteria while listening to a presentation, with informational materials and drinks placed in front of them.
A parent and child sit together at a table, smiling and embracing during the event, with Woodland Middle School materials visible nearby.
A family of three sits together at a cafeteria table, smiling for the camera with refreshments and event information in front of them.
Spring bus evacuation drills are coming up across DD4. Take a look at your school’s date and make sure students are ready.

On drill day, please have children wear appropriate clothing that allows them to SIT & SCOOT safely during the evacuation practice.

All drills begin at 9:30 AM unless otherwise noted.
15 days ago, DD4 Communications
Colorful flyer titled “Spring DD4 Bus Evacuation Schedule” featuring a clipboard design with school bus graphics, emergency lights, and an exit sign. The flyer lists evacuation drill dates for each school: Woodland Middle (March 19, 2026), Odyssey Education Center (March 20, 2026), Clay Hill Elementary (March 23, 2026), Woodland High (March 24, 2026), Williams Memorial Elementary (March 25, 2026), and Harleyville Elementary (March 26, 2026). A banner at the bottom states that all bus evacuations will take place at 9:30 AM unless otherwise specified, alongside the Dorchester School District Four logo.