In our classrooms at Harleyville Elementary, 4th-grade teacher Patrice Anderson guided students through a lively compare-and-contrast lesson based on a story about a grandfather asking his grandson to give up his room. Students worked in small groups, weighing the pros and cons from both perspectives and sharing their insights through thoughtful discussion.
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
4th-grade teacher Patrice Anderson stands beside a small group of students working at a table. She observes closely as students write in their notebooks during a compare-and-contrast lesson at Harleyville Elementary School.
A student sitting on the classroom carpet looks up from her notebook while holding a pencil during a group reading discussion activity. Other students around her are engaged with their workbooks.
Two students animatedly discuss their answers while comparing perspectives from a story. One student gestures with a pencil while the other listens intently.
Two students sitting on the floor take notes in their composition books during a small group discussion. They appear focused and engaged in their writing task.
A full group of 4th-grade students sit in a discussion circle on the carpet, each with a notebook open as they share ideas about a story during a compare-and-contrast exercise.
Teacher Patrice Anderson sits at her desk, hands clasped in front of her, watching her students work during a classroom discussion activity at Harleyville Elementary.
📢 Reminder: Dorchester School District Four will operate on a half day schedule on Friday, October 10th. • Elementary dismisses at 11:15 AM • Middle & High Schools dismiss at 12:40 PM
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
Dorchester School District Four flyer announcing a Half Day Schedule on Friday, October 10, 2025. Dismissal times are listed as Elementary at 11:15 AM and Middle & High at 12:40 PM.
On behalf of Dorchester School District Four, we say thank you to our outstanding Academic and Instructional Coaches. Your support, guidance, and leadership play a vital role in student success. We appreciate the energy, expertise, and care you bring to our schools every single day. Happy Academic and Instructional Coaches Day! #DD4 #InstructionalCoaches #AcademicCoaches #ThankYou #DorchesterFour
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
A graphic with a red and orange gradient background from Dorchester School District Four honoring Academic and Instructional Coaches. The text reads: "October 6, 2025 Honoring Academic & Instructional Coaches On behalf of DD4 Schools – Thank you!" The Dorchester School District Four logo appears in both the top right and bottom left corners.
Pizza, bingo, and a whole lot of family fun! Woodland Middle School was packed Wednesday night for DD4’s Pizza & Bingo Night, hosted by our Office of Federal Programs and Student Services. Even with I-95 traffic diverted through St. George after a hazardous spill, our community showed up in a big way!

The evening started with helpful info for families about attendance, truancy, PowerSchool, and district resources. After that, it was all about the games! Families played bingo for prizes (the gift cards went fast) and then enjoyed pizza, chips, and cookies together.

A special thank you to our volunteer servers for helping make the night a huge success. What an incredible evening of learning, family time, and community spirit in DD4!
5 months ago, DD4 Communications
A young boy in glasses studies his bingo card closely while holding a bean marker, with a phone and bag of beans on the table.
A young girl with braided hair and beads smiles brightly at the camera while holding beans for bingo, seated at a black table.
A smiling girl proudly holds up her prize, a gift card, while wearing a light blue shirt and colorful beaded bracelets.
A man helps a young boy check his bingo card, with other children sitting nearby at the same table.
A boy wearing a white jacket focuses on his bingo card, with beans scattered on the table, as his family sits beside him.
A man leans in close to help a young boy place beans on his bingo card, surrounded by other families playing.
A father and son concentrate on filling out their bingo cards together at a small gray table.
A group of children sit around a long black table playing bingo, one boy in the center looking toward the caller.
A man in a teal shirt and Miami Dolphins hat sits with a girl and woman as they look over their bingo cards together.
A man in a blue shirt and camo hat helps a little boy mark his bingo card, while other players sit at the same white table.
Today, October 2, 2025, Dorchester School District Four celebrates our outstanding school custodians. They keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming every day. Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. We appreciate you and thank you for making a difference in our schools!
5 months ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic with text honoring school custodians on October 2, 2025, on behalf of DD4 Schools, prominently featuring the words "Thank you!" in large letters. The design includes blue and white color blocks with logos for Dorchester School District Four.

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

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

5 months 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.
5 months 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.
5 months 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.

5 months 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.
5 months 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.

5 months 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.
5 months 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!
5 months 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.
5 months 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.
5 months 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.
5 months 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.
5 months 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!

5 months 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!

5 months 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.
5 months 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