Dorchester School District Four proudly celebrates Black History Month.
February is Black History Month, a time to recognize and honor the achievements, resilience, and lasting contributions of Black Americans who have shaped our nation’s history, culture, and progress. We acknowledge the past, learn from it, and celebrate the individuals whose leadership, creativity, and service continue to strengthen our communities. This month invites reflection, understanding, and appreciation.
15 days ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic for Dorchester School District Four celebrating Black History Month. The design features bold red, yellow, and green text reading "Celebrating Black History Month" on a black background with African-inspired patterns. Decorative borders with colorful tribal motifs appear at the top and bottom. The DD4 logo is displayed in the bottom left corner.

Dorchester School District 4 is closely monitoring the current measles outbreak in the Upstate. While there are no reported cases in our area or in DD4 at this time, we remain committed to ensuring our district community is prepared. The district is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with public health officials and through our established health and safety procedures. Click here for more information. Measles Info

17 days ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic showing a black virus-style icon above the text “Dorchester School District Four” with the words “Measles Update” underneath on a white background.
Future school administrators stepped outside their comfort zones this week.
DD4’s Aspiring Administrators shadowed leaders at school levels different from their own, trading familiar hallways for fresh perspective. They wrapped the day talking leadership, challenges, and growth over lunch with district leaders. Building tomorrow's leaders from within.
18 days ago, DD4 Communications
Four adults pose in a school hallway with bulletin boards along the walls during an Aspiring Administrator shadowing experience.
Five adults pose for a group photo in front of a school wall graphic during a Dorchester School District Four Aspiring Administrator Program visit.
Five adults stand together in a bright school hallway with glass doors behind them, posing during an Aspiring Administrator shadowing visit.
Three adults pose in front of a school wall emblem during a Dorchester School District Four Aspiring Administrator Program visit.
Document titled “School Climate Components” on a table, listing focus areas including visibility and relationships, communication and trust, recognition and morale, student voice, and inclusive culture, with Dorchester School District Four logos.
Congratulations to all of our spellers who competed Tuesday night to represent Dorchester School District Four in the SpellBound! Regional Spelling Bee. Top honors went to 2nd Runner-Up Saige Smith of Clay Hill Elementary, 1st Runner-Up Maya Gadson of Woodland Middle, and Champion Myai Poland, a 7th grader from Woodland Middle, who will represent DD4 at the regional competition on March 10.

Thank you to our judges Ms. Stephanie Grossie, Dr. April Sanders, and Dr. Michelle Sweatman; recorder Mrs. Jill Spearman; pronouncer Mrs. Kim Chassereau; and the spelling bee team Mrs. Tricia Delice, Mrs. Latorsha Bryant, Mrs. Cate August, Mrs. Renay Haton, Mrs. Kimberly Hartzog, and Mrs. Natalie Pandora for making this event possible. We appreciate everyone who came out to support these outstanding students.
19 days ago, DD4 Communications
Group photo of elementary and middle school students standing in two rows indoors beneath a black, gold, and yellow balloon arch with bee decorations, each holding spelling bee trophies or awards, with a table in front displaying certificates and programs during the Dorchester School District Four spelling bee event.
Alt text: Three student spelling bee finalists stand indoors between black, gold, and yellow balloon columns with bee decorations, each holding trophies and awards, recognizing the champion, first runner-up, and second runner-up from Dorchester School District Four.
Five adult spelling bee officials sit side by side behind a yellow table labeled “What Can a Speller Ask?” inside a meeting room, framed by black, gold, and yellow balloon arches with bee decorations, serving as judges, recorder, and pronouncer for the Dorchester School District Four spelling bee.
The spelling bee champion, a middle school student from Woodland Middle School, stands indoors holding a large trophy beside an adult staff member, following the Dorchester School District Four spelling bee.
Dorchester School District Four congratulates Dr. James Hodges once again on being recognized for 35 years of dedicated service to public education. We thank him for his leadership, commitment, and lasting impact on DD4.
19 days ago, DD4 Communications
Superintendent Jeffrey Beckwith stands beside Dr. James Hodges as Dr. Hodges holds a Service Award certificate during the January Dorchester School District Four Board of Trustees meeting.
Dr. James Hodges stands with his wife while holding a framed Service Award recognizing 35 years of service during a DD4 board meeting.
Dr. James Hodges holds a framed Service Award during the January Dorchester School District Four Board of Trustees meeting.

HAPPENING TONIGHT!
Dorchester School District Four is hosting our annual District Spelling Bee TONIGHT January 27 at 6 PM in the DD4 Boardroom. Families and friends are invited to cheer on our students as they take the stage. Participants should arrive by 5:15 PM. Address: 600 Minus Street, St. George.

20 days ago, DD4 Communications
A dark background poster with yellow honeycomb patterns along the top and bottom. Large white and yellow text reads Spelling Bee. Cartoon bees fly around the page with dotted flight paths. The event details say Jan 27, DD4 Boardroom, starts at 6 PM, and everyone is invited to watch and cheer. It lists that participants should arrive by 5:15 PM and gives the address 600 Minus Street, St. George. The Dorchester School District Four logo sits in the lower left corner.

Parents and Guardians, as we prepare for registration for the upcoming school year, please make sure we have a current email address on file. If you are not receiving emails or calls from DD4 or your child’s school, take a moment to update your information using the link provided. Update Here

20 days ago, DD4 Communications
Dorchester School District Four graphic with the DD4 logo centered on a chalkboard background, the words “Communication Update” displayed prominently, and school supplies in a small shopping cart on a desk in the foreground.
Last week, Dorchester School District Four hosted a Teacher Mentor Training to prepare experienced educators to support and guide new teachers joining DD4. The session was led by Mrs. Catherine Yates and Mrs. Candi Crosby and focused on building strong mentor relationships that support teacher growth and success.
21 days ago, DD4 Communications
A teacher wearing a knit cap writes notes in a workbook during Dorchester School District Four Teacher Mentor Training.
Teachers seated at a table during Dorchester School District Four mentor training, listening and discussing mentor strategies with a facilitator.
Two educators collaborate during mentor training as a facilitator in a yellow jacket moves between tables to support discussion.
Teachers engage in focused conversation during mentor training, with notebooks, binders, and materials spread across the table.
A teacher works on a laptop during DD4 Teacher Mentor Training while another participant takes notes nearby.
A teacher reviews a workbook and training materials while seated at a table during Dorchester School District Four mentor training.
A teacher listens attentively during mentor training while seated among colleagues in a classroom setting.
Two educators stand together reviewing mentor training materials while other participants work at tables nearby.
A teacher listens attentively during mentor training while seated among colleagues in a classroom setting.
Veteran teachers sit side by side during Dorchester School District Four mentor training, listening and taking notes during a session.
Dorchester School District Four will operate on a regular schedule tomorrow. All schools and offices will be open. Families and staff are encouraged to dress warmly for cold morning temperatures.
22 days ago, DD4 Communications
inclement weather update. blue text. district logo.

Dorchester School District Four is hosting our annual District Spelling Bee on January 27 at 6 PM in the DD4 Boardroom. Families and friends are invited to cheer on our students as they take the stage. Participants should arrive by 5:15 PM. Address: 600 Minus Street, St. George.

23 days ago, DD4 Communications
A dark background poster with yellow honeycomb patterns along the top and bottom. Large white and yellow text reads Spelling Bee. Cartoon bees fly around the page with dotted flight paths. The event details say Jan 27, DD4 Boardroom, starts at 6 PM, and everyone is invited to watch and cheer. It lists that participants should arrive by 5:15 PM and gives the address 600 Minus Street, St. George. The Dorchester School District Four logo sits in the lower left corner.

Interested in your son or daughter playing basketball this Spring? Well here’s your chance. Dorchester School District Four will be continue it's Youth basketball program this school year during the month of March and it will be available to all students across our school district in grades 3rd through 5th. Click the link for the registration form. https://aptg.co/-3L_1v

24 days ago, DD4 Communications
DD4 Youth Basektball Logo
DD4 Family,

We are monitoring the weekend weather forecast closely as colder conditions move into the area. At this time, no decisions have been made regarding potential schedule changes for the upcoming week. Student and staff safety remains our top priority, and any decisions will be made based on the most current and reliable information available.

We will continue to assess conditions and share updates with families as needed. Thank you for your patience and continued support.
25 days ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic with a cloudy sky background reading “Important Announcement Weather Update,” featuring the Dorchester School District Four logo centered and the district name displayed at the bottom.
January is School Board Appreciation Month, and Dorchester School District Four thanks our Board of Trustees for their leadership, service, and commitment to our students, staff, and community. We are grateful for the time, care, and steady guidance each of you brings to DD4 every day.
25 days ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic reading “Thank You DD4 School Board Appreciation” with the Dorchester School District Four logo at the top. Five circular headshots appear left to right with names and titles beneath: Evelyn Inyinger, Board Member; Tony Pope, Vice Chairman; Phyllis Hughes, Board Chair; Dr. James Hodges, Secretary; and Jenny Inyinger, Board Member. Green and white color scheme on a light background.
Last week we visited Woodland Middle School to celebrate students who earned honors at their 2nd Quarter Awards Ceremonies. Congratulations students. Keep up the great work!
25 days ago, DD4 Communications
A group of Woodland Middle School students stand with the school mascot holding academic awards in front of a Woodland Middle School Wolves backdrop.
A Woodland Middle School staff member places a medal over a student’s head during the Quarter 2 awards ceremony while other students watch.
A Woodland Middle School staff member places a medal around a smiling student’s neck during the Quarter 2 awards ceremony with students seated in the background.
A table displaying trophies and medals for the Woodland Middle School Quarter 2 Awards is set up in the gym with students seated behind it.
A Woodland Middle School staff member and student pose together holding an academic award during the Quarter 2 awards ceremony.
A Woodland Middle School staff member and student pose together holding an academic award as the audience applauds during the Quarter 2 ceremony.
A Woodland Middle School staff member and student smile while holding a wolf-themed academic award during the Quarter 2 awards ceremony.
A Woodland Middle School staff member and student smile while holding a wolf-themed academic award during the Quarter 2 awards ceremony.
A Woodland Middle School student in a red hoodie smiles while receiving a certificate from a staff member as other students look on during the Quarter 2 awards ceremony.
A Woodland Middle School student wearing a colorful striped sweater accepts a certificate from a staff member during the Quarter 2 awards ceremony in the school gym.
Growing Readers Story Time is coming for children ages 2–4. Families are invited to enjoy a 45-minute reading of How to Catch a Snowman followed by a hands-on craft. Sessions take place January 27–30 at select elementary schools. Scan the QR code or click the link to register. https://tinyurl.com/3anhd9nc

Hora de Cuentos Lectores en Crecimiento llega para niños de 2 a 4 años. Las familias están invitadas a disfrutar una lectura de 45 minutos de Cómo atrapar a un hombre de nieve seguida de una manualidad práctica. Las sesiones se realizarán del 27 al 30 de enero en varias escuelas primarias. Escanee el código QR O haz clic en el enlace para registrarse. https://tinyurl.com/2s36pp7y
26 days ago, DD4 Communications
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Volante de Hora de Cuentos Lectores en Crecimiento del Distrito Escolar Cuatro de Dorchester. Diseño invernal con un muñeco de nieve y un pingüino sosteniendo el libro Cómo atrapar a un hombre de nieve. El texto invita a niños de 2 a 4 años a una hora de cuentos de 45 minutos y una actividad manual. Fechas del evento: Harleyville Elementary martes 27 de enero, Clay Hill Elementary miércoles 28 de enero y Williams Memorial Elementary viernes 30 de enero. Horario de 1:30 p.m. a 2:15 p.m. Incluye código QR para registrarse e información de contacto de Chaquilla Green, Coordinadora de Participación de Padres y Familias.
Dorchester School District Four is offering sign-on incentives for the 2026–2027 school year.
New certified teachers can earn a $2,000 sign-on bonus, and current DD4 employees can earn a $200 referral bonus.
Learn more and apply at www.dorchester4.k12.sc.us
26 days ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer with Dorchester School District Four logo announcing sign-on bonuses for the 2026–2027 school year. Text reads: “Sign On Bonus. Certified Teachers $2,000. Referral $200.” Referral bonus applies to current DD4 employees. Website listed at dorchester4.k12.sc.us. Background features faint images of U.S. dollar bills.

Williams Memorial Elementary School recently celebrated Kindergarten through fifth grade students who showed the highest growth on the Winter i-Ready Reading or Math Diagnostic. Students with top gains in their classes received a Tiger drawstring bag filled with items for use at school and at home.

School-wide honors went to Bryson Parnell for the highest math gain, earning a STEM robotic car, and to DeShaun Utsey for the highest reading gain. To celebrate DeShaun’s achievement, Miss Montjoy’s class will enjoy a special class party.

In addition, 195 students who made at least a 15-point gain in Reading or Math received a popcorn treat, while 165 students who made at least a 15-point gain in both assessments earned Kona Ice and extra recess. Grade-level math and reading teachers whose students showed the highest progress toward yearly stretch growth also received a $50 classroom shopping spree to support student learning.

27 days ago, DD4 Communications
A group of elementary-aged students stand in front of a colorful school mural featuring a tiger mascot and the word “WMES,” each student holding a paw-print drawstring bag.
A group of upper elementary and middle school students pose in front of a “WMES” tiger mural, holding colorful paw-print drawstring bags and smiling at the camera.
A class of elementary students stands shoulder to shoulder in front of the WMES tiger mural, each holding a paw-print drawstring bag, with bright school colors filling the background.
A group of elementary students pose in front of the WMES tiger mural, holding blue and pink paw-print drawstring bags, with the Dorchester School District Four logo visible in the corner.
A single elementary-aged student stands in front of the WMES tiger mural holding a boxed prize and a blue paw-print drawstring bag.
A small group of elementary students stand in front of the WMES tiger mural, each holding a paw-print drawstring bag, smiling proudly.
A group of younger elementary students stand in front of the WMES tiger mural, holding blue and pink paw-print drawstring bags.
A Kona Ice truck is parked outside on a sunny day as a long line of elementary students waits to order shaved ice.
Dorchester School District Four invites community members to attend a Virtual Mentoring Program Orientation on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This session will share details about the mentoring program and how community support helps strengthen student success. Scan the QR code on the flyer to register and receive the Zoom link.
27 days ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer for Dorchester School District Four Virtual Mentoring Program Orientation. The flyer features photos of students learning with mentors and children gathered around a globe. Event details read Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A QR code is included to register for the virtual orientation and receive a Zoom link, along with contact information for Dr. Nancy Britt-Stevens, Anntoinette Haynes, and Chaquilla Green.
Dorchester School District Four schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Las escuelas y oficinas del Distrito Escolar Cuatro de Dorchester estarán cerradas el lunes 19 de enero de 2026 en honor al Día del Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Black-and-white commemorative graphic honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring a side-profile portrait of him speaking, with large “MLK” text, the date January 19, 2026, a quote reading “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that,” his signature, and text stating that Dorchester School District Four schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Dorchester School District Four was proud to host the South Carolina Department of Education’s Palmetto Math Project professional development today, bringing educators together to strengthen math instruction and support student learning across our schools.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Wide view of educators seated at round tables during a professional development session, working on laptops and participating in group discussions in a large meeting room.
An educator stands beside a table speaking with participants as they work during a professional development session.
Small group discussion at a table as an educator listens and takes notes during a professional development session.
Three educators smiling and talking together at a table during a collaborative professional development activity.
Educators collaborate at tables while a presenter stands near a screen at the front of the room during a professional development workshop.
Close-up of an educator wearing a name tag, listening attentively during a group discussion at professional development.
Group of educators seated at a table reviewing materials and working on laptops during professional development.
Close-up of an educator smiling toward the camera while seated at a table with colleagues working in the background during professional development.
Sign outside the building reading “Professional Development Meeting” with an arrow pointing left, displaying the Dorchester School District Four logo.