Dorchester School District Four held its October School Board meeting on Tuesday, October 21. During the meeting, the Board and Superintendent Jeffrey Beckwith honored the district’s first Everyday Heroes of the 2025–2026 school year for the month of September.

Recognized were Officer John Stone, School Resource Officer at Harleyville Elementary; Shirley Eskew, Teacher at Odyssey Educational Center; and David Ross, Activity Bus Driver for DD4. Each honoree received a Certificate of Achievement and a DD4 Superintendent’s Challenge Coin in recognition of their dedication and impact. Monica Tudder, Director of Exceptional Children, read heartfelt nominations submitted by their peers, highlighting the difference each makes in their school community.

The Board also recognized member Jenny Infinger for achieving Level 1 status through the South Carolina School Boards Association (SCSBA). Board Chair Phyllis Hughes was commended for reaching Level 5 status and will be formally honored at the November meeting.

The next DD4 School Board meeting will be held on Monday, November 18 at 6:00 PM.
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
Officer John Stone, School Resource Officer at Harleyville Elementary, stands smiling with Principal Jeremy Wolfgang and Superintendent Jeffrey Beckwith after receiving his DD4 Everyday Hero award and Challenge Coin.
Shirley Eskew, teacher at Odyssey Educational Center, holds her DD4 Everyday Hero certificate while standing with Principal Dr. Jeffery Thompson and Superintendent Jeffrey Beckwith at the recognition ceremony.
David Ross, DD4 Activity Bus Driver, holds his DD4 Everyday Hero certificate and Challenge Coin while standing with Assistant Athletic Director Wylie McCall and Superintendent Jeffrey Beckwith.
Board member Jenny Infinger stands with Superintendent Jeffrey Beckwith, holding her Certificate of Achievement from the South Carolina School Boards Association recognizing her for achieving Level 1 status.
David Ross stands in front of the Dorchester School District Four logo, holding his DD4 Everyday Hero certificate and Challenge Coin alongside his wife smiling beside him.
A framed DD4 Everyday Hero certificate on a table recognizes David Ross for his commitment to the students and staff of Dorchester School District Four. A DD4 Superintendent’s Challenge Coin is displayed behind the frame.
A close-up view of the Dorchester School District Four Superintendent’s Challenge Coin, gold-rimmed with the DD4 logo centered in green and white, displayed on a small clear stand.

🔴 National Red Ribbon Week is October 23–31! Dorchester School District Four supports the theme “Life is a Puzzle – Solve It Drug Free.” We're committed to encouraging students to live drug-free and connecting families to helpful resources.

Learn more at www.redribbon.org #RedRibbonWeek #DrugFreeDD4

4 months ago, DD4 Communications
A bright yellow poster with red and blue puzzle pieces reads, “Life is a puzzle, solve it drug free.” The text promotes Red Ribbon Week, observed October 23–31. The bottom includes the Red Ribbon Campaign logo, website www.redribbon.org , and the Dorchester School District Four logo.
Good Afternoon, Bus 412 will be 20 minutes late this afternoon
4 months ago, Harold Nix
Woodland High School Agricultural Mechanics students put their skills to the test this semester under the guidance of teacher Markie Leonard. After learning about measurements, safety, tool use, and material planning, students designed, scaled, and built a custom set of cornhole boards from start to finish.

Their finished project was proudly awarded to the community during the Woodland FFA “Shuck n’ Chuck” Oyster Roast and Cornhole Tournament. Great job, Wolverines, on combining craftsmanship, teamwork, and real-world learning!
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
Two completed cornhole boards stand against a green wall beneath a sign that reads “Woodland FFA Shuck n’ Chuck Oyster Roast & Cornhole Tournament,” decorated with oysters, lemons, and cornhole boards.
A finished stained cornhole board sits on a classroom table with “Shuck n’ Chuck” etched into the wood.
Three students assemble a wooden frame on a classroom table using a drill and teamwork.
A student sands a wooden board with a power sander on an outdoor workbench while another student watches.
A student in a red hoodie measures and marks a piece of wood using a ruler at a classroom table.
Two students use a miter saw outside the classroom to cut a piece of wood while wearing safety glasses.
Students in Agricultural Mechanics class work together measuring and marking a wooden board on a classroom table
In Our Classrooms: In Mrs. Ayer’s English Language Arts class at Woodland Middle School- DD4, students explored figurative language! The day’s lesson focused on identifying and explaining similes, metaphors, personification, and more; helping students see how creative language brings writing to life.
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
Mrs. Ayer, An English teacher speaks passionately to students, engaging the class in a lively discussion.
A middle school student wearing a pink hoodie works independently on a laptop at her desk in an English Language Arts classroom.
Mrs. Ayer enthusiastically gestures while leading a discussion with students seated around the classroom.
A student focuses intently as he writes in his notebook during a classroom writing activity.
A student concentrates on his work, holding a pencil above his notebook during an English lesson.
Two students work quietly at their desks, one writing in a notebook and another reading a paper during class.
A student wearing glasses listens carefully during an English Language Arts lesson, with papers spread on his desk.
A student smiles slightly while looking across the classroom, holding a pencil and notebook on her desk.
A student in a blue hoodie writes in his notebook while seated near a bookshelf filled with classroom books.
Dorchester School District Four will hold a Regular Board Meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 6:00 PM, located at the Administrative Office Board Room, 600 Minus Street, St. George, SC 29477.

Parking will be located in the back paved parking lot adjacent to the St. George Diamond Youth Baseball Will Rickborn Field off of Behling Street.

Listed is the link for the board meeting: https://dorchester4-k12-sc.community.highbond.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=320
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
DD4 Logo

Good afternoon DD4 Families!

The 2025-2026 Quarter 2 Parent & Family Engagement Newsletter is now available.

Click here to view the letter. https://5il.co/3rcer

4 months ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic featuring the Dorchester School District Four logo centered above the word “Newsletter.” Below, text reads “Parent & Family Engagement Newsletter is now available.” The image of a smartphone displays the newsletter cover, which shows a smiling family of four and includes the title “Parent and Family Engagement Newsletter” along with headlines such as “Supporting Our DD4 Community,” “Attendance Celebrations,” and “Virtual Trainings and Family Events.” The overall design is clean with green and white branding consistent with DD4’s style.
DD4 Youth Soccer starts tomorrow night!
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic titled “DD4 Youth Soccer Match Schedule” for Dorchester School District Four. The background features green turf with blue and black text boxes. The schedule lists match times, locations, and dates for youth soccer games held at Woodland High School (WHS). Games are scheduled at 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM on October 21, October 28, and November 4. Locations include Baseball Fields #1 and #2, Football Fields #1 and #2, and the Practice Field #1. Each matchup includes abbreviations for schools such as WMES (Williams Memorial Elementary School), HES (Harleyville Elementary School), and CHES (Clay Hill Elementary School), with grade levels noted as 1st/2nd or 3rd–5th. The Dorchester School District Four logo appears in the top left corner.
🚌 It’s School Bus Safety Week!

Safety starts at the bus stop:
🚏 Stand 5 giant steps from the curb
👁️ Always make eye contact with the driver
🛑 Wait for the signal before boarding

Drivers:
🟡 Slow down for flashing yellow lights
🛑 Stop when the stop-arm is out
🏫 Watch for children near bus stops

Let’s work together to keep our students safe!
#SchoolBusSafetyWeek #DD4Safety #BusStopTips
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
: 🚌 It’s School Bus Safety Week! Safety starts at the bus stop: ⌚ Arrive 5 minutes early 🚏 Stand 5 giant steps from the curb 👁️ Always make eye contact with the driver 🛑 Wait for the signal before boarding Drivers: 🟡 Slow down for flashing yellow lights 🛑 Stop when the stop-arm is out 🏫 Watch for children near bus stops Let’s work together to keep our students safe! #SchoolBusSafetyWeek #DD4Safety #BusStopTips
Williams Memorial Elementary School wrapped up September with another exciting Club Day! Students explored their interests and discovered new passions through a variety of engaging activities.

From building creative designs with Legos and experimenting with robotics to expressing themselves through art, dance, and cooking, every club offered a unique hands-on experience. Students also enjoyed working with computers right in their classrooms, learning new skills and having fun along the way.

And to finish the day on a calm note, one group participated in yoga, a peaceful and unexpected highlight that showed just how diverse and enjoyable Club Day can be at WMES!
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
A young student with braided hair focuses on coloring a worksheet at her desk using a bright orange marker. School supplies and folders are on the desk, with classroom decor visible in the background.
An elementary student builds a colorful Lego structure at his desk, carefully attaching pieces from a nearby container filled with building blocks.
A blonde-haired student sits at a round table, programming a Lego robotics project on a laptop. A small motorized build is connected to the computer with a white cable.
A smiling student in a light blue shirt performs a yoga pose on a purple mat during class, balancing on hands and knees while looking toward the camera.
A group of students raises plastic cups in celebration inside a classroom. They are smiling and toasting together in front of colorful posters and classroom decor.
A student wearing glasses and a red shirt works intently on a coding project using a laptop in a classroom setting. Other students are visible in the background working on computers.
A student in glasses and a black hoodie paints a green figure on white paper during art class. Art supplies, scissors, and paint trays are spread across the table.
A group of students in a music classroom laughs and participates while one student sings into a yellow microphone. The atmosphere is lively and interactive.
Two students work on colorful watercolor paintings at an art table, smiling and concentrating as they use scissors and brushes to complete their projects.
A cheerful student flashes double peace signs while sitting at a classroom desk. School supplies and other students are visible in the background.
Join the Dorchester County Library for PJ Picnic Storytime at the St. George Branch on Tuesday, October 21 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Families with 3- and 4-year-olds are invited to come in their pajamas, enjoy songs and stories, and share a free meal together.

This special event is part of the DCL Reads Kindergarten Readiness program in collaboration with Save the Children.
No registration required — everyone is welcome!

📍 St. George Branch | 506 N Parler Ave, St. George, SC
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
A flyer for the Dorchester County Library’s “PJ Picnic Storytime” at the St. George Branch on Tuesday, October 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The design features a red-and-white picnic pattern background, teddy bears, and illustrations of smiling children in pajamas. Text explains that families with children ages 3 and 4 are invited to wear pajamas, enjoy songs and stories, and have a meal at the library. Event presented by Dorchester County Library and Save the Children’s Kindergarten Readiness program. Address: 506 N Parler Ave, St. George, SC.
A print layout showing four identical “PJ Picnic Storytime” flyers arranged in a two-by-two grid. Each flyer promotes the Dorchester County Library’s event at the St. George Branch on Tuesday, October 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., featuring teddy bear graphics and children in pajamas on a picnic blanket background.
Woodland High School Spanish teachers Ms. Dionis and Ms. Pernia led engaging projects that brought culture, language, and tradition to life.
In Ms. Dionis’ Spanish 3 class, students researched Hispanic celebrities, learning about their home countries and careers, then answered questions in Spanish about their presentations. Principal Michael White joined in the discussion and even sampled authentic Hispanic cuisine prepared by students.

In Ms. Pernia’s class, students explored Hispanic countries, sharing facts about each nation’s history, culture, famous people, music, and flag. Her students also enjoyed tasting traditional dishes that highlighted the diversity of Hispanic heritage.

It was a meaningful way to close out Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrate the many cultures that enrich our schools and community.
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
A student proudly displays a colorful trifold poster about Carlos Santana, featuring images of Mexican cuisine, family, and music awards.
A group of high school students and their teacher pose together in a Spanish classroom decorated with cultural posters and alphabet letters.
Two students sit behind their trifold presentation board on Cuba, featuring the Cuban flag, maps, food, and famous people.
A smiling student stands beside a Puerto Rico project board decorated with photos, the flag, and images of Bad Bunny and Puerto Rican dishes.
Two students stand behind a bright yellow and red project board about Shakira and Colombia, featuring pictures of the singer, Colombian food, and symbols.
A male teacher dressed in a sparkling black and silver jacket with a white feather boa samples food while smiling during a classroom celebration.
A large group of students poses with their Hispanic Heritage Month projects on countries including El Salvador, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, surrounded by international flags.
A student and teacher smile while holding a colorful Venezuela project board in front of a digital display reading “Hispanic Heritage Month.”
A student eats from a cup while participating in a classroom celebration, with another student standing beside him enjoying food.
Two students stand beside their Dominican Republic project display featuring information on music, famous people, and traditional clothing.
Happy Columbus Day!
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
Happy Columbus Day October 13, 2025
Get ready for some Halloween fun at Davis Bailey Park! 🎃
Join Dorchester County Parks & Recreation for Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October 24, from 5–7 PM!

Enjoy treats, costumes, and fun for the whole family — plus an electric train, food truck, and Sweet Southern Chill!

📍 Davis Bailey Park
5190 E Jim Bilton Blvd, St. George, SC

Come out for a safe, family-friendly evening of fall fun! 👻🍬
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
Colorful Trunk or Treat flyer from Dorchester County Parks & Recreation. The purple and orange design features playful ghosts, candy, and Halloween graphics. Text reads: “Dorchester County Parks and Recreation Trunk or Treat. Davis Bailey Park, 5190 E Jim Bilton Blvd, St. George, SC 29477. Electric Train – Food Truck – Sweet Southern Chill! October 24th, 5–7 PM.”
In Our Classrooms: Woodland High School’s JROTC program, led by Chaplain MAJ (USA Retired) John Logan Jr. and Sergeant (Ret.) Kevin Simpson, took learning outdoors for a student-led PT session on the back lawn. Cadets demonstrated teamwork, discipline, and leadership as they guided their peers through physical training exercises.

It’s all part of building strong minds, strong bodies, and strong leaders at Woodland High!
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
Woodland High JROTC cadets jog in formation across the back lawn during a student-led PT session.
A group of Woodland High JROTC cadets jog together in step, wearing black Army PT uniforms.
Chaplain MAJ (USA Retired) John Logan Jr. observes cadets during outdoor physical training on the back lawn.
Sergeant (Ret.) Kevin Simpson stands on the field, overseeing cadets during student-led PT at Woodland High.
Cadets stand in small groups between exercises, preparing for the next part of their PT session.
JROTC cadets perform jumping jacks in unison under the morning sun during their student-led workout.
A large group of Woodland High JROTC cadets move in formation during physical training, led by their peers.
Cadets perform arm-raise exercises while instructors observe and encourage from the sidelines.
In Mrs. Gina Sawicki’s 4th grade class at Harleyville Elementary, students were all in during a hands-on science lesson about energy. Through call and response, they broke down how energy cannot be created or destroyed, it just changes form. From note taking to lively discussion, the class stayed locked in and learning together.
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
A student’s notebook open to notes labeled “Conservation of Energy,” describing how energy cannot be created or destroyed and can change form.
Teacher Mrs. Gina Sawicki smiles and gestures energetically during her science lesson on energy, with the class notes projected on the screen behind her.
Students sit at round tables as one raises a hand to answer a question during the energy lesson.
A student seated near the teacher’s desk raises his hand to participate in the discussion, with classroom posters and supplies in the background.
A student writes notes in her notebook while focusing on the science lesson about energy.
A student with braided hair and glasses writes in her notebook while participating in Mrs. Sawicki’s science lesson.
A student with a ponytail listens attentively and holds a pencil during the class discussion.
Two students seated at desks look toward the front of the classroom, listening during the interactive lesson.
A student focuses on writing in his notebook during the energy discussion, surrounded by bookshelves in the background.
A student wearing glasses concentrates while taking notes about how energy changes form during the hands-on science lesson.
In Our Classrooms:
We caught up with Mrs. Davis’ 3rd grade class at Williams Memorial Elementary School as they explored the library! With help from Mrs. Davis and school librarian Mrs. Stephenson, students identified books that matched their reading levels and had a chance to browse the shelves for stories that sparked their interest.
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
A young girl browses through a bookshelf in the school library, holding a book as she decides what to read next. Colorful decorations and rows of books line the background.
A student wearing a purple hoodie looks through a shelf of library books while Mrs. Davis assists other students in the background.
Two students look at picture books together at a library table, smiling as they share their selections.
Mrs. Davis helps a student locate a book that matches his reading level while another student nearby checks his list. Library shelves filled with books surround them.
School librarian Mrs. Stephenson stands at the front of the library holding a “Fly Guy” book, explaining something to students seated nearby.
Two students look at picture books together at a library table, smiling as they share their selections.
A student sits quietly at a library table, reading an illustrated book titled “Baloney” with focus and interest.
A student in a red shirt holds several books against his chest while standing on a colorful reading rug in the library.
A student in a black hoodie with a skeleton face design reads a “Step into Reading” book at a table in the library.
Two smiling students stand side by side in the library, holding a stack of books they’ve selected to check out.
🍂 Fall Break Reminder: Dorchester School District Four schools and offices will be closed October 13–15 for Fall Break. Enjoy the break and we’ll see you back soon!
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
🍂 Fall Break Reminder: Dorchester School District Four schools and offices will be closed October 13–15 for Fall Break. Enjoy the break and we’ll see you back soon!
In Our Classrooms at Clay Hill Elementary School

Music teacher Mr. Mansilla is helping students find the rhythm in both sound and numbers! During a Math + Music Challenge, students used their ears and math skills to group beats into patterns of 2’s, 3’s, and 4’s. The activity combined melody and mathematics, showing how rhythm and counting go hand in hand.

It’s learning that hits all the right notes—fun, creative, and full of energy! 🎵🎶
4 months ago, DD4 Communications
A young girl claps along with the rhythm while holding a pencil during Mr. Mansilla’s Math + Music Challenge. A worksheet sits on the yellow table in front of her.
Music teacher Mr. Mansilla claps to a rhythm at the front of the classroom while students listen and work at their tables.
A student in a pink shirt concentrates on her worksheet, writing answers for the Math + Music Challenge at a green table.
A student wearing a blue dress writes on her Math + Music Challenge worksheet, focused on grouping beats into patterns.
A student with glasses leans over her paper, writing carefully on the Math + Music Challenge worksheet at a yellow table.
Close-up of a child’s hand holding a pencil and marking answers on the Math + Music Challenge worksheet.
Another close-up view of a student writing on a Math + Music Challenge worksheet, focusing on grouping beats.
A small group of students sits around a green table, working on their worksheets and talking through the challenge with a teacher.
Several students gather around a yellow table completing their Math + Music Challenge worksheets as they listen for patterns in the music.
A classroom display screen shows the “Math + Music Challenge” program, instructing students to group beats into 2’s, 3’s, 4’s, and 6’s.
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.