Reminder: Dorchester School District Four will operate on an early release schedule on Wednesday, April 22.
Dismissal times: • Elementary Schools – 12:15 PM • Middle and High Schools – 1:40 PM

Recordatorio:
El Distrito Escolar Dorchester Cuatro operará en un horario de salida temprana el miércoles 22 de abril.

Horarios de salida:
• Escuelas primarias – 12:15 PM
• Escuelas intermedias y secundarias – 1:40 PM
6 days ago, DD4 Communications
Dorchester School District Four flyer reminding families of an Early Release Day on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Dismissal times: Elementary at 12:15 PM, Middle and High at 1:40 PM.
🚀 Save the Date! CHES students are blasting off to the stars!Join us for our School Musical, "Journey Into Outer Space," performed by our PreK through 5th grade students!

📅 May 19, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM
📍 CHES Gym

Students are encouraged to wear outer space themed attire or blue and green.

Don't miss the show! 🌍⭐
10 days ago, DD4 Communications
School musical flyer for Cottageville Elementary School. The flyer features a colorful cartoon rocket ship launching through a starry night sky with the title "Journey Into Outer Space" displayed in bold yellow and blue lettering. Details read: Who: PreK through 5th Grade. When: May 19, 2026 at 1:00 PM. Where: CHES Gym. Students are encouraged to wear outer space themed attire or blue and green. A speech bubble reads "Don't Miss the Show!" The flyer is produced by Quaver Musicals.
Dorchester School District Four is encouraging all parents and guardians to participate in the 2026 Parent and Guardian School Climate Survey, sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE). You have until April 17, 2026 to complete the survey.

This anonymous survey is a powerful way to shape the future of education in our community. Your honest feedback helps our schools understand what's working, where we can improve, and how to better support our students and families. Results are factored into each school's annual report card and play a direct role in decisions made at the school, district, and state levels.

Every response counts! Thank you for taking a few moments to invest in our students' success!

How to Access the Survey
Parents and guardians of K–12 students can complete the survey through the PowerSchool Parent Portal:

Website Access to PowerSchool Parent Portal
1. Visit: https://dorchester4.powerschool.com/public/
2. Log in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
3. Select Forms from the menu.
4. Click on “2026 Parent and Guardian School Climate Survey.”
5. Complete the survey and click "Submit".


Mobile App Access to PowerSchool Parent Portal
1. Log in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
2. Click on “More”.
3. Select Forms from the menu.
4. Click on “2026 Parent and Guardian School Climate Survey.”
5. Complete the survey and click "Submit”.

If you experience any trouble accessing the PowerSchool Parent Portal, don't hesitate to reach out to your child's school.

Parents and guardians may complete one survey per enrolled student, with each survey taking around 10 to 15 minutes of your time.

We truly appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts and experiences. When families and schools work hand in hand, amazing things happen for our kids. Together, we can continue to grow, improve, and create an environment where every DD4 student has the opportunity to thrive.

For further instructions click here: https://aptg.co/rLm-Qk
12 days ago, DD4 Communications
A dark green square graphic featuring the Dorchester School District Four circular logo at the top with the tagline 'Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures.' Bold white text reads 'Strong Schools Start With You.' Below in script font: 'Take the 2026 SCDE Parent Survey Today!'
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.
27 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.
29 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.
Congratulations to our students of the month!
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
A group of Clay Hill Elementary School students stand in front of a wall with large “CHES” letters, each holding a “Student of the Month” certificate. The students, wearing medals, are joined by two staff members on either side, smiling and celebrating their achievement. The group represents a diverse set of young learners recognized for their hard work and positive behavior.

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/

about 1 month 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!
about 1 month 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 Facebook Page.
about 1 month 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.
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.
about 1 month 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
about 1 month 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.

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

about 1 month 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.
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.
about 1 month 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.
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.
about 1 month 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.
Dorchester School District Four is excited to announce that Universal Pre-K registration is now open.

Our full-day Pre-K program is available to all eligible 4-year-old children, regardless of family income. We are committed to providing every child with a strong start in a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment.

Give your child the foundation they deserve. Click on the link to get started. Spots are limited so get your application in today.

https://dorchesterfour-sc.finalforms.com/
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Illustration of a yellow school bus facing forward on a road with trees and clouds in the background. Text reads “Universal Pre-K,” “Registration Now Open to All Families,” and “Full-Day for All 4 Year Olds,” with the Dorchester School District Four logo displayed on the front of the bus.
Out of an abundance of caution, Dorchester School District Four will be closed on Monday, March 16 due to the risk of high winds and severe storms expected to move through our area late Monday morning into the early afternoon. All afterschool activities are also canceled. The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority, and we encourage everyone to stay safe as the weather moves through our community. We apologize for the late notice, as we wanted to gather as much information as possible before making this decision. We appreciate your understanding.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic with palm trees bending in strong wind behind the words “Important Announcement: Weather Update.” The Dorchester School District Four logo appears in the center with the district name at the bottom, indicating a school district weather announcement.

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

about 1 month 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.

📌 Reminder for DD4 Families: Friday, March 13, 2026, is a scheduled Teacher Workday in Dorchester School District Four. There will be no school for students on this day.

📌 Recordatorio para las familias de DD4: El viernes 13 de marzo de 2026 es un día programado de trabajo para maestros en Dorchester School District Four. No habrá clases para los estudiantes ese día.

about 2 months ago, DD4 Communications
Dorchester School District Four flyer reminding families of a Teacher Work Day on Friday, March 13, 2026. The flyer notes: No School for Students.
The Tour de Four is back on the calendar.

After being postponed on January 31, our Employee Recruitment and Future Parent Event has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 21 from 10 AM to 12 PM at Clay Hill Elementary.

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.

Seats are limited. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/k385vh26
about 2 months 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.
The Tour de Four is back on the calendar.

After being postponed on January 31, our Employee Recruitment and Future Parent Event has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 21 from 10 AM to 12 PM at Clay Hill Elementary.

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.

Seats are limited. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/k385vh26
about 2 months 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.