At Clay Hill Elementary, Mr. McMichael works side by side with students in small groups, offering targeted support and real-time feedback as they learn. This approach creates space for stronger understanding, active participation, and steady growth.
6 months ago, DD4 Communications
A teacher works with several elementary students at a round table, handing out materials as students write with dry-erase markers during small group instruction.
An elementary student sits at a desk working independently on a Chromebook, focused on the screen with classroom materials and posters visible in the background.
A teacher points toward materials on a table as students sit nearby, one student looking toward the camera while others follow along during a small group learning activity.
An elementary teacher leads a small group of students seated around a round table, engaging them in discussion while they use markers and a laptop during focused instruction.
Dorchester School District Four will return to a normal school schedule tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3.
All schools and offices will operate on their regular schedules.
6 months ago, DD4 Communications
Graphic reads “Important Announcement: Weather Update” over a snowy outdoor background with a snowman. The Dorchester School District Four circular logo appears centered near the bottom, with the district name displayed beneath it.

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

6 months 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.
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.
6 months 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 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.
6 months ago, DD4 Communications
inclement weather update. blue text. district logo.

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

6 months ago, DD4 Communications
DD4 Youth Basektball Logo
Beginning January 6, routine bus updates will be shared through the DD4 app using notifications only. We will no longer send routine bus updates by text message. This change helps ensure families who do not ride the bus are not receiving bus texts and protects text messaging for urgent and emergency district communications.

Families who need bus information are encouraged to download the DD4 app to continue receiving updates and manage notification preferences in one place. The app is available on the Google Play Store and the App Store by searching “Dorchester School District 4.” The app icon features the district logo.

Thank you for your support and partnership.
7 months ago, DD4 Communications
Dorchester School District Four logo centered over a row of yellow school buses parked in a lot, with the words “Communication Update” displayed across the bottom of the image.
The January Parent Newsletter is now available. https://tinyurl.com/3y4v8n84
7 months ago, DD4 Communications
Green Dorchester School District Four graphic announcing the January Parent Newsletter, with the district logo at the top, the word “Newsletter” centered, and a smartphone mockup below displaying a parent-focused article about helping children succeed in school.
Dorchester School District Four has been monitoring winter weather conditions throughout the weekend in coordination with Dorchester County Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, and neighboring districts. Based on the latest forecasts, DD4 will operate on a normal schedule Monday, December 15. With cold temperatures and wind chills expected overnight, families are encouraged to ensure students are dressed warmly for morning travel.
8 months ago, DD4 Communications
weather update letters in blue district logo, stormy background image

Dorchester School District Four, Select Health of South Carolina, A Second Chance Resource Center, and Bundles of Joy invite families to Christmas at DD4 TOMORROW, Saturday, December 13 from 11 AM to 2 PM at Woodland High School.

Toys, bikes, food, coats, games, music, family portraits, socks, winter hats, and more will be available while supplies last.

For information, contact Tamara Smalls Rolack at 843.563.5956.

8 months ago, DD4 Communications
Holiday flyer featuring logos for A Second Chance Resource Center, Select Health of South Carolina, and Bundles of Joy. Large red script reads Christmas at DD4. Event details show Saturday, December 13 from 11 AM to 2 PM at Woodland High School, 4128 Highway 78 in Dorchester. Listed resources include toys, bikes, food, coats, games, music, family portraits, socks, winter hats, and more. A note states all items are available on a first come first served basis. Contact information for Tamara Smalls Rolack appears at the bottom. The flyer is decorated with candy canes, ornaments, snowflakes, greenery, and wrapped gifts.
Dorchester School District Four, Select Health of South Carolina, A Second Chance Resource Center, and Bundles of Joy invite families to Christmas at DD4 on Saturday, December 13 from 11 AM to 2 PM at Woodland High School.

Toys, bikes, food, coats, games, music, family portraits, socks, winter hats, and more will be available while supplies last.

For information, contact Tamara Smalls Rolack at 843.563.5956.
8 months ago, DD4 Communications
Holiday flyer featuring logos for A Second Chance Resource Center, Select Health of South Carolina, and Bundles of Joy. Large red script reads Christmas at DD4. Event details show Saturday, December 13 from 11 AM to 2 PM at Woodland High School, 4128 Highway 78 in Dorchester. Listed resources include toys, bikes, food, coats, games, music, family portraits, socks, winter hats, and more. A note states all items are available on a first come first served basis. Contact information for Tamara Smalls Rolack appears at the bottom. The flyer is decorated with candy canes, ornaments, snowflakes, greenery, and wrapped gifts.
Dorchester School District Four, Select Health of South Carolina, and A Second Chance Resource Center invite families to join us for Christmas in DD4 on Saturday, December 13 from 11 AM to 2 PM at Woodland High School. The event will feature toys, bikes, food, coats, games, music, family portraits, and a variety of winter essentials. All resources will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. For more information, please contact Tamara Smalls Rolack at 843.563.5956.
8 months ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer titled Christmas in DD4 with holiday decorations including candy canes, ornaments, gold bells, wrapped gifts, and snowflakes. Logos for Dorchester School District Four, Select Health of South Carolina, and A Second Chance Resource Center appear at the top. Event details list Saturday, December 13, 11 AM to 2 PM at Woodland High School, 4128 Highway 78 in Dorchester. The flyer advertises toys, bikes, food, coats, games, music, family portraits, socks, winter hats, and other resources, distributed on a first come first serve basis. Contact information for Tamara Smalls Rolack is included at the bottom.
DD4 visited Clay Hill Elementary on Thursday to help celebrate the Monthly Character Kids Awards breakfast. Students were recognized for exemplifying the character word Gratitude and were joined by family and friends for the celebration. Each student received a certificate and a medal before enjoying a delicious breakfast prepared by the CHES cafeteria staff.
9 months ago, DD4 Communications
A group of Clay Hill Elementary students sit in two rows holding “Student of the Month” certificates and wearing medals. Posters and windows line the wall behind them.
Large white marquee-style letters spelling “CHES” with yellow lights sit on a purple tablecloth, with white gift bags and certificates in the background.
A close-up of a colorful “Student of the Month” certificate with a smiling trophy graphic, placed on a purple tablecloth.
Dorchester School District Four, Select Health of South Carolina, and A Second Chance Resource Center invite families to join us for Christmas in DD4 on Saturday, December 13 from 11 AM to 2 PM at Woodland High School. The event will feature toys, bikes, food, coats, games, music, family portraits, and a variety of winter essentials. All resources will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. For more information, please contact Tamara Smalls Rolack at 843.563.5956.
9 months ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer titled Christmas in DD4 with holiday decorations including candy canes, ornaments, gold bells, wrapped gifts, and snowflakes. Logos for Dorchester School District Four, Select Health of South Carolina, and A Second Chance Resource Center appear at the top. Event details list Saturday, December 13, 11 AM to 2 PM at Woodland High School, 4128 Highway 78 in Dorchester. The flyer advertises toys, bikes, food, coats, games, music, family portraits, socks, winter hats, and other resources, distributed on a first come first serve basis. Contact information for Tamara Smalls Rolack is included at the bottom.
Students in Ms. Huff’s 5th grade class at Clay Hill Elementary read every day, building confidence, comprehension, and a lifelong love of learning. Their daily reading time helps them grow as thinkers, storytellers, and future leaders, one page at a time.
9 months ago, DD4 Communications
A student with a long braid and pink hoodie reads quietly at her desk while another student studies in the background.
A student wearing glasses and a black sweatshirt reads a green book at her desk beside her classmates.
A group of students sit together reading various books, each focused on their story during class reading time.
A student in a red shirt leans over her desk, focused on reading an illustrated book with a pencil and Chromebook nearby.
Ms. Huff, wearing a blue shirt and gray pants, smiles warmly in front of her classroom whiteboard, ready to inspire her 5th graders.
A 5th-grade student wearing a blue shirt reads a colorful comic book at his desk, surrounded by books and a Chromebook.
A student in a tie-dye shirt reads a chapter book titled “Allergic” while seated at a classroom table with other students reading nearby.
Yesterday, our Assistant Principals took part in a district-wide school swap as part of Dorchester School District Four’s Assistant Principal Development Program. Each AP spent the day at a different school, gaining valuable insight into new environments, leadership styles, and age groups. The group came together for lunch at the District Office to reflect, share experiences, and discuss lessons learned, turning a single day into a powerful opportunity for growth and collaboration.
9 months ago, DD4 Communications
Mrs. Hartzog, Ms. Mims and Mrs. Busby pose in front of a brightly painted mural featuring a landscape scene. All three smile warmly at the camera.
Mr. Wolfgang and Mrs. Butler stand in front of a school wall featuring a colorful circular emblem. They smile at the camera, both wearing professional attire and lanyards.
Mr. Charpia and Mrs. Trigiani stand side by side in a cafeteria, smiling warmly at the camera. Both wear ID badges and casual professional attire.
Mrs. Bryant and Mr. White pose in an office, smiling together. Mr. White wears a pinstriped suit, and Mrs. Bryant wears a red vest over a navy shirt.
Due to weather and schedule conflicts, youth soccer will not be played this week. Games will continue on Monday, November 17th with a slightly adjusted bracket and game schedule.

We appreciate your understanding and flexibility.
9 months ago, DD4 Communications
A schedule and field map for Dorchester District Four Youth Soccer games on November 17 at Woodland High School. The chart lists game times, fields, and team matchups for both 1st/2nd and 3rd–5th grade divisions. Each field is labeled by sport complex: baseball, softball, and football. A color-coded map at the bottom shows field numbers and locations—Fields 1 and 2 by the baseball field near Highway 78, Field 5 at the softball field, and Fields 3 and 4 at the football stadium. Parking is marked near the high school. A side panel lists coaches and team names for each school (CHES, HES, WMES, CHES, and WMES).
A single-elimination playoff bracket titled “DD4 Youth Soccer Playoff (3rd–5th).” The semi-final games are set for November 17, with the championship on November 20. The top bracket shows C3 Purple Falcons versus H5 Red Titans; the bottom bracket shows W4 Maroon Goal Getters versus W9 Navy Playmakers. Empty boxes are reserved for winners advancing to the championship and for the final champion.
The National Weather Service is forecasting near-record cold early next week.

Forecast:
• Monday Night–Tuesday Morning: Lows in the mid to upper 20s inland, near freezing along the coast.
• Tuesday Morning: Wind chills in the upper teens to mid-20s.
• Tuesday Night–Wednesday Morning: Another freeze possible.

Reminders:
Bus riders should dress in warm layers, coats, and gloves.

Youth Soccer:
Monday night’s DD4 Youth Soccer games remain on schedule. We’ll notify families if conditions change.

All DD4 schools and offices are expected to operate on a normal schedule. Updates will be shared through the DD4 App, text, email, callouts, website, and social media.

Stay safe and warm.
9 months ago, DD4 Communications
A weather announcement graphic from Dorchester School District Four. The background shows cloudy skies with the words “Important Announcement” at the top, followed by a gray banner labeled “Weather,” and large bold blue text reading “UPDATE.” The Dorchester School District Four circular logo is centered below the word “UPDATE,” and “Dorchester School District Four” is written in script across the bottom.
On Wednesday morning, Clay Hill Elementary celebrated their Quarter 1 Awards! 🏅 Students were recognized for perfect attendance, A/B Honor Roll, and the Principal’s List for earning straight A’s. Congratulations to all our hardworking EAGLES! Keep soaring high! 🦅👏
9 months ago, DD4 Communications
A Clay Hill Elementary student smiles while holding a “Principal’s List” certificate and wearing a medal beside a staff member in a red sweater. The ceremony takes place in the school gym, with purple bleachers and a table of awards in the background.
Four Clay Hill Elementary students stand in front of a staff member, each holding a bright “Perfect Attendance” certificate. They smile proudly in the school gym, with the American flag and purple bleachers behind them.
A Clay Hill Elementary student proudly holds an “A/B Honor Roll” certificate beside a staff member in a red sweater. They stand in front of an American flag and purple bleachers during the school’s awards ceremony.
A Clay Hill Elementary student smiles while holding a colorful “Principal’s List” certificate beside a staff member in a red sweater. The ceremony takes place in the school gym, with purple bleachers and a table decorated with certificates in the background.
In Our Schools: In Ms. Floyd’s class at Clay Hill Elementary, students explored “Sound Riddles” to learn how letters and sounds work together in words! Using mirrors to observe how their mouths move when making sounds, students practiced writing and identifying the letter C for the /k/ sound while decoding and creating new words.
9 months ago, DD4 Communications
Ms. Floyd stands at the front of her classroom speaking to students during a literacy lesson. The classroom is decorated with colorful posters and learning materials.
A young student smiles while using a small mirror to observe how their mouth moves when practicing letter sounds during a phonics activity.
A student holds up a circular mirror and looks closely at their reflection while practicing how to form the /k/ sound for the letter C.
A student in a red and black shirt examines their mouth movement in a small mirror during a sound recognition activity.
A student in a blue shirt uses a handheld mirror to observe how their lips and tongue move while making different letter sounds.
A student in a green and gray jacket holds a small mirror and studies how their mouth moves while saying the /k/ sound during class.
A student in a pink shirt smiles as she looks into a mirror, practicing how to form a letter sound during the “Sound Riddles” phonics lesson.
A student in a white shirt holds a mirror and looks toward the camera during a literacy lesson focused on sound recognition.
A student wearing a striped red and white shirt looks attentively toward the teacher during the phonics activity, with a stuffed animal on the desk nearby.
A classroom smartboard displays a slide titled “Sound Riddles” with an image of a mouth and a speech bubble, part of a literacy lesson on how letters and sounds work together.