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.
5 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.
5 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.
5 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.
6 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.
6 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.
6 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! 🦅👏
6 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.
6 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.
This is a message from Dorchester School District Four. The Youth Soccer games scheduled for this evening have been postponed due to weather conditions. A new date will be announced soon, and parents will be notified once the schedule is finalized. Thank you for your understanding.
6 months ago, DD4 Communications
In our Classrooms:
Fourth graders at Clay Hill Elementary took learning to new heights with a special visit from American Airlines flight attendant Tei Hurst! Based in Dayton, Ohio, Ms. Hurst shared her experiences working on regional flights and explained how the concepts of energy and motion helped the Wright Brothers achieve flight in 1903.

It was an exciting and inspiring way to launch Mrs. Tayler Bell’s new science unit on forms of energy! ✈️
6 months ago, DD4 Communications
A group of fourth-grade students from Clay Hill Elementary stand together smiling inside their classroom with American Airlines flight attendant Tei Hurst. Ms. Hurst is centered behind the group, wearing her navy uniform and pink scarf. The classroom walls display colorful numbers, student work, and a large screen that reads “Hi There” with a boarding pass graphic.
American Airlines flight attendant Tei Hurst sits on a stool at the front of a classroom, holding her lanyard and ID badge while speaking to attentive fourth-grade students. The students are seated and listening closely, with one raising a hand to ask a question. The classroom is decorated with educational posters and a world map.
Tei Hurst, dressed in her flight attendant uniform, reads aloud to a Clay Hill Elementary fourth grader seated nearby. The student listens intently while other classmates look on. The classroom background includes bright decorations, educational charts, and a screen showing an image of an airplane window view.

Dorchester School District Four celebrated students with satisfactory attendance before the break, recognizing those who missed fewer than two days of school during the first quarter. These students were treated to a short cotton candy party as a fun reward for their dedication to showing up and staying engaged.

We’re proud of their commitment and encourage all students to keep up the great attendance! Let’s see even more faces at the next celebration!

6 months ago, DD4 Communications
A group of middle school students gathers around a table filled with bags of pink and blue cotton candy. A teacher assists as students excitedly choose their treats during the attendance celebration.
A group of students poses outdoors, smiling and holding bags of cotton candy. Some students are eating their treats while others make peace signs, celebrating their good attendance.
Young elementary students sit in a gym bleacher row, each holding a small bag of cotton candy. Some children are eating, while others smile and chat with friends during the reward event.
Three elementary students sit together on a yellow playground bench, enjoying pink and blue cotton candy under the sunlight. Each child holds a plastic bag of candy, smiling and relaxed.

Get ready for another exciting week of DD4 Youth Soccer! ⚽ Games kick off Tuesday, October 28, at Woodland High School. Check out the full schedule below for team matchups, times, and field locations. Come out and cheer on our young athletes!

6 months ago, DD4 Communications
A flyer titled “DD4 Youth Soccer” shows the October 28 game schedule at Woodland High School. It lists five fields—Baseball Fields 1 and 2, Football Fields 3 and 4, and Softball Field 5—with games for grades 1st–2nd and 3rd–5th starting at 6:00 and 7:00 PM. Each field lists color-coded teams like Light Blue, Gold Diggers, Dark Gray, Hawks, Royal Blue, Jaguars, Navy, Playmakers, and others. The flyer includes a team and coach reference chart for CHES, HES, WMES, and WMS, and a labeled campus map showing parking and field locations near Highway 78.
In our Classrooms: In Mrs. Washington’s class at Clay Hill Elementary, students explored the distributive property of multiplication! Through hands-on examples and active participation, students learned how to break apart multiplication problems into smaller, easier parts, making math both engaging and fun.
6 months ago, DD4 Communications
Mrs. Washington uses hand gestures to explain the distributive property of multiplication to her class as students follow along.
A laptop displays a colorful slide about the distributive property of multiplication, showing an example problem broken into smaller parts using visuals and numbers.
A student raises her hand eagerly to answer a question while another student watches attentively during a math lesson on multiplication.
Mrs. Washington smiles as she interacts with her students during a math discussion on the distributive property of multiplication.
A student with red braids raises her hand confidently to participate in a classroom discussion about multiplication while another student listens beside her.
A student in a light green shirt listens attentively during the math lesson, with a workbook open on the desk.
Students actively participate during class—one raising her hand while another uses her fingers to explain a math problem.
Give your child a Head Start — at no cost!
Berkeley-Dorchester Head Start is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year.

Head Start offers families high-quality early childhood education, health and developmental screenings, nutritious meals, and support for children with special needs — all in a safe, caring environment.

Children must be 3 or 4 years old before September 1, 2025 to qualify.
Applications are taken by appointment only.

📞 Call 843-899-5048 or 843-899-5092
📠 Fax: 843-899-9206
🌐 Apply online or learn more: https://www.bcsdschools.net/Page/24283
7 months ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer titled “Give your child a Head Start at NO cost!” from Berkeley-Dorchester Head Start. Features an illustrated red owl with glasses and a graduation cap holding a megaphone that says “See the attention!” Below the title, a photo shows a teacher reading to a group of preschool children sitting on a colorful rug. Text explains that applications are open for the 2025-2026 school year and lists program benefits such as school readiness, individualized teaching, health and social services, nutritious meals, and support for children with special needs. The flyer provides contact numbers (843-899-5048 or 843-899-5092), fax (843-899-9206), and the website link https://www.bcsdschools.net/Page/24283 . It notes that applications are taken by appointment only and that children must be 3 or 4 years old before September 1.
Flyer titled “Déle a su hijo una ventaja inicial con Head Start ¡Sin Costo!” from Berkeley-Dorchester Head Start. Shows the same red owl mascot with a megaphone and the same classroom photo of children sitting on a colorful rug listening to a teacher read. The flyer announces that applications are open for the 2025-2026 school year and lists program benefits such as educación infantil de calidad, servicios sociales y de salud, comidas nutritivas, participación de los padres, and servicios para niños con necesidades especiales. Contact information includes phone numbers (843-899-5048 or 843-899-5092), fax (843-899-9206), and the same website link. Notes that applications are taken by appointment only and that children must be 3 or 4 years old before September 1.
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! 🎵🎶
7 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.

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

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

7 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.
7 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.
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.
7 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.
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.
7 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.
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.
7 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.