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.
6 days 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.
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.
15 days 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.
In Mrs. Pafford’s math class at Harleyville Elementary, students rotated through engaging learning stations to strengthen their understanding of division and fractions. Each station offered a unique challenge from small group instruction and independent practice to digital learning and hands-on activities, helping students build confidence, problem-solving skills, and a deeper love for math.
20 days ago, DD4 Communications
A student wearing a colorful sweater reads and completes a math workbook activity while seated at a table.
Mrs. Pafford leads a small group at a round table, holding up a whiteboard with a math equation as students follow along.
A student in a black T-shirt types on a Chromebook, concentrating on an online math activity.
A student in a lavender fleece jacket threads red yarn through a yellow pegboard as part of a hands-on math activity.
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.
22 days 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.
23 days 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.
25 days 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.
In Our Classrooms:
Rain and chilly weather couldn’t stop Harleyville Elementary’s annual Pumpkin Run! 🎃👟

On Tuesday morning, students showed incredible determination as they put their endurance training to the test. While most grades ran their laps inside the gym, the 5th graders were able to head outdoors when the rain cleared.

A big shoutout to Physical Education teacher Stephen Jackson for preparing the Dolphins for this fun and spirited event. 🐬🍂
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
Physical Education teacher Stephen Jackson, dressed in orange with a matching beanie, gives directions to a group of Harleyville Elementary students gathered in the gym for the Pumpkin Run. Students listen attentively, wearing bright fall colors.
Fifth-grade students run outdoors during Harleyville Elementary’s Pumpkin Run. The ground is damp, and the runners, dressed in cool-weather clothes, sprint across the grass as trees and utility poles line the background.
A young Harleyville Elementary student runs inside the gym with a joyful smile during the Pumpkin Run. Other children can be seen running in the background, and the gym doors and cones mark the running course.
Harleyville Elementary librarian Nicole Richardson sparked a love for reading with a fun family project! 📚 Families read together, then decorated pumpkins to match their books—turning classic tales and new favorites into creative works of art. 🎃
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
A blue pumpkin painted as the Rainbow Fish, with shiny, colorful fins and a bright yellow mouth. Next to it, a green pumpkin with a Santa hat is decorated as the Grinch.
A lineup of decorated pumpkins on a library shelf, including a green dragon with paper wings and big cartoon eyes, a pink pig with paper ears, and other creative book-themed designs.
A bright yellow pumpkin decorated as Pikachu with paper ears, rosy cheeks, and a happy expression. Other decorated pumpkins and colorful student artwork surround it on the library shelf.
A white pumpkin painted with a large black smile, stitched mouth, and dark eyes resembling Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas. It sits on a student’s worksheet labeled with the book title.
A blue pumpkin decorated as a storybook character with large white eyes, pink ribbon hair, and a paper astronaut figure taped to the stem. It sits on a table alongside a child’s pumpkin drawing.
On Wednesday, Harleyville Elementary School celebrated their Character Students of the Month! The character word for October was “Responsible,” and these Dolphins showed what it means to lead with integrity, make smart choices, and care for their school community. Way to go, Dolphins! 🐬👏
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications
A group of Harleyville Elementary School students smile proudly while holding their “Student of the Month” certificates and plaques. Behind them, the school’s dolphin mascot stands near a display decorated with blue and yellow balloons and a screen showing the word “Responsible.” The celebration takes place in a bright library with bookshelves and blue chairs in the background, honoring students recognized for demonstrating responsibility.
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.
about 1 month ago, DD4 Communications

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!

about 1 month 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!

about 1 month 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 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.
about 2 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 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.
about 2 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.

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

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

2 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.
2 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.
2 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.
2 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.
2 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.
Dorchester School District Four’s Title I schools will soon host their annual Title I meetings. These meetings give parents and guardians an overview of how federal funds will support students in 2025–2026, including instructional programs, assessments, and family engagement activities.

Check the schedule below and join us to learn more about how Title I benefits our schools and students!

Las escuelas Título I del Distrito Escolar Cuatro de Dorchester pronto celebrarán sus reuniones anuales de Título I. Estas reuniones ofrecen a padres y tutores una visión general de cómo los fondos federales apoyarán a los estudiantes en 2025–2026, incluyendo programas de instrucción, evaluaciones y actividades de participación familiar.

Revise el horario a continuación y acompáñenos para conocer más sobre cómo el programa Título I beneficia a nuestras escuelas y estudiantes.
3 months ago, DD4 Communications
Flyer titled “Dorchester School District Four Announces Annual Title I Meetings.” The flyer explains that Title I provides federal funding to support and expand educational services and that schools are required to hold annual meetings. The flyer lists meeting dates, times, grades, and locations for Clay Hill Elementary, Harleyville Elementary, Williams Memorial Elementary, and Woodland Middle. Clay Hill: September 18, 2025, 5:30–6:30 p.m., cafeteria. Harleyville: September 18, 2025, 6:00–7:00 p.m., cafeteria. Williams Memorial: September 3 (Pre-K), September 4 (5th grade), September 8 (4th grade), September 9 (2nd grade), September 10 (1st grade), September 11 (3rd grade), all from 5:00–6:00 p.m., media center. Woodland Middle: September 10, 2025, 4:30–6:30 p.m., cafeteria. Contact information for Dr. Tracy Elmore Jackson is provided at the bottom.
Folleto titulado “Dorchester School District Four Anuncia Reuniones Anuales del Título I.” El folleto explica que el programa Título I proporciona fondos federales para apoyar y ampliar los servicios educativos y que las escuelas deben celebrar reuniones anuales. El folleto incluye fechas, horas, grados y lugares para Clay Hill Elementary, Harleyville Elementary, Williams Memorial Elementary y Woodland Middle. Clay Hill: 18 de septiembre de 2025, 5:30–6:30 p.m., cafetería. Harleyville: 18 de septiembre de 2025, 6:00–7:00 p.m., cafetería. Williams Memorial: 3 de septiembre (Pre-Kinder), 4 de septiembre (5º grado), 8 de septiembre (4º grado), 9 de septiembre (2º grado), 10 de septiembre (1º grado), 11 de septiembre (3º grado), todos de 5:00–6:00 p.m., centro de medios. Woodland Middle: 10 de septiembre de 2025, 4:30–6:30 p.m., cafetería. La información de contacto de la Dra. Tracy Elmore Jackson aparece al final.