A Gator Nation 🫡 to our veterans!
Dear parents, students, and school community:
Our first full week of November was a quality one. As we move along in Quarter 2, it is important that we keep pace and communicate our needs to one another; from the home to the school and the school to the home. Our children need those line to be as strong as possible.
Tomorrow morning, our Student Council will host our community veterans for the Dutchman Creek annual Veteran's Day Breakfast. It is our way to say Thank You to the women and men in our school community that served in our nation's military. Be sure to register in advance to attend. Contact Student Council advisor Bobbi Jo Tucker bjtucker@rhmail.org for details.
Enjoy this week's newsletter and take note to the upcoming events throughout the month. Thank you as always for being the best, Gator Nation! Reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or needs! Let's have a #RockSolid week at The Creek! GO GATORS!
Yours in service,
Principal Clayton B. Moton
Developmental Responsiveness and Social Equity
As a National School to Watch, we understand the value of developmental responsiveness and social equity!
Mrs. Kimberly Williams-Wilson, 8th grade math teacher!
Mr. Paul Johnson, 8th Grade Social Teacher!
Mr. Corol Dobson (left), Kelly Services Daily Substitute!
Not pictured: Other DCMS staff members that are veterans include Ms. Elaine Jackson, custodian, Mr. Ron Tyson, 6th grade ELA Teacher, and Mr. Tucker Adkins, 7th grade social studies teacher!
The turnout was great, and the food was delicious! The DCMS Student Council will benefit from the proceeds to continue their service work for the students, staff, and families of Gator Nation!
As a National School to Watch, we demonstrate Academic Excellence!
Parents, remember you can access parent portal to review students' attendance and grades. Access the portal here
For PowerSchool questions, email: askpowerschool@rhmail.org
Parents, you can observe your students to monitor student assignments and grades, as well as to receive important announcements from your child's team. If you already have an account, nothing has changed. If you need to login or set up an account, access canvas here. To see directions for setting up a Parent Observer Account, see the directions here. For pairing code, please contact your child's team teachers or Mrs. Rainey at AMRainey@rhmail.org
Directions to view and verify progress reports in Parent Portal
We thank you for your continued support. Click the Partner with Us hyperlink above to connect and provide feedback. We would love to have you join PTSA or School Improvement!
ST-ARTS stands for “Special Talents in the ARTS”. It is comprised of a summer workshop from June 2-20 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at Winthrop University.
Students currently in grades 6-8 are eligible to audition in music (voice or instrumental), dance, drama, and visual art. ST-ARTS is hosted by Winthrop University. Feel free to visit the ST-ARTS website for more information for parents and students about the ST-ARTS program. While transportation is provided to the auditions if needed, transportation to the summer program is the responsibility of the parent. It is important for parents to stay informed on the expectations for students in the ST-ARTS program. Please review the ST-ARTS Handbook. You can also find Rock Hill Schools information about ST-ARTS by visiting the Rock Hill Schools district website. Students who auditioned and were accepted previously and are still in middle school are eligible to attend. If your child attended ST-ARTS last year, you will receive an email asking you to confirm that your child intends to participate again in this year's ST-ARTS program. Please review the dates carefully. This program has limited participation. If you cannot commit to the full program dates, please allow another student the opportunity to participate.
Our students are working hard to incorporate the habits on a daily basis. This week students are focused on putting the most important things first, making a plan, and following through!
Learning Standards: Learners will be able to explain the value of goals and will apply The 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) to a goal of personal importance. Learners will be able to develop a weekly plan to manage time inside and outside of school and will be able to articulate the benefits of this system. Learners will be able to increase the amount of time they spend in Quadrant 2 by getting and staying organized.
Kind
Here
In Control
Respectful
Prepared
When teachers give quality feedback, students gain confidence and THRIVE!
Whether it is volunteering to help with after school clubs and competition or cheering wildly in the stands as fans, we understand the importance of supporting each other inside and outside of the classroom! We are unapologetically PROUD to be Dutchman Creek Gators! Gooooooo Gators!!!
As a National School to Watch, we understand the importance of quality Organizational Structures and Processes!
Students are encouraged to bring in food items to donate to our annual Carolina vs. Clemson Food Drive. All items collected will be donated to HOPE Food Bank in Rock Hill.
The drive starts Monday, November 11-Friday, November 22. Students should take items to their classroom to be counted in their team totals.
Otis Spunkmeyer Cookie Sales will take place on Friday, November 15th during student lunches!! We now have 2 ovens so its 2x the fun!!
National Mix It Up at Lunch Day was a huge success! Thank you to the Gator Student Lighthouse Team for hosting and Leading Ladies @ the Creek for supporting the mission. Students had the opportunity to meet new people, dance, and enjoy pizza and peach cobbler. Donations from SHANE'S RIB SHACK, PAPA JOHN'S, LEDO's, and our dynamic PTSA allowed us to provide lunch to the students. Pictures from the event are below.
Gooooo Gators!
We challenge you to say something kind to at least 3 people on Wednesday, November 13 in honor of World Kindness Day!!
Practicing Gratitude and Kindness
As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, it’s a perfect time to focus on gratitude and kindness. Studies show that regularly practicing gratitude can improve our mood, boost our relationships, and even help us handle stress more effectively. Being kind to ourselves and others creates a positive environment that uplifts everyone.
Here are some simple ways to bring gratitude and kindness into our daily routines this month:
Start a Gratitude Journal: Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big—sometimes the little things, like a good friend or a sunny day, mean the most.
Show Appreciation: Take a moment to thank someone who has helped you, whether it’s a teacher, a friend, or even a family member. A simple “thank you” can make a big difference.
Practice Random Acts of Kindness: Hold the door open, share a kind word, or offer a helping hand. Kindness is contagious, and small gestures often brighten someone’s entire day.
Be Kind to Yourself: Remember that self-kindness is just as important. Take breaks when you need them, celebrate your achievements, and remind yourself that you’re doing your best.
Let’s make November a month filled with gratitude and kindness in our school! Together, we can create a supportive and positive community.
7th Grade Students Only
On November 14th, the district will host its first annual Middle School District Career Fair at Sullivan Middle School. Students will be able to explore the 16 career clusters and learn more about possible career paths. 7th grade students from each middle school will be buses over to the Career Fair during their designated time. DCMS 7th grade students will leave at 9am and will return around 10:40am. Permission slips were sent home October 3rd during classroom guidance. All students must return signed permission slips to their science teacher by October 31st in order to attend.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Smith- TiffanyS@rhmail.org
PSAT SCORES ARE BACK!!
8th grade students who participated in the PSAT will receive a physical copy of their scores on Monday, November 11th.
When you buy OFFICIAL products from our website, the proceeds will go back to kids! Other shops online do not invest back to us! Visit our website (www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/DCMS) or directly at DCMS Gator Gear Online!
The Quest for the District Cup continues!
Got questions about DCMS Athletics? Contact co-Athletic Directors Coach Tawander Armstrong! tarmstrong@rhmail.org or Coach Ron Tyson rtyson@rhmail.org!
Mon, Nov 11: Patriotism Week begins
Mon, Nov 11: Veteran's Day Breakfast
Mon, Nov 11: Cheer Tryouts Clinic
Tues, Nov 12: Kona Ice on sale during lunches
Tues, Nov 12: Cheer Tryouts Clinic
Tues, Nov 12: SIC Meeting (5:00 pm)
Wed, Nov 13: Cheer Tryouts
Thurs, Nov 14: 7th Grade District Career Fair
Thurs, Nov 14: Cheer Parent Meeting
Fri, Nov 15: Otis Spunkmeyer Cookie Sales
Fri, Nov 22: Drama performance (7:00 pm)
Sat, Nov 23: Drama performance (7:00 pm)
Tues, Nov 26: Last day before Thanksgiving Break
Dec, 9 NWEA MAP Testing window opens
Dec, 10 MAP Testing Math
Dec, 12 MAP Testing Reading
Images from Week 13