Supporting our Gators: it's what we do!
Dear parents, students, and school community:
Another impressive week, Gator Nation! We put in the work and continue to see evidence of growth. When it is all said and done, we will look back on our efforts with tremendous pride. Let's keep it up!
On Tuesday, we are opening the doors of The Creek to the community to give you an opportunity to reconnect. Some of you may not have been in the building since the fall Open House. We fully understand that our work is enhanced when we have our community working hand-in-hand with us. Please make plans to attend and, of course, we will have food trucks on site!
Also, we celebrate our school counselors this week! Be sure to join us as we express our gratitude for the compassion and care Mrs. James, Ms. Smith, and Ms. Plantz show to our school!
There is still plenty of work to be done, and we are more than capable of doing it well. Be sure to take note of the calendar, and let's get ready to have another #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!
Congratulations to the 7th grade girls AND boys basketball teams, who both completed UNDEFEATED seasons to capture the 2025 conference championships! This is the first time in school history that both teams went undefeated and won their titles in the same school year! Great job, Gators!
The DCMS wrestling team had several athletes to place in the conference tournament!
Tyler Nesbitt: 3rd place (96 lb weight class)
Jhace Johnson: 4th place (114 lb weight class)
DJ Delehanty: 4th place (120 lb weight class)
Wesley Blackmon: 3rd place (145 weight class)
Jackson Edwards: 2nd place (175 weight class)
Emarie Sutter: 3rd place (Heavyweight class)
Great season, Gators!!!
It's National School Counseling Week and a simple thank you could never suffice for the tireless work each of our counselors do daily. Our counselors collaborate with grade level administrators, teachers, and families to provide needed academic, social, and emotional support for all students who have the pleasure of attending Dutchman Creek Middle School. For our counselors, no day is the same as they work to meet with students, create schedules, engage in quarterly lessons with classes, advise our Gator Ambassadors, and support various school-wide initatives. We are truly thankful for the capacity in which they help everyone t the Creek thrive! Join us in celebrating Mrs. James, Ms. Smith, Ms. Plantz, and Ms. Clark in National School Counseling week by sending in tokens of your gratitude with notes or gifts of thanks .Â
Mrs. Rollings
Mrs. Rollings serves as one of our amazing and hardworking "Original Gators" and leader of one of our Leader in Me Lighthouse teams. Mrs. Rollings has lead our 8th grade ELA team with intention and a strong knowledge of content relative to the needs of our diverse learners and ELA department for many years. She has been instrumental in serving as a team lead, Department chair, mentor to support new teachers, as well as Winthrop students looking to gain early field experiences at the Creek! Outside of ELA, Mrs. Rollings has faithfully supported our literacy team and the planning and implementation of many of our Family Literacy Nights, and serves as Advisor for our winning Academic Challenge Team. Mrs. Rolling constantly displays a "can do" mindset, and is always willing to collaborate to support students and the culture at the Creek! Thanks for displaying Great Gator Ways!!!
Mr. Bey
Mr. Bey's passion for math is evident in and out of the classroom.  As a former high school teacher, he is a great asset to his colleagues in sharing his knowledge of expectations past middle school. He is always looking for ways to encourage his students to do their best and to have a positive growth mindset. He spends his time outside of school tutoring middle and high school students to help build foundational skills and achieve success with higher level math concepts. He spearheads one our Leader in Me Lighthouse teams and provides professional development sessions at various conferences to support teacher efficacy. We are grateful to have Mr. Bey as a part of Gator Nation supporting his students and colleagues to make a difference at the Creek!
Mrs. Krull-Wendover
Mrs. Krull-Wendover is a shining star at the Creek who continuously shows up for students. She is passionate about the arts and genuinely cares for all of her students. She can be seen throughout any given day working to engage students while making plans for Winter and Spring performances. Mrs. KW works hard to perfect her craft and serves as a mentor teacher for Winthrop students looking to gain experiences through field internships! As if all that she does isn't enough, her bright smile is contagious among all who she comes in contact with! We are thankful to have Mrs. KW at the Creek!Â
Mrs. McMichael
Mrs. McMichael represents one-half of our amazing Media Center duo. She represents the Creek as lead Media Center Specialist and is passionate about literacy and getting the right books into the hands of all students. This passion finds her willing to support all content areas while collaborating with teachers and students. In her "spare" time she puts on amazing Scholastic Book Fairs, leads The Battle of the Books and supports National History Day at the Creek. We are thankful for Mrs. McMichael as a daily reminder of what it means to be a Great Gator through her ways!
Mrs. Notarangelo
Mrs. Notarangelo is our attendance clerk and so much more at the Creek! Throughout her time here she has worked hard to communicate with families and faculty about attendance policies while providing critical information often times with just a moment's notice. She serves as a valuable member of our MTSS team and seeks to positively add to our school climate and culture by recognizing staff and providing opportunities for fellowship! Thank you, Mrs. Notarangelo for always placing Great Gator Ways on Display!!
Mr. Bobby
Mr. Bobby Walker is one of our quiet and humble custodians, content to work behind the scenes while showing up daily to ensure that our school is clean and ready for daily learning! Mr. Bobby is extremely helpful in supporting school-wide activities and is willing to provide or get anything that we need to setup at a moment's notice. He takes pride each night in ensuring that our floors are cleaned and can be seen supporting kids anytime there is a home game in the gym. We are thankful for Mr. Bobby and is constant display of Great Gator Ways!!
Mrs. Knowles
Mrs. Knowles has and continues to be a strong and invaluable presence at the Creek! We are thankful for her leadership and constant willingness to show up and support many of our schoolwide events and endeavors. She has served as Department chair, member of our school literacy team, school leadership team, and now serves as Team Leader and adivsor for our Academic Challenge Team. Mrs. Knowles "knows" best practice as evident by intentional instructional planning, display of data wall, conferencing with and interventions for students. As a valuable member of the Creek she is always transparent and provides feedback and insight that makes our school better. Thank you, Mrs. Knowles for exhibiting Great Gator Ways!!
Congratulations to the following students for being recognized as a South Carolina Junior Scholar! These students are being recognized for their exceptional academic achievement. The South Carolina Department of Education created the program to help students with unique abilities grow intellectually and broaden their interest. Great work Gators!!!Â
Andrew Rollings
Bristol McKinnon
Brycen Hammond
Elliott Long
Kamila Adames
Madilyn Stowe
Piper Lumsden
Hannah Robinson
Alex Miller
Not pictured: Gianna Gonzalez, William Huggins, Julia McMichael, Owen Lenzi, Isabella Filiaggi
As a National School to Watch, we demonstrate Academic Excellence!
Congratulations to all students who met their MAP Growth, MAT and AVT Goals. Students received either a Dress Down Day, Popsicles, or BINGO! Way to go Gators! LET'S DOMINATE!
High-Level Engagement across this Creek!
Students in Mrs. Funderburk's and Ms. Watkin's classes created mini-terrariums as they applied their knowledge of various cycles and systems.
Mr. Ashworth's and Mr. Sanders' classes applied and put in "motion" their understanding of force and motion on the field this week!Â
Mr. Brandt's Family & Consumer science grade level classes engaged in perfecting their cupcake baking skills!
The GNP updates Gator Nation after a longer than expected hiatus!
FOOD TRUCKS
(Mr. Big Tyme, Next Level Candy Apples, Quino's Italian Ice, Ramirez Munchies, Sal's Roadside Eatery, and Salute Chew)
Let us know if we can expect to see your face in the place. R.S.V.P. here or by clicking the link above.Â
Tuesday's Agenda
5 pm School Improvement Council Meeting (Principal Moton)
5:45 pm Classroom Drop-In begins (please visit Core and Related Arts Teachers)
5:45 pm & 6:15 pm Grade Level Assistant Principals and Counselors Address (choose one)
5:45 pm-6:45 pm Media Center visits available
5:00 pm-6:45 pm Food Trucks available in the bus loop.
5:00 pm-6:45 pm Information Table (attendance, nurse, PTSA, and sports)
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
Students will be focusing on relationship building and empathy.Â
Learning Standards: 6th-Learners will be able to practice demonstrating consideration while communicating with others in physical and digital environments. 7th-Learners will be able to consider others; wins and act with consideration inside and outside the school. 8th- Learners will be able to identify others' emotions and practice Empathetic Listening.Â
The Gator Student Lighthouse Team and Leading Ladies at the Creek will be hosting its first school dance. If you would like to contribute pre-packaged items, decorations, or your time as a chaperone please contact Dr. Bacote at tbacote@rhmail.org. You may also call (803)985-1700.
Kind
Here
In Control
Respectful
Prepared
As a National School to Watch, we understand the importance of quality Organizational Structures and Processes!
8th Grade Individualized Graduation Plan Conferences start this week with 8-1 students. Parents, be sure to check your email for your Zoom link from Calendly. Â
Job Shadowing
8th Grade students will receive their Job Shadowing packets on Monday, February 3rd. Please read through the guidelines provided and return your Job Shadowing Permission form into Mrs. James by Friday, March 7th. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. James. Â
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!Â
Got questions about DCMS Athletics? Contact co-Athletic Directors Coach Tawander Armstrong! tarmstrong@rhmail.org or Coach Ron Tyson rtyson@rhmail.org!
Sat, Feb 1
Black History Month begins
Tues, Feb 5
Academic Challenge Team travels to Clover (4 pm)
Tues, Feb 6
8th grade girls and boys basketball quarterfinals
Tues, Feb 10
8th grade girls and boys basketball semifinals (held at Rawlinson Road)
Tues, Feb 11
Kona Ice on sale at lunches
Wed, Feb 12
Academic Challenge Team hosts Indian Land (4 pm)
Thurs, Feb 13
8th Grade Girls and Boys Basketball Finals (held at Rawlinson Road)
Valentine's Dance
Fri, Feb 14
Professional Development Day (No students)
Mon, Feb 17
NO SCHOOL
Tues, Feb 18
National History Day in the Multipurpose Room
Thurs, Feb 19
Academic Challenge Team hosts Castle Heights and Rawlinson Road (4 pm)
Fri, Feb 20
DoSL Student Assemblies
Images from Week 23