This Week at Dutchman Creek!

Week of 3/3/2025

I enjoyed presenting at the annual SC Association of Middle Level Educators Conference this weekend!

From the Desk of Principal Moton

Dear parents, students, and school community:

Welcome to March...the grittiest month of the school year! While March is the month of spring, it is that period of the school year that removed far enough from the New Year to feel it, yet it is far enough away from Spring Break to feel it as well. During March, we are called on to concentrate even harder on taking care of the little things that lead to big success. It is easy to look ahead to a break and risk missing golden opportunities to get better if we are not focused. Let's demonstrate the grit that it takes to make March truly matter.

March is Women's History Month as well as the month of other recognitions. March is also the month that our spring sports seasons begin. As far as the activities this week, be sure to check the calendar and make plans to support us in any way that you can! Let's show our Gator Grit and 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!

Gator Nation Celebrations!

Honors Orchestra

Falling into Starlight.MOV

Battle of the Bows.MOV

Colorful Sunrise.MOV

The Rock Hill Schools Honors Orchestra featured several Gators! Congratulations to Orchestra Director Mr. Gayosso and the following students:

7th Graders

Noah Boland

Paige Calhoun

Gisselle Galan

Charles Howze

Austin Nguyen

Maya Spratley

Landon Tucker

Harper Campbell

Alyssa Laffitte

Sofia (Adrianna) Otero

Ryland Tapper

Madison Thomas

James Waddill

8th Graders

Zarria Holmes

Ian McCoy

Hannah Robinson

Allison Rogelio Lopez

Madi Stowe

Gheorghe Teodorescu Juarez

Kamila Adames

Elizabeth Batson

Sasha Black

Noah Fayad

Harlowe MacDonald

Elijah Ullmann

Battle of the Books: District Champions!

Congratulations to the DCMS Battle of the Books team for their impressive showing at the County Meet, where they captured the Rock Hill Schools Championship!

Mrs. McMichael was without her voice, but she had her whiteboard in hand to encourage and then to congratulate our students!

DCMS at SCAMLE 2025

Dutchman Creek made a great presence at the annual SC Association of Middle Level Educators (SCAMLE) Conference. It was a weekend of sharing and learning for several staff members. Dutchman Creek was also recognized for achieving Redesignation IV as a National School to Watch!

Gator Spotlight on Amazing Educators at
The Creek!

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!

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!!

Academic Excellence
Evidence of Engagement is Everywhere!

As a National School to Watch, we demonstrate Academic Excellence!

Authentic Experiences

Gators Supporting Gators!

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!!!

Parent Pitstop

Come out and support your local vendors or become a vendor! There are still spots available.

Parent Portal

Parents, remember you can access parent portal to review students' attendance and grades. Access the portal here

For PowerSchool questions, email: askpowerschool@rhmail.org

Canvas

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 collaboration.

Learning Standards: 6th-Learners will be able to describe their importance of valuing differences and how it positively impacts group success. 7th-Learners will be able to seek to understand others through Empathic Listening and explore how listening empathically can improve communication in an important relationship. 8th-Learners will be able to celebrate differences and identify the advantages of differences within a group.

FirstThingsFirst.MP4

2A63D771-74EA-4605-823E-C9C273A44006-compressed.mov

THE DEAN'S LIST

February's Great Gators

Kind

Here

In Control

Respectful

Prepared

Celebrating History and Building a Brighter Future

Congratulations

Coloring Contest

Winners!!!

Gators Got Talent

Job well done! So proud of the way we showcased the talent of our students and the closing celebration of Black History Month.

Organizational Structures and Processes
Gator Nation PSAs!

As a National School to Watch, we understand the importance of quality Organizational Structures and Processes!

DCMS Choir!

Paint the Rock!

Media Center

2-21-25 Media Center WAAG

Counselor's Corner

NWHS Jump Up Day

Students zoned to attend Northwestern High School need to return their Jump Up Day permissions by this Wednesday, February 26th. Students must have a permission slip to attend. We cannot accept permission slips, emails or hand note permission forms after the 26th due to the need to plan for transportation.

8th Grade Individualized Graduation Plan Conferences continue this week. Parents, be sure to check your email for your Zoom link from Calendly.

8th Grade Parents:

8th Grade students will participate in Job Shadowing on Friday, March 21st. Job shadowing is a learning experience where you observe a professional at work. ALL 8th grade students received their packets with the necessary information. Please turn in permissions slips by Friday, March 7th. Our goal is 100% participation. If you are having trouble securing a location, please reach out to Mrs. James, the 8th grade School Counselor.

Take a look at Team 8-2 IGP conferences from this past week!!

Christina Plantz

6th Grade School Counselor

;CPlantz@rhmail.org

803.985.1718

Tiffany Smith

7th Grade School Counselor

TiffanyS@rhmail.org

803.985.1715

Shandra James

8th Grade School Counselor

SHJames@rhmail.org

903.985.1716

Order your OFFICIAL Gator Gear!

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!

Gator Athletics
The Quest for the District Cup continues!

Spring Sports 2025

Got questions about DCMS Athletics? Contact co-Athletic Directors Coach Tawander Armstrong! tarmstrong@rhmail.org or Coach Ron Tyson rtyson@rhmail.org!

Calendar of Events

Mon, Mar 3

- - - - Academic Challenge Regional Meet

Tues, Mar 4

- - - - SIC Meeting (media center at 5 pm)
        Track Parent Meeting (cafeteria at 5 pm)
        Rising 6th Grade Night

Wed, Mar 5

- - - - Beta Club Induction (6 pm)

Thurs, Mar 6

- - - - Swampland Band at Northwestern

Fri, Mar 7

Job Shadowing Permission Forms Due

Mon, Mar 10

- - - - Softball home vs Rawlinson Road (5 pm)

Tues, Mar 11

- - - - Kona Ice on sale during lunch

Wed, Mar 12

- - - - Softball at Sullivan (5 pm)

Thurs, Mar 13

- - - - Jr Scholars Field Trip to Winthrop for select students

Fri, Mar 14

- - - - Flag Football home vs Fort Mill (5:30 pm)
        Flag Football home vs Rawlinson Road (7:00 pm)

Wed, Mar 19

- - - - Softball home vs Castle Heights (5 pm)

Thurs, Mar 20

- - - - Softball home vs Saluda Trail (5 pm)
        Track home vs Saluda Trail & Castle Heights (5 pm)

Fri, Mar 21

- - - - Rising 6th Grade Jump Up Day (Time TBA)
        8th Grade Job Shadowing Day
        Addams Family production (7:30 pm)
        Flag Football vs York (6:15 pm at Forest Creek Middle)
        Flag Football vs Pleasant Knoll (7:45 pm at Forest Creek Middle)

Sat, Mar 22

- - - - Addams Family production (7:30 pm)

Mon, Mar 24

- - - - Softball at Oakridge (5 pm)

Tues, Mar 25

- - - - Rising 9th Grade Jump Up Day

Tues, Mar 25

- - - - Department Meeting (3:30 pm)
        Rising 9th Grade Jump Up Day
        Track at Sullivan vs Sullivan and Clover (5 pm)

Wed, Mar 26

- - - - Be Pro, Be Proud Truck for 8th Grade
        Softball home vs York (5 pm)

Thurs, Mar 27

- - - - Band CPA at Fort Mill High School
        Track at Sullivan (5 pm)

Fri, Mar 28

- - - - Early Release Day (11:45 am dismissal)
        Orchestra Trip to Carowinds
        LLC Lock-in (12:15 pm)
        Flag Football home vs Saluda Trail (5:30 pm)
        Flag Football home vs Fort Mill (6:15 pm)

Sat, Mar 29

- - - - StuCo Craft/Vendor Fair (8 am)

Mon, Mar 31

- - - - Softball at Clover (5 pm)

Tue, Apr 1

- - - - Bel Canto Choral Performance Assessment in West Columbia
        Track home vs Rawlinson Road and Clover (5 pm)

Wed, Apr 2

- - - - Softball at Indian Land (5 pm)

Thurs, Apr 3

- - - - Track at Oakridge vs Saluda Trail and Oakridge (5 pm)

Fri, Apr 4

- - - - Flag Football vs Castle Heights (5:30 pm at Pleasant Knoll Middle)
        Flag Football vs Oakridge (6:15 pm at Pleasant Knoll Middle)

Mon, Apr 7

- - - - Softball home vs Sullivan (5 pm)

Tue, Apr 8

- - - - MAP (ELA)
        Kona Ice on sale during lunches
        Track City Meet at Rawlinson Road (5 pm)

Thurs, Apr 10

- - - - MAP (Math)

Fri, Apr 11

- - - - 8th Grade Trip to Carowinds
        Area Eleven Special Olympics
        Music in the Parks field trip for Concert Choir at Winthrop and Carowinds

Mon, Apr 14

- - - - Softball Make-up Game if needed (5 pm)

Tue, Apr 15

- - - - Carowinds Festival of Music trip for 6th Grade Beginner Chorus
        Track Conference Meet at Dutchman Creek (5 pm)
        **POSSIBLE** Softball Conference Tournament Quarterfinal vs Sullivan, depending on seeding (5 pm)

Tue, Apr 16

- - - - Softball Conference Tournament Quarterfinals hosted by the Higher Seeds (5 pm)

Wed, Apr 17

- - - - Chorus in the Auditorium
        Spring Choir Concert (6 pm)

Fri, Apr 18

- - - - Flag Football vs Forest Creek (5:30 pm at Clover Stadium)
        Flag Football vs Gold Hill (7:00 pm at Clover Stadium)

Mon, Apr 21

- - - - SPRING BREAK through Friday, April 26

Wed, Apr 30

- - - - SCReady ELA (TDW)
        Orchestra in the Auditorium

Thurs, May 1

- - - - Orchestra in the Auditorium
        Orchestra Concert (7 pm)

Fri, May 2

- - - - Student Assemblies
        Careers Field Trip to Carowinds for Engineering Day
        Flag Football vs Clover (6:15 pm at South Pointe Stadium)
        Flag Football vs Banks Trail (7:45 pm at South Pointe Stadium)

Sat, May 3