Mile 20!
Dear parents, students, and school community:
I trust that everybody had a restful Spring Break! The time away was well-deserved and VERY much needed!
We often imagine our yearly school journey as a marathon. Marathon runners are known for their incredible endurance, discipline, and commitment to finish the race. However, the toughest part of the race isn't the beginning or the final sprint to the finish line...it is Mile 20!
Mile 20 represents that psychological "No man's land" of the race, where the runner has reached the "twenty" part of the race, but is still much too far away to see the finish ahead. In other words, the runner is so close, yet so far away!
This is where we are in our race to finish the school year. Coming off of Spring Break, we are mere weeks away from the end of the school year, yet there is so much more work to be done in that same amount of time. Much like the marathon runner, we must rely on our endurance, discipline, and commitment to finish! Let's continue to cheer each other on and support one another every step of the way!
Make sure to note the many upcoming items on the calendar and make plans to support us in any way that you can! We begin state testing on Wednesday, and our students are ready! The first steps of Mile 20 towards the finish line begins this week, so let's have another #RockSolid week at The Creek! GO GATORS!
Yours in service,
Principal Clayton B. Moton
As a National School to Watch, we demonstrate Academic Excellence!
The girls track team completed their perfect season as undefeated CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS!
The DCMS Softball Team finished undefeated among Rock Hill Schools teams! Next goal: Conference Championship! #WhyNotUs?
Mrs. Galvis and the DCMS Choirs had a successful Spring Concert! Great job, Gators!!!
Administrative Professionals Day was celebrated across the nation while we were out on break! We have the best at The Creek!
Mrs. Koterba, Administrative Assistant
Ms. Birchfield, Bookkeeper
Mrs. Stephenson. Receptionist
Mrs. Cherry-Hall, SIS Clerk
Mrs. Notarangelo, Attendance Clerk
Whether it is volunteering to help with during and after school, cheering wildly in the stands as fans, or expressions of love and care, 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!!!
In April, students worked hard to show improvement during their Spring MAP assessment. Due to their hard work, students who met their Personal Growth Goal in Math or Reading will have an opportunity to purchase lunch from food trucks on select dates for their grade level. Students will be notified this week if they met their personal goals.
8th Grade Students: Thursday, May 1st 12:00-1:15
6th Grade Students: Friday, May 2nd 12:00-1:15
7th Grade Students: Friday, May 9th 11:00-12:15
Students are responsible for purchasing their own food. Price ranges from $5-$15. Vendors accept Cash, Cashapp, Venmo and Zelle. Students will only be allowed to visit the trucks on their specified grade level day.
Parents, we are soliciting your continued support! We are in the process of planning for several events, and would appreciate your donations.
Teacher Appreciation Breakfast is Monday, May 5th, 2025. Please consider signing up to contribute to this breakfast, just use the QR code! Thank you :)
Testing days can be very stressful for students and teachers. We would like to have snacks on hand for teachers since they are unable to leave their room until testing is complete each day. Please sign up to bring in Testing Day snacks which run the course of multiple days. The QR code will bring you directly to the signup. Thank you, again!
Parents, remember you can access parent portal to review students' attendance and grades. Access the portal here
For PowerSchool questions, email: askpowerschool@rhmail.org
Quarter 4 is here, and we all know the right 4th quarter can change the outcome of the whole game!
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 finding their voice! 6th-Learners will be able to define their voice, identify a career cluster that aligns with their voice, and will determine two to three next steps in pursuing that career path. 7th- Learners will be able to increase their understanding of mental health and plan how to care for their mental wellbeing. 8th- Learners will be able to find, share and sustain their voice and help others find theirs.
We notice everyone,
are kind to everyone,
make room for everyone,
root for everyone
and empathize with everyone.
The Gator Student Lighthouse Team will host its first Leadership Day.
Kind
Here
In Control
Respectful
Prepared
As a National School to Watch, we understand the importance of quality Organizational Structures and Processes!
Parental Reminders for State Testing
Make sure your child gets a good night of sleep before each testing day. *Strive to make mornings as relaxed as possible before arrival.
Have your child on time for school each day of testing. If your child is late for school on a testing day and the test has already started, they will not be able to test that day.
Please avoid making doctor appointments, dentist appointments, etc. during testing days.
Encourage attendance for ALL testing days, to avoid as little make-ups as possible. *Express confidence in your child and encourage them to do their best on these tests!
Please note that during testing sessions, there are very strict rules about students possessing any type of electronic device(s).
The following is an excerpt written about this in state testing policy information: “…students may not be in possession of any electronic device that can be used for communicating, recording, timing, creating images, or storing images. These devices include, but are not limited to, cell phones, media players, electronic readers, smart watches…” Any electronic device brought by a student will be collected before testing and given back after testing is finished.
8th Grade Families
8th Grade Celebrations: Party & Picnic
On Friday, May 16th we will have our 8th grade formal and on Wednesday, May 21st we will have a celebration picnic for students. We will need parents to sign to donate food items, their time, and expertise in a variety of areas. Below is the link for the sign up genius if you would like to help! We appreciate all your support!
We do have a handful of dresses for anyone that would to take a look as you prepare for the formal. If you are interested in seeing what we have on hand, please reach out to Mrs. James, 8th grade counselor.
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!
If you are a rising 7th or 8th grader and you like to run, then Northwestern Cross Country is for you! Please fill out the interest form if you would like more information about the Cross Country program.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSjJNfGXm0WHEQiYPlPZMZSW0DSsv7-vn95LYhdj-jiEBMug/viewform
Got questions about DCMS Athletics? Contact co-Athletic Directors Coach Tawander Armstrong! tarmstrong@rhmail.org or Coach Ron Tyson rtyson@rhmail.org!
Mon, Apr 28
6th Grade Whitewater Center Field Trip 1
Tue, Apr 29
6th Grade Whitewater Center Field Trip 2
Softball Conference Tournament Game at York (5 pm)
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
Softball Conference Tournament Semifinals and Finals at York (Times TBA)
Mon, May 5
Band in the Auditorium
Tues, May 6
Band in the Auditorium
Band Concert (7 pm)
Wed, May 7
SCReady ELA (A)
Thurs, May 8
SCReady ELA (B)
Fri, May 9
8th Grade Trip to Great Wolf Lodge
Mon, May 12
Spanish 1 EOC
Sports Physicals for 2025-26 at The Creek
Tues, May 13
SCReady Math
Kona Ice on sale during lunches
Thurs, May 15
SCPASS Science
Algebra 1 EOC
Fri, May 16
High School Seniors Grad Walks (11 am)
8th Grade Formal (6 pm)
Tues, May 20
8th Grade Awards Program (10 am)
Wed, May 21
8th Grade Cookout
8:45 am 7-3 Award Program
10:00 am 7-2 Award Program
1:20 pm 7-1 Award Program
Thurs, May 22
Early Release Day for Students (11:45 am dismissal
Fri, May 23
LAST DAY of SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
Early Release Day for Students (11:45 am dismissal
Images from Week 34