This Week at Dutchman Creek!

Week of 5/12/2025

From the Desk of Principal Moton

Dear parents, students, and school community:

First things first, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! There are great moms all over, and we definitely have some of the best and most dedicated ones in Gator Nation! I pray that you have been showered with all of the love and attention that you deserve everyday, but especially today! Week 2 of testing was successful. I continue to marvel at our focus and attention. The students and staff will tell you that it is not easy to concentrate for a long period of time in a secure testing environment, but we did very well in those regards. We have a few more assessments to go, so it is important to maintain our focused approach this coming week!

Sports physicals will be held tomorrow at Dutchman Creek. The cost is $20 cash only and the forms can be found on our website. The history form must be filled out beforehand.

Lastly, thank you for celebrating our teachers this past week. There are so many unknown hours and moments that they invest in their work. Your acknowledgement of their commitment to our school community is greatly appreciated!

Make sure to note the many upcoming items on the calendar and make plans to support us in any way that you can! Let's have another #RockSolid week at The Creek...the final full week of the school year! GO GATORS!

Yours in service,

Principal Clayton B. Moton

Academic Excellence
Evidence of Engagement is Everywhere!

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

The Swampland Band

The DCMS Swampland Band concluded their concert season with their Spring Concert! Our musicians, led by Mr. Ellison and Mr. Walker, blew the crowd away!

Our Hero!

The Foundation Rock Hill honored Brenten "BJ" Ervin as Dutchman Creek's Student Hero! BJ is an exceptional student who stands out as an example of being true to oneself. He is an athlete, an honor roll student, a member of the Student Lighthouse Team, a participant in Gators Got Talent, and a Schools to Watch student panelist. He is truly a GREAT GATOR!!!

Authentic Experiences

Gators Supporting Gators!

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!!!

Parent Pitstop

Parents we need YOU!

Parents, we are soliciting your continued support! We are in the process of planning for several events, and would appreciate your donations.

Testing Day Snacks

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!

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

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 are continuing their work with LiM this week as they take their SC Ready tests. Think with the end in mind of great things!

THE DEAN'S LIST

Leadership is Everywhere

We notice everyone,

are kind to everyone,

make room for everyone,

root for everyone

and empathize with everyone.

Final Great Gators of the Year!

Kind

Here

In Control

Respectful

Prepared

Organizational Structures and Processes
Gator Nation PSAs!

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

State Testing continues

Tuesday (5/13/2025) Mathematics

Thursday (5/15/2025) Science (6th grade) and Algebra I EOC (select 8th graders)

Save the Dates!

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.

🚨NEW for 2025-26: PIANO!🎹

Paint the Rock!

Media Center

5-9-25 Media Center WAAG

Counselor's Corner

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 up 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!

Formal & Picnic

Upcoming 8th Grade Events

8th Grade Formal (May 16, 2025 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.)

The Formal Committee is accepting donations for small bottled waters or candy for the formal. If you would like to help, please send in any donations by Friday May 16, 2025.

Want to know how you can help? Please email Ms. Blake (ckblake@rhmail.org) or Mrs. Williams-Wilson (kwilliamswilson@rhmail.org).

8th Grade Ceremony (May 20, 2025 @ 10:00 a.m.)

This event is our annual 8th grade promotion/awards ceremony. Please come out to support your student and celebrate their completion of middle school!

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 most DOMINANT year in school history!!!

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

Spring Football at The Creek!

Any 6th grader that wants to participate in spring football must have an up to date sports physical turned in to Coach Sexton prior to participating. Spring football continues from 3:30 - 5 pm on May 12 - 15. Students need comfortable clothes for practice; cleats are optional. Students will meet report to the gym, change, and report to practice field. Students WILL NOT be allowed to drop off/leave anything in the locker room. See Coach Gray, Coach Adkins, or Coach Sexton if you have any questions. Chomp, Chomp! Go Gators!

Northwestern Cross Country Announcement!

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