Dutchman Creek Middle School of Rock Hill Schools (York County 3) is committed to helping all students develop the world class skills as defined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. As National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform National School to Watch, Dutchman Creek focuses its efforts on all areas of academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, and social equity. During the 2024-25 school year, Dutchman Creek continued its journey as a developing Leader in Me school, utilizing the Franklin Covey framework of improvement. Students at Dutchman Creek Middle School are immersed in collaborative instruction, learning workshops, and blended learning approaches in order to bridge concrete and abstract thoughts and to assist in understanding factors relevant to the real world. Teams of teachers work in professional learning communities to develop appropriate lessons of instruction and measurable assessments in the core areas of math, science, social studies, and language arts. As teachers consider curriculum, instruction, and assessments, best practices are affirmed and strengthened. A variety of data sources are examined to determine the system’s effectiveness and its impact on student performance.
In addition, Dutchman Creek offers a wide range of supports for students and families. All students are provided with instruction that enables them to show mastery on the standards-based state assessments regardless of ability, gifted and talented identification, or language acquisition level; however, by identifying students’ specific needs and areas of strength, each student receives instruction that best supports them as individual learners. All students participate in classes with high academic and behavioral expectations.
The purpose of the various branches of the Dutchman Creek Professional Learning Community is to collect and analyze relevant data to support decisions that will afford students the best educational experiences possible. In addition, students may participate in many opportunities for school and community service efforts.
Service and Community achievements include: In 2024, Dutchman Creek achieved Redesignation IV as a National School to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grade Reform. Dutchman Creek was also redesignated as a Special Olympics Unified Champions School for partnering with the special needs community to provide inclusive athletic participation opportunities for students. The 2024-25 Dutchman Creek Jr. Beta Club was again named a National School of Distinction for volunteer hours served. Dutchman Creek Jr. Beta Club students competed in the state Beta Club Convention where three students advanced to the national convention, a first in school history. Other civic accomplishments included the Gators Care student wellness group serving as volunteers at the Miracle Park Special Needs Recreation League and the Area Eleven Special Olympics of South Carolina.
Academic achievements include: A total of 42 students qualified for the regional National History Day competition held at Winthrop University. Twenty-four (24) students went on to qualify for the state competition and three students qualified for the national competition. Of the three that competed in the national competition, two were recognized for special awards.
Achievements in the arts include: The Dutchman Creek Orchestra had two students selected for South Carolina Region Orchestra, one of which qualified for the South Carolina State Honors Orchestra. the Dutchman Creek Orchestra earned a Superior with Distinction rating in the Concert Performance Assessment. A total of 58 Dutchman Creek Band students earned Superior with Distinction ratings in the South Carolina Regional Solo and Ensemble Assessment, 31 of which were selected for the Rock Hill Schools Honors Band, and 19 earning South Carolina Region Band distinction. Nine students qualified for the South Carolina State Honors Band. The Dutchman Creek Chorus earned a Superior with Distinction rating at the SC Chorus Assessment. Dutchman Creek swept the podium in the Carowinds Engineering Day Roller Coaster Contest, winning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. The Dutchman Creek Battle of the Books team won the city championship.
Athletic achievements include: The 7th Grade and 8th grade volleyball teams finished their seasons as undefeated Conference Champions. The 7th grade girls, 7th grade boys, and the 8th grade girls basketball teams finished their seasons as undefeated conference champions. The girls track team both finished as undefeated conference champions. The Dutchman Creek Athletic Department, led by athletics directors Tawander Armstrong and Ron Tyson, retained the District Cup, awarded to the school with the highest ratings in the categories of Academic Achievement, Discipline, Community Service and Involvement, and Championships.
Dutchman Creek Middle School remains focused on utilizing common assessments and integrated units of study to sustain the level of excellence necessary to enhance the progress of students in the areas of math and reading comprehension. Professional Learning Communities remain the primary framework from which staff members work to refine and reinforce data-informed approaches and practices. Citizenship and a "Culture of Kindness" will continue to address the social and emotional needs of students and school community members.
Under Principal Clayton Moton, the faculty of Dutchman Creek Middle School is committed to ensuring that the Gator Vision, Commitment, and Lifestyle are evident in all areas of the school community as they Grow and Develop LEADERS...One Learner at a Time!
