Our district is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina graduate by establishing the Profile of the Graduate in life and career characteristics, by implementing a digital one-to-one initiative, expanding our online educational programs, and continuing to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education for our students at all levels. This year our students in grades three through twelve will be issued chromebooks as a part of our one-to-one digital initiative. The objective of this initiative is to help students develop the skills to be competitive in their future career paths.
Students will be able to access information quickly and thoroughly to research, problem solve, complete projects, and communicate with instructors as they complete class assignments. Another initiative for the upcoming year is to utilize the programs offered through VirtualSC. The district will continue to implement a version of the Virtual School Program called the Franchise. Courses will be offered to our high school students in various locations throughout the district. The district plans to use this program for initial credit, credit recovery, and ACT/SAT preparation for high school students. This program is built on the rigorous standards adopted by the State Department of Education. Students in Dorchester School District Four will also continue to be exposed to several aspects of STEM education at all levels.
In the elementary schools students participate in robotics and the digital one-to-one initiative. The middle school students participate in Project Lead the Way, robotics, and the one-to-one digital initiative. And, high school students attend the Dorchester County Career School, where they are exposed to a variety of STEM careers; participate in robotics, and the one-to-one digital initiative. Through these programs we expect our students to develop a strong foundation in STEM education. In addressing life and career characteristics, our elementary and middle schools are exposed to a strong character education program that recognizes students for outstanding character on a monthly basis. Also at these levels, the guidance counselors conduct regular classroom sessions that express the importance of good character. At the high school, students participate in a work ethic program sponsored by the Dorchester County Economic Development Organization. At the completion of the program students receive a certificate of completion that they can take with them while seeking employment. Guidance counselors also regularly meet with students to discuss the importance of good character. In Dorchester School District Four we work diligently to ensure that all of our students are equipped with the skills necessary to be competitive in the workforce and postsecondary education.
Kelvin Wymbs, Ed.D.
