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 Middle Grades Reform National "School to Watch", Dutchman Creek focuses its efforts on all areas of academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, and social equity. 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 2020, Dutchman Creek was re-designated a Special Olympics Unified Champions School for partnering with the special needs community to provide inclusive athletic participation opportunities for students. The 2020-21 Dutchman Creek Jr. Beta Club was again named a National School of Distinction for volunteer hours served.
Academic achievements include: A total of 32 students qualified for the regional National History Day competition held at Winthrop University. Nine students qualified for the state competition (held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic), and five students qualified for the national competition.
Achievements in the arts include: The Dutchman Creek Orchestra had two students selected for South Carolina Region Orchestra. A total of 17 Dutchman Creek Band students were selected for the South Carolina Region Band. The Theatre Arts department qualified 10 students for the South Carolina All-State Jr. Thespian Competition.
Athletic achievements include: The 8th Grade football teams finished the season as City Champions with a record of 6 wins and one loss. The softball team finished their season as division runner-ups with a record of 7 wins and 3 losses.
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 area of the school community as they Grow and Develop LEADERS...One Child at a Time!
