The Weekly Update

ALL students must submit updated proof of residency prior to the 2026-2027 school year. Click below for more information and to upload your student's forms.

Congratulations to the DFHS Envirothon teams, who recently competed in the SC Envirothon Competition. Out of 25 teams, Team A placed 3rd in both Forestry and the Current Topic category. Most impressively, in oral presentations, Team A placed 4th and Team B placed 9th!

Dutch Fork High School students demonstrated outstanding service and community leadership during a busy weekend of volunteerism on April 25-26.

On Saturday, April 25, Beta Club members participated in the March of Dimes walk at Riverfront Park in downtown Columbia alongside Team Etta. This event was especially meaningful as a follow-up to the club's recent campus fundraiser in support of Mrs. Etta and the March of Dimes. Through the generosity of students, staff, and supporters, the club raised an impressive $2,180, with additional donations arriving even after the ceremonial check had been printed. Beta members not only contributed financially to this important cause but also gave their time by attending the walk and showing their support for babies and families in need.

The weekend of service continued on Sunday, April 26, as Dutch Fork students volunteered at the Irmo International Festival. Beta Club members assisted with vendor setup in the morning, served throughout the day, and stayed through the evening to help with breakdown. Dutch Fork High School JROTC students also participated in the festival, representing our school through their service and community involvement. Together, these students demonstrated the leadership, work ethic, and school pride that define Dutch Fork High School.

We are grateful to all of our students for representing Dutch Fork High School so well and for making a positive impact in our community.

On Sunday, April 26, three members of the DFHS astronomy classes volunteered their day to perform astronomy demonstrations, take pictures, and answer space-related questions at the Irmo International Festival: Ray M., Maegan H., and Collin W. They showed many children and their parents how craters form on the Moon, using a technique they had learned in class earlier in the year. They also showed attendees how to safely observe the Sun with solar observatories they had made in class. Seeing the Sun was a thrilling experience for many attendees, who were full of "wows" and excitement. It was a long day for these students, but it was well worth the time and energy.

Who in the night sky are the Seven Sisters? This is a question we often hear toward the beginning of the school year. The Pleiades, or "Seven Sisters" (Messier 45), is an easily observable, young open star cluster located in the constellation Taurus. Situated about 410 light-years from Earth, the cluster contains over 1,000 stars. The brightest of these are hot blue stars, which make the cluster visible to the naked eye as a small "dipper" shape between October and April. Many of our students saw this cluster with their own eyes this year. While the naked eye typically reveals only six or seven stars, binoculars bring dozens into view, and a telescope can reveal hundreds. The image below, captured by Jordan Davis with his SeeStar S50 telescope, serves as a stunning example.

Keep looking up!

The DFHS Library Commons came alive with creativity during this year's student art show, where senior Morgan Jacobs earned the distinguished "Media Choice" award. Recognized for her exceptional versatility, Morgan has demonstrated an impressive ability to work across a wide range of artistic mediums, bringing each piece to life with intention and originality.

What sets Morgan apart is her remarkable use of color and composition. Whether working in paint, mixed media, or digital formats, she has a unique talent for blending bold palettes with subtle details, creating pieces that draw viewers in and invite closer reflection. Her work doesn't just showcase technical skill; it tells a story, capturing emotion and perspective in a way that resonates with audiences.

Teachers and peers alike admire Morgan not only for her artistic ability but also for her willingness to experiment and push creative boundaries. Her dedication to her craft is evident in every piece she produces, making her a standout contributor to this year's show.

As she prepares to graduate, Morgan leaves behind a vibrant legacy of creativity and inspiration. The school community looks forward to seeing where her artistic journey takes her next.

At Dutch Fork High School, we know great schools are built on the heart, dedication, and daily impact of exceptional teachers, and we are proud to celebrate our Teacher of the Year, Jay Gilliam!

During National Teacher Appreciation Week, DFHS partnered with Whataburger to honor Mr. Gilliam through their Feeding Student Success initiative. His students enjoyed a special breakfast, and he was recognized for the relationships he builds, the leadership he shows, and the difference he makes every single day.

Chosen through nominations from colleagues and community members, Mr. Gilliam truly represents what it means to be a WhataTeacher- someone who leads with purpose, inspires with passion, and makes a lasting impact. He was also awarded a $1,000 grant from Whataburger to continue supporting his students.

We are grateful for our partnership with Whataburger and proud to celebrate educators like Jay Gilliam who make Dutch Fork High School a place where students are supported, challenged, and inspired every day.

Congratulations to our Boys Golf Team for qualifying for the Golf State Championship on May 11-12 in Conway, SC. We are proud of the hard work and dedication these young men have shown throughout the season.

Order your yearbook here!

The Class of 2026 Senior Walk is currently scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, at 8:30am (Individual schools may have slight time variations). During Senior Walks, seniors visit their past elementary schools in their cap and gown to celebrate how far they have come and to inspire our future Silver Foxes.

Students participating in Senior Walk should only visit an elementary school they attended. If a student attended more than one District 5 elementary school, then they can choose either of those schools to visit for Senior Walk.

The district has requested that seniors RSVP using the link below. Please complete the form by Wednesday, May 13, so that schools can plan accordingly.

Senior Walk RSVP Form

Please check Google Classroom for updated information about specific schools as it becomes available.

Senior Celebration- Save the Date!

If you or your parent ordered a graduation yard sign prior to April 17, it has arrived and can be picked up in the front office. When you pick up your sign, you will also be picking up the yard stake that attaches to it. Therefore, please pick up your sign at the end of the day when you have a car ride home. Thank you so much, and congratulations on your upcoming graduation!

1. DFHS is a closed campus. Students are not allowed to leave during lunch.
2. Students should wear IDs at all times.
3. No cell phone or cell phone accessories, including headphones, Air Pods, earbuds, etc., are allowed from 8:20 - 3:40 each school day.
4. No head coverings are allowed in the building.

**Submissions for the weekly newsletter should be sent to cdorr@lexrich5.org by noon each Thursday.