College Fair + Academically Gifted Program Parent Night

By: Robert S. Jackson, Ed.S., Assistant Principal for Instruction

Dutch Fork High is hosting two very important events over the next two weeks. These are very important events for students and parents.

For Students

Juniors and Seniors (parents are welcome to attend) are invited to our annual College and University Fair. It will be held in the arena on Monday September 26, 2011 from 10:00 - 11:00am. Seniors are welcome from 10:00 - 10:30 and Juniors from 10:30 - 11:00. Approximately seventy college and university representatives will be available to answer questions and provide key information.







For Students and Parents

Parents of new and returning students to Advanced Placement and Honors classes are invited to our annual parent night on Monday, September 19, 2011, at 6:00 PM in the Dutch Fork High School Auditorium. Parents can ask questions about our programs and learn about the advantages and responsibilities of taking AP classes, what PAGE 5 means for your student, what opportunities—both academic and extra-curricular—are available, and, ask questions. College admissions officers will also be available for questions about preparing students for the college admissions process. We expect a very large turnout from our parents as we strive for continuous excellence.

Dutch Fork High English Teachers Publish Article!

By: Robert S. Jackson, Ed.S., Assistant Principal for Instruction

Congratulations are in order to Mrs. Jessica Thur and Mrs. Deborah Gascon for an article publication entitled: “It’s Not About the Book: Finding Ways to Make Canonical Literature Approachable.” The article will be printed in the South Carolina English Teacher's Journal.  The issue will be distributed at the January, 2012 conference for the South Carolina Council of Teachers of English. This is yet another example of how teachers at Dutch Fork High are modeling authentic writing to encourage students to do the same. We are so proud of these teachers for their accomplishment.

Save The Date!

By: Monica Harvin, 9th Grade Counselor

Ninth grade parents mark your calendars for Thursday September 15, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. for a special program. Freshmen counselors will provide pertinent information to assist with the transition to high school while enjoying some delightful refreshments. For further details you may contact your student's guidance counselor. Trina Offing is the 9th Grade Counselor for students with last names A-L and Monica Harvin is the 9th Grade Counselor for students with last names M-Z. We look forward to seeing you and your student for this informative event in our Senior Cafeteria on the night of September 15th.

ACT Scores Released!

By: Robert S. Jackson, Ed.S., Assistant Principal for Instruction

Our ACT scores have been released for 2011. The ACT is a national college admissions test that examines a student’s ability and knowledge of four key subject categories:

• English

• Mathematics

• Reading

• Science

ACT scores (along with an applicant’s high school grades, curriculum, and class rank) are the largest determinants into whether a college will accept an applicant. The ACT test is based out of 36 points, with scores ranging from 1 to 36. The average ACT score of all 1.4 million test takers nationwide remains consistent from year to year, and was just above 21.1 in 2011. Almost 30% of ACT takers score between a 19 and 23. 55% of all ACT takers score between 17 and 25. The ACT is accepted by all four year colleges and universities located across the country.

At Dutch Fork High, 47.2% (215 students) of the class of 2011 attempted the ACT at least once during their sophomore, junior, or senior years and received a composite average of 22.9. This remains higher than the district average of 22.7, state average of 19.9, and national average of 21.1.

District ACT Report

Getting a high ACT score can mean thousands of dollars in scholarships for college. For high school students, taking the ACT is one of the critical elements of the college admissions process. Receiving a High ACT score qualifies a student for many scholarship opportunities. Post Secondary Institutions give a large amount of weighting to college entrance exams, such as the ACT. For example, the University of South Carolina accepted Seventy-five percent of admitted fall 2011 freshmen who scored a 24 or higher on the ACT, and also earned a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. AT USC, admissions consideration requires excellent high-school grades and strong scores on the ACT. Higher ACT scores may offset grades or vice versa. Fifty percent of fall 2011 honors freshmen received scores between 31 and 33 on the ACT.

USC Freshman Admission Requirements

Taking the ACT is one of the most important parts of the college admissions process. Make sure you achieve a high ACT score, and you will be able to get into many of the prestigious colleges and universities across the country and qualify for many scholarships. Do not underestimate the importance of a high ACT score. Take your preparations for this admissions exam seriously while you are enrolled in the appropriate classes that will better prepare you for your college experience. Doing so, will inevitably prepare you for a lifetime of academic and personal achievements.

Silver Foxes Shut Out Irmo High 24-0

By: Gregg Morton, Principal

Each year, the friendly in-district gridiron competition between Irmo and Dutch Fork High football teams features a friendly wager between the principals for both schools. As the competition is played out on the football field, the losing school's principal must wear the shirt of the winning school on the Monday following the game. This year, Dutch Fork High School beat the Yellow Jackets of Irmo 24-0. This is the second victory in a row for the sliver foxes. As a result,  the Irmo High School principal, Mr. Rob Weinkle, proudly wears the silver and green of Dutch Fork High! We salute principal Weinkle for his sportsmanship as we look forward to the rematch in week eleven.

Way to go Silver Foxes!

Freshman Orientation at Dutch Fork High!

By: Robert S. Jackson, Ed.S.,
Assistant Principal for Instruction


As the school year begins, rising 9th grade students at one of America's best high schools assembled for another one of their transition experiences. At Dutch Fork High, we use events like these to ease the transition to high school and prepare students for classes. Preceding this event, student's were subjected to enriching summer reading assignments, course registration, and a summer bridge experience.

In order to cultivate their high school experience, we have assembled an amazing team 9th grade teachers in college preparatory, honors, and advanced placement classes. Through these rigorous classroom experiences which will feature 21st Century Pedagogy, innovative and authentic assessments, and project/problem based learning, we will work diligently to ensure content mastery and a high level of proficiency on standardized assessments. In doing so, we will prepare students for their college and/or career experiences.

We are looking forward to another award winning year. Join us in our pursuit of continuous excellence.
- Enter to Learn...Go Forth to Serve!!!!!

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Important Summer Dates

July 25-26: Senior Pictures - Make-up

July 25-Aug. 12:  Band Camp

Aug. 2-3: Parking passes pick-up, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.,

(must have ALIVE@25 certificate and driver's license).

Aug. 8: Schedule pick-up for 9th -12th grades, no alphabetical order,

10:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m. (Lunch from 1:00-2:00)

Aug. 9: Schedule pick-up for 9th-12th grades, no alphabetical order,

7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Lunch from 12:00-1:00)

Aug. 10th - New Teacher Orientation

August 11th - All Teachers return to campus

Aug. 13: Freshman Orientation -10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  

Aug. 18: First day for students, full day, - classes begin 8:25 a.m.

Students taking South Carolina Virtual School this summer will have their final exams proctored on Monday, August 8th and Tuesday August 9th. Since this is also registration students should park in the lot near the tennis courts and enter through the doors at the end of the building.  The testing will be in room 221, the computer lab beside Mr. Gold's office.  Students should come with their VSA user name and password normally used to log in to their class. Students should call 476-3305 to sign up for a time.

Possible times are:

Monday: 8:30 am, 10:30 am, 1:00 pm, 2:30pm

Tuesday: 8:30 am, 10:00am, 11:30am,1:00 pm