DFHS Students Excel at Mathematics Competition

By: Erin Rivers, Math Teacher
       Robert S. Jackson, Ed.S., Assistant Principal for Instruction













On Saturday, Feb. 5th, eight Dutch Fork High School students participated in the University of South Carolina Math Competition. Students from 25 schools across the state participated in order to expand their conceptual mastery of mathematics.

Out of all of the students who participated in the competition, Zachry Wang had the 14th highest score on the written exam, and Jessica Wang had the 8th highest score.

Congratulations to these students for their continued commitment to academic excellence.

New Turn Lane

Dutch Fork High School is having a new turn lane installed in the front car drive.  This turn lane will allow cars leaving the school to turn right onto Old Tamah Road without being stopped by cars wanting to turn left.  We are hoping to see improved traffic flow during our heavy traffic times in the morning and afternoon.  The foreman on the job has projected the completion date to be the week of March 7, 2011 if not sooner. This project is being funded by money previously budgeted and approved through our capital projects program that allows us to maintain and improve our buildings and grounds. 

Talented Musicians Will Perform at Dutch Fork HS

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

It is an incredible experience when a school can connect instructional content with the arts so students can see the fullness of the academic program. To be honest, through many programs, this is a common place for Dutch Fork High. What makes this a rare occasion is that this performance will feature two of the premier young musicians in America. On Friday February 28, 2011, Violinist Daniel Davis and Saxophonist Devone Gary will be performing for our students.

These two young artists - Daniel D, urban violinist, and Devone Gary, saxophonist, will inspire and encourage our students during a morning performance that will hopefully lead them to explore and work hard on their own talents.

Violinist Daniel D is a 2009 Apollo Theater Winner, Spotlight Performer on B.E.T.'s 106 & Park, and has performed for President Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Larry King and the late Michael Jackson.

Saxophonist Devone Gary is accomplished in both alto and soprano sax. His musical performances include mainstream and contemporary jazz, R&B, pop, soul, hip-hop, and inspirational.

Daniel Davis

Daniel is a twenty-two year old entertainer that discovered the violin at 12 years-old. Now a seasoned musician, Daniel has performed for President Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Larry King, and the late, legendary "king of pop", Michael Jackson. Raised in Charleston, South Carolina, Daniel graduated from that city's esteemed School of the Arts in 2007. Daniel also studied at New York's Julliard School of Music, while still in high school.

In 2009, Daniel was sought out to open for Jamie Fox and Kanye West on B.E.T's 106 & Park. He was later asked to do a spotlight performance for 106 & Park, and won first place at the World Famous Apollo Theater that same night. He has produced several CD's and books. Daniel's faith lies at the core of his music. Despite his success, Daniel remains a humble young man. He is the first to tell you that the pure joy of playing music far surpasses the prestige and recognition. "Every opportunity to play offers new enlightenment and a chance to learn. I love performing and playing - period."

Devone Gary

Saxophonist Devone Gary has developed his skills over the past 20 years to become a true professional. Originally from Charleston, SC, he gained interest in music as a member of the Oakbrook Middle School Band at age 14. Accomplished in both Alto and Soprano Sax, his repertoire covers an expansive range from mainstream and Contemporary Jazz to R&B, Pop, Soul, Hip-Hop, and Inspirational.

His first solo, "Amazing Grace" was when he first realized that his talent would place a leading role in his life. His artistic flair and passion is expressed and appreciated by those who have experienced his performance. More notably, his talent has availed opportunities to share the same stage with world-renowned artists such as Ben Tankard, Chris Bethel, and Phil Driscoll, to name a few.

Both Daniel and Devone are featured in the New Band, Urban Instrumentalist. We are indeed honored and excited that these two incredible musicians have carved out a little time out of their busy schedules to show our students how to maxmize their talents to reach their full potential. The performance is part of our African American History month series. The performance starts at 8:30am and 10:00am in the Dutch Fork High School auditorium. Admission is free.

English Department Travels to Barnes & Noble to Build Classroom Libraries

What would make English teachers happier than a department meeting held in a bookstore where they learned about new books then got to go shopping?

Not much! According to English Department Chair Carol Jackson, it’s the most popular meeting of the year.  Jackson explained that teachers were given the opportunity to solicit requests of popular titles from their students. Most teachers came to the meeting with their lists of requested titles, then they added to the list based on information presented by Barnes & Noble Young Adult Literature Specialist Mel Spreene.

English teacher Debbie Gascon has a room full of books, but new titles and books always motivate students to read. “This experience is a great way to use student fee money.  The materials are going directly into the hands of our students and they are another example of funds enriching our classroom literary efforts,” she said.

Newcomer to the English Department, Sara Biltz, agreed. “One of the best experiences I've ever had in my many years of teaching!”

Books should be arriving in classrooms by early March, and most will be in students’ hands by the end of that first day.

“Reading has been proven to be a key factor in student achievement,” Jackson explained. “The more we can promote reading – through our Silent Sustained Reading period or through simply encouraging students to find something of interest to them – the more students will increase achievement across the board. Students who say they don’t like to read have probably just not found a book on a subject they like. It’s our job to help them make that discovery.”

Interim Pick Up Night!

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

Dutch Fork High School will receive parents and students on Wednesday February 23, 2011 from 5:00-7:00 p.m., for our second interim pick-up night for 2010-2011. This is another opportunity for parents to speak face-to-face with teachers to learn of their child's academic progress in all courses.  Student schedules will be available in the main foyer in front of the auditorium. We are encouraging all parents to attend and speak to all teachers. For those parents who are unable to attend, interims will be distributed during 3A "English" classes on Thursday February 24th. Parents can also check progress through the powerschool parent portal.

Acclaimed Journalist Visits Dutch Fork High!

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

On Thursday February 17, 2011, Mr. Rick Henry, the Sports Director for WIS TV in Columbia, SC will be visiting Dutch Fork High. Mr. Henry will address students during the first two blocks of the day in the senior cafeteria. Mr. Henry will be sharing his wealth of knowledge as it relates to journalism, career opportunities in this field, and experiences he has enjoyed over the past decade.

Rick first joined WIS in 1988 as an anchor/reporter. He became Sports Director in 1996.  Rick became the first African-American to serve as Sports Director for a South Carolina Television station.

Rick is an award winning journalist. He was named 1999 Sportscaster of the year by the South Carolina Broadcasters Association. In 2005 his Sportscast was selected as the best in South Carolina by the Associated Press. Rick has also received two prestigious Emmy awards. In 1998, Rick was named to the University Of South Carolina College Of Journalism's "Diamond Circle", joining a national group of esteemed individuals chosen for outstanding contributions to their field.

We are indeed honored to host Mr. Henry and look forward to the awesome experience that he will provide for our students. All student's and faculty are encouraged to attend Mr. Henry's sessions.

DFHS Evacuated Today, Everything Back To Normal

By: Gregg Morton, Principal

Dutch Fork High School was evacuated today around 12:00 noon due to a strong smell of gasoline on our first floor.  The Richland County Fire Department immediatly responded, investigated the situation, and located the problem. As soon as the situation was isolated, steps were taken to prepare the building for the safe return of our students.  At no time was there a gas leak.  The smell was triggered by a cleaning solvent being used by a contractor repairing a pipe. As always, we will take all necessary preacutions to ensure the safety and well being of all students and staff.