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. 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 our students the best educational experiences possible. In addition, students are afforded many opportunities for community involvement and participation in the efforts of the school.
Service and Community achievements included: In 2019, 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 2019-2020 Dutchman Creek Jr. Beta Club was again named a National School of Distinction for volunteer hours served.
Academic achievements included: A total of 29 students were identified as potential Duke TIP Scholars for outstanding achievement, 15 of which took the SAT or ACT for possible state and national recognition. A total of 35 students qualified for the regional National History Day competition held at Winthrop University. One student qualified for the state competition (held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic), and one student qualified for the national competition. Twelve students won the regional Optimist Club Essay Contest for 2019 and qualified for the state competition. Dutchman Creek's Battle of the Books team was crowned "Rock Hill Schools District Champions" this year.
Achievements in the arts included: A total of 25 students participated in District Honors Orchestra. Out of the five total positions in orchestra, Dutchman Creek students earned principle player (first chair) in four positions. Prior to Covid-19, the Dutchman Creek band program was on track to earn a Superior Rating at several Concert Performance Assessments, multiple Superior Ratings at Solo & Ensemble assessments, and to earn the SC Band Directors Association Outstanding Performance Award for the 11th consecutive year. The band was also set to perform at Atlanta Symphony Hall at the prestigious National Adjudicators Invitational. A total of 37 band students were selected to Dutchman Creek Honor Band. Of the 37 Dutchman Creek Honors Band students, 25 were selected for the Rock Hill District Honor Band, with 8 students earning a selection to York County Honor Band. Dutchman Creek had 18 band students selected to South Carolina Region Band, and eight band students selected to South Carolina All-State Callback Auditions. One student qualified for the South Carolina All-State Band. The Theatre Arts department also enjoyed a banner year. One student was selected to appear in the release of Moana, Jr in New York City, which was released on DVD in December of 2019. Dutchman Creek was selected to host the State Junior Thespian Festival in April 2020 and 2021. At the South Pointe High School Invitational, Dutchman Creek earned a Superior Rating for Group Acting, Best Ensemble for Group Acting, and the Best Actor Award was won by a Dutchman Creek student. Two students were selected to the Governor’s School for the Arts for Theatre. A total of 39 DCMS Students were selected to attend the All-State Theatre Competition.
Athletic achievements included: The 7th grade football team finished as Conference Runner-ups. The 8th Grade football teams finished as City Champions. The 8th grade boys basketball team won the Lancaster County Winter Jam Tournament. The Dutchman Creek wrestling team finished as undefeated regular season and conference tournament champions, including one "perfect" regular season match score of 72-0. Five wrestlers qualified for the state tournament, with one placing 2nd overall. The softball team was undefeated with a 3-0 record prior to the season being cut short due to Covid-19.
Dutchman Creek 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 is evident in all area of the school community as they Grow and Develop LEADERS...One Child at a Time!
