Please make plans to attend Shatter The Myth on Tuesday, October 29th, at Dutch Fork Middle School.

This event will be a district-wide event for all students and their families. It is an interactive, fun way for students of all ages to learn more about the consequences of drug and alcohol use and abuse. But more than that, it is an engaging opportunity for students to learn peer refusal strategies! We know that we have really great students, but we want to equip our youth with the resources they need to thrive and lead healthy lives.

According to research conducted by SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “More than one-third of full-time college students aged 18 to 22 engaged in binge drinking in the past month; about 1 in 5 used an illicit drug in the past month.2” Another study conducted by USA Today, shows that nearly half of college students admit to binge drinking or taking drugs monthly. We want to equip our students with knowledge and refusal skills BEFORE they are faced with these types of challenges.

Shatter the Myth will have several different programs: one for parents that is separate from students; one for elementary aged students, and one for middle and high school students.

Please see the attached flyer for more specific information.

The program will be as follows:

• 5:00 - 5:45: Dinner

• 6:00 - 7:30: Separate Hands-on activities for each age group

• 7:30 - 8:00: Dessert and door prizes will be provided

YOU MUST SIGN UP IF YOU WOULD LIKE DINNER! You can use the QR code to sign up for dinner.

For more information, please call 803-476-4805.

10/28/2024

Begin Green Week: Students Report to 1st Period at 08:15 a.m.

*Learning Disability Month*

**National Bullying Prevention Month**

***Physical Therapy Appreciation Month***

****National Principals Month****

*****Red Ribbon Week*****: Wear RED

10/29/2024

Red Ribbon : Wear Wacky Clothes

D5 Shatter The Myth at DFMS (see flyer above) 04:30 to 08:30pm

10/30/2024

Red Ribbon: Dutch Fork Spirit Wear

*Home: C-Team Football vs Irmo Middle School 06:00 to 08:00pm*

10/31/2024

Red Ribbon: Character Day (NO Masks or Face Paint)

**Health Room Screening rescheduled for October 31st.(see flyer below)**

11/01/2024

Red Ribbon: Western Day

*****11/05/2024 Election Day: No School*****

11/06/2024 !!!Make Up Picture Day!!!

Exciting news for students and parents! Our fall sale on yearbooks is here! Use code happyfall for a $10 discount at checkout. Capture your school memories and showcase your achievements!

https://yearbookforever.com/school-store/204rGbiyx28m7UtJ3HYojVoC

As a recipient of the Stronger Connection grant, District Five is able to partner with an organization called The Cook Center. The Cook Center is a non-profit organization that focuses on supporting children, families, and school by offering resources, training, and support. The support is offered through online coaching sessions with family, professional development with staff, monthly mental health parent workshops, and online resources for all. This site was developed by licensed therapists that provides trusted and specialized courses, professional support, and a safe community for parents to learn how to support their child. Parents can also get answers to mental health questions, especially anxiety, depression, self-worth, grief and loss, suicide ideation, self-harm, bullying, family strife and other mental health concerns.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vZTbumA9DGrGoNaqwy9Ib5psIJs-7YdX/view?usp=sharing

A completed "Meal Modification Form" from your healthcare provider is required in order for nutrition services to omit or provide a substitute for any food allergies. Please return completed forms to your school nurse

Aiko Selage

School Nurse

Phone: 803-476-4809

Fax: 803-476-4820

Just a reminder to send in any Medical Excuses or Parent Notes regarding your Student's absences. A Student meets the definition of Truant, when the Student has three consecutive unexcused absences or a total of 5 unexcused absences.

Thank You for all your assistance in keeping attendance current.

klilie@lexrich5.org

803-476-4804

We have rescheduled the dates for the 8th grade CATS tours for Monday, November 25th and Tuesday, November 26th. Those who were to originally attend on 9/30 will now attend on 11/25 and those who were to attend on 10/1 will now attend on 11/26. NEW PERMISSION FORMS will be distributed next week. Please sign the forms and send back with your student to turn in to their Den teacher by Friday, November 1st at 1:30 pm.

Please note: if you signed up to be a parent chaperone and were approved by the district, you will be receiving an email with additional information. Please respond to the email from Mrs. Lofton.

Our Children. Their Future. Your Choice. The 2024 Bond Referendum is on the ballot this November. Visit www.lexrich5.org/bond to learn how the Bond Referendum impacts our school and community.

Dutch Fork Middle School Families,

My name is Alyssa Hooper and I teach 8th grade science at Dutch Fork Middle School. I'm excited to share a fantastic opportunity that combines my passions for travel and learning with you and your student!

You and your student are invited to join me on an upcoming educational travel experience during spring break 2026! When students travel, they expand their knowledge and understanding of the world around them, discover more about themselves, and grow more confident. These skills are critical for creating global citizens and lifelong learners.

I would love to tell you more about this opportunity during our upcoming interest meeting. Come hear all the details, including the itinerary, activities, academic opportunities, the cost, and of course - the location!

The meeting will be on Thursday, November 21st at 6 PM in the DFMS library.

Please click the link below to register for the meeting to save your seat!

Thank you!

https://bit.ly/3UbvdlE

FALL MUSICAL AT DFMS!

The DFMS Honors Theatre Program in collaboration with the Exploring Dance classes (first semester students only) will present HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, JUNIOR on the DFMS cafeteria stage on November 14 (featuring "Cast A") and November 15 (featuring "Cast B") at 6:30 p.m. All Honors Drama students enrolled in Honors Drama first semester will be in both performances, but may play different roles for each.

TICKET INFORMATION:

Audience tickets will be $5.00 for ages 17 and under. Tickets will be $7.00 for ages 18 and up. All DFMS and DFHS faculty and staff will have free admission (and their families). Tickets will be available the day of the show beginning at 5:45 p.m. and exact change is very much appreciated. Parents of Honors Theatre students do not need to purchase a ticket for both shows, but please keep your ticket stub to show proof of payment.

Could you be the next Miss Junior Silver Fox?! We invite you to learn the ins and outs of the pageant for 2025, on Thursday, October 24th or the 29th at 6 p.m. in the Dutch Fork High School senior cafeteria.

Sierra Stokes

Student Nutrition Manager

Dutch Fork Middle

DFMS Girls Basketball Coach

Phone: 803.476.4826 EXT: 4808

Wrestling is more than just a sport. It's about building character, strength, and resilience. Join us on November 4th as we begin another season of hard work. Practices will be held in the wrestling room at the high school. Open to all, no one gets cut! For more details, contact Coach Bush at CoachBryanBush@gmail.com

In order to attend tryouts, all paperwork MUST be uploaded AND show approved on Bigteams.com BEFORE October 31st. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Smith Asmith@lexrich5.org or call 803-476-4811

Fall practice starts Tuesday October 1st and runs through October 31st. Parents please contact me at mgmathleticsllc@gmail.com for information to join our program.

We have a new and fun site to get all your information about our PTO here :

https://dfms.ptboard.com

Free lunch account/payment

Physical Form

Volunteer Application

Student Quick Pay

Student Handbook

Feedback Link

Website: http://lexrich5.org/dfms
Location: 1528 Old Tamah Road, Irmo, SC, USA
Phone: (803) 476-4800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dutch-Fork-Middle-School-549147891811317/
Twitter: @DutchForkMS