
Fox Features Summer Update
Summer Edition - July 2024

A Message from the Principal
New and Returning Foxes, Parents, and Guardians,
Our summer is coming to an end and soon we will be welcoming back our staff, teachers, and students. It is my hope that everyone has had an opportunity to rest, recover, and enjoy time with loved ones.
The time spent in middle school can be such an exciting time in a young person's life. It is important, as well as encouraged, to strive for academic success while exploring the variety of extracurricular activities and athletics that we have to offer. The opportunities available to middle school students are likely to open the door to many new friendships and will help them to become a more well-rounded individual.
On your student's journey, they will learn a standards-based curriculum with a focus on the skills within the "Profile of the South Carolina Graduate." In particular, and in alignment with our STEAM focus, these skills include: collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking. Furthermore, we will be very intentional about reinforcing the importance of reading and math, as we strive for each student to grow and achieve their academic goals.
The DFMS faculty and staff will work hard to make sure that students have a successful and positive middle school experience. Remember, my door is always open to students, parents/guardians, and community members. Feel free to reach out to me anytime you have a question or concern. I can be reached by email at vlsava@lexrich5.org, or by phone at 803-476-4800.
We look forward to meeting your student soon and providing them with a positive experience and a high-quality of teaching and learning, beginning on Thursday, August 8th.
Mr. Vernon Sava
Principal
A Message from the Assistant Principal of Instruction
Dear Fox Families,
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year at Dutch Fork Middle School. I am David Sunday, Assistant Principal for Instruction. I look forward to working with your student this year. We strive to offer the best instructional experience possible and keep you informed in a timely manner. Dutch Fork Middle takes pride in planning engaging lessons that meet the needs of all of our learners.
I am excited about the upcoming year and the innovative ways our staff will provide instruction to your student. Please feel free to reach out to me with questions as they arise.
Regards,
Mr. David Sunday
803-476-4813
A Message from the 8th Grade Assistant Principal
I am LuAnn Graul, the 8th-grade administrator, and I am thrilled to welcome our 8th graders to Dutch Fork Middle. I have been in the Dutch Fork community for many years. I have always enjoyed working with the exceptional students and parents that make up our community. In addition to 8th grade, I also work with textbooks and lockers. Please reach out if you have any questions about 8th grade, textbooks, or lockers.
I am excited about our new school year!
LuAnn Graul
803-476-4815
A Message from the 7th Grade Assistant Principal
Dear Fox Family,
I am Kelly Thacker, the 7th-grade administrator, and I am thrilled to welcome our new group of students to Dutch Fork Middle. I have been in the Dutch Fork community for the past 6 years and I look forward to continuing my work with our exceptional students. In addition to being the 7th-grade administrator, I am your contact for medical homebound, IDs, and volunteers. Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns regarding your student or questions about our school.
I look forward to a new year of excellence!
Mrs. Kelly Thacker
803-476-4814
Action Needed - FINAL FORMS and Proofs of Residency
Have you submitted your child's three (3) proofs of residency and completed your child's Final Forms for student registration for the 2024-2025 school year? All students, both new and returning, must complete both.
Complete 2024-2025 FinalForms Student Registration here:
https://mccloy.my.canva.site/lr5-registration-home
Proofs of Residency and FinalForms MUST be fully completed by July 21st in order to receive your student's schedule when they are released by the district on July 25th.
Action Needed (7th Grade) - Tdap Immunization
Prior to August 8th - Tdap IMMUNIZATION RECORD (7th Grade ONLY)
Provide a copy of your child's Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis vaccine) to the school nurse in order to complete registration. This is a state requirement. You or your doctor's office can fax or scan the immunization record to 803-476-4820, or email Nurse Selage aselage@lexrich5.org
Student Schedule Release
Proofs of Residency and FinalForms MUST be fully completed by July 21st in order to receive your student's schedule when they are released by the district on July 25th.
Student schedules and fee payment information will be shared via email by the district on July 25th.
Parents and students are highly encouraged to print a copy and/or take a screenshot of their schedule and bring that to the Back-to-School Night on August 6th 5:30pm - 7:00pm.
*Please know that all schedules are subject to change between the release date and the start of school. Students will receive a printed copy of their schedule on the first day of school.
Back-to-School Night
Parents and Guardians,
Please drop-in anytime between 5:30pm and 7:00pm on Tuesday, August 6th for our Back-to-School Night. During this time, parents and student can:
- Do a self-guided tour to identify where classes are located (PLEASE bring your child's schedule,
- Get assistance with FinalForms, if needed,
- Get details about bus transportation routes, bus stop locations, student drop-off / pick-up areas,
- Sign-up for ParentPortal (parent or guardian ID required),
- Join PTO and/or purchase "Spirit Wear,"
- Learn more about our SIC,
- Drop-off medications and required forms for the Health Room,
- Learn more about athletics, including (Wrestling, Volleyball, Football)
We look forward to seeing you there!
*This event is not a Meet-the-Teacher/Open House opportunity. We will be hosting that event on Thursday, August 29th from 6:00 - 8:00pm.
Chromebooks
All students returning to D5 should bring their district-issued, fully charged Chromebook on the 1st day of school.
Any students new to D5 will have a Chromebook issued within the first few days of school.
First Day of School
Thursday, August 8th
- Student Drop-Off time begins at 7:45 am.
- All students will report to DEN (Homeroom -HR) beginning at 8:05 am.
- The instructional day begins at 8:15 am.
- The instructional day ends at 3:30 pm.
- Bring your school-issued Chromebook fully charged.
- Faculty and staff will be available to assist students in finding their classrooms.
- Teachers will communicate information about textbooks, IDs,, and lockers.
Important Information from the DFMS Cafeteria
Dear Parent or Guardian:
We are pleased to inform you that Dutch Fork Middle School will be implementing a program available to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Programs called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2024-2025 school year.
What does this mean for you and your children attending the schools identified below?
Great news! All enrolled students of Dutch Fork Middle School are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at school at no cost to your household each day of the school year. Your children will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit a meal application.
Questions / Concerns:
Please call the Department of Student Nutrition with any questions or concerns
803-476-8153 or 803-476-8154. You can also email nutritionservices@lexrich5.org
PTO - Parent Teacher Organization
SIC - School Improvement Council
Parental involvement is essential for a school to be successful. At Dutch Fork Middle we really depend on the support of our parents. Parents must be involved in the decision-making, too. One of the ways you can be part of the decision-making is by serving on the School Improvement Council (SIC).
2024-2025 Resources
2024-2025 Middle School Late Start Days
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Students can be dropped off starting at 8:45am.
1st block begins at 9:15am.
C-Team Volleyball Message
C-Team Football Message
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Football tryouts will be August 5th, 6th and 7th from 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM.
Student-Athletes are to be dropped off at 7:30 AM at the Dutch Fork High School car rider line located at the rear of the high school. Student-Athletes will need to be picked up at 10:30 AM at the Dutch Fork High School Bus Loop near the student parking lot.
Reminder:
- Student-Athletes must be approved on Studentcentral.bigteams.com to attend tryouts.
- Parents must be on time to pick up student-athletes daily.
- Make sure to bring cleats/sneakers, shorts, and T-shirts.
- Arrive to all tryouts focused ad prepared to do your best.
More information can be found on our Football website.
If you have any questions, please email cccannon@lexrich5.org
Apply @ https://ess.com/District5/
"Shaping the Future...Making Connections"
Website: https://www.lexrich5.org
Location: 1528 Old Tamah Road, Irmo, SC, USA
Phone: 803-476-4800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dutch-Fork-Middle-School-549147891811317/
Twitter: @DutchForkMS