Dutch Fork High News & Celebrations
October 23, 2020
WIN Testing Schedule for Dutch Fork High School
Wednesday, October 28, at 8:00 am, on campus--WIN Testing for DFHS FIVE Seniors
Wednesday, November 4, at 8:00 am, on campus--WIN Testing for DFHS Hybrid Seniors
Wednesday, November 11, at 8:00 am, on campus--WIN Testing make-up for all DFHS Seniors (if needed)
Lexington-Richland School District Five will hold a virtual Magnet Fair on Thursday, November 12, 2020 giving families an opportunity to explore magnet offerings in the district.
The virtual event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and features a wide variety of programs, including the newest magnets that are being implemented through a $13.7 million federal Magnet School Assistance Program (MSAP) grant the district was awarded in September 2017. The event will also include information on the Escolares Academic pathway from elementary to high school talented and gifted students. Each of the district’s magnet schools/programs will have a virtual booth to showcase what their program has to offer.
School District Five Magnet Director Sara Wheeler said, "Although the event will look different this year, it is important for us to still host the event because magnet schools and programs have become an integral part of School District Five. Our community expects quality choices that help make students successful in school and in future careers. The magnet fairs are a part of our effort to make district families and the community aware of the outstanding opportunities we have available.”
During the virtual event, participants will have access to a “Live Chat” feature for school representatives to answer questions in real time. Event registration opens October 22. Further details regarding the event registration will be shared by the district and schools at a later date.
The district’s magnet programs include: Dutch Fork Elementary School Academy of Environmental Sciences, Harbison West Elementary School Escolares Academy Academic Magnet, H. E. Corley Elementary School Montessori Magnet and Leadership Magnet, Leaphart Elementary School STEAM Magnet, Nursery Road Elementary School Arts Magnet, Seven Oaks Elementary School MEDIA Magnet, Irmo Middle School International Academic Magnet and I AM Escorales Magnet Program, Dutch Fork High School STEM Magnet Program, Irmo High School International School for the Arts, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Irmo High School, International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme at Irmo High School, and This Is Escolares Academic Magnet Program at Irmo High School, and Spring Hill High School Career Pathways Magnet.
Information on these schools can be found by going to www.lexrich5.org/magnetfair.
DFHS Receives Prestigious STEM Recertification
A School District Five high school is among the first in the nation to receive prestigious recertification for its science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program.
Dutch Fork High School’s STEM magnet program has earned recertification for the next five years from Cognia, a globally recognized school improvement, assessment and certification organization.
“We are very proud to have the Dutch Fork High School STEM magnet program be among the first in the country to successfully recertify as a Cognia STEM program,” said Dutch Fork High School principal Dr. Gerald Gary. “The recognition is a tribute to the ongoing, excellent work and effort on the parts of our teachers, students, and families. We are excited to continue our partnership with Cognia and look forward to our program's continuous growth and improvement.”
Ranked 25th in the nation by Newsweek, The STEM program at Dutch Fork High School is an honors magnet program that accelerates and enriches learning experiences for students who are academically gifted and have an interest in a STEM related major and career. Students are accepted into the program based on their standardized test scores, middle school teachers’ recommendations, and interest in STEM related fields.
Cognia’s STEM certification has widely been considered as being reserved for those schools providing next-level programs. Less than 200 schools nationwide have the accreditation. The certification process is comprehensive, evaluating organizations on the learning experiences of students, the quality and training of staff, and the participation of community and industry partners to ensure real-world integration.
“It's a significant mark of distinction for the STEM magnet program at Dutch Fork High School to achieve this certification,” said School District Five Chief Instructional Officer Michael Guliano. “It demonstrates to the community the school’s commitment to excellence, and openness to external review and feedback, and the desire to be the best they can be on behalf of the students they serve.”
Officials with Cognia noted that interviews with five stakeholder groups, an evidence portfolio, student exhibitions & demonstrations, and short classroom observations provided a platform for the school to share its story, mission, & model in being committed to a process of continual improvement with its STEM Magnet Program.
"Through a combination of this, the external evaluator was able to conclude that it continues to plan & execute meaningful STEM teaching & learning experiences that equip students with the necessary knowledge & skills to be thoughtful & engaged citizens prepared to take on the leadership challenges of the 21st century," Dr. Trevor Ivey, Cognia STEM evaluator said.
Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, professional learning, and improvement services to institutions and other education providers. The result of the merger of AdvancED and Measured Progress, Cognia was formed to bridge the gap between school evaluation and student assessment. As a global nonprofit working in over 80 countries, the group serves 36,000 institutions supports nearly 25 million students and five million educators every day. Learn more at https://www.cognia.org.
Key Club
Last year we collected 1200 food items. Our goal this year is 1500!!!
A donation container will be at the main school entrance. Please encourage your neighbors, family & your children to bring in donations. Donations will go to help stock the food bank at Dutch Fork Middle & to other schools in our area where there is need.
The Key Club will be leaving information on the mailboxes in Ascot, Ashford, Belfair, the DF side of Chelsea Park, Concord Place, Dutch Oaks, Palmerston N & S, Ridgecreek & Walnut Grove.
Thanks in advance for supporting Key Club's community efforts!
Beta Club
Chick-fil-A Leader Academy
Are you interested in leadership? Do you want to give back to your community? Chick-fil-A Leader Academy is a national high school leadership program focused on IMPACT THROUGH ACTION. Chick-fil-A Leader Academy engages students in a monthly Leader Lab with a focus on building important leadership skills that you will use to create student-led Community Impact Projects. The majority of the meetings will be held virtually, once a month this school year.
Only 30 students will be selected from Dutch Fork High School, so please apply today! All applications are due Friday, October 30th. The website to apply is: https://chickfilaleaderacademy.com/. If you were in the Academy last year feel free to contact Mrs. Holden to become a mentor for those in it this year! Our first meeting will be Wednesday, November 4th at 2pm on google meet.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Holden (362) at bholden@lexrich5.org
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SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
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Visit: DFHS - School Counseling Webpage for our LIVE TWITTER Feed!
We are posting celebrations, college announcements and
Counselor Connection messages daily!
There is information posted for ALL GRADE LEVELS!
Guidance from the State Department of Education
In consultation with ACT, College Board, SC Commission on Higher Education, and SC Department of Education, it is recommended that the below information be released both school-wide and to individual students (particularly seniors) in IGPs. This communication can help ensure that students have updated information early in the school year regarding the most current college admissions test dates/testing site availability.
Important Note:
In the event of test cancellations by ACT/College Board due to resurgence of Covid-19, Seniors may benefit from taking the college admission test(s) in the Fall/Winter (or as early as possible and as early as appropriate) to avoid missing later testing opportunities should resurgence occur in the Spring.
For Immediate Release:
Parents/Students may benefit from the following ACT and College Board links that provide updated testing dates as well as the most recent local testing site availability/cancellations.
ACT:
College Board:
Senior IGP Conferences
IGPs will look a little different this year. Your family will begin your IGP meeting by viewing a presentation. It is important to view this presentation in its entirety before your students' scheduled IGP meeting with their school counselor. Please allow at least 30 minutes to view this presentation. Be sure to view it in “Present” mode as many slides have audio that plays with them. You will need to advance to the next slide. View this presentation:https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Wux7oe9CnXZwJWoAs5GLyCKTRMX3rMV9sbfmryQpmrE/edit?usp=sharing
Conferences will take approximately 25-30 minutes and will be held Virtually held during the month of October.
You should have received a link to schedule your IGP appointment this week. Please take the time to review your calendar and respond as soon as possible if you have not already done so.
There is very limited flexibility in rescheduling the assigned IGP appointment time; however, if you are not able to attend on the date scheduled above, please contact your School Counselor as soon as possible to discuss alternate arrangements.
We have taken the time to record a series of short videos to assist you with reviewing and understanding the information that will assist you and your student in navigating the senior year. Please take a few minutes prior to your conference to review these videos. You can find the videos at the link here: https://www.lexrich5.org/Page/26778. We will be adding more videos prior to the start of our IGP Conferences.
The senior year is a busy and exciting year. There is so much to do and so many questions. The School Counseling Department at Dutch Fork High School is here to assist you.
Did you know that you can find most of your answers on the DFHS - School Counseling IGP Agenda?
There are hyperlinks to lead you to the most updated information on many topics.
Meet Wyatt, the free FAFSA chatbot that makes applying easier. In partnership with CollegeBoard & #techforgood, Wyatt will provide a messaging service that students can text to get help with their applications. http://getfafsahelp.org/cb
The South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program offers the state’s brightest and best students up to $24,000 over four years to become South Carolina educators.
Here's what you need to know about the Teaching Fellows Program.
Provides fellowships for up to 200 students each year (actual number determined by funding from the General Assembly)
Includes enrichment programs, professional development, and leadership opportunities
Supplies up to a $6,000 fellowship annually for four years (as long as the student is in the process of completing a degree leading to teacher certification and meets the criteria to continue in the program)
Requires participants to agree to teach in a South Carolina public school one year for each year funding is received and sign a Promissory Note along with a surety
For more information visit: https://www.cerra.org/teaching-fellows-application.html. The Deadline to apply is Dec. 1st.
Coca-Cola Scholars - HS seniors apply at http://Cokeurl.com/Apply2020 by Oct. 31, at 5p.m. EST. Students are selected based on academics, leadership, & service. Visit: http://Cokeurl.com/Scholarships. 150 applicants will be named Coca-Cola Scholars & receive a$20,000 scholarship.
For additional Scholarship information, visit DFHS School Counseling Scholarship page.
List of Available Tutors
Dutch Fork High School provides this list as a service to parents, but does not make any ability assessments or endorsements for any of the persons who have asked to be placed on the list. It is recommended that parents considering any tutor thoroughly assess that person’s capabilities and credentials. All financial arrangements, transportation, and appointments with tutors are strictly the responsibility of the parents. The list can be found on our website: https://www.lexrich5.org/Page/24428
Do you need to enroll in a VirtualSC Course to supplement your DFHS Schedule? Visit VirtualSC - Need to Know Tips for Silver Foxes for more information on the enrollment process. Fall 2020 VirtualSC Fast Track course enrollment opened for grades 11 & 12, September 23 and for all other grades, September 30.
Do you need to review your transcript?
Visit DFHS’s Parchment Transcript Request page here: https://www.lexrich5.org/Page/13154
Please Note:
It is recommended that the student creates the Parchment account in their name. Creating multiple accounts in the student's name may cause processing concerns.
Once you have created your account, please allow 2-5 business days for the approval and release of your transcript to your file. (The transcript will not appear immediately.)
If you are experiencing issues with your Parchment account, you can reach out to Customer Service by clicking on the Support button to the top right of your screen or email your School Counselor.