Mr. Timothy Gibbs, Principal
Ms. Wendy McDaniel, Assistant Principal
Ms. Sandy Cook, Assistant Principal
Mr. Jason Gunter, Assistant Principal
The mission of Dillon High School is to prepare all students to achieve excellence by creating an environment conducive to learning where students, staff, and families work together to promote the skills needed in a continuously changing world.
SCHOOL NEWS AND INFORMATION
The Dillon Band Program Kicks Off 2019 Citrus Fruit Sale
If you would like to support, visit the link below, see a band student, or stop by the band room to place an order. If you purchase online, you have the option to select a student in the band that you'd like to give credit to for selling the item. Thanks in advance for any support. http://freshfruitorder.org/WildcatBand
Student Council Promotes School Spirit
All Month- Senior T-shirts on Sale $10.00
9th -11th may Pre-Order - Cost $10.00
See Mrs. Hastings Room 131
Congratulations to Mrs. Audrey Schafer's Homeroom Class for Winning the Animal Shelter Community Service Project Homeroom Competition
Enjoy your Bojangles breakfast!!!
( Sponsored by DHS Beta Club/National Honor Society)
CLEMSON VS CAROLINA CANNED FOOD DRIVE
(Sponsored by the DHS Beta Club/National Honor Society)
November 6th -November 20th
Only Canned Food items
Goods collected with help the less fortunate in our community
FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK
Dear DHS Family,
We have completed our first nine weeks, and we are off to a phenomenal start as we begin our second nine weeks of the first semester. Parent conferences were held on Thursday, October 24th and report cards were sent home on Tuesday, October 29th. We also had our fall Title I Parent Meeting in the Media Center before parent conferences began.
Parents, thank you to those of you who were able to come out and meet with your child’s teachers. For those who were unable to attend, we encourage you to contact any member of our guidance department to set up a conference with your child’s teachers. Remember that family engagement is the key to success for every child. The South Carolina Department of Education Framework for grades K-12 defines Family Engagement when families are “actively” involved in the learning and development of all students in helping them become college and career ready. Research shows that students whose parents are involved in their education tend to excel academically; they come to school prepared; they actively participate in class discussions, and these students have a better chance of graduating from high school.
Please know that our doors are open to parents and community members who are interested in becoming positive and influential mentors to our students. A special thanks to our faculty and staff who continuously work hard to ensure the success of our students. Our motto is “Excellence is Essential” at Dillon High School, and we are working hard every day to become one of the top schools in the state of South Carolina.
Staff, please remember that “Excellence” starts with you, because you are an “Essential” part of our success here at Dillon High School.
Sincerely,
Timothy Gibbs, Principal
“We are what we repeatedly do; therefore, excellence is not an act, but a habit.”
—-Aristotle
SENIOR FAFSA DAY AT DHS
On Wednesday, October 23 and
Wednesday, October 30th Dillon High School Guidance Department offered
all seniors who plan to attend college next fall to receive assistance
with completing their FAFSA on line. Seniors and parents were
encouraged to participate. Sessions were held in the computer labs from
9:00-2:00. Parents praised the principal and staff for going the extra
mile to support Dillon High School students and parents
Important Seniors!!!
Check out the Scholarship Table located outside the Guidance Office for scholarships and other important information.
ACT FEE WAIVERS:
The ACT FEE WAIVERS have
arrived. Starting Tuesday, any senior requesting a fee waiver will need
to set up your ACT Accounts first, then stop by guidance before school,
during lunch, or after school. Seniors will need to sign for the fee
waiver. As a reminder, each senior may receive up to 2 - ACT Fee
Waivers and 2 - SAT Fee Waivers. See Guidance Staff for More
information
ALL STUDENTS:
Beginning Monday, September 30th:
Any
student who hasn't purchased a parking decal and drive to school needs
to see the JROTC Dept. to purchase a $10 decal before Monday.
Towing begins Monday, September 30th.
FLU Shots Available at School
1.
Go to http://www.scdhec.gov/slvcconsent using your smartphone, computer
or tablet and enter 11704005 as your validation code.
2. Complete the online consent and submit to DHEC.
Paper consent forms are available.
See School Nurse for more information
TEXTBOOKS: RETURN ALL TEXTBOOKS CHECKED OUT
NOVEMBER 2019
11/4 Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics Admissions Representative Presentations ( 2nd -4th Period)
Last Day to Contribute items to the National Honor Society and the Beta Club for the Dillon County Animal Shelter
11/5 Election Day (Regular School Day)
11/8 Jostens Ring Delivery
11/11 Veterans Day ( Regular School Day)
11/15 Red Cross Blood Drive (Media Center 9AM-1PM)
11/19 ELA/SS Benchmark II
McTeacher Night (McDonald's in Dillon)
11/21- Math/Science Benchmark II
11/25- SIC/Title I Planning Meeting @ 3:30
11/25 Progress Reports Out
11/27-11/29 Thanksgiving Holiday
DILLON SCHOOL DISTRICT
FOUR CELLPHONE USE POLICY
Turn it Off-Keep It Out of Sight
Dillon District Four: NO cellphones or other devices during the school day or on any of our school buses!!
According to the Dillon District Four’s Possession/Use of Electronic Communication Devices in School (Policy JICJ) is simple: cellphones or other devices cannot be used or activated during the school day. Other devices may include pagers, walkie-talkies, or other telecommunication devices that emit an audible signal, vibrate, or display a message.
Students are permitted to use cellphones after regular school hours and during extracurricular activities.
The policy also states that the district will make an exception for documented medical reason and when a student aged 18 or older is an active member of a volunteer firefighting organization or volunteer emergency service organization.
The district specifically bans the use of camera devices to violate the privacy of a student or staff member.
The Student Discipline Code Book lays out punishments that students will be subject to in the case of a violation.
Level I-G the student possesses the device and it will be confiscated and submitted to the Office.
Level II-B offense is when the student uses the device for photos/videos/audio during the school day.
First Time offense is three days out-of-school suspension and a parent conference is required for reinstatement
Second Time offense is five days out-of-school suspension and a parent conference is required for reinstatement.
Third Time offense is five days out-of-school suspension and pending administrative hearing.
Please refer to pages 8 and 10 in the Student Discipline Code Book.
CLASS OF 2019 COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE LIST
TEACHER WEB PAGES
What's Happening
Cafeteria News:
Dillon School District Four has
qualified again for the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) all students
in Dillon School District Four receive FREE breakfast and FREE lunch
daily. We want to encourage all students to take advantage of this
opportunity.
For access to the Dillon School
District Four Wellness Policy please go to our home page at
http://www.dillon.k12.sc.us/ select Departments, Food Service, and
Wellness Policy.
Academic Enrichment
Purpose: To allow students who have taken and failed a course an opportunity to recover lost credit.
Criteria: Students must apply to take Credit Recovery. A student must have scored at least a 50 in the course that he or she wants to recover. Student discipline and history of attendance is taken into consideration for eligibility. An application must be completed and a fee of $150.00 per course must be paid.
Additional Academic Assistance
Students, you have additional academic interventions in
place to help ensure your academic success in each core
class. Power Breakfast is available on the following days
before school with the following teachers:
Math– Coach McIntyre ( If Needed, Monday-Friday)
Science– Mrs. Willis (Tuesdays/Thursdays)
***You also have Late Day Academic Assistance with
your teachers, Access to Virtual School Learning and
During and After School Credit Recovery to Recover
Units for Classes where you have fallen behind. After
school credit recovery costs $150.00 per course and requires
at least a 50 average and teacher recommendation
English News
From Mrs. Carmichael’s Class
In Mrs. Carmichael’s class, lots of exciting things are going on! English 3-H is starting on Their Eyes Were Watching God and they’re really getting excited about learning about Janie Starks and her motives. Students are even saying her situation reminds them of something they’ve seen on a talk show or evening drama.
English 3-CP will begin reading Bud, Not Buddy. In this novel, students will be exposed to various historical scenarios, such as segregation and the Great Depression. Students will also dig deep into characterization while learning what drives Bud to do the things he does.
The Journalism class is working hard on the ’19-20 Wildcat. Several pages have been completed and turned in to the company that manufactures the yearbook. Yearbooks are currently on sale for $50.00. Please see Mrs. Carmichael if you are interested. This yearbook promises to be the best ever!
Ms. Causey’s Art Class
Art I is a course in which ninth through twelfth graders work together to explore the History of World and the History of Art. During the Month of October, students dive deep into the earliest beginnings of the known world and discover the Ancient civilizations of India, China, Egypt and Mesopotamia. Before our students can explore the birth of modern civilizations, they learn about the Old and New Stone ages. As we explore the Old Stone ages students are introduced to stone hedge. Students were given the opportunity to exit the classroom and explore stone hedge. After watching an exciting documentary on the origins of stone hedges, students went outside to mark off the dimensions of stone hedge. This gave the students a more accurate feeling for the scale of the architectural structure. The students worked together to position their classmates to represent each of the stones and oriented themselves to match the original structure. After the exploration of stone hedge, the students explore the massive architectural wonders that are Egyptian pyramids.
SGT. GRAY TALKS SUMMER CAMP & HONORING PARTICIPANTS
I would like to take this time to acknowledge the young cadets at Dillon High School for successfully completing 2019 JCLC better known as “Summer Camp”. Listed below are ten cadets from Dillon High School who attended a six night and one day exploit at FT. Jackson South Carolina. Damir Bethea, Brandon Bethea, Micah Bethea, Ladrius Braddy, Dalamarius Coon, Athena Coon, La’zia Miles, Nena Pittman, Shamirah Page, Aerostide N.
The purpose of the JCLC is to have the cadets perform the many tasks that were assigned to them outside of their school environment. Cadets were given the opportunity to serve in roles as a Battalion Commander, Command Sergeant Major, Executive officer, First Sergeant, Platoon Leaders, Platoon Sergeant, Company Commander, and Squad leader each day. This give the cadets valuable experience at supporting their teams. The primary focus of summer camp is teach the cadets responsibility, accountability, discipline, respect and courtesy, meeting standards, and following orders. Also cadets participate in many team building activities. Approximately 875 high school students throughout the State of South Carolina attended JCLC at Fort Jackson, SC held on June 10-16, 2019. These cadets were willing to complete the Challenge of JCLC, in which they were tested on their Leadership capabilities, endurance, and stamina.
These cadets’ daily routine consisted of waking up every morning at 05:30 am, stand for reveille, then movement to breakfast at 06:30. Following breakfast these cadets were tested on their leadership training as early as 08:00am, and continued throughout the day. The Cadets were fed three hot meals per day. Some of the camp activities consisted of High Ropes, low ropes, first aid, map reading, drown proofing, swimming, canoeing, confidence course/rappel, leader’s reaction course, marksmanship, stem with Forensic Science, Hologram project, how to make a motorized car and how to create music notes in computer lab. Most of the tasks listed above are tasks that Basic Trainees must complete in order to graduate from Basic Training.
All the tests and tasks that the cadets take throughout JCLC including climbing and rappelling off a 75foot wall helps force the cadets to rely on their training and lean on their perseverance to overcome many of their fears.
SFC Gray interviewed a couple of cadets that went to JCLC. Cadet Dalamarius Coon participated in the Drone Academy where they learned about drones and how to fly drones. Cadet Coon “stated that he enjoyed the Drone academy and it was a good learning experience.” Upon completing and passing the required tests that the United State Airforce Drone Academy administered to the cadets they were able to get their license to fly the drones. Cadet Athena Coon went to JCLC for the first time. “Cadet Coon stated that she had a great time. The experience was awesome, and she learned many new things. She also stated that the camp helped improved her leadership skills. She got the experience of being a platoon sergeant, which it encompass being in charge of 35-40 cadet at one given time. As a three-year veteran at JCLC, “Cadet Brandon Bethea stated that it was a good sociable week; meeting new people and learning new things. He went on to say he enjoyed all the team building task that he experienced and hopes this will help him as he goes off to basic training next year”. The cadets went through some obstacles that required them to think outside the box. They had to complete obstacles that pushed them mentally and physically.
Our motto at Dillon High School JROTC is “Enter to Learn and Learn to Lead”. We challenge the cadets to become leaders and teach them that to become a great leader one must be a great follower. Although JCLC was only six nights and a day, our cadets walked away with much more than just leadership experience. They walked away with everlasting friendships and the true knowledge of what it takes to be a good leader.
Also I would like to acknowledge the following cadets for completing Basic Training in 2019, Kezia Dentley (US Army Reserves, 92G Food Service Specialist), Edward Johnson (US Army Reserves, Military Police) and Lataurean Brigman (US National Guard, 92A Automated Logistical Specialist) for successfully completing AIT(Advanced Individualized Training). They served as members of our Dillon Wildcats battalion.
I would like to give special thanks to Louanna Gray and Mrs. Kimberly Jackson for 2 days helping chaperon our cadets. Also, we would like to give thanks for the Assistant Principal Mrs. Cook and Ms. Cynthia Williams the curriculum specialist for coming out to the education tour at summer camp 2019.
Also I would like to give special thanks to LTC Timothy Houser, in which he served as the Senior Army Instructor at Dillon High School for two-years before moving on to continue motivating the cadets to become better citizens at Loris High School. He was instrumental with all the activities and success that our program achieved.
Our motto at Dillon High School JROTC is “Enter to Learn and Learn to Lead”. We challenge the cadets to become leaders and teach them that to become a great leader one must be a great follower. Although JCLC was only six nights and a day, our cadets walked away with much more than just leadership experience. They walked away with everlasting friendships and the true knowledge of what it takes to be a good leader.
Also I would like to acknowledge the following cadets for completing Basic Training in 2019, Kezia Dentley (US Army Reserves, 92G Food Service Specialist), Edward Johnson (US Army Reserves, Military Police) and Lataurean Brigman (US National Guard, 92A Automated Logistical Specialist) for successfully completing AIT(Advanced Individualized Training). They served as members of our Dillon Wildcats battalion.
I would like to give special thanks to Louanna Gray and Mrs. Kimberly Jackson for 2 days helping chaperon our cadets. Also, we would like to give thanks for the Assistant Principal Mrs. Cook and Ms. Cynthia Williams the curriculum specialist for coming out to the education tour at summer camp 2019.
Also, I would like to give special thanks to LTC Timothy Houser, in which he served as the Senior Army Instructor at Dillon High School for two-years before moving on to continue motivating the cadets to become better citizens at Loris High School. He was instrumental with all the activities and success that our program achieved.
Mrs. Neng’s Physical Science News
Physical Science is a course that is composed of two parts; part one is Physics and part two is Chemistry. Students that have interest in the subject are challenged to think outside the box to understand the basic concepts. I encourage students to embrace every aspect of the subject, as it is the science of the world.
This semester, students are equipped with the ground work of scientific method, significant figures, scientific notation, metric measurement and conversion which will allow students to apply the concepts to the new material of the course for more clarity and better understanding. We are currently doing a project on the “history of an atom”, where teacher assigned student groups will create a timeline showing the work of different scientists who contributed to the discovery of an atom and its structure. There are other interesting topics like matter, where students are able to classify matter and also demonstrate an understanding of various properties, etc.
Students’ success in Physical Science CP is guaranteed from reviewing notes daily and actively paying attention during lectures. I am looking forward to another exciting and successful school year!
MRS. SMALL GIVES AN OVERVIEW OF ACCOUNTING I
Accounting is a system of recording, analyzing, comparing, and verifying financial activities. Accounting I’s off to a great start! We are currently learning the basics of Accounting by discussing many different types of business investments and transactions.
The first step to accounting is to understand the accounting equation, which is assets = liabilities + owner’s equity. To accomplish this, the class started by using index cards to categorize various types of assets and liabilities. Owner’s equity was discussed in the form of many business investment examples. The greatest challenge has been to distinguish between accounts payable, accounts receivable, notes payable, and notes receivable. We are slowly, but surely getting there! Weekly, the students complete t-accounts, which is the first step in a General Journal entry. Bi-weekly, the students are asked to complete t-accounts of approximately 30 transactions, one for each day of the month. Recently, the students completed the General Journal Accounting Books for “Shannon’s Flower Shop”.
To get their fingers moving on calculators, students were asked to create a “Personal Budget”. To do so, they used Google to determine the job of their choice, the salary of that job, the state in which they will work/live, and the average cost of expenditures (such as utility bill, water bill, etc.) in that area. To get a mortgage payment, students were introduced to the Mortgage Loan Calculator, a Google Application. Students could purchase a home that was 3 times their yearly salary. On this day, laptops were brought into the classroom. I walked throughout the call to keep students on the right track. From this, students were able to see how different jobs pay different amounts in different states.
Students have also been introduced to Depreciation! This has been a fun topic, as students have been depreciating equipment that can cost well over $500,000 over a period of 25-30 years. Students are also taking into consideration the equipment’s Salvage Value.
To continue the broad understanding of Accounting I, Accounting students have begun studying LIFO and FIFO. LIFO (Last In, First Out) and FIFO (First In, First Out) are inventory methods. The students first determine which inventory method to use by reviewing the business itself: Does the business produce a product that is perishable (FIFO)? Or, will it last many years (LIFO)? So far, students have greatly enjoyed working the inventory methods.
In the weeks to come, Accounting I students will begin reviewing Payroll Taxes. We recently touched on Gross Pay and Net Pay. This will consist of Employee Earnings, Social Security Tax, Medicare Tax, Federal Income Tax, and State Income Tax.
This semester has been full of many great questions from students who are eager to
Retake Policy
There is no reason for any student at Dillon High School to fail. Every student has the opportunity to retake any test, assignment, project or quiz which resulted in a failing grade or for grade improvement. Students are allowed a total of 5 retakes each nine weeks. Students and teachers are responsible for arranging suitable times for retakes.
Parent Resource Center
DHS now has a resource center available to all parents. Please call Ms. Cynthia Williams at 774-1230 ext. 226 for more information
Red Cross Blood Drive
The first DHS blood drive will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2019. Students 17 years old or older may sign up to donate blood with Ms. Williams in room 108. Students who are 16 years of age and would like to donate blood can obtain a parent permission form from Ms. Williams prior to signing up. Height and weight requirements must be met in order to donate blood.
Seniors have the added opportunity to earn a red cord to wear during the graduation ceremony by donating at least three times during their senior year or having five different people to donate on their behalf. This year’s drives are scheduled for:
Wednesday, September 18, 2019 (8:30 a.m.– 1:00 p.m.)
Friday, November 15, 2019 (8 a.m.– 1:00 p.m.)
Wednesday, January 15, 2020 (8:00 a.m.– 1:00 p.m.)
Friday, April 24, 2020 (8:00 a.m.– 1:00 p.m.)
Please consider beginning a life-long passion for helping to
save lives. Sign up to give blood on a regular basis.
VERY IMPORTANT...PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGES!!!
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION
District policy is as follows:
The school year consists of 180 school days. Attendance is the presence of a student on days when school is in session. Students may be counted present only when they are actually at school, on homebound instruction, or are present at a school activity which is authorized by the school. This may include field trips, athletic contests, academic contests, music festivals, student conventions and similar activities.
Students must have 120 hours of seat time to earn a Carnegie unit (60 hours for a ½ unit).
This limits all absences to 10 days (5 days for a ½ unit). This includes all days missed – excused, unexcused, bereavement, medical, etc.
When students have three (3) consecutive or five (5) total unexcused or unverified absences (by class and/or school day) the school will contact parents and develop a truancy intervention plan (TIP) for improved attendance. Students under 17 years of age who violate a TIP will be referred to a higher authority for truancy. Parents will be required to meet with administration to develop plan.
If you are not in class, you are marked absent!
*Only five (5) days can be made up to count toward ATTENDANCE RECOVERY.
ATEC STUDENTS
ALL students will ride the bus to and from ATEC every day. If you are late and miss the bus to ATEC, your parent must sign you in at ATEC. Students of parents choosing not to take them to ATEC due to late arrival will remain in ISS until 3rd block or until students return from ATEC. Driving privileges for students going to ATEC will be at the principal’s discretion.