Dutch Fork Middle School

Did you hear the great news? 🎉 Please join us in congratulating Dutch Fork Middle’s School Resource Officer, Deputy Heather Kotchian — named Richland County Sheriff's Department Middle School SRO of the Year! Deputy Kotchian goes above and beyond every day: she’s established a clothing closet for those in need, formed meaningful bonds with our students, and cares deeply for our staff and school community. We are so fortunate to have her dedication and heart at Dutch Fork Middle. 💙👏

Congratulations to our very own Bryson Cannon! We are so proud to have you as part of our team at DFMS!

RISING STAR AWARD FEATURE:

⭐ Rising Star: Bryson Cannon
📍 Dutch Fork Middle School
✏️ Social Studies

🍎 First Year Teacher Perspective:
- The most valuable thing I learned this year was the relationship and connection I was able to create with my students. I made an emphasis on connecting with my students rather than just teaching the curriculum. This meant engaging with them on a personal level—whether they were sharing what they're doing for the weekend or telling me about what they had for lunch. Those small moments of genuine connection became the foundation of my teaching practice.

📅 Favorite Day of the School Year:
- My favorite day of the school year will be the last day of school—not just because we get to go into summer break, but because I can look back and reflect on how much my students have grown and matured as individuals. Watching them grow and mature, and preparing them for their next grade level or life in general throughout the year, is truly why I decided to get into this profession. Because you see how far they've come.

✏️Impact of the STARS Induction Program:
- The STARS Induction Program really impacted my first year by giving me confidence in myself as a teacher. It allowed me to understand that I could still be myself and bring my own personality and teaching style into the classroom while still being effective with students. As a first year teacher, that helped me a lot because it made me more comfortable building relationships with students and creating a classroom environment that fit me naturally.

Exciting news—please join us in welcoming the newest members of the DFMS School Improvement Council! 🎉 Principal-appointed members: Archina Feaster, Ashley McKee, and Kaitlin Tew. Newly elected members: Lollie Haselden, Katrina Singletary, and Zee Zee Williams. Thank you for giving your time, talent, and heart to our school. We can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together!

After learning about the culture and traditions of the Dominican Republic, our 8th graders put their Spanish skills into action by ordering their meals completely in Spanish. From practicing real-world conversations to trying new foods, it was the perfect way to celebrate all they’ve learned this year. ¡Buen trabajo, estudiantes! Special thanks to Tropical Taste restaurant for providing the delicious food!💛💃🏽🌮

During the school year, DFMS Den classes competed against each other, scoring in academics, attendance, behavior (including tardies and ID violations), and intramurals. Each grade had an ultimate winner - Mr. DeMarino's Den for our 8th grade, and Mrs. Simon's Den for our 7th grade. Today, those Dens competed in one final championship intramural game of "Bentz Ball", a basketball mixup game invented by our own Coach Bentz, and one the students have grown to love. Incorporating not just players on the court, and players on the sidelines, but also the teachers, this game has definitely earned it's hype.
There can only be one Fox Madness champ, however, and this year, Mrs. Simon's 7th grade Den came out on top! What a great way for students to show up, get involved, and have fun!

Did someone say magical night? ✨ Our 8th grade students shined at the Under the Sea formal on Friday—glamorous outfits, great music, delicious food, and non-stop smiles as they celebrated the end of middle school. A huge thank-you to our incredible DFMS Student Council for planning such a memorable evening! What was your favorite photo or memory from the night? Share below! 🎓🌊🎶🧜‍♀️

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We're excited to introduce our DFMS PTO Board for the 2026 - 2027 school year!!

Tonight's the night! Our 8th graders will dive "Under the Sea" to close out middle school! Here are a few important reminders about tonight's formal.
• Tickets had to be purchased in advance — sales are now closed.
• All school and district rules apply; students must have their school ID to enter.
• Rides should be at DFMS promptly at 8:00 PM for pickup.

Huge congratulations to DFMS 7th & 8th grade band, orchestra, and chorus students for earning STRAIGHT SUPERIOR ratings at the Carowinds Music Festival! 🎉🎶 After their amazing performances, students celebrated with the amusement park and proudly represented DFMS with outstanding FOX pride. 🦊👏

Next week is the LAST week of the 2025–2026 school year — a big wrap-up for students, families, and staff! 📚✨ Please remember these important dates and coming up next week.