Welcome to Dorman Online

Welcome to Dorman Freshman Campus, where students thrive in a comprehensive educational environment that develops the total child including academics, fitness, character, and citizenship. That program proved successful for the fourth year as we opened our doors to 820 students for the 2005-2006 school year. In fact, we were Palmetto Gold Award winners for the fourth consecutive year.

Our focus continues to be on the academic success of all students. More than ninety-five percent of our students have passed the end of course test in Algebra I each year for the past two years. Our BETA Club inducted 233 students this year. Seventy-one of our students earned all A’s for the year. Our Homework Center included before school and after school components to provide students with a quiet place to study and do homework with access to research and computer materials. Specific classes were also offered to prepare students for the HSAP test and to provide services for our 19 ESOL students. In addition, the DFC Freshmen Academic Team placed second in the Southeastern Academic Challenge and third in the SC NAQT Championship this year, behind our own Dorman J.V. and Varsity Academic teams.

Students in our fine arts programs excelled in all areas. The DFC Orchestra received a superior rating at the SC Concert Festival this year. Seven students were selected by audition for the Junior All-State Orchestra. Sixteen students participated in the Region Orchestra as well. In the SC Solo and Ensemble Festival, numerous students received Excellent and Superior Ratings. In addition, the marching band won the bronze medal in the finals of the SC Band Director’s Association Class 5A State Championships. They were also awarded Best Music, Best Visual, Best Overall General Effect, Best Percussion, Best Color Guard, Class 5A Champions, and Grand Champions of the Olympia High School Trojan Classic. The band won the award for Best Percussion and was named 5A Class Champions at an earlier competition this year. Two students were selected for the American Choral Director Association Southern Division Junior High Honor choir. Two choral students received the Alia Lawson Pre-college scholarship at Converse College along with two piano students. In visual arts, six students were selected to exhibit their artwork at the Piedmont Interstate Fair and the Spartanburg Sidewalk Art Show. One of those students won first prize in the Student Painting division at the fair. Five students also participated in the African-American Young Artist Renaissance Program and brought home a second place award.

Our students were also active members of many athletic teams. Four of our girls played on the State Championship girls’ soccer team. Our JV Competition Cheerleaders received 1st place in their four competitions. Eight freshmen athletes set new school records in swimming this year. Two freshmen wrestlers qualified for the 4A Upperstate Championships as well. One student was selected to play in the All-State Girls Tennis Singles Tournament. Our JROTC Cavalier Battalion received Honor Unit with Distinction Recognition for the twentieth consecutive year.

All of our students are members of one of our 35 clubs or service organizations. Many of these groups helped to raise over $4000 for the Red Cross to aid Hurricane Katrina victims. The faculty and students also raised $918 for Thanksgiving meals for six DFC families. The Beta Club collected 184 bottles/cans of Boost and Ensure for the Lutheran Hospice. In addition, approximately $750 were raised during our Relay for Life campaign.

An advisory period, called the CAVS Program: Choices, Attitudes and Values for Success, is also scheduled for all students. Based on the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey, this advisory period, designed by DFC teachers, allows for concentrated efforts on study skills, substance abuse awareness, cultural diversity, community service, career goals, and character education.

Our freshmen students have achieved a great deal in many areas. They will continue to progress to higher levels academically, artistically, and athletically with each year. That is the focus and pride of this unique school and community. As we proudly reflect on our many accomplishments and prepare for the upcoming school year, we encourage parent participation in school activities and appreciate the continued support as we work together to provide the best educational opportunities for our students at Dorman Freshman Campus.