Enjoy the rest of your summer, but be sure to mark your calendars for our Meet the Teacher event on Tuesday, July 29th from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. We can't wait to see all of our new and returning students and their families. More information is coming soon about 4K.
We know that you have all been anxiously awaiting the release of our School Supply Lists for this upcoming school year! You don't have to wait any longer. Go to https://des.pickens.k12.sc.us/o/des/page/school-supplies now and click the button to see the lists for 2025-26.
Our After School Care registration is now live! If you are interested in your child joining our afterschool care program you may sign up using the link below.
https://forms.gle/GbUuQkPhciYzTLed9
https://forms.gle/GbUuQkPhciYzTLed9
Welcome Mrs. Sarah Traynum to Dacusville Elementary!
Mrs. Traynum brings a **wealth of experience**, with over **25 years of teaching 4K** and most recently **teaching 3rd grade at Ambler**. She earned her **BS in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood add-on** from **Anderson University**, graduating in **December 2024**. Her heart for young learners and her passion for teaching make her a perfect fit for DES! 💙
Outside the classroom, she loves spending time at the lake and **thrift shopping for vintage treasures**. She’s also a proud mom to her son **Tanner**, who’s getting married this October to Bri — and let’s not forget her sweet cat, **Finn**! 🐱💍⛵️
Join us in giving Mrs. Traynum a warm Dacusville welcome!
#WelcomeToDacusville #NewTeacherSpotlight #WeAreDES #EarlyChildhoodEducator
We are thrilled to welcome our new Spanish teacher to Dacusville Elementary—please join us in giving a warm DES welcome to Roccio Albarracin Carreno!
From Colombia, she brings with her 22 years of experience in education, having worked with children, teens, and adults alike.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Spanish and English from Universidad Pedagógica Nacional and a Master’s in Education from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana.
💬 In her own words:
"I became a teacher because I believe education is a journey of the heart. I’m excited to share the joy of learning Spanish and celebrate culture with the DES community."
We’re so excited to learn and grow with her this year—bienvenida to DES! 💙💛
From Colombia, she brings with her 22 years of experience in education, having worked with children, teens, and adults alike.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Spanish and English from Universidad Pedagógica Nacional and a Master’s in Education from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana.
💬 In her own words:
"I became a teacher because I believe education is a journey of the heart. I’m excited to share the joy of learning Spanish and celebrate culture with the DES community."
We’re so excited to learn and grow with her this year—bienvenida to DES! 💙💛
Dacusville Elementary will be a Title 1 school this year. We are so pleased to welcome Mrs. Caroline Taphorn as our Title 1 Curriculum Specialist. Caroline is from Clemson, SC. She has a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Furman University, a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education (also from Furman), and she will finish her Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Clemson in August of this year. Caroline has been teaching for 6 years. "I became a teacher because I believe every child deserves someone in their corner cheering them on, and that's the kind of teacher I've always tried to be. " - Caroline
DES welcomes another very familiar face to our staff. Mrs. Kristen Phipps is from Pickens, SC. She has a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from North Greenville University. This is her first year teaching in an elementary school, but she has completed several long-term subbing jobs at Dacusville Elementary School, three just last year. "I can remember as a child, teachers giving away old books in their classroom, and I would take them home to 'teach' my nephews and nieces. I really enjoy working with children and watching their faces light up when they achieve a new skill or master making a new friendship. I'm excited to join the DES family and become a part of the Dacusville community." - Kristen
Katie Griffin is not a new face at DES, but a new employee. She is from Easley, SC, and received her BA in Psychology from Clemson University in 2022 and her Master of Education in School Counseling in May 2025 from Liberty University. This will be Katie's first year in education. "During my grad program, I have spent a lot of time at DES through my practicum and internship, working alongside the incredible leadership team. I feel so blessed to be returning in an official counseling role and to be able to continue supporting DES students!" - Katie Griffin
Christy Parris is not new to SDPC, but she is new to us at DES. Christy is from Easley, SC, and has lived in this area her entire life. She graduated from Anderson University with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and holds an add-on certification in Early Childhood, as well as a Master's degree in Business Administration. She also recently graduated from Lamar University with her principal certification. She is looking forward to starting her 10th year in education in the Dacuville area, where she grew up and currently lives.
Please join us in welcoming BACK to DES, Mrs. Annah Gainey. Annah is from Easley, SC. She has a BA in Mass Communications from Lander University and a Master's degree in Teacher Special Education Learning Disabilities from Francis Marion University with an endorsement in Trauma and Poverty. Annah was a 5K assistant at DES before working the past 3 years as a Special Education teacher in SDPC. "From a young age, I dreamed of being a teacher. I had the pleasure of working at Dacusville for 4 years, and God has blessed me with the opportunity to come home. My goal is to inspire students to find a love of learning in a safe learning environment." - Annah Gainey
Meet Lindsey Greene! Lindsey is from a small town in Western North Carolina and recently graduated from Clemson University this past May with her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Here are Lindsey's thoughts about this upcoming school year. "This will be my first year teaching, and I can't wait to begin my journey in first grade at Dacusville! Becoming a teacher has been a dream of mine ever since I can remember. I have been so blessed to have so many incredible educators make lasting impacts on my life, and I hope to make just a fraction of the difference they have! I can't wait to meet my Dacusville family!"
We would like to share with our community and extend our congratulations to Mrs. Susan Chapman for successfully defending her dissertation today and becoming Dr. Susan Chapman! We are so proud of you, Dr. Chapman! What an amazing accomplishment and excellent example for our students of being a lifelong learner!
We are looking for a few amazing people to join our After School Care Staff for the 2025-2026 school year. If you or someone you know is interested, please go to https://pickens.schoolspring.com/ today and apply for the DES After School Care Worker position that is posted.
Attention all SDPC High School Students age 16 or older who are looking for a part-time job for next school year! We are looking to hire one amazing student to join our After-School Care Staff as part of our Student Work Study program. Apply today by going to https://pickens.schoolspring.com/ and applying for the Student Work Study After-School Care Worker position at Dacusville Elementary School.
Bubbling with Excitement!
Our 3rd graders are all smiles and bubbles as they count down to summer break—let the fun begin!
Campfire Fun in K5!
Ms. Freeman’s class had a blast during Camp Out Day—tents, treats, and tons of smiles all around!
Campfire Fun in K5!
Ms. Freeman’s class had a blast during Camp Out Day—tents, treats, and tons of smiles all around!
"4th Graders Tee Off at Topgolf!"
Our fourth graders had a blast swinging into fun at Topgolf—great aim, big laughs, and unforgettable memories!
"4th Graders Tee Off at Topgolf!"
Our fourth graders had a blast swinging into fun at Topgolf—great aim, big laughs, and unforgettable memories!
