Spartanburg District 7 -

🌟 Administrative Professionals Day 🌟 Today — and every day — we celebrate the incredible administrative professionals who are the heart of our schools and offices across District 7. From the front desks that offer the first smile of the day to the behind-the-scenes experts who keep everything running smoothly, your work matters deeply. To our school secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, and district support staff: thank you for being the calm in the chaos, the problem-solvers, the organizers, and the glue that holds it all together. You show up with grace, kindness, and a commitment to excellence that lifts everyone around you. This amazing group from the District Office represents just a small part of the brilliance and dedication we see across every campus. We are so grateful for each of you and the essential role you play in our mission of Going for Great. #D7isgoingforgreat

Rising 7th-12th graders are invited to the Viking Band's spring marching band camp! No advance registration needed. Parents will have the opportunity to attend an informational meeting during the camp, which runs April 28, 29 and May 1. Contact Band Director Bobby Cotter with questions: rgcotter@spart7.org.

✨ Shining Bright in Spartanburg County! ✨ Today, the future of Spartanburg County gleamed brighter than ever at the Kiwanis Club of Spartanburg's annual Terrific Kid of the Year luncheon! 🌟 We’re bursting with pride as we celebrate the incredible achievements of our elementary school superstars who’ve shown what it means to lead with heart, character, and determination. A huge shoutout to the exceptional students from District 7 who are truly shining examples of kindness, responsibility, and perseverance: • Zavion Omari Hillstock, Cleveland Academy of Leadership • Jayden Beatty, Drayton Mills Elementary • James Martin Crotts, E.P. Todd School • Emily Georgion, Jesse Boyd Elementary • Matthew Franco, Mary H. Wright Elementary • Charley Donnelly, Pine Street Elementary • Scarlett Hayes, McCarthy-Teszler Teszler Division • Calvin Miller, McCarthy-Teszler Secondary Division (Not pictured: Joseph Ramos, McCarthy-Teszler Elementary School) These Terrific Kids were recognized for their outstanding character, receiving a special plaque, a T-shirt, and a certificate signed by the Governor – a true reflection of their hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. The Kiwanis Club’s Terrific Kids program is all about cultivating thoughtful, enthusiastic, respectful, and capable young people. These honorees embody those qualities and more, setting an inspiring example for their peers and our entire community. A round of applause also goes to the families, teachers, guidance counselors, assistant principals and principals who support and encourage these students every step of the way. You’ve helped nurture these bright young minds, and we couldn’t be more thankful for your guidance. To all the Terrific Kids: Your journey is just beginning, and the world is lucky to have you. Keep reaching for the stars, keep being the change, and keep inspiring those around you. The best is yet to come! 🌟💫 Congratulations again to all of our D7 honorees, and to all Terrific Kids celebrated today. The impact you make will echo through the years. Keep shining, keep dreaming, and never stop striving for greatness! #D7isgoingforgreat #TerrificKidSpartanburg

Spartanburg, get ready to laugh, cheer, and believe in happily-ever-afters (with a swampy twist)! ✨🎭 Everyone’s favorite ogre is stomping onto the stage a week from this Thursday, in Shrek The Musical at Spartanburg High School—and you won’t want to miss the magic! From beloved fairy tale characters and jaw-dropping sets to live music and a fire-breathing dragon (yes, really 🔥)—this show has it all. 📍 Join us at the D7 Fine Arts Center on the campus of SHS, April 24–27! 🎟️ Reserved seating is now open and tickets are flying fast: https://our.show/d7shrek Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film, this Tony Award-winning musical features music by Jeanine Tesori and a hilarious book by David Lindsay-Abaire. It's packed with heart, humor, and high-energy performances that the whole family will love. ✨ Costumes. Puppets. A donkey in waffle-loving overdrive. And a reminder that beauty is in the eye of the ogre. Snag your reserved seat now—before they disappear like Rumpelstiltskin! 💚👑 https://our.show/d7shrek

🎉 Celebrating National Assistant Principals Week! 🎉 Although our schools were on Spring Break, we couldn't let National Assistant Principals Week pass without recognizing the extraordinary work and dedication of our Assistant Principals in Spartanburg School District 7! We love our Assistant Principals—and for good reason! These outstanding professionals play an essential role in our schools, working tirelessly to support teachers, motivate students, assist principals, and create positive, thriving learning environments. They face the many challenges that come their way with determination and grace, and their commitment to student success is unmatched. We are incredibly fortunate to have such an exceptional team. Their passion for our students, faculty, staff, and community is evident in everything they do. They are dedicated to the success of each student, and we are deeply appreciative of the time, effort, and expertise they invest in our schools. Thank you to all of our Assistant Principals for your continued hard work and dedication. You are a vital part of our mission of Going for Great, and we are grateful for the positive impact you make every day. Here’s to you—our Assistant Principals, the heart of our schools! 👏🎓 Jesse Boyd Elementary Stephanie Seay | Dr. Lichelle Jones-Wilkins Cleveland Academy of Leadership Alanda Posey | Alphonso Richard Drayton Mills Elementary Adena McDaniel | Thurman Evans E.P. Todd School Brian Landon | Vanessa Norman Mary H. Wright Elementary Dr. Ashley Barnes Mitchell | Alexis Clowney-Fox Pine Street Elementary Reena Waston | Dr. Erin Davis Carver Middle School Cherrel Jackson | Jaime Talkington McCracken Middle School Katrina Johnson | Tripp Manuel | Jeannee Abercrombie (AJ) Johnson | Rebecca Miller Spartanburg High School Lindsey Johnson | Rod Daniels | Eric Parker | Jeff Boucher | Dr. Lavetta Collins | Dr. Shay Rice | Ryan Smith Whitlock Flexible Learning Center Tawayne Weems | Sarah Watson McCarthy Teszler School Quida Black

Happy Spring Break, D7 Family! We look forward to welcoming students back to school on Monday, April 14.

This edition of 7Headlines: MARCHing Toward Greatness! Step into a full-circle moment as McCracken Middle School makes way for the future, experience the culinary magic of Celebrity Chef Jet Tila at Cleveland Academy, and grab your tickets to the Spring Musical, Shrek! Plus, a special message from Superintendent Stevens. Don’t miss a beat—check out all the highlights in this exciting issue: tinyurl.com/7HeadlinesMarch2025 We're fired up to MARCH forward and Go for Great in D7!

🎭✨ Get ready for a roaring good time, Spartanburg! ✨🎭 Everyone's favorite ogre is taking the stage this April at Spartanburg High School, and you don't want to miss it! Shrek The Musical is bringing all the beloved characters, incredible live music, and yes... even a fire-breathing dragon! 🔥 Join us for this sidesplitting fairy tale adventure at the D7 Fine Arts Center from April 24-27. ✨ Tickets are flying fast, and with reserved seating now open, you’ll want to snag yours today: https://our.show/d7shrek 🎟️ Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film, this Tony Award-winning musical features new songs by Jeanine Tesori and a hilarious book by David Lindsay-Abaire. 🏆 It’s a treasure trove of creative magic, with unforgettable costumes, sets, and puppets. Plus, it’s fun for the whole family—beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre! 🌟 Don't wait—get your tickets before they’re gone!

🎵 🎻🪘🎷🎹 March is Music in Our Schools Month! 🎵 🎻🪘🎷🎹 For 40 years, March has been officially designated by the National Association for Music Education for the observance of Music In Our Schools Month. It is a time of year when schools and communities across the nation raise awareness about the importance of music education for all children, celebrate our music teachers and programs within the community, and demonstrate the value school music brings to students of all ages. In District 7, many of our annual school musicals take place during March and April. We invite our Spartanburg community to come enjoy these productions! The centerpiece of our musicals lineup is Spartanburg High School's production of Shrek The Musical, which takes place in our District 7 Fine Arts Center on April 24-27, 2025 and features students from our elementary, middle and high schools. Tickets are now on sale at https://our.show/D7Shrek! We also encourage you to explore the many other concerts and special music events presented by our schools. D7 students have an extra spring in their step as their dedication and hard work culminates in these opportunities to showcase the beautiful music they create! Together, they lift their voices and make their instruments soar - Going for Great in one symphony of sights and sounds! 🎵 District 7 School Musicals for 2024-2025 🎵 Jesse Boyd Elementary: Aristocats Kids March 11-13 – 9 am and 6pm Cleveland Academy: Finding Nemo Kids April 1 and 3 – 10 am, April 2 – 6 pm Mary H. Wright Elementary: Willy Wonka, Jr. April 1 – 10 am and 6 pm, April 3 – 6 pm Pine Street Elementary: Aladdin, Jr. December 4-6, 2024 E. P. Todd School: Into the Woods March 17-18 – 9 am and 6:30 pm Spartanburg High School: Shrek The Musical April 24-26 – 7 pm, April 27 – 3 pm

Friendly Reminder! Friday, March 14 is an eLearning day for students, serving as a make-up day for some of the six school days missed last fall during Hurricane Helene. We are continually inspired by the resilience of our students and the dedication of our families in supporting their success. Your partnership makes all the difference! Students will have two school days after each make-up day to complete and submit their eLearning assignments. For families in need of childcare and eLearning support, the City of Spartanburg is offering two FREE day camps: 🔹 Ages 5-12: CC Woodson Community Center (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.) 🔹 Ages 13-17: Dr. TK Gregg Center (12 p.m. – 5 p.m.) Snacks will be provided! While participation is free, advance registration is required—please scan the QR codes on the attached flyers for details. We are incredibly grateful for the City’s partnership in supporting our students and families. Thank you, parents and caregivers, for your unwavering support, flexibility, and commitment to your child’s education! 📚✨

Spartanburg School District 7 Closure Announcement – Wednesday, March 5, 2025 Due to the strong wind advisory in effect from 4 AM to 7 PM by the National Weather Service, Spartanburg District 7 schools will be closed on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Forecasts indicate sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph. In accordance with state safety regulations, school bus operations must be suspended when gusts exceed 45 mph, making travel unsafe for our students and staff. Unlike other weather-related closures earlier this year, this will not be an eLearning day, as we have exhausted our allotted eLearning days for the year. The safety of our students, staff, and families remains our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate this weather-related closure. Please take all necessary precautions, stay safe, and look out for one another. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Thursday.

Update on our NEW Jesse Boyd Elementary Exciting progress is underway on the projects approved in our capital plan and in the 2024 Referendum! Just this week, you may notice activity on the former McCracken Middle School site as we begin demolition to make way for our NEW Jesse Boyd Elementary. A webpage for project updates has been created here: https://www.spartanburg7.org/New_JBE Check it out to see the design concepts, preliminary site plan, project timeline, project partners and more. We will continue to make updates on this page throughout the project. At this point, residents may notice increased activity around the site, including construction vehicles, heavy equipment, and noise. We recognize this may impact nearby businesses and neighborhoods so we are proactively reaching out to make them aware. Communications will also be sent to our D7 families who live in the area, with a particular suggestion to talk with any student drivers in their household who may travel Webber Road on the way to school or otherwise. District 7 is dedicated to being a good neighbor, to keeping disruption to a minimum, and to helping our community stay informed every step of the way. Similar webpages are coming soon with updates about the Mary H. Wright addition, which will host our new need-based 3K class and the district’s new employee childcare program; and the new District Transportation Office addition (not part of the referendum), which will provide training space to support the professional expertise of our transportation team. Stay tuned to travel this journey with D7 as we are GOING FOR GREAT! See project updates here: http://spartanburg7.org/New_JBE

NOW OPEN: Applications for School Choice & Out-of-District Tuition March 1-31, 2025: Apply for rising 1st - 12th Grades July 15-31, 2025: Apply for rising 5K Families interested in School Choice (for those residing in District 7 who wish to request a school other than their zoned school) or Out-of-District Tuition (for those living outside District 7 who want to enroll their child in a District 7 school) can apply from March 1-31, 2025 for students entering 1st-12th grades for the 2025-2026 school year. For families with rising 5K students, the application window opens July 15, 2025. 🔹 Already enrolled through School Choice or Out-of-District Tuition? No need to reapply! Your child will remain at their current school. If transitioning to middle school, they will be enrolled in the middle school linked to their current elementary school. 📍 For full details and information, visit spartanburg7.org/schoolchoice.

🎨 Experience the Creativity of D7 Students at Chapman Cultural Center! 🎨 The District 7 Student Art Exhibit is now on display at the Chapman Cultural Center through March 3, showcasing the incredible talent of our young artists from all D7 schools. One recent visitor to Spartanburg, Roger Meadows, was so moved by the artwork that he wrote a heartfelt letter about a piece by D7 student Elliot Summers — a stunning depiction of a girl catching snowflakes on her tongue. He described it as “a perfect capture of Joy, Delight, Fun.” His words are a testament to the impact and inspiration our students’ work can bring. We invite our D7 community to visit the exhibit and see firsthand the creativity and skill nurtured by our amazing fine arts educators. Don’t miss this celebration of student artistry! Join us in celebrating our students’ achievements as we continue Going for Great!

🌟 2025-2026 Kindergarten Registration Now Open! 🌟 As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to ensure all current and future D7 families are well-informed about key enrollment dates and processes. Here’s everything you need to know to help guide families through this exciting time: 🎒 New 3K, 4K, and 5K Student Enrollment (2025-2026) Now Open! This enrollment period is specifically for new 3K, 4K, and 5K students, as well as current D7 3K students. Current D7 4K students will register for 5K during the returning student registration period after Spring Break. For full details, please visit our Kindergarten Enrollment Page (https://www.spartanburg7.org/kindergarten) 📚 3K Program Details • Need-based 3K classes are offered at Cleveland Academy of Leadership (located at The Franklin School) and Mary H. Wright Elementary. • Supported by a Full-Service Community Schools grant in partnership with Spartanburg Academic Movement and D7. • Acceptance Criteria: Priority given to students with financial and/or developmental needs, and those living in the school’s attendance zones. 🌟 4K Program Details • Available at all D7 elementary schools, offering need-based 4K programs. • Similar to 3K, acceptance is based on financial and developmental need through a formal application and assessment. 📅 Important Note for Current 3K & 4K Students: • Families of students currently in the 3K program should apply for 4K now. • Families of 4K students will register for 5K after Spring Break—no new student registration required. 🍎 5K Program Details • Children who turn five years old on or before September 1 of this year must enroll in a public or private 5K program, unless the parent or legal guardian signs a waiver. • If a waiver is signed, state law requires the child to enroll in 1st grade at age 6 the following year. • Free 5K programs are available at all D7 schools! 📅 Enrollment Timeline & Process D7 elementary schools are currently accepting: • 3K Applications • 4K Applications • NEW 5K Student Enrollment Forms What Families Need: Parents can find the required forms and information online at our Kindergarten Enrollment Page (https://www.spartanburg7.org/kindergarten). After filling out the forms, parents will need to bring them to their zoned elementary school along with the necessary documentation to complete the enrollment process. Additional Resources: • Find Your School & Attendance Zone (https://www.spartanburg7.org/attendancezone) • 3K, 4K, and 5K Enrollment Info & Forms (https://www.spartanburg7.org/kindergarten) 📢 5K–12th Grade Returning Student Enrollment (2025-2026): Opening After Spring Break Returning student enrollment for grades 5K–12 will begin after Spring Break. Parents/guardians will receive an email prompting them to complete the online enrollment process through their FinalForms account. We’d love your help in spreading the word! We are excited to welcome new families and students to D7! We are so excited for the 2025-2026 school year and can't wait to welcome all of our new students and families to D7! Let’s make this an unforgettable year! 🎉

💛🚍 February is Love the Bus Month! 🚍💛 Every morning and afternoon, Spartanburg School District 7's incredible school bus drivers ensure that more than 7,200 students arrive safely to and from school. They are the first smiling faces students see at the start of the day and the last to wish them well on the way home. Their dedication, kindness, and commitment to safety do not go unnoticed! 💛👏 This week, let's take a moment to show our gratitude to the amazing men and women behind the wheel. A simple "Thank You" can mean the world to those who work tirelessly to keep our students safe—especially as schools face ongoing bus driver shortages. 🚌✨ 💛 Interested in making a difference? D7 is hiring bus drivers! If you're looking for a rewarding career where you can have a positive impact on students and families, visit D7 Drive a Bus (https://www.spartanburg7.org/driveabus) to learn more. 🚍 To all our bus drivers — THANK YOU! You are essential, and we appreciate all that you do! 👏💛 #D7isGoingForGreat #ToInspireAndEquip

🌟🎉 Happy School Resource Officer Day! 🎉🌟 Today, we celebrate our amazing School Resource Officers across Spartanburg School District 7! 🚔💙 These dedicated men and women are so much more than just safety personnel; they are invaluable members of our school family. From the moment they walk through our doors, our SROs engage with students and staff, building lasting relationships that foster trust and support within our school community. They are always present, in the hallways, at events, and on the playground, making sure everyone feels safe and valued. Their commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment allows our students to thrive, and their positive influence inspires our youth to be their best selves every day. 🌟 Here’s to our SROs – thank you for your service, your guidance, and for being an essential part of our school life! We appreciate all that you do to keep us safe and help shape our future leaders! 💪🛡️ #SRODay #D7isGoingForGreat #ToInspireAndEquip

As a Reminder! Tomorrow, Friday, February 14 is an eLearning days for students, serving as a make-up day for some of the six school days missed last fall during Hurricane Helene. Legislators are still discussing whether to grant school boards flexibility to waive additional days. Students will have two school days after each make-up day to complete and submit their eLearning assignments. If you need childcare, the City of Spartanburg is offering two day camps for students – one for ages 5-12 at CC Woodson Community Center from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and one for ages 13-17 at the Dr. TK Gregg Center from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Snacks will be served and there is NO COST to participate, but advance registration is required. We are thankful for the City’s partnership in supporting our students!

Hot off the press! The February issue of 7Headlines is here! This edition is packed with celebrations—Jesse Boyd’s 60th anniversary, a kindergarten enrollment overview, all the fun Scene in 7 moments, and details on how to secure free tickets to see the U.S. Navy Concert Band live at Spartanburg High on March 13. This special performance honors 100 years of service by the U.S. Navy Band—don’t miss it! Check out all the highlights in this festive issue: https://tinyurl.com/7HeadlinesFeb2025 We’re feeling the love as we Go for Great in D7!

Photos, Video, and Media Coverage of Jesse Boyd's 60th Anniversary Current and former students, staff and families as well as Spartanburg community members "came home to JBE" to celebrate the school's 60th anniversary on Friday, January 31, 2025. This last major milestone in the current school building was special time to reflect on past accomplishments, celebrate the school’s history and the people who helped build it along the way, and enjoy some good ole' Bulldog fun! A school-wide assembly included several special guest speakers from decades past, a time for anyone in attendance to share memories or share messages with current students and staff, and a dance performance by students highlighting each of the last six decades. Video greetings from alumni Trey Gowdy, former United States Representative for South Carolina and current host of the national television show “Sunday Night in America” on FOX News, and and The entire school participated in a parade of the decades following the assembly, and guests enjoyed a reception hosted by PTO. It was truly a great day at JBE! We invite you to enjoy the brief highlight video and peruse the photo gallery and news coverage from the Spartanburg Herald-Journal below. See the Spartanburg Herald-Journal photos: https://www.goupstate.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2025/01/31/a-celebration-of-the-60-years-of-history-at-jesse-boyd-elementary/78090773007/ Read the Spartanburg Herald-Journal story: https://www.goupstate.com/story/news/education/2025/02/04/jesse-boyd-celebrates-60th-anniversary-looks-forward-to-new-school/78184670007/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawIXR2lleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdo0C8w-NuismYkAo8SwCVCdxuq3LRftQOIy1zDcVBZDJc0toGoakHaorg_aem_0XRap2bHZBGzT9xFabxgbA From the article: Lawrence Anderson takes a piece of Jesse Boyd Elementary School wherever he goes. Anderson has served 24 years in the Air Force and has completed six deployments worldwide. Friday, Anderson sat next to his fifth-grade teacher, Virginia Adams, before he spoke to the group that gathered for the daylong celebration of Jesse Boyd Elementary School's 60th anniversary. "It's always special when you sit down next to your fifth-grade teacher," he said.