Spartanburg District 7 -

On August 6, our D7 faculty and staff packed the Viking Arena with energy and excitement as we kicked off the 2025–2026 school year in true District 7 style!

From a vibrant flag processional to honoring our incredible iReady Champions, Support Staff of the Year, Crystal Apple Award winners, and Teachers of the Year — it was a celebration like no other.

We also unveiled this year’s inspiring theme: 7 SHINES ✨
More than just a theme, 7 SHINES reflects the light within every student and the power we have when we shine together. It’s a symbol of hope, growth, and possibility — reminding us that every student has unique gifts and purpose that deserve to be seen, nurtured, and celebrated. In D7, our teachers, staff, and leaders are lighting the way for every child’s success.

One of the morning’s brightest moments was the announcement of our 2025 District Teacher of the Year — Alicia Fulmer, a kindergarten teacher at Pine Street Elementary! Described as calm, focused, and overflowing with compassion, Ms. Fulmer truly represents the heart of D7. Congratulations!

We also proudly celebrated each of our 2025 Teachers of the Year from every school — a group of passionate, dedicated educators making a difference every day.

✨ Crystal Apple Awards were presented to our amazing first-year teachers, with a special shoutout to Naomi Bynum of Drayton Mills, our district-level winner!

👏 And hats off to our 2025 Support Staff Members of the Year, who keep our schools running smoothly and make a lasting impact behind the scenes.

We can’t wait to welcome our students back — the energy is high, the passion is real, and our commitment to helping every child shine has never been stronger.

District 7's schools and offices will open at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6th so our employees can gather for our annual Opening Convocation. This special kick-off for the new school year is a celebration of the important role each member of our D7 faculty and staff plays in the lives of our students and families.

Please note that all District 7 facilities will be closed until 11 a.m. Wednesday and thank you for your understanding.

A Warm District 7 Welcome to Our Newest Educators! 💙🍎

Today, we had the honor of hosting our annual New Teacher Luncheon — a tradition that marks the true beginning of a new school year in Spartanburg School District 7. It’s always one of our favorite days, as we welcome the newest members of our D7 family with open arms and full hearts.

Superintendent Jeff Stevens offered a warm and inspiring message, sharing his hopes that each new educator will fall in love with this place — with their students, their schools, and their colleagues. He reminded us that being part of District 7 is about more than joining a team — it’s about becoming part of a legacy.

The “7” in District 7 isn’t just a number. As Mr. Stevens shared, it symbolizes our commitment to Academics, Arts, Activities, and Athletics — the four foundational pillars that shape the D7 experience. Just as importantly, the three spaces within the 7 represent our values of Tradition, Excellence, and Innovation. These are more than words; they are the heartbeat of our district and guide everything we do.

As our new teachers prepare to welcome more than 7,000 students into their classrooms next week, we know they are bringing not only their skills and knowledge — but their heart, hope, and energy. They are stepping into a role that has the power to change lives.

Superintendent Stevens left our new team members with this powerful reminder: while we cannot control every challenge our students face, we can control the energy we bring each day. Our attitude, actions, and effort — three things we can choose — can make all the difference in the life of a child.

To all of our new educators: we are thrilled you’ve chosen to grow your career in District 7. You belong here. We are better because of you. And we can’t wait to see the impact you will have on the students and families of D7.

Welcome home. 💛💙

🛍️ Save the Date: South Carolina’s Tax Free Weekend is August 1–3!

Get ready to stock up and save! During Tax Free Weekend, you won’t pay state or local sales tax on:
✔️ Clothing & shoes
✔️ Computers & printers
✔️ School supplies
✔️ ...and more!

All retailers participate—including online! This is a great time to grab back-to-school essentials and tech gear at a lower cost.

📆 Mark your calendars and learn more here:
🔗 SC Department of Revenue Tax Free Weekend Info (https://tinyurl.com/taxfreeSCweekend)

Our students go on field trips every day, but it isn’t often our principals and cabinet members get to hop on a bus for one! This dedicated group capped off our annual administrative leadership retreat with a visit to the new Spartanburg Police Department headquarters, where Tim Metz and his team gave a demonstration of their new state-of-the-art Real-Time Crime Center. The incredible technology powering this facility is putting Spartanburg on the forefront of law enforcement advancements to keep our community safe. We were truly wowed!  Our schools partner with law enforcement daily to ensure the safety of students and staff, and today’s demonstration was eye-opening for our leaders as we learned about new capabilities for working together with both the city and county.  Thank you for hosting us, @spartanburgpd!

📣 Back-to-School Vaccine Clinic + New Immunization Requirements! 💉🎒 Is your child ready for the 2025–2026 school year? Now is the perfect time to check their vaccine records and get caught up before classes begin! The SC Department of Public Health is offering vaccination clinics for rising 5K through 12th grade students — or you can also contact your child’s pediatrician to schedule an appointment. 🗓️ Clinic Dates: • July 22, 2025 • August 4, 2025 • August 6, 2025 📍 Location: Spartanburg County Health Department 120 Dillon Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307 Appointments available now! Call 1-855-472-3432 Be sure to bring vaccine records and insurance information REMINDER: Certain vaccines are required for school attendance at key grade levels. 📌 New Immunization Requirements for 2025–2026: • 5th Grade: Two (2) doses of Hepatitis A (both on/after the 1st birthday, at least 6 months apart) • 7th–12th Grade: One (1) dose of Tdap on or after the 10th birthday • 11th Grade: Two (2) doses of Varicella (chicken pox) (unless student has documented history of the disease) Let’s start the school year strong, safe, and healthy! 💪📚

As we celebrate and enjoy time spent with loved ones this 4th of July, we honor the values that unite us as a community and nation. Together, let's continue to strive for a future where knowledge, understanding, and compassion prevail. Wishing everyone a safe and joyous Independence Day!

📚☀️ Paws-itively the Best Summer Ever! 🐾 Summer enrichment across D7 — including Summer School and Summer Reading Camp — is in full swing, and it’s not just our students who are loving it! From diving into books to exploring arts integration, students are building new skills and growing their love of learning. And thanks to our amazing friends at the Spartanburg Humane Society, even our furry friends are getting in on the fun! Like Bullet, a true inspiration. After surviving a traumatic injury, he now rolls through life with courage and wheels — and rolled right into our hearts during Summer Reading Camp! He’s already a pro, bringing smiles and encouragement to every classroom he visits. 🐾 A big THANK YOU to the Spartanburg Humane Society for this meaningful partnership — and to all the guest readers helping our students stay sharp, curious, and connected this summer. 📖💛

District 7 schools and offices will be closed in observance of Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19. Juneteenth commemorates the journey towards freedom and equality that we continue to travel today. It reminds us of the progress we have made, and also that this work is ongoing. It calls us to seek understanding of our differences and of the experiences that shape our unique perspectives. We honor this important holiday as we continually work to inspire and equip our students for meaningful lives of leadership and service as world citizens.

District 7 extends a warm invitation to families in Spartanburg to participate in our summer meal program for 2025. We're providing free individual meals served at various community sites and as part of summer school and other structured programs at our school sites. Please note that meals must be enjoyed on-site, per Federal program regulations. While our school sites are exclusively serving enrolled summer school students, some community sites are open to anyone aged 18 and under. This initiative is made possible thanks to the United States Department of Agriculture's Summer Meals Program. Find out more and check the schedule on our website: [https://www.spartanburg7.org/summermeals].

🔥 Viking Athletics is bringing the HEAT this summer — and the first week of camp was on fire! From big swings to fast feet and fearless serves, our young athletes kicked things off in true Viking style at Spartanburg High School. 💪🏽📣🏀⚽️ We just wrapped up Lady Vikings Sports Camp, and let’s just say... it was a slam dunk success! But we’re just getting started. Whether your child wants to cheer, spike, tackle, swing, or shoot — there’s a Viking camp for everyone! Camps are filling fast, so head to www.hubcitylocker.com/vikings and snag your spot today. Camps are held across our Viking Arena, the wrestling facility, and athletic fields, and Duncan Park. Here’s what’s coming up: Youth Football Camp | June 2, 9, 16, 23 (https://tinyurl.com/VikingsFBCamp) Cheer Kiddie Camp | June 9–11 Basketball Kids Camp | June 9–12 Wrestling Camp | June 9–12 Soccer Camp | June 9–11 Baseball Camp | June 16–18 Train with the best. Make new friends. Create unforgettable memories. Let’s go, VIKINGS! 🏆

🌟✨ Shoutout to our amazing substitute teachers! ✨🌟 Today, we hosted a celebration luncheon to express our heartfelt appreciation for the incredible work substitute teachers do in our school district. Their dedication, flexibility, and unwavering support help ensure students continue to thrive when their regular teachers are away. D7's substitute teachers come from a variety of backgrounds. Whether they aspire to become full-time classroom teachers one day, are retired teachers who enjoy returning to the classroom on a part-time basis, are retirees from other professions who always felt the tug of teaching in their hearts, or choose to sub because of the flexibility and fulfillment it provides in their lives, each enhances our district in their own way. Every smile and every caring gesture they share contributes to our students’ success. Thank you to our substitute teaching team for stepping in with enthusiasm, and for making a difference in our students' lives! Let’s give a round of applause to our substitutes for their invaluable contributions. 👏👏 They are truly heroes in education! 💙 #D7IsGoingForGreat #ToInspireAndEquip

🎉 Schooled in Sunshine: Our Summer Send-Off is Here! ☀️🎓 Before we trade backpacks for beach bags, don’t miss our final 7Headlines of the school year —featuring a feel-good video packed with field day fun, graduation smiles, and unforgettable D7 moments. 💙 https://tinyurl.com/7headlinessummer2025 Your D7 Communications Team isn’t quite signing off for summer—we’ll still be around with the occasional update, but things will be a little less bustling online. So be sure to stay tuned and keep checking in! Thank you for all the love, likes, and comments this year—we’ve loved sharing our schools’ stories with you. ❤️ 📲 Watch the full video and catch our recap here: https://youtu.be/T6SNgItb2RY?si=S060VTDJv3ZgpJOP #D7isGoingForGreat #SummerStartsNow

🎉 This edition of 7Headlines: MAY We Celebrate! 🎓🎭🎨 May is bursting with milestones and memories in the making! From graduation cheers to artistic achievements, from outstanding educators to student success stories—you’ll find plenty of reasons to celebrate in this joyful issue. PLUS: Teacher and Nurse Appreciation, Senior Spotlights, Arts Showcases, and a look ahead at summer fun! Take a moment to soak in the pride, the progress, and the people who make District 7 shine. ✨ MAY we celebrate all that makes D7 great: 📬 Read the full issue here: https://tinyurl.com/7HeadlinesMay2025

#AlwaysAViking: 🎓 Celebrate the Class of 2025 with us! 🎓 (Ceremony info & MORE) Our beloved Vikings are “Going for Great” as they get ready to walk across the stage and into a future filled with promise and purpose. Caps and gowns are pressed. Tickets are in hand. And the entire District 7 community is cheering them on! For those attending the ceremony or watching the livestream, note important details below. For the rest of our Spartanburg community, we hope you will see our Class of 2025 Tribute published in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal this Sunday, May 18 and next Wednesday, May 21, which outlines numerous accolades earned by our graduating seniors. Also, be sure to see our senior tribute billboard right in front of Spartanburg High School—an eye-catching show of love and pride for our graduating class! THE SENIOR WALK Following commencement rehearsal Friday morning, our seniors will return to their D7 elementary schools for “The Senior Walk.” Wearing their caps and gowns as they process through the hallways, seniors will be applauded by our elementary students and will reconnect with teachers and staff from their past. Not only does The Senior Walk honor and celebrate our graduates, but it also sets a positive example for younger students as they look to their own futures. 🎓 Be on the lookout for our photo slideshow to enjoy seeing these special moments! 🎓 CLASS of 2025 SENIOR TRIBUTE Each year, D7 prints a two-page, full color spread in the newspaper honoring the many accomplishments of our graduates. Copies of the Class of 2025 Tribute will be available for each senior to pick up from the school starting Monday. 🎓 Visit our Class of 2025 webpage at https://www.spartanburg7.org/ClassOf2025 to see the digital version of our senior tribute after commencement! 🎓 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY INFO • Commencement Ceremony: Friday, May 16 at 7 PM • Graduates report to auxiliary gym in cap and gown no later than 5:45 PM • Gates open for guests at 5:30 PM. Ticket required for admission. Security screenings and the district's clear bag policy enforced (ONLY clear bags that do not exceed 12"x6"x12" or small clutch bags no larger than 4.5"x6.5" allowed). Please allow extra time for parking and to get to your seats. • PROHIBITED: Noisemakers, beach balls, drones, and balloons • Accessible parking (handicap pass required) is available in the lot adjacent to the home side entrance into Viking Stadium. COMMENCEMENT LIVESTREAM 🎓 Watch the commencement livestream at: https://www.youtube.com/live/1GQdkCYGttg 🎓 CLASS OF 2025 WEBPAGE D7 is adding information, links, and new content (such as our tribute ad) to the Class of 2025 webpage. 🎓 Follow along to help celebrate our Vikings! https://www.spartanburg7.org/ClassOf2025. 🎓 HONOR YOUR SENIOR (OR FAVORITE D7 TEACHER) WITH AN ENGRAVED PAVER AT SHS Families are invited to mark this special occasion by honoring a senior or a special teacher with an engraved brick paver on the campus of SHS! Each engraved paver is $100 and benefits D7 student scholarships. Your gift ensures that both your legacy and our community’s rich history are preserved for future generations. Engraved pavers are installed in Fine Arts Center plaza. They can accommodate up to three lines of text. Orders are installed in batches throughout the year, depending on the time of order. All orders received by June 30 will be installed this fall. 🎓 See additional details to place your order on our Engraved Paver Order Form at spartanburg7.org/bricks. 🎓

🚧✨ Something BIG is coming to Spartanburg! ✨🚧 We’re building the future — literally — and we’re inviting local trade partners to be part of it. Join us on Tuesday, May 27, from 4–6 PM at Drayton Mills Elementary School for a special New Jesse Boyd Trade Partner Outreach Event hosted by Harper General Contractors. 🏗️ You'll get a first look at the plans for the new Jesse Boyd Elementary School and learn more about the project timeline, bidding process, and how you can get involved. 📍 Drayton Mills Elementary School 📅 May 27, 2025 | 4:00–6:00 PM 📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer or register online today (https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=w4QUXBw2P066jCNQTF-9ZBYpAY7AxRlFruWR4dDnIXRURTZYVUE4MzdGQTJRUlU3S0RJWTQ4VE9LSC4u) Let’s build something amazing — together.

This Wednesday (May 14) is "Hats OFF to Education" day in D7! All faculty, staff, and students are invited to support future educators from the Class of 2025 by wearing your favorite hat and bringing $1 (or more) to school to contribute to the effort. All funds raised will support our Teacher Forum's scholarships for this year's seniors majoring in education. We hope you will join in the fun as we all work together to support future educators!

Help us give a shout out to the Class of 2025, who graduates next Friday, May 16! As you drive by Spartanburg High School, be sure to check out our billboard congratulating them (at the student entrance on East Main Street)!