✨ Follow the Yellow Brick Road with District 7! ✨
Spartanburg School District 7 proudly presents our annual district-wide musical, The Wizard of Oz—a magical journey filled with unforgettable characters, dazzling performances, and the timeless story we all love. If your family enjoys Wicked, they will love returning to the original story where it all began...
Join Dorothy, Toto (YES, A REAL DOG ON STAGE!), the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Glinda, and even those mischievous flying monkeys as they take the stage in a spectacular student production that truly shines. Our talented students have been working tirelessly to bring this classic to life, and you won’t want to miss it!
🎭 Performance Dates:
April 23–25 at 7:00 PM
April 26 at 3:00 PM
📍 Location:
D7 Fine Arts Center
Spartanburg High School
🎟️ Tickets:
Reserve your seats now at our.show/D7Wizard
In District 7, we say “7Shines,” and this production is a perfect example—where creativity, collaboration, and student talent come together most magically.
This March, as we celebrate Dance in Our Schools Month, District 7 is SHINING a little brighter on the statewide stage.
D7 Dance made history at the first-ever State Dance Performance Assessment, hosted by the South Carolina Dance Association. Middle school ensembles from across the state were evaluated on movement acquisition and stage performance and our dancers delivered.
💙 McCracken Middle earned a Superior with Distinction
💛 Carver Middle earned an Excellent rating
This moment reflects the passionate educators leading the way:
✨ Caroline Pruitt – Pine Street Elementary (District Dance Coordinator)
✨ Demery Trantham – Carver Middle
✨ Ivey Whitaker – McCracken Middle
From our youngest dancers to our middle school performers, the arts are alive, growing, and thriving across D7 and this is just the beginning.
#7Shines
#DanceInOurSchoolsMonth
For well over a decade, Spartanburg Rotarians have provided this unique opportunity for middle schools to collaborate. Congratulations to all our singers and their teachers, including Spartanburg High School students who were guest solo performers: Reese Crocker, Javian Smith, and Moss Evelyn Wise.
Thank you to the Rotary Club for sponsoring this wonderful concert!
#7SHINES
You may spot some familiar faces from Pine Street Elementary on WSPA News 7 and WYFF News 4 this afternoon between 4–6 p.m. as they share the colorful story behind Jackson Pollock Day, a special Youth Art Month celebration that turned Pine Street’s hallways into a living art gallery.
The vibrant idea was the brainchild of Pine Street's visual art teacher Anna Hodge, who wanted students to experience art beyond the classroom walls. Inspired by the famous “action painting” style of Jackson Pollock, students spent weeks learning about his technique before taking the lesson home, inviting families to turn driveways and backyards into mini pop-up art studios.
The result? Shirts, dresses, hats, jackets, and even neckties transformed into vibrant works of art.
Today, district leaders, students and staff proudly wore their creations to school, showcasing imagination, creativity, and the powerful connection between school and home.
With its niche focus in the arts, Pine Street School was named an ABC (Arts in the Basic Curriculum) site by the South Carolina Arts Commission in 1989 and continues to serve as a model for schools across the state and nation. It’s a powerful reminder that arts education sparks creativity far beyond the classroom.
We are grateful to WSPA and WYFF for helping share this joyful story and thankful for the Pine Street community and our families, who embraced the project and made this experience so memorable for students.
In School District 7, creativity truly shines. ✨
Exciting momentum is building across Spartanburg School District 7.
From major construction projects and statewide recognition for Daniel Morgan Technology Center to student achievements and celebrations across our schools, there’s so much to celebrate across District 7.
In this edition of 7Headlines, you’ll find updates on major district projects, innovative programs, and the many ways our schools continue to shine every day.
Take a moment to catch up on the latest stories from across D7.
📬 Read the full Winter to Spring 2026 issue of 7Headlines
7Headlines Winter to Spring 2026
7Shines Because of the DSOC Crew!
Before the first lights come on in our schools and long after the last door is locked, a dedicated group of D7 professionals is already hard at work behind the scenes.
Today, on Maintenance Workers Appreciation Day, we celebrate the incredible DSOC crew at the District Support and Operations Center, our maintenance and grounds team who help keep Spartanburg School District 7 running smoothly every single day.
From repairing heating systems on cold mornings to clearing parking lots, responding to urgent maintenance calls, maintaining our facilities, and caring for the grounds across the district, their work touches every school and every student. When something breaks, leaks, freezes, or simply needs fixing, they are the first ones we call, and they always show up.
Many of these Team 7 members start their days before sunrise, responding to emergencies and tackling the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our buildings safe, comfortable, and ready for learning. Their dedication, pride in their work, and commitment to serving others are shining examples of how 7Shines across our district every day.
Under Stephen Russell’s leadership, the DSOC crew works tirelessly to support every campus and classroom across District 7. Today, we were grateful to treat them to lunch as a small token of appreciation, but the truth is, their impact is felt every single day.
Join us in thanking the DSOC crew!
They are listeners. Advocates. Problem-solvers. Connectors.
They walk alongside our students and families through life’s hardest moments, helping navigate challenges like trauma, anxiety, housing insecurity, and more so that every child can learn, grow, and thrive.
This year’s theme, “Unite to Ignite,” could not be more fitting. Our team brings people together, students, families, educators, and community partners, to spark hope, remove barriers, and ignite brighter futures across D7.
During National School Social Work Week, we proudly celebrate and thank our dedicated team of social workers and rehabilitative behavioral health services(RBHS) counselors (pictured left to right): LaMonica McCollum (school-based social worker), Christi Foster (RBHS), Jordana Tillinghast (RBHS), Mary Watts (RBHS), Monica Hunter (district social worker), Janelle Washington(RBHS), Horace Wilson (district social worker), Tiffany Brooks (social worker), and Sherry Talley (district social worker).
Because of you, our schools are not just places of learning—they are places of care, connection, and belonging. You are the steady presence, the listening ear, the guiding light. You help our students shine—and because of you, D7 shines brighter.
Thank you for the lives you impact and the difference you make every day.
#7Shines #SchoolSocialWorkWeek
Today we celebrate the incredible School Resource Officers who help our schools shine a little brighter every day across District 7.
Our SROs are more than protectors — they are mentors, role models, and trusted faces our students look up to. Whether reading to a classroom, cheering students on at events, or walking arm-in-arm through our hallways, they build meaningful relationships that make students feel safe, supported, and seen.
Through their presence, kindness, and commitment to service, our SROs help create learning environments where every child can grow with confidence and joy. Their impact reaches far beyond safety — they help shape the culture of care and connection that defines our schools.
Thank you to our School Resource Officers for the ways you lead, encourage, and help our district shine. We are grateful for you today and every day.
#7Shines #SchoolResourceOfficerAppreciationDay
It’s Time to Enroll for Kindergarten (3K–5K)!
The 2026–2027 school year is just around the corner, and Spartanburg School District 7 is ready to welcome a new class of kindergarten students. Registration for 3K, 4K and 5K is now open and we want to be sure families have all the information they need to take this important first step with confidence. Below you’ll find key dates, details, and next steps to help guide you through the enrollment process.
Visit D7 Kindergarten Enrollment (https://www.spartanburg7.org/kindergarten) to find all the necessary information and forms.
Friday, March 6, 2026 Announced as In-Person Student Makeup Day
Spartanburg District 7 is announcing an update to its academic calendar to account for the instructional day missed on February 3, 2026 due to snow and ice. Schools were closed with no eLearning on February 3 because District 7 had already reached the maximum of five eLearning Days allowed by the State Department of Education each school year. Therefore, students will attend school on Friday, March 6 to make up this missed day.
State law requires school districts to designate at least three makeup days in their academic calendars each year. March 6 is one of District 7’s designated makeup days, as indicated on our academic calendar when it was released last year.
We understand schedule changes can be inconvenient, and we appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we work to ensure we meet all instructional time requirements for our students.
Thank you for your continued support of District Seven schools!
✨ Lights, Camera, Learning — and So Much More Across D7✨
If you think school days are predictable — think again.
This winter, District 7 students turned classrooms into clinics, hallways into headlines, and one elementary school into a movie set. From hands-on learning and community partnerships to service, celebration, and student leadership, this issue of 7Headlines captures the energy, innovation, and heart of our D7 Family.
📬 Read the full Winter 2026 issue of 7Headlines
https://tinyurl.com/7HeadlinesWinter2026
#Shines
UPDATE FOR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5: Schools on Regular Schedule
It was wonderful to see our schools full of life again today!
For tomorrow (Thursday), D7 schools will operate on regular schedule.
Temperatures have remained above freezing for more than 24 hours and this trend is expected to continue overnight and through tomorrow.
We have identified only a few roads that buses may be unable to travel safely, so impacted families will be contacted directly by our D7 Transportation Team this evening with an alternate pickup location.
Enjoy the rest of this week and SHINE on, D7!
Black History Month 2026: “A Century of Black History Commemorations”
Across District 7, our schools have created a series of programs, activities, and special events to mark the centennial anniversary of our nation's Black History Month (BHM) commemorations.
Just a few examples include:
At Pine, the theme Threads of Legacy will be a touchstone for exploring how individual stories of courage, creativity, and resilience weave together to shape our shared American story. Students will study the art of quilting and how it has long held significance in African American culture—as art, family history, community expression, and, according to oral tradition, sometimes as coded guides on the path toward freedom. This year’s project is inspired by the narrative quilts of Faith Ringgold, known for bold colors, symbolic borders, and storytelling designs, with classes creating individual story squares to be joined together in forming a quilt.
At E.P. Todd, the Black History Club from Spartanburg High School will teach lessons to Todd's students on various topics ranging from Jackie Robinson to Chadwick Boseman to Mae Jemison to Kitty Black Perkins, among others. Todd's students will be featured in their school-wide program presenting spoken word poetry, performing music, sharing their artwork, and enjoying performances by the Spartanburg High School dance team, Carver step team, South Pointe High dance team, and more.
At Drayton Mills, the theme centers around Black Leaders from South Carolina. Students will be introduced to a new historical figure each day and participate in reflections through artwork and writing.
At the middle and high school levels, student-led events and activities take the forefront, with robust calendars including everything from themed dress-up days to learning about influential figures a student talent show. SHS's Black History Club even created a shirt celebrating Black excellence, with influential individuals and moments listed to celebrate the centennial.
Through it all, we see many cross-collaborations among our schools – a great reflection of how D7 SHINES – along with a great deal of creativity and much meaningful learning and reflection for our students and staff alike.
We invite our community to follow along with our schools' social media pages as BHM unfolds!
After carefully evaluating conditions today, we are pleased to share that warmer temperatures helped clear primary and secondary roads a great deal over the last 24 hours. Additionally, temperatures are expected to remain well above freezing overnight and into tomorrow.
Therefore, D7 will operate on a two-hour delay for Wednesday, February 4. Bus schedules and morning drop-off times will occur exactly two hours later than usual.
This delay will help school buses, staff, parents, and student drivers travel more safely to school and will provide additional daylight to improve visibility on roadways. We urge families to ensure student drivers take extra caution while traveling. As always, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority.
Buses will not run on specific icy roads that continue to pose safety concerns. If your family’s route is impacted, you will receive an alternate pickup location before 6 PM via a phone call, email, and text message from our D7 Transportation Team. If you are not contacted, your bus pickup location will be the same as usual.
Our students have missed a great deal of instruction time over the last week-and-a-half, and we are thrilled to get back to learning and growing TOGETHER as a D7 Family.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!
This week, Spartanburg School District 7 proudly celebrates the incredible professionals who amplify student success every single day.
Our school counselors and career advisors nurture hearts and minds across our entire district — building confidence, supporting students through challenges and transitions, opening doors to opportunity, and helping every learner discover their strengths and future paths.
They listen.
They encourage.
They advocate.
They create safe spaces.
And they believe fiercely in every student’s potential.
Thank you for being champions for kids, trusted guides for families, and essential partners in our schools. Your impact reaches far beyond classrooms — shaping futures and strengthening our entire community.
We are grateful for our D7 counseling teams:
Ava Long – Early College Programs
Jesse Boyd: Tricia Pressley
Cleveland Academy: Karen Meadow-Rogers
Drayton Mills: Bettina Johnson, Courtney Huffman
Mary H. Wright: Kenneth Smith, Le’Jeta Proctor
Pine Street: Natalie Mullen, Jodi Stepp
E.P. Todd: Brandon Jones, Stephanye Zimmermann
Carver: Ebony Smith-Salters, Andrea Little, Erica Smith
McCracken: Daniel O’Brien, Naila Ray, Anthony Brothers
Spartanburg High: Erin Lyerly, Terri Roberson, Shara Jones, O’Shay Davenport, Denise Foster, Gina Dachenhausen, Lauren Hicklin, Piper Holmes, Addie Jones
Daniel Morgan Technology: Teleisha Fields, Delilah Goode
Whitlock Flexible Learning: Alison Wight, Fred Ford
McCarthy-Teszler: Tamala Robinson
Thank you for helping every student shine. ✨
#NSCW26 #7Shines
UPDATE FOR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3: Schools Closed (No eLearning)
Due to continuing icy conditions on roads throughout our district, all schools will be closed on Tuesday. Please note Tuesday will NOT be an eLearning day for students because District 7 has already used the five days our state allows for eLearning each school year. All after school activities and events are also cancelled for Tuesday, including District 7’s Board of Trustees meeting.
To clarify expectations for today and tomorrow: Today (Monday) is an eLearning Day. Tomorrow (Tuesday) schools will be closed with no eLearning assignments to complete.
Road conditions will be assessed again on Tuesday afternoon so a decision about Wednesday can be made as soon as possible. We are making every effort to balance timing to make best decision while also giving families time to plan ahead.
Thank you for your understanding. We sure do miss our students and are ready to have everyone back together again!
Please take precautions to stay safe as you enjoy what is left of the snow!
eLEARNING Day Announced for Monday, February 2
Thanks to our latest round of REAL snow, District 7 will hold an eLearning day on Monday February 2 All after school activities and events are also cancelled. We will be monitoring conditions to let you know a decision about Tuesday by early Monday afternoon.
It has been so fun to see our students enjoy the snow! After inviting you all to share your snow photos on our Facebook post yesterday, D7 families have posted nearly 400 photos in the comments of that post. Be sure to check it out to see everyone building snowmen, sledding, and just taking it all in! You will even spot teachers, principals and administrators and their families!
Thank you for your continued partnership and flexibility during this extended stretch of winter weather. Enjoy the snow, take care of one another, and stay safe!
Buses will not run on specific icy roads that continue to pose safety concerns. If your family’s route is impacted, you will be notified no later than 7 PM via a phone call, email, and text message from our D7 Transportation Team. If you are not contacted, your bus pickup location will be the same as usual. We will do our best to provide clear information on an alternate pickup location for roads buses will not travel. If your student has been assigned an alternate pickup location but cannot get to it, and you have no way to transport your child to school and plan to keep your child home tomorrow, you must notify your child’s school and the absence will be excused.
We understand the decision to send a student to school ultimately rests with each family. As always, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!
Update for Thursday, January 29: D7 eLearning Day
After carefully assessing road conditions again this afternoon, District 7 is announcing an eLearning Day for Thursday, January 29. All afterschool athletic events and activities scheduled for Thursday are also cancelled. While many primary roads have improved a good bit since yesterday and are quite clear, a significant number of secondary roads that D7 buses, student drivers, families, and employees must travel to get to school remain ice-covered.
We are ready to bring our D7 Family back together but must ensure conditions are safe to do so. We miss our students, teachers and staff!
D7 eLearning Day
After carefully assessing road conditions this afternoon, District 7 is announcing an eLearning Day for Wednesday, January 28. While many primary roads are clear, significant safety concerns remain for ice-covered secondary roads throughout our district. All afterschool athletic events and activities scheduled for Wednesday are also cancelled.
As always, the safety of our students, families, and D7 employees is our highest priority. We will continue to monitor conditions to determine when school operations may resume safely.
Thank you for your partnership and support during this time and always – we are grateful for our D7 Family!
