Hello D7 Families,
A quick reminder that there will be no school on Monday, November 3 (staff exchange day) and Tuesday, November 4 (Election Day). Before the busy week ahead, be sure to “fall back” one hour on Sunday when Daylight Saving Time ends.
We encourage our entire community to get out and VOTE. To preview your personalized ballot, visit:
👉 https://vrems.scvotes.sc.gov/Voter/Login?PageMode=Sampleballot
Your voice matters—every vote makes a difference, and we can’t wait to see our community at the polls!
Calling all middle and high school performers — auditions are NEXT WEEK for District 7’s Spring Musical: The Wizard of Oz!
A story full of courage, heart, and unforgettable songs is coming to life, and we can’t wait to see our D7 stars shine! 🌟
🎬 AUDITIONS
October 21 & 22 | 3:45–5:45 PM
Grades 6–12
District 7 Fine Arts Center
Performances: April 23–26, 2026
🎶 WHAT TO PREPARE
Sing: One Disney/Broadway-style song (max 90 seconds). Bring your own accompaniment if needed.
Act: Perform a short monologue (provided at the audition).
Dance: Learn a short routine together at the audition.
Students may leave once their audition is complete. Dress comfortably for movement.
💫 We can’t wait to see our D7 talent shine “somewhere over the rainbow!”
#7Shines
Stay Connected with D7 & Viking Athletics
It’s easy to stay connected to everything happening in District 7 and Viking Nation!
📲 District 7 App
The District 7 app keeps you in touch with our schools—whenever and wherever you need it. With just a tap, you can:
• Read the latest news and updates
• Check upcoming events
• View lunch menus
• Find staff directories
• Receive important notifications
Search for “Spartanburg District 7” in the App Store or Google Play, then personalize it to follow your specific schools and turn on alerts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XmHgqbnBlo
🏈 Viking Athletics App
Cheer on our SHS athletic teams and follow all the action on the NEW SHS Athletics website: spartanburgvikings.org
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For mobile convenience, download the “Spartanburg Viking Athletics” app in the App Store or Google Play and stay current on all things Blue & Gold.
Want even more? Get in-depth coverage of Viking Football on their dedicated site: spartanburgvikingsfootball.com
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To get the most out of the D7 app, check out the short video above for tips on customizing your settings and making the app work for you. And follow us on social media for the latest announcements and offerings:
• Facebook: SpartanburgD7
• Instagram: @spartanburgd7
• YouTube: @SpartanburgSchoolDistrict7
Thank you for staying connected and supporting our students, schools, and Viking Nation — where #7Shines! 🌟
Last Friday may have been a day off for our students, but classrooms across D7 were still buzzing with energy and ideas! Our teachers spent the day diving into professional learning — sharpening their skills and exploring new strategies to make learning even more engaging and effective.
From creative new ideas for hands-on science activities 🧪, to learning how to teach stronger writing skills ✏️ , to using AI effectively in education 🤖 — our educators were all in! They also deepened their understanding of our instructional framework, explored helpful apps that support teaching, and strengthened their understanding of how to implement Multi-Tiered Systems of Support to help students struggling with academics or behavior. D7 also welcomed physical education teachers from other districts to learn new research-based curriculum to foster students' wellbeing and physical health.
Every session connected back to our mission "to inspire and equip students for lives of leadership and service". 💙💛 Because when teachers grow, students shine! ✨
🏈💙 VIKINGS vs. CAVALIERS! It’s Game Night, Viking Nation! 💙🏈
It’s one of the greatest rivalries in South Carolina high school football — Spartanburg vs. Dorman — and kickoff is TONIGHT at 7:30 p.m. at Viking Stadium!
This storied matchup, often called “The Game,” has been thrilling fans since 1965, and tonight’s contest promises to be nothing short of spectacular. While the competition is fierce, what makes this rivalry truly special are the heartwarming moments of sportsmanship, school pride, and community spirit that rise above the scoreboard.
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now: https://www.hubcitylocker.com/events-1/2025vikingsfootball
Due to high demand, online ticket sales will close once 2,000 tickets are sold or at 8:30 p.m. — whichever comes first!
🎉 We’re also thrilled to welcome home our alumni from the Classes of 1995 and 2000 celebrating their reunions this weekend!
📋 Please note:
Viking Stadium has metal detectors and a clear bag policy. Review all procedures in our 2025 Gameday Guidelines brochure here ➡️ https://5il.co/2v406
SHS students must present their school ID and enter through the designated student gate.
Middle and elementary students must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult — no drop-offs, please.
Let’s pack the stands, light up the night, and show what true #VikingPride looks like!
💙✨ GO VIKINGS!
#7Shines
#VikingPride
While our 2025–2026 academic calendar has been available for several months, we’re sharing it again as a helpful reminder as you plan ahead. From scheduling family trips to tracking key milestones, this tool has you covered.
🗓️ Download the calendar here: www.spartanburg7.org/d7academiccalendar
Today, we celebrate the unsung heroes who keep our schools and offices clean, safe, and welcoming every single day — our incredible D7 custodians! Across the district, we are blessed with 65 custodians, field custodians, and building supervisors who take immense pride in their work. Their schools are their homes, and their colleagues and students are like family. They carry a huge responsibility — not only maintaining beautiful spaces, but ensuring healthy, safe environments for learning and working.
The word custodian comes from the Latin custos, meaning “guardian.” Every D7 custodian truly embodies that spirit — looking after our students, staff, and schools with pride and love. 💙 We’d be a mess without them — literally and figuratively!
At the District Office, we are especially grateful for Addie Wray and Taliaferro “Mr. T” Woodfork. They are the glue that holds our building together — cleaning up messes, solving maintenance challenges, and tackling endless tasks with care and dedication.
Please join us in celebrating and thanking all of our remarkable custodians today — and every day. It’s no secret that when they shine, #7Shines. 🌟
#7Shines #CustodianAppreciationDay
Food trucks, bounce houses, a dunk booth to sock it your favorite SHS staff, face painting, games, trick-or-treating through the Vendor Market, and shopping galore with 55+ local vendors! Enjoy fun for the whole family while supporting the great work of our PTO and Student Council.
Come one, come all!
This year, we proudly celebrate National Merit Semifinalists Sebastian Cartwright and Myles Klosterman. Their achievement places them among the top 1% of the 1.3 million high school seniors who entered the competition nationwide. Spartanburg High School distinguished itself by having more semifinalists than any other public high school in Spartanburg County — a reflection of the excellence that defines District 7.
We also proudly recognize National Merit Commended Student Josiah Rogers. This honor places him in the top 3% of students nationwide and reflects both his hard work and the strong academic foundation built in District 7 schools.
Spartanburg High School Principal Dr. Andrew McMillan shared, “These honors highlight the strength of a District 7 education. From elementary through high school, our teachers and staff nurture curiosity, challenge students, and open doors to opportunity. We celebrate these students not just for what they’ve achieved, but for the future leaders they are becoming.”
7SHINE through these remarkable accomplishments, thanks to the brilliance of our students, the dedication of our teachers, and the support of our community. Together, we are inspiring and empowering the leaders of tomorrow.
#7SHINES
#ToInspireAndEquip
#OurD7Story
The District Seven Board of Trustees is seeking to fill a vacancy on their nine-member board following the resignation of Rick Gray, who served district 7-4. The Board provides leadership by shaping policy, supporting the superintendent, ensuring the district’s goals are achieved, and maintaining effective communication.
See the announcement, district board seat map, and application at https://spartanburg7.org/BoardVacancy_7_4
Superintendent Jeff Stevens reminded those gathered, “This project is more than bricks and mortar; it is a direct investment in the people who make Spartanburg District 7 thrive,” he said.
That truth came to life in the words of Lauren Miller, a math interventionist at Mary H. Wright who recently joined the District 7 family. Standing beside her husband, Jacob, and their toddler son Nash, Lauren shared how this center influenced her decision to come to D7. “Learning about this project was a significant factor in my decision to join District 7,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “This center shows just how much our district truly values and supports its educators, especially those of us who are also mothers. It gives me confidence that I can give my very best both at home and in the classroom.”
That sense of pride and belonging carried into the unveiling of the childcare center’s official name and logo: "Little Vikings D7 Employee Childcare". Led by Early Learning Coordinator Moira Scheel, the reveal was met with warm applause, a joyful confirmation that this initiative is about more than a building — it is about family. The name honors the spirit of the Viking, D7’s unifying mascot, and symbolizes the district’s promise to care for its youngest learners while strengthening the bonds of the entire District 7 community.
Mary H. Wright Principal Tammy Jordan expressed her excitement for what this means for teachers and staff. “We know finding quality childcare can be one of the biggest challenges for educators. Even before the doors open, this center is already attracting teachers to District 7. That’s the kind of impact it will have.”
For Ms. Scheel, the project is also deeply personal. Years ago, she left a teaching position she loved because she couldn’t find affordable childcare for her sons. Now, as the leader of this initiative, she described the center as a “dream come true” and a chance to give other educators the support she once needed.
As shovels turned the earth, the message was clear: the foundation for Little Vikings D7 Employee Childcare is about far more than a building. Its about trust, care, and community – values that define who we are. Its about the belief that when we invest in teachers, we invest in every child they will inspire.
✨ 7Shines Spotlight on National College Colors Day ✨
“Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” – Nora Ephron
This reminder speaks to the promise we see in every student — that each step along the way is preparing them to shine, to lead, and to leave their mark on the world.
On National College Colors Day, our D7 schools lit up with team pride and vibrant spirit, as students and staff came together to celebrate their future dreams. It was a day filled with color, energy, and hope — a glimpse of the bright paths our Vikings are destined to take.
Enjoy these highlights from the celebration, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on Tuesday, September 2. Wishing you a safe and joyful Labor Day weekend!
#D7CollegeColors #7Shines
📣 This Friday, District 7 will join the nationwide celebration of College Colors Day! 📣
Show your pride, traditions, and excitement for college life by wearing your favorite college or university gear. Not only does this day fuel enthusiasm for football season, but it also sparks meaningful conversations with our students about college and career aspirations.
As we live out our mission to Inspire and Equip and our theme for the year, 7Shines, College Colors Day is the perfect chance to highlight the promise of higher education and brighten our community with school spirit.
📸 Don’t forget to share your College Colors Day moments using #D7CollegeColors so we can spread the joy across the district!
✨ Let’s make this a shining celebration!
#7Shines
Students from all District 7 schools are invited to be part of making this production a spectacular experience! We can’t wait to see our talented performers shine on stage as we bring this magical journey to life.
Auditions will be held this fall - look for information coming soon.
Let’s follow the yellow brick road together!
The wait is over — Spartanburg Vikings Football kicks off the 2025 season THIS FRIDAY, August 22, at 7:30 PM as we face off against Northwestern under the lights at Viking Stadium!
📅 Check out the full schedule: Game Schedule (https://www.spartanburgvikings.org/sport/football/boys/)
🎟 Grab your season or single-game tickets: Get Tickets (https://www.hubcitylocker.com/vikings)
• General admission: $9 (plus $1 online fee)
• Kids 5 & under: Free
• District 7 employees: Free with valid ID
• Cash tickets also available at the gate!
📌 Know before you go:
• Clear bag policy & entrance screening in effect.
• Elementary & middle school students must be with a parent or responsible adult.
• Download the Viking Football Game Day Guide here: Game Day Guide (https://5il.co/2v406)
Let’s pack Viking Stadium and make it a night to remember — Go Vikings! 💙💛
☀️✨ It’s time to shine, D7! Tomorrow, our halls will sparkle with the start of the 2025–2026 school year, and we can’t wait to see your smiling faces lighting up every corner. This is more than just Day 1 — it’s the first chapter of a year filled with growth, friendship, and unforgettable moments.
📸 Let’s capture the magic! Post your first day photos on Facebook or Instagram and tag them with #7Shines. Photos posted by 5:00 PM will be considered for our Back-to-School video — a chance for your moment to shine across the district!
So get ready, D7—tomorrow’s going to be BRIGHT.
#7Shines
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.
Please note that all District 7 facilities will be closed until 11 a.m. Wednesday and thank you for your understanding.
