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!
We will continue to monitor weather and road conditions across the district and keep our families, teachers and staff informed. As always, safety is our first priority.
If you haven’t yet seen the hundreds of “snow fun” photos shared by our D7 Family on social media yesterday, head over to our district Facebook post (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GqfrcPCB2/) to scroll through the comments! It is great to see everyone having such a good time.
Please stay safe and enjoy your day!
***All Weekend Activities Cancelled***
District 7 has been closely monitoring the forecast this week and taking important steps to get ready for the days ahead. The National Weather Service has issued an Ice Storm Warning beginning Saturday and continuing through Monday. As a result, ALL activities and field trips are cancelled for Saturday and Sunday, and District 7 will hold an eLearning Day on Monday, January 26. Below freezing temperatures are expected into next week, so we will continue to monitor conditions and communicate any additional updates.
Teachers have communicated instructions on eLearning assignments. If your student brought their Macbook home today, please be sure they fully charge it TONIGHT so they have full power heading into the weekend, in the event of power outages.
Additional information about District 7’s eLearning guidelines can be found here: https://spartanburg7.org/eLearning
Finally, we know our students were hoping for snow! While chances look slim at this point, students are never too old to put spoons under their pillows, wear PJs inside out, and flush ice cubes in hopes of bringing the white stuff. We hope everyone gets to enjoy some fun, and most of all we hope our entire D7 Family stays safe!
As always, thank you for your partnership and support!
#7SHINES
#ToInspireAndEquip
In District 7, we believe that every act of love and every moment of kindness helps bring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream to life. As we approach the national holiday honoring his legacy, we are reminded of the work still before us — and of the bright light our students and staff shine as they lead, serve, and build community every day. This is how 7Shines, not just in our classrooms, but across Spartanburg.
In observance of the holiday, all D7 schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026.
The City of Spartanburg invites us to continue living the dream through the 39th Annual MLK Unity Week Celebration. This community tradition brings neighbors together through events including a Unity Walk, student art, and a capstone gathering on Sunday featuring Adolph Brown. Learn more: https://www.cityofspartanburg.org/202/Dr-Martin-Luther-King-Jr-Unity-Week-Cele
On Monday, January 19, everyone is invited to connect with our neighbors, support local nonprofits, and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through the nationwide Day of Service, hosted by the United Way of the Piedmont. In fact, our very own Carver Wildcats are participating with a student-led food, clothing, and supplies drive as an official project for the event!
A few volunteer projects with plenty of open registration spots: https://tinyurl.com/UWDayofService2026
• Help Carver Middle School Fill the Truck by donating canned food items, toiletries, clothes, games, and coats (NOTE: This project says “sold out” but that is only for the on-site volunteers. You can still support with your donations!)
• Assist Project R.E.S.T. move into their new administration office
• Refresh the horse ranch with Hope Remains Ranch
• Spruce up the neighborhood with Homes of Hope in the Northside community
• Support Brothers Restoring Urban Hope for their youth basketball camp
• Join the Little Africa Community for a street clean
These shared experiences remind us that Dr. King’s vision is not a memory—it is a movement we are still building together.
As we honor Dr. King, may we show love, share kindness, and let our actions speak loudly—because when we lift others, 7Shines brighter than ever.
These servant-leaders devote countless hours to supporting our students, advocating for our schools, and strengthening our community. At last night’s board meeting, we captured a few special moments — our full board united in one frame, the swearing-in of newly-elected trustee Manning Fairey, and a small token of appreciation as each member received a D7 tailgate chair.
To our Board of Trustees: Thank you for your unwavering belief in every child, family, and employee in Spartanburg School District 7. We honor the critical role you play in championing public education and advocating for excellence in every school and every classroom.
Because of you, 7Shines brighter every day. 💙🌟
