🩺🍎 Happy National School Nurse Day! 🍎🩺
Today we celebrate the incredible nurses of District 7, compassionate caregivers who are always ready for the unexpected. From everyday bumps and bruises to helping schools navigate emerging health concerns like this year’s measles situation, our nurses bring calm, expertise and reassurance to every situation.
They care for our students with kindness, support our staff with compassion, and help create safe, healthy learning environments across D7 each and every day. Their impact is felt far beyond moments of illness or injury. They are trusted faces, steady hands, and caring hearts in our schools, and the way they care for others truly shows how 7Shines each day.
Thank you, D7 nurses, for the countless ways you care for our school community. We are deeply grateful to you today and every day. ❤️
Today we celebrate the incredible nurses of District 7, compassionate caregivers who are always ready for the unexpected. From everyday bumps and bruises to helping schools navigate emerging health concerns like this year’s measles situation, our nurses bring calm, expertise and reassurance to every situation.
They care for our students with kindness, support our staff with compassion, and help create safe, healthy learning environments across D7 each and every day. Their impact is felt far beyond moments of illness or injury. They are trusted faces, steady hands, and caring hearts in our schools, and the way they care for others truly shows how 7Shines each day.
Thank you, D7 nurses, for the countless ways you care for our school community. We are deeply grateful to you today and every day. ❤️
📚✨ Enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year is NOW OPEN for new and returning District 7 students! ✨📚
Returning families, getting ready for the new school year is easy with our simple two-step process:
✅ Step 1: Review and update your student’s information in FinalForms
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/D7FinalForms
✅ Step 2: Submit your annual proof of residency AFTER July 1
(Your child’s school will share summer dates and instructions. Please note: residency documents cannot be submitted electronically.)
📌 Find everything you need to complete enrollment here:
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/2026-2027D7Enroll
FinalForms is our one-stop hub for keeping student records accurate and up to date all year long — making life easier for families and schools alike!
🍎✨ It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! ✨🍎
Join us in celebrating the incredible educators of District 7 who inspire, support, and shape the future every single day. 💙💛
We invite our entire community to take a moment this week to share your gratitude. Whether it’s a kind note, a favorite memory, or a simple “thank you,” your words mean more than you know.
🎉 Let’s come together to recognize the District 7 teachers who help our students SHINE. Tag a teacher, share your story, or drop a message of appreciation below! 🎉
Join us in celebrating the incredible educators of District 7 who inspire, support, and shape the future every single day. 💙💛
We invite our entire community to take a moment this week to share your gratitude. Whether it’s a kind note, a favorite memory, or a simple “thank you,” your words mean more than you know.
🎉 Let’s come together to recognize the District 7 teachers who help our students SHINE. Tag a teacher, share your story, or drop a message of appreciation below! 🎉
Sometimes the most powerful lessons happen when no one is expecting them.
During a recent CPR-BLS certification training for Spartanburg High School students, a simple scheduling hiccup turned into a meaningful moment that perfectly reflects the spirit of District 7.
As part of SHS’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, students in biomedical and health science pathways, led by educators including Dr. Rebecca Gentry (pictured), have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications. This year alone, students have trained in Stop the Bleed, OSHA, HIPAA, and CPR-BLS, with more than 70 students earning CPR-BLS certification over two days at the Beaumont Education Center.
On the first day of training, the group found themselves with an uneven number of participants, leaving one student without a partner.
That’s when Mr. Smith, a District 7 bus driver, stepped in.
Without hesitation, he joined the training, not only helping a student complete the hands-on requirement, but also fully participating in the course and earning his own CPR-BLS certification.
What began as a small act of kindness quickly became something more. Mr. Smith shared how eye-opening the experience was, reflecting on how valuable the training would be not only in his role as a bus driver, but also within his church community and everyday life. He even encouraged others to seek out similar opportunities, recognizing the life-saving impact these skills can have.
Moments like this are what make District 7 special. They are a reminder that in D7, everyone is part of the team. Whether in the classroom, on a bus, or in the community, there is a shared commitment to step up, support one another, and make a difference.
It’s a perfect example of how 7Shines, through collaboration, compassion, and a willingness to go above and beyond for students.
During a recent CPR-BLS certification training for Spartanburg High School students, a simple scheduling hiccup turned into a meaningful moment that perfectly reflects the spirit of District 7.
As part of SHS’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, students in biomedical and health science pathways, led by educators including Dr. Rebecca Gentry (pictured), have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications. This year alone, students have trained in Stop the Bleed, OSHA, HIPAA, and CPR-BLS, with more than 70 students earning CPR-BLS certification over two days at the Beaumont Education Center.
On the first day of training, the group found themselves with an uneven number of participants, leaving one student without a partner.
That’s when Mr. Smith, a District 7 bus driver, stepped in.
Without hesitation, he joined the training, not only helping a student complete the hands-on requirement, but also fully participating in the course and earning his own CPR-BLS certification.
What began as a small act of kindness quickly became something more. Mr. Smith shared how eye-opening the experience was, reflecting on how valuable the training would be not only in his role as a bus driver, but also within his church community and everyday life. He even encouraged others to seek out similar opportunities, recognizing the life-saving impact these skills can have.
Moments like this are what make District 7 special. They are a reminder that in D7, everyone is part of the team. Whether in the classroom, on a bus, or in the community, there is a shared commitment to step up, support one another, and make a difference.
It’s a perfect example of how 7Shines, through collaboration, compassion, and a willingness to go above and beyond for students.
✨ There’s so much to celebrate across Spartanburg School District 7! ✨
From the unforgettable magic of The Wizard of Oz and celebrations honoring the Class of 2026 to inspiring student achievements, career exploration experiences, and moments of teamwork and kindness that define our schools — this edition of 7Headlines is filled with stories that showcase the heart of D7.
You’ll also find enrollment information for the 2026–2027 school year, highlights from across our campuses, and the many ways our students, staff, and community continue to shine together each day. 💙
Take a moment to catch up on the latest stories from across District 7.
📬 Read the full April 2026 edition of 7Headlines:
https://tinyurl.com/7HeadlinesApr2026
#7Shines
From the unforgettable magic of The Wizard of Oz and celebrations honoring the Class of 2026 to inspiring student achievements, career exploration experiences, and moments of teamwork and kindness that define our schools — this edition of 7Headlines is filled with stories that showcase the heart of D7.
You’ll also find enrollment information for the 2026–2027 school year, highlights from across our campuses, and the many ways our students, staff, and community continue to shine together each day. 💙
Take a moment to catch up on the latest stories from across District 7.
📬 Read the full April 2026 edition of 7Headlines:
https://tinyurl.com/7HeadlinesApr2026
#7Shines
✨ Happy Administrative Professionals Day ✨
Today, we celebrated the stars who keep District 7 shining, rolling out the red carpet for our District Office team as a small way to say thank you for all they do. ⭐
While this group took center stage today, they represent something much bigger, the incredible administrative professionals across every school and office in District 7. From the front desk to the countless details handled behind the scenes, you are the heartbeat of our district, bringing organization, care, and excellence to every single day.
To our school secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, and support staff across D7, this celebration is for all of you. We see you, we appreciate you, and we are so grateful for the role you play in helping District 7 shine. ✨
#7Shines
Today, we celebrated the stars who keep District 7 shining, rolling out the red carpet for our District Office team as a small way to say thank you for all they do. ⭐
While this group took center stage today, they represent something much bigger, the incredible administrative professionals across every school and office in District 7. From the front desk to the countless details handled behind the scenes, you are the heartbeat of our district, bringing organization, care, and excellence to every single day.
To our school secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, and support staff across D7, this celebration is for all of you. We see you, we appreciate you, and we are so grateful for the role you play in helping District 7 shine. ✨
#7Shines
"THE WIZARD OF OZ" opens APRIL 23rd - get your tickets today!
If you love "Wicked", come enjoy the story that started it all...
Join Dorothy, Toto ( YES, we have 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. This fully-staged production is accompanied by a live orchestra and is complete with FLYING witches, monkeys, and an on-stage tornado that whips Dorothy into the air!
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: District 7 Fine Arts Center, Spartanburg High School
🎟️ Tickets - $12 adults/$5 students and seniors: Reserve your seats now at our.show/D7Wizard
If you love "Wicked", come enjoy the story that started it all...
Join Dorothy, Toto ( YES, we have 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. This fully-staged production is accompanied by a live orchestra and is complete with FLYING witches, monkeys, and an on-stage tornado that whips Dorothy into the air!
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: District 7 Fine Arts Center, Spartanburg High School
🎟️ Tickets - $12 adults/$5 students and seniors: Reserve your seats now at our.show/D7Wizard
✨Saluting Our Assistant Principals ✨
As we return from Spring Break, we’re taking a moment to celebrate National Assistant Principals Week and recognize the incredible leaders who help our schools shine brighter every single day.
Assistant Principals are the steady heartbeat behind the scenes and at the center of it all, supporting teachers, encouraging students, partnering with families, and helping principals lead thriving school communities. They navigate challenges with strength and compassion, always keeping student success at the forefront.
In Spartanburg School District 7, their impact is felt in countless ways, through relationships built, problem-solving, and opportunities created for students to grow and succeed. Their leadership is a big reason 7Shines across our district.
To our Assistant Principals, thank you for showing up, stepping in, and lifting others up day in and day out. Your work matters, and our schools are stronger because of you. 💙
As we return from Spring Break, we’re taking a moment to celebrate National Assistant Principals Week and recognize the incredible leaders who help our schools shine brighter every single day.
Assistant Principals are the steady heartbeat behind the scenes and at the center of it all, supporting teachers, encouraging students, partnering with families, and helping principals lead thriving school communities. They navigate challenges with strength and compassion, always keeping student success at the forefront.
In Spartanburg School District 7, their impact is felt in countless ways, through relationships built, problem-solving, and opportunities created for students to grow and succeed. Their leadership is a big reason 7Shines across our district.
To our Assistant Principals, thank you for showing up, stepping in, and lifting others up day in and day out. Your work matters, and our schools are stronger because of you. 💙
We wrapped up Music in Our Schools Month with outstanding performances of “The Jungle Book” and “Pinocchio” musicals at Cleveland Academy and Mary H. Wright this week, and we shine our final spotlight on our elementary music program. It is so easy to celebrate the joy, creativity, and discovery happening every day in our elementary music classrooms!
Our youngest musicians are just beginning their journey, exploring a world of sound through singing, movement, instruments, and imagination. From learning their very first notes, often starting with classics like “Hot Cross Buns” (and sometimes even enjoying the real treat afterward!), to experimenting with rhythm through drumming, clapping games, and coordinated movement activities, students are building skills while having fun.
Elementary music is all about discovery. Students get hands-on experience with a variety of instruments, explore different musical styles from around the world, and learn how music connects to culture, storytelling, and self-expression. As they grow, many take the exciting step of joining beginning band or orchestra, where they prepare for their very first concerts—an unforgettable milestone for students and families alike.
Beyond the classroom, our students shine on stage in school musicals and performances, gaining confidence, teamwork skills, and a sense of pride in what they’ve accomplished.
Music in our elementary schools is more than just learning notes and rhythms—it’s about sparking curiosity, nurturing creativity, and helping every child find their voice. Our hats are off to the music teachers who guide their journeys and instill a lifelong love of making and enjoying music!
Our youngest musicians are just beginning their journey, exploring a world of sound through singing, movement, instruments, and imagination. From learning their very first notes, often starting with classics like “Hot Cross Buns” (and sometimes even enjoying the real treat afterward!), to experimenting with rhythm through drumming, clapping games, and coordinated movement activities, students are building skills while having fun.
Elementary music is all about discovery. Students get hands-on experience with a variety of instruments, explore different musical styles from around the world, and learn how music connects to culture, storytelling, and self-expression. As they grow, many take the exciting step of joining beginning band or orchestra, where they prepare for their very first concerts—an unforgettable milestone for students and families alike.
Beyond the classroom, our students shine on stage in school musicals and performances, gaining confidence, teamwork skills, and a sense of pride in what they’ve accomplished.
Music in our elementary schools is more than just learning notes and rhythms—it’s about sparking curiosity, nurturing creativity, and helping every child find their voice. Our hats are off to the music teachers who guide their journeys and instill a lifelong love of making and enjoying music!
🎻✨ For more than a century, strings have been part of the heartbeat of District 7. ✨🎻
This Music in Our Schools Month, we’re celebrating an orchestra program that doesn’t just perform beautifully; it opens doors to extraordinary experiences.
Founded in 1920, District 7’s orchestra program is the oldest public school strings program in South Carolina, and today it continues to set the standard from our middle schools to Spartanburg High.
And this year, our students are continuing a tradition of excellence…
🏆At McCracken Middle, students earned the Gold Outstanding Performance Award, along with Superior and Superior with Distinction ratings at Concert Performance Assessment. Twenty students were selected for Region Orchestra, with three advancing to All-State.
🏆At Carver Middle, the orchestra earned an Excellent rating at CPA, with students representing D7 in Region Orchestra and performing with the Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.
🏆At Spartanburg High School, both orchestras earned Superior with Distinction ratings and the prestigious Gold Outstanding Performance Award. Twenty-eight students were selected for Region Orchestra, with three earning All-State honors.
🏅And this year marked something truly special: a record number of students earning Region Orchestra honors, a milestone that reflects the strength and growth of our program.
But what makes District 7’s orchestra program truly special goes far beyond the accolades.
It’s the experiences our students carry with them…
🎶 Performing for travelers at the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport
🎶 Taking the stage at professional conferences and community galas
🎶 Playing alongside and within youth symphonies
🎶 Traveling together from unforgettable trips like Disney to international tours across Europe
And behind every performance is a team of dedicated educators who pour into these students day in and day out. Many of them also serve as leaders in the field, contributing to organizations like the Piedmont Chamber Orchestra, Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and the South Carolina Music Educators Association orchestra division.
From their very first notes to standing ovations on big stages, our students are learning more than music. They’re learning discipline, teamwork, and how to be part of something bigger than themselves.
After more than 100 years, District 7 strings are still SHINING on our stages, in our community, and around the world.
#7Shines
This Music in Our Schools Month, we’re celebrating an orchestra program that doesn’t just perform beautifully; it opens doors to extraordinary experiences.
Founded in 1920, District 7’s orchestra program is the oldest public school strings program in South Carolina, and today it continues to set the standard from our middle schools to Spartanburg High.
And this year, our students are continuing a tradition of excellence…
🏆At McCracken Middle, students earned the Gold Outstanding Performance Award, along with Superior and Superior with Distinction ratings at Concert Performance Assessment. Twenty students were selected for Region Orchestra, with three advancing to All-State.
🏆At Carver Middle, the orchestra earned an Excellent rating at CPA, with students representing D7 in Region Orchestra and performing with the Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.
🏆At Spartanburg High School, both orchestras earned Superior with Distinction ratings and the prestigious Gold Outstanding Performance Award. Twenty-eight students were selected for Region Orchestra, with three earning All-State honors.
🏅And this year marked something truly special: a record number of students earning Region Orchestra honors, a milestone that reflects the strength and growth of our program.
But what makes District 7’s orchestra program truly special goes far beyond the accolades.
It’s the experiences our students carry with them…
🎶 Performing for travelers at the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport
🎶 Taking the stage at professional conferences and community galas
🎶 Playing alongside and within youth symphonies
🎶 Traveling together from unforgettable trips like Disney to international tours across Europe
And behind every performance is a team of dedicated educators who pour into these students day in and day out. Many of them also serve as leaders in the field, contributing to organizations like the Piedmont Chamber Orchestra, Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and the South Carolina Music Educators Association orchestra division.
From their very first notes to standing ovations on big stages, our students are learning more than music. They’re learning discipline, teamwork, and how to be part of something bigger than themselves.
After more than 100 years, District 7 strings are still SHINING on our stages, in our community, and around the world.
#7Shines
🎺✨Excellence isn’t occasional in District 7 bands… it’s the standard.✨🎺
This Music in Our Schools Month, we’re celebrating a program that is SHINING from middle school to high school, where students aren’t just learning music, they’re finding their rhythm, their voice, and performing at the highest levels.
At Concert Performance Assessment (CPA), our bands delivered in a big way:
🎶Spartanburg High School Wind Ensemble — Superior Rating
🎶McCracken Middle (7th & 8th grade) — Superior with Distinction
🎶Carver Middle (7th & 8th grade) — Superior with Distinction
The highest honors. Across the board!
And the excellence continues…
🎷Viking Jazz Band earned a Superior Rating at the SCBDA Jazz Performance Assessment
🔥Gold Winter Guard — CWEA SAA Class State Champions
When it comes to marching season, Viking Band doesn’t just play the part; they take center field and own it. This season was nothing short of dominant:
🏆Reservation Tournament of Bands
First Place: Music, Guard, Percussion, In Class and Spirit Award. Top 3 Overall
🏆Chase Tournament of Bands
First Place: Visual, Overall Effect, Music, Percussion, Colorguard, and In Class. 2nd Place Overall
✨ Finished the season with an Excellent rating at State
What makes this program truly special goes far beyond the trophies.
This is a program on the rise—130 students strong—where students find their place, their passion, and their people.
✨ 22 Region Band students
✨ 4 All-State or alternates
✨ 5 selected for the USC Honor Band Clinic
From Friday night lights to the Spartanburg Christmas Parade, from the GSP Airport to performance stages across the state, these students are representing District 7 with pride everywhere they go.
With multiple ensembles having completed recent assessments and a culture built on excellence, this program continues to build momentum and hit every note along the way.
This is more than band.
It’s a family. A standard. A legacy in motion.
At the heart of it all are our incredible middle and high school band educators, guiding, inspiring, and setting the tone for every note of excellence.
This is what it looks like when passion meets precision. This is D7 Band.
#7Shines
This Music in Our Schools Month, we’re celebrating a program that is SHINING from middle school to high school, where students aren’t just learning music, they’re finding their rhythm, their voice, and performing at the highest levels.
At Concert Performance Assessment (CPA), our bands delivered in a big way:
🎶Spartanburg High School Wind Ensemble — Superior Rating
🎶McCracken Middle (7th & 8th grade) — Superior with Distinction
🎶Carver Middle (7th & 8th grade) — Superior with Distinction
The highest honors. Across the board!
And the excellence continues…
🎷Viking Jazz Band earned a Superior Rating at the SCBDA Jazz Performance Assessment
🔥Gold Winter Guard — CWEA SAA Class State Champions
When it comes to marching season, Viking Band doesn’t just play the part; they take center field and own it. This season was nothing short of dominant:
🏆Reservation Tournament of Bands
First Place: Music, Guard, Percussion, In Class and Spirit Award. Top 3 Overall
🏆Chase Tournament of Bands
First Place: Visual, Overall Effect, Music, Percussion, Colorguard, and In Class. 2nd Place Overall
✨ Finished the season with an Excellent rating at State
What makes this program truly special goes far beyond the trophies.
This is a program on the rise—130 students strong—where students find their place, their passion, and their people.
✨ 22 Region Band students
✨ 4 All-State or alternates
✨ 5 selected for the USC Honor Band Clinic
From Friday night lights to the Spartanburg Christmas Parade, from the GSP Airport to performance stages across the state, these students are representing District 7 with pride everywhere they go.
With multiple ensembles having completed recent assessments and a culture built on excellence, this program continues to build momentum and hit every note along the way.
This is more than band.
It’s a family. A standard. A legacy in motion.
At the heart of it all are our incredible middle and high school band educators, guiding, inspiring, and setting the tone for every note of excellence.
This is what it looks like when passion meets precision. This is D7 Band.
#7Shines
Our partners at the City of Spartanburg and Spartanburg Academic Movement (SAM) are offering a fun and safe spring break camp for elementary students and teenagers! Registration is required but both camps are free of charge.
✨ 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.
✨ They didn’t just perform… they made history. ✨
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
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
As Music in Our Schools Month continues, we celebrate the united voices of middle school students from all seven Spartanburg County School Districts, who joined together to give a beautiful concert at the annual "Spartanburg Sings!" The event is hosted by the Rotary Club of Spartanburg, and we were thrilled to bring it to our District 7 Fine Arts Center this year.
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
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
🎨 Lights, camera… creativity!
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. ✨
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!
In District 7, we know that before learning can happen, students must feel safe, supported, and seen. That’s where our incredible school social workers and behavioral health team step in—quietly, compassionately, and powerfully—every single day.
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
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
Happy School Resource Officer Appreciation Day! ✨
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
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
