💻 DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP WEEK | Preparing Students for a Connected World
Technology is changing how we learn, communicate, and connect. But preparing students for the future means teaching them more than how to use digital tools. It means helping them understand how to use technology safely, responsibly, and wisely.
That's why Digital Citizenship Week is especially meaningful in District 7 this year!
At the start of the 2026–2027 school year, D7 introduced new technology guidelines and initiatives shaped by feedback from nearly 400 teachers and our families. Our goal? A more intentional, balanced approach to technology that strengthens learning, supports student wellbeing, and prepares students for an increasingly connected world.
At the heart of this work is Digital Ready: Empowering Students for a Connected World.
Rather than focusing on digital citizenship for just one week, Digital Ready brings these important lessons into our schools all year long through monthly messages, classroom discussions, and family resources. Together, we're helping students become SAFE, RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, and READY digital citizens.
Here's what students have been learning:
August | Digital Citizenship Fundamentals: Making thoughtful choices online, demonstrating kindness and respect, and understanding that digital actions matter.
September | AI & Healthy Digital Habits: Middle and high school students explored the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence, including academic integrity. Elementary students focused on balancing screen time with play, movement, rest, and real-world connections.
October | Privacy & Safety: Students are learning to protect personal information, recognize online risks, create strong passwords, and think carefully about what they share, including when using AI tools.
And there's much more ahead! Throughout the year, students will explore digital footprints, healthy media habits, positive online relationships, cyberbullying prevention, media literacy, and respecting the work and ideas of others.
An important part of Digital Ready is connecting school and home. Our instructional technology team has developed family resources to help parents and guardians continue these important conversations beyond the classroom, reinforcing the habits and values students are learning at school.
After all, preparing students for a digital world is about much more than technology itself. It's about the guidance of great teachers, meaningful relationships, critical thinking, and purposeful instruction. Technology should enhance those experiences, never replace them.
Digital Citizenship Week may last just seven days, but in District 7, our commitment lasts all year. Our mission is to prepare students not just to use technology, but to use it wisely.
Mission Accepted!
🍎 HELP US SPREAD THE WORD: DISTRICT 7 IS HIRING! 🍎
Do you know someone who would make an amazing teacher? Or someone who has considered a career in education but isn't yet certified? Help us connect great people with great opportunities in District 7.
Our 2026 Educator Recruitment Fair is coming up on Thursday, November 12!
Whether you're an experienced educator or exploring an alternative pathway to teaching, this is your chance to discover what makes District 7 a special place to work. Meet our superintendent, teachers and administrators, learn about benefits and career opportunities, connect with alternative certification programs (for those not yet certified), and even apply for jobs and interview on the spot!
💙 Competitive salaries and benefits
💛 Employee childcare
💙 Commitment to small class sizes
💛 Support and mentoring for new teachers
💙 Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
💛 Master's degree cohorts with paid tuition
💙 A team committed to helping every student and employee thrive
📅 Thursday, November 12, 2026
⏰ 5–7 p.m.
📍 Fine Arts Center at Spartanburg High School
👉 Register to attend: Spartanburg7.org/RecruitmentFair
📣 D7 Family, help us spread the word! Share this post, tag someone who might be interested, or send it to a friend who would be a great addition to our team. You never know who might be ready to make a difference in the lives of students!
Do you know someone who would make an amazing teacher? Or someone who has considered a career in education but isn't yet certified? Help us connect great people with great opportunities in District 7.
Our 2026 Educator Recruitment Fair is coming up on Thursday, November 12!
Whether you're an experienced educator or exploring an alternative pathway to teaching, this is your chance to discover what makes District 7 a special place to work. Meet our superintendent, teachers and administrators, learn about benefits and career opportunities, connect with alternative certification programs (for those not yet certified), and even apply for jobs and interview on the spot!
💙 Competitive salaries and benefits
💛 Employee childcare
💙 Commitment to small class sizes
💛 Support and mentoring for new teachers
💙 Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
💛 Master's degree cohorts with paid tuition
💙 A team committed to helping every student and employee thrive
📅 Thursday, November 12, 2026
⏰ 5–7 p.m.
📍 Fine Arts Center at Spartanburg High School
👉 Register to attend: Spartanburg7.org/RecruitmentFair
📣 D7 Family, help us spread the word! Share this post, tag someone who might be interested, or send it to a friend who would be a great addition to our team. You never know who might be ready to make a difference in the lives of students!
🍂 Fall Break Reminder! 🍁
District 7 students and teachers will enjoy Fall Break this Thursday and Friday, October 15–16!
Looking for something fun for the kids? Our community partners at the City of Spartanburg Parks, Recreation & Special Events have planned FREE activities for children ages 5–12 and teens ages 13–17, including games, crafts, recreation, and more!
Check out the flyers for details on locations, times, and activities.
Wishing all of our students, teachers, and families a wonderful Fall Break!
District 7 students and teachers will enjoy Fall Break this Thursday and Friday, October 15–16!
Looking for something fun for the kids? Our community partners at the City of Spartanburg Parks, Recreation & Special Events have planned FREE activities for children ages 5–12 and teens ages 13–17, including games, crafts, recreation, and more!
Check out the flyers for details on locations, times, and activities.
Wishing all of our students, teachers, and families a wonderful Fall Break!
🛍️ Shop local and support Spartanburg High School!
The SHS PTO’s Fall Vikings Vendor Market is coming Saturday, October 24! Shop from more than 60 local vendors, plus food trucks, sweet treats, door prizes, mini golf, and even a visit from the Wildlife Rehab Group of SC!
Saturday, October 24 | 10 AM–3 PM
Viking Arena at Spartanburg High School
Admission is FREE ($5 donation suggested), and proceeds benefit the SHS PTO.
Everyone is welcome! Shop, eat, and support our Vikings!
The SHS PTO’s Fall Vikings Vendor Market is coming Saturday, October 24! Shop from more than 60 local vendors, plus food trucks, sweet treats, door prizes, mini golf, and even a visit from the Wildlife Rehab Group of SC!
Saturday, October 24 | 10 AM–3 PM
Viking Arena at Spartanburg High School
Admission is FREE ($5 donation suggested), and proceeds benefit the SHS PTO.
Everyone is welcome! Shop, eat, and support our Vikings!
Its HOMECOMING in District 7 and our SHS VIkings are ready to take on Fort Mill for the homecoming game TONIGHT (Friday, Oct. 9)! Kickoff is at 7:30 PM in Viking Stadium.
Get your tickets here: tinyurl.com/SHSHomecoming2026
Get your tickets here: tinyurl.com/SHSHomecoming2026
Great schools need great leaders and in District 7, we are fortunate to have principals who show up every day ready to lead, serve and make a difference.
Their mission is a big one.
They set the tone for their schools. They champion great teaching and learning. They celebrate successes, navigate challenges, build relationships with families, and make countless decisions, both seen and unseen, with students at the center.
Most importantly, they bring people together around a shared belief in what is possible for every child.
During National Principals Month, we are proud to celebrate the leaders who have accepted that mission across District 7:
Victoria Bradley, E.P. Todd School
Dr. Marquice Clark, Cleveland Academy of Leadership
Jonathan Duvall, Jesse Boyd Elementary
Carla Cato, Drayton Mills Elementary
Tammy Jordan, Mary H. Wright Elementary
Dennis Regnier, Pine Street Elementary
Randy Edwards, Carver Middle School
Dr. Telena Woody, McCracken Middle School
Dr. Andrew McMillan, Spartanburg High School
Erin Black, Spartanburg County Adult Education
Cameron Collier, Whitlock Flexible Learning Center
Rene Ford, McCarthy Teszler School
Shawna Bynum, The Franklin School
Their schools may look different and the needs they meet each day may vary, but their mission is shared: creating places where students can learn, grow, belong and become their very best.
To our D7 principals, thank you for answering the call, embracing the challenge and leading with purpose.
Mission Accepted. Every school. Every student. Every day.
Help us celebrate these incredible leaders by leaving a word of thanks or encouragement below!
#ThankAPrincipal
#D7MissionAccepted
Today, on School Custodian Appreciation Day, we celebrate the incredible members of our D7 Family who work behind the scenes every day to make sure our schools and buildings are clean, safe, welcoming, and ready for all that happens inside them.
Across District 7, our custodians, field custodians and building supervisors care for far more than buildings. They take pride in their schools, look out for our students and staff, respond when something needs attention, and somehow manage to be there whenever and wherever they are needed.
At the District Office, we’re especially grateful for Addie Wray and Taliaferro “Mr. T” Woodfork, pictured here with Superintendent Jeff Stevens. They take care of our building and all of us in it with a kindness and dedication we appreciate more than they know.
Today is a good reminder to notice the people whose work makes everyone else’s work possible.
To our custodial team across D7, thank you for everything you do and for the care you bring to your mission each day.
Mission Accepted. Mission Accomplished. Every single day.
#D7MissionAccepted
Across District 7, our custodians, field custodians and building supervisors care for far more than buildings. They take pride in their schools, look out for our students and staff, respond when something needs attention, and somehow manage to be there whenever and wherever they are needed.
At the District Office, we’re especially grateful for Addie Wray and Taliaferro “Mr. T” Woodfork, pictured here with Superintendent Jeff Stevens. They take care of our building and all of us in it with a kindness and dedication we appreciate more than they know.
Today is a good reminder to notice the people whose work makes everyone else’s work possible.
To our custodial team across D7, thank you for everything you do and for the care you bring to your mission each day.
Mission Accepted. Mission Accomplished. Every single day.
#D7MissionAccepted
MISSION ACCEPTED: Learning for our learners!
A reminder that District 7 schools will be closed to students this Friday, October 2, while our faculty and staff come together for a districtwide Professional Development Day.
Part of accepting the mission means continuing to learn and grow ourselves, strengthening our practice so we can give our students our very best.
And while school is out, our friends at City of Spartanburg Parks & Rec have some great opportunities for students! They are offering Out of School Day programs for ages 5 to 12 and teens ages 13 to 17 this Friday and on other scheduled days when students are out of school throughout the year.
Check out the flyers for details, times and locations!
No school for students Friday, but plenty of learning and fun happening across Spartanburg!
Link to 2026-2027 calendar: https://aptg.co/1TZmFl
#MissionAccepted
Your Family is Invited...
This year, Spartanburg High School is hosting a homecoming Block Party for our entire D7 Family. The block party will transform the campus into the ultimate spot for family and friends following the annual “Battle for the Brag” face-off football game between our Carver Wildcats and McCracken Eagles. The game is Thursday, October 8 at 5 PM in Viking Stadium, and the Block Party will follow until 9 PM. Come cheer on our future Vikings and stay afterwards to enjoy food trucks. contests. karaoke, games, and more in the visitor parking lot between the stadium and arena!
The Mad Hatter’s Block Party plays off of student council’s Alice in Wonderland theme for Homecoming 2026. SHS invites all current students, teachers and staff, families, and SHS alumni to join the fun and show your school spirit. All ages are welcome and there will be something for everyone to do.
Join our Vikings to make memories you won't forget!
This year, Spartanburg High School is hosting a homecoming Block Party for our entire D7 Family. The block party will transform the campus into the ultimate spot for family and friends following the annual “Battle for the Brag” face-off football game between our Carver Wildcats and McCracken Eagles. The game is Thursday, October 8 at 5 PM in Viking Stadium, and the Block Party will follow until 9 PM. Come cheer on our future Vikings and stay afterwards to enjoy food trucks. contests. karaoke, games, and more in the visitor parking lot between the stadium and arena!
The Mad Hatter’s Block Party plays off of student council’s Alice in Wonderland theme for Homecoming 2026. SHS invites all current students, teachers and staff, families, and SHS alumni to join the fun and show your school spirit. All ages are welcome and there will be something for everyone to do.
Join our Vikings to make memories you won't forget!
TOMORROW (Friday) is National College Colors Day - All D7 students, teachers and staff wear your favorite college shirts, jerseys, or colors! 🎉
This special day is about celebrating pride, traditions, and excitement while sparking meaningful conversations about college and career aspirations. With our first home football game happening this week, it s also a fantastic way to fuel enthusiasm for football season!
As we live out our mission to Inspire and Equip, College Colors Day is the perfect opportunity to inspire our students and brighten our community with school spirit.
Mission Accepted!
🏈 KNOW BEFORE YOU GO | VIKING STADIUM 🏈
It’s GAME TIME, Viking Nation!
The wait is over! Spartanburg Vikings Football returns to Viking Stadium THIS FRIDAY, September 4, as the Vikings take on Dutch Fork! Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
Before you head to the stadium, take a minute to review these important game day reminders:
🎟️ ONLINE TICKETS: $9 (includes processing fee)
Online sales end at 8:30 p.m. or when tickets sell out.
Purchase tickets here (https://www.hubcitylocker.com/vikings)
🎟️ AT THE GATE: $10 — cash or credit card
Children 5 and under: Free
District 7 employees: Free with valid employee ID
🏟️ STADIUM REMINDERS
• Clear bag policy and security screening are in effect.
• Elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult throughout the game and may not be dropped off or left unattended.
• SHS students should bring their school ID.
• Gates open at 6:30 p.m.
• Come early and allow extra time for parking and security screening.
📍 Parking maps, entrances, clear bag information, security protocols and complete Viking Stadium guidelines:
Viking Stadium Game Day Information (https://www.spartanburg7.org/page/viking-stadium-football-schedule)
📻 Can’t make it to the stadium? Listen live on Fox Sports Spartanburg 98.3 FM and catch the postgame breakdown on Spartanburg Sports Radio.
Let’s PACK Viking Stadium for our first home game of the season and give our Vikings a home-field advantage! ⚔️
Mission Accepted. Let’s Go, Vikings!
LIVE NOW (Wednesday at 7, 8, and 9) on FOX Carolina newscasts:
Watch SHS senior Payten Shell and teacher Kiley Painter talk about how student leadership is different at SHS!
SHS blazed a new trail tonight with the debut of boys volleyball! Our Vikings hosted Wade Hampton High for the inaugural home game. Congratulations to our players and coaches for making Viking athletics history - we are excited to cheer you on!
Follow all of our teams by downloading the Spartanburg Vikings Athletics app from the App Store or Google Play. Fall sports are in full swing and there is a lot of action to enjoy!
#D7MissionAccepted
#ToInspireAndEquip
Photo credit: Finn McEnroe '27
Mission Accepted.
Tomorrow, the adventure begins...Be sure to tag your first-day photos on social media with #D7firstday so we can include photos from our families in our district slideshow!
#D7MissionAccepted
Save the Date: South Carolina's Tax Free Weekend is August 7–9!
Back-to-school shopping just got a little easier!
South Carolina's Tax Free Weekend begins Friday, August 7, and runs through Sunday, August 9. During this three-day event, you'll pay no state or local sales tax on a variety of eligible back-to-school purchases, including:
• 👕 Clothing and shoes
• 💻 Computers and printers
• ✏️ School supplies
• 🎒 And many other qualifying items
Whether you shop in-store or online, all retailers participate, making this the perfect time to stock up on school essentials while saving money.
Mark your calendars and start your shopping list!
Learn more and view the full list of eligible items on the South Carolina Department of Revenue website:
https://dor.sc.gov/communications/tax-free-weekend
D7 schools and offices will OPEN AT 11 AM on Monday, August 3 so all employees can participate in our annual Opening Convocation.
Thank you for your support and understanding during this special time for our faculty and staff to prepare for the start of our new year!
Thank you for your support and understanding during this special time for our faculty and staff to prepare for the start of our new year!
Today, our school principals, assistant principals, and Superintendent’s Cabinet members came together for a leadership retreat to kick off the new school year. As the sun rose over our transportation department’s beautiful new training facility (which opens next week!), a palpable excitement was in the air. Each year is a new opportunity, a fresh start, a beacon of hope, and an opportunity to grow–not only for our students, but also for our D7 Family of faculty and staff.
Our day included:
• A deep dive into Spartanburg’s growth and development from OneSpartanburg CEO Allen Smith
• A window into the unique perspective and wisdom of three of South Carolina’s strongest school district superintendents through a moderated panel discussion
• A reflection on leading school communities through change and a look at the successes resulting from our new blended schedule model at Spartanburg High School by Dr. Andrew McMillan
• A journey through the results of our recent teacher survey on instructional technology and digital device use across D7, along with several exciting new developments to realign and rebalance our approach to best serve students (look for details coming soon)
• The reveal of our D7 theme for the 2026-2027 school year (STAY TUNED for the public reveal next Monday following our Opening Convocation celebration)
• And much more!
It was a day of fellowship, connection, growth, and recommitting ourselves to District 7’s mission “To inspire and equip our students for lives of leadership and service as world citizens.”
We can’t wait to welcome teachers back later this week and students next week!
Our day included:
• A deep dive into Spartanburg’s growth and development from OneSpartanburg CEO Allen Smith
• A window into the unique perspective and wisdom of three of South Carolina’s strongest school district superintendents through a moderated panel discussion
• A reflection on leading school communities through change and a look at the successes resulting from our new blended schedule model at Spartanburg High School by Dr. Andrew McMillan
• A journey through the results of our recent teacher survey on instructional technology and digital device use across D7, along with several exciting new developments to realign and rebalance our approach to best serve students (look for details coming soon)
• The reveal of our D7 theme for the 2026-2027 school year (STAY TUNED for the public reveal next Monday following our Opening Convocation celebration)
• And much more!
It was a day of fellowship, connection, growth, and recommitting ourselves to District 7’s mission “To inspire and equip our students for lives of leadership and service as world citizens.”
We can’t wait to welcome teachers back later this week and students next week!
District 7 schools and offices will be closed Thursday, July 2 in observance of Independence Day. We hope our D7 family enjoys celebrating our great nation on this special anniversary year!
🇺🇸 Happy 250th birthday, America! 🇺🇸
🇺🇸 Happy 250th birthday, America! 🇺🇸
Kindergarten School Choice and Out-of-District Tuition Applications Now Open
Applications for Kindergarten (5K) School Choice and Out-of-District Tuition students will be accepted July 1–15, 2026.
This year, applications will be accepted for all elementary schools except Drayton Mills.
Please note: This application period is for incoming 5K students only. The School Choice application window for students entering grades 1–12 was held in March.
Complete eligibility information and the online application are available at:
https://www.spartanburg7.org/schoolchoice
🏆 A huge congratulations to Spartanburg High's Riley Vaughn!
Riley has been named the 2025–26 Gatorade South Carolina Girls Track & Field Player of the Year — one of the highest honors in high school athletics!
The prestigious award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also outstanding achievement in the classroom and service to the community.
A dominant force in the throwing events, Riley captured Class 5A Division I State Championships in both the shot put and discus, helping lead the Vikings to a Top 5 finish at the state meet. She also earned All-American honors at Under Armour Nationals and posted one of the nation's top shot put marks this season.
Beyond her accomplishments in competition, Riley has maintained an outstanding 4.94 GPA while giving back through volunteer work in the community, including youth coaching, nursing home visits, school supply drives, food distributions and church outreach.
Congratulations, Riley! Your hard work, leadership and dedication continue to make District 7 and Spartanburg High proud. 💙💛
#GatoradePOY #VikingPride #ToInspireAndEquip
Riley has been named the 2025–26 Gatorade South Carolina Girls Track & Field Player of the Year — one of the highest honors in high school athletics!
The prestigious award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also outstanding achievement in the classroom and service to the community.
A dominant force in the throwing events, Riley captured Class 5A Division I State Championships in both the shot put and discus, helping lead the Vikings to a Top 5 finish at the state meet. She also earned All-American honors at Under Armour Nationals and posted one of the nation's top shot put marks this season.
Beyond her accomplishments in competition, Riley has maintained an outstanding 4.94 GPA while giving back through volunteer work in the community, including youth coaching, nursing home visits, school supply drives, food distributions and church outreach.
Congratulations, Riley! Your hard work, leadership and dedication continue to make District 7 and Spartanburg High proud. 💙💛
#GatoradePOY #VikingPride #ToInspireAndEquip
