🍎 Teacher of the Year – Taryn Schorr
Congratulations to Taryn Schorr, EP Todd’s Teacher of the Year! 🎉 Ms. Schorr helps her students Level Up every day through engaging, meaningful instruction and a deep commitment to building strong relationships. She meets each student where they are, using effective differentiation and creative, real-world learning experiences that make lessons memorable and exciting.
Her classroom is a place where students feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to grow. Ms. Schorr’s passion for teaching is evident in the way she makes learning both fun and purposeful, always challenging students to reach their full potential.
Beyond her classroom, Taryn is a supportive and collaborative teammate who lifts others up and contributes to a positive school culture. She consistently goes above and beyond for students, staff, and families, bringing energy, kindness, and professionalism to everything she does.
We are so proud of the impact she makes each day—EP Todd is stronger because of her dedication! #EPTodd #LevelUp #7Shines
🍏 Crystal Apple Award – Emma Horner
Congratulations to Emma Horner, our Crystal Apple Award winner for Outstanding First-Year Teacher! 🌟 Ms. Horner is already helping her students Level Up through thoughtful, student-centered instruction and a classroom environment built on respect, encouragement, and high expectations. She creates meaningful learning experiences that meet students where they are while inspiring confidence and independence.
Ms. Horner’s passion for teaching shines through in the strong relationships she builds with students, families, and colleagues. Her commitment to growth is evident through her participation in LETRS training and her pursuit of a master’s degree in Montessori Education at Lander University. She thoughtfully applies these practices to ensure every student feels valued, capable, and empowered to succeed.
We are so proud of the dedication, professionalism, and heart she brings to EP Todd each day. The future is bright with educators like Emma leading the way! #EPTodd #LevelUp #7Shines
🏥 Support Staff of the Year – Nurse Treva Ledford
We are proud to celebrate Nurse Treva Ledford as our Support Staff of the Year! 💙
She helps our entire school Level Up by keeping students safe, healthy, and cared for each day. From every scrape, bruise, and “boo boo” to thoughtful communication with families and staff, she provides exceptional care with a calm and reassuring presence. Her kindness, attention to detail, and willingness to always help create a welcoming space for everyone. Thank you, Nurse Ledford, for the difference you make in our school community!
#EPTodd #LevelUp #7Shines
🎉✨ Leveling Up the Last Day at EP Todd! ✨🎉
We wrapped up the school year in style with our End-of-Year Dance Parties—a beloved EP Todd tradition that had our halls filled with music, laughter, and celebration! 💃🕺
From our youngest students , rising leaders, staff, and faculty - everyone came together to celebrate a year of growth, achievement, and shining bright. 🌟
This year’s Level Up theme reminded us just how far we’ve come—and how ready we are for the next step in our journey. Each dance move, smile, and cheer was a celebration of milestones reached and goals ahead! 🚀
Thank you to our amazing staff and families for helping us continue this joyful tradition. EP Todd knows how to celebrate success! 💛
#EPTodd #LevelUp #7Shines
✨ Celebrating a Year of Growth, Achievement, and Tradition ✨
What an incredible way to close out our school year! Our End-of-Year Awards Programs are beautiful celebrations of the hard work, perseverance, and success of our students at every level.
From our youngest learners reaching their first milestones and building a strong foundation for the future, to our students being recognized for academic excellence, character, and leadership — we are so proud of each and every one of you! 🌟We will miss our 5th graders as they Level Up to middle school but know they are prepared to shine!
One of the most heartfelt moments was welcoming our graduating seniors back to E.P. Todd for their Grad Walk. Seeing them return, reflecting on how far they’ve come, inspired our younger students and reminded us all of the bright futures ahead. 🎓💛
Thank you to our teachers, staff, families, and community for your continued support in making moments like these so special.
Here’s to celebrating the journey—and all that’s still to come!
One last edition. One incredible year. 💙💛
The final 7Headlines of the 2025–2026 school year is here — and it’s packed with moments that made this year unforgettable. From celebrating the Class of 2026 and historic state championships to honoring retirees, welcoming new families, and looking ahead to summer, this edition is a true reflection of what it means to let 7Shines. ✨
Take a few minutes to look back on a remarkable year in District 7 and celebrate the students, staff, families, and community that made it all possible.
Read it here: https://conta.cc/4v1R8vx
How do our third graders see the neighborhoods and communities they call home? 🏡✨
This semester, our students partnered with students and professors from Wofford College to explore that very question through a collaborative research project focused on youth perspectives, community sustainability, and neighborhood experiences across Spartanburg.
Through geographic information systems (GIS), mapping exercises, interviews, and collaborative discussions, students gained a deeper understanding of geographic scale and how neighborhoods connect to cities, counties, and even districts represented by elected officials. Students participated in one-on-one and group activities designed to help them think critically about the places they live and imagine possibilities for the future.
Throughout the project, students reflected on the places they call home — sharing what they love most about their neighborhoods, the people and resources that help communities thrive, what makes them feel safe and connected, and the dreams they have for the neighborhoods they hope to see in the future.
The project culminated this week in a special community “Data Walk,” where families, residents, educators, and community members engaged directly with students’ research findings, ideas, and creative displays. The event also featured information and findings from other schools that have participated in this important collaboration in the past, including D7’s Carver and McCracken Middle Schools.
A special thank you to Promise Site Coordinator and Wofford graduate Isaiah Mangana and Dr. Alysa Handelsman, assistant professor of sociology and anthropology for helping support this meaningful work.
Experiences like this show the power of student voice and remind us that even our youngest learners can help shape conversations about community, connection, and the future of Spartanburg.
#7Shines
Wednesday, May 13
Drop-in: 5-6:30 p.m.
What is a neighborhood? How do you describe your neighborhood? How do you envision your dream neighborhood? Please join our 3rd grade team of student researchers and Wofford College students as they share information about youth perspectives across Spartanburg, particularly the neighborhoods in the E.P. Todd school zone.
Information will be displayed in stations around the E.P. Todd gymnasium.
Contact Dr. Alysa Handelsman for further details at handlesmanam@wofford.edu
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
Our 4th grade students celebrated Earth Day by planting flowers around campus, showing what it means to Level Up! through service and responsibility. By working together to care for our environment, they’re helping our school grow more beautiful—today and for the future! 🌱💚
So proud of our students for shining bright and making a positive impact! 🌟
#LevelUp! #7Shines
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!
✨ 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.
Friday, April 3rd
8:15 - K5 & PRIMARY MONTESSORI (5K only)
8:45 - 4th , 5th & UPPER EL
9:15 - 3 rd & LOWER EL
9:45 - 1 st & 2nd
Students will share their i-Ready progress, classroom goals,and personal growth. This is their time to show what they’re proud of and what they want to work on next.
To ensure focused, meaningful conversations, students mayonly attend during their assigned time. We cannot callstudents or siblings from other classes.
Your voice matters to us!
This session helps parents (of 5k- 5th grade students) complete the school survey sent to their emails.
Laptops will be provided for completion. You must be able to log in to
PowerSchool Parent Portal
Park in the car loop and come join the meeting in the cafeteria.
Your student(s) will be called for early dismissal for those who arrive by 1:15PM
🐯 Tiger Pride Spotlight 🐯
This week we are excited to recognize Ms. Briana Dean, 3rd grade teacher, as EP Todd’s Tiger Pride Spotlight! 🌟
Ms. Dean truly shines in living out our vision and beliefs through her commitment to supporting others. She is always willing to lend a helping hand to her teammates, stepping in to assist and collaborate whenever needed. Her positive attitude and team-first mindset strengthen both her grade level and our school community.
By supporting those around her, Ms. Dean helps our entire team Level Up! together. 📈🐯
Thank you, Ms. Dean, for being such a supportive and dependable member of our Tiger family! 👏
#LevelUpTigers #EPTodd
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.
