We have another familiar face in a new role! Welcome Back Martha!
My name is Martha Taylor. I have been a Teacher Assistant for the past 3 years here at McCarthy Teszler. I moved from Dayton, Ohio, 3 years ago, but grew up in Spartanburg. This will be my 1st year as a Special Education Teacher at McCarthy. However, I taught Special Education in Ohio for 19 years. I am looking forward to a fabulous school year!
My name is Martha Taylor. I have been a Teacher Assistant for the past 3 years here at McCarthy Teszler. I moved from Dayton, Ohio, 3 years ago, but grew up in Spartanburg. This will be my 1st year as a Special Education Teacher at McCarthy. However, I taught Special Education in Ohio for 19 years. I am looking forward to a fabulous school year!
Makenna Klanot is joining our Yellow Hall team. She got a head start by teaching in our Summer Camp program. Welcome Makenna!
Hello, my name is Makenna Klanot and I am beyond excited to be joining the McCarthy Teszler team! I am going into my sixth year of teaching, having taught at Meeting Street, Mary H. Wright and multiple school throughout London. I have recently just moved back from England where I was obtaining a master's degree in education policy and society from King’s College of London. Education equity is a huge passion of mine and hope to use my teaching experiences and policy knowledge to become a policy analyst on Capitol Hill one day. I am thrilled to be back in district 7 and cannot wait to learn and grow with everyone this year while following my passion for teaching special needs students.
Hello, my name is Makenna Klanot and I am beyond excited to be joining the McCarthy Teszler team! I am going into my sixth year of teaching, having taught at Meeting Street, Mary H. Wright and multiple school throughout London. I have recently just moved back from England where I was obtaining a master's degree in education policy and society from King’s College of London. Education equity is a huge passion of mine and hope to use my teaching experiences and policy knowledge to become a policy analyst on Capitol Hill one day. I am thrilled to be back in district 7 and cannot wait to learn and grow with everyone this year while following my passion for teaching special needs students.
A Warm District 7 Welcome to Our Newest Educators! 💙🍎
Today, we had the honor of hosting our annual New Teacher Luncheon — a tradition that marks the true beginning of a new school year in Spartanburg School District 7. It’s always one of our favorite days, as we welcome the newest members of our D7 family with open arms and full hearts.
Superintendent Jeff Stevens offered a warm and inspiring message, sharing his hopes that each new educator will fall in love with this place — with their students, their schools, and their colleagues. He reminded us that being part of District 7 is about more than joining a team — it’s about becoming part of a legacy.
The “7” in District 7 isn’t just a number. As Mr. Stevens shared, it symbolizes our commitment to Academics, Arts, Activities, and Athletics — the four foundational pillars that shape the D7 experience. Just as importantly, the three spaces within the 7 represent our values of Tradition, Excellence, and Innovation. These are more than words; they are the heartbeat of our district and guide everything we do.
As our new teachers prepare to welcome more than 7,000 students into their classrooms next week, we know they are bringing not only their skills and knowledge — but their heart, hope, and energy. They are stepping into a role that has the power to change lives.
Superintendent Stevens left our new team members with this powerful reminder: while we cannot control every challenge our students face, we can control the energy we bring each day. Our attitude, actions, and effort — three things we can choose — can make all the difference in the life of a child.
To all of our new educators: we are thrilled you’ve chosen to grow your career in District 7. You belong here. We are better because of you. And we can’t wait to see the impact you will have on the students and families of D7.
Welcome home. 💛💙
Today, we had the honor of hosting our annual New Teacher Luncheon — a tradition that marks the true beginning of a new school year in Spartanburg School District 7. It’s always one of our favorite days, as we welcome the newest members of our D7 family with open arms and full hearts.
Superintendent Jeff Stevens offered a warm and inspiring message, sharing his hopes that each new educator will fall in love with this place — with their students, their schools, and their colleagues. He reminded us that being part of District 7 is about more than joining a team — it’s about becoming part of a legacy.
The “7” in District 7 isn’t just a number. As Mr. Stevens shared, it symbolizes our commitment to Academics, Arts, Activities, and Athletics — the four foundational pillars that shape the D7 experience. Just as importantly, the three spaces within the 7 represent our values of Tradition, Excellence, and Innovation. These are more than words; they are the heartbeat of our district and guide everything we do.
As our new teachers prepare to welcome more than 7,000 students into their classrooms next week, we know they are bringing not only their skills and knowledge — but their heart, hope, and energy. They are stepping into a role that has the power to change lives.
Superintendent Stevens left our new team members with this powerful reminder: while we cannot control every challenge our students face, we can control the energy we bring each day. Our attitude, actions, and effort — three things we can choose — can make all the difference in the life of a child.
To all of our new educators: we are thrilled you’ve chosen to grow your career in District 7. You belong here. We are better because of you. And we can’t wait to see the impact you will have on the students and families of D7.
Welcome home. 💛💙
Let's welcome Jasper McCall to the Peach Hall! We are excited to have you Jasper!
Eagles, let's welcome our newest Teszler teacher, Melissa Carter!
Hello, my name is Melissa Carter. I recently moved from Beaufort. I have been visiting the upstate for years and absolutely love this area!
I am a first-year teacher with many years of experience caring for and supporting students with diverse learning needs. I am excited to join the McCarthy Teszler family!
Hello, my name is Melissa Carter. I recently moved from Beaufort. I have been visiting the upstate for years and absolutely love this area!
I am a first-year teacher with many years of experience caring for and supporting students with diverse learning needs. I am excited to join the McCarthy Teszler family!
We are so excited for the start of a new school year! We will be introducing new teachers over the next few days. Let's start by welcoming a familiar Eagle to a new role! Courtney Hall will be teaching on the Purple Hall this year.
Hi friends! I’m Miss Courtney! I have been an assistant here at McCarthy Teszler for the past seven years. It is one of my favorite places on earth. I received my bachelor’s in multi-categorical special education and will finally have my own classroom! After working with middle and high school, I am moving to our elementary department. I could not be more excited!! Here’s to the 2025-2026 school year :)
Hi friends! I’m Miss Courtney! I have been an assistant here at McCarthy Teszler for the past seven years. It is one of my favorite places on earth. I received my bachelor’s in multi-categorical special education and will finally have my own classroom! After working with middle and high school, I am moving to our elementary department. I could not be more excited!! Here’s to the 2025-2026 school year :)
🛍️ Save the Date: South Carolina’s Tax Free Weekend is August 1–3!
Get ready to stock up and save! During Tax Free Weekend, you won’t pay state or local sales tax on:
✔️ Clothing & shoes
✔️ Computers & printers
✔️ School supplies
✔️ ...and more!
All retailers participate—including online! This is a great time to grab back-to-school essentials and tech gear at a lower cost.
📆 Mark your calendars and learn more here:
🔗 SC Department of Revenue Tax Free Weekend Info (https://tinyurl.com/taxfreeSCweekend)
Get ready to stock up and save! During Tax Free Weekend, you won’t pay state or local sales tax on:
✔️ Clothing & shoes
✔️ Computers & printers
✔️ School supplies
✔️ ...and more!
All retailers participate—including online! This is a great time to grab back-to-school essentials and tech gear at a lower cost.
📆 Mark your calendars and learn more here:
🔗 SC Department of Revenue Tax Free Weekend Info (https://tinyurl.com/taxfreeSCweekend)
Don't miss registration!
As we celebrate and enjoy time spent with loved ones this 4th of July, we honor the values that unite us as a community and nation. Together, let's continue to strive for a future where knowledge, understanding, and compassion prevail. Wishing everyone a safe and joyous Independence Day!
📚☀️ Paws-itively the Best Summer Ever! 🐾
Summer enrichment across D7 — including Summer School and Summer Reading Camp — is in full swing, and it’s not just our students who are loving it! From diving into books to exploring arts integration, students are building new skills and growing their love of learning. And thanks to our amazing friends at the Spartanburg Humane Society, even our furry friends are getting in on the fun!
Like Bullet, a true inspiration. After surviving a traumatic injury, he now rolls through life with courage and wheels — and rolled right into our hearts during Summer Reading Camp! He’s already a pro, bringing smiles and encouragement to every classroom he visits. 🐾
A big THANK YOU to the Spartanburg Humane Society for this meaningful partnership — and to all the guest readers helping our students stay sharp, curious, and connected this summer. 📖💛
District 7 schools and offices will be closed in observance of Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19.
Juneteenth commemorates the journey towards freedom and equality that we continue to travel today. It reminds us of the progress we have made, and also that this work is ongoing. It calls us to seek understanding of our differences and of the experiences that shape our unique perspectives. We honor this important holiday as we continually work to inspire and equip our students for meaningful lives of leadership and service as world citizens.
District 7 extends a warm invitation to families in Spartanburg to participate in our summer meal program for 2025.
We're providing free individual meals served at various community sites and as part of summer school and other structured programs at our school sites. Please note that meals must be enjoyed on-site, per Federal program regulations.
While our school sites are exclusively serving enrolled summer school students, some community sites are open to anyone aged 18 and under. This initiative is made possible thanks to the United States Department of Agriculture's Summer Meals Program.
Find out more and check the schedule on our website: [https://www.spartanburg7.org/summermeals].
🔥 Viking Athletics is bringing the HEAT this summer — and the first week of camp was on fire! From big swings to fast feet and fearless serves, our young athletes kicked things off in true Viking style at Spartanburg High School. 💪🏽📣🏀⚽️
We just wrapped up Lady Vikings Sports Camp, and let’s just say... it was a slam dunk success!
But we’re just getting started.
Whether your child wants to cheer, spike, tackle, swing, or shoot — there’s a Viking camp for everyone! Camps are filling fast, so head to www.hubcitylocker.com/vikings and snag your spot today. Camps are held across our Viking Arena, the wrestling facility, and athletic fields, and Duncan Park.
Here’s what’s coming up:
Youth Football Camp | June 2, 9, 16, 23 (https://tinyurl.com/VikingsFBCamp)
Cheer Kiddie Camp | June 9–11
Basketball Kids Camp | June 9–12
Wrestling Camp | June 9–12
Soccer Camp | June 9–11
Baseball Camp | June 16–18
Train with the best. Make new friends. Create unforgettable memories.
Let’s go, VIKINGS! 🏆
🎉 Schooled in Sunshine: Our Summer Send-Off is Here! ☀️🎓
Before we trade backpacks for beach bags, don’t miss our final 7Headlines of the school year —featuring a feel-good video packed with field day fun, graduation smiles, and unforgettable D7 moments. 💙 https://tinyurl.com/7headlinessummer2025
Your D7 Communications Team isn’t quite signing off for summer—we’ll still be around with the occasional update, but things will be a little less bustling online. So be sure to stay tuned and keep checking in!
Thank you for all the love, likes, and comments this year—we’ve loved sharing our schools’ stories with you. ❤️
📲 Watch the full video and catch our recap here: https://youtu.be/T6SNgItb2RY?si=S060VTDJv3ZgpJOP
#D7isGoingForGreat
#SummerStartsNow
🎉 This edition of 7Headlines: MAY We Celebrate! 🎓🎭🎨
May is bursting with milestones and memories in the making! From graduation cheers to artistic achievements, from outstanding educators to student success stories—you’ll find plenty of reasons to celebrate in this joyful issue.
PLUS: Teacher and Nurse Appreciation, Senior Spotlights, Arts Showcases, and a look ahead at summer fun!
Take a moment to soak in the pride, the progress, and the people who make District 7 shine.
✨ MAY we celebrate all that makes D7 great:
📬 Read the full issue here: https://tinyurl.com/7HeadlinesMay2025
🚧✨ Something BIG is coming to Spartanburg! ✨🚧
We’re building the future — literally — and we’re inviting local trade partners to be part of it.
Join us on Tuesday, May 27, from 4–6 PM at Drayton Mills Elementary School for a special New Jesse Boyd Trade Partner Outreach Event hosted by Harper General Contractors. 🏗️
You'll get a first look at the plans for the new Jesse Boyd Elementary School and learn more about the project timeline, bidding process, and how you can get involved.
📍 Drayton Mills Elementary School
📅 May 27, 2025 | 4:00–6:00 PM
📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer or register online today (https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=w4QUXBw2P066jCNQTF-9ZBYpAY7AxRlFruWR4dDnIXRURTZYVUE4MzdGQTJRUlU3S0RJWTQ4VE9LSC4u)
Let’s build something amazing — together.
This Wednesday (May 14) is "Hats OFF to Education" day in D7!
All faculty, staff, and students are invited support future educators from the Class of 2025 by wearing your favorite hat and bringing $1 (or more) to school to contribute to the effort. All funds raised will support our Teacher Forum's scholarships for this year's seniors majoring in education.
We hope you will join in the fun as we all work together to support future educators!
💙 Happy National School Nurse Day! 💙
Today, we celebrate the heart of every school — our incredible school nurses! From caring for scraped knees and big feelings to managing health plans and emergencies, you are a calm and steady force for students and staff alike.
In District 7, you are true superheroes — compassionate, skilled, and always going the extra mile. THANK YOU for the difference you make every single day.
🩺 We see you. We appreciate you. We are better because of you.
#SchoolNurseDay
#D7isGoingForGreat
Every orchestra student in grades 5-12 performed before a packed house in Viking Arena for last night’s season finale. It was a spectacular tribute to their year! Our 400+ students ended the concert in perfect harmony as they joined togetherer in playing “America the Beautiful”.
Congratulations to each of our orchestras and their conductors on “Going for Great” - and achieving it in the most beautiful way!
#D7isGoingForGreat
#ToInspireAndEquip
✨ Shining Bright in Spartanburg County! ✨
Today, the future of Spartanburg County gleamed brighter than ever at the Kiwanis Club of Spartanburg's annual Terrific Kid of the Year luncheon! 🌟 We’re bursting with pride as we celebrate the incredible achievements of our elementary school superstars who’ve shown what it means to lead with heart, character, and determination.
A huge shoutout to the exceptional students from District 7 who are truly shining examples of kindness, responsibility, and perseverance:
• Zavion Omari Hillstock, Cleveland Academy of Leadership
• Jayden Beatty, Drayton Mills Elementary
• James Martin Crotts, E.P. Todd School
• Emily Georgion, Jesse Boyd Elementary
• Matthew Franco, Mary H. Wright Elementary
• Charley Donnelly, Pine Street Elementary
• Scarlett Hayes, McCarthy-Teszler Teszler Division
• Calvin Miller, McCarthy-Teszler Secondary Division (Not pictured: Joseph Ramos, McCarthy-Teszler Elementary School)
These Terrific Kids were recognized for their outstanding character, receiving a special plaque, a T-shirt, and a certificate signed by the Governor – a true reflection of their hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
The Kiwanis Club’s Terrific Kids program is all about cultivating thoughtful, enthusiastic, respectful, and capable young people. These honorees embody those qualities and more, setting an inspiring example for their peers and our entire community.
A round of applause also goes to the families, teachers, guidance counselors, and principals who support and encourage these students every step of the way. You’ve helped nurture these bright young minds, and we couldn’t be more thankful for your guidance.
To all the Terrific Kids: Your journey is just beginning, and the world is lucky to have you. Keep reaching for the stars, keep being the change, and keep inspiring those around you. The best is yet to come! 🌟💫
Congratulations again to all of our D7 honorees, and to all Terrific Kids celebrated today. The impact you make will echo through the years. Keep shining, keep dreaming, and never stop striving for greatness!
#D7isgoingforgreat
#TerrificKidSpartanburg
