Whitlock Flex Center -

On August 6, our D7 faculty and staff packed the Viking Arena with energy and excitement as we kicked off the 2025–2026 school year in true District 7 style!

From a vibrant flag processional to honoring our incredible iReady Champions, Support Staff of the Year, Crystal Apple Award winners, and Teachers of the Year — it was a celebration like no other.

We also unveiled this year’s inspiring theme: 7 SHINES ✨
More than just a theme, 7 SHINES reflects the light within every student and the power we have when we shine together. It’s a symbol of hope, growth, and possibility — reminding us that every student has unique gifts and purpose that deserve to be seen, nurtured, and celebrated. In D7, our teachers, staff, and leaders are lighting the way for every child’s success.

One of the morning’s brightest moments was the announcement of our 2025 District Teacher of the Year — Alicia Fulmer, a kindergarten teacher at Pine Street Elementary! Described as calm, focused, and overflowing with compassion, Ms. Fulmer truly represents the heart of D7. Congratulations!

We also proudly celebrated each of our 2025 Teachers of the Year from every school — a group of passionate, dedicated educators making a difference every day.

✨ Crystal Apple Awards were presented to our amazing first-year teachers, with a special shoutout to Naomi Bynum of Drayton Mills, our district-level winner!

👏 And hats off to our 2025 Support Staff Members of the Year, who keep our schools running smoothly and make a lasting impact behind the scenes.

We can’t wait to welcome our students back — the energy is high, the passion is real, and our commitment to helping every child shine has never been stronger.

District 7's schools and offices will open at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6th so our employees can gather for our annual Opening Convocation. This special kick-off for the new school year is a celebration of the important role each member of our D7 faculty and staff plays in the lives of our students and families.

Please note that all District 7 facilities will be closed until 11 a.m. Wednesday and thank you for your understanding.

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. 💛💙

🛍️ 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)

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].

🎉 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

Spartanburg, get ready to laugh, cheer, and believe in happily-ever-afters (with a swampy twist)! ✨🎭 Everyone’s favorite ogre is stomping onto the stage a week from this Thursday, in Shrek The Musical at Spartanburg High School—and you won’t want to miss the magic! From beloved fairy tale characters and jaw-dropping sets to live music and a fire-breathing dragon (yes, really 🔥)—this show has it all. 📍 Join us at the D7 Fine Arts Center on the campus of SHS, April 24–27! 🎟️ Reserved seating is now open and tickets are flying fast: https://our.show/d7shrek Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film, this Tony Award-winning musical features music by Jeanine Tesori and a hilarious book by David Lindsay-Abaire. It's packed with heart, humor, and high-energy performances that the whole family will love. ✨ Costumes. Puppets. A donkey in waffle-loving overdrive. And a reminder that beauty is in the eye of the ogre. Snag your reserved seat now—before they disappear like Rumpelstiltskin! 💚👑 https://our.show/d7shrek

🎉 Celebrating National Assistant Principals Week! 🎉 Although our schools were on Spring Break, we couldn't let National Assistant Principals Week pass without recognizing the extraordinary work and dedication of our Assistant Principals in Spartanburg School District 7! We love our Assistant Principals—and for good reason! These outstanding professionals play an essential role in our schools, working tirelessly to support teachers, motivate students, assist principals, and create positive, thriving learning environments. They face the many challenges that come their way with determination and grace, and their commitment to student success is unmatched. We are incredibly fortunate to have such an exceptional team. Their passion for our students, faculty, staff, and community is evident in everything they do. They are dedicated to the success of each student, and we are deeply appreciative of the time, effort, and expertise they invest in our schools. Thank you to all of our Assistant Principals for your continued hard work and dedication. You are a vital part of our mission of Going for Great, and we are grateful for the positive impact you make every day. Here’s to you—our Assistant Principals, the heart of our schools! 👏🎓 Jesse Boyd Elementary Stephanie Seay | Dr. Lichelle Jones-Wilkins Cleveland Academy of Leadership Alanda Posey | Alphonso Richard Drayton Mills Elementary Adena McDaniel | Thurman Evans E.P. Todd School Brian Landon | Vanessa Norman Mary H. Wright Elementary Dr. Ashley Barnes Mitchell | Alexis Clowney-Fox Pine Street Elementary Reena Waston | Dr. Erin Davis Carver Middle School Cherrel Jackson | Jaime Talkington McCracken Middle School Katrina Johnson | Tripp Manuel | Jeannee Abercrombie (AJ) Johnson | Rebecca Miller Spartanburg High School Lindsey Johnson | Rod Daniels | Eric Parker | Jeff Boucher | Dr. Lavetta Collins | Dr. Shay Rice | Ryan Smith Whitlock Flexible Learning Center Tawayne Weems | Sarah Watson McCarthy Teszler School Quida Black

🎭✨ Get ready for a roaring good time, Spartanburg! ✨🎭 Everyone's favorite ogre is taking the stage this April at Spartanburg High School, and you don't want to miss it! Shrek The Musical is bringing all the beloved characters, incredible live music, and yes... even a fire-breathing dragon! 🔥 Join us for this sidesplitting fairy tale adventure at the D7 Fine Arts Center from April 24-27. ✨ Tickets are flying fast, and with reserved seating now open, you’ll want to snag yours today: https://our.show/d7shrek 🎟️ Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film, this Tony Award-winning musical features new songs by Jeanine Tesori and a hilarious book by David Lindsay-Abaire. 🏆 It’s a treasure trove of creative magic, with unforgettable costumes, sets, and puppets. Plus, it’s fun for the whole family—beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre! 🌟 Don't wait—get your tickets before they’re gone!

Friendly Reminder! Friday, March 14 is an eLearning day for students, serving as a make-up day for some of the six school days missed last fall during Hurricane Helene. We are continually inspired by the resilience of our students and the dedication of our families in supporting their success. Your partnership makes all the difference! Students will have two school days after each make-up day to complete and submit their eLearning assignments. For families in need of childcare and eLearning support, the City of Spartanburg is offering two FREE day camps: 🔹 Ages 5-12: CC Woodson Community Center (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.) 🔹 Ages 13-17: Dr. TK Gregg Center (12 p.m. – 5 p.m.) Snacks will be provided! While participation is free, advance registration is required—please scan the QR codes on the attached flyers for details. We are incredibly grateful for the City’s partnership in supporting our students and families. Thank you, parents and caregivers, for your unwavering support, flexibility, and commitment to your child’s education! 📚✨

Spartanburg School District 7 Closure Announcement – Wednesday, March 5, 2025 Due to the strong wind advisory in effect from 4 AM to 7 PM by the National Weather Service, Spartanburg District 7 schools will be closed on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Forecasts indicate sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph. In accordance with state safety regulations, school bus operations must be suspended when gusts exceed 45 mph, making travel unsafe for our students and staff. Unlike other weather-related closures earlier this year, this will not be an eLearning day, as we have exhausted our allotted eLearning days for the year. The safety of our students, staff, and families remains our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate this weather-related closure. Please take all necessary precautions, stay safe, and look out for one another. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Thursday.

NOW OPEN: Applications for School Choice & Out-of-District Tuition March 1-31, 2025: Apply for rising 1st - 12th Grades July 15-31, 2025: Apply for rising 5K Families interested in School Choice (for those residing in District 7 who wish to request a school other than their zoned school) or Out-of-District Tuition (for those living outside District 7 who want to enroll their child in a District 7 school) can apply from March 1-31, 2025 for students entering 1st-12th grades for the 2025-2026 school year. For families with rising 5K students, the application window opens July 15, 2025. 🔹 Already enrolled through School Choice or Out-of-District Tuition? No need to reapply! Your child will remain at their current school. If transitioning to middle school, they will be enrolled in the middle school linked to their current elementary school. 📍 For full details and information, visit spartanburg7.org/schoolchoice.

💛🚍 February is Love the Bus Month! 🚍💛 Every morning and afternoon, Spartanburg School District 7's incredible school bus drivers ensure that more than 7,200 students arrive safely to and from school. They are the first smiling faces students see at the start of the day and the last to wish them well on the way home. Their dedication, kindness, and commitment to safety do not go unnoticed! 💛👏 This week, let's take a moment to show our gratitude to the amazing men and women behind the wheel. A simple "Thank You" can mean the world to those who work tirelessly to keep our students safe—especially as schools face ongoing bus driver shortages. 🚌✨ 💛 Interested in making a difference? D7 is hiring bus drivers! If you're looking for a rewarding career where you can have a positive impact on students and families, visit D7 Drive a Bus (https://www.spartanburg7.org/driveabus) to learn more. 🚍 To all our bus drivers — THANK YOU! You are essential, and we appreciate all that you do! 👏💛 #D7isGoingForGreat #ToInspireAndEquip