Look Who's Making News in the March Issue of 7Headlines

Headlines

Your Source For District News

March, 2016

Superintendent to Present State of the District Address

Annual State of the District, Thursday March 31 at Chapman Cultural Center

This week, Superintendent Dr. Russell Booker will take the stage at the Chapman Cultural Center to share the State of the District. The annual presentation, each spring, provides the community with an update on the highlights and happenings in the District, said Chief Communications Officer Sally Hammond. "District 7 schools belong to the community, so it's important our stakeholders are aware of our successes and also understand our challenges. We have tremendous things happening in our schools, success stories and accomplishments we want Spartanburg to know about. Of course, we also delve into the District's goals and discuss the ways in which the community can continue to work together on behalf of our children." The State of the District is open to the public and begins at 8am on Thursday, March 31.

District 7 Garners Support for Capital Improvement Plan


	Dr. Booker Thanks Supporters On March 15

With a resounding vote of support for the children of District 7, residents in the community approved the District's Capital Improvement Plan on Tuesday, March 15, by a margin of 63%. This pivotal moment in the life of the District paves the way for the construction of a new elementary school, a new Spartanburg High School and demolitions and renovations to the current high school to make way for a new McCracken Middle School.

The plan will also allow the administration to make needed improvements to other facilities in the District. Explaining what happens next, Dr. Russell Booker said, "Now we really go to work. As we move forward with construction we're committed to seeking the input of our stakeholders. We're committed to designing and building these schools in the most responsible, efficient and cost effective manner; and we're eager to involve our teachers, students, parents and community leaders in that process." As information about the project becomes available, 7Headlines will keep you posted on the progress!

District Earns Reaccreditation and Accolades for Technology

Following a three-day visit this month from the professional accrediting agency known as AdvanceED, District 7 has earned renewal

of its five-year accreditation. According to Dr. Terry Pruitt, Deputy Superintendent for Instruction, "This is a process that ensures continuous improvement in the District. Our evaluation is based on a rigorous set of standards and helps us make the most of our talents and resources as we advance student outcomes and institutional quality." This year's accreditation team was especially impressed by the District's 1:1 technology program, suggesting it serve as a guide to other school districts seeking a best practice model for blended learning. "We were thrilled about the team's assessment of our Seven Ignites program," said Dr. Pruitt. "We've worked hard to close the digital divide in our schools and the results are exceeding our greatest expectations!" District 7 engaged hundreds of stakeholders in the reaccreditation process, including teachers, staff, administrators, students, parents, non-profit organizations and local leaders in the business and faith communities.

Spring Means Fall Registration for D7's Youngest Learners


	Lucky Leprechauns at the ELC

Registration for 5-year-old kindergarten is underway for the 2016-17 school year. Registration will be held at neighborhood elementary schools Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 2:30pm now through April 21. Children must be five years of age on or before September 1, 2016 to enroll.

The District also has 4K programs at the Early Learning Center at Park Hills, (which earned national accreditation this year by NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children), The Cleveland Academy of Leadership and NEW this year, a 3K program at Meeting Street Academy. For additional information on 4K and 5K enrollment, please call (864) 594-4400. To inquire about 3K enrollment, call The Meeting Street Academy at (864) 253-1800.

School Registration Will Soon Be A Snap!

This year, for the first time ever, District 7 families can go online to register their children for school. In an effort to simplify the back-to-school process (and to save a few trees!) the District has partnered with InfoSnap to streamline registration. "We wanted a simpler solution for families," said Dr. Sonia Leverette, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services. "By automating the age-old practice of filling out dozens of forms, parents with more than one child will no longer have to duplicate their efforts and will simply "snap" data from one to another. A number of school districts throughout the state are using this platform and have found it to be extremely helpful with data collection." According to Dr. Leverette, the District will provide more information to families in the coming months and options will also be available for parents of children who do not have access to computers or the internet.

D7 and Meeting Street Academy Look Forward to Partnership

3 Year-Old Students at Meeting Street Academy in Downtown Spartanburg

Located in the heart of downtown Spartanburg, next door to Denny's headquarters, is a relatively new school to our community. Meeting Street Academy (MSA) was established in July 2012 as a private organization and currently serves approximately 160 children from 3K to 2 nd grade. With the addition of a new grade level each year, MSA will eventually enroll students through the 5 th grade. "It's an incredible school with a great story," says Principal Raine Hackler. "And, beginning this fall, we add an exciting new chapter to the story in partnership with District 7."

"This public-private partnership," said D7 Superintendent Dr. Russell Booker, "will provide families in our District with even more opportunity for school choice. We've drawn a new attendance zone for MSA that will afford our families with pre-school programs for children as young as 3 years old. As we work to expand the scope of our offerings in early childhood education, the ability to partner with Meeting Street is a win for both schools. Together, we can leverage our resources to benefit our children and strengthen our respective efforts." If you'd like to inquire about 3K registration, now taking place at Meeting Street Academy, please call (864) 253-1800.

Converse Athletes Take Their "A" Game to E.P. Todd


	Madison Butler, Gabby Potts and Aubrie Lauderdale at E.P. Todd

The game of lacrosse is often referred to as the fastest game on two feet. For two Converse College student athletes who added volunteering to their busy college schedules, that fancy footwork on the field is a skill set that's come in handy. In addition to school and practice, Aubrie Lauderdale and Madison Butler signed on to volunteer at E.P. Todd School this year. Reading alongside students in grades 2-4, the young women say they're been incredibly impressed with the kids at Todd and have enjoyed serving as tutors and role models.

Along with other members from the College's lacrosse team, Abbie and Madison took it upon themselves to conduct a book drive for the students. With a goal of netting 1,000 books and some help from area churches and businesses, the book drive has gone a long way in supplementing the school's library shelves. On Monday, April 18, all E.P. Todd students and staff will attend a Converse lacrosse game at which time the total number of books collected for the drive will be announced.