Headlines
Your Source For District News                                April 2017
A Walk in the Woods
SHS Alumni Reunion 
Brings Naturalist  Rudy Mancke to Town
SHS Environmental Science Class with Rudy Mancke
Spartanburg High School alumni from the Class of 1967 made a weekend out of their recent reunion, kicking off their celebration with a walk in the woods. Well known SC naturalist Rudy Mancke, and SHS Class of 1963 alum, joined in the fun by leading a walk through Spartanburg's Hatcher Gardens. In addition to former '67 graduates, current students from one of the high school's Environmental Science class were invited to share in the day.
1963 SHS Grad and Well-Known SC Naturalist, Rudy Mancke
SHS Seniors Nearing Commencement

There is a quote by author and poet Donovan Livingston that describes the Class of 2017 perfectly. In his now famous 2006 commencement address, the Harvard grad likened education to "Lift Off." To the soaring of stars. "At the core, none of us are meant to be common. We were born to be comets, darting across space and time and leaving our mark." As for our soon-to-be-graduates near their own commencement - we look forward to following their journey into the future and proudly predict they'll be leaving a mark wherever they go.

Each year, Spartanburg High School graduates are accepted by some of the nation's most prestigious colleges and universities and this year's class is no exception. Our 2017 Vikings are headed for such notable schools as  Centre College, Clemson, Converse, Davidson, Duke, Georgetown, Oxford College at Emory, Pratt, Sewanee, UCLA, UNC Chapel Hill, University of Pennsylvania, University of Richmond,University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, Washington and Lee, and Wheaton and Wofford College just to name a few. 
Graduating Seniors Point to What's Next!
On Friday, April 21, SHS held a signing day to celebrate the next steps for all of our students. With plans for college and career well in motion, and assignments already accepted for the armed forces, the Class of 2017 is well on its way to making a name for itself.  We look forward to keeping you apprised of the adventures and opportunities that await them.
A Banner Day for Spartanburg High School Seniors
Makala Harris Accepting a $180,000 Scholarship Given By the Marine Corps to 10 Outstanding Seniors in the Nation
Senior Recognition Night, at Spartanburg High School
As we applaud the Class of 2017 for their tremendous contributions to Spartanburg High School, we also salute those young men and women who will be serving our country following graduation. Among them is Makala Harris who will attend USC this fall with a $180,000 scholarship from the Marine Corps. One of only ten recipients in the country to receive the full ride, Makala will be commissioned as a second lieutenant Marine, upon her graduation from USC. The scholarship is based on her stellar academic record, her potential to lead others and her physical fitness.

Each year, The Washington Post identifies high schools that excel in preparing students for college-level work, an honor SHS has received for the last several years.  With the SHS graduation rate on the rise for the 6th consecutive year, average passing rate on AP tests at 79%, SAT scores above the state and national average, and over 85% of the school's graduates pursuing higher education, it's no wonder Spartanburg High School is attracting attention!
The Spirit of the Southside
Jennifer Evins of the Chapman Cultural Center at SHS

In a project that underscores the rich history of Spartanburg, former residents of the Southside neighborhood have come together to share their pride of place and the important role of community. As part of the Chapman Cultural Center's outdoor art exhibit called, Seeing Spartanburg in a New Light, local leaders in the Highland area created a video called, T he Legends of Highland. The 30-minute documentary tells the story of 21 residents from Highland who went on to great careers and professional success. Speaking recently at Spartanburg High School, a number of the "legends" encouraged students to pursue their dreams with drive and determination. Together they echoed one common theme, "Success doesn't just happen, it's based on the choices you make and a commitment to the path you take."

Watch The Legends of Highland

What's Up at Cleveland Academy of Leadership

When students walk down the hallways at the Cleveland Academy of Leadership, they can look up for inspiration.   About 30 colorful ceiling tiles throughout the school are painted with art and inspirational quotes.  Art teacher Kendra Snyder says, "The tile project is like my personal Sistine Chapel, I just don't paint upside down on scaffolding like Michelangelo did!  Mr. Garrett, our school custodian, removes each tile and I paint them on the table." In keeping with Cleveland's Leader in Me focus, Principal Fred Logan, Assistant Principal Marquice Clark and Ms. Snyder decided that showcasing influential people this way would be a really interesting concept. Clark said "We are trying to inspire our students with quotes from inspirational leaders of the past and present. One day, our own young people will be the leaders that we recognize and celebrate.
Meeting Street Academy and Mary H. Wright 
Shine in Spring Productions
Meeting Street Spartanburg's The Lion King Musical
Mary H Wright's 101 Dalmatians 

With all the flourish and fanfare of Broadway, schools throughout District 7 have been wowing audiences this spring! Productions of The Wizard of Oz, Seussical the Musical, The Lion King and 101 Dalmatians are just a few of the signature events that have put students front and center to feature the tremendous talent of our children and staff alike. On April 20, Mary H. Wright put on its first-ever-full-length drama production with a charming rendition of 101 Dalmatians. Principal Marc Zachary said the show comes with a changing culture and a growing sense of pride in all that's taking place at the school. As the newest school to District 7, Meeting Street Academy Spartanburg (MSAS) is celebrating a year of significant accomplishments. Operating through a public/private partnership, MSAS can take a bow for it's recent production of The Lion King. Be sure to note the date for Peter Pan at McCracken Middle School (on the sidebar) and the District's upcoming Spring Musical, Sister Act. You'll find Information about show times and ticket prices below.
Give Us an Amen - Sister Act Is Coming
Rehearsals are u nderway for Sister Act! Tickets can be purchased at The Chapman Cultural Center beginning May 1.  
Local Kiwanis Club Applauds Terrific Kids
Left to Right: Fernando Zarate-Rodriguez, Jamaria Tinsley, Chloe Parrott, McKayla Williams, Devin Phipps, D'Jonai Jones, Jy'Keya Spearman, Neo Smales and Dr. Booker
Maia Henley and Terrell Edwards of McCarthy Teszler

Students representing elementary schools across Spartanburg County were recognized for their good character and citizenship during the Kiwanis Club's 27th annual Terrific Kid of the Year luncheon on April 24. The honorees from District 7 are: Neo Smales, The Early Learning Center; Fernando Zarate-Rodriguez, Chapman; Jamaria Tinsley, Cleveland Academy; Chloe Parrot, EP Todd; McKayla Williams, Houston; Devin Phipps, Jesse Boyd; D'Jonai Jones, Mary H. Wright; Jy'Keya Spearman, Pine Street School; and Maia Henley, Terrell Edwards, and Jacob Sutherland, McCarthy-Teszler.

In addition to the festivities held at the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, students were presented with a Terrific Kids plaque, a T-shirt, a free coupon to Zaxby's, and a certificate signed by Governor Henry McMaster. Spartanburg Municipal Court Judge, Erica McJimpsey served as the keynote speaker for the program.
Terrific Kids is a student recognition program, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Spartanburg that promotes character development, self-esteem, and perseverance. "Terrific" is an acronym for Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Responsible, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitive and Capable. 
Boys at Jesse Boyd SUIT Up for Success
Jesse Boyd Students Dressed for Dining at the Piedmont Club
Our Thanks to Mr. Vic Bailey and the Piedmont Club
They call their club SUIT, which stands for Show Up in Ties. And from the looks of these fine young fellows they're serious about the business of becoming gentlemen!

For students in grades 3-5 at Jesse Boyd Elementary School, every Wednesday is an opportunity to show up in ties for a lunch meeting with Assistant Principal Jonathan Duvall and P.E. Coach Kevin Brabham. With special guests often invited to the weekly lunch-and -learn sessions, the club is focused on coaching boys in leadership, etiquette, and the sort of social skills that support success. The popular club now sports about 65 members and with the help of donations from JBE's PTSO and The Stevens Law Firm in Spartanburg, the school purchased 40 jackets to ensure that every boy who chooses to participate can SUIT up for the fun!

If you would like to sponsor a blue blazer or a tie, please be in touch with Jonathan Duvall at jmduvall@spart7.org. 
District 7 Featured for Composting Success

Recycling Champions from Cleveland Academy 

At The Cleveland Academy  of Leadership, learning over lunch is now on the menu! In a pilot program aimed at recycling and sustainability,  Cleveland has partnered with Spartanburg-based Atlas Organics to introduce students and cafeteria staff to the importance of composting.
Second grader Dakota McAbee says composting is all about "being good to the world." It also provides students the opportunity to put into practice what they've learned about recycling in the classroom, says teacher Sheila Jones. "My students have taken a personal responsibility to make their world a cleaner place to live." 

Leslie Rodgers is the Education Director & Compost House Coordinator with Atlas Organics. Rodgers says,taking small steps is big start. To date, Cleveland has recycled 34,000 pounds of lunch leftovers. As the kids will tell you, that equates to 17 tons or 2 1/2 elephants. Because of the success of the program at Cleveland, Altas Organics created a short video in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to promote composting throughout the state. 
Reading Program with Barbers Is A Cut Above

Fun at OB's Barber Shop
About every month, 8-year-old Jacob  gets a haircut at OB's Barbershop.  But when he walks into the shop, he doesn't head straight for the barber's chair. He goes directly instead to the little bookshelf, filled with titles such as "If You Plant A Seed," "I Have Heard of a Land" and "The Blues 
of Brown Flats."

When the idea for Books with Barbers was introduced in Columbia, SC in 2016, District 7 joined the movement and worked with the founder to expand the initiative in the Upstate.  The program is designed to  instill an enjoyment of reading into the next generation, particularly young African-American boys.  The participating barbershops within or bordering District 7 are given a variety of books geared toward a range of ages at no cost to the barber. Each  reading nook , secured by a $250 contribution, includes a colorful bookshelf and a plaque dedicated to the sponsor of the space.

Books with Barbers is an outgrowth of the District's literacy initiative called 7Reads. To date, approximately 20 barbershops in Spartanburg have joined the effort.  If you would like to be involved,   please contact Dr. Sonia Leverette, Superintendent of Student Services, at 864-594-6189.   
In This Issue
District 7 Students To Sing at Converse on Saturday, April 29 

On April 29 at 7pm at Daniel Recital Hall on the campus of Converse The Corporation unites with the District's middle school pop groups to bring you, "I Lived", a musical journey through the decades. Tickets,  on sale here, support college scholarships for graduating choir students. 
Neverland Awaits
McCracken Middle School presents Disney's Peter Pan
Jr. on  May 4  and 5  at  6pm. 
District 7 Honored for Communications

District 7 will be presented with several "Rewards for Excellence" from the SC National School Public Relations Association on April 28. Two of the winning publications include; the digital newsletter, 7Headlines and the Superintendent's, Moment for Mission.
May 19 Graduation Changes 
Please be advised of 2 slight changes to graduation plans for Friday, May 19 at Wofford College

1.Start time has been moved from 7:30pm to 8:00pm. 

2.The ceremony will be held inside Benjamin Johnson Arena, which means each graduating student will receive 6 tickets at graduation rehearsal.

Doors will open at 7:00pm and close at 7:45pm (no exceptions). Please plan accordingly.

The ceremony will be streamed live on the District's YouTube Channel
Seen Around Seven
Spot on at Mary H. Wright
SHS's Destiny Shippey
Welding at DMTC

Natali Servando at MHW is Cruella DeVille

Meeting Street Students at Barrier Island 
Boeing Execs at Carver
Meeting Street Spartanburg's The Lion King
Dazzling the Diamond at The Carolina Miracle League
SHS Spring Signing Day 
Congressman Trey Gowdy Stops By Pine St. to Honor Aniyah Cross
EP Todd's Big  Book Giveaway
Hoppin' with Fun at
Pine Street

Carver Art Teacher JoJo Darwin Wins Juried 
Guild Art Show

Dr. Bernard Frost Honored by National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics 
Mayor Junie White and Dr. Russell Booker at MHW's 101 Dalmatians
Carver Students See the Sites in DC
Houston 5th Graders in Atlanta at The Home
Where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Was Born
Legends of Highland Visit with Future Legends at SHS
The Early Learning Center Celebrates Earth Day - Thanks to Costco 
and Denny's for 
Your Support!
Sharing the Fun of Earth Day at the ELC
Toddlers, Tales &Trails

City of Spartanburg Offers outdoor nature walks this summer for toddlers and their parents. To learn more, contact Liz Walker at lwalker@cityofspartanburg.org. 
Important Dates
May 2: Board Meeting
May 9: Teacher Appreciation 
May 10: Bike to School Day
May 19: Graduation
May 26: Last Student Day
May 25-28:Sister Act
Thursday, May 25 and Friday, May 26 will be half days for students. The last day of school is Friday May 26.   
Saluting Our Staff   
It's time to hug a teacher and give a nod to your school nurse. Across the nation, the month of May provides an annual opportunity to salute those educators and health care professionals who do so much for our students on a daily basis. May 7, begins Teacher Appreciation Week and May 10, is National School Nurses Day. In District 7, we have more than 700 dedicated educators and 18 nurses serving our 14 schools. In addition to recognizing them, we also want to thank our principals, administrators, teacher aides, secretaries, bus drivers and support staff. We are grateful to our entire District family for all they do to help inspire and equip students each and every day. 
Spartanburg School District Seven | 610 Dupre Drive  | Spartanburg SC  | 29307  | 864-594-4400