Unlocking Success Through Belonging |
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There is a place for every individual,
every ability, every dream, every background,
and every perspective in District 7.
Dear District 7 Family,
This year's theme, “I BELONG in 7,” captures the spirit of who we are and what we aspire to be in District 7. We want our families and community to feel welcomed and supported, and we want our children to discover and develop their unique interests and abilities. Through our many programs and opportunities, every D7 student will find a place to shine.
We remain laser-focused on four priority areas as a district: to provide individualized learning pathways and support through i-Ready, to strengthen literacy through Fountas and Pinnell, to align curriculum and learning targets across all grades and schools through our Instructional Framework, and to support student and staff well-being.
I am so proud of the way our entire district has embraced and supported these focus areas. District 7 has set our sights on ambitious goals for learning, growth and development this year, and I love seeing that spirit mirrored by teachers, students and families.
We are off to a GREAT beginning for our 2022-2023 school year. Every one of us is right where we belong in District 7!
Jeff Stevens
Superintendent
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A Two-Year Snapshot of D7's i-Ready Progress |
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In the video below, Dr. Bernard Frost, Executive Director for Curriculum and Instruction, explains our ongoing process of understanding and leveraging i-Ready. "Now (teachers) are seeing how to use the results, look at the reports, individualize instruction, and move the learning to the next level."
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We are well on our way to harnessing the full power of i-Ready by continuing to train teachers on the program's vast capabilities, and as they set out to engage students and parents in the process.
What does success look like? It begins with our school communities embracing student growth as a team approach. Drayton Mills Elementary recently hosted a creative family event, "Doughnuts with Data," for parents to receive their child’s i-Ready data while enjoying a treat in the courtyard with their child. Teachers were on-hand to help explain data and discuss upcoming conferences. Similar examples abound in the articles and photo captions throughout this issue of 7Headlines.
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Success is students reviewing their own progress and discussing those results with their teachers in order to gain a deeper understanding of what they need in order to improve - along with increased confidence and motivation to do so.
And ultimately, success is measurable student growth. Over the last two years that District 7 has used i-Ready throughout the district, we have been able to measure individual growth at a more nuanced level than ever before. Year-over-year percentages of students in Tier 1 (on or above grade level) are increasing, and percentages of students in Tier 3 (two or more grade levels behind) are decreasing. For a student who is below grade level to catch up, that student must gain more than a full year's worth of growth within a single year - and often do so for several years in a row. That level of progress is extraordinary for students and teachers to achieve, but they are and will continue to do so.
We all have set our sights on success! Working together with our families and community, we are helping students soar.
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Congratulations to our i-Ready Champions!
District 7 recognizes the following teachers for helping students achieve the most growth on i-Ready assessments during the 2021-2022 school year. These teachers moved their students far more than a typical year’s growth, in many cases helping them catch up to grade level so they can succeed when they get to high school:
- Cleveland Academy of Leadership – LaTonya Littlejohn for math and Belva Howard for ELA
- Drayton Mills – Rosemary Foux for math and Dr. Tania Bauer for ELA
- EP Tod School – Kimberly Walton for math and Cierra Parrot for ELA
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Jesse Boyd – the entire 5th grade team tied for math – Kesonia Jones, Melody Nease, Jessica Gault, Kristin Roddy, and Jennifer Brelan – and Christy Hayes for ELA
- Mary H. Wright – Rachel Pickney for math and Kristy Turner for ELA
- Pine Street Elementary – April Volk for math and Reisha Caldwell for ELA
- Carver Middle – Patricia Brand for math and Gwen Craig for ELA
- McCracken Middle – Allison Sutton for math and Cameron Groke for ELA
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Twenty-Six Students Earn Highest Possible Score on SC Ready/PASS |
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During the spring of 2022, students in third through eighth grades were assessed on state standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics through SC READY and on science standards through SC PASS. District 7 was thrilled to receive news that 26 of our students earned the highest possible score in various subject areas for these assessments.
These students, who represent Cleveland Academy of Leadership, Jesse Boyd Elementary School, Meeting Street Academy, Pine Street Elementary School, Carver Middle School and McCracken Middle School, were recognized at our school board meeting on October 4 (see above). Their success is a testament to their perseverance, to the support and guidance of their families, and to the dedication of our teachers and staff!
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Celebrating a Banner Year of Achievement |
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Our flagship Spartanburg High School kicked off the new school year with good news for the Class of 2023, as six of our Vikings were named National Merit Scholarship Program honorees. The highest recognition goes to Sierra Hufford and Hannah Keen, who have been named National Merit Semifinalists, representing the top 1% of high school seniors in the nation based on their 2021 PSAT scores. Sierra and Hannah were among only 206 students from public and private schools across South Carolina to be honored. Each will have the opportunity to compete for National Merit scholarships in the spring. We also recognize Ellen Fields, Lillian Morris, Thomas Van Vleet and Elliott Wesson for being named National Merit Commended students. These outstanding seniors placed among the top 3% of the 1.5 million students competing for the honor. Congratulations to these students, their families and teachers for this extraordinary recognition of their academic abilities. Each demonstrates talents and passions beyond academics every day, making them wonderful representatives of D7 schools.
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SHS celebrates another banner year for its number of National AP Scholars. The College Board announced 125 SHS students earned AP Scholar Awards for their exams last May (the most in Spartanburg County!). We give a special nod to those who earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, AP Capstone Diploma, AP Scholars with Distinction, and AP Scholars with Honors. |
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We are also proud to announce four seniors who earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. These special recognitions were created to help colleges and scholarship programs connect directly with high achieving students in underrepresented populations, increasing access and opportunity for those who demonstrate high potential. Students were selected because they excelled on the PSAT, on their AP exams, and/or through their grade point average. Ford Daniels and Tamaria Dawkins were named National African American Recognition Program Scholars, Ezra Anderson was named a National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar, and Lawson Kyle was named a National Indigenous Program Scholar. We are proud of these students for leading the way for those who follow! |
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These prestigious honors from Spartanburg High School result from many years of hard work and dedication on the part of students, teachers, and parents starting in our elementary schools. It truly takes a village to build the foundation for achievement at this level, and we are proud of ours here in D7!
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"I Belong in 7" Spotlight Series |
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This year, we are shining the spotlight on members of our D7 family in a new “I Belong in 7” story series. Our first one falls during Hispanic Heritage Month, so we are pleased to introduce you to SHS senior Ezra Anderson.
As concertmaster of the SHS Orchestra and Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Ezra is an accomplished musician who has earned numerous honors such as selection for All State Orchestra, the Piedmont Chamber Orchestra, and the Brevard Music Center Summer Festival. He was also honored nationally by the College Board for his academic achievement (see the article above!). After graduation next spring, he will begin working towards a Bachelor’s in Music degree in music performance from one of several colleges he is currently considering. He hopes to pursue a career as an orchestral musician. “Of course, none of this would be possible without District 7 and its strong string program,” he said.
Ezra credits his love of music to being raised with two wonderful gifts: “a CD player and a massive collection of music for it.” Through these, he was exposed to “an eclectic array of styles ranging from jangly folk to peppy Latin pop to classical, which became my favorite over time”. Both of his parents played some music in their formative years and his mother became an adept flautist and a member of the San Francisco Girls Chorus. “The ‘music gene’ in the family has also been passed down to my sister, Naomi, who is a percussionist with the Viking Band (and a talented one at that),” he said.
When he is not playing violin, he can often be spotted walking all over Spartanburg. “Walking is my main hobby outside of school, and it's informed many other aspects of my life for years now,” he said. “For one thing, walking as simple exercise has actually led me to cultivate a deep love for the environment. Spartanburg has an excellent selection of devoutly maintained nature preserves, and each one brings a unique environment to explore. As a result, I've become interested in biological studies which I might pursue as a minor in college. Walking around the city has also led me to become a deeply inquisitive person. The more I travel, the more communities I want to visit. Every day, I find somewhere new to appreciate in this richly diverse city of ours.”
Appreciation for the world and people around him is clearly a theme in Ezra’s life. Reflecting on his career in District 7 and those who helped shape him into someone who is clearly wise beyond his years, Ezra shared, “All of the teachers in the District 7 orchestra program have been terrific cheerleaders and mentors from elementary school on, and their reverence for the arts as well as the 24/7 enthusiasm they bring to the job makes string study an absolute joy. I also look back fondly upon Mrs. Tepperman, my 10th grade English teacher who cared passionately for her students and nurtured discussion; Ms. Clinch, who made 11th grade American history an eye-opening, inspiring journey; Señora Mora, whose 4th period Spanish class was more than just a class, but a safe haven for friendships, culture, and many life lessons; and Mrs. Petty, whose Pre-Cal class helped me unlock skills I never knew I could use- and gave many good laughs and memories.”
Ezra’s teachers are equally complimentary of him: “I’ve got so many impressive things to say about Ezra as a musician (truly, so many) but the best thing about Ezra is his humble spirit,” said orchestra teacher Helen Tipton. “He listens carefully, encourages other musicians, and wants the best for those around him. He includes everyone and accepts everyone.”
Drawing from a rich ancestral heritage blending German, Scots Irish, and Mexican, Ezra is Hispanic by way of his mother’s side of the family. “Our Mexican ancestors had ties to the areas of Nuevo Leon and San Luis Potosí. My mother's grandparents were the ones to immigrate to the United States (Trinidad, Colorado) to work as miners. My grandfather, their son, ended up starting a real estate business in San Francisco, where my mother was born,” he said.
“Through years of study (as well as encouragement from my grandpa), I have learned much Spanish. It's a wonderful skill to have. The language is beautiful and widely spoken. Understanding Spanish opens doors to rich Hispanic musical, literary, and culinary traditions that our society has more in common with than one might think. In terms of familial traditions, we have seen several recipes passed down through the generations. We often make fideo or enchiladas for the holidays. Additionally, my family celebrates Día de Los Muertos cada año- a time to reflect on the stories of our ancestors and feel their presence anew on our journeys towards lives they would be proud of.”
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Class of 1963 Honors Acclaimed Naturalist Rudy Mancke at SHS |
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As the finishing touches were being put on our new Spartanburg High School campus, prior to its opening in fall 2019, alumnus Rudy Mancke spent the day alongside students and faculty exploring the campus’ wetlands and surrounding grounds to discuss their use as a living laboratory for learning. Biology teacher Rob Wilder and his students had already begun cataloguing the species of plants and animals on the grounds to track and study their presence and habits over time, and the day provided an exciting opportunity to hear from one of South Carolina’s most highly acclaimed naturalists about other possibilities for learning from the rich surroundings of our Vikings’ new home.
Mancke, a member of the Class of 1963, was host of South Carolina Educational Television’s “NatureScene” for a quarter of a century. His classmates decided to honor the broad impact he has made to our state by dedicating a space on the SHS campus in his honor, and what better location than the amphitheater that sits alongside the pond and wetlands – the very space he had explored with students. The fundraising effort was led by Mancke’s classmates Roland Jones, Tommy Stokes, and Jimmy Trout. It was also supported by the ETV Endowment of South Carolina.
On September 10, 2022, the SHS Class of 1963 gathered for their first visit to the new high school to celebrate their classmate and officially dedicate the amphitheater in his honor. Our SHS students welcomed these alumni and gave them tours of the school following the ceremony.
If you are interested in honoring or memorializing someone through a dedicated space at SHS, information is available here. All proceeds from this project support student scholarship.
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A Flurry of FROZEN Fun Awaits! |
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It's only Fall, but if you’re already dreaming about cold winter days, we have some exciting news to share! Spartanburg High School has been selected as the first and ONLY school in South Carolina to be awarded the rights to produce the Broadway version of Disney’s Frozen musical!
Only one school was chosen from each state through a competitive application process that took place over the summer. The "United States of Frozen" contest was sponsored jointly by the Educational Theatre Association, Music Theatre International, and Disney Theatrical Group. The initiative focuses on diverse and inclusive theater practices with the theme, “Love is an Open Door.”
This is quite an honor for D7's award-winning fine arts program. Watch our video announcement below for more information.
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New Viking Theatre Company Brings Cross-curricular Experiences to SHS |
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In District 7, musicals have been a part of the life of the typical academic year for a long time. Non-musical plays, on the other hand, have not had a consistent history. Over the years, plays have been mounted and courses have arisen to support and enhance them, but a steady and lasting tradition of live educational theatre has not been established. This year, with the help of new D7 theatre teacher Dr. Ben Dawkins, the Viking Theatre Company is being established with the goal of creating a continuous educational theatre experience.
“I find ‘straight,’ or non-musical, plays have the potential to bring curriculum to life through performance," said Dr. Dawkins. "The students involved receive a ‘deep-dive’ into the discipline, which reinforces skills they are taught in core classes each day. Moreover, the students who attend plays receive wide-ranging benefits as well. They get to see their curriculum come to life on the stage. Students who may normally find ELA or history boring get a full, active experience to reenergize their interest!"
The Viking Theatre Company will debut its first production, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, on Friday and Saturday, October 7-8. The play is set during the Salem Witch Trials of the late 1600s. After being caught dancing in the woods, local girls suspected of witchcraft begin to name others in their community. The resulting hysteria turns their Massachusetts community upside down and forces each member to face their own morality and the consequences of superstition and judgment.
"I chose The Crucible as our first play not only to bring a historical event to life but also to supplement a story all of our high school juniors experience,” Dr. Dawkins said.
The Crucible is only the beginning for the Viking Theatre Company. Each Fall, a selection derived from the ELA curriculum will begin the theatre season.
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The Crucible
Presented by the Viking Theatre Company
D7 Fine Arts Center
Friday, October 7 at 7pm
Saturday, October 8 at 1pm & 7pm
Seating is general admission, and all tickets are sold at the door: $5 adults, $1 students
This production is recommended for mature audiences of middle or high school age and above.
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How Can I Help My Child Develop Good Screen Time Habits? |
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Spartanburg School District 7 is certified as a Common Sense Media district, dedicated to helping students develop digital literacy and healthy online habits. It also reflects our commitment to keeping students', parents', and employees' most valuable information secure. In honor of October's Cyber Security Awareness Month, we are sharing tips from Common Sense Media for helping your child develop good screen time habits. |
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With kids and teens spending more time on screens than ever before, it's natural for parents and caregivers to wonder how that affects their children's well-being. It is important to make sure kids balance their time on devices with other activities that help them learn and grow. Here are some strategies for helping your whole family develop a healthy relationship with screens:
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Set limits. Establish screen-free zones and weekly screen-time amounts. Aim for a balance of activities throughout the week: reading, playing, spending time with family and friends, and so on. You can also create a family media agreement with your child and revise the rules as needed.
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Choose age-appropriate, high-quality content. Not everything has to be educational, but when choosing entertainment for young kids, think about how it engages your child. If you have older kids, check out online reviews together and help them look for shows, games, and apps that allow them to explore their interests, get creative, and connect with others.
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Watch and play together when you can. You won't be able to stop what you're doing every time your kid plays Minecraft, but make an effort to understand -- and even appreciate -- what your kids are doing. Ask questions, get them to explain, and listen with an open mind.
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Treat tech as a tool, not a treat. Kids who use tablets or smartphones just to play games or watch shows see only the entertainment side of technology. Show them how you can use devices for other tasks, such as sending emails, getting directions, and looking up information.
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Be a family of media critics. Help your kids think critically about what they watch, play, and interact with by talking about it. Encourage them to think more deeply about the shows, books, and games they enjoy. Ask questions like, Who made this? Why do you like this character? Does it remind you of anything?
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Be a role model. Lead by example and put your own devices away during family time. Mute notifications during mealtimes, turn off the television when no one is watching it, and try not to multitask while using a device.
For more tips on parenting, media, online safety and everything in between visit Common Sense Media. They offer the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based tips, ratings and reviews to help families navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.
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Hispanic Heritage Month Across D7 |
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District 7 is proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. This year's theme is "Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation." Students throughout our schools are participating in activities to learn about Hispanic cultures and historical figures. These include everything from tasting culturally-inspired foods, to reading and writing projects, to singing songs in Spanish, to making piñatas, to creating poster board presentation on Hispanic countries. Below are photos showing a few of these activities at Meeting Street Academy and McCracken Middle.
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SHS Homecoming Highlights |
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Viking spirit was on display for Homecoming class competitions, dress up days, the annual parade and the celebration. The parade included a barrage of colorful class floats, cheerleaders, athletic teams, homecoming candidates and our Viking Band.
SHS's homecoming royals - queen Yamilyan Cheeks and her attendants Wesyleie Moss and Rookhie Sullivan - were crowned on the field in front family and friends. Following our Vikings' big win over Mauldin Friday night, on Saturday the SHS Viking Band won 1st place in music and percussion, 2nd place for drum major, and 3rd place for guard at their competition at Enka High School.
The final Vikings regular season home game is on October 21 vs. Boiling Springs.
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Super Selfies & Much More... |
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For Superintendent Jeff Stevens, connecting with students and teachers is among his highest priorities. Our leader and top encourager inspires us all! By special request from our students, Mr. Stevens added 7 on the push-up board during the Viking vs Byrnes game and brought a smile to our entire community. He constantly reminds us that "We Belong in 7!" Congratulations to our Vikings for defeating the Byrnes Rebels 36-23!
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What do you do when students raise over $75,000 through Read-A-Thon to help your school? Take your appreciation to new heights, of course! Pine Street Elementary Principal Dennis Regnier took the ultimate “leap” to thank his students and school community by going skydiving! Click to experience it along with him by watching the video above!
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Book characters are welcome at Pine Street Elementary, and the kindergarten teachers always set the tone to get in the spirit of reading. All grades took time to find a cozy reading spot, logging 175,000. total minutes of reading in two weeks for their Read-a-thon! |
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Nothing is sweeter than the Franklin School's Director Shawna Bynum celebrating National Eat Fruit at Work Day. Teachers had healthy snacks all day and the children even got to join in on the fun! |
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It's Fall y'all! Mary H. Wright students are working hard and learning all about the seasons. They harvested sweet potato from their own garden!
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Heart of a tiger - an E.P. Todd Tiger, that is! We love seeing students share their eLearning journeys with us.
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Zig Ziglar once said, “If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you!” Cleveland Academy students were determined to meet their goals this year and pass the state assessments, and their teachers and school staff wanted to show them that hard work pays off! So.....a special trip to Carowinds was in order for these scholars to celebrate their success. We are so proud of their efforts towards excellence! |
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A big thank you to Justin Offut and McMillan Pazdan Smith along with Oak and Ave Property Group for partnering with Carver Middle School to make the new Architecture Club a reality for the Wildcats! Students are learning about iconic buildings in Spartanburg, and journeyed through the past to learn about 127 Main Street, which was built as a department store but is now transformed into Initial Q and Underpin. The purpose of the club is to show students what a career in architecture holds. |
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Schools and teachers alike benefit from parent involvement. Communication between home and school helps a teacher to know a student better, which in turn allows the teacher to teach the student more effectively. Engaged parents also develop a greater appreciation for the many ways our schools challenge and support students, and can better support the learning process at home. Shout out to McCracken Middle School's PTSO, above, for hosting Kona Ice and a DJ at lunch. It's great to see this "I Belong in 7" spirit! |
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Showing their true colors and team spirit, all D7 schools embraced National College Colors Day while supporting the future dreams of our students. |
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College Colors Day 2022 at JBE was a touchdown thanks to a tailgate set up to celebrate local and state colleges and universities. |
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It’s hard to imagine a world without this creative invention. The Franklin School celebrated National Play-Doh Day and the spirit of fun that still fuels our kid’s imaginations.
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Carver Middle students listened to an audio reading of ”The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe, and after listening, they were charged with drawing what they heard. This is one result! Bravo! |
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The VEC Patrol was on a roll recently, making surprise visits to welcome new Viking Early College students and families. The program enrolls male students who are driven and capable, providing them with mentoring and support as many become among the first in their families to complete a college degree. Through D7's partnership with Spartanburg Community College, VEC students earn college credit up to an associate's degree while completing their high school education. It's one way D7 is setting the standard and meeting the needs of our students.
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Viking Early College students Ayden Adams-Scott, Micah Kennedy, Julian Martinez, and Samijay Rogers were recognized by the South Carolina 4-H Pinckney Leadership Program at Clemson University for their excellence in leadership and service to others. These distinctive young men aim to use their skills and experiences to better their communities and schools. |
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Mrs. Daphine Spivey reached a milestone of 50 years of service to Daniel Morgan Technology Center as the school bookkeeper on Monday, September 12. Faculty and staff honored Mrs. Spivey with a surprise celebration. Students and instructors created specialized gifts and decorations for the event, which was attended by family, friends, and co-workers past and present. Best Wishes! |
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Spartanburg High School's swim team completed their regular season at the region swim meet October 1st, claiming yet another girls swimming region championship along with several All-Region honorees and qualifiers for the 5A State Championship. A list of honorees can be found at www.spartanburgvikingsathletics.com. Congratulations to Coach Freestone, her staff and all our swimmers on another great season and best wishes at the state meet!
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National Principals Month
Tuesday, Oct 4
School Board Meeting
Wednesday, Oct 5
Walk to School Day
Friday & Saturday, Oct 7-8
The Crucible, D7 Fine Arts Center
Monday, Oct 10
Columbus Day
Monday, Oct 10 – Friday, Oct 14
School Lunch Week
Friday, Oct 14
National Hispanic Heritage Month ends
Saturday, Oct 16
Bosses Day
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Monday, Oct 17
End of First 9 Weeks
Friday, Oct 21
SHS Football Home vs. Boiling Springs
Sunday, Oct 23 – Monday, Oct 31
Red Ribbon Week
Monday, Oct 24
Report Cards
Friday, Oct 28
First Responders Day
M0nday, Oct 31
Halloween
Monday, Nov 7
Staff Development Exchange Day
Tuesday, Nov 8
Election Day Holiday
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Flu Clinics Are Coming to D7 Schools! |
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It’s that time of year! As temperatures drop and cases of the flu begin to rise in our schools, the best preventative measure against influenza is the annual flu vaccine for students, staff and families. The CDC recommends annual flu vaccinations for everyone six months and older.
As we do each year, Spartanburg School District 7 is pleased to offer students and staff the opportunity to get a FREE flu vaccine at school. We will partner with DHEC to provide this service to all students who receive parent/guardian permission for the vaccine.
Student clinics will be held at the beginning of November. The date and time for each school will be shared with parents SOON!
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