Our jolly superintendent and his student helpers have something special to share this holiday season!
Click the play button above to enjoy their talents.
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District 7 Students Give Thanks |
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The season of giving is alive and well all across all District schools. With grateful hearts for blessings too many to count, D7 staff and students from kindergarten to high school coordinated holiday food and donation drives as well as other service projects in support of the community. Through the months of November and December, donation barrels at a number of our schools filled to overflowing for TOTAL Ministries, the Soup Kitchen, and other service organizations. Students from McCracken Middle wrote letters to soldiers and veterans, Cleveland Academy students hosted an appreciation event for their dedicated partners, Drayton Mills sponsored a Kidz in Lids event, and Jesse Boyd held 12 Days of Caring. The list goes on! Learning that we all play a part in building a strong community is at the heart of a D7 education.
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We are thankful for you! Our schools thrive because of each and every person who pours their heart into guiding the lives of our children – in our schools, at home, and across the community. Our littlest learners from E.P. Todd School ushered in Thanksgiving break with this sweet song (below). Click below to watch, in case you missed it! |
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A Cultural Celebration at The Franklin School |
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Students and their families passed through the snow (man-made!) and picked up a passport and treat bag as they entered The Franklin School this week, before heading through a cultural celebration with stops to learn about how the holidays are observed in countries around the world. Our recent inductees into the "Call Me MiSTER" program from the Viking Early College facilitated learning stations along with partners from the Northside Development Group, Spartanburg County First Steps, and our Franklin School Engagement Council – all while orchestra students from Carver Middle School created a festive backdrop of holiday music. Enjoy scenes from the day in the video below and hear our SHS students from the Viking Early College share a lesson or two from different cultures with our youngest D7 learners! |
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I Belong in 7 Spotlight Series |
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Every once in a great while, we meet someone extra special…someone we believe – we just know – must be an angel. For 25 years, that’s what John Craig has believed about his good friend John Evans.
Mr. Craig hired Mr. Evans as a custodian for Spartanburg High School 25 years ago, having no idea what a special fixture he would become on campus and among our D7 community. And while his formal education may have ended after elementary school, John Evans has enjoyed a lifetime of learning about the people around him and helping them learn some of life’s most important lessons.
Twins and SHS seniors Joe and J.D. Cash, pictured above with John, consider him one of their favorite Vikings. “I’ve known him since 9th grade,” says Joe. “One of my friends always said hello to him and I started taking time to really speak with him as well – not just say hello. He’s kind of a glue that holds us together.” J.D. agrees, adding, “He’s just joyful – about his job, about the students. He shows us that no matter what your job is, how much you enjoy it is up to you.”
How John Evans came to Spartanburg High School is a story in and of itself. His good friend Jeff Boucher, assistant principal at SHS, has come to know it thanks to their regular rides to and from work together. Born in 1961, John attended Walhalla Elementary. At just 16 years old, he began working in the historic JP Stevens cotton mill in Anderson, which dates to the mid 1870s. He worked there for five years, then spent a decade with Clark Schwebel fiber glass company and five more years at Orr Lyons. A move to Spartanburg with his sister and brother-in-law, who worked for the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, brought him to SHS to request a job from Principal John Craig. John says he came back and asked a few times, and once hired John Craig became one of his favorite people. “I like working at the high school best,” John said, reflecting on his career. “Everyone has always been real friendly to me over the years. Students always stop in the hallway and talk to me, say hello and have a good day. I just speak to everyone, ask ‘how are you doing’.”
The myriad details of John’s life that Boucher has been able to glean over the years paint a picture that reflects the relationship the two have built. “John's favorite foods are cornbread and buttermilk, spam sandwiches, and shelled pecans and chocolate drops from Gerald's Candy and Nut Shop,” said Boucher. “When we talk about his years spent at Spartanburg High School, he thinks about his favorite people, Joe Clark, John Craig, Jeff Stevens, and his coworker Joe ‘JJ’ Johnson. Thanks to several influential people in his life, he developed a love for the Clemson Tigers, but I think I have him on the way to becoming a dedicated Gamecock.”
“Once I asked him about his life as a kid. He mentioned how he got his limp. As a young teen, he went fishing and tumbled down a steep embankment. He remembers the doctors telling him that the steel rod they put in his leg was German made. He also tells me from time to time that he doesn't read so good, and he asks various colleagues to assist him with reading documents and making sure his dealings are fair. He understands that he learns differently than other people. I asked him once if he could choose a job at Spartanburg High School other than working with our wonderful, hard-working custodial staff, what it would be? He didn't hesitate. He said that he would choose to be a special ed teacher.”
This coming February, John will have been with Spartanburg Seven for 25 years. “He will turn 62 two days prior, so retiring on the 28th will be bittersweet for him,” Boucher says.
As for what retirement holds, John says, “I’m looking forward to doing lots of walking! I'll probably go to some shopping centers. I’d also like to do some fishing or something like that.” And what he will miss: “It makes me feel good with all these people around – they are real friendly. I hope they have good luck and will be well on their jobs and all that. I hope their jobs go good.”
As for Joe, J.D., and the SHS students and staff, it won’t be the same without John Evans around. “It will be different not to see him walking down the hall. Its something you see all the time and that will be different for sure,” said J.D. “I hope he enjoys his retirement because he has earned it.”
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United Because We All BELONG! |
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Each day, our teachers and staff demonstrate the power they have to positively impact lives. So in keeping with impacting lives and working for change, during the month of December, our D7 family came together to show kindness and generosity in all its forms by giving our voice, money and advocacy to support our community through the annual United Way of the Piedmont Campaign. Live United is the goal of our United Way and in District 7, it's a goal we rally around as well. We know we can do far more together than any of us can on our own, and in reaching out our hand to one, we influence the condition of all. One for all…All for one…UNITED – because we ALL belong!
This year, District 7 raised close to 40K in employee gifts and pledges for the Community Impact Fund. It takes every one of us to build a better community. Thank you, D7!!
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Answering the Call to Teach:
Viking Early College Students Make History as Nation's First High School MiSTERs
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D7 made history last week when Spartanburg Community College’s Call Me MiSTER Program added three new MiSTERs to its ranks who are the first high school students in the nation to be inducted. Answering the call to become a teacher, Spartanburg High School students Isaiah Henry, Julian Martinez and Christian Roberts, all part of the Viking Early College, were honored during a special signing ceremony at Spartanburg Community College's Downtown Campus. Mark Joseph, Call Me MiSTER Program Coordinator, issued this charge to the inductees: “MiSTERS, continue to be determined to make a difference in the lives of the scholars you’re going to lead, the lives you’re going to touch, and the impact you’re going to make on them.”
Call Me MiSTER (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role models) was founded at Clemson University in 2000. The program strives to increase the pool of available teachers from a more diverse background, particularly among the lowest-performing elementary schools. Put simply, this partnership between District 7’s Viking Early College and Clemson University’s Call Me MiSTER Program aims to develop and recruit more Black men into the teaching profession.
We are thankful for all the MiSTERS in our community and congratulate these young men for pursuing their dream of teaching. One day soon, the impact of their presence will be invaluable in our schools.
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Need a Last-Minute Holiday Gift? Recognize Your Student or Loved One with a Custom Engraved Brick |
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Perhaps the perfect gift for someone on your list is a custom engraved paver to surround our beautiful new Forward Together sculpture at the D7 Fine Arts Center plaza! Engraved pavers are a meaningful way to recognize students, favorite teachers, or Viking alumni. Each paver is $100 and benefits D7 student scholarship. Your gift ensures that both your legacy—and our community’s rich history—are preserved for future generations.
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Kimberly Jordan was nominated by Spartanburg High School students for WYFF's Golden Apple award because they appreciate the important difference she is making in their lives. Ms. Jordan sees her mission as developing the whole child, helping all students - not just her own – to find their purpose, and helping them to persevere along the journey. WYFF's spotlight tugs on your heart and perfectly reflects this year's theme - We Belong in D7.
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No taking sides here - reading is important! South Carolina author Ashley Kern visited Pine Street Elementary and McCracken Middle School recently to read her children’s books “‘Twas the Night Before Gameday: Clemson Tigers” and “‘Twas the Night Before Gameday: Carolina Gamecocks.” Kern spoke to students about the importance of reading and the process of writing books. Her Pine Street visit ended with a pep rally and a surprise visit from a Clemson cheerleader and the Tiger mascot! |
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Super Selfies & Much More... |
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Mr. Stevens is at it again, making the rounds to connect with our students and teachers! We all BELONG in 7!
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Whitlock Flexible Learning Center kicked off Spirit Week with a Wacky Tacky dress day. WFLC student leaders have implemented new fun ways to get students involved this year and we are all in! |
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Congratulations to these Daniel Morgan Sports Medicine II students who are now 100% OSHA Certified. Career ready is the way to go! |
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Parents and grandparents from Mary H. Wright came together to enjoy a good book and build gingerbread houses - a joyous occasion for all! Several volunteers read “The Plan for the Gingerbread House” while decorating with kindergarten students. Each student was also given their own copy of the book to take home. What better way to combine literacy, Christmas, and science? “Reading will take you everywhere!” |
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Students at E.P.Todd made a thankfulness linking chain measuring 150 feet! Looks like these kiddos have a lot to be thankful for!! |
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Now take a bow! Mary H. Wright's main character cast for their upcoming annual play were treated to a production of Annie at the Chapman Cultural Center. |
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Whether it is celebrating great choices with Kona Ice, balloon parades, or turkey searches, JBE celebrated this season thoroughly! They sure are WILD about their families and students. |
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Carver Middle School presented a phenomenal Collage Concert by their orchestra, band, chorus, and dance classes at the D7 Fine Arts Center. We truly have talented students across all of our schools, and are thankful our Wildcats were able to display their talents and efforts on our big stage. |
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Music is universal and provides hope! McCracken Middle School's orchestra welcomed people to our area or home by playing at GSP International Airport near the baggage claim. Welcome to Spartanburg - the city of friendly people! |
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Art teachers make a unique impact on students in District 7, so we were thrilled to learn Ed Purdy, art teacher at McCracken Middle School, earned special recognition for the work he does to provide world-class experiences for our students. On November 19, Purdy was presented the 2022 Middle Level Art Educator of the Year Award by the South Carolina Art Education Association (SCAEA) at its annual meeting in Greenville. This award recognizes excellence in contributions, dedicated service, and professional achievements in the field of visual arts education. Award recipients exemplify highly qualified art educators active in education today – they are leaders, teachers, students, scholars, and advocates who give their best to their students and the profession. We are so proud of Ed Purdy!
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Pine Street's own Officer Martin Lester has been named 2022-2023 School Resource Officer of the Year. This award comes from the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Department out of 55 SROs in the county! District 7 and local law enforcement are truly partners in supporting our community. Every partnership begins with relationships, and there is a mighty special one between our school communities and their School Resource Officers. We congratulate Officer Lester!
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Vikings Headed to the Shrine Bowl! |
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Are you ready for some football?! Make plans to support Vikings Raheim Jeter and Andrew Dantin, who have been selected to play in the Shrine Bowl representing Spartanburg High School! The Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas is an All-Star football game between high school seniors from NC and SC that started in 1937. This is the first time the game will be played right here at home in our Viking Stadium.
Make sure to buy your tickets now for the game on Saturday, December 17 at 1pm: https://bit.ly/3ylro2i Go Vikings! Go SC!
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Students Return for Second Semester |
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Friday, December 16
Half Day/End of 1st Semester
Silent Disco with Connect & Spartanburg Academic Movement
Saturday, December 17
Shrine Bowl at Viking Stadium, 1pm
Monday, December 19-
Friday, December 30
Winter Holidays
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Monday, January 2
Staff Development
Student Holiday
Tuesday, January 3
Students Return
School Board Meeting
Monday, January 9
Report Cards
Monday, January 16
Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday
MLK Unity Celebration at D7 Fine Arts Center
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We are excited to welcome eight new bus drivers over the last two months. Thank you to our community for helping spread the word. Combined with our new incentives program for new drivers, driver referrals, and attendance/safety, we are making gains on the driver shortage in District 7. We do still need more drivers, so keep sharing this opportunity! Get info and apply for driver and riding aide positions at https://spartanburg7.org/driveabus
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