The Power of ONE in 2022
A Message from Superintendent Stevens
|
|
|
|
District 7 Family,
The power of one GOAL is only as strong as the power of one PLAN to get there.
We are on our way! As we kick off 2022 and second semester, District 7 remains focused on our priority initiatives for this school year:
-
Numerous school- and district-level efforts are underway to support student and staff well-being;
-
Teachers and staff continue to implement our new instructional framework to enable well-designed, well-delivered lessons every day in every classroom;
-
Our entire D7 community is embracing i-Ready as we work towards harnessing its full power to support individualized, data-driven learning; and
- Implementation of Fountas & Pinnell's literacy classroom continues across our elementary grades in order to help every D7 student become a thriving reader.
We have been encouraged over the last few months by the enthusiastic response these initiatives are receiving from teachers, staff and families alike, despite the reality that this is another difficult year for everyone. Having a clear path, holding ourselves accountable, and acknowledging what it truly takes to do it well are the keys to our success. Teachers, staff, students and parents are being equipped with new, powerful tools in their toolbox as we collaborate to support each student's success.
We are also encouraged by the above-expected growth in our i-Ready scores (you can read more below). In next month's 7Headlines, we will share an update on students' academic growth at mid-year, demonstrated by our winter i-Ready assessment data.
We have set our sights on success. Working together, we are championing the Power of ONE transformational year that defies challenges created by the pandemic and sets us on a long-term course for D7 students to soar!
With appreciation and hope for 2022,
Jeff Stevens
Superintendent
|
|
|
|
Our i-Ready Story:
How A Student-Centered Approach Leads to Significant Gains in Math and Reading
|
|
|
|
Curriculum Associates has published an in-depth story about Spartanburg School District 7's i-Ready implementation in its national magazine. The article explores why District 7 chose i-Ready, how we prepared for implementation, the teacher training involved in the rollout process, our goals for student achievement, and what we accomplished during our first year of full implementation. It is a testament to the great work our school-level i-Ready champions and teachers are doing every day in our classrooms.
Reuts for Sartanburg
|
|
|
|
|
|
Excerpts from the article: |
In Spartanburg School District 7, everything begins with a strong culture. Starting with instructional leadership, including Chief Academic Officer Dr. Terry Pruitt and the District's Director of Assessment and Accountability Dr. Glen Carson, along with principals and teachers each understand and contribute to the culture of their schools. In D7 each school’s culture strengthens the academic focus on data-driven learning to increase student achievement. Relationship building, data-based learning models, teacher training and stakeholder involvement are four essential elements of a thriving school environment. |
|
|
|
|
According to Superintendent Jeff Stevens, relationships are key. “All of our educators are in the relationship-building business, and in the business of children. It is part of our core mission - to inspire and equip."
Three years ago the district implemented forward-thinking learning tools to assess and increase scores for its learners. The use of i-Ready contributed to a significant increase in Reading scores, even over the course of the pandemic. Over the period when COVID-19 restrictions were in place, i-Ready Assessment showed significant increases in Mathematics and in Reading.
“i-Ready is two things: It’s an assessment and it’s also an instructional piece,” adds Dr. Glen Carson, the district’s director of assessment and accountability. “The connection between the assessment results and the instructional pieces is the true strength of it because it allows for individualized instruction for all students in a classroom.”
District 7 has also experienced increased student empowerment. Educators have been intentional about sharing detailed i-Ready Diagnostic data with each student, which creates transparency around students’ strengths and struggles. When students directly review their own data and have a chance to discuss it with their teacher, they gain a deeper understanding of where they need to improve, along with increased confidence and motivation to do so.
“All of our programs and initiatives are structured to intersect with the students at the heart of everything,” Dr. Pruitt explained. “If we make sure to keep that in place, we know we’ll get the results we desire.”
|
|
|
|
Drayton Mills Counselor Lauded for "Setting the Standard" |
|
|
|
Meet D7’s Sarah Catherine Watson, who is making a difference and impacting the lives of her students! Each January, Upstate Parent magazine features ten local educators who set the standard for what it means to influence the future. Chosen from nominations, these professionals – classroom teachers, administrators and more – love their students, encourage them, and pave the way for their success. We are proud to see Ms. Watson recognized for her impact as a school counselor at Drayton Mills Elementary and as the JV Girls Basketball Coach at Spartanburg High School. You can read Ms. Watson's story here
During this especially challenging time, all educators have gone above and beyond to provide support for their colleagues and students in remarkable ways. They have done so with grace and perseverance and with little fanfare. To all D7 educators: There is no playbook how to lead during a pandemic; but you meet the moment! Please know you are deeply appreciated.
|
|
|
|
Thank You to Our Board of Trustees |
|
|
|
Every January, communities across the country pay tribute to their local school boards. District 7 joined the salute by recognizing each of the nine men and women who work to advance public education through their service on our Board. During the first board meeting of 2022, District 7 honored all Trustees and presented Mr. Vernon Beatty with a special recognition from the South Carolina School Boards Association for 30 years of service.
Across our nation, school boards face especially challenging decisions as they do their best to represent differing viewpoints and needs amid a difficult time. We recognize that this is no easy task. We thank not only our Trustees but also the citizens of District 7 for their encouragement and support of our elected officials. May we all continue to work together to reflect the Power of ONE D7 family - with a spirit of collaboration and the best interest of all students at the heart of every decision!
Please join us in thanking our D7 Trustees, who have collectively contributed more than 100 years of service to District 7: Vernon Beatty (Board Secretary), Meg Clayton, Rick Gray, Hallie Hurst, Griffin Lynch, Clay Mahaffey (Board Vice Chair), Kenneth Myers, Sr., Jeff Mason, and Sharon Porter (Board Chair).
|
|
|
|
Vintage Viking "New to You" Boutique |
|
|
|
While it wouldn’t be unusual to see high school students walking through resale stores in our community, you may be surprised to find them shopping at one during lunchtime inside their high school. But at Spartanburg High School, students are doing just that!
Room 1332 has been transformed into “The Vintage Viking,” a functioning retail store that doubles as a learning laboratory for a very special group of SHS students. This school-based enterprise has brought to life the classroom skills and knowledge of juniors and seniors in the S.C. High School Credential Program. The store provides them the opportunity to apply, practice, and generalize soft employment skills, and to acquire hard employment skills. It also encourages their creativity, cooperation, and independence.
SHS Special Education Teacher Sina Guffey created the concept for the Vintage Viking. In the area of her students' employability, she saw a huge gap between theoretical and practical knowledge. She noted, “My students were able to tell me how to be on a job, but when they were placed, they couldn’t successfully apply that knowledge.” Before Mrs. Guffey became an educator, she worked in clothing retail and received job training in that arena. It was a natural fit to become the framework for helping her students translate learning into real world application.
As she surveys the department-story worthy outcome of her student's work, Mrs. Guffey is full of praise: “These young people are so proud of what they have accomplished and I'm in awe of how hard they've worked. We started with a bare classroom and unassembled racks, fixtures, and shelving. They assembled the fixtures, sorted, organized, and merchandised the goods, set the floor, and did research on pricing at other thrift/second-hand stores. They did all these things while learning the hard skills that are required for retail sales.”
The Vintage Viking is open to SHS students and staff during lunch and 5th period and is doing quite a bit of business. The inventory of quality clothing and accessories is donated by faculty, family, community members, and friends.
|
|
|
|
A Heart for Giving: D7's United Way Campaign Tops $54,000 |
|
|
|
District 7 employees put their Power of ONE to work in support of our annual United Way campaign for 2022, paving the way for dozens of local nonprofits to receive support they desperately need. Superintendent Jeff Stevens said it was an honor to take part in this important effort and to witness the response of the entire D7 community. “When times are hard and pockets are stretched thin, there’s a strong belief in D7 that we help and lift each other up – I think you find that in a really special way here,” he said. "I could not be more proud of how our D7 family responded to this need. I'm truly blown away by the giving spirit across this community."
Between the district’s support and staff contributions, the campaign raised over $54,000. This success is an important reminder that we all have power - power to change people’s lives and positively shape our community. As we reach out our hand to one, we influence the condition of all.
|
|
|
|
District 7 Makes National Headlines for
Embracing Digital Citizenship
|
|
|
|
For the first time in history, Spartanburg School District 7 and every one of its schools have been certified for digital citizenship by Common Sense Media.
Nearly ten years after D7 launched its ambitious 1:1 technology initiative on the premise that every child should be afforded an equal opportunity to succeed, the impact of our digital immersion has exceeded expectations. It is evidenced by heightened levels of student and faculty engagement with our digital platforms, by innovative advances in curriculum design to incorporate digital literacy, and by numerous national organizations having commended our progress.
Now, the nation’s leading tech savvy gurus at Common Sense Education, who help families and educators thrive in a world of media and technology, have singled out D7 and all its schools for embracing digital citizenship as an important component of students' education. Pointing to a commitment to teaching students how to think critically, behave safely, and participate responsibly in our digital world, Common Sense Media Education applauded the entire D7 school system for equipping students to navigate the digital world and to compete, succeed and participate ethically in society.
Dr. Wanda Greenfield, Coordinator of Instructional and Assistive Technology, said, "We are so thrilled to have all our schools and the school district become Common Sense Media Certified. This accomplishment reflects the continuous work being done by students, teachers, administrators, and families. We strive to ensure our students are learning and building a solid foundation of digital citizenship so they may become thriving members of a digital society operating in a global world.”
Common Sense Media “is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century.” You can learn more about their resources for families here.
|
|
|
|
NOW OPEN:
COVID-19 Testing Center for D7 Students and Employees
|
|
|
|
District 7 students and staff now have an additional option for getting FREE, drive-through COVID-19 testing at the David Houston Center (formerly Houston Elementary School) at 1475 Skylyn Drive. This new testing site is made possible through a partnership with the Mako Medical. It will provide no cost, drive-through COVID-19 PCR tests on Mondays and Thursdays from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Parents are encouraged to pre-register all students NOW so we are prepared to serve you right away in the event that you visit the testing center the future. This will help reduce wait times for ALL test center visitors.
- Testing Center Hours: Mondays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- NO appointment needed
- David Houston Center (formerly Houston Elementary)
-
Pre-register your student so operations are quick and efficient for all - click here to submit the Student Registration Form (Note that the form includes a field for Student ID# - please leave this field BLANK.)
-
Employees should pre-register with the testing center using the Employee Registration Form (Note that the form includes a field for ID# - please leave this field BLANK.)
-
Maps, directions, additional details: spartanburg7.org/CovidTesting
This month, District 7 also shared changes to DHEC's COVID-19 requirements that have been incorporated into our Quarantine and Exclusion Guidance webpage. One change is that DHEC now allows at-home COVID-19 tests to be accepted by schools. Free COVID test kits are available for online order at www.COVIDtests.gov! Each household can have four tests shipped to their home. If you or someone in your community doesn't have access to the internet to order online, the number to call is 1-800-232-0233.
|
|
|
|
D7 Teams Place FIRST and SECOND in National WordMasters Challenge |
|
|
|
Our young wordsmiths are at it again! Each year, District 7’s ODYSSEY students in grades 3-8 work diligently to become adept at solving analogies for the annual WordMasters Challenge. The competition encourages growth in verbal and vocabulary reasoning and has become a point of pride for our district. This fall, our third graders took the competition by storm, earning the highest score and winning first place in the nation in the first round of the competition from 145 teams comprised of more than 125,000 students in the Gold Division.
The winning team of third graders from E.P. Todd School and Pine Street Elementary are: Grant Close, Clark Conklin, Lily Dargis, Levon Hoag, Maiya Johnson, Hudson King, Ian Liv, Jack McGillicuddy, Leena McRoberts, Alek Resumovic, Caroline Ringo, Judah Suits, Emerson Wagner and Connor Waugh. Three of these students - Lily Dargis, Alek Resumovic and Judah Suits - were also recognized for being among only 12 third graders in the nation to earn a perfect score in this competition. These students were coached in preparation for the WordMasters Challenge by ODYSSEY teacher Susan Holcombe.
We also extend a congratulations to D7's 8th grade Wordmasters team from McCracken Middle for placing second in the nation in the fall competition! The high calibre performance of our ODYSSEY students is consistently among the best in the nation, and this second place accomplishment is worth a special mention (the team was just ONE POINT away from first place!). The 8th grade students who earned a perfect score, contributing especially to their team's second place win, include: Molly Bryant, Simon Daniels, Cameron Jaynes, Leah Keen, Myles Klosterman, Will Love, Sam Mitchell, Evelyn Morris and Oliver Querin. The 8th Grade Teachers Rachel Rhodes, Kellie Matheson, and Cameron Gaubert prepared the team for this competition.
Congratulations to Mrs. Holcombe, Mrs. Rhodes, Mrs. Matheson, Mr. Gaubert and all of these students for reflecting the academic excellence of District 7!
|
|
|
|
Staff Tackle Challenging Conversations
"Around The Table"
|
|
|
In 2019, District 7 employees were invited to participate in a new professional development experience of reading, reflecting, and growing together to better understand the perspectives and life experiences of others through The Table Book Club. This employee resource group was created to help our D7 faculty and staff gain a deeper understanding of the diverse students and families they serve, and in turn, to better support them as they build richer relationships rooted in understanding.
The current selection, the widely-acclaimed Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee, explores how the Native American community was impacted by the expansion of the American West. It was selected by representatives from each D7 school who serve on D7’s Diversity and Inclusion Alliance.
The experience has been meaningful to participants. Kesonia Jones from Jesse Boyd Elementary recently shared with our Board of Trustees, “The deeper understanding I have gained has helped me grow as an educator who seeks to continually recognize and celebrate diversity in my classroom and to continually integrate lessons that lead my students to an inclusive mindset.”
As we build and celebrate the Power of ONE D7, conversations like this are especially relevant. The Table Book Club has around 50 members and growing. And as even more pull up a chair at the table, we will strengthen our ability to inspire and equip all students for meaningful lives of leadership and service.
|
|
|
|
Check Breakfast and Lunch Off Your List |
|
|
We've all heard the saying there's no such thing as a free lunch. Although D7 generally subscribes to that philosophy, we want to remind our families that meals are FREE for ALL students through the end of the school year! The school district is grateful to have been invited to participate and offer this unique benefit to our students that is funded by the USDA. The free meals are available to all students regardless of whether they qualify for free or reduced meals.
Thomas Webster, principal at Drayton Mills Elementary School, said, "The ability for our schools to provide students free meals has alleviated a significant burden for families during one of the most difficult times in their lives. This has been particularly meaningful for our families who live near or below the poverty line."
|
|
|
|
Student Voices: Norse News Article
|
|
|
New Dance Class at SHS Allows Students to Explore the Arts Through Physical Activity
by Riley Regnier, Entertainment Editor Norse News
|
|
|
|
After careful consideration and an aim to bring an active art elective to the school, a dance course was added to the Spartanburg High School class list this year. The program started this fall with teacher and professional dancer, Demery Trantham.
Trantham has been dancing for 11 years in different capacities including competitive dance, collegiate dance, professional dance and dancing internationally. She has been honored to dance at events such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Sugar Bowl Half Time Finale, at Disney World, and in Italy’s Sant ’Agata Square. She feels dance has kept her grounded and consistent in most of her major life changes.
“In the dance program at Spartanburg High, I hope to help raise a community of not only creative and intelligent dancers, but also young adults. I hope that my class is one that my students look forward to and talk about outside of class,” Trantham said. “I hope to meet the creative needs of my students, but also create an environment in which my students feel comfortable sharing what’s going on in their lives with me. I hope that my classroom is a haven for my students and anyone who enters.”
Carver Middle School has also installed this program. Trantham teaches at the middle school from 1st—4th periods and then at the high school for 6th and 7th periods. At both schools, she makes it a point to remind the students of the fun involved in dance and how it can inspire them, like it has for her. She also recognizes the challenges she faces walking into a new program. She hopes to show her dancers how to use any rough patch as an opportunity to learn and grow. By facing challenges with a good attitude, Trantham hopes to better the program at both schools, for current and future students.
Breanna Atkins (10) previously danced at a dance studio in King’s Mountain, N.C. She wasn’t originally planning on taking the class, but is glad to be a part of it now. “So far, the dance class has been time consuming and very entertaining! Everyone in the class seems to love it, which I love it too,” Atkins said.
In the future, Trantham hopes for the class to host performances and recitals. In order to put on these shows, students will work on fostering their choreographic abilities and showcasing the work of the dancers. Trantham believes creating dances to perform and performing in front of an audience is one of the most critical aspects to the art. Reyna Castillejos (9) does not have a background in dance but finds the class enjoyable.
“It is fun and interesting. I honestly didn’t think I would like the class because I didn’t know anything about dance or how to dance, but I took this class and now I know,” Castillejos said. “I hope to continue to learn more about dance. It’s very fun once you learn the dances and people in the class are sweet and so is the teacher.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
You can navigate to the award-winning student newspaper, the Norse News here. This is Spartanburg High School’s DIGITAL EDITION of the long-standing staple. If you or your company are interested in advertising in the online publication, or you would like to support the students of SHS, please contact Mrs. Angela Eaton at areaton@spart7.org.
|
|
|
|
|
D7 Alumna Anna Morgan Gets Dream Invite to Compete at Augusta National |
|
|
Superintendent Stevens kicked off the semester making the vital connections with students and teachers on school visits. These little ones from Drayton Mills Elementary were excited to get a special moment to shine as they celebrated the 101st day of school (all other D7 schools celebrate the 100th day, but our Dalmatians are ALL ABOUT the 101st!). |
|
|
|
After an overnight snowfall, our D7 community awoke to a winter wonderland! About 6 inches of snow settled in around Spartanburg. At first dusty, the snow compacted during the cold day, allowing students to start with the snowballs, build snowmen and of course, enjoy sledding. Thank you to our our families and staff for sending in HUNDREDS of pictures! |
|
|
|
Carver Middle School cheerleaders are rocking the house with their new uniforms and their Wildcat pride! |
|
|
|
100th Day of School dress up day - Betty White for the win from this clever kiddo from Pine Street Elementary. |
|
100 days smarter! Mary H Wright students celebrated their achievements in the classroom. |
|
|
|
100 days of school=100 days of learning! In D7, the 100th Day of School is BIG! Kudos to this cutie at McCarthy Teszler. |
|
100 Days smarter, cuter, taller, wiser, and stronger, these centurions AND their beloved principal were decked out. Todd Tigers had a roaring good time on the 100th day! |
|
|
|
Super JBE students hobbled down the hall and paused to pose with their Hero Headquarters bulletin board. These heroes will surely achieve great things in their 100 years! |
|
Let's get cooking! Cleveland Academy Chef's club is learning how to prepare healthy meals and snacks.
|
|
|
|
What do you do after i-Ready while waiting for friends to finish? These McCracken students had a puzzle competition! |
|
Third graders from Cleveland worked on text structures, read the book Saturdays and Teacakes, and made lunch. The students were tasked with writing the sequence for how they made their sandwich.
|
|
|
|
Spartanburg High School senior Daniel Johnson installs conduit and associated wiring for a commercial electrical circuit in the Electricity Level III class at Daniel Morgan Technology Center. |
|
Daniel Morgan Technology's Chef Tim Page demonstrates how to fillet whole salmon to his Culinary II students.
|
|
|
|
Fifteen spellers in D7 have scored the highest in their school’s spelling bee rounds to be named Regional Bee Preliminary Round winners. They include: Wyatt Foley and Cecelia Battoccio (runner up), Jesse Boyd; Jay’Den Holbert and Lavarion Brown (runner up), Cleveland Academy; Elias Ives and Faith Ives (runner up), Drayton Mills (pictured at top left); Isabella Elkins and Benjamin Visk (runner up), E.P. Todd; Kamarii Clowney and Saniah Paul (runner up), Mary H. Wright (pictured below); Abby Clementson (pictured in middle at top right) and Nandhn Muruganathan (runner up), Pine Street; Jace Madison and Tyger Lewis (runner up), Carver Middle; and Rhian Holliday, McCracken. All will advance to the Regional Bee Finals on Saturday, February 12 at USC Upstate. |
|
|
|
We LOVE our school resource officers! Pine Street Elementary's Officer Lester had no shortage of adoring fans during School Officer Appreciation Day. He’s clearly a celebrity - above, children are asking for his autograph. |
|
|
|
McCracken Middle School students spent their weekend rehearsing and performing as part of Spartanburg Sings. This county-wide honors choir was coached by guest conductor Eric Wilkinson and accompanied by Dr. John Moody, chair of District 7's Fine Arts department. The annual event is sponsored by The Rotary Club of Spartanburg. |
|
|
|
February is Kindness Month and the whole district will be participating with each school displaying kindness for the world to see. To kick the month off, Cleveland Academy was excited to unveil their “Loads of Love” Laundry Room! It is a FREE service available to all Cleveland Academy families and even the detergent is FREE. We are thankful for visionary leaders who help insure every student attends school with dignity and for our community volunteers who help make it happen. |
|
|
|
|
|
Monday, February 14
Staff Development Day/ Student Holiday
Valentine's Day
|
|
|
|
|
Month of February
Black History Month
Kindness Month
Monday, Feb 1
School Choice application window opens for 2022-2023
Tuesday, Feb 2
School Board Meeting
Wednesday, Feb 3
National Signing Day
Monday, Feb 7
Progress Reports
|
|
Monday, Feb 7 – Friday, Feb 11
National School Counseling Week
Sunday, Feb 13
Super Bowl Sunday
Monday, Feb 14
Staff Development Day/Student Holiday
Valentine’s Day
Monday, Feb 21
President’s Day
Tuesday, Feb 22
School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
|
|
|
|
District 7 has opened its window to apply for school choice for the 2022-2023 school year. Though our students are assigned to schools based on their residential address, they may apply to attend a school with a certain focus, a school with a unique program, or another school within the district beyond their attendance zone.
If you wish to request enrolling your child in a school other than the one he/she attends, you must complete the application by February 28. Visit the district website https://www.spartanburg7.org/schoolchoice or school websites for more information and to access the online application - look for the school choice banner on our homepages.
|
|
|
|
|
|
610 Dupre Drive Spartanburg, South Carolina
P: 864.594.4400
|
|
|
|
|
|
