The Power of One. In his second year as superintendent, Jeff Stevens visited District 7 schools to welcome employees back with a spirited back- to-school message. Billed simply as “The Power of One,” it celebrates the difference one person can make and sets the tone for the year ahead. He encouraged faculty and staff to embrace a positive mindset and focus on forming relationships with students. “Children don't care about how much you know, until they know how much you care,” he said.
As each new school year begins, the District 7 Teacher of the Year is announced. The recognition is the highest distinction given to a teacher in D7. Mrs. Kelli Hardigree, a kindergarten teacher at Pine Street Elementary, was selected as this year’s honoree, which speaks volumes about her gifts and talents as a teacher. We congratulate Mrs. Hardigree and all of our school level Teachers of the Year: Madison Vanderlip, Early Learning Center (now teaching at E.P. Todd); Kerry Duncan , Jesse Boyd Elementary; Renata Jean, Cleveland Academy of Leadership; Reta Ridgeway, Drayton Mills Elementary; Rachel Abercrombie, Mary H. Wright; Kate Thrift-Winch, E.P. Todd School; Tynesha Champion, Carver Middle; Morgan Jenkins, McCracken Middle; Angela Eaton, Spartanburg High; Susan Hoffman, Virtual School Program; Andrew Basham, McCarthy Teszler School; and Michele Mangum, Whitlock Flexible Learning Center. Link to the Spartanburg Herald Journal Teacher of the Year article.
The Crystal Apple Award is another meaningful tradition in D7 and an opportunity to applaud the work of our first-year teachers. Crystal Apple honorees exhibit superior instructional skills and perform with distinction, based on SC standards. Congratulations to all D7 Crystal Apple award recipients: Evelyn Little, Early Learning Center; Delaney Fleming, Jesse Boyd Elementary; Tiffany Bell, Cleveland Academy of Leadership; Monica Landrum, Drayton Mills Elementary; Makayla LaGore Wooten, Mary H. Wright; Kayla Wilson, E.P. Todd School; Damian Pantucci, Carver Middle; Amanda Flaim, McCracken Middle; Meredith Jack, Spartanburg High; Ashley Dawkins-Hopper, McCarthy Teszler School; and Jerel Brannon, Whitlock Flexible Learning Center. The District 7 Crystal Apple Award recipient is Amanda Flaim from McCracken.
District 7 is also proud to present our 2020-2021 Support Staff members of the year: Alyson Brown, Early Learning Center; Monica Covan, Jesse Boyd Elementary; Jon Green, Drayton Mills Elementary; Sierra Love, Cleveland Academy of Leadership; Rodney Hickman, Mary H Wright Elementary; Colleen Gilmore, Pine Street Elementary; Billie McKissick, E.P. Todd School; Cindy Quillen, Carver Middle; Stephanie Russell, McCracken Middle; Amber Thomason, Spartanburg High; Tami Gilbert, Betty Mayfield and James Wilkes, the McCarthy Teszler School; Eddie Johnson, Whitlock Flexible Learning Center; Greg Meansm DSOC; Michael Harris, Teresa Parks and Denise Robinson, Transportation Office; and Essie Heitz, District Administrative Office.
As role models among their peers, these employees are incredibly loyal to our school district, their schools and work sites, and their colleagues. They make an important difference in the lives of our students and families and it is because of them D7 runs so smoothly.
This is our “A Team” - our Teachers of the Year, Crystal Apple Honorees, and our Support Staff Members of the Year! Congratulations!