D7 schools and offices will OPEN AT 11 AM on Monday, August 3 so all employees can participate in our annual Opening Convocation.
Thank you for your support and understanding during this special time for our faculty and staff to prepare for the start of our new year!
Thank you for your support and understanding during this special time for our faculty and staff to prepare for the start of our new year!
Today, our school principals, assistant principals, and Superintendent’s Cabinet members came together for a leadership retreat to kick off the new school year. As the sun rose over our transportation department’s beautiful new training facility (which opens next week!), a palpable excitement was in the air. Each year is a new opportunity, a fresh start, a beacon of hope, and an opportunity to grow–not only for our students, but also for our D7 Family of faculty and staff.
Our day included:
• A deep dive into Spartanburg’s growth and development from OneSpartanburg CEO Allen Smith
• A window into the unique perspective and wisdom of three of South Carolina’s strongest school district superintendents through a moderated panel discussion
• A reflection on leading school communities through change and a look at the successes resulting from our new blended schedule model at Spartanburg High School by Dr. Andrew McMillan
• A journey through the results of our recent teacher survey on instructional technology and digital device use across D7, along with several exciting new developments to realign and rebalance our approach to best serve students (look for details coming soon)
• The reveal of our D7 theme for the 2026-2027 school year (STAY TUNED for the public reveal next Monday following our Opening Convocation celebration)
• And much more!
It was a day of fellowship, connection, growth, and recommitting ourselves to District 7’s mission “To inspire and equip our students for lives of leadership and service as world citizens.”
We can’t wait to welcome teachers back later this week and students next week!
Our day included:
• A deep dive into Spartanburg’s growth and development from OneSpartanburg CEO Allen Smith
• A window into the unique perspective and wisdom of three of South Carolina’s strongest school district superintendents through a moderated panel discussion
• A reflection on leading school communities through change and a look at the successes resulting from our new blended schedule model at Spartanburg High School by Dr. Andrew McMillan
• A journey through the results of our recent teacher survey on instructional technology and digital device use across D7, along with several exciting new developments to realign and rebalance our approach to best serve students (look for details coming soon)
• The reveal of our D7 theme for the 2026-2027 school year (STAY TUNED for the public reveal next Monday following our Opening Convocation celebration)
• And much more!
It was a day of fellowship, connection, growth, and recommitting ourselves to District 7’s mission “To inspire and equip our students for lives of leadership and service as world citizens.”
We can’t wait to welcome teachers back later this week and students next week!
District 7 schools and offices will be closed Thursday, July 2 in observance of Independence Day. We hope our D7 family enjoys celebrating our great nation on this special anniversary year!
🇺🇸 Happy 250th birthday, America! 🇺🇸
🇺🇸 Happy 250th birthday, America! 🇺🇸
Kindergarten School Choice and Out-of-District Tuition Applications Now Open
Applications for Kindergarten (5K) School Choice and Out-of-District Tuition students will be accepted July 1–15, 2026.
This year, applications will be accepted for all elementary schools except Drayton Mills.
Please note: This application period is for incoming 5K students only. The School Choice application window for students entering grades 1–12 was held in March.
Complete eligibility information and the online application are available at:
https://www.spartanburg7.org/schoolchoice
🏆 A huge congratulations to Spartanburg High's Riley Vaughn!
Riley has been named the 2025–26 Gatorade South Carolina Girls Track & Field Player of the Year — one of the highest honors in high school athletics!
The prestigious award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also outstanding achievement in the classroom and service to the community.
A dominant force in the throwing events, Riley captured Class 5A Division I State Championships in both the shot put and discus, helping lead the Vikings to a Top 5 finish at the state meet. She also earned All-American honors at Under Armour Nationals and posted one of the nation's top shot put marks this season.
Beyond her accomplishments in competition, Riley has maintained an outstanding 4.94 GPA while giving back through volunteer work in the community, including youth coaching, nursing home visits, school supply drives, food distributions and church outreach.
Congratulations, Riley! Your hard work, leadership and dedication continue to make District 7 and Spartanburg High proud. 💙💛
#GatoradePOY #VikingPride #ToInspireAndEquip
Riley has been named the 2025–26 Gatorade South Carolina Girls Track & Field Player of the Year — one of the highest honors in high school athletics!
The prestigious award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also outstanding achievement in the classroom and service to the community.
A dominant force in the throwing events, Riley captured Class 5A Division I State Championships in both the shot put and discus, helping lead the Vikings to a Top 5 finish at the state meet. She also earned All-American honors at Under Armour Nationals and posted one of the nation's top shot put marks this season.
Beyond her accomplishments in competition, Riley has maintained an outstanding 4.94 GPA while giving back through volunteer work in the community, including youth coaching, nursing home visits, school supply drives, food distributions and church outreach.
Congratulations, Riley! Your hard work, leadership and dedication continue to make District 7 and Spartanburg High proud. 💙💛
#GatoradePOY #VikingPride #ToInspireAndEquip
First Look Inside the NEW Little Vikings Employee Childcare Center
As finishing touches are being made, we’re excited to give our community a first look inside the new District 7 Little Vikings Employee Childcare Center—opening just in time for the new school year! Watch at spartanburg7.org/LittleVikings.
In this preview video, center director Moira Scheel takes you on a tour of our beautiful new facility and shares how the thoughtfully designed curriculum, spaces, and furnishings will support the growth, learning, and well-being of children in our care.
Made possible through the support of our community in the recent referendum, Little Vikings will play a vital role in helping Spartanburg School District 7 recruit and retain outstanding educators. Access to affordable, high-quality childcare is a priority for our community—especially for teachers and staff with young families. We’re proud to take this important step toward supporting them, which in turn will strengthen our schools.
Enrollment is now open for children of District 7 employees, with limited space still available for all age groups from infants through 4K! Learn more and secure your child’s spot at spartanburg7.org/littlevikings.
Take a look inside and see what’s ahead for our Little Vikings!
As finishing touches are being made, we’re excited to give our community a first look inside the new District 7 Little Vikings Employee Childcare Center—opening just in time for the new school year! Watch at spartanburg7.org/LittleVikings.
In this preview video, center director Moira Scheel takes you on a tour of our beautiful new facility and shares how the thoughtfully designed curriculum, spaces, and furnishings will support the growth, learning, and well-being of children in our care.
Made possible through the support of our community in the recent referendum, Little Vikings will play a vital role in helping Spartanburg School District 7 recruit and retain outstanding educators. Access to affordable, high-quality childcare is a priority for our community—especially for teachers and staff with young families. We’re proud to take this important step toward supporting them, which in turn will strengthen our schools.
Enrollment is now open for children of District 7 employees, with limited space still available for all age groups from infants through 4K! Learn more and secure your child’s spot at spartanburg7.org/littlevikings.
Take a look inside and see what’s ahead for our Little Vikings!
The halls may be quiet, but Viking Nation is anything but! 🔥
This week, our youngest Vikings — and the incredible coaches who inspire them — laced up, geared up, cheered loud, and showed up for an action-packed week of summer camps at Spartanburg High School.
From big swings and fast feet to fearless serves, takedowns, tumbles, and plenty of teamwork, our young athletes brought the energy all week long. We wrapped up Lady Vikings Sports Camp, Viking Cheer Camp, Boys and Girls Soccer Camp and Wrestling Camp, and Football Camp — and let's just say, summer got off to a championship-caliber start!
And the action didn't stop there. Across campus, our football and basketball teams have already been hard at work preparing for another exciting year of Viking athletics.
Please enjoy these photos from a fantastic week of camps, smiles, new friendships, skill-building, and plenty of Viking Pride. The school year may be on break, but the Viking spirit never takes a summer vacation! 🏆
💙💛 Viking Pride Forever! 💛💙
This week, our youngest Vikings — and the incredible coaches who inspire them — laced up, geared up, cheered loud, and showed up for an action-packed week of summer camps at Spartanburg High School.
From big swings and fast feet to fearless serves, takedowns, tumbles, and plenty of teamwork, our young athletes brought the energy all week long. We wrapped up Lady Vikings Sports Camp, Viking Cheer Camp, Boys and Girls Soccer Camp and Wrestling Camp, and Football Camp — and let's just say, summer got off to a championship-caliber start!
And the action didn't stop there. Across campus, our football and basketball teams have already been hard at work preparing for another exciting year of Viking athletics.
Please enjoy these photos from a fantastic week of camps, smiles, new friendships, skill-building, and plenty of Viking Pride. The school year may be on break, but the Viking spirit never takes a summer vacation! 🏆
💙💛 Viking Pride Forever! 💛💙
A huge thank you to our incredible substitute teachers and substitute nurses!
Recently, District 7 administrators, our Human Resources team, and Kelley Education hosted a special appreciation luncheon at Spartanburg High School to celebrate the dedicated individuals who step in each day to support our students and schools.
Whether filling a classroom, assisting a student, or providing care when it is needed most, our substitutes make a meaningful difference. Their flexibility, commitment, and willingness to serve help ensure learning continues uninterrupted and students feel supported every day.
District 7 is fortunate to have more than 200 talented substitutes on our team, but we are always looking for caring, dependable individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of children. Substitute teachers earn $125 per day, substitute teacher assistants earn $90 per day, and you have the flexibility to choose the days that work best for your schedule.
Interested in joining Team 7? Learn more and apply at www.spartanburg7.org/substituteteaching. And for all District 7 employment opportunities, visit www.spartanburg7.org/joinourteam.
We love our substitutes, and we would love to welcome you to our team!
FREE SUMMER MEALS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
District 7 is proud to continue offering free summer meals to support children and families throughout our community. Nutritious meals are available at select school sites and community locations as part of our summer school and enrichment programs.
Meals must be eaten on-site in accordance with federal program guidelines. While some locations serve only students enrolled in specific programs, several community sites are open to all children and youth ages 18 and under.
For a complete list of meal locations, dates, and serving times, visit:
www.spartanburg7.org/summermeals
We are grateful to participate in the USDA Summer Meals Program, helping ensure children have access to healthy meals throughout the summer months. For additional information, please contact the meal site directly.
One last edition. One incredible year. 💙💛
The final 7Headlines of the 2025–2026 school year is here — and it’s packed with moments that made this year unforgettable. From celebrating the Class of 2026 and historic state championships to honoring retirees, welcoming new families, and looking ahead to summer, this edition is a true reflection of what it means to let 7Shines. ✨
Take a few minutes to look back on a remarkable year in District 7 and celebrate the students, staff, families, and community that made it all possible.
Read it here: https://conta.cc/4v1R8vx
Watch the Class of 2026 Commencement livestream here!
We are excited to celebrate our senior class as they become the newest graduates of Spartanburg High School tonight at 7 PM in Viking Stadium. Join us via the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/live/6YLFAFlztbU?si=R-rdBIBadwlGvMVt
We are excited to celebrate our senior class as they become the newest graduates of Spartanburg High School tonight at 7 PM in Viking Stadium. Join us via the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/live/6YLFAFlztbU?si=R-rdBIBadwlGvMVt
COMMENCEMENT DATE CHANGE ANNOUNCED:
Wednesday, May 20 at 7 PM
Due to the forecasted rain and thunderstorms expected on Thursday evening, we have made the difficult decision to move our commencement ceremony forward by one day. Graduation will now take place on Wednesday, May 20 at 7 p.m. in Viking Stadium.
This shift will allow our seniors to include nearly twice the number of guests that could be accommodated if we moved inside Viking Arena on Thursday. Additionally, given the forecasted thunderstorms for Thursday evening, a move inside the arena could have still resulted in thousands of guests navigating campus arrival and departure during severe weather conditions, which is much less than ideal.
Our primary goal is to provide the most memorable and celebratory experience possible for our graduating seniors and their families. This decision was made carefully and in consultation with our many partners who support the event, such as Spartanburg Public Safety.
As a reminder, we will live stream the graduation ceremony for those unable to attend. Click the link on our website homepage to watch!
We are proud of the Class of 2026 and are excited to celebrate them on Wednesday evening!
🩺🍎 Happy National School Nurse Day! 🍎🩺
Today we celebrate the incredible nurses of District 7, compassionate caregivers who are always ready for the unexpected. From everyday bumps and bruises to helping schools navigate emerging health concerns like this year’s measles situation, our nurses bring calm, expertise and reassurance to every situation.
They care for our students with kindness, support our staff with compassion, and help create safe, healthy learning environments across D7 each and every day. Their impact is felt far beyond moments of illness or injury. They are trusted faces, steady hands, and caring hearts in our schools, and the way they care for others truly shows how 7Shines each day.
Thank you, D7 nurses, for the countless ways you care for our school community. We are deeply grateful to you today and every day. ❤️
Today we celebrate the incredible nurses of District 7, compassionate caregivers who are always ready for the unexpected. From everyday bumps and bruises to helping schools navigate emerging health concerns like this year’s measles situation, our nurses bring calm, expertise and reassurance to every situation.
They care for our students with kindness, support our staff with compassion, and help create safe, healthy learning environments across D7 each and every day. Their impact is felt far beyond moments of illness or injury. They are trusted faces, steady hands, and caring hearts in our schools, and the way they care for others truly shows how 7Shines each day.
Thank you, D7 nurses, for the countless ways you care for our school community. We are deeply grateful to you today and every day. ❤️
📚✨ Enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year is NOW OPEN for new and returning District 7 students! ✨📚
Returning families, getting ready for the new school year is easy with our simple two-step process:
✅ Step 1: Review and update your student’s information in FinalForms
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/D7FinalForms
✅ Step 2: Submit your annual proof of residency AFTER July 1
(Your child’s school will share summer dates and instructions. Please note: residency documents cannot be submitted electronically.)
📌 Find everything you need to complete enrollment here:
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/2026-2027D7Enroll
FinalForms is our one-stop hub for keeping student records accurate and up to date all year long — making life easier for families and schools alike!
🍎✨ It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! ✨🍎
Join us in celebrating the incredible educators of District 7 who inspire, support, and shape the future every single day. 💙💛
We invite our entire community to take a moment this week to share your gratitude. Whether it’s a kind note, a favorite memory, or a simple “thank you,” your words mean more than you know.
🎉 Let’s come together to recognize the District 7 teachers who help our students SHINE. Tag a teacher, share your story, or drop a message of appreciation below! 🎉
Join us in celebrating the incredible educators of District 7 who inspire, support, and shape the future every single day. 💙💛
We invite our entire community to take a moment this week to share your gratitude. Whether it’s a kind note, a favorite memory, or a simple “thank you,” your words mean more than you know.
🎉 Let’s come together to recognize the District 7 teachers who help our students SHINE. Tag a teacher, share your story, or drop a message of appreciation below! 🎉
Sometimes the most powerful lessons happen when no one is expecting them.
During a recent CPR-BLS certification training for Spartanburg High School students, a simple scheduling hiccup turned into a meaningful moment that perfectly reflects the spirit of District 7.
As part of SHS’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, students in biomedical and health science pathways, led by educators including Dr. Rebecca Gentry (pictured), have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications. This year alone, students have trained in Stop the Bleed, OSHA, HIPAA, and CPR-BLS, with more than 70 students earning CPR-BLS certification over two days at the Beaumont Education Center.
On the first day of training, the group found themselves with an uneven number of participants, leaving one student without a partner.
That’s when Mr. Smith, a District 7 bus driver, stepped in.
Without hesitation, he joined the training, not only helping a student complete the hands-on requirement, but also fully participating in the course and earning his own CPR-BLS certification.
What began as a small act of kindness quickly became something more. Mr. Smith shared how eye-opening the experience was, reflecting on how valuable the training would be not only in his role as a bus driver, but also within his church community and everyday life. He even encouraged others to seek out similar opportunities, recognizing the life-saving impact these skills can have.
Moments like this are what make District 7 special. They are a reminder that in D7, everyone is part of the team. Whether in the classroom, on a bus, or in the community, there is a shared commitment to step up, support one another, and make a difference.
It’s a perfect example of how 7Shines, through collaboration, compassion, and a willingness to go above and beyond for students.
During a recent CPR-BLS certification training for Spartanburg High School students, a simple scheduling hiccup turned into a meaningful moment that perfectly reflects the spirit of District 7.
As part of SHS’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, students in biomedical and health science pathways, led by educators including Dr. Rebecca Gentry (pictured), have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications. This year alone, students have trained in Stop the Bleed, OSHA, HIPAA, and CPR-BLS, with more than 70 students earning CPR-BLS certification over two days at the Beaumont Education Center.
On the first day of training, the group found themselves with an uneven number of participants, leaving one student without a partner.
That’s when Mr. Smith, a District 7 bus driver, stepped in.
Without hesitation, he joined the training, not only helping a student complete the hands-on requirement, but also fully participating in the course and earning his own CPR-BLS certification.
What began as a small act of kindness quickly became something more. Mr. Smith shared how eye-opening the experience was, reflecting on how valuable the training would be not only in his role as a bus driver, but also within his church community and everyday life. He even encouraged others to seek out similar opportunities, recognizing the life-saving impact these skills can have.
Moments like this are what make District 7 special. They are a reminder that in D7, everyone is part of the team. Whether in the classroom, on a bus, or in the community, there is a shared commitment to step up, support one another, and make a difference.
It’s a perfect example of how 7Shines, through collaboration, compassion, and a willingness to go above and beyond for students.
✨ There’s so much to celebrate across Spartanburg School District 7! ✨
From the unforgettable magic of The Wizard of Oz and celebrations honoring the Class of 2026 to inspiring student achievements, career exploration experiences, and moments of teamwork and kindness that define our schools — this edition of 7Headlines is filled with stories that showcase the heart of D7.
You’ll also find enrollment information for the 2026–2027 school year, highlights from across our campuses, and the many ways our students, staff, and community continue to shine together each day. 💙
Take a moment to catch up on the latest stories from across District 7.
📬 Read the full April 2026 edition of 7Headlines:
https://tinyurl.com/7HeadlinesApr2026
#7Shines
From the unforgettable magic of The Wizard of Oz and celebrations honoring the Class of 2026 to inspiring student achievements, career exploration experiences, and moments of teamwork and kindness that define our schools — this edition of 7Headlines is filled with stories that showcase the heart of D7.
You’ll also find enrollment information for the 2026–2027 school year, highlights from across our campuses, and the many ways our students, staff, and community continue to shine together each day. 💙
Take a moment to catch up on the latest stories from across District 7.
📬 Read the full April 2026 edition of 7Headlines:
https://tinyurl.com/7HeadlinesApr2026
#7Shines
✨ Happy Administrative Professionals Day ✨
Today, we celebrated the stars who keep District 7 shining, rolling out the red carpet for our District Office team as a small way to say thank you for all they do. ⭐
While this group took center stage today, they represent something much bigger, the incredible administrative professionals across every school and office in District 7. From the front desk to the countless details handled behind the scenes, you are the heartbeat of our district, bringing organization, care, and excellence to every single day.
To our school secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, and support staff across D7, this celebration is for all of you. We see you, we appreciate you, and we are so grateful for the role you play in helping District 7 shine. ✨
#7Shines
Today, we celebrated the stars who keep District 7 shining, rolling out the red carpet for our District Office team as a small way to say thank you for all they do. ⭐
While this group took center stage today, they represent something much bigger, the incredible administrative professionals across every school and office in District 7. From the front desk to the countless details handled behind the scenes, you are the heartbeat of our district, bringing organization, care, and excellence to every single day.
To our school secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, and support staff across D7, this celebration is for all of you. We see you, we appreciate you, and we are so grateful for the role you play in helping District 7 shine. ✨
#7Shines
"THE WIZARD OF OZ" opens APRIL 23rd - get your tickets today!
If you love "Wicked", come enjoy the story that started it all...
Join Dorothy, Toto ( YES, we have a REAL dog on stage!), the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Glinda, and even those mischievous flying monkeys as they take the stage in a spectacular student production that truly shines. This fully-staged production is accompanied by a live orchestra and is complete with FLYING witches, monkeys, and an on-stage tornado that whips Dorothy into the air!
Our talented students have been working tirelessly to bring this classic to life, and you won’t want to miss it...
🎭 Performance Dates:
April 23–25 at 7:00 PM
April 26 at 3:00 PM
📍 Location: District 7 Fine Arts Center, Spartanburg High School
🎟️ Tickets - $12 adults/$5 students and seniors: Reserve your seats now at our.show/D7Wizard
If you love "Wicked", come enjoy the story that started it all...
Join Dorothy, Toto ( YES, we have a REAL dog on stage!), the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Glinda, and even those mischievous flying monkeys as they take the stage in a spectacular student production that truly shines. This fully-staged production is accompanied by a live orchestra and is complete with FLYING witches, monkeys, and an on-stage tornado that whips Dorothy into the air!
Our talented students have been working tirelessly to bring this classic to life, and you won’t want to miss it...
🎭 Performance Dates:
April 23–25 at 7:00 PM
April 26 at 3:00 PM
📍 Location: District 7 Fine Arts Center, Spartanburg High School
🎟️ Tickets - $12 adults/$5 students and seniors: Reserve your seats now at our.show/D7Wizard
✨Saluting Our Assistant Principals ✨
As we return from Spring Break, we’re taking a moment to celebrate National Assistant Principals Week and recognize the incredible leaders who help our schools shine brighter every single day.
Assistant Principals are the steady heartbeat behind the scenes and at the center of it all, supporting teachers, encouraging students, partnering with families, and helping principals lead thriving school communities. They navigate challenges with strength and compassion, always keeping student success at the forefront.
In Spartanburg School District 7, their impact is felt in countless ways, through relationships built, problem-solving, and opportunities created for students to grow and succeed. Their leadership is a big reason 7Shines across our district.
To our Assistant Principals, thank you for showing up, stepping in, and lifting others up day in and day out. Your work matters, and our schools are stronger because of you. 💙
As we return from Spring Break, we’re taking a moment to celebrate National Assistant Principals Week and recognize the incredible leaders who help our schools shine brighter every single day.
Assistant Principals are the steady heartbeat behind the scenes and at the center of it all, supporting teachers, encouraging students, partnering with families, and helping principals lead thriving school communities. They navigate challenges with strength and compassion, always keeping student success at the forefront.
In Spartanburg School District 7, their impact is felt in countless ways, through relationships built, problem-solving, and opportunities created for students to grow and succeed. Their leadership is a big reason 7Shines across our district.
To our Assistant Principals, thank you for showing up, stepping in, and lifting others up day in and day out. Your work matters, and our schools are stronger because of you. 💙
