Spartanburg District 7 -

Have you seen our district's holiday video greeting featuring student artwork from each of our schools? Check it out - the link is in our website news feed and on our social media pages!

7Headlines: Gratitude and Hope this Holiday Season Our FESTIVE Winter Issue of 7Headlines is here! This edition is packed with exciting updates, including our cool new cell phone policy and heartwarming stories of students spreading holiday cheer by giving back to the community. From winter wonder to acts of kindness, we’re celebrating the season with a spirit of gratitude and hope. Check out all the highlights in this festive issue - https://tinyurl.com/7HeadlinesWinter2024 We’re snow excited to Go for Great in D7!

Happy Thanksgiving, D7 Family! This has been quite a school year so far – while wonderful things are happening for our students every day, we have also had unexpected challenges from Hurricane Helene's impact on our school year. There is a silver lining in all things, however, and the good that came from the storm was how it brought our community together to care for and support one another. Our students, staff, and families played a big role in the effort, and that makes me especially proud and grateful for everyone this Thanksgiving. Over the past several days, our schools have been buzzing with holiday excitement and activities. From a Thanksgiving meal drive at our high school where students packed more than 200 grocery bags to help families in need celebrate a meal together, to creative learning assignments inspired by turkeys and holiday traditions, to special menus in our cafeterias and class parties with family members, they are all a reminder of what makes this community so special. From all of us in District 7, please know we are truly thankful for each of you and the support you give to our schools every day. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and joyful Thanksgiving! Superintendent Jeff Stevens

Viking Nation: Get ready for Round 3 of the playoffs! Join us Friday, November 29 as our Vikings take on JL Mann at home. Here’s what you need to know: Tickets: • General admission: $10 (plus $1 service fee) • Purchase online at hubcitylocker.com (https://www.hubcitylocker.com/events-1/vikingsvsjlmann)or at the gate. • Playoff Passes: Only South Carolina High School League Passes are accepted. District 7 School Passes, Senior Citizen/Retiree Passes, or District Employee Passes are not valid for playoff games. Game Day Reminders: • Clear Bag Policy: D7’s clear bag policy is in effect. • No Portable Heaters: Portable heaters are not allowed in the stadium. Watch the Broadcast: Can’t make it to the game? Catch all the action as Spartanburg High School takes on J.L. Mann High School from the comfort of your home. Subscribe and watch live on the NFHS Network: Watch Here (https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/spartanburg-high-school-spartanburg-sc/gamcc171c1026) Be There to Support the Vikings: Let’s fill the stands and bring the energy as we cheer our Vikings to victory! See you there!

It's only Fall, but the stage is already set for Spring Musical Season in District 7! Musicals have been part of the life of our schools for a long time. We are excited to bring everyone's favorite ogre to our Fine Arts Center stage this school year. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure that brings all the film's beloved characters to the stage and proves there's more to the story than meets the ears. Shrek offers a treasure trove of creative opportunities—think dazzling costumes, whimsical sets, and even a fire-breathing dragon! This irreverently fun show is perfect for the whole family and reminds us all that beauty is truly "in the eye of the ogre". Whether you’re a singer or a non-singer, there are roles for students of all ages. So, dust off your dancing shoes and join us for a magical journey that’s sure to delight and entertain...Let the countdown to Shrek The Musical begin! Auditions will be held in December for students in 5K -5th grades and grades 6-12. Click here for audition information for students in grades 5K-5 - https://files.constantcontact.com/3ef8bff8401/6e5804c6-2d78-437e-bd45-826f3f2428c4.pdf?rdr=true Click here for audition information for students in grades 6-12 - https://files.constantcontact.com/3ef8bff8401/977a9f75-9779-4d2f-ae55-bb223f3336c7.pdf?rdr=true

Our UN-FALL-GETTABLE Issue of 7Headlines is here! Dive into NEW websites and winning achievements in this edition - https://tinyurl.com/7HeadlinesFall2024 We’re “leafing” no stone unturned as we Go for Great in D7! #D7isgoingforgreat #toinspireandequip

District 7 Educator Recruitment Fair: Saturday, December 7 from 9 AM - Noon Know a great educator who may be interested in joining TEAM7? Please SHARE this recruitment fair opportunity on December 7 to help us connect with the very best educators so we can show them why D7 is a GREAT place to make a positive impact! All schools will be present to help roll out the red carpet as we share info about current and future certified positions across the district. Come meet our superintendent and teachers and administrators from each of our schools, speak with Human Resources about benefits and compensation, and apply for jobs on the spot. Thank you for helping us add to our team of professionals who love and support our students and families! Hiring for ALL New Certified Positions: Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 9 AM - Noon Viking Arena at Spartanburg High School Qualifications: 4-Year Degree and teaching certificate or plans to pursue an alternative route to certification Bring: Your resume and references Professional Attire Register here to attend: spartanburg7.org/RecruitmentFair

District 7 salutes all veterans who have served our country! Across our schools, our D7 Family is enjoying Veteran's Day programs that educate, celebrate, and connect our students, teachers, staff, and families. We are welcoming family members and community neighbors who serve or have served in the armed forces as we honor them during our school programs. Our students are lifting their voices, sharing their artwork, performing with their orchestras and bands, introducing guest speakers, and hosting receptions for honorees all around D7. Thank you to the many members of our D7 Family as well as to those in our community who give their time and talents in service to our great nation!

Our award-winning student newspaper, Norse News, is back with a combined September/October issue featuring double the stories AND contains two Homecoming photo galleries! Our student journalists have covered a wide range of news, opinion pieces, sports, and entertainment stories. Their voices are insightful and informative as they reflect the excellence of Spartanburg High School. Read the latest issue here: https://shsnorsenews.org/

Watch our NEW Student-Created SHS Newscast! Spartanburg High School’s all-new Viking News broadcast launched this year and is receiving rave reviews for its first two episodes. It was conceived by art and photography teacher Crissy Rennie, who is in her third year at SHS, as a way to boost school spirit and help students develop valuable skills. Ms. Rennie has fond memories of her own time as editor and executive producer of Wando High School’s news team, Tribe Talk. “We competed around the state and I remember students being super excited when our episode aired. When I came to SHS and noticed we didn't have a news show, I brought the idea to Mr. Adam Babcock and he was all for it.” The Viking News team started small with their first episode but attracted interest and grew to include more students for its second episode, released in October. The crew meets to plan each episode before school once per month, then heads out to capture the stories. They check in with Ms. Rennie throughout each week as the episodes are put together for publishing. In their October installment, several SHS students share facts about their native countries for Hispanic Heritage Month, they give athletic updates, provide tips to students for writing professional email messages, cover senior college day, ask a lot of Vikings about their favorite Halloween movies, and end with a poignant introduction to the beloved custodial team at SHS. As the news show grows, Ms. Rennie envisions the students’ honing their skills and eventually beginning to edit their own stories. She also envisions the possibility of a future Media Technology/Broadcast Journalism class that would expand the news team while preparing students for careers in the field. For now, the group is focusing on telling stories that create connections and deepen our Viking’s understanding of one another. Enjoy the show! Watch at https://youtu.be/tXxQJHBHLuc Fall 2024 Viking News Team: News Anchor: Marianna Saad Sports Anchor: Karsyn Painter Interviewer: Finely Sloan Executive Producer: Sam Foster Camera Crew : Brianna Drummond , Jeremiah Ross, Savannah Ferguson, Crissy Rennie Editor: Crissy Rennie

Bring your family to experience DMTC like never before! DMTC’s first ever “Career Family Day” will be Thursday, November 7th from 3:30 to 6:30 PM. This “school carnival with a twist” features local food trucks and hands-on introductions to the diverse, modern-day world of career and technical education. Enjoy demonstrations and workshops, create and take home a wide variety of items as you explore the programs, hear from students and community partners about the benefits of career and technical education, and visit with nearly 40 local employers to learn about how DMTC programs prepare students for career opportunities. With 17 career programs that offer a wide variety of dual enrollment courses, industry certifications, and hands-on learning experiences, there is so much to explore at Daniel Morgan Technology Center. Technical skills are in high demand and this is your chance to explore hundreds of rewarding career paths. Come on November 7 to help prepare your child for a bright future! Just a few of the hands-on experiences will be: 🌟 Come Spark Your Interest in Electricity Dive into the world of circuits with a classroom tour and Q&A session 🧼 Health Science Hand Scrub & Vital Signs Check Make your own hand scrub or check your vital signs. Stay healthy, stay informed 🍽️ Balancing Flavors in Culinary Arts Explore the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and spicy in our interactive tasting demo 🔧 Weld Like a Pro with Augmented Reality Experience the Miller Mobile Arc Welding System firsthand. Ready to spark your creativity? 🎥 Media Tech Magic: News and Edit Demonstration Join us for an engaging demo and see yourself on camera by participating in a newscast 📚 3D Printing Wonders in Intro to Education Win cool prizes like a mushroom lamp, Mario box, or chess set while our 3D printers and drones showcase their magic ⚙️ Machine Tool Madness Watch our CNC Machining Center in action, creating aluminum fidget spinners and dice 🚗 Get Hands-On with Automotive Technology Build and test your own automotive electrical circuit. Put your skills to the test! 🎮 Gaming & Cyber Frenzy in IT Calling all gamers and tech enthusiasts! Compete for prizes and explore our exciting IT courses. 🏥 Health Science Quick CPR Training Participate in our CPR session and receive a certificate (and candy lifesavers) 🛠️ Carpentry Shop Tour See incredible build projects and take a tour of our carpentry shop. Get inspired! 🤖 Robotics Demo in Mechatronics Witness the future with our exciting robotics demonstration!

D7 families! There will be no school on Monday, November 4, and Tuesday, November 5. Monday is our exchange day for staff, and Tuesday is Election Day. And just a reminder, don’t forget to “fall back” one hour this Sunday as Daylight Saving Time wraps up. We wholeheartedly encourage you to VOTE and to check out vote411.org for your personalized ballot. Every vote counts, and we can't wait to see our community at the polls! Need a fun plan for your kids on Monday? The City of Spartanburg Parks, Recreation & Special Events has you covered! They’re offering an Out of School Day Camp for kids ages 5-12 at C.C. Woodson Community Center from 9 AM to 1 PM, and an Out of School Youth Activity Day for teens ages 12-18 at T.K. Gregg Community Center from 12 PM to 5 PM. Best part? It’s absolutely FREE! Just be sure to register in advance by scanning the QR codes. We’re thankful for our partnership with the City of Spartanburg in providing enriching experiences for our young people. Enjoy the long weekend!

Flu Clinics – Sign Up by TODAY, October 24 As the temperatures drop and flu season approaches, now is the perfect time to protect your family! District 7 is pleased to partner with DHEC each year to offer FREE flu vaccines – with both shot and nasal spray options - right at school. Convenient and Cost-Free Your child can receive their flu shot during the school day, without any out-of-pocket cost. This is a hassle-free opportunity to keep your child protected while minimizing time away from school and activities. Flu Clinic Dates: • November 6, 2024 Cleveland Academy Mary H Wright Elementary Carver Middle School • November 7, 2024 Jesse Boyd Elementary Drayton Mills Elementary Spartanburg High School Whitlock Flexible Learning Center • November 12, 2024 E.P. Todd School Pine Street School McCracken Middle School How to Sign Up: Each District 7 school has provided families with instructions containing a unique code to register online or on paper for their school. The deadline to sign up online is October 24, and the deadline to turn in paper forms is October 25. Taking this proactive step not only protects your child but also helps ensure a healthier school environment for everyone. Thank you for your support in keeping our community healthy!

Today marked a heartfelt return to the classroom for our students after seven days away due to Hurricane Helene. While some continue to face power outages, unreliable internet, and even displacement, they were greeted with uplifting music, encouraging signs, and open arms. It was a warm and welcoming start that truly set the tone for their comeback. In times of turmoil, it's truly inspiring to see how far kindness, empathy, and understanding can reach. In D7, we are dedicated to nurturing connections, offering flexibility, and acknowledging the emotional challenges that come with events like this storm. Our teachers and staff are here to support every student on their path, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive when they're ready. Though this storm has undoubtedly changed us, our students' resilience and eagerness to learn remain unwavering. We loved seeing their smiles today and are excited to continue this journey to greatness together! #D7isgoingforgreat #Toinspireandequip

District 7 Helene Recovery Community Meal Distribution Wednesday, October 2 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Spartanburg High School and Pine Street Elementary To our Spartanburg Community, As a way to help during this difficult time, District 7 is partnering with Chartwells to provide free, boxed hot meals on Wednesday, October 2. Pickup will be open from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm (or as long as supplies last) at Spartanburg High School and Pine Street Elementary, our only schools with both power and working traffic signals for safe access. PICKUP LOCATIONS & INSTRUCTIONS Spartanburg High – Enter via the student drive beside Lidl and follow the “Event” directional signage to the Fine Arts Center (located next to the home side of Viking Stadium). Park and walk to the pickup area near the Fine Arts Center. Pine Street Elementary – Enter via the front campus entrance along Pine Street for drive-thru pickup in front of the school. There is NO ENTRANCE from Boyd Street into the campus.

District 7 Families, As an update, all District 7 schools will remain closed through Friday, October 4 and there will be no eLearning during this time. There will be no athletics or other after-school activities until further notice, but conditions will be assessed daily to determine when these might resume. We will continue to share information as soon as it is available. You are constantly on our hearts and minds as our community works to recover from Helene. District 7 is fortunate to have avoided major damage at our schools, although there is much cleanup to be done and we still await power to be restored at the majority of our facilities. Our teams have done tremendous work assessing conditions and making plans to reopen once we are able to do so. Please continue to take great care as there are many hazards that remain across our community. We miss our students, teachers and staff as well as our broader District 7 Family!

UPDATE ON SCHOOL CLOSURES FOR MONDAY AND TUESDAY: Due to the impact and damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene, District 7 will be CLOSED on Monday and Tuesday. There will be NO after-school or evening activities on Monday and we will make a future announcement about whether after-school and evening activities can be held on Tuesday. During this time, our teams will be working to assess and repair any damages to our schools. We will continue to provide updates as necessary and notify you of any further changes as the week progresses. We understand this is a challenging time for our community, as many are without power and mobile device service. There will be no e-Learning expectations for Monday or Tuesday. As always, our priority is the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and their families. Our hearts and best wishes are with everyone who is impacted by the storm, and we are committed to working together to restore our community. Please stay safe!

Everyone loves a parade! Today may be dreary, but the sun is right around the corner and our Vikings are preparing to celebrate Homecoming Week from September 30 - October 4! Spartanburg High School invites our entire District 7 family and the Spartanburg community to enjoy the Homecoming Parade next Wednesday, October 2 at 7 PM. Arrive early to stake out your spot and enjoy snacks and drinks sold by student council for $1 each! Let's cheer on our Vikings as they prepare to take on Wade Hampton High for the Homecoming game in Viking Stadium on Friday, October 4. See the parade map for parking areas and the route. Go Vikings!

After-School Activities Canceled and eLearning Day Announced for Friday In light of the potential impact from Hurricane Helene, we are taking proactive measures to prioritize the safety of our students, staff and families. District 7 will hold a regular school day on Thursday but has canceled all after-school and evening activities for Thursday. We will also hold an eLearning Day on Friday, September 27. Cherokee County will continue to monitor the storm's timing and impact in hopes that our Viking football team will still travel to compete in Gaffney Friday night. All other after-school programs and activities for District 7 are canceled for both Thursday and Friday. Teachers will communicate with students on Thursday regarding any eLearning assignments for Friday. More information on District 7’s eLearning procedures is available at spartanburg7.org/elearning. The National Weather Service is forecasting strong winds, flooding, and severe weather conditions as this storm moves through our area. As a reminder, SC Bus Safety Regulations restrict the operation of school buses if sustained winds reach 30 mph or gusts of 40 mph. We will continue to monitor this storm and communicate any updates. Thank you for your understanding, as safety is always our top priority!

In celebration of National IT Professionals Day, we are excited to spotlight two outstanding D7 family members: David Beyer, Director of Technology (top far left), and Wanda Greenfield, Director of Instructional and Assistive Technology (top right). Together, they have dedicated over 35 years to enhancing our district's technology landscape. David Beyer is the backbone of our technological infrastructure, ensuring our systems run flawlessly, safeguarding our servers, and crafting solutions that keep our district operating smoothly. Wanda Greenfield expertly integrates technology with teaching, creating dynamic and engaging learning environments, all while advancing our mission to inspire and equip students for impactful lives as global citizens. Today, we extend our deepest gratitude not only to David and Wanda but to every IT professional in our schools. Your expertise, dedication, and tireless efforts often go unseen, yet they are crucial to our success. We also want to recognize the Spartanburg High School Viking Video team (some members pictured bottom left) for their essential support at sporting events, convocations, and beyond. Happy IT Professionals Day! Your unwavering commitment to innovation, support, and problem-solving keeps our district connected and thriving, and for that, we are profoundly thankful.