Hello, D7 Family!

As spring break approaches, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible dedication, resilience, and hard work our students, faculty and staff have shown throughout this year. We have had more ups and downs than usual, yet our teachers, staff and families continue to pour their hearts into supporting our students even when it hasn’t been easy.

I am proud of the good things we are accomplishing across our schools. For example, in just this past month:

• We enjoyed the artwork of our elementary students displayed in a public exhibition at Chapman Cultural Center,
• We recognized 43 8^th graders for being named South Carolina Junior Scholars,
• Our middle and high school music ensembles brought home highest honors for their performances,
• We celebrated the academic excellence of our highest achieving SHS students,
• Our Spartanburg community came together for an evening of patriotism as our United States Navy Band performed in District 7,
• A new major investment was made in advancing early childhood education and family engagement through our partnership with Spartanburg Academic Movement,
• District 7 alumni in the Call Me MiSTER program were recognized for making a difference in K-12 education,
• We began site work to prepare for our new Jesse Boyd Elementary, and
• We began enrolling a new group of excited 3K through 5K students who will join us next school year.

This is just the tip of the iceberg…uplifting stories are all around us that paint the true picture of what our future holds!

Our students continue to thrive and feel valued because of YOU. Your unwavering commitment is noticed and appreciated, and spring break will be a well-deserved time for students and staff to relax, recharge, and enjoy every moment.

The countdown to the end of our 2024-2025 school year is about to begin – let’s finish the year strong by "Going for Great" each day!

Superintendent Jeff Stevens



As the old McCracken Middle School comes down to make way for our new Jesse Boyd Elementary, it’s a moment that ties the past to the present in a truly special way. The recent media coverage of the school’s demolition has sparked nostalgia for many, but for Jeff Mason, it’s a uniquely bittersweet connection that’s been years in the making.

Mason, who now serves as a member of the Spartanburg School District 7 Board of Trustees, was once a student and member of the JROTC at McCracken Junior High School. Back in 2004, when he was a teenager, Mason made headlines in the Herald-Journal newspaper for building a walking trail on the McCracken campus for his Eagle Scout project. The story of that trail is now intertwined with the history of the school itself—an example of how a young student’s vision can leave a lasting mark on a place that shaped his own life.

Fast forward to today, and Mason is still deeply connected to McCracken, though in a much different role. As a Board Member, he now helps shape the future of Spartanburg’s educational landscape. With the school’s demolition now underway, he reflects on his time there and the walking trail that symbolizes the community spirit he experienced as a student.

“It’s a little surreal,” Mason said, remembering his teenage years spent on the McCracken campus. “Back then, I was just a kid with an idea. I didn't know it would end up being something people still remember today.” His work on the walking trail, which began as a student-led initiative, was part of a larger effort to improve the school’s campus and connect students with nature. That project, which seemed like a simple act of service back in the day, now represents a valuable chapter in Spartanburg history as we make way for something new.

The demolition of our former McCracken Middle School marks the end of an era for many in Spartanburg, but for Mason, it’s a reminder of how far he’s come—and the unexpected ways in which his journey has come full circle. As the school comes down, it’s clear that the legacy of McCracken won’t be forgotten, especially for those like Mason, who once walked those halls and now holds the power to shape the district’s future together with the District's nine-member Board.This site will soon become the new Jesse Boyd Elementary School, set to open in August 2027.

In a way, McCracken's demolition serves as a metaphor for District 7's ongoing transformation — moving forward by building on the legacy and foundation laid by those who came before us. For Mason, who once helped build a trail as a student and now helps build the future as a trustee, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful changes are those that tie us to where we came from.

As the dust settles and the old school is no more, the walking trail Mason helped create will remain as a symbol connecting the past to present, and the continuing journey of a community always moving forward together.

Above and below: Herald-Journal reporter and D7 alumnus Baker Maultsby (left) and photographer Alex Hicks (right), who documented Mason's Eagle Scout project two decades ago, happened to be the same duo covering our story in 2025! To commemorate the unexpected reunion, we took this photo with Jeff Mason holding the 2004 article from his scrapbook. A cLose-up photo of the 2004 article is below.

Above: Jonathan Duvall, principal of Jesse Boyd Elementary (left) and Jeff Mason (right) were both interviewed by local media outlets to tell the story of honoring our past as we build for the future. See the resulting coverage in the next story, below!

As the walls of the former McCracken Middle School come down, a new chapter begins for Spartanburg School District 7. The demolition marks the start of an exciting new era—one that results from innovation, growth, and an investment in the future of our students. Construction of our brand-new Jesse Boyd Elementary School (JBE) is set to transform the educational landscape, thanks to the overwhelming support of District 7 residents who approved the 2024 referendum.

Last August, following unanimous support from our Board of Trustees, voters expressed their commitment to education and trust in the district’s vision for progress. Their approval paved the way for the new JBE and for construction of an addition to Mary H. Wright Elementary to house employee childcare facilities and a need-based public 3K program. The new Jesse Boyd will be built on the site of the former McCracken Middle School, which served as a cornerstone of the community for more than 50 years but has been empty since McCracken moved to its current home in 2020. Now, the site will be transformed into a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide elementary students with the resources and spaces they need to succeed for generations to come.

"We’re thrilled to bring this new building to life for our students while honoring the rich history and traditions of Jesse Boyd," said principal Jonathan Duvall. "This new school will offer our teachers and students enhanced spaces for collaboration, performance, and learning. It will be a place where our students thrive and where the future is built."

Set to open in August 2027, the new facility will provide a learning environment that aligns with the district’s vision for educational excellence and is able to accommodate future growth. It will feature flexible spaces for collaborative learning, the latest in technology, expanded performance areas, and a functional design that aligns with modern-day learning.

“This is not just a new school; it's the foundation of the future,” said former McCracken student and current District 7 Board memberJeff Mason. “We’re creating an environment where students will have the tools and spaces to succeed, while continuing the tradition of excellence that Jesse Boyd has always embodied.”

Once the site is cleared and prepared, construction of the new building is set to begin in December 2025. The district has launched a dedicated project development webpage for the new Jesse Boyd Elementary School with updates, design concepts, and a timeline for the project to give residents a front-row seat to the development process.

As the old McCracken campus makes way for the future, District 7 is not only constructing a new school—we are building a stronger, brighter future for students, teachers, and the entire community. The momentum reflects our district’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences for all.

Above: The JBE community recently had the opportunity to provide valuable input on design concepts and the site plan for the new school. Their feedback played a key role in shaping a space that reflects the needs and vision of both the educators and students.

In an exciting and flavorful twist, the Cleveland Academy of Leadership enjoyed an unforgettable visit from Food Network star Chef Jet Tila, who stopped by to teach students about cooking, culture, and the rich flavors of his Thai-Chinese heritage. The visit was part of the “Global Eats” program, a fun and interactive initiative by Chartwells, the district’s food service provider, that introduces students to foods from around the world. The program is designed to spice up learning by exploring the history, geography, and nutrition behind dishes from countries like China, India, Italy, and Mexico.

Chef Tila, who comes from a family of “twice immigrants” (from China to Thailand, then to the U.S. in 1956), brought more than just a delicious meal to the table—he brought his personal story. As he shared with the students, food is a powerful way to connect with culture and identity, and his journey through food helped bring that to life in a fun and memorable way.

In the kitchen, Tila showed students how to whip up a tasty chicken meatball stir-fry and fried rice, all while teaching the differences between stir-frying (with a wok) and sautéing (with a skillet). He also gave an engaging mini-lesson about aromatics, proteins, vegetables, and carbs—and how each plays a role in creating the perfect dish. One of the most memorable moments came when Tila explained the five essential flavors in Chinese food: spicy, sour, salty, sweet, and savory. “Repeat after me!” he told the students, who eagerly echoed each flavor. It was a hands-on way to remember how food can pack a punch with just five key tastes.

But it wasn’t all about the cooking. The students also got to sample the dishes Tila prepared, giving them a delicious taste of the world beyond their own kitchen. To make the experience even more special, each student received a set of chopsticks and a “passport” filled with stickers for each cultural food they’d tried through the program.

For Chef Tila, the best part of these school visits is getting to connect with students. “Teaching is my number one passion,” he shared with a smile. "Connecting with kids is fun, and I love sharing my love for food with the next generation." His visit was a reminder that cooking isn’t just about following recipes—it's about discovering new flavors, learning about different cultures, and connecting with people through food.

Thanks to Chef Tila and the “Global Eats” program, Cleveland Academy students got a taste of something new—and we’re sure they’ll be trying out new flavors and recipes at home in no time!

Visit the District 7 Musical Facebook page to see profiles of the cast members! JEST A FEW of the many students involved are below...

As a reminder, we want to make sure all D7 families are fully informed of key enrollment dates and processes. Here's what you need to know to help guide families through this exciting time:

New 3K, 4K, and 5K Student Enrollment (2025-2026) is Open!

Enrollment for new 3K, 4K, and 5K students is OPEN! Note: This enrollment period is only for new 3K, 4K, and 5K students and current D7 3K students. Current D7 4K students will wait to register for 5K until the returning student registration begins after Spring Break.

Children turning 5 by September 1, 2025, must enroll in a 5K program. Enrollment is available at all District 7 elementary schools. Visit D7 Kindergarten Enrollment to find all the necessary information. Please help spread the word—we're thrilled to welcome new families and students to D7!

How to Enroll

Visit the D7 Kindergarten Enrollment page for all the details. Please make sure to bring the necessary documentation to your zoned elementary school to complete enrollment.

5K–12th Grade Returning Student Enrollment (2025-2026): Opening After Spring Break

Returning student enrollment for rising 5K - 12th grades will start after Spring Break. Parents/guardians will receive an email prompting them to complete the online enrollment process by logging into their FinalForms account. So now is the perfect time for parents and guardians to log into FinalForms and ensure their contact info and all student info is up to date. FinalForms is our one-stop shop for keeping your student’s records accurate and making life easier for families. Need Help? Visit this link for step-by-step instructions on logging in and making changes.

A few clicks now mean a smoother start to next school year. Thanks for being part of our school family!

Reminder - Annual Required Residency Verification:

Each year, families must verify their current home address to ensure students are attending the correct schools for their attendance zones. Schools will provide more information on how and when to submit this verification as we approach the end of the school year.

An important part of getting kids ready for the new school year is ensuring they are up-to-date on their vaccinations! Availability of immunization appointments will become limited as we get closer to August. To avoid any delays, we encourage you to schedule your child’s vaccine appointment as soon as possible.

The Spartanburg County Health Department is now offering immunization appointments, with immediate availability. Simply call 1-855-472-3432 to book your appointment.

Additionally, the Health Department will be hosting specialty immunization clinics each month, starting in April.

Thank you for helping us ensure a healthy and smooth start to the school year for all our Spartanburg children!

What happens when you put curious 5th graders, sheep brains, and a dash of science together? An unforgettable journey into the brain, of course! As part of our ODYSSEY program’s Brain Unit, students began by examining sheep brains in the classroom, identifying key parts like the cerebrum and cerebellum, and comparing them to a human brain model. They explored how these brain regions control everything from motor functions to memories.

The adventure continued in March with a field trip to Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), where students had the rare opportunity to see and even touch real human brains and spinal cords. They capped off their experience with a fascinating lecture from a professor at USC Upstate, who explored the link between the brain and personality traits.

From the classroom to real-world connections, our students are unlocking the mysteries of the mind!

Spartanburg High School student voices shine brightly, showcasing creativity, insight, and excellence. From the award-winning Norse News, a long-standing tradition covering a wide range of topics, to the all-new Viking News TV, an exciting student-led broadcast created to inform, inspire, and connect, our students are making waves in journalism and broadcasting while amplifying the spirit of the Viking community. Dive into the latest stories to enjoy their incredible work!

A fresh take on a long-standing tradition, this edition covers it all — news, opinion pieces, sports, and entertainment stories — straight from the talented minds of our Spartanburg High School students. Their voices are insightful, engaging, and inspiring, reflecting the spirit of excellence that defines SHS.

Don't miss a word — check it out now! 

Spartanburg High School’s Viking News TV broadcast is making a big impact! Led by the passionate Viking News Team, this exciting show not only boosts school spirit but also gives students valuable hands-on experience in storytelling, broadcasting, and production. With each episode, Viking News TV continues to showcase the energy, talent, and pride of SHS. Be sure to check out Episode 5—tune in today!

At EP Todd School, the spirit of kindness and creativity is alive and well, thanks to the hard work and heart of our Upper Elementary Montessori students. Under the guidance of their dedicated teacher (and past D7 Teacher of the Year), Mrs. Crystal Weathers, these young sewing enthusiests embarked on a meaningful project that not only taught them the art of sewing but also touched the hearts of children in need.

The students set their sights on a unique and compassionate mission: sewing surgical caps for children undergoing surgery. Over the course of their project, they crafted more than 100 colorful, character-filled caps—each one stitched with care and love. From superheroes to beloved animated characters, these caps were designed to bring a smile to young patients facing difficult procedures. And the feedback has been incredibly heartwarming. Nurses shared that the children have truly enjoyed choosing their own caps, brightening their day with colorful designs and a touch of familiarity before their surgeries.

Our students’ work speaks volumes by creating a ripple of joy and comfort for families in need. These young students learned more than just sewing—they discovered the power of empathy and the impact a small act of kindness can have on others. It’s a beautiful reminder of how creativity paired with compassion can make the world a little brighter.

We had an incredible time with the United States Navy Band at Spartanburg High School! The evening kicked off with the SHS JROTC cadets presenting the flags during a heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem. From there, the performance took us on a musical journey, with lively pop tunes spanning past and present decades, and wrapped up with a stirring rendition of "God Bless America."

It was a true honor to host these talented men and women from the United States Navy, and we were especially proud to recognize and salute local citizens who have served in all branches of the military during the program.

This event was the perfect way to celebrate National Music in Our Schools Month, and we’re so grateful to everyone in Spartanburg who came out to join us for this memorable night! Watch our short highlights video of their performance here.



Each March, we celebrate the power of music in our schools! As part of Music In Our Schools Month, we highlight our incredible orchestra, band, and choral programs, recognizing the dedication of our talented students and music educators.

From inspiring concerts to special performances, District 7 students continuously share their passion and hard work, and we spotlight that especially during March. Music brings our community together, and we’re proud to see our students Going for Great—lifting their voices, playing their hearts out, and shining on stage! Check out our Facebook series of spotlights to follow along.

It’s not every day that you get to meet a national champion, but a few lucky Tigers from Cleveland Academy of Leadership had that very chance! They got the incredible opportunity to meet Coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Lady Gamecocks, who shared powerful words of wisdom with the students:

• Be a good listener.
• Be disciplined—because discipline unlocks the ability to do anything.

These values, she explained, are the secret ingredients for success both on and off the court. As an added surprise, each student was gifted a brand-new pair of shoes—thanks to the generous support of the City of Spartanburg Parks, Recreation &

Special Events, Absolute Total Care, and Inner Sole. It was an unforgettable day of inspiration and encouragement that will help our students take their dreams to the next level!

A hometown legend stepped up to motivate our students this month: Stephen Davis, a graduate of Spartanburg High School, returned home to share his wisdom with students at Whitlock Flexible Learning Center.

A standout athlete, Davis excelled in both football and track, and is regarded as the No. 1 high school football recruit in the nation for 1992. He was named USA Today’s Offensive High School Football Player of the Year before going on to a remarkable career in the NFL. His visit was more than a trip down memory lane—it was an opportunity to inspire and equip students with lessons that will serve them both now and in the future. We are grateful for Mr. Davis’ dedication to lifting up the next generation in Spartanburg County!

At Jesse Boyd Elementary, Pirate Day was in full swing for their 5K class, and the sound of the day was "Aaaargh!" We’re so grateful to Melinda Long, author and proud JBE grandparent, who brought her books to life for our students by reading them aloud. It was a day filled with fun, learning, and a touch of pirate adventure!

Drayton Mills Elementary celebrated Read Across America in the most exciting way! From dressing up as beloved characters to diving into adventurous children’s books, the students and teachers have embraced the joy of reading. It was a week full of fun, imagination, and the magic of stories as they celebrate the power of books and ignite a love for reading in every student

On Friday, March 7, Pine Street Elementary turned its halls into a domino wonderland to celebrate the school’s 95th anniversary! Students and staff gathered for a spectacular show, where the star of the event wasn’t just the celebration, but also 1,600 cereal boxes destined for families in need. Each class had collected 95 boxes, totaling an impressive donation to Hand-in-Hand Spartanburg and Cannons Campground Methodist Church.

But before the boxes made their way to those in need, they had a starring role to play in the Cereal Box Domino Challenge. It was a twist on community service that brought together the joy of giving with a fun, dynamic display. Pine’s hallways were lined with eager students, buzzing with anticipation as first grade teacher (and District 7 Teacher of the Year) Zonya Johnson launched the first box, setting off a thrilling domino chain. The sound of cheering students, noisemakers, and confetti filled the air as the cereal boxes toppled one by one in a thrilling cascade through the hallways.

“Our usual tradition is to collect 100 canned goods for the 100th day of school, but our 95th anniversary gave us a unique opportunity to switch things up and make the celebration extra special,” said Principal Dennis Regnier. “This event was about having fun, building community, and reinforcing the values of service that are so important to our school and district.”

With energy and excitement filling every corner of the school, the domino chain was the perfect way to cap off a week of celebration. Here’s to 95 years of community, service, and joy at our “Mighty Fine Pine”—and many more!

The Lego Club from our Kids Club at Mary H. Wright had an incredible time competing in the Lego competition recently at Chapman Cultural Center! Not only did they impress with their creativity and problem-solving skills, but they also walked away with an award and a valuable experience in teamwork. The event was a fantastic opportunity for our students to collaborate, build, and shine—truly a memorable day of fun and achievement!

Civic engagement was in full swing at Carver Middle School, where the Leos Club—our vibrant junior division of the Spartanburg Southside Lions Club—played an active role in the recent District 32S Convention. True to the Lions Club’s mission of service, the Leos demonstrated their commitment to making a difference by actively participating in the event and dedicating their time to giving back to the community.

Their weekend was filled with opportunities to serve, collaborate, and learn, further strengthening our culture for helping others. ongratulations to our incredible Leos and their dedicated faculty sponsor, Dr. Betsill, for their outstanding leadership and community spirit!

In celebration of School Social Worker Month, we took a moment to honor the incredible dedication and hard work of our school social workers.

These professionals have been the heart of our school community, always going above and beyond to ensure our students, families, and staff have the support they need to thrive. Whether they were lending a listening ear, connecting families to crucial resources, or guiding students through challenges, school social workers played a key role in fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

Their tireless efforts helped create the foundation for success, inspiring every learner to reach their full potential. We extend our deepest thanks to all of our school social workers for making a lasting difference every single day as we continued Going for Great!

Our Daniel Morgan Technology Center students from Spartanburg High School helped give a warm welcome to SC Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver during her recent visit to Spartanburg. They had the opportunity to showcase their coursework, share the valuable skills they are acquiring, and discuss their future and career aspirations.

District 7 Superintendent Jeff Stevens, District 3 Superintendent Julie Fowler, and DMTC Director Nikki Honeycutt joined Superintendent Weaver in greeting the students, visiting classrooms, and highlighting our program offerings. We are grateful for the DMTC faculty, staff, and students for their commitment to demonstrating the important role Career and Technology Education pin South Carolina.

The McCracken Quiz Bowl team made an impressive debut recently in their first tournament under the leadership of Mr. Seay.

Team A (Jayonna Greene, Isaac Schultz, Madison Templeton-Byrd) secured an outstanding 3rd place overall, becoming the only team to defeat the tournament champions.

Team B (Claudia Wright, Virginia Schoonover, Bella Pye) delivered strong performances, earning multiple victories—including a win against a playoff team.

Individually, Isaac Schultz and Claudia Wright shined, placing 2nd and 4th in the entire tournament for most individual answers.

Coaches from across the state praised the team’s skill and sportsmanship, eagerly anticipating their future success!

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Spring Break

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Progress Reports

Spring Break Camps: If you need childcare over the Spring Break holiday, the City of Spartanburg is offering two daily camps for students – one for ages 5-12 at CC Woodson Community Center from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and one for grades 6-12 at the Dr. TK Gregg Center from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Snacks will be served and there is NO COST to participate, but advance registration is required. We are thankful for the City’s partnership in supporting our students!

Get ready for the ultimate community event! Spartanburg High School PTO is excited to invite you to their FIRST EVER Vikings Vendor Market on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at SHS! This fun-filled event will raise funds to enhance the school experience for our amazing students, faculty, and staff, and they’re bringing the BEST of the best: 40+ local vendors and 10 food trucks! A few examples of what's in store from our vendors are below. Visit their Facebook Event page for many more.

Admission is FREE, with a kind ask of a $5 suggested donation to support their mission. Bring your family and friends!

While you're there, check out PTO’s brand-new Viking Spirit Store merchandise and you can shop it now for official SHS swag. You can even have your items shipped directly to your child’s school, or how about surprising your child’s teacher with a special gift for Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5-9)?



We can’t wait to see you there and make this event a huge success – Let’s support our school, have fun, and shop local!

Visit the Viking Spirit Store here!

The new District 7 app was designed to keep you connected with our district and schools—whenever and wherever you need it. With just a tap, you can access news, upcoming events, lunch menus, staff directories, and important notifications. Search for “Spartanburg District 7” in the App Store or Google Play to download the app, then personalize it to follow your specific D7 schools and turn on notifications.

Download the new D7 app now to start exploring:

• App Store link
• Google Play link

To get the most out of your new app, check out the short video above for tips on customizing your settings and making the app work for you. And follow us on social media for the latest announcements and offerings:

• Facebook: SpartanburgD7
• Instagram: @spartanburgd7
• YouTube: @SpartanburgSchoolDistrict7