SHS Grad and First Female African American Anesthesiologist at MUSC  Credits District 7 for Success
Dr. Ebony Jade Hilton Bucholz is a 2000 Graduate of Spartanburg High

Dr. Ebony Hilton Bucholz is one of Spartanburg HIgh School's shining stars.The 2000 alum recently addressed the student body at her alma mater and described her course from classroom to career. As the first female African American anesthesiologist hired by the Medical University of South Carolina, Bucholz was the featured speaker for Spartanburg High's Black History Month program. Pointing to the mentors in her life, Bucholz said she was inspired by a number of positive role models. She challenged students to embrace their opportunities in education and to go after their dreams with perseverance. Throughout her journey to become a doctor, Bucholz said she often asked herself, "Am I meant for this? Am I built for this?" Leaning on the words from a favorite poem she learned at SHS, Bucholz continuously summoned the strength to master her fate. "My teacher, Mr. (Chris) White introduced me to the famous poem, Invictus, by William Ernest Henley and I use it all the time to bolster my courage." Now, clearly confident in the medical career she loves, Bucholz is quick to remind a younger generation, that they, too, can achieve their dreams.  Throughout the District, students and faculty recognized the annual observance of Black History Month with a wide variety of informative and artistic performances.
District 7 Educators Applauded For Approach 
in Working with Autism Disorders

Spartanburg District 7 has always been a trailblazer and now, thanks to a partnership with Converse College, educators in the District are being credited with pioneering work in the field of autism education. Several years ago, the District joined with Converse in an effort to effectively train more educators to serve the growing number of students with  the neurological disorder. Dr. Cheryl  Revels and Ms. Elena Ghionis of District 7 designed the Converse curriculum, while Ms. Ghionis stepped into the role of college professor. With the State Department of Education's endorsement, the program at Converse is now offered for certification credit. And the fruits of that work, says Dr. Revels, will literally be on stage this Spring when the first cohort of 35 students at Converse graduates from the program.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 68 children have an autism-spectrum disorder, and the Department of Education estimates that approximately 4,000 school-aged children in South Carolina have autism. Currently, there is a great need for behavior analysts to provide services to children with autism. "We are excited for this  opportunity  to provide an accessible certification program to meet the growing need for behavior analysts who will be able to make a difference in the lives of families here in Spartanburg," Ms. Ghionis says.
Jesse Boyd Juggles School Schedule to Squeeze in Time 
for Friday Fun Clubs
On the Ball at Jesse Boyd
Jaelyn Bagby-Gentry is a 5th-grade student at Jesse Boyd Elementary who knows the benefits of tossing a little fun into a Friday afternoon at school. Thanks to JBE's Friday Fun Club, students now have the opportunity to participate in a host of cool activities, ranging from juggling to pet care to yoga and sign language. The name of the game, says Principal Meredith Rose, is providing opportunities for children in different grade levels to get to know one another and to promote new learning experiences. With more than 20 clubs offered each week, Dr. Rose says there's something for everyone. And it shouldn't come as a surprise that even the principal has a few favorites!
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Dr. Meredith Rose, Principal of Jesse Boyd Elementary School
Spartanburg Law Enforcement Officers Heighten Community Relations with High-Five Program
There's a New Take on Getting Stopped By the Cops
Spartanburg City Police Chief Alonzo Thompson is on a mission to make a difference in this community, and the cops he works with are lending a hand. Literally. In what Thompson calls the start of "High-Five Fridays," students in all seven school districts in the county will soon be seeing more of his officers first thing on Friday mornings. "The goal," says Thompson, "is to meet young people where they are, to show them we care about their well-being and afford them an opportunity to see us in a relaxed and positive setting." Thompson says officers from the city and the county will be participating in the initiative along with members of the Fire Department and first responders.   

Meet With Chief Alonzo Thompson
Spartanburg Police Chief Alonzo Thompson
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Registration for School Choice is Open; Kindergarten Registration Begins March 19

District 7 is committed to providing world-class instructional programs that provide unique learning opportunities for all of our students. Limited school choice attempts to provide our families the opportunity to enroll a child in a specific school based on an identified need - regardless of the school he or she is currently zoned for. To enroll a student in a school outside of your boundary zone, please complete an online school choice enrollment application .   The enrollment window for the 2018-2019 school year is in effect through April 13, 2018. You can also visit our website to learn more about our  School Choice Guidelines.
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On March 19, preschool registration for the 2018-2019 school year will begin.  Children must be 5 years of age on or before Sept. 1, 2018, to enroll.  The District also offers 4-year-old kindergarten programs at the Early Learning Center and the Cleveland Academy of Leadership; 3- and 4-year-old programs at Meeting Street Academy; and a fee-based, 3- and 4-year-old Montessori program at E.P. Todd. Eligibility screening is required, and class sizes are limited. For more information on programs for early learners, visit our  website or call (864) 594-6190.
Help Us Fight The Flu
It's flu season, and the number of those infected continues to rise. With that in mind, District 7 is not taking any risks. In an effort to slow the spread of illnesses in the District, our school custodians are paying special attention to disinfecting classrooms and cleaning frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs,  water fountains, and bathrooms, and have been doing extra cleaning of surfaces daily and between classes. "Our schools have yet to see anything out of the ordinary in terms of absences due to the flu," Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Dr. Sonia Leverette said. "We feel like the extra cleaning protocols we put in place after Winter break have been effective. Nurses are also doing a good job of isolating students with a fever until they can be picked up, and enforcing the 'no return for 24 hours' policy."  According to the State Department of Health and Environmental Control and the federal Centers for Disease Control, getting vaccinated annually is the best way to combat the contagious disease. 
As we continue to be vigilant, we encourage our families to heed the following information from the CDC: 
Those still seeking flu shots can do so by setting up an appointment at the Spartanburg County Health Department. Flu vaccines are also being offered at doctor's offices, clinics, and pharmacies. D7 offered the vaccine to students and staff last Fall.
2018-2019 Calendar
Progress is a Beautiful Thing;  Aerial Shots of SHS 
Feb. 22, 2018


D7 Administrators Take a Tour of the SHS Construction Site ...
and Give It a Four Thumbs Up!
Welcome Spring By Putting a Spring in Your Step. 
Register Now for the Pine Street Fun Run

Register now 
for Pine Street School's USATF-certified 5K or 1 Mile Fun Run on March 10. This is the perfect way to welcome Spring! This course is for everyone from beginners to advanced runners. 
They're Creepy and They're Kooky, Mysterious and Spooky ...
We're Getting Ready for The Addams Family, May 24-27
Coming this Spring to Spartanburg's Chapman Cultural Center. Ticket information will be released soon, but mark your calendar now. 
February, 2018
SHS CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY

Check Out the Amazing Spartanburg High School Step Team Performing During Black History Month.
LET'S ROCK THE VOTE!
So You Think You Can Dance, Spartanburg!  is a friend and fund-raiser for 10 community groups in Spartanburg, including District 7. Ten teams will compete on March 29, 2018, at the Chapman Cultural Center, but voting is open now for your favorite team. So join in the fun by casting your vote early and often at Vote Viking Nation. T ickets are $25 a person with the show beginning at 7:30.
SEEN AROUND SEVEN

D7 Will Celebrate Read Across America Week, Feb. 6 - March 2. Take Time to Read to a Child!

These Little Friends From The Early Learning Center Are Counting 100 Days of Schools With 100 Cups

A Sweet Grandparents Day  at Pine 
Muffins for Moms at Mary H. Wright

Daddy Daughter Dance at JBE

Donuts for Dads at Chapman

Sweet Wishes from Mary H. Wright

JBE Singers in Columbia
Thanks to Our Own SHS Alum Chavis Jones for Speaking to Students at Houston Elementary
Our Guidance Counselors Always Get the Picture! These Fun Snapshots Were Taken for the State's Recognition of National 
Counselor's Week
Meeting Street Superstars Huddle Up for a Little Strategy

Talented Group of SC Elementary Honor Choir Participants
More Than 300 Students Took Part
in the District-Wide February Choral Extravaganza at Twichell Auditorium on the
Converse  College Campus.
Speaking of Music! Congrats to Student Ethan Durham, Who Has Obtained All-State Status for 3 Consecutive Years in All Three Musical Groups: Orchestra, Band, and Choir - The Supreme Trifecta!

So, This is How We Celebrate 100 Days of School Under our Belts!

Odyssey 5th Graders Visit Wofford College and Attend a College-Level Class with SHS Alum and Odyssey Student Bryson Coleman.

Congratulations to Elle Johnson
and Maggie Cubitt, Honored by SCCAWS as Players of the Year

Way To Go, Tommy Washington
for Winning the 5A Upper State 
Wrestling Championship

Great to Have These Tiger Scouts From Troop 1730, Visiting 
Vikings Basketball

Ten Football Athletes Signed College Scholarships During Signing Day 

Congratulations to Daniel Morgan Technology Center Instructor Chef Tim Page for being named the ProStart National Educator for SC
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Thu Mar 1, 2018
Dr. Seuss Day - Read Across America 
Tue Mar 6, 2018
6pm School Board Meeting at SHS 
Sun Mar 11, 2018
Daylight Saving Time
Wed Mar 21, 2018
135th Day/End of 3rd 9 Weeks
Wed Mar 28, 2018
Report Cards
Fri Mar 30, 2018
Make-up Day for Students

Donate your gently used prom dresses, gowns, jewelry, accessories and shoes to Operation Glass Slipper  to be sold in the Boutique Sale at Rummage for A Reason.
See flyer for details about donating and the sale on March 2 and 3
Spartanburg School District Seven I  610 Dupre Drive I  Spartanburg, SC 29307 I 864.594.4400