IN THIS ISSUE...

• 7 Points of Pride: New Data Reflects Academic Growth, Achievement and Opportunity
• From Spartanburg to the World Stage: Two Vikings. Two Journeys. One Incredibly Proud District!
• Trailblazer Kitty Black Perkins Returns Home to Inspire a New Generation in D7
• The National Blue Collar Tour is Coming to DMTC
• Mission Accepted: D7 Principal Like You've Never Seen Them Before
• Growing Something Special at Mary H. Wright
• Help Us Fight the Flu
• Cinderella Auditions Coming Up in December
• New Content from Norse News: Read Our Student Voices
• Scene in 7: News from Our Schools
• Save the Date

From rising academic achievement and record-setting accomplishments to expanded opportunities for students, Spartanburg School District 7 has much to celebrate following the release of the 2026 South Carolina School Report Cards.

The latest results tell an encouraging story of continued growth across District 7, reflecting years of intentional focus on four key priority areas set by Superintendent Jeff Stevens when he began his tenure (student and staff well being, implementation of our D7 Instructional Framework, individualized data-driven student learning, and literacy). These focus areas were developed collaboratively with our school leadership teams and are tied to measurable goals, high expectations and accountability, and our shared commitment to helping every student succeed.

From elementary classrooms to Spartanburg High School, students and educators are making meaningful strides, with accomplishments that demonstrate academic excellence and sustained improvement. Overall, the district gained 23.8 points on the report card, with every elementary school improving in both math and ELA achievement. Five schools exceeded the state average in mathematics proficiency, rounding out a five-year upward trend of consistent math improvement for D7.

Leading the way was Pine Street Elementary School, which earned the highest overall report card score among elementary schools in Spartanburg County. Pine Street's score climbed from 58 to 72, earning an Excellent rating and setting a record high performance for the school.

At Spartanburg High School, the results highlight a remarkable journey of continuous improvement. The school's overall report card score has climbed from 49 in 2024 to 54 in 2025 to 61 in 2026, earning SHS a Good school rating. The school's graduation rate reached a record high, exceeding the state average and meeting the national average. Students across all grade levels also exceeded statewide performance for being "on track to graduate".

SHS students are also excelling in some of the most rigorous coursework available. An impressive 88% Advanced Placement exam pass rate marked a five-year high, with SHS students outperforming the state and nation in 18 of 23 AP courses. The school also achieved its highest AP participation in five years, with 296 students taking AP courses.

Opportunities for college and career preparation are expanding as well. Over the past two years, dual enrollment participation at Spartanburg High School has grown by nearly 400%, from 107 to 526 students, while enrollment at Daniel Morgan Technology Center has more than doubled. District 7 also gained a 9 percentage point increase in career readiness and achieved the highest student internship placement in Spartanburg County. Together, these accomplishments reflect the district's commitment to creating meaningful pathways that prepare students for college, careers, and life beyond graduation.

D7's historically strong support of multilingual learners continues, with seven eligible elementary and middle schools exceeding the state average in academic growth for this population. The district continues to perform a full 10 percentage points above the state in ML student progress.

Across our elementary and middle schools, 32 students earned a total of 36 perfect scores in math, ELA and science on the SC READY assessment.

Whether celebrating maximum scores or the milestones of achievement growth along the way, each D7 school is noting its individual points of pride while keeping the pedal to the metal on the road to excellence.

State report card scores provide valuable measures of performance, but the real story is found in the classrooms beyond those numbers. It is reflected in students discovering what they are capable of achieving, educators building relationships and finding new ways to inspire learning, and families partnering with schools to support success.

These achievements are worth celebrating, but they also remind us that excellence is a journey. With a continued focus on individualized learning, effective instruction, literacy, and well being, District 7 is building on a strong foundation while looking ahead to even greater possibilities.

Our mission is clear, our progress is measurable, and the best is yet to come in District 7!

From Spartanburg to the World Stage! Two Vikings. Two Incredible Journeys. One Proud District!

Their athletic journeys began right here District 7. Today, both are representing the United States on the international stage, proving that Viking pride knows no boundaries!

We're celebrating two remarkable Spartanburg High School alumni, Brandon Hicklin and Mackenzie Johnson, whose accomplishments, determination, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire us.

From the track at SHS to competing against the fastest athletes in the world, Brandon Hicklin has built an extraordinary career as a world-class sprinter.

Following his years as a Viking, Brandon competed at North Carolina A&T and Louisiana State University, becoming an eight-time NCAA All-American and a national champion as a member of LSU's 4x100-meter relay team. He has since gone on to represent Team USA internationally, earning a silver medal at the 2025 World Athletics Relays in China.

With personal bests of 9.93 seconds in the 100 meters and 19.92 seconds in the 200 meters, Brandon has established himself among the world's elite sprinters.

But one of our favorite moments came when Brandon recently returned to SHS to spend time with our track and field athletes, sharing his journey and encouraging the next generation of Vikings to pursue their dreams.

Mackenzie Johnson's journey is equally extraordinary, and a powerful example of resilience, determination, and the enduring spirit of an athlete.

A former Viking who continued his education and athletic career at Wofford College, Mackenzie's life changed dramatically in 2016 when an accident during his sophomore year resulted in a spinal cord injury.

But his competitive spirit never faded.

Mackenzie discovered wheelchair basketball, eventually joining Auburn University's program, where he continued competing while earning his degree. His athletic journey later led him to wheelchair rugby league and an opportunity to represent his country.

Today, Mackenzie competes with the USA WheelHawks at the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in Australia. A veteran of the 2022 World Cup, where he earned a place on the Team of the Tournament, Mackenzie has become one of Team USA's standout players. And we're cheering him on all the way from Spartanburg!

These Vikings' paths have taken them in very different directions, but Brandon and Mackenzie share something special. Both grew up in District 7, wore the Spartanburg High School uniform, and developed a love of athletics that has carried them far beyond their hometown.

Their stories remind us that the lessons learned through athletics extend well beyond competition. Perseverance. Discipline. Courage. Teamwork. And the determination to keep moving forward, no matter what challenges or opportunities lie ahead.

To Brandon and Mackenzie, your D7 family is incredibly proud of you! Thank you for showing our students that the dreams they begin pursuing right here in Spartanburg can take them anywhere in the world.



Once a Viking, Always a Viking!

From the halls of Carver High School to the design studios of Mattel, Kitty Black Perkins has made her mark on the world. This October, the Spartanburg native returned home to celebrate her roots, share her remarkable journey with our students, and receive a lasting tribute from the community that helped shape her.

A 1967 graduate of Carver High School, Perkins made history in 1980 when she designed Mattel's first Black Barbie, forever changing one of the world's most recognizable and beloved toys. Her groundbreaking work helped generations of children see themselves reflected in the dolls they played with, opening new doors for representation in the toy industry.

But long before she became a trailblazing designer, Perkins was a little girl growing up in Spartanburg's Highland neighborhood, where she remembers coloring paper dolls to give them skin that looked like her own.That childhood experience would eventually help inspire a career that changed the face of Barbie.

Throughout October, Perkins was celebrated across her hometown, including special visits to Spartanburg High School and Mary H. Wright Elementary School, a halftime recognition at a Viking football game, and the dedication of a street bearing her name.

At SHS, students heard firsthand about Perkins' journey from Spartanburg to Los Angeles, where she pursued her passion for fashion design and built a remarkable 28-year career with Mattel. The conversation was introduced by Sydney-Elizabeth Lomax, president of the school's Library Ambassadors, with Spartanburg County Librarian Todd Stephens joining Perkins on stage.

Students asked questions and learned about her experiences, the challenges she encountered, and the creativity and determination that helped her make history.

For students, it was a powerful reminder that someone who once walked the halls of a District 7 school went on to make an extraordinary impact around the world.

Perkins also visited fifth graders at Mary H. Wright Elementary, where students enjoyed learning about her life, her career at Mattel, and the creation of the first Black Barbie.

Surrounded by Barbie-inspired decorations and enthusiastic young faces, Perkins shared a story that connected imagination, perseverance, and the importance of believing in yourself.

The month's celebrations culminated on October 27, when the City of Spartanburg unveiled an honorary street designation recognizing Perkins' extraordinary legacy.

Beacon Street, in the community where she grew up, now carries the honorary name Kitty Black Perkins Boulevard, ensuring future generations will know the story of a Spartanburg native whose creativity helped change the world.

Speaking during the recognition, Perkins shared a message she hopes will inspire young people growing up in her hometown: "It's not where you came from. It's what you can do."

The street dedication adds to another special hometown honor. In October 2025, Spartanburg County Public Libraries opened the Kitty Black Perkins Maker Lab at its Downtown Headquarters Library, providing a space where creativity and innovation can flourish.

Perkins' story is about far more than designing a doll. It is about recognizing a need, believing in the power of representation, and having the courage to create something that had never existed before.

Her October homecoming brought that message full circle, connecting today's District 7 students with a pioneering alumna whose journey began in their own community.

For District 7, it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate one of our own while reminding students that their dreams, talents, and ideas have the power to make a difference far beyond Spartanburg.

Big opportunities are headed to Spartanburg, and District 7 students will be part of the excitement! Daniel Morgan Technology Center (DMTC) has been selected as an official stop on the 2027 Blue Collar Tour, a nationwide initiative designed to inspire the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

On February 2, 2027, Western Welding Academy's Blue Collar Tour will roll into Spartanburg, bringing an exciting, high-energy experience that celebrates skilled trades and the career opportunities they offer. Led by Western Welding Academy in Gillette, Wyoming, the 60-day tour plans to visit just 35 high schools across the country, making DMTC's selection a special honor for our students and community.

And this is no ordinary career exploration event! Students will have opportunities to watch professional welders in action, experience live demonstrations, participate in hands-on welding activities, and compete in friendly challenges. The event will also feature interactive trivia, giveaways from major industry sponsors including DeWalt and Carhartt, and opportunities for qualifying students to earn scholarships for welding education.

The tour's mission is to introduce young people to the tremendous opportunities available in skilled trades while highlighting the growing demand for talented workers in industries that help build and sustain our communities.

For Spartanburg High School students, Daniel Morgan Technology Center opens doors to career possibilities that extend far beyond the traditional classroom. Through career and technical education, students have opportunities to explore their interests, gain practical experience, develop industry-relevant skills, and discover pathways to rewarding careers. Whether their next step is college, additional technical training, or entering the workforce, these experiences help prepare students for success after graduation.

That commitment has deep roots in Spartanburg. Established in 1968 through a partnership between Spartanburg School Districts 3 and 7, DMTC has spent nearly six decades connecting education with the evolving needs of our local workforce. Today, that partnership continues to provide valuable opportunities for students to gain real-world skills and build future careers.

The Blue Collar Tour's visit is especially meaningful as District 7 continues its commitment to preparing students for life beyond graduation. Experiences like this reinforce the importance of skilled trades and the tremendous value of the talented professionals who keep our communities and industries moving forward.

Congratulations to Daniel Morgan Technology Center on this exciting national recognition! We are proud of the opportunities our partnership continues to create and look forward to seeing our Vikings take part in this extraordinary experience.

Learn more about the 2027 Blue Collar Tour

Every great mission calls for exceptional leadership, quick thinking, and the ability to tackle just about anything that may arise. Fortunately, District 7 has 13 outstanding principals who answer that call every day!

In October, we celebrated National Principals Month with a special tribute inspired by our 2026–2027 theme, Mission Accepted! With aviator sunglasses, a little secret-agent flair, and plenty of humor, we gave our principals some top-secret assignments that offered a lighthearted look at the many hats they wear.

While we may have taken a few creative liberties with their missions, there's nothing fictional about their dedication to our students, teachers, and school communities. These extraordinary leaders navigate challenges, inspire excellence, and go above and beyond to make a difference every day.

Their assignments may be classified, but our appreciation is no secret!

In case you missed it, please enjoy above our special Mission Accepted: Principal Appreciation Edition video and meet the 13 remarkable leaders who make it their mission to help District 7 shine!

At Mary H. Wright Elementary School, something wonderful is growing, and it goes far beyond the fruits and vegetables in the school garden.

From homegrown watermelons and freshly harvested potatoes to a thriving beehive, the garden has become an outdoor classroom where students discover the wonders of nature, learn where their food comes from, and experience the rewards of hard work.

Helping make so much of that magic happen is teacher assistant Patty Watson, whose dedication to the garden and its many learning opportunities extends well beyond the school day.

Watson has helped turn the garden into a place of discovery, where even a simple watermelon can become an exciting lesson. After planting a special variety of watermelon seeds, she challenged students to guess what color the fruit would be on the inside. The big reveal came at lunchtime, when students finally got to see and taste the results!

The garden also produces an impressive harvest of sweet potatoes and new potatoes, giving students the opportunity to dig into the soil, gather the fruits of their labor, and even help decide what to make with their bounty. Their overwhelming choice? Sweet potato pies, of course!

But the garden's sweetest success may still be in the making.

Mary H. Wright recently became home to a beehive, giving students an opportunity to learn about pollinators, the importance of bees to our environment, and the fascinating process of honey production.

Keeping those busy bees healthy requires plenty of attention, even when school isn't in session. That's where Watson and a dedicated group of teachers have stepped up in a big way. On Saturdays and Sundays, staff members volunteer their time to visit the garden, feed the bees sugar water, and monitor the hives. Watson helps coordinate the weekend feeding schedule and willingly fills in herself whenever an extra pair of hands is needed.

It's a labor of love that reflects the extraordinary commitment of educators who recognize that some of the most meaningful lessons happen outside the classroom.

Through these experiences, students are learning much more than gardening. They're discovering responsibility, patience, teamwork, environmental stewardship, and the satisfaction of seeing something they've helped nurture grow and thrive. And thanks to Watson and her fellow educators, the garden continues to offer new opportunities for curiosity and discovery with every season.

From watermelon surprises and sweet potato pies to the promise of honey on the horizon, Mary H. Wright is growing something even sweeter than its harvest: a love of learning.

We're especially grateful for Patty Watson and those like her in our schools, whose willingness to go the extra mile reminds us that some of the most important seeds educators plant are the ones that help children grow.

Flu season is here, and with influenza and other respiratory illnesses circulating in our community, we're asking our District 7 families to help us keep our schools healthy!

The flu can spread quickly, especially in schools where students and staff spend their days together. Symptoms often appear suddenly and may include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, chills, fatigue, and a runny or stuffy nose. While many people recover within several days, influenza can sometimes lead to serious complications.

Keeping our students and staff healthy is a team effort!

Across District 7, our custodial teams work diligently to keep classrooms, restrooms, and common areas clean, paying particular attention to frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, water fountains, and desks. Our school nurses also play an important role in monitoring student health, caring for students who become ill during the school day, and communicating with families when a child needs to go home.

But preventing the spread of illness takes all of us working together. Here are a few simple reminders from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Cover your coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue or your elbow, and wash your hands afterward.

• Wash your hands often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available.

• Stay home when you're sick. Students and staff experiencing flu-like symptoms should remain home to rest and recover. Generally, individuals should be fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, with symptoms improving, before returning to school.

• Annual flu vaccination is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of influenza and its complications.

It's not too late to get vaccinated!

Flu vaccines are widely available throughout our community. Families can receive them through healthcare providers, participating pharmacies, urgent care centers, and the Spartanburg County Health Department. Most health insurance plans cover flu vaccinations at no cost through participating providers, and free or low-cost options may also be available for families without insurance.

A helpful resource for families: The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers a School Influenza Fact Sheet with additional information about symptoms, prevention, and when students should stay home.

As we head into the busy and important weeks ahead, thank you to our families, school nurses, custodians, teachers, and staff for doing their part to keep District 7 healthy. A little prevention goes a long way, and together, we can help keep our students healthy, happy, and ready to learn!

The glass slipper is waiting, and now it’s time to find the cast who will bring the magic of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella to life!

This spring, students from across District 7 will come together for our districtwide musical, continuing a treasured D7 tradition that gives students of all ages the opportunity to shine on stage and be part of something truly special.

Auditions are coming up soon!

Our middle and high school performers have completed their auditions, and our youngest performers in 5K–5th grade will audition in December. Elementary students may choose to audition at Pine Street School on December 7 or at Mary H. Wright Elementary School on December 8.

With roles ranging from Cinderella and the Prince to the Fairy Godmother, stepsisters, townspeople and members of the royal court, there are opportunities for singers and non-singers alike. Whether you dream of stepping into the spotlight or simply want to experience the excitement of being part of a districtwide production, we hope you’ll consider auditioning!

Cinderella takes to the District 7 Fine Arts Center stage April 22–25, 2027. Cast members must be available to participate in all performances.

Click here for audition information for students in grades 5K–5

Warm up those voices, polish those glass slippers and get ready to audition. District 7 is going to have a ball!

The student journalists at Spartanburg High School have been busy creating the latest stories from Norse News, SHS's award-winning student publication!

From the excitement of Homecoming and celebrations of culture to thought-provoking stories about artificial intelligence, social media restrictions, and the issues shaping today's world, our Viking journalists are covering it all.

Readers can also explore features on the fascination with fear, the influence of popular books and movies, the experiences of future teachers, and the latest happenings in Viking life. Whether reporting on school traditions, examining current events, or sharing personal perspectives, these young writers are finding fresh and engaging ways to tell stories that matter.

Norse News is a platform for student voices, giving students opportunities to ask meaningful questions, sharpen their reporting skills, and share their perspectives with a wider audience. Congratulations to the talented writers, editors, photographers, and advisers behind Norse News! Your creativity, dedication, and commitment to student journalism continue to make District 7 proud.

Explore the latest stories at shsnorsenews.org and see what's making headlines through the eyes of our Vikings!

SUPER Selfies: From classrooms and hallways to football fields, auditoriums, and everywhere in between, SUPERintendent Jeff Stevens has been making the rounds and capturing some of the people and moments that make District 7 so special!

Whether he's cheering on our students, celebrating our staff, connecting with student leaders, or joining in the fun, one thing is clear: there's never a dull moment in D7!

Big smiles. Special moments. One incredible school family.

Just another glimpse of District 7 through the eyes (and camera!) of our SUPERintendent! 

Great schools are built on partnerships, and in District 7, we are fortunate to have some of the very best! At this week's Board of Trustees meeting, District 7 continued a special tradition, now in its fourth year, of recognizing the outstanding PTO presidents who give so generously of their time, talents, and hearts to support our schools.

From organizing special events and rallying volunteers to supporting teachers, encouraging students, and bringing families together, these dedicated leaders are among our schools' greatest champions. Much of what they do happens quietly behind the scenes, but the impact of their service is felt in classrooms, hallways, and school communities throughout District 7.

Please join us in celebrating our 2026–2027 PTO presidents!

• Jesse Boyd Elementary: Megan Zuercher
• Cleveland Academy of Leadership: Angela Petty
• Drayton Mills Elementary: Brandy Simpson
• E.P. Todd School: Kristen Goudy
• Mary H. Wright Elementary: Rashida Davidson
• Pine Street Elementary: Jenni Smith
• Carver Middle School: Amanda Bennett
• McCracken Middle School: Beth Hray and Adrienne Solesbee
• Spartanburg High School: Sarah Zemp

To each of these extraordinary leaders, thank you for the countless hours you give, the relationships you build, and the love you pour into our schools. You are more than volunteers. You are valued partners, tireless advocates, and treasured members of our District 7 family.

What a season for the Carver Middle School Wildcats! For the first time in more than a decade, Carver football has reached new heights, advancing all the way to the Peachtree Conference 8th Grade Championship Game and finishing as conference runner-up!

This remarkable second-place finish is Carver's best since 2014, when the Wildcats placed third in the conference. While the championship game didn't end the way they hoped, these young athletes have every reason to hold their heads high. Their determination, teamwork, and heart carried them through an unforgettable season and gave the entire Carver community so much to celebrate!

One of the most powerful moments of this incredible run happened after the semifinal victory. As our Wildcats raced off the field in celebration, they ran straight toward the McCracken Middle School football team who had come to cheer them on. Future teammates celebrating one another, not as rivals, but as ONE TEAM.

That's what makes District 7 special. Different schools. Shared pride. One Viking family.

Congratulations to the Carver Wildcats, their coaches, cheerleaders, and everyone who helped make this season so memorable. You've made history, made your school proud, and reminded us that the future of Viking football is bright!

Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.

And together, WE ARE ALL VIKINGS!

THREE CHEERS FOR DISTRICT 7! Our District 7 cheerleaders have been bringing the energy, talent, and Viking spirit to the competition mat, and we have plenty to celebrate!

Carver Middle School Wildcats are on a winning streak, bringing home FIRST PLACE honors at both the Hillcrest High School Ram Invitational and the Powdersville High School Patriot Spirit Classic! Two competitions, two championship finishes. What an incredible showing for these talented athletes!

McCracken Middle School Eagles soared to FIRST PLACE at the Riverside Rally Invitational! These Eagles continue to make their school and our entire district proud.

Spartanburg High School Vikings had a groundbreaking season. From winning first place at the Razor Rumble Cheer Competition to placing 4th against some of the best 5A teams to showcasing their tumbling and stunts on the sidelines under the Friday Night Lights, our Vikings delivered a spirited performance and represented SHS with pride!

Behind every routine are countless hours of practice, dedication, teamwork, and determination. From our middle school standouts to our high school Vikings, these athletes are showing what it means to work hard, lift one another up, and shine!

Congratulations to all three teams and their coaches! You've given District 7 so much to cheer about!

An impressive 51 orchestra students from Carver Middle School, McCracken Middle School, and Spartanburg High School earned recognition through the South Carolina Music Educators Association (SCMEA) Region 1 Orchestra auditions, with 48 students selected to perform and three named as alternates!

Earning a seat in Region Orchestra is no small accomplishment. Students compete through a rigorous audition process alongside some of the region's most talented young musicians, making this achievement a tremendous source of pride for District 7.

This past weekend, our musicians gathered at Winthrop University for the SCMEA Region 1 All-Region Orchestra Clinic and Concert. Friday and Saturday were devoted to rehearsals, learning from experienced guest conductors alongside fellow musicians from across the region. On Saturday, all that hard work culminated in a beautiful concert showcasing their collective talent and dedication.

We couldn't be prouder of our students and the orchestra teachers who help them develop their musical gifts. Their success reflects the strength of music education throughout District 7, from middle school through high school.

Congratulations to all 51 students and good luck to those who take the next step with All State Orchestra auditions in January!

Little hands were busy building big things at E.P. Todd School! Thanks to a wonderful partnership with The Home Depot, students enjoyed a hands-on birdhouse-building workshop that brought creativity, teamwork, and learning to life. With hammers in hand and plenty of encouragement from volunteers and families, our young builders practiced new skills, gained confidence, and proudly showed off their creations. A special thank-you to The Home Depot for sponsoring this memorable experience and investing in our students. It's another great example of how community partnerships help District 7 students learn, grow, and discover what they can accomplish!

It was a day filled with smiles, encouragement, and school spirit as Jesse Boyd Elementary's Special Olympians headed to the Special Olympics Bowling Event alongside their student Buddies! The celebration began with a heartwarming send-off as classmates and teachers lined the hallways to cheer them on. A special thank-you to the Buddies, families, and staff who helped make this memorable experience possible. What a wonderful example of friendship, inclusion, and the caring community that makes District 7 shine!

On the heels of Election Day, students at Mary H. Wright Elementary had an opportunity to experience democracy firsthand. Third and fourth graders headed to the polls to cast their ballots for Student Council representatives, learning an important lesson about civic responsibility, leadership, and the power of having a voice. From making informed choices to participating in the voting process, these young citizens discovered that democracy isn't just something they read about in textbooks. It's something they can practice right in their own school! What a wonderful way to introduce our students to the importance of civic engagement and the responsibilities that come with being an active member of their community.

Cleveland Academy Students Are Bad to the Bone! The school wrapped up Red Ribbon Week in true superstar style! Students channeled their favorite Michael Jackson looks for a special “Hero in the Mirror” celebration, reminding everyone that making healthy choices and being a positive role model starts with yourself. From sequined gloves and sparkling jackets to iconic fedoras, these Cleveland Tigers brought plenty of creativity and personality to the occasion! A special shoutout to Cleveland Academy families for going above and beyond to make this a memorable finale to Red Ribbon Week!

From Red Ribbon Week celebrations to a fantastic first-ever Fall Festival, Carver Middle School has been filled with school spirit, creativity, and community! Students showed off their personalities throughout the month, while the inaugural Fall Festival brought families and friends together for an evening of costumes, trunk-or-treat, bounce houses, games, food, and dancing under the lights. A special thank-you to everyone who helped make the evening such a success and those who came out to support Carver's PALS Club. It's wonderful to see students, families, and staff coming together to build connections, celebrate traditions, and create new ones. That's Carver Culture at its best!

Not all heroes wear capes, but at Whitlock Flexible Learning Center, quite a few do!

Our Whitlock team brought superhero spirit to Red Ribbon Week, embracing this year's message: "Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free!"

With colorful costumes, creative characters, and plenty of smiles, students and staff celebrated the power of making positive choices and standing up for what's right. And while the costumes were fun, the message behind them was even better: You don't need superpowers to make a difference. Sometimes, being a hero simply means making the right choice and inspiring others to do the same. Way to save the day, Whitlock!

When it comes to celebrating fall, Drayton Mills Elementary knows how to do it right! Their annual Fall Festival brought students, families, and staff together for a wonderful celebration filled with laughter, activities, and school spirit. From exciting rides to the joy of shopping for new books, there was something for everyone. What makes these occasions so special is the incredible sense of community at Drayton Mills, where families show up, get involved, and help create lasting memories for their children. It's just one more reason Drayton Mills is such a special place to learn and grow!

A special thank-you to WYFF 4 meteorologist Bradford Ambrose for taking time to visit with our District 7 students and share his knowledge of weather and forecasting! Students enjoyed learning from a local professional who brought real-world connections into the classroom and sparked curiosity about the science behind the weather we experience every day. In District 7, our Mission Accepted spirit comes to life through partnerships like these, when community members generously share their time, talents, and expertise to inspire students, enrich learning, and open doors to future possibilities. It's a wonderful reminder that educating our children is a mission our entire community shares!

An apple a day keeps the frowns away! And judging by these sweet smiles, there's nothing but happiness at the fair!

Our little learners from The Franklin School enjoyed a special treat during their visit to the fair, thanks to the wonderful folks at Timmons Concessions. Year after year, this generous community partner helps make the fair experience even sweeter for our students, treating them to delicious candy apples and memories they'll treasure.

Sometimes the sweetest moments come from the simplest acts of kindness. A big thank-you to Timmons Concessions for making our little ones feel so special!

A little turkey cuteness to wrap things up...

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we couldn't think of a sweeter way to end our photo highlights than with these adorable little turkeys from McCarthy Teszler School!

Our students put their creativity on full display, designing colorful turkey hats with personalities all their own. From candy canes and cowboys to rock stars and pirates, no two turkeys are quite alike, and that's what makes them so special. These sweet smiles are a wonderful reminder that we have so much to be thankful for, especially the joy, creativity, and individuality each of our students brings to our District 7 family.

Different feathers, different personalities, and every single one a reason to smile.

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D7 Recruitment Fair

25-27

Thanksgiving Holiday

It's easy to stay connected to everything happening in District 7 and Viking Nation!

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The District 7 app keeps you in touch with our schools—whenever and wherever you need it. With just a tap, you can:

• Read the latest news and updates
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Search for “Spartanburg District 7” in the App Store or Google Play, then personalize it to follow your specific schools and turn on alerts.

Follow D7 on Social

To get the most out of the D7 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:



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