By: Ledger Wham, Contributing Writer
ledgerwham@gmail.com
Despite the summer heat, the school year is already approaching. All seven Spartanburg school districts will have their first day of school on August 6th, the earliest start date so far in the county. One of the reasons for this is the revised calendar passed last November. The calendar was designed to have more breaks for students throughout the year, causing the start date to be pushed even earlier.
Spartanburg County School District Six stated that this change will allow students more time to recharge and prevent burnout throughout the year. It also gives teachers more development and planning days.
Make this school year about positive change for students across Spartanburg. Here’s how to prepare!
Where to get school supplies.
School supplies are integral to the success of every student. There are plenty of resources across Spartanburg that provide free school supplies.
Rock Ministries Church is hosting a Back-to-School Giveaway Bash on July 18th from 12 pm to 4 pm. There will be bookbags and school supplies provided, as well as activities including face painting and bouncy houses. The event is located at 134 Garner Road, STE C, Spartanburg, SC 29303.
The James Kelley and Ella Williams Back-to-School Giveaway is on July 25th from 9 am to 1:30 pm. Items provided include backpacks, other school supplies, clothing, toiletries, books, and free food for attendees. The giveaway is located at 155 Sherwood Dr., Wellford, SC 29385.
The Dr. T.K. Gregg Community Center is also giving away backpacks on August 1st at 12 pm, located at 605 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC 29303.
Spartanburg County School District 4 will hold a Great Start Giveaway on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at each District 4 school. School supplies will be available for all District 4 students.
Where to donate supplies.
United Way is partnering with local school districts to conduct their school supplies drive. They directly deliver your donated school supplies to students who need them most.
United Way is asking for supplies such as backpacks, 2 pencils, glue sticks, crayons, and notebooks. Donation intake is on July 28th and 29th. You can drop off your donations between 10 am and 3 pm at the SCC Downtown Campus at 220 East Kennedy Street, Spartanburg.
Woodruff Community Center in Woodruff will accept donations for back-to-school. The drop-off location is 116 S. Main Street, Woodruff.
Back to school fun!
As summer comes to a close, it is important to get students excited for the new school year. There are several fun community events across Spartanburg that do just that.
Stop the Violence Coalition is hosting a Back-to-School Family Field Day and Community Fest on August 1st from 4 pm to 9 pm. The event includes a variety of features from live music to family field day challenges. Admission is free, and students, families, educators, and other community organizations are encouraged to attend. The event is at Steward Park, 453 Beacon St, Spartanburg, SC.
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church is hosting a Back-to-School Bash on July 18th from 10 am to 1 pm. Space is limited, so claim your free ticket now at eventbrite.com. The celebration will include face painting, games, and food. There will also be school supplies and sports physicals available. The event is located at 101 St. Matthews Ln, Spartanburg, SC 29301.
Stay safe in the heat at outdoor events and get school supplies while they last.
Author: Ledger Wham
Junior at Converse University in South Carolina. Majoring in History and Politics.
