Dear Spartanburg Day School Learning Community,

As the air turns crisper and fall settles onto our campus, we are reminded of the vibrant energy that defines our school community. It is in this spirit that I am excited to invite you all to our Fall Festival, happening this Sunday, September 28, from 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. on the Fields.

Events like these are more than just items on a calendar; they are intentional opportunities to come together and celebrate the powerful sense of community that is so central to Spartanburg Day School. Time and again, when asked to define what SDS is all about, the answer almost universally has to do with "community". This is no accident. Our mission is to provide a superior educational experience within a community of trust, preparing students for a life well lived. The Parent, Faculty, and Student surveys affirm that there is a strong sense of community at SDS. Gatherings like the Fall Festival are the moments where this mission comes to life, reminding us that we are more than a school—we are a family.

This feeling of connectedness is one of the greatest strengths of our unique 2K-12th grade model. It is in these shared spaces and traditions that our community bonds are forged. These experiences create a shared spirit, uniting four divisions into ONE school. They allow our youngest students to look up to our oldest, dreaming of one day being in their shoes, and they create a consistency of spaces, places, and faces that nurtures our students through the most formative years of their lives.

Ultimately, the power of this connectedness is measured by its impact on our students. A holistic and honorable community of trust empowers students to feel challenged in ways they never thought possible, while also feeling supported to meet those challenges. When we share extraordinary experiences together, we form a community that prepares students to take risks, learn from missteps, and seize opportunities. This foundation is essential in shaping graduates who are purposeful in building meaningful relationships, confident in navigating challenges, and discerning in seizing opportunities. It is how we prepare them not just for college, but for a life well lived.

I hope you and your family will join us on the Fields this Sunday to relax, have fun, and celebrate the fellowship that makes our school so special.

Sincerely,

Dave