Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Excellence • Integrity • Community
When students and staff at Tennessee Online Public School need support, they can count on Principal Keith Parker to be there.
Thoughtful, organized, responsive, and always willing to jump in wherever he’s needed, Mr. Parker is the kind of leader who makes being a team player look easy. His steady support helps create a school where students receive the personalized instruction and individual attention they need to thrive.
Thank you, Mr. Parker, for being someone your students, staff, and BTCS colleagues can count on. We’re proud to celebrate you during National Principals Month!
Thoughtful, organized, responsive, and always willing to jump in wherever he’s needed, Mr. Parker is the kind of leader who makes being a team player look easy. His steady support helps create a school where students receive the personalized instruction and individual attention they need to thrive.
Thank you, Mr. Parker, for being someone your students, staff, and BTCS colleagues can count on. We’re proud to celebrate you during National Principals Month!
Congratulations to Anderson Elementary School art teacher Autumn Roe on being selected for a Fulbright Teacher Exchange award for the 2026–27 cycle!
Autumn is among approximately 2,500 U.S. citizens selected to teach, study, and conduct research abroad this academic year through the Fulbright Program, an international educational exchange program of the U.S. Department of State.
Through the program, Autumn will have the opportunity to learn alongside educators internationally, explore innovative educational practices, and bring new ideas and perspectives back to her students and colleagues at BTCS.
Autumn will learn in December which country will be her Fulbright destination! We can’t wait to find out where this experience will take her.
Please join us in congratulating Autumn on this outstanding achievement! 🌎
Autumn is among approximately 2,500 U.S. citizens selected to teach, study, and conduct research abroad this academic year through the Fulbright Program, an international educational exchange program of the U.S. Department of State.
Through the program, Autumn will have the opportunity to learn alongside educators internationally, explore innovative educational practices, and bring new ideas and perspectives back to her students and colleagues at BTCS.
Autumn will learn in December which country will be her Fulbright destination! We can’t wait to find out where this experience will take her.
Please join us in congratulating Autumn on this outstanding achievement! 🌎
We’re almost ready to celebrate! 🏆
The 2026 Bristol Tennessee City Schools Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony begins at 3 p.m. today in Viking Hall.
Can’t join us in person? Tune in to the livestream and help us celebrate this year’s inductees! The ceremony begins in just 30 minutes.
🎥 Watch live: 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Today, we celebrate the dedicated custodians who help make our schools and facilities clean, safe, and welcoming places to learn and work. 🧹✨
Their work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is seen and felt every day across BTCS. From caring for our buildings to supporting students and staff in countless ways, our custodians are an important part of the BTCS team.
On National Custodian Day, we say a heartfelt thank you to our incredible custodial teams for all you do!
Their work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is seen and felt every day across BTCS. From caring for our buildings to supporting students and staff in countless ways, our custodians are an important part of the BTCS team.
On National Custodian Day, we say a heartfelt thank you to our incredible custodial teams for all you do!
If there’s something happening at Haynesfield Elementary, chances are Principal Tanika Hardin is right in the middle of it!
Whether she’s reading with students, celebrating their successes, joining in the fun, or hanging out with a T. rex, Mrs. Hardin brings plenty of passion and energy to every school day. But what shines through most is how much she loves her students and her school community.
Thank you, Mrs. Hardin, for leading Haynesfield with enthusiasm, heart, and a whole lot of fun! We’re proud to celebrate you during National Principals Month!
Join the Tennessee High Mighty Viking Band on Saturday, October 3, for a full day of music as high school marching bands from across our region take the field for the annual Music in the Castle marching band competition!
🎺 Spectator gates open: 10:15 a.m.
🥁 Tennessee High Mighty Viking Band exhibition: 8 p.m.
🎶 ETSU Marching Bucs exhibition: 8:20 p.m.
Come enjoy outstanding performances, along with food trucks throughout the day. Food trucks include Krazzy Dogz Catering, Baked & Loaded, Bristol Berry Bowls, Kettle Licious, Lemon Bean & Co., Diggy Donuts, Snapps Crafts, and Maybe Today.
Full schedule, tickets, and programs are available online at https://www.mightyvikingband.com/mitc-tickets-programs.
Come spend a day at the Stone Castle and support these talented student musicians! 🎵
🎺 Spectator gates open: 10:15 a.m.
🥁 Tennessee High Mighty Viking Band exhibition: 8 p.m.
🎶 ETSU Marching Bucs exhibition: 8:20 p.m.
Come enjoy outstanding performances, along with food trucks throughout the day. Food trucks include Krazzy Dogz Catering, Baked & Loaded, Bristol Berry Bowls, Kettle Licious, Lemon Bean & Co., Diggy Donuts, Snapps Crafts, and Maybe Today.
Full schedule, tickets, and programs are available online at https://www.mightyvikingband.com/mitc-tickets-programs.
Come spend a day at the Stone Castle and support these talented student musicians! 🎵
You’re invited!
Join us as we celebrate the Class of 2026 Bristol Tennessee City Schools Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.
The induction ceremony will be held Sunday, October 4, at 3 p.m. in Viking Hall at Tennessee High School. A reception will follow. Don’t miss this special community celebration!
More information and a list of inductees: www.btcs.org/hof.
Join us as we celebrate the Class of 2026 Bristol Tennessee City Schools Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.
The induction ceremony will be held Sunday, October 4, at 3 p.m. in Viking Hall at Tennessee High School. A reception will follow. Don’t miss this special community celebration!
More information and a list of inductees: www.btcs.org/hof.
🎨🎶 Arts education in action at Fairmount Elementary!
Last week, we stopped by Mr. Cumbow’s music class and Ms. Clark’s art class to see what Fairmount students were learning and creating.
In music, third graders were exploring rhythm and learning about the values of different musical notes. Students put that knowledge into practice with rhythm sticks as they followed along with Mr. Cumbow and created beats together while playing one of their favorite games, The Forbidden Rhythm. 🥁
When we asked students what they enjoy about music class, their answers covered a little bit of everything! Chloe likes “the way it sounds” when they make beats, while Brayden enjoys the music they learn. Wilson told us he especially likes singing and is already looking forward to performing in the school’s Christmas program. And Jelissa’s favorite part? Her teacher, Mr. Cumbow! 🎵
Over in Ms. Clark’s art room, students were using colorful geometric shapes to experiment with pattern, balance, and design. With the same materials in front of them, each student had the freedom to create something completely different.
Ramie told us she enjoys getting to try “new stuff every day” in art class. When we asked how she feels when she knows it’s an art day, her answer was simple: "creative.*🎨
Throughout our Arts in Education Week visits, we saw students listening, observing, experimenting, performing, making choices, and bringing their own ideas to life. Most importantly, we heard directly from students just how much they value the opportunity to create. 🎨🎶
Last week, we stopped by Mr. Cumbow’s music class and Ms. Clark’s art class to see what Fairmount students were learning and creating.
In music, third graders were exploring rhythm and learning about the values of different musical notes. Students put that knowledge into practice with rhythm sticks as they followed along with Mr. Cumbow and created beats together while playing one of their favorite games, The Forbidden Rhythm. 🥁
When we asked students what they enjoy about music class, their answers covered a little bit of everything! Chloe likes “the way it sounds” when they make beats, while Brayden enjoys the music they learn. Wilson told us he especially likes singing and is already looking forward to performing in the school’s Christmas program. And Jelissa’s favorite part? Her teacher, Mr. Cumbow! 🎵
Over in Ms. Clark’s art room, students were using colorful geometric shapes to experiment with pattern, balance, and design. With the same materials in front of them, each student had the freedom to create something completely different.
Ramie told us she enjoys getting to try “new stuff every day” in art class. When we asked how she feels when she knows it’s an art day, her answer was simple: "creative.*🎨
Throughout our Arts in Education Week visits, we saw students listening, observing, experimenting, performing, making choices, and bringing their own ideas to life. Most importantly, we heard directly from students just how much they value the opportunity to create. 🎨🎶
🐾 Therapy Dog Night at the Stone Castle was so much fun!
Our BTCS therapy dogs, along with their handlers and sponsors, spent last Friday night visiting with football fans, making new friends, and handing out their very own trading cards! 🐶🏈
We loved having the opportunity to celebrate these special members of our BTCS family and share a little of the joy they bring to our schools every day.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to collect a card and give our therapy dogs plenty of attention! Special thanks to United Southeast Federal Credit Union and Friendship Cars for their generous support of our therapy dog program.🐾
Our BTCS therapy dogs, along with their handlers and sponsors, spent last Friday night visiting with football fans, making new friends, and handing out their very own trading cards! 🐶🏈
We loved having the opportunity to celebrate these special members of our BTCS family and share a little of the joy they bring to our schools every day.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to collect a card and give our therapy dogs plenty of attention! Special thanks to United Southeast Federal Credit Union and Friendship Cars for their generous support of our therapy dog program.🐾
🎨🎶 We stopped by Haynesfield Elementary last week and found plenty of creative expression!
In Ms. Deel's music class, students put rhythm into motion! After practicing beats with rhythm sticks, they picked up ribbon wands and became conductors, using movement to show the beat and timing of the music.
Second grader Amelia explained that being a good conductor means listening carefully. “You have to listen real hard,” she said. Amelia clearly loves making music. She told us music is one of her favorite classes and even finds ways to make her own instruments at home.
In Ms. Keen’s art class, students practiced another important arts skill: observation. They studied a landscape, identified details they noticed in the artwork, and then used pencil and paper to create landscapes of their own.
Amelia said she likes art because “you get to be creative,” and she especially enjoys working with markers. She even appreciates that there’s no eraser when using them—sometimes an unexpected mark can become part of something beautiful.
So, how do art and music classes make Amelia feel?
“It feels like I get to do something creative that is really fun,” she said. “I’m really in fun mode.”
We think “fun mode” is a pretty great place for creativity to begin! 🎨🎵
In Ms. Deel's music class, students put rhythm into motion! After practicing beats with rhythm sticks, they picked up ribbon wands and became conductors, using movement to show the beat and timing of the music.
Second grader Amelia explained that being a good conductor means listening carefully. “You have to listen real hard,” she said. Amelia clearly loves making music. She told us music is one of her favorite classes and even finds ways to make her own instruments at home.
In Ms. Keen’s art class, students practiced another important arts skill: observation. They studied a landscape, identified details they noticed in the artwork, and then used pencil and paper to create landscapes of their own.
Amelia said she likes art because “you get to be creative,” and she especially enjoys working with markers. She even appreciates that there’s no eraser when using them—sometimes an unexpected mark can become part of something beautiful.
So, how do art and music classes make Amelia feel?
“It feels like I get to do something creative that is really fun,” she said. “I’m really in fun mode.”
We think “fun mode” is a pretty great place for creativity to begin! 🎨🎵
The Munchbox made a special stop at Haynesfield Elementary Tuesday afternoon! 🍎🚌
Students in the after-school program loved receiving their afternoon snack from the BTCS Nutrition Department’s food truck!
Bristol Tennessee City Schools partners with Coalition for Kids (C4K) to provide a FREE after-school program for students at each elementary school. We’re grateful to our C4K partners for planning fun and engaging activities for our students and to our BTCS Nutrition Department for providing a nutritious snack each afternoon.
And Haynesfield is just the first stop! After-school students at our other elementary schools can be on the lookout for the Munchbox as it makes its way to each program throughout the school year.
For more information about the after-school program, go to btcs.org/afterschool.
Students in the after-school program loved receiving their afternoon snack from the BTCS Nutrition Department’s food truck!
Bristol Tennessee City Schools partners with Coalition for Kids (C4K) to provide a FREE after-school program for students at each elementary school. We’re grateful to our C4K partners for planning fun and engaging activities for our students and to our BTCS Nutrition Department for providing a nutritious snack each afternoon.
And Haynesfield is just the first stop! After-school students at our other elementary schools can be on the lookout for the Munchbox as it makes its way to each program throughout the school year.
For more information about the after-school program, go to btcs.org/afterschool.
🎨🎶 Arts education goes beyond the classroom at Holston View Elementary!
Last week, Holston View fifth graders took their learning on the road with art teacher Ms. Wallen and music teacher Ms. Pickard for a field trip to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
In music class, students had been learning about the Bristol Sessions and their place in our region’s musical history. The field trip gave them an opportunity to build on that learning as they explored the museum and learned more about the people, music, and stories connected to the Sessions.
They also discovered plenty of visual art in the museum. While exploring a special exhibit featuring artwork by Charles Vess, students had a chance to look closely at the illustrations and think about how artists develop ideas and bring stories to life.
Fifth graders Caroline and Ayana both enjoyed learning about the Bristol Sessions in music class. They shared some of their favorite parts of the field trip experience and also what they’ve been enjoying in art class this year.
Caroline said she especially enjoyed seeing the details in the artwork and learning about the process artists use to plan and sketch their work. Back at school, she is putting her own creativity to work on projects including a design for the school yearbook cover and a PTA Reflections project.
For Ayana, art class is giving her a way to express something personal. For a project about culture, she is creating artwork representing both her Japanese and American sides. It's one of her favorite projects this year.
From studying the music that helped shape our community to exploring how artists tell stories visually, the field trip gave students a chance to connect what they are learning in art and music class with the creativity, culture, and history right here in Bristol. 🎨🎵
Last week, Holston View fifth graders took their learning on the road with art teacher Ms. Wallen and music teacher Ms. Pickard for a field trip to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
In music class, students had been learning about the Bristol Sessions and their place in our region’s musical history. The field trip gave them an opportunity to build on that learning as they explored the museum and learned more about the people, music, and stories connected to the Sessions.
They also discovered plenty of visual art in the museum. While exploring a special exhibit featuring artwork by Charles Vess, students had a chance to look closely at the illustrations and think about how artists develop ideas and bring stories to life.
Fifth graders Caroline and Ayana both enjoyed learning about the Bristol Sessions in music class. They shared some of their favorite parts of the field trip experience and also what they’ve been enjoying in art class this year.
Caroline said she especially enjoyed seeing the details in the artwork and learning about the process artists use to plan and sketch their work. Back at school, she is putting her own creativity to work on projects including a design for the school yearbook cover and a PTA Reflections project.
For Ayana, art class is giving her a way to express something personal. For a project about culture, she is creating artwork representing both her Japanese and American sides. It's one of her favorite projects this year.
From studying the music that helped shape our community to exploring how artists tell stories visually, the field trip gave students a chance to connect what they are learning in art and music class with the creativity, culture, and history right here in Bristol. 🎨🎵
Happy Educational Technology Day! 💻
We wanted to recognize our BTCS Technology Department with a group photo. As you can see, they were thrilled to step out from behind the scenes for the occasion. 😄
Our technology team may prefer to stay out of the spotlight, but their work is everywhere. They keep our devices connected, our systems running, our classrooms supported, our data secure, and our staff and students moving forward when technology inevitably decides not to cooperate.
Much of what they do happens quietly in the background, and that’s exactly how they like it. But today, we’re putting them in the spotlight anyway.
Thank you to our entire Technology Department for the expertise, patience, problem-solving, and support you provide across BTCS every day. We appreciate you!
We wanted to recognize our BTCS Technology Department with a group photo. As you can see, they were thrilled to step out from behind the scenes for the occasion. 😄
Our technology team may prefer to stay out of the spotlight, but their work is everywhere. They keep our devices connected, our systems running, our classrooms supported, our data secure, and our staff and students moving forward when technology inevitably decides not to cooperate.
Much of what they do happens quietly in the background, and that’s exactly how they like it. But today, we’re putting them in the spotlight anyway.
Thank you to our entire Technology Department for the expertise, patience, problem-solving, and support you provide across BTCS every day. We appreciate you!
You’re invited!
Join us as we celebrate the Class of 2026 Bristol Tennessee City Schools Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.
The induction ceremony will be held Sunday, October 4, at 3 p.m. in Viking Hall at Tennessee High School. A reception will follow. Don’t miss this special community celebration!
More information and a list of inductees: www.btcs.org/hof.
Join us as we celebrate the Class of 2026 Bristol Tennessee City Schools Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.
The induction ceremony will be held Sunday, October 4, at 3 p.m. in Viking Hall at Tennessee High School. A reception will follow. Don’t miss this special community celebration!
More information and a list of inductees: www.btcs.org/hof.
🐾 Therapy Dog Night is TONIGHT! 🐾
Join us at the Tennessee High football game tonight as we celebrate our BTCS therapy dogs, their dedicated handlers, and our generous sponsors.
✨ Our therapy dogs and their important humans will be honored on the field before the game.
🐶 Meet Jingle, Honey, Dolly, and Patches in the mezzanines on the home side (near the scoreboard) during the first quarter!
Come early and join us in Viking Village from 4:30–6:30 p.m.! In addition to the usual pregame fun:
❤️ Learn Hands-Only CPR and help your side win our friendly Tennessee High vs. Virginia High training competition. Training begins at 4:30 p.m. and will be available on both sides of the Stone Castle.
🤝 Visit with community partners in Viking Village and learn more about the programs and resources they offer.
Then stick around for Therapy Dog Night and, of course, Viking football! 🏈
Special thanks to United Southeast Federal Credit Union and Friendship Cars for their support of our therapy dog program.
Join us at the Tennessee High football game tonight as we celebrate our BTCS therapy dogs, their dedicated handlers, and our generous sponsors.
✨ Our therapy dogs and their important humans will be honored on the field before the game.
🐶 Meet Jingle, Honey, Dolly, and Patches in the mezzanines on the home side (near the scoreboard) during the first quarter!
Come early and join us in Viking Village from 4:30–6:30 p.m.! In addition to the usual pregame fun:
❤️ Learn Hands-Only CPR and help your side win our friendly Tennessee High vs. Virginia High training competition. Training begins at 4:30 p.m. and will be available on both sides of the Stone Castle.
🤝 Visit with community partners in Viking Village and learn more about the programs and resources they offer.
Then stick around for Therapy Dog Night and, of course, Viking football! 🏈
Special thanks to United Southeast Federal Credit Union and Friendship Cars for their support of our therapy dog program.
BTCS schools are closed today, Friday, September 18. Students will return on their regular schedule Monday, September 21.
We hope all of our Viking families have a great weekend!
We hope all of our Viking families have a great weekend!
We're celebrating a century of memories, friendships, learning, and community at Haynesfield Elementary School.
Join us Saturday, September 19, from 1–3 p.m. as we celebrate 100 years of Haynesfield.
Enjoy music and refreshments on the front lawn, take a tour of the school, browse memorabilia in the library and cafeteria, and spend some time reconnecting and reminiscing.
Whether you're a former student or staff member, a current Haynesfield family, or simply part of the community that has loved this school through the years, we hope you'll come visit and celebrate with us!
Join us Saturday, September 19, from 1–3 p.m. as we celebrate 100 years of Haynesfield.
Enjoy music and refreshments on the front lawn, take a tour of the school, browse memorabilia in the library and cafeteria, and spend some time reconnecting and reminiscing.
Whether you're a former student or staff member, a current Haynesfield family, or simply part of the community that has loved this school through the years, we hope you'll come visit and celebrate with us!
You’re invited!
Join us as we celebrate the Class of 2026 Bristol Tennessee City Schools Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.
The induction ceremony will be held Sunday, October 4, at 3 p.m. in Viking Hall at Tennessee High School. A reception will follow. Don’t miss this special community celebration!
More information and a list of inductees: www.btcs.org/hof.
Join us as we celebrate the Class of 2026 Bristol Tennessee City Schools Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.
The induction ceremony will be held Sunday, October 4, at 3 p.m. in Viking Hall at Tennessee High School. A reception will follow. Don’t miss this special community celebration!
More information and a list of inductees: www.btcs.org/hof.
Today, on Patriot Day, we remember and honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. We also recognize the courage of the first responders and the many acts of service and sacrifice that followed.
May we continue to remember and honor their legacy. 🇺🇸
May we continue to remember and honor their legacy. 🇺🇸
We're celebrating a century of memories, friendships, learning, and community at Haynesfield Elementary School.
Join us Saturday, September 19, from 1–3 p.m. as we celebrate 100 years of Haynesfield.
Enjoy music and refreshments on the front lawn, take a tour of the school, browse memorabilia in the library and cafeteria, and spend some time reconnecting and reminiscing.
Whether you're a former student or staff member, a current Haynesfield family, or simply part of the community that has loved this school through the years, we hope you'll come visit and celebrate with us!
Join us Saturday, September 19, from 1–3 p.m. as we celebrate 100 years of Haynesfield.
Enjoy music and refreshments on the front lawn, take a tour of the school, browse memorabilia in the library and cafeteria, and spend some time reconnecting and reminiscing.
Whether you're a former student or staff member, a current Haynesfield family, or simply part of the community that has loved this school through the years, we hope you'll come visit and celebrate with us!
