Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Excellence • Integrity • Community
At Avoca Elementary School, Interim Principal Beth Light certainly lives up to her name! She brings warmth and a bright spirit to everything she does.
Whether she's encouraging students, supporting her staff, or dressing up as a Christmas tree to spread a little holiday cheer, Ms. Light is always ready to jump in and make school a special place. Her genuine care for others shines through in every interaction, and her willingness to have a little fun along the way makes her a joy to be around.
Thank you, Ms. Light, for the kindness, creativity, and enthusiasm you bring to Avoca every day. We're proud to celebrate you during National Principals Month!
Whether she's encouraging students, supporting her staff, or dressing up as a Christmas tree to spread a little holiday cheer, Ms. Light is always ready to jump in and make school a special place. Her genuine care for others shines through in every interaction, and her willingness to have a little fun along the way makes her a joy to be around.
Thank you, Ms. Light, for the kindness, creativity, and enthusiasm you bring to Avoca every day. We're proud to celebrate you during National Principals Month!
🔔 See you tomorrow!
We hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful fall break! We're looking forward to welcoming our students and staff back to school tomorrow, Monday, October 19.
Let's make it a great week!
We hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful fall break! We're looking forward to welcoming our students and staff back to school tomorrow, Monday, October 19.
Let's make it a great week!
At Tennessee Middle School, Principal Dr. Luke Douthat is always looking for new ways to help students and staff learn, grow, and succeed.
A forward-thinking leader who recognizes the strengths of those around him, Dr. Douthat encourages his teachers and students to explore new ideas and take on opportunities for growth. Under his leadership, initiatives like Viking Valor and Odin’s Hall of Champions are helping students build character, develop meaningful connections, and discover their potential. His commitment to innovation and empowering others helps create a school culture where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you, Dr. Douthat, for leading Tennessee Middle School with vision, encouragement, and a commitment to bringing out the best in others. We're proud to celebrate you during National Principals Month!
A forward-thinking leader who recognizes the strengths of those around him, Dr. Douthat encourages his teachers and students to explore new ideas and take on opportunities for growth. Under his leadership, initiatives like Viking Valor and Odin’s Hall of Champions are helping students build character, develop meaningful connections, and discover their potential. His commitment to innovation and empowering others helps create a school culture where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you, Dr. Douthat, for leading Tennessee Middle School with vision, encouragement, and a commitment to bringing out the best in others. We're proud to celebrate you during National Principals Month!
At Anderson Elementary School, Principal John Sproles believes that being part of a school family means caring deeply about students while challenging them to be their very best.
Mr. Sproles brings a competitive spirit and high expectations to his work, but he knows that strong relationships are the foundation for student success. He works hard to create a school community where students are encouraged to achieve, staff support one another, and families know they belong.
Thank you, Mr. Sproles, for leading Anderson with determination, high expectations, and a heart for your school family. We're proud to celebrate you during National Principals Month!
Mr. Sproles brings a competitive spirit and high expectations to his work, but he knows that strong relationships are the foundation for student success. He works hard to create a school community where students are encouraged to achieve, staff support one another, and families know they belong.
Thank you, Mr. Sproles, for leading Anderson with determination, high expectations, and a heart for your school family. We're proud to celebrate you during National Principals Month!
Family engagement is an important part of the Coalition for Kids (C4K) after-school program, and a recent Bristol Family Night brought students, families, and C4K staff together for an evening of fun and connection!
These special events give families opportunities to spend quality time together, build relationships, and strengthen the sense of community that makes C4K such a valuable part of our schools.
Through our partnership with Coalition for Kids, Bristol Tennessee City Schools offers a FREE after-school program at each of our elementary schools, providing homework help, enrichment activities, physical activity, and more.
Interested in C4K for your child? Learn more about the program and complete the parent interest form here: www.btcs.org/afterschool.
These special events give families opportunities to spend quality time together, build relationships, and strengthen the sense of community that makes C4K such a valuable part of our schools.
Through our partnership with Coalition for Kids, Bristol Tennessee City Schools offers a FREE after-school program at each of our elementary schools, providing homework help, enrichment activities, physical activity, and more.
Interested in C4K for your child? Learn more about the program and complete the parent interest form here: www.btcs.org/afterschool.
🍂 Fall break is here!
Wishing all our BTCS students, families, and staff a wonderful week to relax, recharge, and enjoy a little fall fun!
As a reminder, schools will be closed October 12–16. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, October 19! 🍁
Wishing all our BTCS students, families, and staff a wonderful week to relax, recharge, and enjoy a little fall fun!
As a reminder, schools will be closed October 12–16. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, October 19! 🍁
🍁 The Fall 2026 edition of BTCS News is here!
From a peek into the work of our newest therapy dog at Fairmount to celebrating 100 years of Haynesfield, Music in the Castle, and the newest Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, there's plenty to celebrate across Bristol Tennessee City Schools!
Catch up on these stories, important district updates, upcoming dates, and more in our fall newsletter.
📰 Read the full newsletter here: www.btcs.org/fall2026news.
Wishing all our BTCS families and staff a wonderful fall break! 🍂
At Holston View Elementary, Principal Kayla McMeans is at the heart of a school community that feels like family.
Ms. McMeans leads with a steady hand, a caring heart, and a deep commitment to doing what's best for her students and staff. She's a strong advocate for the people she serves, leading with fairness, thoughtfulness, and conviction.
Thank you, Ms. McMeans, for the heart you put into your work and the community you help create every day. We're proud to celebrate you during National Principals Month!
Ms. McMeans leads with a steady hand, a caring heart, and a deep commitment to doing what's best for her students and staff. She's a strong advocate for the people she serves, leading with fairness, thoughtfulness, and conviction.
Thank you, Ms. McMeans, for the heart you put into your work and the community you help create every day. We're proud to celebrate you during National Principals Month!
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. 🎨🎵
