We hope everyone had a great Spring Break!

Reminder for BTCS families: Monday, March 23 is a Flexible Learning Day. Only students who are pre-registered for the Flexible Learning Day will report to school.

We're excited to welcome back all students and staff on Tuesday, March 24.

2 days ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic with the headline “Schools Closed” on a light background with illustrated spring flowers and grass. Text reads: “Monday, March 23 Flexible Learning Day. Only students who are pre-registered for the Flexible Learning Day report to school.” Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo at the bottom.
Our Tennessee High School boys basketball team officially hit the road today, headed to Murfreesboro for the state tournament!

Finish strong, Vikings! 🏀
7 days ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
A group of Tennessee High School boys basketball players and coaches stand in a line in front of a large charter bus on a snowy day. The team is dressed in matching black warmups, many with “Boro Bound” printed on the front. Light snow is falling, and a brick building is visible in the background. The players and staff are smiling as they prepare to depart for the state tournament.
Inside a charter bus, Tennessee High School boys basketball players and coaches sit in blue patterned seats, smiling and looking toward the camera. A few coaches sit near the front, with players filling the rows behind them. Through the bus windows, snow can be seen on the ground outside as the team begins their trip to the state tournament.
Spring Break is almost here! BTCS schools will be closed March 16–20. We hope our students, staff, and families enjoy a safe and relaxing week.

Students who are pre-registered for Spring Intersession will report to school March 17–19.

Monday, March 23 is a Flexible Learning Day. Only students who are pre-registered for the Flexible Learning Day will report to school.
11 days ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic with the headline “Schools Closed” on a light background with illustrated spring flowers and grass. Text reads: “March 16–20 Spring Break. Only students who are pre-registered for Spring Intersession report to school on March 17–19. Monday, March 23 Flexible Learning Day. Only students who are pre-registered for the Flexible Learning Day report to school.” Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo at the bottom.

Check out the Spring BTCS Newsletter! https://tinyurl.com/spring2026btcs

11 days ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic with a maroon background and white central panel displaying the words “Spring 2026” in large maroon letters. At the top left, the header reads “BTCS News,” and a white silhouette of Bristol’s skyline appears in the upper right corner.

A Full-Circle Reading Moment for Redhawks!

Read Across America Week at Fairmount Elementary School included a special visit from some familiar faces. Former Fairmount students who now attend Tennessee Middle School returned to the halls where their love of reading first began.

Thanks to the efforts of Fairmount librarian Allyson Rutherford and Tennessee Middle School language arts teacher Alison Quickel, these middle schoolers spent time reconnecting with their former teachers and reading to younger Redhawks eager to hear a good story.

Along the way, they shared what life is like in middle school, answered questions from curious elementary students, and helped encourage the next generation of readers by opening up books together.

It was a joyful celebration of reading, connection, and community, and a wonderful reminder that once you’re a Fairmount reader, you’re always part of the story. ❤️ 📖

12 days ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
A Tennessee Middle School student reads a picture book aloud to a group of younger students seated on the floor during a classroom visit at Fairmount Elementary School for Read Across America Week. The elementary students sit closely together on a carpet listening to the story while the reader holds the book near a large interactive display.
A group of Tennessee Middle School students and two teachers pose together in the Fairmount Elementary School library during Read Across America Week, each holding a favorite children’s book they shared with younger students during their visit.
A Tennessee Middle School student reads a picture book to a small group of Fairmount Elementary students gathered around in the school library. The younger students stand and sit close by, looking at the open book as the middle school student points to the page during a Read Across America Week visit.
Two Tennessee Middle School students stand at the front of a Fairmount Elementary classroom after reading to younger students during Read Across America Week. One student holds a picture book while they speak to the class, and elementary students seated on the floor respond and ask questions.
Two Tennessee Middle School students sit at the front of a Fairmount Elementary classroom reading a picture book to a group of younger students seated on a rug. One student holds the open book while reading aloud as the other stands nearby assisting, and the elementary students watch and listen during a Read Across America Week classroom visit.
Two Tennessee Middle School students sit at the front of a Fairmount Elementary classroom reading a picture book to a small group of young students seated on a patterned rug. One student holds the open book and reads while the other sits beside him holding another book, as the elementary students listen attentively during a Read Across America Week visit.
A Tennessee Middle School student holds open a picture book and reads aloud to a small group of Fairmount Elementary students seated on the floor in a classroom. Another middle school student sits nearby listening as the younger students look at the book during the Read Across America Week visit.
A Tennessee Middle School student sits at the front of a Fairmount Elementary classroom reading and talking with younger students gathered around their desks. A teacher sits nearby smiling as the elementary students listen and laugh during the Read Across America Week visit.
Today we celebrate Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day and the incredible team that keeps Bristol Tennessee City Schools running smoothly every single day.

Our maintenance and facilities staff do far more than fix what’s broken, build what’s needed, troubleshoot problems, and keep our buildings and grounds looking their best. What truly sets them apart is how deeply they care about our students and staff. They take great pride in creating and maintaining safe, welcoming spaces where students learn, achievements are celebrated, and teams, clubs, and performers pursue excellence.

Thank you for the skill, dedication, and heart you bring to our schools. We are grateful for you.
18 days ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
A group photo of the Bristol Tennessee City Schools maintenance and facilities team standing outdoors around a sign that reads “Bristol Tennessee City Schools Maintenance and Facilities Division.” The graphic features a maroon background with the words “Thank You” at the top and “Maintenance and Facilities” curved along the bottom, with “Bristol Tennessee City Schools” printed beneath the image.
STEM students at Tennessee Middle School participated in Engineers Week last week.
A group of engineers from Eastman Chemical Company led students in a design challenge that encouraged them to work and think like engineers. Students were given materials, constraints, and limited time to build a bridge that could hold the most weight.
They relied on teamwork, building skills, and budgeting decisions to design and create their bridges.
19 days ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
A group of Tennessee Middle School students gather around a table testing a small bridge structure made from black rods and tape, adding weight with stacked cups and books during an Engineers Week engineering challenge.
Students watch closely as one student carefully places stacked cups on a small bridge structure to test how much weight it can hold during a classroom engineering activity.
An engineer from Eastman Chemical Company speaks with two Tennessee Middle School students as they plan their bridge design using small rods and tape during an Engineers Week STEM activity.
Students collaborate at classroom tables while engineers from Eastman Chemical Company circulate to help during a hands-on bridge-building challenge for Engineers Week.
Three Tennessee Middle School students work together at a classroom table building a small bridge structure with black plastic rods while an engineer from Eastman Chemical Company observes and offers guidance during an Engineers Week design challenge.
It's Read Across America Week!

Take a look at these photos from Avoca Elementary, where students kicked off the celebration early last Friday with special guest readers from our community. You might spot a few familiar faces!

We're grateful for community partners who help us celebrate literacy and show our students the power of reading.
22 days ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
A guest reader sits in a classroom chair holding up a colorful picture book and reading to a small group of young students seated on the floor. A whiteboard beside her displays the date and a list of “G” words, including gorilla, gecko, giraffe, glasses, and gingerbread. The students look toward the reader as she shares the story.
Four adults stand in a school gymnasium talking and smiling during a community event. A police officer in a Bristol, Tennessee uniform speaks with three other attendees wearing name tags. Tables with black tablecloths, a basketball hoop, and posters on the gym wall are visible in the background.
Two community guest readers sit at the front of a classroom speaking to a group of elementary students seated on the floor. One reader sits in a rocking chair holding a colorful book bag while addressing the students, and the other sits nearby listening. A whiteboard behind them shows the date and classroom notes, and a large digital screen is visible to the side.
A community guest reader sits at the front of an elementary classroom reading from a children’s book while raising one finger for emphasis. Students sit on the floor facing him. An alphabet chart runs along the wall behind him, and a laptop and large digital screen are visible in the classroom.
A guest reader sits at the front of an elementary classroom reading a picture book to a group of students gathered on the floor. Desks and backpacks fill the foreground, and classroom walls are covered with math anchor charts, posters, and a large digital display screen behind the reader.
A Bristol, Tennessee police officer stands at the front of an elementary classroom reading to a large group of students seated on the floor. A colorful sound wall and number chart decorate the walls, and a digital display behind him shows an illustrated page from a children’s book. Students sit cross-legged and listen attentively.
Three women stand talking and smiling in a school gymnasium during a community event. One gestures as she speaks while the others listen. Tables with water bottles, a basketball hoop, and green wall padding with “Avoca” lettering are visible in the background.
Two elementary students stand side by side in a school cafeteria wearing festive costumes. One is dressed as the Grinch in a green hoodie with furry cuffs and a Santa hat, and the other is dressed as Max the dog, wearing a brown outfit with floppy ears and a red collar. They smile at the camera with cafeteria tables and other students in the background.
Two elementary students stand side by side in a school cafeteria dressed as Thing 1 and Thing 2 from Dr. Seuss. They wear bright red shirts labeled “Thing 1” and “Thing 2,” blue wigs, and playful face paint. One student holds a stuffed Cat in the Hat toy while they smile at the camera, with cafeteria tables and other students in the background.
A guest reader sits in a classroom chair holding up a large picture book and reading to a small group of young students seated on the floor. A whiteboard beside her displays the date and a list of “G” words, including gorilla, gecko, giraffe, glasses, and gingerbread. Classroom shelves and supplies fill the background as the students look toward the book.
Bristol Tennessee City Schools will be closed on Tuesday, February 24.
28 days ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic with a blue background featuring a blue alarm clock wrapped in a light blue knitted scarf. Text at the top reads “BRISTOL TENNESSEE CITY SCHOOLS.” A red diagonal stamp says “IMPORTANT UPDATE.” Large text in the center reads “CLOSED.” At the bottom, text reads “TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24.” The Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo appears in the lower left corner.
We are proud to share that Dominic Shipley has advanced from National Merit Semifinalist to National Merit Finalist in the 2026 National Merit® Scholarship Program.

As a Finalist, Dominic is now eligible to compete for one of approximately 6,930 National Merit Scholarships that will be awarded in 2026.

This is an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects Dominic’s hard work and dedication.

Please join us in congratulating Dominic on this incredible achievement. We are so proud to celebrate this milestone with him.
about 1 month ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic with a maroon background and gold script reading “Congratulations” at the top. Below, the name Dominic Shipley appears above a formal senior portrait of a student wearing glasses, a black tuxedo, white shirt, and black bow tie against a blue studio backdrop. A white banner at the bottom reads “National Merit Scholarship Finalist.”
Today marks President’s Day, a national holiday dedicated to honoring the presidents of the United States. The observance dates back to the celebration of George Washington’s birthday and continues as a time to reflect on the history of the presidency. Today we honor the individuals who have served as president and the role the office has played throughout American history.
about 1 month ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic from Bristol Tennessee City Schools on a navy blue background with a stylized American flag in the top left corner and red, white, and blue confetti on the right. Text reads “Happy President’s Day” with “February 16, 2026” below. A blue silhouette of a government building with a flag on top spans the bottom of the image. The Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo appears at the top.
Today is SRO Appreciation Day, and we proudly celebrate our school resource officers across Bristol Tennessee City Schools.

These dedicated men and women do so much more than keep our schools safe. They build relationships. They mentor. They listen. They show up every single day for our students and staff.

Please join us in thanking our school resource officers for the difference they make in the lives of our students.
about 1 month ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Nine-panel graphic honoring School Resource Officer Appreciation Day. Eight uniformed school resource officers are pictured in their respective school settings, each labeled with their name and school: Officer Julian Riojas (Viking Academy), Officer Aaron Colley (Tennessee High School), Officer Freddy Owens (Haynesfield Elementary), Officer Josh Graham (Avoca Elementary), Officer Sherman Eury (Tennessee Middle School), Officer Storme Rivera (Anderson Elementary), Officer Mallory Berezny (Holston View Elementary), and Officer Jonathan Gragg (Fairmount Elementary). The center panel features the Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo and the message, “Thank you, School Resource Officers!” in maroon text.

Vikings United launched this school year as a schoolwide support organization designed to keep resources local, strengthen school pride, and create meaningful experiences for students and staff. From teacher appreciation efforts and student events to long-term projects, this group is already making an impact.

Most importantly, Vikings United was created with one clear message:

If you care about Tennessee High, you belong here.

Whether you are a parent, alum, staff member, business partner, or community supporter, there are many ways to get involved.

Read the full story to learn how Vikings United is building something special at Tennessee High and how you can be part of it. https://www.btcs.org/article/2709261

about 1 month ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Collage graphic highlighting Vikings United at Tennessee High School. Images include three women standing at a Vikings United booth with a banner, a Snowball Winter Semi-Formal Dance announcement, a large dessert table, a teacher appreciation display with the school building, breakfast items for staff, and two women posing with the Viking mascot holding a gift basket. The center features the Vikings United logo with the words “Culture • Community • Fundraising.”
You’re invited to celebrate the incredible creativity of our students at the 11th Annual Virginia Duff Fine Arts Festival! 🎨🎶

Join us Thursday, February 26, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Tennessee Middle School for a districtwide K–12 showcase featuring a professional student art show and live vocal and instrumental performances.

Bring your family, invite a friend, and grab dinner from one of the local food trucks—we can’t wait to see you there! 💜
about 1 month ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Alt text: Graphic promoting the 11th Annual Virginia Duff Fine Arts Festival. The design features soft overlapping circles in pastel purple, blue, and green tones. At the top right, it reads, “The community is invited.” Centered text reads: “11th Annual Virginia Duff Fine Arts Festival.” Event details: Thursday, February 26, 5:30–7:30 p.m., at Tennessee Middle School, 840 Alabama St., Bristol, TN. The graphic describes the event as a districtwide K–12 fine arts extravaganza including a professional student art show and student vocal and instrumental ensembles. It notes that the art show and musical performances will occur at the same time, allowing attendees to move through the event at their own pace. A line at the bottom reads, “Grab dinner from one of the local food trucks.” The Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo appears in the lower right corner.
Huge congratulations to Deidre Pendley, our career and technical education director!

We’re proud to celebrate Ms. Pendley for receiving both the East Tennessee Trailblazer Award and the Tennessee State Trailblazer Award from the Tennessee Directors of Career and Technical Education (TDCTE), a well-deserved honor.

The Trailblazer Award recognizes CTE directors with six or more years of service who demonstrate extraordinary leadership at the local level while making a meaningful impact across the state or nation. Ms. Pendley exemplifies that standard in every way. Through her visionary leadership, she has championed high-quality CTE programs that open doors for students, support and empower teachers, and strengthen workforce pathways for our community.

Her work reflects innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to student success—along with active engagement in professional, civic, and community efforts that elevate CTE across East Tennessee and beyond.

We are incredibly grateful for Deidre’s leadership and proud to see her recognized as a true trailblazer for career and technical education.
about 1 month ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Deidre Pendley smiles while holding two glass TDCTE Trailblazer Award plaques—one for East Tennessee and one for the state of Tennessee—wearing a black TDCTE jacket and conference badge against a neutral background.

Looking for extra academic support for your child this spring? 🌱

Bristol Tennessee City Schools is offering Spring Intersession (March 17–19) and a Flexible Learning Day (March 23) to help students strengthen skills, stay engaged, and keep learning moving forward.

Register by March 6 to take advantage of this additional learning opportunity! www.btcs.org/page/flexible-learning-day

about 1 month ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic promoting Bristol Tennessee City Schools’ Spring Intercession and Flexible Learning Day. Three photos across the top show elementary students reading together, middle school students raising their hands in class, and an elementary student writing at a desk. Text reads: “Spring Intersession & Flexible Learning Day – Register Now.” Dates listed below: “Intersession: March 17–19” and “Flexible Learning Day: March 23.”

Bristol Tennessee City Schools is excited to announce the appointment of David Adkisson as our new chief financial officer. David brings nearly 15 years of combined government and school finance experience to this role. He began his career with the City of Bristol, Tennessee, where he served in multiple accounting roles.
David joined Bristol Tennessee City Schools in September 2015 as a general accountant, with his role expanding to lead accountant in 2020. He has served as our interim chief financial officer since September 2025.
A graduate of East Tennessee State University, David holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a Master of Accountancy degree. He also served on the board of the Tennessee Association of School Business Officials from 2022 to 2024, supporting professional development and advocacy for school finance leaders across the state.

about 1 month ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Administrative announcement graphic from Bristol Tennessee City Schools featuring a professional headshot of David Adkisson. Text reads: “David Adkisson, chief financial officer.”
Today, we’re celebrating our high school counselors! Students shared thoughtful words about the counselors who support, guide, and encourage them as they plan for the future.

Ms. Bartley
“Ms. Bartley is always quick to support her students, taking the time to ensure every schedule is thoughtfully designed to align with each student’s goals and future plans.”
-- Kate

“Ms. Bartley explained graduation and college requirements clearly and made sure I understood why each choice mattered.”
-- Palmer

Ms. Arnold
“She plays one of the most important roles in school by making sure kids feel safe and secure while still being able to learn.”
-- Anthony

Ms. Snyder
“Ms. Snyder cares so deeply about every student beyond just our classes.”
-- Lily

“I love Ms. Snyder. She is so helpful and has a great vibe.”
-- Ainsley

Mr. Henry
“Mr. Henry is very understanding.”
-- Jayla

“Mr. Henry has been really helpful in helping me adjust to college, and he is always quick to answer any questions I have.”
-- Riley

Ms. Singleton
“Ms. Singleton will go out of her way to talk to you and ask how your day was.”
-- David

“Ms. Singleton is an angel on this earth.”
-- Aiden

Thank you to our high school counselors for the guidance, care, and encouragement you provide our students every day. 💛
about 2 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic for National School Counseling Week from the American School Counselor Association. Text reads “National School Counseling Week” and “School Counselors Amplify Student Success.” Five circular headshots are shown with name labels: Alexis Arnold, Whitney Singleton, Reece Henry, Ali Bartley, and Kristi Snyder. Large text reads “Thank You, School Counselors.” Bottom text reads “Bristol Tennessee City Schools” with the BTCS “B” logo. Dark blue background with colorful soundwave-style graphics behind the portraits.
Today, during National School Counseling Appreciation Week, we want to recognize and thank our Frontier Health school-based counselors who partner with Bristol Tennessee City Schools to support our students’ mental health and well-being.

Through our collaboration with Frontier Health, these dedicated counselors provide counseling and case management services to students and support to school staff—helping remove barriers to learning and strengthening the academic and emotional success of the children we serve. We are grateful for their expertise, compassion, and commitment to our students and families. 💙

Thank you to our Frontier Health partners for the vital role you play in supporting student success—today and every day.
about 2 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic for National School Counseling Week featuring the American School Counselor Association logo and the message “School Counselors Amplify Student Success.” The graphic recognizes Frontier Health school-based counselors with name labels: Cassie Leonard, Morgian Lopez, Valerie Caudill, Joseph Smithdeal, Tiffany Rivera, Harlow Rhudy, and Victoria Grant. Text at the bottom reads, “Thank You, School Counselors,” with “Bristol Tennessee City Schools” and the dates “Feb. 2–6, 2026.”
Bristol Tennessee City Schools will be closed on Thursday, February 5.
about 2 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Blue graphic with falling snow and icicles at the top reads “Bristol Tennessee City Schools.” Large bold text in the center says “Closed,” followed by “February 5, 2026.” A snowflake and a thermometer icon appear near the bottom, indicating cold weather.