The first day of school is August 3, and our Back-to-School Guide is your one-stop resource for everything you need to get ready for the new school year!

You'll find helpful information about:
• School phone numbers
• Calendars
• School supply lists
• Bus routes
• District handbook
• School meal information
• District handbook
• And much more!

We've gathered the information you need in one convenient place.

Visit our Back-to-School Guide here: btcs.org/page/back-to-school-guide.

We can't wait to welcome our students back for another outstanding year!

2 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic promoting the Bristol Tennessee City Schools Back to School Guide. The design features a maroon spiral notebook page with the text: "Get ready with our Back to School Guide," "One-Stop Resource," and "School Starts August 3." The web address, "btcs.org/page/back-to-school-guide," appears at the bottom. A BTCS logo is in the upper left corner, with a yellow pencil and white eraser decorating the page against a black, lined background.
Visit the BTCS Book Bus today, July 23, at Avoca between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m.

All services are FREE, and the books selected are forever books that do not have to be returned.

Summer meal distribution will also take place at Avoca today and beginning at 3 p.m., making this is a great one-stop opportunity!
2 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
A colorful Bristol Tennessee City Schools Book Bus graphic announces the final stop of the summer. The headline reads, "BTCS Book Bus." Large text says, "Don't miss the LAST STOP of the summer! Visit the book bus today at Avoca between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m." Additional text states, "All services are FREE!" An illustration of the brightly decorated BTCS Book Bus, featuring children, books, and the words "Dream Big!," appears across the bottom. A note at the bottom reads, "The books chosen are forever books and do not need to be returned!" The graphic uses a blue background with red and yellow borders and a large green arrow pointing toward the bus.

🎁 Just 2 Days Away! 🎁

Christmas is coming early in Bristol!

This Saturday, join us for Christmas in July and help support the Johnia Berry Toy Drive, which provides Christmas gifts for local children in need.

Bring a new, unwrapped toy and enjoy a free slice of pizza while spending time with your community.

📅 Saturday, July 25
🕓 4–6 p.m.
📍 1203 Edgemont Avenue, Bristol, TN

A single toy can make a lasting difference in a child's Christmas. If you're able, we'd love for you to stop by, donate, and help spread a little holiday magic in the middle of summer. We hope to see you there!

2 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Flyer promoting the Christmas in July Johnia Berry Toy Drive. The design features festive tropical graphics, including a palm tree decorated with Christmas lights and ornaments and a pink flamingo wearing a Santa-style hat while carrying a wrapped gift. A photo of Johnia Berry appears near the top. The flyer invites the community to "Join us to celebrate Christmas in July, a block party to benefit the Johnia Berry Toy Drive. Bring a new, unwrapped toy donation for local children in need." A green banner reads, "Free pizza slice with donation." Event details: July 25 4–6 p.m. 1203 Edgemont Avenue Bristol, TN The bottom of the flyer includes the website johniaberry.org and logos for Bristol Tennessee City Schools and the Bristol Tennessee/Virginia Association of REALTORS® (BTVAR).

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, Bristol Tennessee City Schools elementary schools will implement a five-minute schedule adjustment. The tardy bell will ring at 8:15 a.m. (previously 8:10 a.m.), and dismissal will be at 3:15 p.m. (previously 3:10 p.m.). Instructional time will remain unchanged. Middle and high school schedules will remain unchanged at 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This adjustment is designed to improve transportation efficiency, support more consistent bus arrival and dismissal times, and provide students on longer bus routes with additional time to eat breakfast before the school day begins. Elementary school doors will open for student arrival at 7:55 a.m. Morning LEAP will be available at each elementary school. Please reach out to your child's school for LEAP details.

We appreciate your partnership as we make this adjustment to better support our students and families.

2 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic with a maroon background featuring a white megaphone icon at the top and a large white banner reading "Schedule Adjustment." The graphic announces that beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Bristol Tennessee City Schools elementary schools will follow a new daily schedule. The updated times are listed as 8:15 a.m. Tardy Bell and 3:15 p.m. Dismissal. The Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo appears at the bottom of the graphic.

Back-to-school season is almost here! This is a great opportunity from the Sullivan County Regional Health Department to make sure your child's required immunizations are up to date before school begins.

Check-ups will be offered in Kingsport on July 28 and Blountville on July 30. Please see the flyer for details, including locations, times, fees, and guardian requirements.

For more information, call 423-279-2777.

2 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Colorful flyer titled "Summer Check-Ups!" promoting back-to-school health services. Two clinic locations are listed: Kingsport at 1041 E. Sullivan Street on July 28, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., and Blountville at 154 Blountville Bypass on July 30, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. A speech bubble encourages families to "Come get up-to-date vaccines and your physicals!" The flyer also advertises a Touch-A-Truck event and includes illustrations of an ambulance, a healthcare worker with a child, a bee, and a caterpillar. Contact information is provided: 423-279-2777. Additional notes state that back-to-school physicals cost $50 for uninsured children (TennCare billed if applicable), immunizations are available on a sliding scale, sports physicals are not offered, and a legal guardian must be present for minors or provide guardianship documentation if not the child's natural parent.
Construction on Haynesfield Elementary School began in 1926, and the school welcomed its first students in September 1927. As we prepare to celebrate this incredible milestone, we need your help telling the story of Haynesfield.

Were you a student, teacher, staff member, or family member connected to Haynesfield? Do you have photographs tucked away in an album, a favorite memory, or a story that's been passed down through your family?

We'd love for you to share it with us.

Please take a few minutes to complete our survey and help us celebrate Haynesfield's rich history.

https://btcs.jotform.com/261813793289066
2 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
**Alt text:** A graphic with a faded, sketch-style image of Haynesfield Elementary School in the background. Centered over the image is a large red decorative badge with white text that reads, **"HELP US CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF HAYNESFIELD!"** The Haynesfield Hurricanes logo appears at the bottom of the badge. The graphic invites former students, staff, families, and community members to participate in the school's centennial celebration by sharing memories, stories, and photographs.
**Alt text:** A black-and-white graphic featuring a historic newspaper clipping with the bold headline, **"Haynesfield School Opens This Morning."** The article announces the opening of Haynesfield School in South Bristol in September 1927. A subheadline states that the school would be operated jointly by the city and county school systems, with **Ethel Coffer** serving as principal. The article explains that although the school officially opened that morning, classes would begin a few days later while construction and utility work were completed. It also notes that students would be classified, receive book lists, and purchase books and supplies at the school. The newspaper clipping is displayed on a black background.
**Alt text:** A black-and-white graphic featuring a historic newspaper clipping with the headline, **"Work Is Started on Haynesfield School."** The article announces the beginning of construction on the new Haynesfield School in 1926 in the Strongtown community just south of Bristol. It states that contractor Ed Glover of Blountville was awarded the project, notes that the school would initially be a one-story brick building with the possibility of a second story in the future, and reports that it was expected to be ready for occupancy by January 1, 1927. The newspaper clipping is displayed on a black background.

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, Bristol Tennessee City Schools elementary schools will implement a five-minute schedule adjustment. The tardy bell will ring at 8:15 a.m. (previously 8:10 a.m.), and dismissal will be at 3:15 p.m. (previously 3:10 p.m.). Instructional time will remain unchanged. Middle and high school schedules will remain unchanged at 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This adjustment is designed to improve transportation efficiency, support more consistent bus arrival and dismissal times, and provide students on longer bus routes with additional time to eat breakfast before the school day begins. Elementary school doors will open for student arrival at 7:55 a.m. Morning LEAP will be available at each elementary school. Please reach out to your child's school for LEAP details.

We appreciate your partnership as we make this adjustment to better support our students and families.

2 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic with a maroon background featuring a white megaphone icon at the top and a large white banner reading "Schedule Adjustment." The graphic announces that beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Bristol Tennessee City Schools elementary schools will follow a new daily schedule. The updated times are listed as 8:15 a.m. Tardy Bell and 3:15 p.m. Dismissal. The Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo appears at the bottom of the graphic.

Join Bristol Tennessee City Schools and the Bristol Tennessee/Virginia Association of REALTORS® for Christmas in July, a community block party benefiting the Johnia Berry Toy Drive!

Bring a new, unwrapped toy to help make the holidays brighter for local children in need, and you'll receive a free slice of pizza as our thank-you.

📅 Saturday, July 25
🕓 4–6 p.m.
📍 1203 Edgemont Avenue, Bristol, TN

Every toy donated helps bring joy to children in our community this Christmas. We hope you'll stop by, enjoy the festivities, and help us make a difference—one toy at a time.

2 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Flyer promoting the Christmas in July Johnia Berry Toy Drive. The design features festive tropical graphics, including a palm tree decorated with Christmas lights and ornaments and a pink flamingo wearing a Santa-style hat while carrying a wrapped gift. A photo of Johnia Berry appears near the top. The flyer invites the community to "Join us to celebrate Christmas in July, a block party to benefit the Johnia Berry Toy Drive. Bring a new, unwrapped toy donation for local children in need." A green banner reads, "Free pizza slice with donation." Event details: July 25 4–6 p.m. 1203 Edgemont Avenue Bristol, TN The bottom of the flyer includes the website johniaberry.org and logos for Bristol Tennessee City Schools and the Bristol Tennessee/Virginia Association of REALTORS® (BTVAR).

Congratulations to the Tennessee High School Marooned Mariners on an incredible performance at the MATE ROV World Championship!

Competing against some of the top robotics teams from around the globe, the Marooned Mariners earned an outstanding 14th-place finish at the world championship. They also ranked as the 7th-highest team in the United States and the 2nd-highest public school team in the nation.

Following regional competition, the team dedicated part of its summer break to refining several aspects of its project, from the ROV and control systems to technical documentation and its marketing display. Their hard work and commitment to continuous improvement paid off on the world stage.

We are incredibly proud of these students for representing our school district and our community with excellence. Congratulations to the Marooned Mariners and their leaders on this remarkable accomplishment!

3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
A group of eight Tennessee High School Marooned Mariners robotics team members and their coach pose in front of a Mate ROV Competition backdrop. The students wear matching maroon polo shirts with team logos and event name badges. Several hold underwater robotics equipment, including a large remotely operated vehicle (ROV), coiled tether cables, a rugged equipment case, and a tall blue trophy. The group smiles proudly after competing at the international event.

Back-to-school season is almost here! This is a great opportunity from the Sullivan County Regional Health Department to make sure your child's required immunizations are up to date before school begins.

Check-ups will be offered in Kingsport on July 28 and Blountville on July 30. Please see the flyer for details, including locations, times, fees, and guardian requirements.

For more information, call 423-279-2777.

3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Colorful flyer titled "Summer Check-Ups!" promoting back-to-school health services. Two clinic locations are listed: Kingsport at 1041 E. Sullivan Street on July 28, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., and Blountville at 154 Blountville Bypass on July 30, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. A speech bubble encourages families to "Come get up-to-date vaccines and your physicals!" The flyer also advertises a Touch-A-Truck event and includes illustrations of an ambulance, a healthcare worker with a child, a bee, and a caterpillar. Contact information is provided: 423-279-2777. Additional notes state that back-to-school physicals cost $50 for uninsured children (TennCare billed if applicable), immunizations are available on a sliding scale, sports physicals are not offered, and a legal guardian must be present for minors or provide guardianship documentation if not the child's natural parent.
Happy Fourth of July from Bristol Tennessee City Schools! This year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, a milestone birthday worth celebrating. We wish all our students, staff, and families a safe and memorable 4th!
3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Two crossed American flags above the text "Happy Fourth of July" in blue script and red serif capital letters, on a white background decorated with red, white, and blue firework bursts in each corner. Below the text is the Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo, a red B, with "BRISTOL TENNESSEE CITY SCHOOLS" in blue capital letters underlined in red.

REMINDER!

The BTCS Summer Free Meals Program WILL BE distributing meals on Thursday, July 2, at Avoca Elementary School! ☀️

Families may pick up free breakfast and lunch meal bundles for children under 18 from 3–6 p.m.

Please remember that a parent or guardian must be present to pick up meals. We look forward to serving our students and families again this week!

3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
A Bristol Tennessee City Schools Summer Free Meals Program flyer for Avoca Elementary School. The flyer features a cartoon orange wearing sunglasses on a surfboard beside the program title. The meal pickup site is listed as Avoca Elementary School from 3:00–6:00 p.m. on Thursdays: May 28; June 4, 11, 18, and 25; and July 2, 9, 16, and 23. Text states that each student will receive breakfast and lunch for seven days, and students in summer school will receive a three-day breakfast and lunch meal bundle at the Avoca site. Additional details note that any child under 18 is invited, meals are available first-come, first-served, and a parent or guardian must be present to pick up meals. Milk amounts included with meal packs are also listed. Contact information for the Bristol Tennessee City Schools Department of School Nutrition is provided, along with the phone number 423-652-9222. The flyer ends with the statement, “USDA is an equal opportunity provider.”
BTCS Summer Stream Camp was packed with activities like field trips and sports days, but elementary students also enjoyed quieter moments like Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) time in Fairmount's awesome library. 📚💙

Campers had the freedom to choose any book that sparked their interest and settle in wherever they felt most comfortable to read.

A special highlight was a visit from Jingle, our Viking Academy therapy dog, who made the perfect reading buddy.

A heartfelt thank-you to retired BTCS teacher Kathy Hickie for serving as our Summer STREAM Camp librarian and helping create a welcoming space where every student could discover a new favorite book.

Although Summer STREAM Camp wrapped up last week, we hope our students continue reading, exploring, and learning all summer long! ☀️📖
3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
A student lies on the library carpet reading a chapter book during Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) time while Jingle, the BTCS therapy dog, relaxes quietly beside them, serving as a calm reading companion.
A smiling student holds up The Slug by Elise Gravel after selecting it during Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) time in the Fairmount Elementary School library.
A smiling student sits in a child-sized chair reading a colorful graphic novel during Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) time in the Fairmount Elementary School library.
A smiling student proudly holds Tonight on the Titanic from the Magic Tree House series after choosing it for Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) time in the Fairmount Elementary School library.

Come visit the BTCS Book Bus at Little Hands on Holston Drive this morning from 10:45 – 11:15 a.m. 📚🚌☀️

This is the only stop for the Book Bus this week, and the next Book Bus day will be July 13.

All services are FREE, and the books selected are forever books that do not have to be returned.

Hope to see you there!

3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
**Alt text:** Flyer with the Bristol Tennessee City Schools Book Bus logo at the top and the headline, "It's Book Bus Time!!" Below are schedules for June and July listing Book Bus stops, dates, and times. **June** * **Mondays** (No Book Bus services on June 1 or June 29 at Fairmount) * Fairmount Elementary School: 8:30–10:30 a.m. * Little Hands Child Care Center: 10:45–11:15 a.m. * **Thursdays** * By-Pass Day Care Center: 9–9:30 a.m. * Littlest Angel Child Care: 9:45–10:30 a.m. * Avoca Elementary School: 2:30–4:30 p.m. **July** * **July 13** * Little Hands Child Care Center: 10:45–11:15 a.m. * **July 16** * By-Pass Day Care Center: 9–9:30 a.m. * Littlest Angel Child Care: 9:45–10:30 a.m. * Avoca Elementary School: 2:30–4:30 p.m. * **July 23** * Avoca Elementary School: 2:30–4:30 p.m. The flyer also notes **no Book Bus services on July 2 or July 6–9, 2026**. A message at the bottom states that all services are free, books are theirs to keep and do not need to be returned, and families are encouraged to attend the most convenient location. The Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo appears at the bottom.
Thank you to Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds and members of the TDOE team for taking the time to visit our Summer STREAM programs at Fairmount Elementary School and Tennessee Middle School.

We were excited to share the outstanding work of our students, teachers, staff, and administrators. We are proud of the engaging summer learning opportunities our educators provide and grateful for the opportunity to share the great things happening in BTCS.
3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds and district leaders observe elementary students participating in a summer STREAM classroom at Fairmount Elementary School. Students work independently and together on reading and learning activities while visitors engage with the class during the school's summer learning program.
students participate in a hands-on summer STREAM lesson at Tennessee Middle School while Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds, department staff, and Bristol Tennessee City Schools leaders observe from the back of the classroom during a district visit. Students work with instructional materials and collaborate around tables as visitors watch the lesson in progress.
Group photo of Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds, Tennessee Department of Education staff, and Bristol Tennessee City Schools administrators and staff standing together in the commons area at Tennessee Middle School during the department's visit to the district's Summer STREAM program.
Check out the Summer BTCS Newsletter for summer reading information, 2026-2027 school supply lists, highlights from around the district, and more! https://tinyurl.com/btcs2026summernews
3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
**Alt text:** Graphic with a maroon border and white center featuring the text "BTCS News" at the top and "SUMMER 2026" in large maroon letters in the center. A stylized silhouette of the Tennessee High School campus appears in the upper-right corner. The design serves as a cover image for the Bristol Tennessee City Schools Summer 2026 newsletter.
Bristol Tennessee City Schools employees spent time giving back to our community during the United Way of Bristol TN/VA's Week of Caring.

Our team volunteered at Healing Hands Health, where they deep cleaned student dorms at the JD & Lorraine Nicewonder Education Center, packed hundreds of dental kits, touched up paint, trimmed landscaping, washed windows, picked up litter, and helped prepare the campus to welcome patients, students, and community members.

We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Healing Hands Health and United Way of Bristol TN/VA to support an organization that provides vital services throughout our region. The dedication of our employees extends far beyond the classroom, and we are proud of the many ways they serve our schools and community.

Thank you to Healing Hands Health for the important work you do every day and for allowing our team to be a small part of your mission.
3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Twenty-six Bristol Tennessee City Schools employees wearing matching red Week of Caring T-shirts pose for a group photo outside the J.D. & Lorraine Nicewonder Education Center at Healing Hands Health. The volunteers are gathered in front of the building's entrance and sign after spending the morning completing service projects as part of United Way of Bristol TN/VA's Week of Caring. The group includes employees standing and seated together on the sidewalk outside the facility.
Help us send off Tennessee High School's Viking Robotics team as they begin their journey to the 2026 MATE ROV Underwater Robotics World Championship in Newfoundland, Canada!

Join us at the Tri-Cities Regional Airport terminal on Monday, June 22, at 8:30 a.m. to cheer on these talented students as they represent Tennessee High School, Bristol, and Tennessee on the international stage.

The team earned its place at the world championship after an outstanding performance at the regional competition, finishing just one point behind the first-place team. As the Marooned Mariners, these students have designed, built, marketed, and tested an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) while managing all aspects of a simulated engineering company.

We also want to express our sincere gratitude to the many individuals and organizations whose generosity and support helped make this opportunity possible. Special thanks to Renasant Bank, Wallace Imports, Tim Baker, Ed Hill, Jerry and Kim Kirk, Cathy Mullins, Just Commercial Real Estate, William Burriss, Shane Roberts, and J.A. Street for investing in our students and helping them reach the world stage.

Your encouragement and support mean the world to these students and their families. Thank you for helping make this incredible opportunity a reality.

Good luck, Marooned Mariners! We are proud of you and can't wait to see all you accomplish in Newfoundland!
3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Seven members of Tennessee High School's Viking Robotics team, the Marooned Mariners, stand behind their underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and competition display board. The students wear matching maroon polo shirts and pose with their robot, which is blue and black with multiple thrusters and a mounted camera. One student holds a trophy while another holds a component of the robot. The display board features information about the team's design, company structure, and engineering process. The group is gathered in a school gymnasium after qualifying for the 2026 MATE ROV Underwater Robotics World Championship.
Today’s meal pickup was another busy and successful day, and all meals for today have been distributed.
The next distribution day is Thursday, June 18!
3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic from Bristol Tennessee City Schools Summer Free Meals Program. The graphic features a cartoon orange character wearing sunglasses and surfing beside the program logo. At the top, a megaphone graphic appears next to the words "Important Message." Large red text at the bottom reads: "ALL MEALS DISTRIBUTED FOR TODAY, JUNE 11!" The graphic notifies families that all available meals for the June 11 distribution have been distributed.
Bristol Tennessee City Schools and Bristol Tennessee Parks & Rec brought the Power of Play Youth Sports Day to the TMS track in May, and it was a great night for our community! Pre-K through 5th grade students competed in track and field events, tried their hand at tennis, football, basketball, and softball stations run by Tennessee High athletes and coaches, and enjoyed everything from the Vendor Village to the BTCS Book Bus.
Thank you to Ballad Health for sponsoring this free event, and thank you to every family, student, and volunteer who made the night such a success.
3 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
A female instructor wearing a maroon Viking Tennis Camp shirt demonstrates a tennis swing for a young child in a red shirt holding a tennis racket on an outdoor court. Two other young children holding rackets practice in the background.
A man in a white long-sleeve shirt tosses a football to a child in a red t-shirt standing in front of a cardboard cutout of a Viking football player. A yellow goal post and a Tennessee High football helmet are visible in the background, with other event activities taking place on the field.
A group of young children wearing numbered race bibs and Power of Play Youth Sports Day t-shirts prepare to compete in a standing broad jump on a grass field. An adult in a maroon shirt observes from the right side.
A young child in a red shirt prepares to shoot a small basketball at a portable hoop inside a canopy tent. Several Tennessee High student-athletes in maroon and black athletic wear stand nearby watching, with additional event activities visible on the field in the background.