BTCS News in maroon horizontal background with Castle image

BTCS launches new communications platforms including websites and mobile app

We are pleased to announce the launch of our newly updated website and a brand-new mobile app for Bristol Tennessee City Schools! These advancements are part of our ongoing commitment to providing our community with the best possible resources and information.

A Fresh, Modern Look

Our updated district, schools, and athletics websites boast a cleaner, more modern design, making it easier than ever to navigate. With a streamlined layout and intuitive interface, finding the information you need is a breeze. Whether you're looking for the latest news, event calendars, or school resources, everything is just a click away.

Powered by Thrillshare

Our new website is powered by Thrillshare, an all-in-one platform that will help the district manage social media accounts as well as serve as the districtwide and school-level phone, email, and text messaging platform called Alerts. This integration will allow for more streamlined communication and greater efficiency in keeping our community informed. The caller ID for district phone calls is (423) 793-7987. The caller ID for school calls will be the school phone number.

Introducing Our Mobile App

In addition to the updated website, we are excited to introduce our brand-new mobile app. Available for both iOS and Android devices, the app brings the convenience of our website right to your fingertips. With our mobile app, you can:

Access school news and updates
View event calendars
Receive important notifications
And much more!

Our goal is to make staying connected with Bristol Tennessee City Schools and our schools easier and more convenient than ever. Thank you for being a part of our community and for your continued support!

To download our new app, visit the Apple App Store for iPhone or the Google Play Store for Android. Watch a video to learn more and personalize your settings!

The image shows a banner promoting the Bristol Tennessee City Schools mobile app. It features the following elements: A headline: "It's everything Bristol Tennessee City Schools, in your pocket." Icons labeled: News Events Documents Staff Notifications Dining A QR code for downloading the app from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Instructions: "Download the Bristol Tennessee City Schools app from the iOS Store or Android Play Store and enable Notifications." Images of smartphones displaying the app interface, showcasing home, events, and other sections of the app.

District Welcomes First Therapy Dog

Jingle

Click Image to Follow Jingle on Instagram!

BTCS proudly announces a new staff member who will be joining Tennessee High School’s Viking Academy by January 2025. Welcome Jingle, the first official Therapy Dog in BTCS. Jingle is a 10-week-old goldendoodle who was born on July 19, 2024.

Therapy dogs in schools provide emotional support, helping reduce stress and anxiety among students. Their presence can improve focus, foster positive social interactions, and create a calming environment. Additionally, therapy dogs can enhance students' emotional well-being and contribute to a more positive school culture. Read more about Jingle.

Athletic News

Fall sports highlights will be sent in a separate publication as soon as all seasons wrap-up.
Be sure to follow Viking Athletics:

Viking Athletics Website

Tennessee High Athletics Facebook

Viking Sports Network

BTCS Athletic Hall of Fame Inducts Inaugural Class of 2024

The Bristol Tennessee City Schools (BTCS) Athletic Hall of Fame inaugural class was inducted September 8 at Tennessee High’s Viking Hall, where the permanent Hall of Fame display was also unveiled.

Host and emcee Paul Johnson presided over the ceremony, recognizing individual athletes, teams, coaches, and special contributors who have made noteworthy contributions to the school district’s athletic programs at Tennessee High School and Slater High School. Tennessee High School, established in 1916, and Slater High School, which served black students from 1919 until its integration with Tennessee High in 1965, both boast a rich tradition of athletic excellence.

Photo of two women and three men cutting a gold ribbon in front of the Bristol Tennessee City Schools Athletic Hall of Fame. There is a small child in the background. — Hall of Fame inductees helped cut the ribbon for the new display in Viking Hall.

The 2024 class of the BTCS Athletic Hall of Fame includes 21 individuals and five teams from various sports and eras. Read more about the inductees.

Alt text: A banner-style graphic with an image of the Appalachian region on the left side, featuring states in orange, green, and gray with a red heart in the center. The words "Appalachia strong" are written over the region. To the right, the text "Hurricane Relief" appears in bold red letters, followed by "Schools Helping Schools!" in yellow. The background is a muted gray

School Districts Unite to Support Hurricane Relief Efforts in Neighboring Districts

Bristol Tennessee City Schools is joining other Northeast Tennessee districts to support area school districts with the greatest need following the devastation from Hurricane Helene. BTCS has been matched with Johnson County Schools and will be supporting their ongoing recovery efforts.

The devastation in Johnson County is widespread, and the needs are many. They provided us the list below of their most immediate requests. These needs will shift as efforts continue, and as they do, we will adjust our collections. As various groups and organizations within BTCS collect items, our district will deliver them directly to Mountain City Elementary School where their school district has a Resource Center established for families to access donated supplies daily. Supplies are also being delivered to families as needed.

Tennessee Middle and Tennessee High have already delivered several truckloads of supplies to Johnson County and other impacted areas (prior to the Johnson County effort).

Current Donations Needed in Johnson County

nonperishable food (cans)
over-the-counter medications
toilet paper
board games
contact solution and containers
trash bags
charcoal grills and charcoal
propane
yard tools for cleanup
pet food (large and small)
coats
blankets
shampoo/conditioner
cleaning supplies
tissues
candles

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How can you help?

DONATE ITEMS: Tennessee Middle and Tennessee High continue to collect items. You may follow them on Facebook for additional information: Tennessee High School Facebook and Tennessee Middle School Facebook. We anticipate more efforts within the district will be announced by schools after Fall Break.

DONATE MONEY: If you prefer to make a monetary donation, the school districts in Northeast Tennessee have partnered with the East Tennessee Foundation to manage all donations intended for school districts and their students, families, and staff. The fund was established to ensure that 100% of the donations will go to Hurricane Relief efforts in the affected areas.

Northeast TN School Districts Neighbor-to-Neighbor Disaster Relief Fund

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Photo of distribution room for Johnson County Hurricane Helene relief family resource center

Photo of BTCS truck unloading at Johnson County Hurricane Helene relief center

Welcome New School Resource Officers

BTCS welcomed two new School Resource Officers the for 2024-2025 school year. Officer Jonathan Gragg joined the staff at Fairmount Elementary, and Officer Freddy Owens joined the staff at Haynesfield Elementary. We are thankful for the Bristol Tennessee Police Department for their partnership and for all our SROs for their service and dedication to the safety of our students and staff!

Johnathan Gragg
School Resource Officer
Fairmount Elementary School

Freddy Owens
School Resource Officer
Haynesfield Elementary School

BTCS receives the RTI2-A + RTI2-B Change Makers Award for 2023-2024

The RTI2-A + RTI2-B Change Makers Award recognizes outstanding school districts that have promoted lasting change through an ongoing commitment to aligning and improving their districtwide tiered student support frameworks during the 2023-2024 school year. Tiered student support frameworks are like layers of support designed to meet the needs of all students.

The Change Makers Award is the intermediate award level within the RTI2-A + RTI2-B District Model of Demonstration Program. As a recipient of the RTI2-A + RTI2-B Change Makers Award, BTCS is recognized for promoting lasting change through an ongoing commitment to aligning and improving districtwide tiered student support frameworks. The district has also guided and supported a sustainable districtwide RTI2-A + RTI2-B implementation through strong school coaching and professional development efforts.

BTCS will soon share their efforts and innovations across the state as a District Model of Demonstration for RTI2-A + RTI2-B.

Through the RTI2-A + RTI2-B Change Makers Award for 2023-2024, the Tennessee Tiered Supports Center (TSC), along with the Tennessee Department of Education, has recognized the dedication and achievements of Bristol City Schools.

Community Flu Vaccine Partnerships

Bristol Tennessee City Schools and community partners are offering several opportunities for employees, students, and community members to prepare for the upcoming flu season. The dates are listed below, each with a link to additional information.

Please review the accompanying information carefully for eligibility, payment information, and more important details.

Saturday, October 19

10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Sullivan County Regional Health Department
Blountville & Kingsport Locations
Open to anyone
No appointment necessary.
Please bring insurance cards if applicable.
More Information

Friday, October 25

5:30-7:30 p.m.
Wellness Room at Tennessee High School
THS vs West Ridge Football Game

The Sullivan County Regional Health Department will be administering flu vaccines on Friday, October 25 in the Wellness Room of Tennessee High School from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Insurance will be the only method of payment accepted. Must have photo ID and insurance card. Persons under the age of 19 are eligible for a free Vaccines for Children vaccine. Medicare (65 years and older) not accepted at this event

Anyone ages 6 months and older can participate. You do not need a ticket to the game to access the flu vaccine clinic location.

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by the natural parent or legal guardian (must bring photo ID and paperwork stating that the legal guardian can give consent for immunizations). Flu vaccines will not be offered to students during school hours.

This is a partnership of BTCS and the Sullivan County Health Department.

Safe School Helpline-Break the Silence-Prevent the Event-Image of Cell Phone

Four Ways to Report
to the Safe School Helpline

Call: 1-800-418-6423 or 1-800-4-1-VOICE (Ext. 359)
Text: TIPS to 614-426-0240
Online: SafeSchoolHelpline.com
Mobile App: FREE on App Store or Google Play

If you see something, say something!

The Safe School Helpline is a convenient, confidential way for anyone to anonymously report information about situations that might affect safety at our schools. The Safe School Helpline is free and available 24/7. Examples of threatening situations include but are not limited to the following: bullying, drugs, theft, thoughts of suicide, violence, or weapons.

In addition, trained counselors are available 24 hours per day to talk with persons seeking assistance in coping with suicide thoughts, depression, or feelings of loneliness and loss. Callers can press option '3' when prompted.

School Schedule Changes

Student safety is always the top priority when considering changes to the school schedule. Learn more about keeping informed about the latest when it comes to school schedule changes.

Visit us Online at

www.btcs.org/schedulechanges

Feedback sought on TISA District Accountability Report

The Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) public school funding formula was introduced in the 2023-2024 school year and is intended to empower each student to read proficiently by third grade, prepare each high school graduate for postsecondary success, and provide resources needed for all students to ensure they succeed. T.C.A. § 49-3-112, which governs TISA, requires each school district to submit an accountability report to the Tennessee Department of Education by November 1 of each year. This report must include the following:

Goals for student achievement
Explanation of how the district's stated goals can be met within the district's budget.

Each district's TISA accountability report is required to be presented to the public for review and comment prior to submission. If you would like to view the detailed report and/or provide feedback, please visit the links below.

District Goals

70% of students will score proficient on the third grade ELA TCAP by 2030.
70% of students will score proficient on the ELA and Math TCAP by 2030.
Create an individualized program that will allow students to be College Ready and/or have access to opportunities to join the workforce post-graduation. Each student will be supported by an individualized career plan to ensure they are Future Ready.

TISA District Accountability Report Detailed Plan

TISA District Accountability Report Feedback Form

Standard Response Protocol for Safety

Creating a safer school climate for our students and staff is our priority. Classroom response to an incident is critical in creating a safer school environment. Weather events, fire, accidents, intruders, and other threats to student safety are scenarios planned and trained for by students, teachers, staff, and administration in partnership with our first responders.

Bristol Tennessee City Schools uses the I Love U Guys Foundation's Standard Response Protocol (SRP). The SRP is not based on one individual possible scenario but on the response to any given scenario. One significant benefit of the SRP is the standard language used by all responders; this includes students, parents, staff, and first responders. The protocol also allows for a predictable series of actions as an event unfolds.

The SRP is based upon six actions: HOLD, SECURE, LOCKDOWN, EVACUATE, SHELTER, and FIRE. Each has specific staff and student directives that are unique to the action. Please visit the link below for details about each action and a training video which was shared with students and staff.

Standard Response Protocol Website & Video

The image is about internet safety tips for children and includes the following content: A headline: "Talk to your kids about internet safety." A list of tips: "Never agree to meet in person with anyone they met online." "Never share pictures with someone they have never met in person." "Never share private information such as address, phone number, school name, etc." "Always tell a trusted adult about any online communication that makes them uncomfortable." "Remind them that you are always on their side." The background features a grayscale image of a parent and child, with the child holding a tablet that displays a "BLOCKED! By Parental Control" message.

The image emphasizes the importance of school attendance with the following content: On the left side, there is an illustration of raised hands with the text: "Be Present!" On the right side, three key points are highlighted: "School attendance is the #1 indicator of your child’s success." "By 3rd grade, students who have missed 2 days per month will have missed more than an entire 9 weeks of learning." "Always reach out to your child’s teacher, counselor, or a school administrator if you need attendance support." The design is in grayscale and red tones, maintaining a clear and simple layout to convey the importance of regular attendance.