A publication of Bristol Tennessee City Schools
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!
District Welcomes First Therapy Dog
Jingle
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:
Mark your calendars for The Classic at Tennessee High School presented by Toyota of Bristol.
December 26-28 & 30-31, 2024
Viking Hall
The country's most prestigious boys' basketball tournament!
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.
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.
School Districts Unite to Support Hurricane Relief Efforts in Neighboring Districts
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.
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.
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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.
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.
Report cards for the first nine weeks will be available through the PowerSchool Parent Portal on Wednesday, October 16.