🎉 Congratulations, Ms. Catherine Lamie! 🎉

A big shout-out to Catherine Lamie for being selected as a recipient of one of Strongwell’s STEM Grants! This competitive program supports innovative, project-based STEM learning across Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee, and we are so proud that Ms. Lamie’s vision for hands-on, real-world instruction stood out.

A huge thank-you to Strongwell for investing in our students and teachers. Their commitment to expanding access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics helps prepare the next generation of thinkers, builders, and problem solvers.

With this grant, Ms. Lamie’s students are taking their understanding of design, measurement, and scale and applying it to real building challenges. The funding provided classroom sets of essential carpentry tools, including hammers, screwdriver kits, squares, gloves, nails and screws, pencils, compasses, and sandpaper, giving every student the opportunity to learn foundational construction skills.

This hands-on project serves as a meaningful stepping stone into CTE pathways, especially our construction and engineering programs, and empowers students to learn by creating, problem-solving, and building with purpose.

Thank you, Strongwell, for helping our Vikings dream bigger and do more. ⚙️📐

5 days ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
A group of Tennessee Middle School students stand with teacher Catherine Lamie and a Strongwell representative, who is holding an oversized check for $1,000. A robotics field is visible in front of them.
Partially assembled wooden frames and loose boards are scattered on the classroom floor near robotics equipment.
A classroom table covered with neatly arranged wooden boards, screws, and open toolkits with green-handled tools.
A teacher holds a student-made paper model and floorplan sketch, showing a detailed layout of rooms and structures. Several adults stand nearby on a multicolored tile floor, including one holding an oversized check in the background.
Students kneel on the floor assembling a wooden frame using screws and handheld tools. Pieces of lumber, toolkits, and classroom tables surround them.
Teacher Catherine Lamie speaks with a visitor while showing a 3D model on a laptop; behind them, students work with wood pieces and tools at tables around the classroom.
A small student-built cardboard structure resembling a triangular shelter is displayed on a classroom table. Inside, there is a handmade bed with yellow and black trim, a cutout window, and taped details along the walls.

TMS Online Store Extended Until 11/30!
Support our school by purchasing some TMS swag for yourself or for gifts! Shop at: https://tnmiddle2025.itemorder.com/

Items will be delivered to TMS upon arrival & support Related Arts programming.

28 days ago, Tennessee Middle School
Maroon t-shirt with a white circle Tri-Star image in the center similar to the TN flag
We’re halfway through the second nine weeks!
Take a moment to check your student’s progress on PowerSchool today to stay up-to-date and celebrate their hard work!
about 1 month ago, Carlinda Shaw

As temperatures begin to drop, it's important to stay informed about potential schedule changes! ❄️📅 If there's a two-hour delay, school will start two hours later than usual and will dismiss at the regular time. For schedule change procedures and the best ways to stay informed when winter weather hits, check our website at www.btcs.org/schedulechanges.

This awesome graphic was designed by Ready Workforce Institute student worker, Dixie Proulex, in Canva. Thanks, Dixie!

about 1 month ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
A Bristol Tennessee City Schools graphic titled “School Schedule Changes.” It asks, “What is a two-hour delay?” and lists start times: “TMS/THS – 9:30 a.m.” and “Elementary – 10:10 a.m.” A small bear wearing a green hat with an orange pom-pom, a scarf, and skates appears on the lower right, standing in front of evergreen trees. The web address www.btcs.org/schedulechanges is at the bottom.

Closing out our National Principals Month spotlight series is Dr. Luke Douthat, principal of Tennessee Middle School!

“Dr. Douthat is a good principal for many amazing reasons. He is so warm and understanding… He is never in a bad mood. Every time I see him, he is always giving a smile or asking, ‘How was your day?’ or saying, ‘Have a good day,’ and is such a sweet principal.” — McKinley, 8th grade

Dr. Douthat’s kindness and positivity set the tone for Tennessee Middle. His genuine care for students and daily encouragement make TMS a place where everyone feels welcome and supported.

about 2 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic featuring a professional photo of Dr. Luke Douthat wearing a light blue shirt, blue tie, and gray plaid suit jacket. Text reads: “Tennessee Middle School. National Principals Month. Dr. Luke Douthat, Principal, Tennessee Middle School. ‘Dr. Douthat is a good principal for many amazing reasons. He is so warm and understanding … he is never in a bad mood. Every time I see him, he always is giving a smile or asking ‘How was your day?’ or saying, ‘Have a good day’ and is such a sweet principal.’ —McKinley, 8th grade.” Includes the Tennessee Middle Vikings logo at the top left, #ThankAPrincipal, and the Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo at the bottom right.

🎉 Congratulations, BTCS! 🎉
Bristol Tennessee City Schools earned top 20 state achievement rankings in multiple subject areas for the 2024–25 school year!

🏅 Geometry
🏅 Science (Grades 3, 5 & 6)
🏅 Social Studies (Grades 6 & 8 and Overall 3-8)
🏅 U.S. History

We’re proud of our students, teachers, and staff for their hard work and dedication to academic excellence!

about 2 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Top20TCAP
There will be no LEAPs Thursday 10/23 at TMS. We encourage our families to come see us at Trunk or Treat at 5:30.
about 2 months ago, Tennessee Middle School

Check out the BTCS Fall Newsletter for highlights and updates! https://bristoltennesseecityschools.edurooms.com/engage/bristol-tennessee-city-schools/newsletters/fall-2025-btcs-news-123

2 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic titled “BTCS News” with a maroon border. Inside a white square, large maroon outlined text reads “FALL” with “2025” displayed vertically to the left.
Leaves are falling, and fall break is calling—turn in your library books to Mrs. Ball before Friday!
2 months ago, Tennessee Middle School
Today is the last day to register for fall intersession!
Link for parents to register online: https://forms.microsoft.com/r/LkckRmhgRZ
2 months ago, Tennessee Middle School

Representatives from Bloomberg Philanthropies and Ballad Health visited Bristol Tennessee City Schools on September 29 to learn how our students are gaining early access to health science pathways through the Ballad Health Academy.
BTCS is the only district in the region offering high school credit in health science at the middle school level—and we lead the region in Ballad Academy enrollment.
Read the full story. https://www.btcs.org/article/2465423

2 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Collage of students participating in health science classes at Bristol Tennessee City Schools. Images show students practicing clinical skills, assisting classmates acting as patients, and working with instructors in classroom and lab settings. The center overlay reads, “Bloomberg Philanthropies and Ballad Health Visit BTCS to Spotlight Innovative Health Science Pathways.”
Upcoming Events at TMS:
Parent Teacher Conferences- 9/30 3-6PM
Picture Day-October 1
3 months ago, Tennessee Middle School
TMS picture day is one week away! Ask your student for their form today!
3 months ago, Tennessee Middle School
Want to better understand your child’s learning progress? The TCAP Family Portal gives parents access to personalized information, test results, and resources to support learning at home. Schools are in the process of sending home each student's printed state TCAP score reports from last school year. Once you receive your child's report, we encourage you to visit the TCAP Family Portal for more information about your child's TCAP results. For instructions on accessing the portal, go to https://www.btcs.org/page/tcap-family-portal.
4 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Graphic with the headline “Know More, Learn More TN.” Text reads, “Support every step of your child’s learning journey! Visit the TCAP Family Portal!” A photo of hands typing on a laptop keyboard is shown in the center. Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo is at the bottom.

Welcome back, BTCS students! We can’t wait to see you next week for the first day of school.
Reminder: Monday, August 4 is an early dismissal day.
🔹 Elementary Schools: 8:10–10:10 AM
🔹 TMS & THS: 7:30–9:30 AM
Tuesday, August 5 is a regular schedule day. There is no day off between the early dismissal and regular schedule day this year.

5 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
A graphic with school supplies like scissors, markers, pencils, and paperclips on a dark background. Text reads: “Back to School” Monday, August 4 Early Dismissal • Elementary: 8:10AM–10:10AM • TMS and THS: 7:30AM–9:30AM Tuesday, August 5 Regular Schedule At the bottom, the Bristol Tennessee City Schools logo is displayed.
Tennessee Middle School's annual Title 1 Meeting will be held on August 4, 2025, at 4:30 PM on the learning stairs!
5 months ago, Tennessee Middle School
TMS Title 1 Meeting
Save the Date for the first annual TMS Back to School Bash- August 4, 5 to 7 in front of TMS and the Fieldhouse area! You will meet your student's teachers on this night! Food and games provided by PTA and Communities in Schools!
5 months ago, Carlinda Shaw
🎶 Calling all rising 6th graders! 🎺🥁Beginning Band Camp is coming to Tennessee Middle School on July 14–18, from 2–4 p.m. daily! Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time or just ready to make some noise, this is your time to shine! Enter through Door #25. Questions? Email finchs@btcs.org.
5 months ago, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Alt text: "Beginning Band Camp for rising 6th graders will be held July 14–18 at Tennessee Middle School from 2 to 4 p.m. daily. Students should enter through Door #25. For more information, contact [finchs@btcs.org](mailto:finchs@btcs.org)."
Tennessee Middle School Supply Lists are available here: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:73f3114b-83c9-4be6-bc73-c7a40cce2a44
5 months ago, Carlinda Shaw
TMS Athletics - 2025 Tryout Dates & Information: *Girls' Soccer - Tryouts: May 28–30, 5:00–7:00 PM @ Central Fields (HutchinsonJ@btcs.org) *Girls' Volleyball - Tryouts: May 23, 1:30–4:30 PM @ TMS Gym (SlaughterA@btcs.org) *Football - Workouts Begin: June 2, 5:00 PM @ TMS (ArnoldJ@btcs.org) *Boys' Basketball - Tryouts: May 23, 5:00–7:00 PM @ TMS Gym (RobinsonT@btcs.org) *Cross Country - Workouts Begin: June 3, 8:30 AM @ TMS Track (Murrell_T@mac.com) *Tennis - Tryouts: July 30, 3:30 PM @ Ida Stone Courts (BuckmasterA@btcs.org) *Dance - Tryouts: May 31, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM & June 2, 6:00–7:30 PM @ TMS Gym (HackerH@btcs.org) *Cheer - Clinic Day 1: May 20, 4:30–6:00 PM; Clinic Day 2: May 21, 4:30–6:00 PM; Tryouts: May 29, 9:00–11:00 AM @ TMS Gym (WrightA@btcs.org) For information on TMS and THS 2025 athletic tryouts, visit https://www.btcs.org/o/athletics/page/tryouts .
7 months ago, Tennessee Middle School
2 maroon clipboard graphics titled “TMS Sports Upcoming Dates” display tryout information for middle school sports including: Girls Soccer: Tryouts May 28–30, 5–7 PM @ Central Fields; Volleyball: Tryouts May 23, 1:30–4:30 PM @ TMS; Football: Workouts begin June 2nd, 5:00 PM @ TMS; Boys Basketball: Tryouts May 23, 5–7 PM @ TMS ; Cross Country: Workouts begin June 3rd, 8:30 AM @ TMS Track ; Tennis: July 30th, 3:30 PM @ Ida Stone Courts; Dance: May 31st, 9:00 AM–Noon & June 2nd, 6:00–7:30 PM @ TMS Gym ; Cheer: Clinic Day 1: Tuesday, May 20th, 4:30–6:00 PM @ TMS Gym , Clinic Day 2: Wednesday, May 21st, 4:30–6:00 PM @ TMS Gym, Tryouts: Thursday, May 29th, 9:00–11:00 AM @ TMS Gym. The design includes logos and background photos of student athletes.
2 maroon clipboard graphics titled “TMS Sports Upcoming Dates” display tryout information for middle school sports including: Girls Soccer: Tryouts May 28–30, 5–7 PM @ Central Fields; Volleyball: Tryouts May 23, 1:30–4:30 PM @ TMS; Football: Workouts begin June 2nd, 5:00 PM @ TMS; Boys Basketball: Tryouts May 23, 5–7 PM @ TMS ; Cross Country: Workouts begin June 3rd, 8:30 AM @ TMS Track ; Tennis: July 30th, 3:30 PM @ Ida Stone Courts; Dance: May 31st, 9:00 AM–Noon & June 2nd, 6:00–7:30 PM @ TMS Gym ; Cheer: Clinic Day 1: Tuesday, May 20th, 4:30–6:00 PM @ TMS Gym , Clinic Day 2: Wednesday, May 21st, 4:30–6:00 PM @ TMS Gym, Tryouts: Thursday, May 29th, 9:00–11:00 AM @ TMS Gym. The design includes logos and background photos of student athletes.