Student safety is always the top priority when considering changes to the school schedule. As soon as a decision is made about a schedule change, the information will be available to students and families in the following ways: 

• Go Online: Schedule changes will be posted on the homepage of our website. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on X for schedule updates.

• Download the App: Download the Bristol Tennessee City Schools App from the App Store for iPhone or Google Play for Android.

• Call: You can always check for schedule changes by calling the BTCS Weather Line at 423-652-9554.

• Listen/Watch: We notify local media outlets when schedule changes have been made. BTCS does not control the timing of text messaging and TV/radio announcements that are offered by local media outlets.

• Text: BTCS will send a text via our Alerts messaging system to the mobile number(s) we have on file in PowerSchool. Parents were given the opportunity to list this information upon enrollment or completion of the Returning Student Registration. If you would like to receive a text from a third-party, text BRTN to 62582 to opt-in to the Regional Eye Center Winter Watch. This service is not affiliated with BTCS.

Don't forget to stay informed even on days school is in session and inclement weather may make it necessary to dismiss early.

Two-hour Delay

In some instances, the school district utilizes a two-hour delay schedule. Two-hour delays help maximize safety yet minimize the number of closures due to snow.

Elementary Schools: Begin 10:10 a.m./End 3:10 p.m.
Tennessee Middle/Tennessee High: Begin 9:30 a.m./End 2:30 p.m.  

Additional Information

• Student Safety: The safety of your child is always our number one priority! When inclement weather is occurring, schedule change decisions are taken very seriously. Every effort is made to make safe decisions, while recognizing the importance of time for learning.

• Timing of Announcements: It is our intent to announce schedule changes as soon as possible and no later than 6 a.m. In some cases a two-hour delay is used to allow city crews time to clear roads. If conditions do not improve or worsen, an announcement to cancel school will be made by 7:30 a.m.

• Temperature-based Schedule Changes: Parents should also check for schedule changes when extreme cold is forecast, particularly when temperatures dip to near or below zero with wind chill. For a delay to be worthwhile, the forecast will ideally call for a significant improvement in temperatures over the span of the delay. We attempt to announce temperature-based decisions the evening before.

• Make-up Time: There are eight days built into the calendar for inclement weather. If more than eight days are missed, the calendar will be reviewed by the director of schools with a recommendation to the school board for action. Parents are encouraged not to make plans or schedule vacations until after June 1 should closings exceed eight days.

• Attendance: Bristol Tennessee City Schools respects the rights of parents to keep their children home if they are concerned about hazardous weather. However, Tennessee attendance laws require that students who are not present be marked absent. Procedures for making up missed assignments are the same as for other absences.

• Breakfast/Lunch: Breakfast and lunch are available at school on two-hour delay days.

• Transportation: While every effort is made by school officials to inspect city streets, we realize road conditions may vary depending upon your location within the city. Therefore, bus drivers are directed to use their best judgment and drive only on streets that are clear. This may cause bus time schedules to vary slightly. To help prevent injury, please remind your children to take extra precautions when walking to meet the bus if snow and ice are present.