Bristol, Virginia to Open Its First New School in 50 Years

Things are about to get exciting in Bristol, Virginia! For the first time in half a century, a brand new school is opening its doors. Residents and students alike are thrilled about the unveiling of the Virginia Intermediate School, which stands proudly next to the existing Virginia Primary School.

Dr. David Scott, the Superintendent of Bristol Virginia Public Schools, shared, “All students coming through elementary school in Bristol, Virginia will now journey through these two buildings.” This modern facility is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a hub of innovation and learning, featuring state-of-the-art technology like smart labs for 3D printing, interactive projectors for games during P.E., and a fully wheelchair-accessible playground. “We want them to grow up with the best technology at their fingertips, but we also believe that we have a responsibility to provide the best educational outcomes for them, and that starts with providing them with a wealth of resources,” emphasized Dr. Scott.

The new school is the culmination of a consolidation effort, merging Stonewall Jackson, Washington Lee, and Highland View Elementary Schools. In a touching tribute, officials decided to embed a brick from each of these schools into the new building’s structure, symbolizing their legacy and continued presence in the community.

Council member Neal Osborne remarked, “We were lucky that we were able to do it with a very good financing plan for the new school. It’s very affordable. We actually end up breaking even or saving a bit of money by not having to maintain these other three schools.” The closure of the old schools and the establishment of the new one is seen as a positive step for the city, offering not just cost savings but modernized, efficient facilities.

When asked about the importance of the new school to the community, Osborne replied, “This is just another tool in the toolbox for the City of Bristol Virginia to say, look, we not only have a low-cost living, nice houses, and good stuff to do in the area, but we also have a state-of-the-art school system.” The Virginia Intermediate School is set to accommodate 600 students, maintaining a favorable 19 to 1 student-teacher ratio.

Among those who will be working at the school, the excitement is palpable. Tasha Durrin, a Math Interventionist at Virginia Intermediate School, expressed her enthusiasm, “To see all the schools come together and how they interact with each other… I am excited to meet new faces, new teachers.” The sense of a new beginning and fresh opportunities is in the air as educators gear up for the first day of class.

Dr. Scott also noted the school’s role in the broader community, saying, “We will have community events here; parks and recreation will be holding their ball games here and so forth. This is hopefully a step towards making us more integral within the community itself.” The school is envisioned as more than just an educational facility but as a community hub where families can come together for various activities.

The overarching mission remains the same: to provide students with the best resources available. “Our students come from diverse backgrounds and diverse lives, but we have really leveled the playing field here at the school by pulling out all the stops and trying to give them the best of everything,” said Dr. Scott. He and his team are committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to top-notch educational tools and opportunities.

The students will get their first taste of this new educational environment soon enough. The first day of classes at Virginia Intermediate School is set for August 14, and the excitement is already building across the community.

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