Bristol’s Virginia Intermediate School Gears Up to Welcome First Batch of Students

Bristol, Va. – Excitement is bubbling in the air as Virginia Intermediate School prepares to open its doors to its first cohort of students. Set to accommodate second through fifth graders from Bristol Virginia Public Schools (BVPS), this newly constructed school emerges from the consolidation of three previous elementary schools: Highland View, Washington-Lee, and Stonewall Jackson Elementary Schools.

David Scott, the BVPS superintendent, explains that the decision to consolidate the schools was driven by the increasingly high costs of maintaining the older buildings. “Over the past decade, as we’ve looked at the cost of keeping our aging schools renovated and up to standard, the decision was made several years ago to align our resources and work towards having a brand new school that would consolidate all of our students into one elementary campus,” said Scott.

Strategically situated in Sunset Park next to Van Pelt Elementary School, which has now been renamed Virginia Primary School and will house pre-kindergarten through first graders, the new intermediate school embodies both modernity and tradition. In a symbolic gesture, a brick from each of the three closed schools has been incorporated into the cornerstone of the new building. “As we have come into this new building, one of the things that we wanted to make sure that we took stock of was the history that we’re bringing with us,” noted Scott. “Even though we are beginning a new chapter, we’re very proud and very fond of the history that we’ve had in those other schools.”

The construction of Virginia Intermediate School marks a significant milestone for BVPS, being the first new school built in the last 50 years. The school facilities promise to enhance the educational experience with a rotation in the STEM lab among the suggested learning opportunities. The playgrounds and entire building are also fully handicap accessible.

The newly built school is designed with robust safety measures, featuring a two-entrance process and special locking mechanisms on the doors. These features reflect the school’s commitment to providing a safe environment for its students.

As preparations for the new school year intensify, teachers are busy putting the final touches on their classrooms, awaiting the arrival of students on August 14. Superintendent Scott shared his enthusiastic outlook for the upcoming year. “We have brought together so many resources, and we have such great new technology in place in our school. And I think there’s something special about walking into a new school and feeling that the community believes that your education is important,” said Scott.

In the meantime, there are plans to communicate with parents about the optimal traffic routes to ensure a smooth school start. The school is also gearing up for a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for August 8 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

The next step involves decisions regarding the closed elementary school properties. City council member Neal Osborne mentioned that the properties were discussed in a recent meeting, although no final decisions have been made yet.

With a strong emphasis on creating a nurturing and innovative learning environment, Virginia Intermediate School is poised to set a new benchmark for elementary education in Bristol. The fresh start, combined with the deep-rooted history of the consolidated schools, aims to deliver an exceptional educational experience for all its students.

From modern amenities to historical significance, Virginia Intermediate School exemplifies BVPS’s vision of prioritizing quality education while honoring the past. As the community eagerly anticipates the inaugural class, the new school stands as a testament to Bristol’s commitment to fostering a promising future for its youngest minds.

More updates and information on the progress and upcoming events at Virginia Intermediate School are expected in the coming weeks, marking a thrilling new chapter for students, parents, and educators alike.