Ivy's Skillern Elementary

06/17/2026

Skillern was honored to be voted Best of the Best last year thanks to our incredible families and community. We’d love your support once more before voting ends June 29! 💙

⭐ Vote for Skillern Elementary:
➡️ Visit www.bestofchatt.com
➡️ Click “Places”
➡️ Select “Public School”
➡️ Vote for Skillern Elementary!

You can also vote directly using the links below:

🏫 Public School
https://www.timesfreepress.com/bob/ #/gallery/542096842

📚 Education Employer
https://www.timesfreepress.com/bob/ #/gallery/538395998

🍎 Best Teacher — Mrs. Briggs
https://www.timesfreepress.com/bob/ #/gallery/541747781

🍎 Best Teacher — Ms. Masters
https://www.timesfreepress.com/bob/ #/gallery/540099386

Thank you for helping us continue this amazing tradition of excellence. Every vote means so much to our Skillern family!

06/16/2026

Where Are Our Scholars Exploring This Summer?

From mountain trails to backyard discoveries, we know our Skillern scholars are learning everywhere they go this summer! ☀️

We’d love to see your adventures:
🥾 Hiking trips
🏕️ Campsites
🌻 Gardens
🏛️ Museums
🎣 Fishing trips
🌲 National parks
🐞 Backyard explorations

Send us your photos, and your student may be featured in our weekly series:

✨ Skillern Scholars in the Wild ✨

Because at Skillern, learning doesn’t stop when summer begins — wonder is everywhere!

06/16/2026

We believe handwriting is about so much more than putting pencil to paper. ✏️

Through intentional penmanship practice, our students are developing patience, focus, attention to detail, and pride in their work. In a world filled with screens and shortcuts, we value the importance of slowing down, forming letters carefully, and learning to communicate clearly and beautifully.

Handwriting strengthens fine motor skills, supports reading and spelling development, and helps students build confidence in expressing their thoughts. From proper pencil grip to cursive practice and thoughtful written work, penmanship is one more way we cultivate diligence, discipline, and excellence in the everyday.

At Skillern, even the smallest strokes help shape strong minds and character.

(Pictured: Our master penmanship winners from 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st and K)

06/15/2026

📣 Reminder for Families!

In observance of Juneteenth, there will be no Summer Reach or Summer Camps this Friday.

Summer Reach, SACC & Art/Music Camp will resume as normal on Monday, June 22.

06/15/2026

Meet one of the most beloved members of the Skillern family — Peter Rabbit! 🐇💙

Peter Rabbit is the sweetest bunny in town and is adored by all of our scholars. One of the most exciting rewards at Skillern is earning time with Peter by winning the Scholars Cup! Throughout the day, scholars receive “gold coins” from teachers and staff for virtuous acts, showing kindness, responsibility, stewardship, integrity, and more.

Watching our students work hard to grow in character and then celebrate with Peter Rabbit is such a special part of our school culture. At Skillern, we believe learning goes far beyond academics — we are growing virtuous scholars with compassionate hearts.

06/15/2026

Have you cast your vote for best teacher in Chattanooga’s Best of the Best? If not, consider the incredible Ms. Masters!

“Ms. Masters was really kind and I really loved her” -Ezra

Ms. Masters had a quiet and calming presence that Ezra was so drawn to. She advocated for him and truly saw who he was. She consistently found ways to celebrate him and draw on his strengths and gifts.

Ezra also wants Ms. Masters to know he’s proud of her :)” - Katrina P.

Vote for Mrs. Masters for Chattanooga’s Best of the Best Teacher! ✨🍎

Mrs. Masters embodies everything that makes a truly exceptional teacher. Her patience, kindness, and commitment to each scholar create a classroom where children feel supported, challenged, and inspired to be their very best.

❤️ From Michael J.:

“Mrs. Masters was the dream teacher for our first kindergartener—she is patient, thoughtful, and so gentle! She is a great example of every virtue that Skillern teaches and helps each of her scholars practice them in their own way. She is so mindful and perceptive of each and every scholar’s personal learning needs and meets them! Each of her students respects her and genuinely has a desire to try and be their best self, and I know that is directly linked to the respect and care she shows them every day. We absolutely loved having her this past year ❤️”

Mrs. Masters’ impact reaches far beyond academics. She nurtures character, builds confidence, and helps every child grow into the best version of themselves.

If Mrs. Masters has made a difference in your family’s life, please take a moment to vote for her in Chattanooga’s Best of the Best! 🎉

Vote here: https://www.timesfreepress.com/bob/ #/gallery/540099386

06/15/2026

Have you cast your vote for best teacher in Chattanooga’s Best of the Best? If not consider voting for the amazing Mrs. Briggs! Links to vote below.

“My son Bankston had Mrs. Briggs for kindergarten 4 years ago. It’s hard to put into words how amazing Mrs. Briggs is! She is truly one of a kind — so kind, so funny, and such a fantastic teacher. She created a classroom where kids felt loved, encouraged, and excited to learn every single day. Teachers like her leave a lasting impact on children and their families. Thank you Mrs. Briggs for all you have done and continue to do! 🩷🩷” - Amber D.

Vote for Mrs. Briggs for Chattanooga’s Best of the Best Teacher! 🌟🍎

Mrs. Briggs has a remarkable gift for making every child feel valued, supported, and right at home. Her kindness, patience, and dedication leave a lasting impact on both her students and their families.

From Kelly F.:

“Mrs. Briggs is the best teacher we could have ever asked for while my son was joining mid-year! He was so nervous, and she just put him at such ease and treated him like he belonged from day one. I was so nervous about this transition, and it went smoother than I could have ever imagined. We just wish we could have her as a teacher next year, and the year after that! She’s such a gift to these kiddos and this school. We are so grateful to have her in our lives!”

If Mrs. Briggs has made a difference in your child’s life, please take a moment to show your support by voting for her in Chattanooga’s Best of the Best! 🎉

Vote here: https://www.timesfreepress.com/bob/ #/gallery/541747781

06/13/2026

Last week’s fish created at summer camp were a huge hit! 🎣☀️

Our campers had so much fun getting creative, exploring nature, and making unforgettable summer memories together.

06/12/2026

“The question is not, how much does the youth know when he has finished his education, but how much does he care, and about how many orders of things he cares…”

This quote beautifully captures what education should really be about. Schools are responsible for teaching standards, skills, and knowledge — but the deeper purpose is helping students develop curiosity, compassion, wonder, responsibility, and connection to the world around them.

At Skillern, we believe learning is bigger than test scores. We want students to care deeply — about nature, about others, about their community, about problem-solving, and about becoming thoughtful human beings.

Because when students care, learning becomes meaningful. And meaningful learning lasts far beyond the classroom.

06/11/2026

If you’re new to Skillern Elementary, you may be wondering — why uniforms?

At Skillern Elementary⁠, uniforms are about much more than matching clothes. They help create a calm, focused learning environment where students can spend less time worrying about appearances and more time growing as scholars.

Skillern’s uniform policy is designed to minimize distractions, promote unity, and support a culture of order, respect, and intentionality.

Because Skillern is also a hybrid indoor/outdoor school, the uniform is intentionally practical and flexible — allowing students to comfortably learn both in the classroom and out on the trail.

Families can learn more about uniform options, policies, and ordering information here: https://www.skillernelementary.com/uniform