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Pratt Home Builders and HabiChatt partner for first-ever Chattanooga Habitat for Humanity Home Builder’s Blitz

Every year, builders across the nation “blitz” a house for Habitat for Humanity. The blitz is different than the typical volunteer experience many people associate with Habitat for Humanity.

Pratt Home Builders has a long history with partnering with Habitat for Humanity. After celebrating 20 years as a locally-owned, family-owned business Pratt wanted to give back to the community in a more meaningful way, so this year, Pratt is the first ever Chattanooga sponsor of a Home Builder’s Blitz home. This means Pratt will assist with home plan design, provide the labor and all the materials and build the home in approximately three weeks.

The homeowner has already been selected and will be continuing her “sweat equity” throughout the build.

Pratt Home Builders and HabiChatt partner for first-ever Chattanooga Habitat for Humanity Home Builder’s Blitzgmwebservices2019-07-30T17:07:46+00:00

New Construction FAQs: “How do I finance my new construction home?”

One of the most common questions hopeful new home buyers often ask is: “Do I need a new construction loan?” You may be surprised to learn the answer is no. How is that possible when you’re buying a new home that’s under construction, or when building from the ground up? By the time you actually close on your home, the work will be complete.

While Market Homes and Pre-Sales have a few differences when it comes to selections and timeline to move in, the financing is the same for both – and standard lending products are welcome. Here’s a quick overview of the differences in what money you’ll need upfront to start your respective process, and of the types of financing we often see in New Home Construction.

Getting started: In some cases, the money needed upfront can be among the determining factors in deciding whether to buy a Market Home or build. Market homes are for sale at all stages of construction and require only a small earnest money deposit to proceed with a purchase agreement. In order to participate in our Pre-Sale process (choose the plan, site and finishes), buyers must provide a little larger deposit.

*Please note, down payment is different than the deposit. The deposit is made payable to the builder and is ultimately applied toward the purchase price of the home ot towards the down payment at closing. The down payment is part of the lending process, and although also is applied toward the purchase price, this is the requirement to fund the loan and paid to the title company or bank.

FHA

An FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loan is among the most popular financing choices, especially for first-time homebuyers, since the credit score and down payment needed to qualify are low. The FICO score must be 580 or higher, and the down payment can be as low as 3.5 percent of the sales price.

The VA (Veterans’ Administration) is available to current and former military and National Guard members, and is one of the best if you qualify, and it’s among the most popular choice for Pratt Home Builders customers. There is no money down in many cases, no PMI, and the loans are assumable if you sell. VA loans in Hamilton and Bradley counties can currently be funded up to $453,100.

Conventional

The most common loan is the conventional loan, these can vary significantly to adjust to the buyer’s needs and can be the least restrictive in some regards. A conventional loan generally requires more money down and a higher credit score, but often offers lower interest rates. They typically require between three and20 percent down, and the down payment determines whether a PMI (private mortgage insurance) is required. A 20% down payment will eliminate the PMI.

THDA

The THDA (Tennessee Housing Development Authority) loan was created by the government to boost home ownership in certain areas, so it’s not a lending option in all Pratt communities, but is available in some. There are certain parameters for the home price and the buyer’s household income. In general, THDA loans are for first-time home buyers but there may be some exceptions so it’s always best to check with a lending professional.

PMI

PMI is an insurance policy that protects the holder against loss resulting from default on a mortgage loan. Insurance requirements are sufficient to guarantee that the lender gets some pre-defined percentage of the loan value back, either from foreclosure auction proceeds or from PMI.

To learn more about what new home financing option is ideal for you, contact Pratt Home Builder’s Preferred Lender, Blake McPherson.

https://prattliving.com/homebuyers-corner/financing-options/

New Construction FAQs: “How do I finance my new construction home?”gmwebservices2025-07-31T17:29:02+00:00

Our Favorite Design Features for Holiday Entertaining

Tis the season for holiday entertaining. Do you love to host family and friends? At Pratt Home Builders, we have options that are perfect for cooking, gathering, gaming, and relaxing at home.

Open Kitchen

It is said that the kitchen is the heart of the home and for good reason. They’re an inherently natural place to gather, but depending on your layout, that may or may not be ideal. Spacious open-concept kitchens that feature an island and a breakfast nook or dining area are a popular choice for many homebuyers. With all the room to cook and move around, it’s easy to understand why the combo has become so in-demand.

Powder Room

Let’s face it: Restroom accommodations can make a huge difference to guests’ comfort. When hosting a gathering, it’s important to have a conveniently located restroom that’s accessible. A first-floor half bath ensures your visitors can pop in to use the restroom, wash their hands or check the mirror if needed, without having to go through anyone’s personal space.

Sunroom

Maybe you’re popular with friends or have a large family and need multiple spaces that offer some separation but still foster a feeling of togetherness. Options such as this sunroom (in this case, right off the owners kitchen and living area) offer additional square footage and can be multipurpose. Explore our interactive home plans to see more options like this.

Open Layout

The Riverbirch home plan featured below is one example of a plan that has both an open, eat-in kitchen with a breakfast nook and an open dining room. While we also have plans with separate dining room options, around the holidays, open dining spaces are very conducive to sitting down large dishes and getting around the table to give out hugs.

Second Living Area

After the tryptophan kicks in and watching football games or Christmas movies commences, having multiple living spaces can be nice to offer ways to enjoy time together. The possibilities are endless for how to utilize two living spaces.

Outdoor Amenities

A belly full of food and a house full of people may eventually foster the urge to get out for some exercise and fresh air. Many communities have sidewalks and onsite amenities that make it easy to keep the fun going in a way that’s positive and accommodating to a variety of ages and personalities.

If you’re ready to learn more about any of these features, get in touch at prattliving.com or by callling 423-757-7687. We’d love the opportunity to help you love where you live, and how you live.

Our Favorite Design Features for Holiday Entertaininggmwebservices2025-07-31T16:43:59+00:00

Age in Place: Universal Design for Barrier-Free Living

At Pratt Home Builders, we talk with hundreds of prospective home buyers per month and a growing trend we see with home buyers of all ages is the desire to include design features that are conducive to “aging in place” in their new construction home. Regardless of what age you are, barrier-free living is very desirable and for good reason – after all, anyone can sprain an ankle or be in a position where a floor transition that was previously never thought about suddenly seems treacherous. Whether you want to ensure there are fewer tripping hazards for young children, you want to be proactive about whatever unknown the years ahead may bring, or you want to plan for open and easy-to-use spaces that feel inclusive to all your friends and family, we have options. With 43 home plans and options galore, at Pratt Home Builders we can make home plan edits that are universally user-friendly without sacrificing style. In fact, if you aren’t looking for them – you may not even notice these features.

Below we have outlined some of the helpful options we have available to make your lifestyle easier, whether you have an injury, illness, or simply an armload of groceries!

Home plans – Perhaps one of the easiest ways to be prepared for anything life may throw your way is to consider a one level home plan, or a two story with a master on main. We have both one and two story options available in all communities.

Wider doorways – In many cases, interior doors can be upgraded to 36″ which is the required clearance for ADA. Our large cased openings are nice and easy for wayfinding.

Walk-in showers – Walk-in showers are a popular choice, and these are available with no transition, along with shower benches. We also offer grab bars in multiple sizes and can install them horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

Counter height adjustments – With most of our plans, we also provide ample clear floor space in the kitchen for maneuvering around the island. There are also a variety of handles and hardware available. Upgrades like the pot filler faucet below can aid in cooking ease.

Flooring – Our floor transitions are virtually seamless. Moving from hardwood to tile is completely smooth, which is easy on the eyes and the body.

If you are ready to start the conversation about buying or building a home that will meet your needs for many years to come, get in touch with us to learn more at prattliving.com or call 423-757-7687.

Age in Place: Universal Design for Barrier-Free Livinggmwebservices2025-07-31T16:45:15+00:00

10 Ways to Experience Fall in Chattanooga

Fall is here again, and whether you’re a longtime resident or new to Chattanooga, the beautiful colors and refreshing temperatures of our East Tennessee fall are invigorating to the mind, body and spirit year after year. Whether you like to explore in nature, find ways to be festive, or enjoy the flavors of the season, here are our top 10 ways to experience fall in Chattanooga.

Have a Picnic at Coolidge Park

Enjoy the fall colors against the contrast of our world-famous Walnut Street Bridge in Downtown Chattanooga. Pack a picnic lunch for Coolidge Park, ride the carousel, walk along the longest pedestrian bridge in the U.S. over to the Hunter Museum and enjoy a meal or dessert in the Bluff View art district. There are always inspiring views around Chattanooga, but perhaps no more than during Fall.

Savor the Best Pumpkin Latte Around at Milk and Honey

It’s a seasonal favorite, but in our opinion, you’ve not experienced real pumpkin latte bliss until you enjoyed one of these beloved seasonal drinks from Milk and Honey. The locally owned sweet shop and cafe boasts an array of Fall treats sure to inspire your taste buds. Choose from Pumpkin Cheesecake gelato, an assortment of caramel and pumpkin baked goods (including some gluten free options), and a Pumpkin Latte that’s out of this world, crafted from local Cruze dairy milk and whole ingredients. If you love fall and are obsessed with all things #PumpkinSpice this is a great place to kickoff the season.

Hike Cravens Trail to Sunset Rock

Ready to feel like a true Chattanoogan? The Scenic City has become well known for its outdoor beauty. For a view that will really take your breath away, and not just during the two hour hike, start at Craven’s House and hike to Sunset Rock for a panoramic view of incredible fall colors against the majestic Tennessee River. The hike is actually fairly easy to moderate, just dress in layers, wear good shoes, and bring your camera.

Fly a Kite at River Rocks at Sculpture Fields

There’s one phrase that best describes River Rocks and that is “so Chattanooga”. River Rocks is an annual event that celebrates so many of the things Greater Chattanooga residents like best, including but not limited to the outdoors, live music, fitness, competition and fun. This year’s River Rocks is a partnership with River City Kites and adds to the mix another favorite local element – art – since the event will take place at Sculpture Fields. Kites as large as 20 feet long will fill the fields for an inspiring day of color. There will be activities for kids, food trucks, a beer tent and more.

Get Inspired at Startup Week Chattanooga

This week of events may not be about pumpkins or Halloween, but as a resident around Gig City, there’s a good chance you’re excited about the area’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Startup Week has been going for five years strong and boasts an array of events that inspire innovative thinking with takeaways for virtually any industry. New seasons are always a great time to take a page from nature’s book and do some shedding of the old to make way for the new, and this week is filled with “hacks” to help participants live, work and play in a more meaningful way. Startup Week is filled with local and visiting experts in their fields, thought leaders, founders, venture capitalists, tech gurus and beyond. If you’re new to Chattanooga, it’s a great way to get connected, literally and figuratively.

See Rock City and Take a Hayride at Rock City’s Enchanted Corn Maize

Even if you’re new to the area, you probably saw “See Rock City” on barn rooves at some point somewhere in the United States. Fall is a great time to “see seven states” and see them bathed in breathtaking jewel tones. At the foot of Lookout, you’ll find Blowing Springs Farm, the home of Rock City’s Enchanted Corn Maze.

Get Goosebumps at Ruby Falls Dread Hollow

If you’re looking for some frightful fun this fall, Ruby Falls Dread Hollow will take visitors on an interactive journey through 20,000 square feet of chills and thrills. Designed by the creators of Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern, it’s sure to get you in the Halloween Spirit. Beware: This “extreme haunt experience” is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Celebrate Weird Wildlife During ODDtober at the Tennessee Aquarium

Sometimes reality is stranger than fiction. Younger children and people of all ages can get a close encounter with the wild, weird and wonderful real life creatures at the beautiful Tennessee Aquarium. Each week of October showcases different “odd” residents of the deep. Learning more about these animals can remove fear and inspire wonder. Every Saturday, Scuba Divers carve a pumpkin underwater! (How cool is that?!)

Board a Train for a Haunted or Historic Trip

All aboard! Jump on a train at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and take in the beautiful sights on any one of the regular trips, or checkout the Halloween Eerie Express for a Halloween take on Chattanooga’s rich “choo-choo” history. You’ll be on the right track to experiencing the best of fall, headed full-steam ahead into a festive mood for the holiday season.

Take a Bite of Fall at the Cleveland Apple Festival

Looking for something more low key? Discover the sights and sounds of the The Cleveland Apple Festival. After all, Fall isn’t just about pumpkins. Enjoy apple ciders, pies, turnovers and more at this much-loved festival. With an abundance of free activities for kids (including pony rides!), the festival in Cleveland, TN is a day of simple, country pleasures. From arts and crafts to music and dance, this old-fashioned fun is appropriate for the whole family.

Fall is a great time to explore locally and regionally. For even more ideas for ways to make the most of fall this year, check out this recent article by The Chattanooga Times Free Press to learn more about activities happening all over the area.

10 Ways to Experience Fall in Chattanoogagmwebservices2025-07-31T16:47:16+00:00

Pratt Home Builders Fall Open House Weekend

We’re excited to kick off fall with an open house weekend at two of our communities! If you’re looking for a new home that’s move-in ready, look no further. These Market homes are designed by our in-house team and boast beautiful, modern finishes. Both of these homes happen to be our Lynden floor plan, which is a customer favorite, and with good reason. The Lynden offers a beautiful open concept kitchen and living room, a guest room and full bathroom on the main, a high impact entryway, and a second living area on the second floor.

Below, each community expert shares the special features about each of this weekend’s featured plans.

Our first featured home is in Boulder Pass at The Canyons in Falling Water, at 409 Stone Valley Lane.

The onsite agent, Chris, will be available this weekend to answer questions. Chris said “The Lynden home design is is situated on a larger cul-de-sac homesite with scenic views of Signal and Mowbry mountain. This traditional home is located in highly desirable Canyons neighborhood situated 15 minutes from downtown and 10 minutes from the heart of Hixson. The Lynden offers 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Gorgeous quartz countertops and sleek grey and white tile backsplash highlight the kitchen which overlooks an airy great room featuring a wall of windows allowing a plethora of natural light. A bonus room, butlers pantry, garage storage nook and large drop zone also are popular features found in this home. Come see it Saturday or Sunday.”

The second home is convenient to downtown in the Ooltewah area, a little closer to Hamilton Place and between Chattanooga and Cleveland at 8217 River Birch Loop, Ooltewah.

The onsite expert Charlene, said “You have been looking at it online, dreaming about living in it and now you can! The stunning 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath Lynden model home at The Farm at Hampton Meadows is for sale! Don’t miss this great opportunity to see this one in person and make it your own. Our former model is rich with features including an oversized barnwood kitchen island, granite top butler’s pantry, tons of craftsman-style trim, coffered ceiling dining room, mudroom built-ins and sliding barn door, floor-to-ceiling stacked stone fireplace and built-in home office with finely-crafted cabinetry and butcher block wood tops. Let this home wow you at only $373,900.”

If you have any other questions about the Open House Weekend, get in touch online at prattliving.com or call 423-757-7687.

Pratt Home Builders Fall Open House Weekendgmwebservices2025-07-31T16:48:24+00:00

Editorial: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself to Figure Out Your Home Goals

As Pratt Home Builder’s Real Estate Matchmaker, my job is to be a bridge between our digital and physical real estate. I talk and e-mail with hundreds of prospective buyers per month, all at different stages of the building or buying process. While I sometimes hear of retail buyers looking at 20 or 30 homes before making an offer sometimes, it was my goal as a retail Realtor to find something a buyer would be willing to make an offer on within three showings. The process of asking questions is something that’s just as helpful in determining whether, where and how what to buy or build. To summarize one of my favorite quotes by Rainer Maria Rilke, “Try to love the questions.” Most of us avoid asking ourselves questions, but I think of this process as motivational interviewing. Asking the right questions is one of the best ways to figure out what we do and don’t like! I love when buyers tell me what they don’t like because that narrows the options and brings us closer to discovering what would be the best fit. Below, I’ve outlined some tips both Realtors can use with their clients and Buyers can use for themselves to help understand what a person’s true home needs and wants are before you ever start your Web search or drive to a community. By asking the right questions, we can arrive at the best location, timeline, price point, and overall home plan to fit your ideal lifestyle.

What’s prompting your move?

One of the first questions to ask seems simple but is very telling. Why are you moving? Maybe it’s a new job, family changes like a parent moving in or child moving out, or changing health requires a single level home instead of a two story. Determining your “why” and keeping it in mind can help eliminate options that really aren’t viable and bring you closer to finding “the one”.

What’s your ideal home plan style?

Prospective buyers come to us with all different types of home history. Some are first-time buyers, many have owned several homes, and I have even talked to a few who have owned over a dozen. One of the best ways to figure out your ideal home plan style is to share what you have both liked and disliked about any past living experiences. Maybe you’re committed to a separate dining room for a piece of furniture or family gathering you love, perhaps you love to read and another family member loves to enjoy the game or late-night Netflix a a separate living room is a non-negotiable.

What school district would you like to be in?

Here is a quick way to get to the real contenders for your new home. For many buyers, school zone is one of their top priorities and they may be willing to be flexible on a almost any other aspect of their search to meet this crucial piece of their criteria. Luckily, we have a wide variety of communities and home plans available in a number of great school zones. Earlier this year, we had a buyer whose daughter’s school closed so they needed to relocate to another part of town. Our team was still able to help them make their perfect plan work and now they’re building the home they love close to a school that was a great fit for their child.

What do you like to do for fun?

While we are confident you’ll want to spend a lot of time in your beautiful new construction home, It’s important to determine what types of shopping, restaurants or businesses you would like nearby. This turns out to be a very important topic to many buyers, especially those who may be moving to the area for work and aren’t necessarily familiar with what to do for fun. What are your “must have” destinations within 10, 20, 30 minutes of your home? Some buyers want to be in close proximity to a gym or golf course, others want to be within a short drive of family members, or their favorite places to eat, shop, or explore.

What type of neighborhood environment appeals to you?

This question is a great one to figure out the lifestyle you want to have in the future. A new home is a new chapter! We have had buyers who always had to make the drive to their grandkids who want to be the cool grandmother with the pool and fun house to visit. Other buyers have an on-the-go lifestyle so need something like yard care wrapped into the HOA services. Some want to downsize but want onsite amenities to enjoy in the time they used to spend maintaining an older home. Buying a new home is personal, but with a sale always comes a transformation. You buy a new outfit for the way it will make you feel, and the same applies with a new home. So what does your future life look like and what do you hope to get from your new home and community? We hope your new home purchase brings you closer to the lifestyle you want the future “you” to enjoy.

The Hawkins family, pictured above, was able to choose and build their dream home site unseen by asking the right questions and working through questions I posed to them, and then through more conversations on the phone with our Onsite New Home Consultant. If they can do it, you can too! If you have any other questions for me about our process, homes, or communities, reach out anytime: BrittanyNewman@prattliving.com or call 423-757-7687. We look forward to helping you love where you live, and how you live.

Editorial: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself to Figure Out Your Home Goalsgmwebservices2025-07-31T16:49:33+00:00

Best Chattanooga-Area Communities for Active Living

By Brittany Shaw Newman | Published by Pratt Home Builders

Chattanooga, Tennessee has been referred to as “The Boulder of the East” and is the only city to be named as “The Best Town Ever” by Outside Magazine. Our fair city has received recognition for its transformation from the one-time most polluted city in the country, to being recognized nationally and internationally for its Riverfront renovation, natural outdoor beauty, nation’s fastest internet and more by various well-regarded brands and respected publications. The Scenic City lives up to its reputation by offering beautiful natural environments for outdoor adventures for residents of all ages, skill levels and interests. As the Greater Chattanooga area attracts health enthusiasts from all over the globe, we are happy to not only enjoy these activities around town, but as one of the area’s placemakers, we are also excited to offer opportunities to live healthier and simply have more fun, right outside your own front door.

Pratt Home Builders President and Co-Founder, Win Pratt, said “Many buyers are considering their lifestyle when they evaluate the market now, so our goal is to offer the new construction home plans we are known for, along with innovative community features that give our homeowners the balance they’re looking for.”

Whether you want a great place to walk the dog, spend time with friends and family, host the cool birthday parties, or enjoy some friendly competition with the neighbors, Pratt Home Builders offers a variety of options for achieving a lifestyle you’ll look forward to coming home to enjoy for years to come. You might even find your gym membership collecting dust as fun activities in the great outdoors take center stage at communities like the ones featured below.

Seven Lakes

Do you enjoy a morning or evening run? Seven Lakes is perfect for a serene walk with the dog or reading a book with a cup of coffee to start your day on the benches by Willow Trees at one of the lakes. If you’re feeling ambitious, take a walk up Bear Claw for some solid cardio – and one of the most breathtaking views around.

Boulder Pass at The Canyons (Falling Water)

People move from all over the country to enjoy Chattanooga’s world-renowned climbing. Now, you don’t even have to leave home to practice your Picture-perfect views of Signal Mountain surround this serene neighborhood. Imagine the fun to be had at the pool and boulder playground, while your eyes can take a break from the screens of modern day society and instead rest easy – and take in 360 degrees of lush greenery and mature trees.

Creekside at Hampton Meadows (Ooltewah)

A new pool and splash pad are among the ways Creekside residents get to have fun and stay active. Whether you want to cool off under the cabana, or take a few turns on the pool curly slide, these amenities amid a rural setting are a great way to unwind after work or on weekends. A few weeks a year aren’t enough time for relaxation. At Creekside, friends and family can easily gather under the spacious cabana for weekend parties, reunions, or fun “just because”. Residents at The Farm at Hampton Meadows can also use the amenities at Creekside.

GreyHawk Trails Signal Mountain

A true mecca for outdoor lovers on Signal Mountain, which in and of itself is known for its abundance of natural wonders and outdoor activities, GreyHawk Trails offers a stunning lake, resort style pool, walking trails, a ball park, play area, and a catch-and-release pond and even more just outside your doorstep. Children and adults alike can enjoy the variety of fun to be had within walking distance of home.

Magnolia Farms

The best exercise is the kind that feels like fun, right? Enjoy the ball park, soccer field, our biggest pool ever, a swim up bar, and the gorgeous green spaces and nature preserve with your family, friends, children and pets. Enjoy over a 5K worth of sidewalks, sit at the nature preserve listening to the birds chirp, or round up some neighbors for a round of baseball, soccer or volleyball. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, the fun can continue at the patio with barbeque and fire pits. It’s safe to say this community is poised to foster health and happiness in many ways.

(The below photos is representative and reflects the style of the upcoming Magnolia Farms resort-style pool.)

Our team works hard to make sure when you get home at the end of the day, it’s an experience – and gives you the time to soak in the moments of life that matter most! Are you ready to love where you live, and love how you live? Get in touch with us anytime at prattliving.com or call 423-757-7687 and we’ll help you find the best match for your lifestyle goals.

Best Chattanooga-Area Communities for Active Livinggmwebservices2025-07-31T16:52:03+00:00

Guest Blog by Dr. Bryan Johnson of Hamilton County Schools: Technology Updates, “Learning Communities” and More

Guest blog by Dr. Bryan Johnson | Published by Pratt Home Builders

Pratt: The beginning of August is an annual reminder that summer vacation is coming to an end, and it’s almost time to head back to school. Many aspects of children’s success at school can effect the dynamic at home. At Pratt Home Builders, our hope is that the children of our community, county and beyond have a positive school experience. We reached to Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent of Hamilton County Schools, for an update on what students can look forward to this year, and his best tips on helping them achieve success.

Back to school brings new opportunities and a renewed focus for children in Hamilton County Schools

Back to school time is near with the first day of school scheduled for Wednesday, August 8 in Hamilton County Schools. The first day of school is an exciting time for children and families with kids ready to see friends and parents ready for the kids to see their friends. Summers are fun, but learning and growth must resume preparing our children for the possibilities of their future. We are looking forward to a great school year for you and your child with exciting new learning opportunities in our classrooms that will open the door to a world of new possibilities for the future.

The beginning of the school year is also exciting because it begins our work under a new action plan we call Future Ready 2023 that will provide the direction needed to set our district on the path to becoming the fastest improving school district in Tennessee. We have worked with school leadership teams to develop action plans and clear focus areas for schools for the new school year to make sure we provide the instruction needed for each child to reach their academic potential. The action plans will focus on overall academic achievement for children, but literacy and math skills will be at the forefront.

Improvements in technology

The district is gearing up for the use of additional technology throughout the district from elementary to high school; this was an important key concept parents shared with district administration during community listening sessions held last school year. Hamilton County middle schools will provide a laptop for every child in grades six thru eight to improve access to learning tools available online. Future Ready Institutes at the high school level will feature technology used in the workplace in the Tennessee Valley to allow teens to experience the work world of careers in our area.

Transformation of middle schools

Middle schools will have a new focus called Future Ready Preps that will transform the way we look at the middle school experience. The new focus will seek to personalize learning to meet every child where they are academically, expose them to a variety of careers, and support their social and emotional learning. Academic performance will be the focus and teachers will spearhead the instructional and cultural shifts required to achieve the new vision for the middle school experience.

Preparing for future possibilities with Future Ready Institutes

High schools will launch Future Ready Institutes this fall that will provide smaller learning communities within traditional high schools. Major employers in the area are working with our high schools to provide expertise and resources to make this a true community effort to energize the high school learning environment. The institutes will operate in a team concept with subject area teachers working with career focus instructors to connect classroom instruction to the real world and prepare our graduates to be successful after graduation. Over a third of our incoming freshmen have already registered for a Future Ready Institute with more to come in the first few weeks of school.

Learning Communities

When school starts, Hamilton County Schools will launch four new learning communities called Rock Point, Harrison Bay, Missionary Ridge, and North River to bring a sense of community to our schools. Schools across the district have been grouped into Learning Communities to provide a greater sense of community between the schools, the students, parents and those who live and do business around the schools. These four will join the fifth learning community, the Opportunity Zone, as we work to become more responsive to the diverse needs of the communities our schools serve in Hamilton County.

School Safety

Facility upgrades will improve safety across the district. New door security equipment uses a camera system to monitor visitors and give the visitor access to the building only after being verified by someone inside the school. The new door locks and cameras will provide another layer of security for our children. Additional school resource officers will also be in our schools this year as we work with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department to train and staff these important security positions.

Four Ps of Back to School
Prepare:

Identify important dates: the first day of school, registration, start and end time of school
Note the beginning and end times of extra-curricular activities
Begin now to establish a daily and evening routine
Locate the school supply list and purchase necessary items

Plan:

Go ahead and work on your emergency plan to determine what your family will do if bad weather impacts the school day. Who will your children stay with if the school is closed for the day or how will they get home from school if the school must close early? Planning will make those bad weather days much less hectic.

Participate:

Connect with the school website to learn about upcoming activities
Visit the school to understand your important role in the education process
For elementary children, read to them each day or have your child read to you
Connect with teachers and counselors so that you build a strong relationship to assist your child
Get involved in PTA meetings or other opportunities for involvement
Share your thoughts on your child’s school and education with the school and district so that you can be a part of the education process

Pilot your child’s course to success:

Sign-up for PowerSchool and be aware of your child’s progress
Talk to teachers about your child’s successes and work together on areas needing improvement

These four Ps will help parents get ready for school. The changes coming with the new action plan Future Ready 2023 will prepare teachers to return to the classroom with learning opportunities that will ignite each child’s passion for learning. Starting day one this school year, the excellent teachers in our schools will begin the transformation of the learning experience in Hamilton County Schools to match dreams with possibilities for the future for our children, their families, and our community.

Guest Blog by Dr. Bryan Johnson of Hamilton County Schools: Technology Updates, “Learning Communities” and Moregmwebservices2025-07-31T16:58:20+00:00

The Secret to Maximizing Your Open Concept Home Plan

Guest blog by Interior Design Coordinator, Lauren Miller | Published by Pratt Home Builders

One of the most common questions customers moving from an older home into a new construction home is, “Where do I put my furniture in an open concept plan?”

While an open concept floor plan may be ideal for entertaining, it can feel challenging to determine furniture placement. It may be tricky to define the space the way you’d like to, while still keeping the design of the home feeling natural. With open concept plans, it’s best to define which activates you’d like to accommodate in your given space, then furnish it accordingly. To really get in the mindset of a designer, you’ll need to keep your daily events in mind, too.

For example, let’s dissect a dining room or breakfast nook. Do you often need extra chairs for seating? If so, you may need to consider space for storing chairs or opt for a larger table with more seating to better fill up the room (but don’t lose your 36” of clearance for ease of flow!) Does your dining space provide any other function than being a place to eat? Maybe your children use that space for their homework area, or maybe that’s the first place you drop the mail? In a situation like so, it would be ideal to have a storage piece that can accommodate miscellaneous items. These types of studies will help you really dig into each space and decide what furniture pieces will be needed, first and foremost. Tip: always pay attention to the dimensions.

Once you’ve determined the activities for each of your “open” spaces and have selected some furniture pieces, it’s best to use natural focal points and your starting point in defining your spaces (i.e. fireplaces, large windows, or an accent wall). Rugs are also a great way to anchor your furniture without overdoing it. Lets say your dining room and living room are essentially one room – how do you provide a natural definition without overcrowding and squaring off your spaces? Start with placing your furniture focusing on your architectural features, then add an appropriate sized rug to anchor those pieces. Stools, ottomans, and accent chairs can also act as a divider without feeling heavy with too many sofas or tables.

Above all else, make sure your home is comfortable and suitable for your needs! All families are different, so don’t be afraid to tweak these tips to your requirements. Happy designing from Pratt Homes!

The Secret to Maximizing Your Open Concept Home Plangmwebservices2025-07-31T16:54:17+00:00

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