Dalton Public Schools -

Today, students and staff are out of school in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We encourage all of our students, staff, and families to take some time today to learn about and remember the life and legacy of Dr. King.

Let us all remember this great man whose efforts to stand up to injustice and end segregation brought about peaceful change in our country. We will see all of our students back in class tomorrow!

Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Kapua Torres has been named Westwood School’s 2024–2025 Teacher of the Year.

Torres serves as the Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Specially Designed Class teacher for grades K–2 at Westwood. She brings more than 16 years of experience in education to her role and has served Dalton Public Schools as a paraprofessional, classroom teacher, administrator, and instructional leader.

Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2639940

Your seat is waiting! 🚌
First Student is hiring bus drivers for Dalton Public Schools.
Apply today at DriveWithFirst.com

🐾 Little Cats Pop-Up Classes! 🐾

Families with young learners are invited to join us for Little Cats Pop-Up Classes at the Beechland Resource Center this spring! These sessions are designed to support DPS families by providing an opportunity to experience the Little Cats Program ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.

These free pop-up classes are ideal for families who are interested in enrolling a child who will be turning 3 years old by September 1, 2026.

📅 Dates:
• February 11
• March 18
• April 22

⏰ Time: 12:30–2:30 p.m.

📍 Location: Beechland Resource Center
Address:704 Beechland Circle. Dalton, GA 30721

👉 Registration is encouraged! Please click the link below to register so our team can share updates and follow-up information with you.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=gFYg6YRaWUiHRBVlO6te8n1WeX2ijElOpoLli1Zc05pUOEZTSDZSVVZNV0w3SzlOMERYUDFQUFkyUC4u&origin=QRCode

We can’t wait to welcome our future Little Cats!

Now hiring: We are looking for dedicated school nurses to join our team. Apply today at https://dalton.schoolspring.com.

📣 Save the Date: Pre-K Registration!
Dalton Public Schools will hold Pre-K Registration on:
📅 Tuesday, March 24 | 7:30 AM – 6 PM
📅 Wednesday, March 25 | 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 Mack Gaston Community Center
Children must be 4 years old by September 1, 2026 to register.
More details coming soon — mark your calendars! ✏️🍎

During the January 12 Board of Education meeting, the Dalton Board of Education celebrated outstanding student achievement and school accomplishments across the district.

The Board recognized Middle School and High School District Honor Band students for their excellence in music, Park Creek School for earning Clean 13 Report recognition, The Dalton Academy Raiders for successfully hosting their first-ever competition, and the Dalton High School Competition Cheer Team for their achievements in athletics.

The Board congratulates all honorees for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence in Dalton Public Schools!

🎉 Dalton Public Schools Proudly Welcomes New Board of Education Member Bill Mayo

Dalton Public Schools is proud to welcome Bill Mayo as the newest member of the Dalton Public Schools Board of Education. A 1981 graduate of Dalton High School, Mayo brings a lifelong connection to Dalton, a deep appreciation for public education, and a strong commitment to serving students, families, and the community.

Mayo was officially sworn into office on January 5, 2026, and was recognized during the Board’s regular meeting on January 12, 2026. His background includes years of service supporting Dalton Public Schools through mentorship, coaching, broadcasting, and community engagement—efforts that reflect his dedication to developing young people and strengthening school-community relationships.

Dalton Public Schools looks forward to the leadership, experience, and thoughtful perspective Bill Mayo will bring as he begins his service on the Board of Education.

🔗 Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2633439

Be Bold. Be Dalton.
Visit our Recruitment Fair on February 7 from 8–11 AM to learn about exciting opportunities in Dalton Public Schools.

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Steven Craft, Superintendent of Dalton Public Schools, who has been named a 2025–2026 Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA)!

Dr. Craft is one of just 30 superintendents nationwide recognized for innovative leadership, strong two-way communication, and building meaningful connections with students, staff, families, and the community during their first five years as superintendent.

🔗 Read the full announcement here: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2630258

🐾 Check out the latest edition of Paws in Print to stay up to date on news, events, and celebrations from across Dalton Public Schools!
📖 Read it here: https://daltonpublicschoolsga.edurooms.com/engage/dalton-public-schools/newsletters/paws-in-print-january-edition

Kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year is officially OPEN! If your child will be 5 years old by September 1, 2026, register them now to secure their spot. Don’t wait—let’s get ready for an exciting school year together!

Schedule Reminder:
📌 Monday, January 19: Schools will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

We look forward to seeing our students back in class on Tuesday, January 20!
Thank you for planning ahead!

Dalton Public Schools Recruitment Fair — February 7, 8–11 AM
Discover how you can learn, lead, and succeed with team Dalton. Don’t miss your chance to explore career opportunities across the district!

Welcome Back, Students!

Happy New Year! We’re so excited to welcome everyone back to school as we kick off the second half of the school year. Let’s make 2026 a year full of learning, growth, and great achievements.

Here’s to a fresh start and a fantastic semester ahead—let’s make it amazing!

Classroom Spotlight: Before break, Madyson Evans immersed her students in history through an engaging VR experience in the media center! Students explored a simulation of the Civil War and surrounding historical events, bringing the past to life through innovative technology and hands-on learning.

Welcome back to all our teachers and staff after winter break! They're busy preparing for an exciting new semester starting tomorrow.

Students, we can’t wait to see you bright and early in the morning!

Chandler Kinser Named Roan School’s 2024–2025 Classified Staff Member of the Year

Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Chandler Kinser has been named Roan School’s 2024–2025 Classified Staff Member of the Year. Kinser serves as an ESS paraprofessional at Roan School, where she supports students in kindergarten through second grade. Known for her compassion, dedication, and unwavering belief in every child’s potential, she is celebrated by colleagues and students alike.

Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/news

Wishing you a year filled with joy, growth, and endless possibilities! Happy New Year from Dalton Public Schools! 🎉

We hope everyone is having a wonderful winter break! ❄️📚 Many of our students may have been excited to unwrap new devices this holiday season. As a reminder: To support a more focused, engaged, and distraction-free learning environment — and to comply with the new Georgia state law — personal devices (including cell phones and smart watches) will not be permitted during the school day for Dalton Public Schools students in grades K–8.

Families can continue to reach students and staff by calling the school’s front office, emailing the teacher or school, or sending a message through the Dalton Public Schools app. These methods ensure clear, consistent communication while helping keep classrooms centered on learning.

Thank you for partnering with us to create a positive, distraction-free school experience for all students!

Learn more on our website ➡️ https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/page/distraction-free-education