
Interested in flexible learning options for high school students?
Join us to learn more about Dalton Public Schoolsā Cyber Academyāa flexible learning experience where students can design their own path to success.
š
Monday, May 20
š 5:30 PM
š Dalton High School Media Center: 1500 Manly Street
Whether your student needs a self-paced environment or extra support to get back on track, Cyber Academy is here to meet them where they are. Donāt miss it!


Dalton Public Schools to Host Summer Learning Kickoff Event
May 15, 2025 | 5ā6 PM | Mack Gaston Community Center
Dalton Public Schools invites families to attend the Summer Learning Kickoff on Thursday, May 15, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM at the Mack Gaston Community Center. This free event is designed for families of rising kindergarten and first grade students.
Attendees will learn how to support their childrenās learning during the summer months with practical, at-home literacy activities. Families will receive an ABC Summer Calendar, which includes daily ideas to keep young minds engaged using everyday items found at home.
Short videos will also be shared to demonstrate how to complete activities from the calendar. On-site childcare will be provided. This event is open to all Dalton Public Schools families and community partners.
This event is part of DaltonReads!, a district-wide initiative focused on promoting early literacy and building a strong reading foundation for all students in Dalton Public Schools.
Read more: DaltonPublicSchools.com



Itās officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldnāt be more proud to shine a light on some of our soon-to-be graduates!
Today weāre featuring Dalton High School graduate, Owen Witt.
Owen played baseball and basketball at Dalton High School, was named as a Scholar Athlete all four years, received the UGA Certificate of Merit, and was invited to participate in the Emerging Civic Leaders program offered by the Center for Civic Engagement in Georgia. He will be attending Berry College, majoring in Exercise Science with a Concentration in Pre-Physical Therapy.
Way to go!


Step into the ring and make some noise for our Undisputed Champions of Learning!
This Teacher Appreciation Week, we celebrate our educators as the reigning, undefeated title holders in educationādedicated, relentless, and always fighting for student success. ššŖ Letās show them the appreciation they deserve!


The May edition of Paws in Print is HERE!
Check out whatās blooming across Dalton Public Schoolsā
š End-of-year celebrations
š Free reading events with DaltonReads!
āļø Summer camps for all ages
Donāt miss the latest from around the districtāview the newsletter now!
Paws in Print: https://daltonpublicschoolsga.edurooms.com/engage/dalton-public-schools/newsletters/may-2025-newsletter


Today we celebrate our incredible School Lunch Heroes across Dalton Public Schools! šš„Ŗ Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and the care you show our students every day. Your efforts nourish minds and fuel learning ā we appreciate you!

Dalton Public Schools honored our youngest learners last night ā the Little Cats!
The Little Cats graduation was a delightful occasion filled with singing, dancing, and commemorating the children's accomplishments. We would like to thank Early Childhood Coordinator Saira Laruy and her team of exceptional educators who dedicated their time to making the graduation a success.
During the event, the Little Cats honored Raquel Cardona who has touched the lives of so many through her 13 years of service to this district program. Raquelās work has left a profound mark on the youngest learners of Dalton Public Schools. She has not only taught them but loved them.
Little Cats is a bilingual, two-generation program designed to educate parents alongside their 3 and 4-year-old children. It focuses on educational strategies including playing, reading, and talking in preparation for Pre-K or Kindergarten readiness.

Save the Date! š
Join us in celebrating the Class of 2025!
š The Dalton Academy ā May 23 at 5:00 PM | The Dalton Stadium
š Dalton High School ā May 23 at 8:00 PM | Harmon Field


šāØ Golden Apple Award Winner: Ms. Deborah Baker āØš
A few weeks ago, our media partners at WDEF News 12 visited Dalton High School to honor an extraordinary educator ā Ms. Deborah Baker ā with the Golden Apple Award!
Ms. Baker has dedicated her teaching career to making a lasting impact on the lives of her students. She equips them not only with classroom skills, but with the confidence, compassion, and strength they need to thrive in life. Whether in academics or personal growth, she is truly a guiding light.
āTeaching to me is a ministry,ā says Ms. Baker. āItās not just reading, writing, arithmetic ā itās the whole scope of things that helps [students] grow personally and emotionally.ā
Her commitment, kindness, and unwavering support inspire both students and staff every day.
š„ Click the link below to watch the full Channel 12 feature and hear directly from Ms. Baker, her colleagues, and the students she uplifts: š https://www.wdef.com/golden-apple-award-deborah-baker-dalton-high-school/
Join us in celebrating this incredible honor ā thank you, Ms. Baker, for the heart you pour into our school community!

š Summer fun is just around the corner!
Check out some of our awesome summer camps happening at Dalton Public Schools! From academic enrichment to athletic challenges, thereās something for every student to enjoy.
š Visit daltonpublicschools.com/page/summer-programs to learn more and register today!
You'll also find details about even more DPS camps, programs, and community-hosted summer camps ā and keep checking back, because the list will continue to grow throughout the summer!


Brookwood Elementary's 1st grade students recently enjoyed a special visit from author Susan Edwards Richmond, who is currently on a book tour celebrating "The Great Pollinator Count."
Richmond spent the day visiting each 1st grade classroom, sharing an interactive reading of the book. She was joined by Becky Griffin, the coordinator of the Great Southeast Pollinator Census and the real-life inspiration behind the book. Their visit brought real-world science into the classroom, sparking curiosity and excitement about the important role of pollinators in our environment.

Introducing the Dalton Public Schools Cyber Academy
A new way to learn. A new path to graduation.
Now enrolling for the 2025ā26 school year through three flexible programs:
ā¢Apex: For motivated, academically strong students ready to accelerate their education, graduate early, or explore college and career opportunities at their own pace.
ā¢Elevate: For students who are behind in credits or balancing responsibilities like work or family. Elevate offers credit recovery, flexible scheduling, and built-in academic support.
ā¢Resilience: A referral-only alternative education program for students in need of a fresh start. Resilience provides a structured, supportive environment focused on personal growth, academic success, and life skill development.
Each program offers a personalizedlearning experienceāgrounded in connection, accountability, and student success.
Learn more by visiting our website: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/o/cas


Happy Administrative Professionals Day! š
Today, we celebrate and appreciate the incredible administrative professionals at Dalton Public Schools. Your dedication, hard work, and attention to detail keep our schools running smoothly every day. From supporting staff and students to ensuring everything behind the scenes is in place, your contributions do not go unnoticed.
Thank you for all you do to make DPS a great place to learn and work!


Dalton High School Players Win Big at the 2025 Shuler Hensley Awards, Two Seniors to Represent Georgia at National Jimmy Awards in NYC
The Dalton High School Players took center stage at the 2025 Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards ā known as the Shuler Hensley Awards ā earning five major awards, multiple student scholarships, and national recognition in a night that celebrated the best in high school theatre across Georgia.
Held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre and modeled after Broadwayās Tony Awards, the Shuler Awards recognize outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre. The DHS Playersā production of Hadestown: Teen Edition received 12 nominations, and the cast, crew, and directors certainly delivered.
By the end of the evening, the DHS Players had earned the following awards:
Best Ensemble ā Dalton High School Players
Scenic Design ā Matthew Sane (DHS Art Teacher) & Alana Sane (DHS Drama Teacher)
Direction ā Alana Sane
Leading Actor ā Hayden Poe (DHS Senior)
Leading Actress ā Kinsley Stephens (DHS Senior)
Read more! https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2159799
Photo Credit: Photo by Ben Rose/www.BenRosePhotography.com











The Dalton Academy JROTC Earns Top Honors Again!
Weāre proud to announce that The Dalton Academyās JROTC program has once again achieved the Honor Unit with Distinction (HUD) Gold Star ā the highest rating awarded by the U.S. Army Cadet Command ā following a rigorous triennial inspection!
This elite recognition is a testament to the cadets' discipline, teamwork, leadership, and unwavering dedication to excellence in training and service.
āEarning and maintaining the HUD is not easyāit takes discipline, teamwork, and a genuine passion for leadership and service,ā said CPT (R) Bill Jinright, Senior Army Instructor.
Cadet Battalion Commander Sergio Diaz added, āItās more than just a yellow starāit shows how determined and hardworking the team is, even in the face of difficulties.ā
Congratulations to our incredible cadets and instructors! Your hard work and resilience continue to make The Dalton Academy proud.
š Read more about this honor and the cadetsā journey here: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2158964

Caitlin Autry Named The Dalton Academyās Teacher of the Year
Dalton Public Schools is proud to recognize Caitlin Autry as The Dalton Academyās Teacher of the Year. A passionate science teacher and dedicated educator, Autry brings energy, innovation, and heart to everything she doesāboth inside the classroom and beyond.
Autry says her desire to become a teacher began at an early age. āMy earliest memory as a child growing up was my desire to be a teacher,ā she shared. āMy mom was a teacher, and I grew up watching her as she would prepare for school each year. I wanted to be a teacher in every sense of the word.ā
Read more on our website! DaltonPublicSchools.com


Celebrating Volunteer Recognition Day!
Today, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible volunteers who support our schools throughout the year. Your time and dedication make a difference!
š In these photos, mentor reading buddies from Engineered Floors are sharing stories with their young buddiesājust like they do every week. Their commitment to fostering a love of reading is inspiring!
We value and welcome family involvement in our schools. All of our schools need volunteers to support students and staff! Learn more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/page/volunteer-opportunities











The Little Cats program recently held its final Pop-up Class of the school year! These special sessions are designed to promote and recruit future Little Cats students for the upcoming school year.
In this final session, students explored the theme of ocean animals, learning to identify creatures such as stingrays, sharks, whales, and octopuses.
We are so excited to welcome our future Little Cats to the classroom next school year!











Congratulations to Veronica Sandoval! š
Weāre excited to announce that Veronica Sandoval has been named the Technology Security Specialist for Dalton Public Schools!
With years of experience supporting students and staff through her work in IT and data systems, Veronica has consistently gone above and beyond to keep our technology running smoothly and securely. In her new role, sheāll help lead the charge in protecting our digital infrastructure across the district.
Weāre proud to have her on our team!
Read more here: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2157230

City Park Elementary Wins 2024 SSAS Bronze Award! š¾
Weāre thrilled to share that City Park Elementary School has been named a 2024 Single Statewide Accountability System (SSAS) Bronze Award winner for Greatest Gains by the Governorās Office of Student Achievement!
This honor recognizes the schoolās exceptional growth in student achievement and places City Park in the top 7% of schools across Georgia for academic progress.
āThis award is a true testament to the hard work of our teachers, staff, students, and families,ā said Dr. Steven Craft, Superintendent of Dalton Public Schools.
Principal Kim Rhyne added, āOur students are demonstrating remarkable growth and success. This award shows our community that we are providing Endless PAWSibilities for all our students.ā
Read more here: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2157317
