CTAE Month highlight šļø Junior Reserve Officersā Training Corps (Army) students at The Dalton Academy, led by Captain Bill Jinright and First Sergeant Eugene Jackson, are learning the foundations of leadership, teamwork, and discipline. In these photos, students are practicing stationary movements and marching techniques in preparation for their Homecoming parade while developing leadership skills through group-led instruction that teaches duties, responsibilities, and effective command.
#CTAEMonth
#CTAEMonth
Early Release Reminder | Friday, February 27
All Dalton Public Schools will dismiss early on Friday, February 27, in celebration of The Dalton Academyās Homecoming.
š Dismissal Times:
⢠Elementary Schools ā 12:15 PM
⢠Hammond Creek Middle & Dalton Junior High ā 11:30 AM
⢠The Dalton Academy & Dalton High ā 10:45 AM
š Homecoming Parade ā āA Whole New World for Pumasā
Parade staging begins at 2:30 PM at Trinity Methodist Church, with the parade stepping off at approximately 4:00 PM.
š Parade Route:
Mitchell St. ā Ave C ā Morningside Dr. ā Veteranās Ave. ā Trinity Methodist Church
š Spectator Parking:
Old VFW parking lot & street parking on Ave C (near the fields)
ā½ The celebration continues with boysā soccer vs. Calhoun High School ā JV at 5:00 PM, Varsity at 7:00 PM, followed by the Homecoming Court Coronation during halftime of the varsity match.
We encourage families and community members to plan accordingly and join us for an afternoon full of school spirit and Puma pride!
All Dalton Public Schools will dismiss early on Friday, February 27, in celebration of The Dalton Academyās Homecoming.
š Dismissal Times:
⢠Elementary Schools ā 12:15 PM
⢠Hammond Creek Middle & Dalton Junior High ā 11:30 AM
⢠The Dalton Academy & Dalton High ā 10:45 AM
š Homecoming Parade ā āA Whole New World for Pumasā
Parade staging begins at 2:30 PM at Trinity Methodist Church, with the parade stepping off at approximately 4:00 PM.
š Parade Route:
Mitchell St. ā Ave C ā Morningside Dr. ā Veteranās Ave. ā Trinity Methodist Church
š Spectator Parking:
Old VFW parking lot & street parking on Ave C (near the fields)
ā½ The celebration continues with boysā soccer vs. Calhoun High School ā JV at 5:00 PM, Varsity at 7:00 PM, followed by the Homecoming Court Coronation during halftime of the varsity match.
We encourage families and community members to plan accordingly and join us for an afternoon full of school spirit and Puma pride!

Dalton Public Schools Celebrates Black History Month: Spotlight on Bre Bonds
In honor of Black History Month, Dalton Public Schools is highlighting staff members who make a meaningful impact in their schools and communities. Bre Bonds, Computer and Technology Lab Instructor at Park Creek School, is passionate about empowering students through technology, creativity, and lifelong learning.
When reflecting on Black History Month, Bonds draws inspiration from the legacy of Maya Angelou, a figure whose words and impact continue to guide her both personally and professionally. āI have always been inspired by Maya Angelou,ā Bonds shared. āShe was an inspirational multi-talented artist who had a voice of resilience for Black history and womanhood. She made me feel like I could do anything and achieve it no matter what obstacles may lay ahead.ā
Bonds credits Angelou with motivating her to embrace growth and versatility throughout her life. āShe also inspired me to be just as multi-talented as she was in and outside of school,ā she said. āIn my adult life, I still carry that same motivation and continue to learn new talents and skills all the time.ā
One of Angelouās most powerful messages continues to resonate deeply with Bonds: āIāve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.ā That lesson shapes the way Bonds connects with studentsāensuring that her impact extends far beyond the classroom.
In honor of Black History Month, Dalton Public Schools is highlighting staff members who make a meaningful impact in their schools and communities. Bre Bonds, Computer and Technology Lab Instructor at Park Creek School, is passionate about empowering students through technology, creativity, and lifelong learning.
When reflecting on Black History Month, Bonds draws inspiration from the legacy of Maya Angelou, a figure whose words and impact continue to guide her both personally and professionally. āI have always been inspired by Maya Angelou,ā Bonds shared. āShe was an inspirational multi-talented artist who had a voice of resilience for Black history and womanhood. She made me feel like I could do anything and achieve it no matter what obstacles may lay ahead.ā
Bonds credits Angelou with motivating her to embrace growth and versatility throughout her life. āShe also inspired me to be just as multi-talented as she was in and outside of school,ā she said. āIn my adult life, I still carry that same motivation and continue to learn new talents and skills all the time.ā
One of Angelouās most powerful messages continues to resonate deeply with Bonds: āIāve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.ā That lesson shapes the way Bonds connects with studentsāensuring that her impact extends far beyond the classroom.

š Dalton Student-Athletes Compete Among Georgiaās Best!
Dalton Public Schools proudly celebrates 18 middle school student-athletes who were selected to compete in the Georgia Middle School All-Star Basketball Games on February 7 in Bogart, Georgia.
Selection to this statewide showcase is a distinguished honor recognizing top middle school players across Georgia for their performance, leadership, and impact on the court.
Dalton Junior High School: Emani Jones, Aleāyshia Broome, Jaālynn Bonds, Melanie Moya, Nahla Jackson, Preston Robinson, Malachi Long, Sam Black, and Kyson Burse
Hammond Creek Middle School: Ava Jackson, Tamera Love, Lyric Bishop, Emeri Kilgore, Jameson Cox, Elijah Jeffries, Xavier Black, Kyzmyn Phillips, and Christian Robinson
Athletes competed in showcase games and skills competitions, including 3-point, shootout, free throw, and layup contests. A special congratulations to Aleāyshia Broome, who earned Co-MVP honors with 17 points in the eighth-grade game!
We are incredibly proud of how each of these students represented Dalton Public Schools with talent, determination, and sportsmanship.
š Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2703297
Dalton Public Schools proudly celebrates 18 middle school student-athletes who were selected to compete in the Georgia Middle School All-Star Basketball Games on February 7 in Bogart, Georgia.
Selection to this statewide showcase is a distinguished honor recognizing top middle school players across Georgia for their performance, leadership, and impact on the court.
Dalton Junior High School: Emani Jones, Aleāyshia Broome, Jaālynn Bonds, Melanie Moya, Nahla Jackson, Preston Robinson, Malachi Long, Sam Black, and Kyson Burse
Hammond Creek Middle School: Ava Jackson, Tamera Love, Lyric Bishop, Emeri Kilgore, Jameson Cox, Elijah Jeffries, Xavier Black, Kyzmyn Phillips, and Christian Robinson
Athletes competed in showcase games and skills competitions, including 3-point, shootout, free throw, and layup contests. A special congratulations to Aleāyshia Broome, who earned Co-MVP honors with 17 points in the eighth-grade game!
We are incredibly proud of how each of these students represented Dalton Public Schools with talent, determination, and sportsmanship.
š Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2703297

Dalton Public Schools has earned the Ready Georgia Seal of Preparedness.
This recognition reflects the work happening across our district every day to keep our students and staff safe. From reviewing safety plans to practicing drills and working closely with local partners, preparedness is something we take seriously.
Weāre grateful to our administrators, school teams, and safety partners who help ensure our schools are ready and responsive.
š Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2713558
This recognition reflects the work happening across our district every day to keep our students and staff safe. From reviewing safety plans to practicing drills and working closely with local partners, preparedness is something we take seriously.
Weāre grateful to our administrators, school teams, and safety partners who help ensure our schools are ready and responsive.
š Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2713558

Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that three Dalton High School students have advanced to the semifinals of the prestigious Georgia Governorās Honors Program.
Isabella Parsons and Andrea Najera, both nominated in Communicative Arts, have been selected to move forward to the semifinal interview round. They will interview at Georgia Southern University on February 28.
In addition, Ogo Nwaba has advanced as a semifinalist in Vocal Music and will attend vocal auditions at Kennesaw State University on March 14.
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2713367
Isabella Parsons and Andrea Najera, both nominated in Communicative Arts, have been selected to move forward to the semifinal interview round. They will interview at Georgia Southern University on February 28.
In addition, Ogo Nwaba has advanced as a semifinalist in Vocal Music and will attend vocal auditions at Kennesaw State University on March 14.
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2713367

CTAE Month highlight āļøš Engineering and Technology students at Dalton High School, led by instructor Paul White, are applying problem-solving, design, and critical-thinking skills through hands-on projects. In these photos, students are designing and building mousetrap cars using 3D-printed and laser-cut components of their own creationātesting their designs for speed or distance while learning the engineering design process in action.
#CTAEMonth
#CTAEMonth
Welcome Alissa Hodges as the new Head Game Day & Sideline Cheer Coach at The Dalton Academy!
As The Academy expands its cheer program to include Game Day Competition Cheer, Coach Hodges brings experience in competition cheer, stunt development, and athlete training. She most recently served as Assistant Cheerleading Coach at Tyner High Academy and has led instructional stunt camps throughout the Chattanooga area, focusing on building safe, high-level skills for middle and high school athletes.
Coach Hodges will build upon the foundation established at The Dalton Academy and lead the Pumas into an exciting new chapter of growth, school spirit, and performance excellence.
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/news
As The Academy expands its cheer program to include Game Day Competition Cheer, Coach Hodges brings experience in competition cheer, stunt development, and athlete training. She most recently served as Assistant Cheerleading Coach at Tyner High Academy and has led instructional stunt camps throughout the Chattanooga area, focusing on building safe, high-level skills for middle and high school athletes.
Coach Hodges will build upon the foundation established at The Dalton Academy and lead the Pumas into an exciting new chapter of growth, school spirit, and performance excellence.
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/news

Happy National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day! š Thank you to our dedicated officers for serving and protecting Dalton Public Schools every day. We appreciate all that you do!
Officer Cole McDaniel
Officer Kaleb Warren
Officer Sean Hudson
Officer Keidric Johnson
Officer Coleman Jenkins
Officer Bart Chandler
Officer Steve Johnson
Officer Fatima Ruiz
Supervisor Sgt. Steve Collins
Our School Resource Officers do so much more than protect our schoolsāthey build lasting relationships with our students and serve as role models every day. Their presence provides a sense of security, but their kindness, mentorship, and support truly make a difference. From greeting students in the morning to offering guidance and encouragement, they are an important part of our school community. We are grateful for the positive impact they have on our students and staff.
Officer Cole McDaniel
Officer Kaleb Warren
Officer Sean Hudson
Officer Keidric Johnson
Officer Coleman Jenkins
Officer Bart Chandler
Officer Steve Johnson
Officer Fatima Ruiz
Supervisor Sgt. Steve Collins
Our School Resource Officers do so much more than protect our schoolsāthey build lasting relationships with our students and serve as role models every day. Their presence provides a sense of security, but their kindness, mentorship, and support truly make a difference. From greeting students in the morning to offering guidance and encouragement, they are an important part of our school community. We are grateful for the positive impact they have on our students and staff.

Spring Sports Registration is NOW OPEN!
Our community partner, City of Dalton Parks & Recreation, is offering an exciting lineup of spring sports for students and families:
⢠Track & Field (Ages 5ā14)
⢠Lacrosse (Grades 3ā5)
⢠Baseball (Ages 4ā14)
⢠Softball (Ages 4ā12)
⢠Volleyball (Ages 7ā18)
⢠Team Soccer (Ages 6ā14)
⢠Drafted Soccer (Ages 4ā14)
⢠Adult Softball (Menās, Industrial & Church Leagues)
š² Registration Fee: $25
š Deadline: February 19
To register, call 706-278-5404 or visit daltonparks.org.
This is a fantastic opportunity for Dalton Public Schools students to stay active, build teamwork skills, and have fun this spring. Weāre grateful for strong community partnerships like Dalton Parks & Recreation that continue to support our students beyond the school day!
Our community partner, City of Dalton Parks & Recreation, is offering an exciting lineup of spring sports for students and families:
⢠Track & Field (Ages 5ā14)
⢠Lacrosse (Grades 3ā5)
⢠Baseball (Ages 4ā14)
⢠Softball (Ages 4ā12)
⢠Volleyball (Ages 7ā18)
⢠Team Soccer (Ages 6ā14)
⢠Drafted Soccer (Ages 4ā14)
⢠Adult Softball (Menās, Industrial & Church Leagues)
š² Registration Fee: $25
š Deadline: February 19
To register, call 706-278-5404 or visit daltonparks.org.
This is a fantastic opportunity for Dalton Public Schools students to stay active, build teamwork skills, and have fun this spring. Weāre grateful for strong community partnerships like Dalton Parks & Recreation that continue to support our students beyond the school day!

Dalton Public Schools is proud to introduce Stephanie Cole as the new Head Volleyball Coach at The Dalton Academy!
Coach Cole brings elite-level experience from A5 Volleyball Clubāone of the premier junior volleyball organizations in the Southeastāalong with a strong focus on player development, discipline, leadership, and character. As a former player and experienced coach, she understands what it takes to compete at a high level and is committed to creating an environment built on hard work, growth, and confidence.
Her leadership and passion for developing student-athletes will help strengthen The Academyās volleyball program both on and off the court.
Please join us in welcoming Coach Cole to The Dalton Academy!
š Read more: www.daltonpublicschools.com/news
Coach Cole brings elite-level experience from A5 Volleyball Clubāone of the premier junior volleyball organizations in the Southeastāalong with a strong focus on player development, discipline, leadership, and character. As a former player and experienced coach, she understands what it takes to compete at a high level and is committed to creating an environment built on hard work, growth, and confidence.
Her leadership and passion for developing student-athletes will help strengthen The Academyās volleyball program both on and off the court.
Please join us in welcoming Coach Cole to The Dalton Academy!
š Read more: www.daltonpublicschools.com/news

Junior Achievement of Georgia has named Esmeralda Rios, Class of 2026 student at The Dalton Academy, as a recipient of its prestigious 19 Under 19 recognition, an honor celebrating outstanding young leaders across the state.
The 19 Under 19 program recognizes students ages 19 and under who exemplify Junior Achievementās mission by demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and a commitment to positive community impact. To qualify, nominees must have participated in at least one Junior Achievement of Georgia program and serve as a positive representative of JAās values.
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2707439
The 19 Under 19 program recognizes students ages 19 and under who exemplify Junior Achievementās mission by demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and a commitment to positive community impact. To qualify, nominees must have participated in at least one Junior Achievement of Georgia program and serve as a positive representative of JAās values.
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2707439

Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Sandi Hannah has been named City Park Schoolās 2024ā2025 Classified Staff Member of the Year.
Hannah has served as a paraprofessional at City Park School since 2006 and is known for her reliability, positive attitude, and deep commitment to students, staff, and families.
Read more: DaltonPublicSchools.com
Hannah has served as a paraprofessional at City Park School since 2006 and is known for her reliability, positive attitude, and deep commitment to students, staff, and families.
Read more: DaltonPublicSchools.com

Little Cats Pop-Up Class Success!š¾
Last Wednesday, the Little Cats program hosted its first Pop-Up Class at the Beechland Resource Center, welcoming 17 future Little Cats students and their families!
Designed for children who will turn three on or before September 1, 2026, these Pop-Up Classes give families a preview of our strong academic and social-emotional foundation aligned to the Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS).
Students enjoyed a Valentineās Day themed literacy lesson inspired by The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond. Through interactive reading and discussion, our future Little Cats explored kindness, friendship, creativity, and giving while building vocabulary and comprehension skills.
During small-group learning time, students created a Valentine āLove Bugā name craftāusing hearts to spell their names! This hands-on activity supported:
āļø Fine motor development
š¤ Letter recognition and sequencing
š Name writing attempts
š Letter-sound awareness
We loved seeing so many students independently write the first letter of their nameāand some even wrote multiple letters in the correct sequence!
We were also excited to welcome our community partners, Malisa Pedro (Whitfield Family Connection) and Stephanie Hogshead (United Way), representing The Basics program. Families received helpful resources and students took home board books to continue building early literacy skills at home.
We canāt wait to see our future Little Cats at our next Pop-Up Class on March 11th at the Beechland Resource Center, where weāll explore Safari Animals and participate in an engaging STEM-based learning experience!
Stay tuned for more upcoming Pop-Up Classes throughout the year! š¾š
Last Wednesday, the Little Cats program hosted its first Pop-Up Class at the Beechland Resource Center, welcoming 17 future Little Cats students and their families!
Designed for children who will turn three on or before September 1, 2026, these Pop-Up Classes give families a preview of our strong academic and social-emotional foundation aligned to the Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS).
Students enjoyed a Valentineās Day themed literacy lesson inspired by The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond. Through interactive reading and discussion, our future Little Cats explored kindness, friendship, creativity, and giving while building vocabulary and comprehension skills.
During small-group learning time, students created a Valentine āLove Bugā name craftāusing hearts to spell their names! This hands-on activity supported:
āļø Fine motor development
š¤ Letter recognition and sequencing
š Name writing attempts
š Letter-sound awareness
We loved seeing so many students independently write the first letter of their nameāand some even wrote multiple letters in the correct sequence!
We were also excited to welcome our community partners, Malisa Pedro (Whitfield Family Connection) and Stephanie Hogshead (United Way), representing The Basics program. Families received helpful resources and students took home board books to continue building early literacy skills at home.
We canāt wait to see our future Little Cats at our next Pop-Up Class on March 11th at the Beechland Resource Center, where weāll explore Safari Animals and participate in an engaging STEM-based learning experience!
Stay tuned for more upcoming Pop-Up Classes throughout the year! š¾š










Blue Ridge School was buzzing with excitement as they welcomed local volunteers for an inspiring Career Day!
From hands-on activities to engaging conversations, these students had a blast exploring different career paths and learning from real-world professionals.
A huge thank you to our community partners for making the day so meaningful and fun for our students! #DaltonPublicSchools #LearnLeadSucceed
From hands-on activities to engaging conversations, these students had a blast exploring different career paths and learning from real-world professionals.
A huge thank you to our community partners for making the day so meaningful and fun for our students! #DaltonPublicSchools #LearnLeadSucceed
CTAE Month highlight šš Teaching as a Profession students at Dalton High School, led by instructor Shalisa Love, are learning the foundations of education, classroom management, and lesson planning. In these photos, students are decorating classroom doors for Black History Month, an activity that highlights how teachers use creativity to foster belonging, celebrate diversity, and create welcoming spaces where all students feel seen and valued.
#CTAEMonth
#CTAEMonth


šāØ FutureFest 2026 was a success!
Yesterday, Dalton Public Schools high school juniors and seniors stepped into their futures at FutureFest ā a dynamic combination of a college and career fair designed to help students explore their next steps after graduation.
With over 60 businesses and local colleges in attendance, students had the opportunity to meet directly with representatives, ask questions, and discover the wide variety of pathways available to them. From interactive booths to hands-on experiences, our students gained valuable insight into what their future careers and college journeys could look like.
A huge thank you to all of the college and business representatives who helped make this event possible and invested in the futures of our students. We are especially grateful to the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce for their partnership and support in bringing this incredible opportunity to our students!
#DaltonPublicSchools #LearnLeadSucceed
Yesterday, Dalton Public Schools high school juniors and seniors stepped into their futures at FutureFest ā a dynamic combination of a college and career fair designed to help students explore their next steps after graduation.
With over 60 businesses and local colleges in attendance, students had the opportunity to meet directly with representatives, ask questions, and discover the wide variety of pathways available to them. From interactive booths to hands-on experiences, our students gained valuable insight into what their future careers and college journeys could look like.
A huge thank you to all of the college and business representatives who helped make this event possible and invested in the futures of our students. We are especially grateful to the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce for their partnership and support in bringing this incredible opportunity to our students!
#DaltonPublicSchools #LearnLeadSucceed
Dalton Public Schools students are heading to the state level of the Georgia Student Technology Competition (GaSTC) after an outstanding performance at regional competition, where five DPS teams earned first-place honors.
Students showcased impressive, innovative projects across a wide range of categories, including video production, animation, audio production, robotics, graphic design, and 3D modeling. All participating teams previously advanced from the DPS District Technology Competition before competing at regionals.
In total, 27 teams representing 34 students competed at the regional level. The following students earned top honors and will advance to the GaSTC State Competition:
07ā08 Graphic Design: Adelaya Ware and Carmen Estrada, Dalton Junior High School
07ā08 Animation: Rebecca Duran, Dalton Junior High School
07ā08 Audio Production: Tucker Rewis, Hammond Creek Middle School
07ā08 3D Modeling: Brandt Bowers, Hammond Creek Middle School
07ā08 Digital Photo Production: Ayo Illesamni and Sofia Hernandez
Congratulations! #DaltonPublicSchools #LearnLeadSucceed
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2705184
Students showcased impressive, innovative projects across a wide range of categories, including video production, animation, audio production, robotics, graphic design, and 3D modeling. All participating teams previously advanced from the DPS District Technology Competition before competing at regionals.
In total, 27 teams representing 34 students competed at the regional level. The following students earned top honors and will advance to the GaSTC State Competition:
07ā08 Graphic Design: Adelaya Ware and Carmen Estrada, Dalton Junior High School
07ā08 Animation: Rebecca Duran, Dalton Junior High School
07ā08 Audio Production: Tucker Rewis, Hammond Creek Middle School
07ā08 3D Modeling: Brandt Bowers, Hammond Creek Middle School
07ā08 Digital Photo Production: Ayo Illesamni and Sofia Hernandez
Congratulations! #DaltonPublicSchools #LearnLeadSucceed
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2705184

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

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: At the February 9 Board of Education meeting, the Dalton Public Schools Board of Education proudly recognized two outstanding student musicians for an incredible achievement!
Congratulations to Christian Verdel and Ethan Gomez, who were selected to participate in the Georgia All-State Band ā a highly competitive, statewide honor recognizing the very best student musicians in Georgia.
We are so proud of Christian and Ethan for representing DPS with talent, dedication, and excellence!
Congratulations to Christian Verdel and Ethan Gomez, who were selected to participate in the Georgia All-State Band ā a highly competitive, statewide honor recognizing the very best student musicians in Georgia.
We are so proud of Christian and Ethan for representing DPS with talent, dedication, and excellence!

