Weāre excited to spotlight our amazing Teachers and Classified Staff Members of the Year! Follow along all school year as we celebrate the incredible people who make Dalton Public Schools shine.
Madison Clark Named 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year at Blue Ridge School
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Madison Clark, English Language Arts Instructional Coach at Blue Ridge School, has been selected as the schoolās 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year.
Clark, a Dalton native and Dalton High School graduate, has been part of Blue Ridge School since her time as a student teacher while completing her undergraduate degree at Dalton State College.
Her journey as an educator has been shaped by both her experiences as a student and her passion for relationships. āAside from the accomplishments that look good on paper, my biggest accomplishment in education is the relationships I have built. My heart could burst every time I think about the students I have had the privilege of teaching, and now the adults in which I can prove to them that they are capable of amazing things.ā
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2374976
GIVEAWAY: Dalton High School is still accepting nominations for the second annual class of the DHS Athletics Hall of Fame! This prestigious honor recognizes former athletes, coaches, administrators, and community members who have left a lasting mark on Dalton Athletics.
š Bonus Giveaway š
Everyone who completes a full nomination by this Thursday, August 28, will be entered to win season tickets to watch the Catamounts play at Harmon Field this fall!
Key Dates:
Deadline to Submit: September 3
Induction Ceremony: October 16
Public Recognition: October 17 (Halftime of the home football game)
Nomination Categories:
Former Athlete (must be 5+ years post-graduation)
Coach/Administrator (must be retired with at least 5 years of service)
Community Contributor (open at any time)
š Submit the official online form here:
https://dalton.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9LksR1CZHKyeys6
Inductees will also be permanently recognized on our new Virtual Hall of Fame website, ensuring their legacy is honored for generations to come.
š Learn more and submit a nomination:
https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2320436
š Bonus Giveaway š
Everyone who completes a full nomination by this Thursday, August 28, will be entered to win season tickets to watch the Catamounts play at Harmon Field this fall!
Key Dates:
Deadline to Submit: September 3
Induction Ceremony: October 16
Public Recognition: October 17 (Halftime of the home football game)
Nomination Categories:
Former Athlete (must be 5+ years post-graduation)
Coach/Administrator (must be retired with at least 5 years of service)
Community Contributor (open at any time)
š Submit the official online form here:
https://dalton.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9LksR1CZHKyeys6
Inductees will also be permanently recognized on our new Virtual Hall of Fame website, ensuring their legacy is honored for generations to come.
š Learn more and submit a nomination:
https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2320436
Don't forget!
There is no school on Monday, September 1, due to the Labor Day Holiday. We will see all of our students and staff back in school on Tuesday, September 2.
Have a great long weekend!
There is no school on Monday, September 1, due to the Labor Day Holiday. We will see all of our students and staff back in school on Tuesday, September 2.
Have a great long weekend!
Dalton Public Schools is proud to share that Dalton High School has been selected as one of just four Georgia schools to participate in the Fox Theatreās 2025ā26 All-Access Pass program!
This exciting opportunity will allow our juniors and seniors to explore behind-the-scenes careers in the arts, from stage management and lighting to marketing and event services. Students will attend a Broadway in Atlanta performance, join workshops and mentorships, and even take part in a shadowing day at the historic Fox Theatre.
We are grateful to Fox Gives for providing our students with this extraordinary chance to learn, grow, and dream big.
Read more here: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2370340
This exciting opportunity will allow our juniors and seniors to explore behind-the-scenes careers in the arts, from stage management and lighting to marketing and event services. Students will attend a Broadway in Atlanta performance, join workshops and mentorships, and even take part in a shadowing day at the historic Fox Theatre.
We are grateful to Fox Gives for providing our students with this extraordinary chance to learn, grow, and dream big.
Read more here: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2370340
Classroom Spotlight: Today, Maggie Kalafutās class at Park Creek School engaged in thoughtful discussions as they worked through comprehension questions connected to a story they read about an amusement park adventure.
Dalton Public Schools Little Cats Program Enrollment for 2025-2026
Dalton Public Schools is now enrolling 3ā4-year-olds for the 2025-2026 Little Cats Program! This free parent and child program meets once a week for 2.5 hours, offering a range of activities including story time, music, movement, and literacy, math, and science activities to foster academic and motor skills development. Classes are led by the DPS Early Childhood Coordinator and are available at three locations:
CURRENT LOCATIONS:
CITY PARK ELEMENTARY: Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered. Classes will be every Wednesday, starting in January 2026.
Address: 105 N. Thornton Avenue, Dalton, GA 30720
BEECHLAND RESOURCE CENTER: Afternoon session will be offered. Classes will be every Wednesday, starting in January 2026.
Address:704 Beechland Circle. Dalton, GA 30721
ROAN ROUNDHOUSE: Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered. Classes will be every Tuesday, starting on September 9th.
Address: 400 Vann Circle Dalton, GA 30721For more information, please contact:
Saira Laruy: 706-463-7631
Click here for more information: https://5il.co/2t4qk
Dalton Public Schools is now enrolling 3ā4-year-olds for the 2025-2026 Little Cats Program! This free parent and child program meets once a week for 2.5 hours, offering a range of activities including story time, music, movement, and literacy, math, and science activities to foster academic and motor skills development. Classes are led by the DPS Early Childhood Coordinator and are available at three locations:
CURRENT LOCATIONS:
CITY PARK ELEMENTARY: Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered. Classes will be every Wednesday, starting in January 2026.
Address: 105 N. Thornton Avenue, Dalton, GA 30720
BEECHLAND RESOURCE CENTER: Afternoon session will be offered. Classes will be every Wednesday, starting in January 2026.
Address:704 Beechland Circle. Dalton, GA 30721
ROAN ROUNDHOUSE: Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered. Classes will be every Tuesday, starting on September 9th.
Address: 400 Vann Circle Dalton, GA 30721For more information, please contact:
Saira Laruy: 706-463-7631
Click here for more information: https://5il.co/2t4qk
We are proud to share that Georgia Sanders, a Junior at Dalton High School and an outstanding volleyball and basketball player, has been selected to serve on the 2025-2026 GHSA Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC)!
The SAAC represents student-athletes from across Georgia and organizes major events such as the Student Section Spirit Challenge, the Inspiration Award, and the annual Student-Athlete Leadership Conference in April. Founded in 2019 by GHSA Associate Directors Penny Pitts-Mitchell and Tanya Anderson, the council provides a strong voice for student-athletes across the state.
š Please join us in congratulating Georgia on this incredible honor and celebrating her role in representing Dalton Public Schools at the state level!
The SAAC represents student-athletes from across Georgia and organizes major events such as the Student Section Spirit Challenge, the Inspiration Award, and the annual Student-Athlete Leadership Conference in April. Founded in 2019 by GHSA Associate Directors Penny Pitts-Mitchell and Tanya Anderson, the council provides a strong voice for student-athletes across the state.
š Please join us in congratulating Georgia on this incredible honor and celebrating her role in representing Dalton Public Schools at the state level!
Itās officially the end of Senior Spotlight season, and we couldnāt be more proud to shine a light on our final recent graduate!
Today weāre featuring Dalton High School graduate, Kaylee Tatum
During her time at Dalton High School, Kaylee was a member of the National Honor Society and an integral part of the varsity softball team. Her largest accomplishments during high school was maintaining strong grades while committing to continue her athletic career at the Division I level. In the fall, she will attend Alabama A&M University, where she will major in science as part of the radiologic technology program, working toward her goal of becoming an X-ray technician. While at Dalton High School, Kaylee developed a meaningful connection with Mrs. Jewell, an educator whom she believed had a genuine love for her students. One of Kayleeās proudest moments was refusing to give up on herself after being told she wouldnāt be able to play softball at the university level, much less in Division I. Instead of letting those words define her, she used them as motivation to work harder and achieve her goals. She encourages younger students to do the same: use othersā negative words as the fuel that pushes you forward!
Way to go Kaylee !
Today weāre featuring Dalton High School graduate, Kaylee Tatum
During her time at Dalton High School, Kaylee was a member of the National Honor Society and an integral part of the varsity softball team. Her largest accomplishments during high school was maintaining strong grades while committing to continue her athletic career at the Division I level. In the fall, she will attend Alabama A&M University, where she will major in science as part of the radiologic technology program, working toward her goal of becoming an X-ray technician. While at Dalton High School, Kaylee developed a meaningful connection with Mrs. Jewell, an educator whom she believed had a genuine love for her students. One of Kayleeās proudest moments was refusing to give up on herself after being told she wouldnāt be able to play softball at the university level, much less in Division I. Instead of letting those words define her, she used them as motivation to work harder and achieve her goals. She encourages younger students to do the same: use othersā negative words as the fuel that pushes you forward!
Way to go Kaylee !
Itās officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldnāt be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!
Today weāre featuring Dalton High School graduate, SaMya Simpson.
During her time at Dalton High School, SaMya was an active member of the Dalton community both in and out of school. She was a four-year varsity softball player, contributed to the yearbook, and participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Beyond school, she completed an Athletic Training Program with Hamilton Medical Center and served as a Big Sister in the Buddy Program. Among her proudest achievements were maintaining a 3.4 GPA, staying engaged in numerous programs, and embodying the Dalton Difference mindset. SaMyaās favorite teacher, Mrs. Carol, played a meaningful role in her high school journey, offering support, honesty, and encouragement through challenging times. Her advice to younger students is to take everything with a grain of salt: maintain good grades, find someone who will advocate for you, donāt rush to graduate, make as many memories as possible, and strive to become someone unforgettable.
Way to go SaMya !
Itās officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldnāt be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!
Today weāre featuring Dalton High School graduate, Brady Haynes
During his time at Dalton High School, Brady participated in a variety of extracurricular activities, including four years of football, baseball, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). He earned multiple accolades, such as Scholar Athlete, membership in the National Honor Society, and the prestigious Chuck Harris Award in football. In addition to athletics, Brady pursued his varied interests, including disc golf and engineering, a passion he has cultivated since the fourth grade. He plans to further explore this passion by majoring in mechanical engineering at Dalton State College before transferring to the University of Georgia. Brady credits his parents as his greatest influence, keeping him on track and instilling in him the importance of being a kind hearted person.
Way to go Brady !
Today weāre featuring Dalton High School graduate, Brady Haynes
During his time at Dalton High School, Brady participated in a variety of extracurricular activities, including four years of football, baseball, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). He earned multiple accolades, such as Scholar Athlete, membership in the National Honor Society, and the prestigious Chuck Harris Award in football. In addition to athletics, Brady pursued his varied interests, including disc golf and engineering, a passion he has cultivated since the fourth grade. He plans to further explore this passion by majoring in mechanical engineering at Dalton State College before transferring to the University of Georgia. Brady credits his parents as his greatest influence, keeping him on track and instilling in him the importance of being a kind hearted person.
Way to go Brady !
DPS Students Shine on 2025 Georgia Milestones!
Dalton Public Schools is celebrating strong academic growth in the 2025 Georgia Milestones, with gains in 18 of 27 performance areas compared to last year!
- Big wins in literacy, with more students reading at or above grade level. - Double-digit growth in 8th grade mathāabove the state average! - Gains in science and social studies, with standout improvements in 8th grade.
Congratulations to our students, teachers, and families for their hard work and dedication. Together, we are building momentum and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.
READ MORE: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2351756
#DaltonPublicSchools #LeaveYourMark
Dalton Public Schools is celebrating strong academic growth in the 2025 Georgia Milestones, with gains in 18 of 27 performance areas compared to last year!
- Big wins in literacy, with more students reading at or above grade level. - Double-digit growth in 8th grade mathāabove the state average! - Gains in science and social studies, with standout improvements in 8th grade.
Congratulations to our students, teachers, and families for their hard work and dedication. Together, we are building momentum and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.
READ MORE: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2351756
#DaltonPublicSchools #LeaveYourMark
Dalton Public Schools Little Cats Program Enrollment for 2025-2026
Dalton Public Schools is now enrolling 3ā4-year-olds for the 2025-2026 Little Cats Program! This free parent and child program meets once a week for 2.5 hours, offering a range of activities including story time, music, movement, and literacy, math, and science activities to foster academic and motor skills development. Classes are led by the DPS Early Childhood Coordinator and are available at three locations:
CURRENT LOCATIONS:
CITY PARK ELEMENTARY: Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered. Classes will be every Wednesday, starting in January 2026.
Address: 105 N. Thornton Avenue, Dalton, GA 30720
BEECHLAND RESOURCE CENTER: Afternoon session will be offered. Classes will be every Wednesday, starting in January 2026.
Address:704 Beechland Circle. Dalton, GA 30721
ROAN ROUNDHOUSE: Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered. Classes will be every Tuesday, starting on September 9th.
Address: 400 Vann Circle Dalton, GA 30721For more information, please contact:
Saira Laruy: 706-463-7631
Click here for more information: https://5il.co/2t4qk
Dalton Public Schools is now enrolling 3ā4-year-olds for the 2025-2026 Little Cats Program! This free parent and child program meets once a week for 2.5 hours, offering a range of activities including story time, music, movement, and literacy, math, and science activities to foster academic and motor skills development. Classes are led by the DPS Early Childhood Coordinator and are available at three locations:
CURRENT LOCATIONS:
CITY PARK ELEMENTARY: Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered. Classes will be every Wednesday, starting in January 2026.
Address: 105 N. Thornton Avenue, Dalton, GA 30720
BEECHLAND RESOURCE CENTER: Afternoon session will be offered. Classes will be every Wednesday, starting in January 2026.
Address:704 Beechland Circle. Dalton, GA 30721
ROAN ROUNDHOUSE: Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered. Classes will be every Tuesday, starting on September 9th.
Address: 400 Vann Circle Dalton, GA 30721For more information, please contact:
Saira Laruy: 706-463-7631
Click here for more information: https://5il.co/2t4qk
Itās officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldnāt be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!
Today weāre featuring Dalton High School graduate, Jacqueline Hernandez.
During her time at Dalton Academy, Jacqueline Hernandez was a dual enrollment student and an active member of her school community. She participated in various activities, including the National Honor Society and the Translation Academy. Jacqueline plans to continue her education at Dalton State College, pursuing a future in the educational fieldāa path inspired by the teachers who supported her language learning journey. Throughout high school, Jacqueline enjoyed drawing and painting, earning second place in a district art competition. Her advice to younger students is to never give up, as she believes it is their time to shine and fight for their dreams.
Way to go Jacqueline !
Today weāre featuring Dalton High School graduate, Jacqueline Hernandez.
During her time at Dalton Academy, Jacqueline Hernandez was a dual enrollment student and an active member of her school community. She participated in various activities, including the National Honor Society and the Translation Academy. Jacqueline plans to continue her education at Dalton State College, pursuing a future in the educational fieldāa path inspired by the teachers who supported her language learning journey. Throughout high school, Jacqueline enjoyed drawing and painting, earning second place in a district art competition. Her advice to younger students is to never give up, as she believes it is their time to shine and fight for their dreams.
Way to go Jacqueline !
Dalton Public Schools Earn State Recognition for Excellence in Cursive Writing Instruction
Several Dalton Public Schools have been recognized by the Georgia Department of Education for their efforts in supporting cursive writing instruction, as part of the 2024ā2025 John Hancock Awards program.
Brookwood Elementary School received the John Hancock Banner and Ribbon of Distinction, the highest level of recognition in the program. This award is given to schools where at least 90% of students demonstrate the ability to write both their name and the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution in cursive.
Additionally, the following schools were awarded the John Hancock Banner and Proficiency Ribbon, which recognizes schools where 90% or more of students can write their name in cursive:
Blue Ridge Elementary School
City Park Elementary School
Dalton Junior High School
Hammond Creek Middle School
Park Creek School
Roan School
The Dalton Academy
Westwood School
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2348630
Several Dalton Public Schools have been recognized by the Georgia Department of Education for their efforts in supporting cursive writing instruction, as part of the 2024ā2025 John Hancock Awards program.
Brookwood Elementary School received the John Hancock Banner and Ribbon of Distinction, the highest level of recognition in the program. This award is given to schools where at least 90% of students demonstrate the ability to write both their name and the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution in cursive.
Additionally, the following schools were awarded the John Hancock Banner and Proficiency Ribbon, which recognizes schools where 90% or more of students can write their name in cursive:
Blue Ridge Elementary School
City Park Elementary School
Dalton Junior High School
Hammond Creek Middle School
Park Creek School
Roan School
The Dalton Academy
Westwood School
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2348630
Our vision is clear: Learn. Lead. Succeed. #DaltonPublicSchools
Itās officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldnāt be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!
Today weāre featuring Dalton High School graduate, Jack Kersey.
During his time at Dalton High School, Jack has been deeply involved in the arts and leadership activities, showcasing his talent and dedication. He has performed on stage and contributed behind the scenes through lighting design in theatre, served as Chorus President for the Cats Singers Choral Ensemble, and held the role of Treasurer for the DHS Players.
Jack has also excelled in literary competitions, participating in both quartet performances and duo interpretive scenes. This fall, he will attend Western Carolina University to pursue a double major in Stage and Screen Production as well as Business Administration and Law.
For the past two years, Jack has worked as an intern on the Dalton Public Schools Communications team, supporting district communications in an invaluable way. We are so proud of Jack!
Today weāre featuring Dalton High School graduate, Jack Kersey.
During his time at Dalton High School, Jack has been deeply involved in the arts and leadership activities, showcasing his talent and dedication. He has performed on stage and contributed behind the scenes through lighting design in theatre, served as Chorus President for the Cats Singers Choral Ensemble, and held the role of Treasurer for the DHS Players.
Jack has also excelled in literary competitions, participating in both quartet performances and duo interpretive scenes. This fall, he will attend Western Carolina University to pursue a double major in Stage and Screen Production as well as Business Administration and Law.
For the past two years, Jack has worked as an intern on the Dalton Public Schools Communications team, supporting district communications in an invaluable way. We are so proud of Jack!
Dalton Public Schools Communications Team Honored with National NSPRA Awards
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that its Communications Department has been recognized with multiple national awards by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) for outstanding achievement in school communications during the 2024ā2025 school year.
The district earned two Honorable Mention awards in the 2025 Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards, both in the Photo category.
In addition, the Communications team was the recipient of two 2025 Golden Achievement Awards, one of NSPRAās highest honors for strategic communications excellence. These awards celebrate exemplary work that demonstrates outstanding success in school public relations, communication, marketing, and engagement.
The award-winning team is led by Executive Director of Communications Kendra Pannell and Assistant Director of Communications Ashley Grycz. Since these projects were completed, the team has welcomed Communications Specialist Cindy Hernandez, and they are excited to continue sharing the stories that make Dalton Public Schools exceptional.
As the 2025ā2026 school year begins, the Communications Department remains dedicated to championing the voices, achievements, and values of the DPS community.
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2346547
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that its Communications Department has been recognized with multiple national awards by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) for outstanding achievement in school communications during the 2024ā2025 school year.
The district earned two Honorable Mention awards in the 2025 Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards, both in the Photo category.
In addition, the Communications team was the recipient of two 2025 Golden Achievement Awards, one of NSPRAās highest honors for strategic communications excellence. These awards celebrate exemplary work that demonstrates outstanding success in school public relations, communication, marketing, and engagement.
The award-winning team is led by Executive Director of Communications Kendra Pannell and Assistant Director of Communications Ashley Grycz. Since these projects were completed, the team has welcomed Communications Specialist Cindy Hernandez, and they are excited to continue sharing the stories that make Dalton Public Schools exceptional.
As the 2025ā2026 school year begins, the Communications Department remains dedicated to championing the voices, achievements, and values of the DPS community.
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2346547
Happy First Day of School!š¤©
Weāre so excited to welcome everyone back and canāt wait for an amazing year of learning, growth, and fun. Letās make it a great one! #DPSfirstday #backtoschool #LeaveYourMark
Weāre so excited to welcome everyone back and canāt wait for an amazing year of learning, growth, and fun. Letās make it a great one! #DPSfirstday #backtoschool #LeaveYourMark
We were thrilled to welcome everyone to our schools today for orientation! Seeing our students and families back in the buildings brought so much excitement and energy. We can't wait to kick off a spectacular school year togetherāsee you in class tomorrow! #DaltonReady #LeaveYourMark
HEY DPS FAMILIES ā OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS HAVE A MESSAGE FOR YOU!
Our friends at Dalton Parks & Recreation want to make sure EVERY student and family in Dalton Public Schools knows: The LAST DAY to sign up for fall programs is AUGUST 7! This is your chance to get involved, get active, and connect with your community.
š Deadline: Wednesday, August 7
šhttps://daltonparks.org/
Get involved and #LeaveYourMark, DPS!
Our friends at Dalton Parks & Recreation want to make sure EVERY student and family in Dalton Public Schools knows: The LAST DAY to sign up for fall programs is AUGUST 7! This is your chance to get involved, get active, and connect with your community.
š Deadline: Wednesday, August 7
šhttps://daltonparks.org/
Get involved and #LeaveYourMark, DPS!
