š” Did you know?
City Park School and Westwood School were presented with Math Leader Banner Awards, recognizing their outstanding performance and growth in mathematics under Georgiaās updated Kā12 Standards.
Their success is a great example of #ExcellenceInActionDPS ā Where Excellence Meets Opportunity!
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2516125

#ThrowbackThursday ā Decades of Dalton!
From our earliest classrooms to todayās award-winning programs, excellence has always been in action.
#ExcellenceInActionDPS
From our earliest classrooms to todayās award-winning programs, excellence has always been in action.
#ExcellenceInActionDPS







Excellence in Action: Classroom Spotlight
Selena Riosā students at Dalton Junior High are closely examining Act I of The Diary of Anne Frank. Through vocabulary analysis, dialogue exploration, and personal annotation, theyāre discovering how powerful words and emotions shape this timeless story. #ExcellenceInActionDPS
Selena Riosā students at Dalton Junior High are closely examining Act I of The Diary of Anne Frank. Through vocabulary analysis, dialogue exploration, and personal annotation, theyāre discovering how powerful words and emotions shape this timeless story. #ExcellenceInActionDPS
š” Did you know?
The Class of 2025 earned over $2.5 million in scholarships ā a powerful reflection of the hard work, talent, and dedication of our outstanding graduates across Dalton Public Schools.
This is what #ExcellenceInActionDPS looks like!
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2516125
The Class of 2025 earned over $2.5 million in scholarships ā a powerful reflection of the hard work, talent, and dedication of our outstanding graduates across Dalton Public Schools.
This is what #ExcellenceInActionDPS looks like!
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2516125

"Break a leg!" to our talented theatre students from The Dalton Academy and Dalton High School competing this week and weekend in the GHSA One-Act Play regional competitions! Their dedication and teamwork are great examples of #ExcellenceInActionDPS. š




Classroom Spotlight:
City Park School Counselor Emily Jones recently visited Mrs. Arthurās class for a classroom guidance lesson. Together, they read āThe Tease Monsterā ā a story that teaches the importance of understanding the difference between friendly teasing and hurtful teasing. The class discussed bullying, kindness, and how everyone has a voice they can use to stand up for themselves and others.
City Park School Counselor Emily Jones recently visited Mrs. Arthurās class for a classroom guidance lesson. Together, they read āThe Tease Monsterā ā a story that teaches the importance of understanding the difference between friendly teasing and hurtful teasing. The class discussed bullying, kindness, and how everyone has a voice they can use to stand up for themselves and others.
RECENTLY FEATURED IN THE DALTON DAILY CITIZEN: Check out the incredible student artwork from Park Creek School, lead by art teacher, Adam Sanford.
Our talented young artists continue to showcase their creativity and passion, making us incredibly proud!
Our talented young artists continue to showcase their creativity and passion, making us incredibly proud!










Katya Spence Named Park Creek Schoolās 2024ā2025 Teacher of the Year
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Katya Spence has been named Park Creek Schoolās 2024ā2025 Teacher of the Year.
Spence teaches third grade at Park Creek, where she serves as a homeroom teacher for English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. She began her teaching career at Park Creek in 2017 and has continued to grow as an educator and leader within the school and district.
Spenceās journey into education is rooted deeply in her upbringing and her parentsā message that āTu educación es claveāā āYour education is key.ā
Read more on our website: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Katya Spence has been named Park Creek Schoolās 2024ā2025 Teacher of the Year.
Spence teaches third grade at Park Creek, where she serves as a homeroom teacher for English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. She began her teaching career at Park Creek in 2017 and has continued to grow as an educator and leader within the school and district.
Spenceās journey into education is rooted deeply in her upbringing and her parentsā message that āTu educación es claveāā āYour education is key.ā
Read more on our website: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com

Our Little Cats are exploring the wonders of fall! š
They recently learned how pumpkins grow from tiny seeds by reading From Seed to Pumpkin and creating their own life cycle diagrams. In small-group STEM activities, students became pumpkin investigators, observing size, color, and shape, predicting which pumpkins would float or sink, and examining the inside of a real pumpkin!
To tie in math, they measured how tall each child was using pumpkin cutouts, discovering how many āpumpkins tallā they are! Our Little Cats loved learning through these fun, hands-on fall activities. š
They recently learned how pumpkins grow from tiny seeds by reading From Seed to Pumpkin and creating their own life cycle diagrams. In small-group STEM activities, students became pumpkin investigators, observing size, color, and shape, predicting which pumpkins would float or sink, and examining the inside of a real pumpkin!
To tie in math, they measured how tall each child was using pumpkin cutouts, discovering how many āpumpkins tallā they are! Our Little Cats loved learning through these fun, hands-on fall activities. š










Our district leadership team came together last week for an inspiring session with Joy Kelly, focused on strengthening the positive cultures within our schools!
Joyās message about leading with relationships, empathy, and consistency aligns perfectly with our districtās commitment to fostering environments where every student and staff member feels valued and supported. At Dalton Public Schools, we strive to build communities that inspire pride, encourage growth, and celebrate the excellence within us all. #LeaveYourMark
Joyās message about leading with relationships, empathy, and consistency aligns perfectly with our districtās commitment to fostering environments where every student and staff member feels valued and supported. At Dalton Public Schools, we strive to build communities that inspire pride, encourage growth, and celebrate the excellence within us all. #LeaveYourMark
Dalton Public Schools is proud to welcome @Burlington to our community and honored that City Park School was selected to receive a $5,000 donation through @AdoptAClassroom as part of Burlingtonās grand opening celebration.
We are grateful for Burlingtonās generosity and commitment to supporting educators and students here in Dalton!
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2504791
We are grateful for Burlingtonās generosity and commitment to supporting educators and students here in Dalton!
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2504791






Classrooms Spotlight: In Maribel Landerosā class at Westwood School, students are learning about community helpers. They read and acted out the story āFive Brave Firefighters.ā During the activity, students took on the roles of the firefighters and practiced their subtraction skills in a fun and engaging way.








Blue Ridge School Recognized by Georgia Department of Education with Distinguished PBIS Honor
Dalton Public Schools proudly congratulates Blue Ridge School for earning the Distinguished Recognition Level for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) from the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) for the 2024ā2025 school year. This recognition places Blue Ridge among a select group of schools in Georgia honored for demonstrating excellence in implementing PBIS with fidelity and impact.
Read more on our website: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com
Dalton Public Schools proudly congratulates Blue Ridge School for earning the Distinguished Recognition Level for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) from the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) for the 2024ā2025 school year. This recognition places Blue Ridge among a select group of schools in Georgia honored for demonstrating excellence in implementing PBIS with fidelity and impact.
Read more on our website: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com

Dalton Public Schools Launches āThe Game Ball Awardsā to Recognize Excellence in Action
Dalton Public Schools has launched a new employee recognition initiative, The Game Ball Awards, established by Superintendent Dr. Steven Craft to honor staff members who demonstrate exceptional dedication and embody the districtās core values.
Announced during the District Administrative Team meeting on October 16, the program recognizes employees who exemplify what it means to Culturize Dalton Public Schoolsāliving out the four core values of Expecting Excellence, Championing for Students, Serving as Merchants of Hope, and Carrying the Banner for the district.
āThese individuals were personally selected because they donāt just talk about our valuesāthey live them,ā said Dr. Craft. āThey consistently go the extra mile to strengthen our schools and make Dalton Public Schools an exceptional place for students and families.ā
The inaugural Game Ball Awards recipients were celebrated for their professionalism, innovation, and commitment to service:
Kendall Jordan, Jorge Miranda, Kevin Bruce, and Aubrey Poppel.
Read more on our website: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com
Dalton Public Schools has launched a new employee recognition initiative, The Game Ball Awards, established by Superintendent Dr. Steven Craft to honor staff members who demonstrate exceptional dedication and embody the districtās core values.
Announced during the District Administrative Team meeting on October 16, the program recognizes employees who exemplify what it means to Culturize Dalton Public Schoolsāliving out the four core values of Expecting Excellence, Championing for Students, Serving as Merchants of Hope, and Carrying the Banner for the district.
āThese individuals were personally selected because they donāt just talk about our valuesāthey live them,ā said Dr. Craft. āThey consistently go the extra mile to strengthen our schools and make Dalton Public Schools an exceptional place for students and families.ā
The inaugural Game Ball Awards recipients were celebrated for their professionalism, innovation, and commitment to service:
Kendall Jordan, Jorge Miranda, Kevin Bruce, and Aubrey Poppel.
Read more on our website: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com
Dalton High School Set to Celebrate Hall of Fame Inductees at Tonightās Football Game
Following a memorable induction banquet last night, Dalton High School will continue celebrating its 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame Class this evening at the Catamountsā final home football game.
The second annual Hall of Fame festivities have already brought together dozens of alumni, coaches, and community supporters to honor those who have shaped Dalton athletics through excellence, leadership, and lifelong commitment.
āOur Hall of Fame weekend showcases what makes Dalton special,ā said Ryan Richards, Athletic Director. āSeeing generations of Catamounts reconnect and celebrate these incredible individuals reminds us that our tradition of excellence is alive and well.ā
Tonightās Celebration:
Inductees will be formally introduced to the community during halftime, with special recognition for the 1967 State Championship Football Team. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to join in the celebration and show their Catamount pride.
2025 Hall of Fame Inductees:
Football: Bill Mitchell, Joe Bill Faith
Wrestling: Hosea Lampley
Boys Basketball: Bernard Betton, Jimmy Howell
Girls Basketball: Mimi Crenshaw
Baseball: Matthew Boggs
Swimming: Jonathan Rehberg
Soccer: Kobe Perez
Boys Track: Joseph King
Girls Golf: Brendie Rockholt
Coach: Hayden Wagers
Community Contributor: Ray Broadrick
Team Recognition: 1967 State Championship Football Team
The Hall of Fame was established in 2024 to recognize outstanding achievements and lifelong dedication to Dalton athletics. Inductees will be permanently honored on the Dalton High School Athletics Hall of Fame website and at a dedicated display on campus.
https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2492727
Following a memorable induction banquet last night, Dalton High School will continue celebrating its 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame Class this evening at the Catamountsā final home football game.
The second annual Hall of Fame festivities have already brought together dozens of alumni, coaches, and community supporters to honor those who have shaped Dalton athletics through excellence, leadership, and lifelong commitment.
āOur Hall of Fame weekend showcases what makes Dalton special,ā said Ryan Richards, Athletic Director. āSeeing generations of Catamounts reconnect and celebrate these incredible individuals reminds us that our tradition of excellence is alive and well.ā
Tonightās Celebration:
Inductees will be formally introduced to the community during halftime, with special recognition for the 1967 State Championship Football Team. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to join in the celebration and show their Catamount pride.
2025 Hall of Fame Inductees:
Football: Bill Mitchell, Joe Bill Faith
Wrestling: Hosea Lampley
Boys Basketball: Bernard Betton, Jimmy Howell
Girls Basketball: Mimi Crenshaw
Baseball: Matthew Boggs
Swimming: Jonathan Rehberg
Soccer: Kobe Perez
Boys Track: Joseph King
Girls Golf: Brendie Rockholt
Coach: Hayden Wagers
Community Contributor: Ray Broadrick
Team Recognition: 1967 State Championship Football Team
The Hall of Fame was established in 2024 to recognize outstanding achievements and lifelong dedication to Dalton athletics. Inductees will be permanently honored on the Dalton High School Athletics Hall of Fame website and at a dedicated display on campus.
https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2492727
Classroom Spotlight: Lili De Haro, ESOL EIP Teacher at Park Creek School
Mrs. Deharoās students have been mastering how to spell one-syllable and multisyllable words featuring a variety of syllable types. This weekās focus: Words with the Long A sound ā ai, ay, and ea!
Part of their engaging SAVVAS curriculum, this work helps students strengthen foundational spelling and reading skills.
Mrs. Deharoās students have been mastering how to spell one-syllable and multisyllable words featuring a variety of syllable types. This weekās focus: Words with the Long A sound ā ai, ay, and ea!
Part of their engaging SAVVAS curriculum, this work helps students strengthen foundational spelling and reading skills.
North Georgia Art Fair: A Showcase of Creativity and Learning
Students from Dalton Public Schools are proudly representing their schools at the North Georgia Art Fair, and their work is nothing short of incredible! Out of 227 entries, our students brought home 82 winning pieces, and one stunning artwork from Dalton High School earned Best in Show.
What makes this moment special isnāt just whatās hanging on the walls, itās everything that happened in the classrooms long before the fair even opened.
Our art teachers pour an incredible amount of time, planning, and instructional support into these projects. They guide students through learning new techniques, help them refine their skills, and create spaces where creativity is encouraged and confidence can grow.
These projects represent more than artistic talent, they reflect hard work, intentional teaching, and the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to create.
Our Teaching and Learning Department is proud to support the growth and success of the arts across Dalton Public Schoolsāempowering teachers with the resources and collaboration they need to inspire creativity and foster excellence in every classroom.
Our students joined creative peers from Whitfield and Murray counties to showcase the incredible talent and imagination found across North Georgiaāproof that art truly connects and inspires us all.
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing art teachers for the time, care, and instruction they pour into their classrooms every day. And to our community, we encourage you to come see the incredible work our students have on display. Their talent and dedication shine through every piece! āØ
Art Teachers:
Julie Haro: Blue Ridge School
Renee Mahan and Jake King: Brookwood Elementary
Jo Damasch and Jessie Vazquez: City Park Panthers
Adam Sandford: Park Creek School - Serving, Learning, Leading
Sara Stevens: Roan School
Megan Walker: Westwood Elementary Wildcats
Hilary McWilliams: Hammond Creek Middle School
Cassie Richards: Dalton Junior High School
Melissa McLaughlin: The Dalton Academy
Mat Sane, Kristi Harvey, and Ree Lambert: Dalton High School Catamounts
Students from Dalton Public Schools are proudly representing their schools at the North Georgia Art Fair, and their work is nothing short of incredible! Out of 227 entries, our students brought home 82 winning pieces, and one stunning artwork from Dalton High School earned Best in Show.
What makes this moment special isnāt just whatās hanging on the walls, itās everything that happened in the classrooms long before the fair even opened.
Our art teachers pour an incredible amount of time, planning, and instructional support into these projects. They guide students through learning new techniques, help them refine their skills, and create spaces where creativity is encouraged and confidence can grow.
These projects represent more than artistic talent, they reflect hard work, intentional teaching, and the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to create.
Our Teaching and Learning Department is proud to support the growth and success of the arts across Dalton Public Schoolsāempowering teachers with the resources and collaboration they need to inspire creativity and foster excellence in every classroom.
Our students joined creative peers from Whitfield and Murray counties to showcase the incredible talent and imagination found across North Georgiaāproof that art truly connects and inspires us all.
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing art teachers for the time, care, and instruction they pour into their classrooms every day. And to our community, we encourage you to come see the incredible work our students have on display. Their talent and dedication shine through every piece! āØ
Art Teachers:
Julie Haro: Blue Ridge School
Renee Mahan and Jake King: Brookwood Elementary
Jo Damasch and Jessie Vazquez: City Park Panthers
Adam Sandford: Park Creek School - Serving, Learning, Leading
Sara Stevens: Roan School
Megan Walker: Westwood Elementary Wildcats
Hilary McWilliams: Hammond Creek Middle School
Cassie Richards: Dalton Junior High School
Melissa McLaughlin: The Dalton Academy
Mat Sane, Kristi Harvey, and Ree Lambert: Dalton High School Catamounts
Celebrating culture and community! Hammond Creek Middleās Social Studies Department recently hosted its first-ever Hispanic Heritage Month panel, where students learned from local leaders about their experiences and contributions. Thank you to all who made this special event possible!
Weāre proud of our students and staff who took part in National Walk & Bike to School Day! š
This nationwide event encourages healthy habits, promotes safety, and builds community as families and students walk or bike together. Check out these great photos from Roan School and Brookwood showing smiles, movement, and school spirit in action!
This nationwide event encourages healthy habits, promotes safety, and builds community as families and students walk or bike together. Check out these great photos from Roan School and Brookwood showing smiles, movement, and school spirit in action!










During the October 13 Board of Education meeting, the Dalton Board of Education celebrated several outstanding achievements across the district.
The Board recognized Blue Ridge School for receiving the PBIS Distinguished Award, the Dalton High School Theatre Program for being selected for the Fox Theatreās 2025ā26 All-Access Pass Program, and the DPS Communications Department for earning NSPRA Golden Achievement Awards.
We congratulate all honorees for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence in Dalton Public Schools.
The Board recognized Blue Ridge School for receiving the PBIS Distinguished Award, the Dalton High School Theatre Program for being selected for the Fox Theatreās 2025ā26 All-Access Pass Program, and the DPS Communications Department for earning NSPRA Golden Achievement Awards.
We congratulate all honorees for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence in Dalton Public Schools.
