
Ely Brackett Named Dale Cook Support Educator of the Year
Dalton, GA — Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Ely Brackett has been named the 2025 recipient of the Dale Cook Support Educator of the Year Award, presented by the Dalton Education Foundation.
This distinguished recognition honors support staff who make significant contributions to the educational environment and champion excellence in teaching and student learning across the district.
Brackett has served Dalton Public Schools for the past four years as the Administrative Assistant for Teaching and Learning and the Dalton Education Foundation. Her role touches nearly every corner of the district, supporting students, educators, administrators, and families through her exceptional dedication and multifaceted responsibilities.
From coordinating major events like the Young Georgia Authors celebration and Annual Art Fair to managing scholarships, grants, and awards for the Foundation, Brackett ensures the smooth execution of initiatives that enrich student experiences.
She also provides critical Spanish translation and interpretation services for families across the district, supports literacy programs like Dalton Reads, and helps organize academic competitions, teacher professional development logistics, and community outreach events.
Reflecting on the honor, Brackett shared, "I’m deeply honored and humbled to have been selected for this award. I truly feel blessed to work alongside such a supportive and uplifting group of people who make me feel valued every single day."
The Dale Cook Support Educator of the Year Award celebrates individuals like Brackett who embody the spirit of service and a commitment to supporting high-quality education in Dalton. Her dedication exemplifies the values that strengthen the Dalton Public School System and positively impact countless lives.
For more information about the Dalton Education Foundation or the Dale Cook Award, please visit https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/page/dalton-education-foundation.

It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our soon-to-be graduates!
Today we’re featuring The Dalton Academy graduate. Doris Moore.
At The Dalton Academy Doris played basketball for four years, volleyball for one, and ran track for four years. This past year she also joined the Black Students Alliance. Her greatest achievement in high school was being the only only girl to make sectionals on the track team. After graduation she plans to join the National Guard and go to school for nursing.
Way to go!


This Friday is the last day of school, and we’re sending students into summer with an early release across the district.
Early Release Times:
Elementary Schools: 12:15 PM
Hammond Creek Middle & Dalton Junior High: 11:30 AM
The Dalton Academy & Dalton High: 10:45 AM
Thank you for an amazing year of learning, growing, and achieving. Enjoy a well-earned summer break — you’ve earned it!


A Full Circle Moment 🎓
Before stepping onto the graduation stage, seniors from Dalton High School and The Dalton Academy took part in a cherished tradition—walking the halls of their former elementary schools. This meaningful journey brings smiles, cheers, and even a few tears as graduates reconnect with their roots, inspire younger students, and reunite with former teachers.
Swipe through to see highlights from this week’s senior walks!











Dalton Public Schools is proud to offer free lunch for all children 18 and under from June 2 to July 24 as part of our Summer Nutrition Program.
No registration required. Just stop by and enjoy a healthy meal.
Find more information and view summer meal locations here: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/page/summer-feeding-program


DaltonReads! is back with our Summer Book Giveaways!
Adventure awaits—come pick up a FREE book and keep your child’s love of reading going all summer long!
📚 Giveaway Dates & Locations (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM):
Thursday, June 12
Mack Gaston Community Center (218 N. Fredrick Street)
Thursday, June 19
Civitan Park (330 N Tibbs Road)
Thursday, June 26
Westwood School (708 Trammell Street)
Thursday, July 10
Beechland Round House (1013 Underwood Street)
Thursday, July 17
Veterans Park (901 Veterans Drive)
Swing by any of our locations to grab a book and join the reading fun with DaltonReads!



What a way to kick off summer!
Dalton Public Schools 2nd graders celebrated the season with two unforgettable Reading Rallies filled with inspiration, excitement, and the joy of books! Students heard encouraging messages from district leaders, student-athletes, and special guest Malcolm Mitchell, who shared how learning to read changed his life.
Every student received a personal copy of Malcolm’s book 'Hey Georgia' and followed along as it was read aloud, hanging on every word. A few lucky students even had the chance to join in fun activities—from tossing the football to answering questions for signed books!
We are incredibly grateful to our community partners for helping us create such meaningful literacy moments. The energy, enthusiasm, and love for reading were truly contagious!
#DaltonReads

We couldn’t wrap up the school year without celebrating our amazing C3 Team! These talented students placed 5th at the regional Odyssey of the Mind tournament in Flowery Branch, earning a spot at the State Tournament at Columbus State University!
Join us in recognizing team members:
Nora Blackwell (BW)
Madison Fraire (BW)
Sadie McKeehan (WW)
Lucy O'Gwin (BW)
Maliha Patel (WW)
Mary Lois Thompson (BW) – who contributed at regionals!
While they didn’t advance to Worlds, this team represented Dalton with pride and demonstrated outstanding creativity, collaboration, and perseverance. Way to go, C3!





It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our soon-to-be graduates!
Today we’re featuring Dalton High School, Lilli Sharp.
Lilli was involved in the Dalton High School drama club all four years and served as the club’s treasurer her junior year. Her greatest accomplishments as a student at Dalton High school include: winning State Literary competition for personal essay writing twice, writing an original musical with her friend Ellis Stephens, composing three Orchestral works, and conducting the world premiere of her piece, “Nostalgia,” for the DHS Wind Ensemble. Lilli will be attending UGA in the fall as a student in the school of music.
Way to go!


Celebrating National Speech Language Pathologist Day!
Today, we express our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) of Dalton Public Schools. Their dedication and expertise play a crucial role in supporting our students' communication and learning.
Let's honor and thank our amazing SLPs:
Delise Bravo-Bussey
Carly Burgess
Blakely Cobb
Emily Lewis
Addison Matter
Colby Robertson
Mary Scalise
Courtney Smith
Demi Snyder
Rhonda Swaney
Kate Yarbrough
Thank you for your unwavering commitment and the positive impact you have on our students' lives!


It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our soon-to-be graduates!
Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate, Eyasu Evans.
Eyasu is proud to be a Scholar Athlete, having participated in football, basketball, and track at DHS. He was also inducted into the National Honors Society. In the fall Eyasu plans to pursue a Bachelors in Science and Nursing from Kennesaw State University.
Way to go!


Since 2019, the Don Amonett Cup has recognized outstanding school spirit and participation across Dalton Public Schools. Named in honor of longtime educator and proud Dalton native Don Amonett, this prestigious award celebrates the school that goes above and beyond in engaging with district-wide events and initiatives throughout the year.
We’re proud to announce that the 2024–2025 winner of the Don Amonett Cup is Westwood Elementary! Please join us in congratulating them on this well-deserved recognition.


It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our soon-to-be graduates!
Today we’re featuring The Dalton Academy graduate, Jessica Escutia.
Jessica is proud to have been part of National Honors Society, the basketball team, the track team, and to have participated in Dual Enrollment while attending The Dalton Academy. Her greatest achievement in High School was being the First student to pursue the Logistics and Supply Chain Management program at GNTC.
Way to go!


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


It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our soon-to-be graduates!
Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate, CenCen Wan.
Cencen is proud to have achieved a perfect SAT score, attended Governors Honors Program, & to have participated in a variety of extracurriculars. She participated in Beta Club, the United Way Youth Council, color guard, literary, & lacrosse during her time at DHS. Cencen will be attending Princeton University in the fall.
Way to go!


READY TO LEARN THIS SUMMER?
Dalton Public Schools Summer School 2025 is here!
If you're looking to catch up, get ahead, or stay on track, summer school is the perfect opportunity. Flexible schedules, supportive staff, and a focused learning environment—designed for student success.
LOCATION: The Annex (105 N. Thornton Ave.)
DATES: June 2 – July 10 (Mondays through Thursdays only)
HOURS:
Morning Session: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Afternoon Session: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
COST:
$150 per full credit
$100 per 0.5 credit
$200 per initial credit
(Initial credit requires counselor or administrator approval)
Payment is due at registration (cash or check only)
REGISTRATION:
The Annex
Wednesday, May 28 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Thursday, May 29 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Take charge of your education this summer. Make it count.



REMINDER: Dalton Public Schools to Host Summer Learning Kickoff Event
May 15, 2025 | 5–6 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 children’s 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



SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS: Please join us in congratulating Lily Bearden, Class of 2025, on completing her first solo flight out of Calhoun Airport (CZL) this past week!
Lily has been flying alongside her father since 7th grade and officially began pursuing her pilot’s license this February. Now, after completing her solo flight, she’s cleared to take to the skies solo in her plane — affectionately named "Dorthy" — a Grumman AA-1 decked out in none other than DHS colors!
She’ll continue logging flight hours toward earning her Private Pilot’s License before heading off to college this fall. We couldn’t be prouder of this high-flying Catamount!



It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our soon-to-be graduates!
Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate, Cristobal Marquez.
As a Dalton High School Student Cristobal has been the National Honors Society President, Marching Band Drum Major, National Beta Club Vice President, and a HOSA officer among other things. He will be attending the University of Southern California as a Pre-Med student, aiming to become a doctor.
Way to go!


Happy School Communicators Day!
At Dalton Public Schools, we’re incredibly proud of our team of school communicators who go above and beyond each day! Not only do they shine in their regular roles, but they also serve as dedicated Webmasters and Publicists, ensuring our families stay informed and connected. Whether it’s highlighting student success, sharing school events, or showcasing the everyday magic happening in our classrooms — they make it happen!
Help us celebrate this awesome team:
Anna Collins — Blue Ridge School
Emily Carpenter — Brookwood School
Hannah Talley — City Park School
Mary Carlson — Park Creek School
Jerre Leonard & Emily Elliott — Roan School
Gaby Hefner — Westwood School






