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 2025–26 school year through three flexible programs:
•Apex: For motivated, academically strong students ready to accelerate their education, graduate early, or explore college and career opportunities at their own pace.
•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.
•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 experience—grounded in connection, accountability, and student success.
Learn more by visiting our website: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/o/cas
Happy Administrative Professionals Day! 🌟
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 — known as the Shuler Hensley Awards — 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 Broadway’s Tony Awards, the Shuler Awards recognize outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre. The DHS Players’ 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 – Dalton High School Players
Scenic Design – Matthew Sane (DHS Art Teacher) & Alana Sane (DHS Drama Teacher)
Direction – Alana Sane
Leading Actor – Hayden Poe (DHS Senior)
Leading Actress – Kinsley Stephens (DHS Senior)
Read more! https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2159799
Photo Credit: Photo by Ben Rose/www.BenRosePhotography.com
Caitlin Autry Named The Dalton Academy’s Teacher of the Year
Dalton Public Schools is proud to recognize Caitlin Autry as The Dalton Academy’s Teacher of the Year. A passionate science teacher and dedicated educator, Autry brings energy, innovation, and heart to everything she does—both inside the classroom and beyond.
Autry says her desire to become a teacher began at an early age. “My earliest memory as a child growing up was my desire to be a teacher,” she shared. “My 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.”
Read more on our website! DaltonPublicSchools.com
The Dalton Academy JROTC Earns Top Honors Again!
We’re proud to announce that The Dalton Academy’s JROTC program has once again achieved the Honor Unit with Distinction (HUD) Gold Star — the highest rating awarded by the U.S. Army Cadet Command — 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.
“Earning and maintaining the HUD is not easy—it takes discipline, teamwork, and a genuine passion for leadership and service,” said CPT (R) Bill Jinright, Senior Army Instructor.
Cadet Battalion Commander Sergio Diaz added, “It’s more than just a yellow star—it shows how determined and hardworking the team is, even in the face of difficulties.”
Congratulations to our incredible cadets and instructors! Your hard work and resilience continue to make The Dalton Academy proud.
🔗 Read more about this honor and the cadets’ journey here: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2158964
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!
📚 In these photos, mentor reading buddies from Engineered Floors are sharing stories with their young buddies—just 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
City Park Elementary Wins 2024 SSAS Bronze Award! 🐾
We’re 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 Governor’s Office of Student Achievement!
This honor recognizes the school’s exceptional growth in student achievement and places City Park in the top 7% of schools across Georgia for academic progress.
“This award is a true testament to the hard work of our teachers, staff, students, and families,” said Dr. Steven Craft, Superintendent of Dalton Public Schools.
Principal Kim Rhyne added, “Our students are demonstrating remarkable growth and success. This award shows our community that we are providing Endless PAWSibilities for all our students.”
Read more here: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2157317
Congratulations to Veronica Sandoval! 🎉
We’re 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, she’ll help lead the charge in protecting our digital infrastructure across the district.
We’re proud to have her on our team!
Read more here: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2157230
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!
The Dalton High School Catamount Boys Soccer Team recently made a special visit to Brookwood School, where they greeted students and opened car doors during morning drop-off. What an awesome way to lead by example and connect with the community!
Melanie Franey Named Dalton High School Classified Staff Member of the Year
Dalton, GA —Dalton Public Schools is proud to recognize Melanie Franey as Dalton High School’s Classified Staff Member of the Year.
Franey, a Media Center Paraprofessional, has been an integral part of the Dalton High School media team for 19 years. Known for her dedication and connection with students, Franey helps foster a love of reading, supports students with their studies and projects, and assists both students and staff with technology needs.
This is not her first recognition—Franey was also named Dalton High School’s Classified Staff Member of the Year in 2022 and received the Dale Cook Support Educator of the Year award in 2023.
Beyond her daily responsibilities, Franey is known for building strong relationships with students that go beyond academics. Most DHS students know her by name and often turn to her for support. She is also a familiar face at the entrance gate during sporting events, where she connects with students and families. Her presence and support are felt across campus and at extracurricular events throughout the year.
Franey is considered one of the go-to people at Dalton High School, and the district is proud to honor her continued impact and service.
DaltonPublicSchools.com
The competition was fierce today as all six of our elementary schools competed in the district elementary track championship!
A big shoutout to the Carpet Capital Running Club for their generous support without which this event wouldn't have been possible. Gratitude is also extended to our student athletes from Dalton High School and The Dalton Academy and volunteers for their invaluable assistance and mentorship throughout the day.
Special thanks are also due to Jeff Talley, the coordinator extraordinaire from City Park, and to Hannah Talley for her spirited emceeing!
Reminder
📌 Friday, April 18: Student & Staff Holiday – No school for students and staff.
📌 Monday, April 21: Virtual Learning Day – Students will complete assignments from home.
We look forward to seeing our students back in class on Tuesday, April 22!
Dalton Public Schools Announces Terrence Little as Assistant Principal at Hammond Creek Middle School
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce Terrence Little as the new Assistant Principal at Hammond Creek Middle School.
Little has worked in education since 2018, joining the team at Dalton Middle School in 2020 before moving to Hammond Creek at its opening in 2021. As a dedicated educator and leader, he has played an important role in shaping the school’s culture and supporting student success.
“Being here since day one, the chance to be an Assistant Principal means a lot,” said Little. “I'm really excited to keep building a school where everyone feels like they belong and promote an environment where everyone who walks through the doors can grow!”
“Terrence has been a valued member of the Hammond Creek team since its opening, and we are excited to see him take on this new leadership role,” said Dr. Steven Craft, Superintendent of Dalton Public Schools. “His commitment to students, staff, and the school community is evident in everything he does. We look forward to the positive impact he will continue to make as Assistant Principal.”
Dalton Public Schools is excited to see Little take on this new leadership role and continue his work to make Hammond Creek Middle School a welcoming and inspiring place for students, staff, and families.
The Georgia Mobile Dairy Classroom recently visited our kindergartners at Blue Ridge School, giving them a fun, hands-on lesson about dairy cows, how milk is produced, and how cows are milked—an unforgettable day of learning and discovery! 🐄🥛📚
A Sweet New Arrival for Dalton’s Teacher of the Year!
2024 Dalton Teacher of the Year, Zach Clifton, and his wife Morgan just welcomed their first child, baby Blair, into the world! Zach was proud to drive her home from the hospital in style—in the Ford Bronco he received from Ford of Dalton during our Annual Employee Convocation.
From cheering on the Dawgs to dazzling holiday lights, and now bringing their daughter home for the very first time, the Bronco has been part of some unforgettable milestones for the Cliftons.
We’re so grateful to Ford of Dalton for their continued support of our educators and for helping celebrate life’s biggest moments—on the road and in the classroom.
Congratulations to Zach and Morgan Clifton, and welcome to the world, baby Blair!
Dalia Santiago Named Westwood School’s Teacher of the Year
Dalton Public Schools is proud to recognize Dalia Santiago as Westwood School’s Teacher of the Year. A dedicated educator with a deep passion for teaching and service, Santiago has been a vital part of the Dalton community since 1997, bringing nearly three decades of experience and commitment to her students and school.
Read more on our website! DaltonPublicSchools.com
Happy National Assistant Principals Week! Today, we’re celebrating the incredible Assistant Principals who support our high school students. Your leadership, dedication, and commitment help shape the future of our students as they prepare for success beyond graduation. Thank you for all that you do! 🎓
Now hiring: Park Creek School is looking for a dedicated school nurse to join our team. Apply today at https://dalton.schoolspring.com.
