Dalton Public Schools -

Dalton Public Schools -

A performer seen from behind wearing a red ringmaster's coat and top hat stands on stage facing an indoor arena crowd. The audience in the bleachers holds up phone flashlights, creating dozens of bright spots of light across the dim room. Below to the left, a yellow jaguar mascot costume is visible among the spectators.

The Greatest Show in Education: Dalton Public Schools Celebrates a Spectacular 2026–2027 Kickoff at Convocation

Ashley Grycz

July 31, 2026

Dalton, GA. — Dalton Public Schools officially welcomed back faculty, staff, and administrators for the 2026–2027 academic year during its annual Employee Convocation at Dalton High School, kicking off the new school year with unmatched energy, enthusiasm, and district pride.

Embracing this year’s theme, "The Greatest Show in Education," the event celebrated the district’s dedicated educators and staff, highlighting their central role in guiding, inspiring, and performing extraordinary work for Dalton's students every day.

The presentation of colors was conducted by The Dalton Academy JROTC cadets: Cadet Jelissa Caro, Cadet Julian Chairez, Cadet Juan Lopez, and Cadet Heidi Dela Cruz, under the leadership of First Sergeant Eugene Jackson and Captain Bill Jinwright.

Staff were treated to a performance by the Employee Chorus, a cherished tradition that continues to bring joy and harmony to this special event. 

In what has quickly become a favorite district tradition, elementary and secondary schools competed for the second year in a row for the coveted spirit belts, showcasing show-stopping enthusiasm and school pride.

After a series of unforgettable performances celebrating school pride and creativity, Park Creek School earned the Elementary Spirit Championship Belt with an innovative production built around the theme, "I Believe." Their performance captivated the audience through the creative use of video, synchronized flashlights, and powerful storytelling, delivering a truly memorable experience that went above and beyond.

In the secondary division, Hammond Creek Middle School successfully defended its title, capturing the Secondary Spirit Championship Belt for an impressive third consecutive year. Their moving performance featured current students alongside graduating seniors, symbolically passing the torch from one generation of leaders to the next while rallying the crowd around the powerful chant, "Our Legacy," a testament to the school's enduring culture, pride, and tradition of excellence.

Superintendent Dr. Steven Craft delivered an inspiring address that celebrated student achievements while setting high expectations for the year ahead, rallying staff around a shared vision of collaboration, instructional clarity, and excellence across every school.

"Our educators and support staff bring magic, passion, and dedication to our classrooms every single day," said Dr. Steven Craft. “"When you look at the incredible momentum building across our district—our student wins, our culture, and our commitment to excellence—it’s clear that something extraordinary is happening in Dalton. 'The Greatest Show in Education' is a celebration of our people. Every single employee, from the classroom to central office, plays a vital role in supporting our students, and I couldn't be prouder to lead this team into another school year."

Also in attendance was the Dalton Education Foundation, which proudly announced its 2026-2027 grant recipients. The Foundation continues to support educators in their pursuit of innovation and excellence, investing in projects that positively impact teaching and learning. 

Click here for a full list of grant recipients.

Dalton Public Schools extends its sincere gratitude to the local businesses, community partners, and sponsors who supported this year’s convocation and helped kick off the 2026–2027 school year with tremendous excitement:

Georgia United Credit Union, Ford of Dalton, First Student, CWC, J.W. Buckley & Associates, Carnes & Company CPA, SmithBuilt Construction Group, H.E. Hodge & Company, Maryville Jewelers of Dalton, and McCamy Law Firm!

Highlighting the district's strong community partnerships, Jason Denson, Co-Owner & Dealer Principal, took the stage to address the crowd and celebrate the hard work of DPS educators. Capping off his remarks, Denson presented a giant key for a new car to the District Teacher of the Year—symbolizing a complimentary one-year vehicle lease from Ford of Dalton in a generous tradition that showcases the dealership's deep commitment to honoring local teachers.

2026 Teachers of the Year: 

  • Blue Ridge School: Angie Edwards

  • Brookwood School: Shea McFadden

  • City Park School: Kimberly Jimenez

  • Dalton High School: Cody Smith

  • Dalton Junior High School: Selena Rios

  • Hammond Creek Middle School: Yebel Garcia

  • Park Creek School: Briana Cloud

  • Roan School: Nadxelly Ramirez

  • The Dalton Academy: Katie Sloan

  • Westwood School: JJ  Anderson

2026 Classified Staff Members of the Year: 

  • Blue Ridge School: Tiffany Seiber

  • Brookwood School: Jacque Medina

  • City Park School: Kassie Ayers

  • Dalton High School: Leslie Felix

  • Dalton Junior High School: Norma Rodriguez

  • Hammond Creek Middle School: Aracely Hernandez

  • Park Creek School: Catherine Virgen

  • Roan School: Mike Kolbas

  • The Dalton Academy: Kim Smyth

  • Westwood School: Kim Crane

Special recognition goes to: 

  • District Classified Staff Member of the Year: Kassie Ayers, City Park School.

  • District Teacher of the Year: JJ  Anderson, Westwood School.

As the lights dim on convocation and the real magic begins in the classroom, the event serves as an inspiring reminder of the district’s united commitment to excellence, passion, and championing the potential of every child.