What an incredible turnout for the 2025 Dalton High School Homecoming Parade! Our community came together to celebrate school spirit and this year’s theme, “Catamounts Through the Ages.”
From creative floats to cheering fans lining the streets, today was the perfect kickoff to an unforgettable Homecoming weekend.
From creative floats to cheering fans lining the streets, today was the perfect kickoff to an unforgettable Homecoming weekend.
Dalton Public Schools’ Culture and Climate Committee has officially started its work for the 2025–26 school year!
This districtwide team is made up of representatives from every school and key departments, working together to strengthen our culture and climate. Their focus centers on our four core principles:
✅ Champion for Students
✅ Expecting Excellence
✅ Carrying the Banner
✅ Being a Merchant of Hope
The committee collaborates to ensure that our schools are connected, unified, and intentional about building a positive environment for students, staff, and families.
➡️ Read more about the committee’s work in our latest article: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2434854
This districtwide team is made up of representatives from every school and key departments, working together to strengthen our culture and climate. Their focus centers on our four core principles:
✅ Champion for Students
✅ Expecting Excellence
✅ Carrying the Banner
✅ Being a Merchant of Hope
The committee collaborates to ensure that our schools are connected, unified, and intentional about building a positive environment for students, staff, and families.
➡️ Read more about the committee’s work in our latest article: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2434854
We are so proud of Hammond Creek Middle School Broadcasting and Communications Teacher Jennifer Barmore and Dalton Junior High School student Taylor Grace Amonett for presenting with PBS News Hour Student Reporting Labs at the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA) Conference!
They shared their experiences with the Student Voices Collective, highlighting how educators and students can grow through storytelling, overcome challenges, and use journalism to strengthen civic engagement and community connections.
They shared their experiences with the Student Voices Collective, highlighting how educators and students can grow through storytelling, overcome challenges, and use journalism to strengthen civic engagement and community connections.
Dalton Public Schools was proud to represent at The United Way of Northwest Georgia’s Annual Campaign Kickoff Trike Race.
Assistant Superintendent of Schools Lauri Johnson, Dalton High Principal Lee Collins, CTAE Director Rhett Parrott, and Hammond Creek Middle School Assistant Principal Terrance Little hopped on the trikes to race, while the Dalton High cheerleaders brought the spirit and cheered them on.
United Way works year-round to make a difference in our community, and Dalton Public Schools was excited to take part.
This year’s theme was Camp United: All Trails Lead to Impact. Dalton Public Schools joined in by sharing our DaltonReads! literacy initiative and giving away free books—because we believe there is adventure in every page.
#DaltonReads #CampUnited #UnitedWay
Assistant Superintendent of Schools Lauri Johnson, Dalton High Principal Lee Collins, CTAE Director Rhett Parrott, and Hammond Creek Middle School Assistant Principal Terrance Little hopped on the trikes to race, while the Dalton High cheerleaders brought the spirit and cheered them on.
United Way works year-round to make a difference in our community, and Dalton Public Schools was excited to take part.
This year’s theme was Camp United: All Trails Lead to Impact. Dalton Public Schools joined in by sharing our DaltonReads! literacy initiative and giving away free books—because we believe there is adventure in every page.
#DaltonReads #CampUnited #UnitedWay
During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Dalton Public Schools is highlighting the essential resources available in our community, ensuring students and families know where to find support when needed.
Hispanic Heritage Month Staff Spotlight: Ely Brackett 🌟
Teaching and Learning Specialist + Dalton Education Foundation Representative
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15), we’re proud to spotlight members of our DPS family who share their culture, values, and stories with our community.
What Hispanic Heritage Month means to Ely:
“It’s a celebration of where I come from and everything that’s shaped who I am. It reminds me of the strength of my family, the sacrifices they made, and the culture that raised me to work hard, love deeply, and never forget my roots. I carry all of that with me every day in how I work, how I treat people, and how I carry myself.”
How her culture shapes her work in education:
“I was that newcomer kid who didn’t speak English… That experience taught me empathy, resilience, and the power of simply having someone there to say, ‘I’ve got you.’ Because of that, I make it a point to be that person for our families… I want them to know they’re not alone.”
A value she’s proud to carry forward:
“Hard work. My parents sacrificed everything they knew to give me and my brothers a better life… Family is the most important thing we have, and I hope to instill those same values in my own children: work hard, stay grounded, and never forget where you come from.”
Thank you, Ely, for inspiring us with your story and your dedication to our students and families!
Teaching and Learning Specialist + Dalton Education Foundation Representative
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15), we’re proud to spotlight members of our DPS family who share their culture, values, and stories with our community.
What Hispanic Heritage Month means to Ely:
“It’s a celebration of where I come from and everything that’s shaped who I am. It reminds me of the strength of my family, the sacrifices they made, and the culture that raised me to work hard, love deeply, and never forget my roots. I carry all of that with me every day in how I work, how I treat people, and how I carry myself.”
How her culture shapes her work in education:
“I was that newcomer kid who didn’t speak English… That experience taught me empathy, resilience, and the power of simply having someone there to say, ‘I’ve got you.’ Because of that, I make it a point to be that person for our families… I want them to know they’re not alone.”
A value she’s proud to carry forward:
“Hard work. My parents sacrificed everything they knew to give me and my brothers a better life… Family is the most important thing we have, and I hope to instill those same values in my own children: work hard, stay grounded, and never forget where you come from.”
Thank you, Ely, for inspiring us with your story and your dedication to our students and families!
Classroom Spotlight: Students in Maddie Tighe’s class at Westwood School have been hard at work during their math block! They’ve been practicing adding doubles and near doubles, sharpening their number sense and building confidence as mathematicians. Way to go, Wildcats!
SCHEDULE REMINDER: Dalton High School’s Homecoming 2025 kicks off this Friday, September 19 with a full day of events:
📣 Pep Session – 9:45 AM
🚗 Parade – 3:15 PM (leaving DHS parking lot by 3:00 PM)
👑 Coronation – Halftime of the football game
🏆 Spirit Stick – Between 3rd & 4th quarters
And don’t forget the Homecoming Dance on Saturday, September 20 from 7–10 PM!
This year’s theme is “Catamounts Through the Ages." DHS students have been hard at work decorating the halls to bring the theme to life, and we’ve got some fun behind-the-scenes photos to share with you.
Reunion Classes: 1975, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2015.
📣 Pep Session – 9:45 AM
🚗 Parade – 3:15 PM (leaving DHS parking lot by 3:00 PM)
👑 Coronation – Halftime of the football game
🏆 Spirit Stick – Between 3rd & 4th quarters
And don’t forget the Homecoming Dance on Saturday, September 20 from 7–10 PM!
This year’s theme is “Catamounts Through the Ages." DHS students have been hard at work decorating the halls to bring the theme to life, and we’ve got some fun behind-the-scenes photos to share with you.
Reunion Classes: 1975, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2015.
Schedule Reminder:
📌 Friday, September 19: Early Release Day
Elementary Schools: 12:15 PM
Hammond Creek Middle and Dalton Junior High: 11:30 AM
TDA and Dalton High: 10:45 AM
📌 Monday, September 22: Virtual Learning Day – Students will complete assignments from home.
We look forward to seeing our students back in class on Tuesday, September 23!
📌 Friday, September 19: Early Release Day
Elementary Schools: 12:15 PM
Hammond Creek Middle and Dalton Junior High: 11:30 AM
TDA and Dalton High: 10:45 AM
📌 Monday, September 22: Virtual Learning Day – Students will complete assignments from home.
We look forward to seeing our students back in class on Tuesday, September 23!
Jessica Barbosa Named The Dalton Academy’s 2024–2025 Classified Staff Member of the Year
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Jessica Barbosa has been named The Dalton Academy’s 2024–2025 Classified Staff Member of the Year. Barbosa, who currently serves as the school’s bookkeeper, has been with Dalton Public Schools for more than 20 years, bringing consistency, compassion, and leadership to every role she has held.
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2421157
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Jessica Barbosa has been named The Dalton Academy’s 2024–2025 Classified Staff Member of the Year. Barbosa, who currently serves as the school’s bookkeeper, has been with Dalton Public Schools for more than 20 years, bringing consistency, compassion, and leadership to every role she has held.
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2421157
National Arts in Education Week Spotlight
This week, we’re shining a light on Mr. Adam Sanford’s classroom at Park Creek School! His students have been exploring digital landscapes, focusing on creating light-to-dark layers to bring depth into their work.
Their vocabulary word of the week was “Values” — which, in digital art, refers to the range of lightness and darkness in a piece. By learning how values impact mood and contrast, students are building strong foundations in both technique and creativity.
We are excited to share that several of these incredible student artworks will be submitted to the local fair for judging. Please join us in celebrating their hard work and talent during National Arts in Education Week!
#NationalArtsInEducationWeek
This week, we’re shining a light on Mr. Adam Sanford’s classroom at Park Creek School! His students have been exploring digital landscapes, focusing on creating light-to-dark layers to bring depth into their work.
Their vocabulary word of the week was “Values” — which, in digital art, refers to the range of lightness and darkness in a piece. By learning how values impact mood and contrast, students are building strong foundations in both technique and creativity.
We are excited to share that several of these incredible student artworks will be submitted to the local fair for judging. Please join us in celebrating their hard work and talent during National Arts in Education Week!
#NationalArtsInEducationWeek
Happy National IT Professionals Day!
Today, we celebrate our incredible DPS Technology Team for their dedication, expertise, and commitment to keeping our systems running smoothly. From solving tech challenges to ensuring our classrooms stay connected, you make a difference every single day for our staff and students.
Below, you’ll find the amazing individuals who support IT in one way or another — each playing a vital role in making technology work for all of us.
Amado Barragan — Technician City Park
Benjamin Sumilong — ESS
Blake Walden — Technician Brookwood
Blanca Guzman — Enrollment
Deborah Ohearon — Enrollment
Kendall Jordan — Enrollment
Michelle Long — Enrollment
Rosa Lopez — Enrollment
Yanet Hernandez — Enrollment
Janet Hewitt — Instructional Technology
Kellie Erwin Director — Instructional Technology
Rachel Bray — Instructional Technology
Stuart Davis — Technology
Jacob Fields — Technician HCMS
Derrick Hart — Technology Specialist
Irene Jones — Technology
Jason Prock — Technology Specialist
Jorge Miranda — Network Administrator
Mike Leonard — Technology Specialist
Tyler Lipsey — Technology Specialist WW
Veronica Sandoval — Technology Specialist
Kyle Ridley — Lead Technician Roan School
Lucas George — Technician DHS
Mykel Alexander — Technician DJHS / TDA
Tanya Zuniga — Technician Blue Ridge
Tim Beard — Technician Park Creek
Karen Mecyssine — Technology Specialist SNP
Anna Collins — Media Specialist
Annette Boreing — Media Specialist
Beth Mashburn — Media Specialist
Cathy Dalton — Media Specialist
Emily Carpenter — Media Specialist
Emily Elliott — Media Specialist
Hannah Higgins — Media Specialist
Hannah Talley — Media Specialist
Keri Faw — Media Specialist
Thank you for all you do — you are the backbone of our digital world!
Checking in on Dot Day celebrations!
We’re excited to share a few highlights from the first day of International Dot Day celebrations across Dalton Public Schools!
At City Park School, Dr. Christine Goldberg stopped by (wearing her Dot Day dress!) to visit Mr. Damasch’s art class, where students were hard at work on their Obliteration Room project, an activity inspired by artist Yayoi Kusama that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and making your mark in a shared space.
Over at Westwood School, the halls were bursting with color! Students explored augmented reality activities that brought their dots to life and proudly crafted Dot Day crowns, learning how art and technology can work together to spark imagination and self-expression.
These activities aren’t just fun—they help students embrace creativity, practice critical thinking, and discover the joy of learning through the arts.
Stay tuned the rest of this week as we continue to share more Dot Day and National Arts in Education Week moments from across our schools!
We’re excited to share a few highlights from the first day of International Dot Day celebrations across Dalton Public Schools!
At City Park School, Dr. Christine Goldberg stopped by (wearing her Dot Day dress!) to visit Mr. Damasch’s art class, where students were hard at work on their Obliteration Room project, an activity inspired by artist Yayoi Kusama that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and making your mark in a shared space.
Over at Westwood School, the halls were bursting with color! Students explored augmented reality activities that brought their dots to life and proudly crafted Dot Day crowns, learning how art and technology can work together to spark imagination and self-expression.
These activities aren’t just fun—they help students embrace creativity, practice critical thinking, and discover the joy of learning through the arts.
Stay tuned the rest of this week as we continue to share more Dot Day and National Arts in Education Week moments from across our schools!
Celebrating International Dot Day! 🌟
Today, Dalton Public Schools joins millions of students and educators around the world in celebrating International Dot Day—a day that encourages creativity, courage, and collaboration. Inspired by Peter H. Reynolds’ book The Dot, this celebration is about making your mark and seeing where it takes you.
This week also happens to be National Arts in Education Week, making it the perfect time to spotlight the creative spirit of our students and staff. Arts in education play a vital role in helping students express themselves, think critically, and connect with one another through creativity. Throughout the week, we’ll be highlighting classroom activities that showcase how our teachers and students are bringing imagination to life.
We’re also thrilled to share that a community photo display in honor of International Dot Day is now up and ready for use! Sponsored once again by Dr. Christine Goldberg, the display invites students, families, and community members to stop by, take a photo, and celebrate the power of creativity together. You can find it visible from Walnut Avenue near the Walgreens (at the corner of Judd Terrace and Walnut Avenue). The display will be available until September 16, so don’t miss your chance to “make your mark” and join the fun!
Today, Dalton Public Schools joins millions of students and educators around the world in celebrating International Dot Day—a day that encourages creativity, courage, and collaboration. Inspired by Peter H. Reynolds’ book The Dot, this celebration is about making your mark and seeing where it takes you.
This week also happens to be National Arts in Education Week, making it the perfect time to spotlight the creative spirit of our students and staff. Arts in education play a vital role in helping students express themselves, think critically, and connect with one another through creativity. Throughout the week, we’ll be highlighting classroom activities that showcase how our teachers and students are bringing imagination to life.
We’re also thrilled to share that a community photo display in honor of International Dot Day is now up and ready for use! Sponsored once again by Dr. Christine Goldberg, the display invites students, families, and community members to stop by, take a photo, and celebrate the power of creativity together. You can find it visible from Walnut Avenue near the Walgreens (at the corner of Judd Terrace and Walnut Avenue). The display will be available until September 16, so don’t miss your chance to “make your mark” and join the fun!
Today marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month! We are immensely proud of the rich diversity in our schools and community. Join us as we celebrate and honor the vibrant Hispanic heritage that contributes so much to our shared story!
This week, we’re celebrating National Finance and Accounting Appreciation Week! 🎉
Our dedicated finance and accounting team plays a vital role in ensuring the success of our district, keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. From managing budgets to ensuring resources are allocated where they’re needed most, their hard work supports our students, staff, and schools. Join us in thanking them for their dedication, accuracy, and commitment to excellence!
Join us in celebrating our finance team: Theresa Perry, Angela Macon, Kelley Lazo, Lisa Dobson, and Selena Garcia!
The Little Cats program officially launched its first classes of the 2025–2026 school year! This early learning program is designed for children who turn three on or before September 1 and provides both students and parents with a strong foundation for school readiness in Pre-K and Kindergarten. The curriculum emphasizes academic growth and social-emotional development, aligning with early learning standards.
This year’s opening lessons centered on building a literacy foundation through the beloved story Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. The colorful, rhythmic book introduces children to uppercase and lowercase letters as they climb a lively coconut tree. Teachers used the story’s playful illustrations and vocabulary to spark conversations, make connections to prior experiences, and expose students to print in meaningful ways.
Students rotated through two engaging small-group activities:
Literacy-Based Lesson – Each child recreated their name on a Chicka Chicka Boom Boom tree using crayons, pencils, and scissors. This activity built fine motor skills while helping students recognize and construct their names with letters.
STEM-Based Lesson – Students assembled a model coconut tree, labeling its parts. This hands-on experience combined fine motor practice with early science learning, reinforcing vocabulary and observation skills.
Both activities were designed to connect literacy with creativity, movement, and problem-solving,supporting the program’s mission to nurture curious, confident, and Pre-kindergarten-ready learners.
This year’s opening lessons centered on building a literacy foundation through the beloved story Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. The colorful, rhythmic book introduces children to uppercase and lowercase letters as they climb a lively coconut tree. Teachers used the story’s playful illustrations and vocabulary to spark conversations, make connections to prior experiences, and expose students to print in meaningful ways.
Students rotated through two engaging small-group activities:
Literacy-Based Lesson – Each child recreated their name on a Chicka Chicka Boom Boom tree using crayons, pencils, and scissors. This activity built fine motor skills while helping students recognize and construct their names with letters.
STEM-Based Lesson – Students assembled a model coconut tree, labeling its parts. This hands-on experience combined fine motor practice with early science learning, reinforcing vocabulary and observation skills.
Both activities were designed to connect literacy with creativity, movement, and problem-solving,supporting the program’s mission to nurture curious, confident, and Pre-kindergarten-ready learners.
Classroom Spotlight: Fifth graders in Mariela Vazquez’s class at Brookwood School recently transformed their room into an Earth Construction Zone!
Wearing yellow helmets and orange vests, students explored constructive and destructive processes that shape our planet. Using Chips Ahoy cookies, graham crackers, frosting, and chocolate chips, they modeled divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries—all inside a “caution-taped” construction zone!
Hands-on learning made science come alive as students discovered how the Earth is constantly changing beneath our feet.
Wearing yellow helmets and orange vests, students explored constructive and destructive processes that shape our planet. Using Chips Ahoy cookies, graham crackers, frosting, and chocolate chips, they modeled divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries—all inside a “caution-taped” construction zone!
Hands-on learning made science come alive as students discovered how the Earth is constantly changing beneath our feet.
Dalton Public Schools was proud to represent at the 2025 Greater Dalton Chamber Business Expo!
This year’s event highlighted the energy, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit that make our community thrive. It was a great opportunity to build relationships and celebrate all that makes Greater Dalton strong!
This year’s event highlighted the energy, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit that make our community thrive. It was a great opportunity to build relationships and celebrate all that makes Greater Dalton strong!
RECENTLY FEATURED IN THE DALTON DAILY CITIZEN: Check out the incredible student artwork from Roan School, lead by art teacher, Sara Stevens.
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!
