Dalton, GA – Several Dalton Public Schools have been recognized by the Georgia Department of Education for their efforts in supporting cursive writing instruction, as part of the 2024–2025 John Hancock Awards program.
Brookwood Elementary School received the John Hancock Banner and Ribbon of Distinction, the highest level of recognition in the program. This award is given to schools where at least 90% of students demonstrate the ability to write both their name and the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution in cursive.
Additionally, the following schools were awarded the John Hancock Banner and Proficiency Ribbon, which recognizes schools where 90% or more of students can write their name in cursive:
Blue Ridge Elementary School
City Park Elementary School
Dalton Junior High School
Hammond Creek Middle School
Park Creek School
Roan School
The Dalton Academy
Westwood School
“We’re happy to see so many of our schools recognized for their focus on cursive writing as part of a well-rounded literacy program,” said Dr. Steven Craft, Superintendent of Dalton Public Schools. “These awards reflect the commitment of our educators to helping students build foundational skills that support learning across subjects.”
About the John Hancock Awards
The Georgia Department of Education created the John Hancock Awards to highlight schools that demonstrate strong cursive writing instruction. Cursive writing, which remains part of Georgia’s English Language Arts standards, is linked to improved fine motor skills, literacy development, and the ability to engage with historical texts in their original form.
More than 300 schools across the state applied for the award during the 2024–2025 school year. Of those, 93 earned the Ribbon of Distinction and 188 received the Proficiency Ribbon.
“We appreciate the recognition from the Georgia Department of Education,” Dr. Craft added. “It encourages our ongoing efforts to build strong academic foundations for all students.”