Dalton Public Schools -

Dalton High School Set to Celebrate Hall of Fame Inductees at Tonight’s Football Game

Following a memorable induction banquet last night, Dalton High School will continue celebrating its 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame Class this evening at the Catamounts’ final home football game.

The second annual Hall of Fame festivities have already brought together dozens of alumni, coaches, and community supporters to honor those who have shaped Dalton athletics through excellence, leadership, and lifelong commitment.

“Our Hall of Fame weekend showcases what makes Dalton special,” said Ryan Richards, Athletic Director. “Seeing generations of Catamounts reconnect and celebrate these incredible individuals reminds us that our tradition of excellence is alive and well.”

Tonight’s Celebration:
Inductees will be formally introduced to the community during halftime, with special recognition for the 1967 State Championship Football Team. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to join in the celebration and show their Catamount pride.

2025 Hall of Fame Inductees:
Football: Bill Mitchell, Joe Bill Faith
Wrestling: Hosea Lampley
Boys Basketball: Bernard Betton, Jimmy Howell
Girls Basketball: Mimi Crenshaw
Baseball: Matthew Boggs
Swimming: Jonathan Rehberg
Soccer: Kobe Perez
Boys Track: Joseph King
Girls Golf: Brendie Rockholt
Coach: Hayden Wagers
Community Contributor: Ray Broadrick
Team Recognition: 1967 State Championship Football Team

The Hall of Fame was established in 2024 to recognize outstanding achievements and lifelong dedication to Dalton athletics. Inductees will be permanently honored on the Dalton High School Athletics Hall of Fame website and at a dedicated display on campus.

https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2492727

Classroom Spotlight: Lili De Haro, ESOL EIP Teacher at Park Creek School

Mrs. Deharo’s students have been mastering how to spell one-syllable and multisyllable words featuring a variety of syllable types. This week’s focus: Words with the Long A sound — ai, ay, and ea!

Part of their engaging SAVVAS curriculum, this work helps students strengthen foundational spelling and reading skills.

North Georgia Art Fair: A Showcase of Creativity and Learning

Students from Dalton Public Schools are proudly representing their schools at the North Georgia Art Fair, and their work is nothing short of incredible! Out of 227 entries, our students brought home 82 winning pieces, and one stunning artwork from Dalton High School earned Best in Show.

What makes this moment special isn’t just what’s hanging on the walls, it’s everything that happened in the classrooms long before the fair even opened.

Our art teachers pour an incredible amount of time, planning, and instructional support into these projects. They guide students through learning new techniques, help them refine their skills, and create spaces where creativity is encouraged and confidence can grow.

These projects represent more than artistic talent, they reflect hard work, intentional teaching, and the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to create.

Our Teaching and Learning Department is proud to support the growth and success of the arts across Dalton Public Schools—empowering teachers with the resources and collaboration they need to inspire creativity and foster excellence in every classroom.

Our students joined creative peers from Whitfield and Murray counties to showcase the incredible talent and imagination found across North Georgia—proof that art truly connects and inspires us all.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing art teachers for the time, care, and instruction they pour into their classrooms every day. And to our community, we encourage you to come see the incredible work our students have on display. Their talent and dedication shine through every piece! ✨

Art Teachers:
Julie Haro: Blue Ridge School
Renee Mahan and Jake King: Brookwood Elementary
Jo Damasch and Jessie Vazquez: City Park Panthers
Adam Sandford: Park Creek School - Serving, Learning, Leading
Sara Stevens: Roan School
Megan Walker: Westwood Elementary Wildcats
Hilary McWilliams: Hammond Creek Middle School
Cassie Richards: Dalton Junior High School
Melissa McLaughlin: The Dalton Academy
Mat Sane, Kristi Harvey, and Ree Lambert: Dalton High School Catamounts

Celebrating culture and community! Hammond Creek Middle’s Social Studies Department recently hosted its first-ever Hispanic Heritage Month panel, where students learned from local leaders about their experiences and contributions. Thank you to all who made this special event possible!

We’re proud of our students and staff who took part in National Walk & Bike to School Day! 🌎

This nationwide event encourages healthy habits, promotes safety, and builds community as families and students walk or bike together. Check out these great photos from Roan School and Brookwood showing smiles, movement, and school spirit in action!

During the October 13 Board of Education meeting, the Dalton Board of Education celebrated several outstanding achievements across the district.

The Board recognized Blue Ridge School for receiving the PBIS Distinguished Award, the Dalton High School Theatre Program for being selected for the Fox Theatre’s 2025–26 All-Access Pass Program, and the DPS Communications Department for earning NSPRA Golden Achievement Awards.

We congratulate all honorees for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence in Dalton Public Schools.

Classroom Spotlight: Tiffany Thompson’s Yearbook students at Dalton Junior High School have been busy capturing memories! From analyzing surveys to snapping photos and designing creative layouts, these talented students are hard at work bringing the 2025–2026 yearbook to life.

Hispanic Heritage Month Staff Spotlight: Gabby Vasquez 🌟
ESS Paraprofessional, Park Creek School & Middle School Cheer Coach (6th–8th Grade)

As part of our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, we’re proud to highlight Dalton Public Schools staff whose stories, values, and dedication strengthen our community every day.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally or professionally?
"Hispanic Heritage Month means showing not only our schools but our communities that we are proud of our Hispanic community members and the diversity they bring to our town. I grew up in Dalton, and for a long time I didn’t see many kids who looked like me. As I got older, seeing more Hispanic students and families made me feel more at home and proud of who I am."

How has your culture influenced who you are today or how you approach your work in education?
"One of the values I carry from my heritage is a strong sense of family and unity that goes beyond our households. That value shows up in how I approach my work in education and coaching. I treat my students and athletes like family, and I always want them to feel seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are."

Thank you, Gabby, for inspiring students and athletes with your pride, positivity, and dedication!

Hispanic Heritage Month Staff Spotlight: Faviola Peña 🌟
6th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Hammond Creek Middle School

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re proud to highlight Dalton Public Schools staff whose culture and values help shape the learning experiences of our students.

What does Hispanic Heritage mean to you personally or professionally?
"In my Hispanic culture, family is everything, and it’s all about how everyone helps and supports each other. That idea of strong relationships is really at the center of who I am and how I work with my students. I try to build lasting relationships that are impactful inside and outside the classroom. I am someone they can count on and who wants to see them succeed."

Thank you, Faviola, for the impact you make on your students and for showing them the power of connection, trust, and support!

Roan School’s Media Specialist, Mrs. Emily Elliott, created a unique reading experience for her students through a PAGE grant-funded hammock garden. Students are now enjoying books and fresh air in this relaxing outdoor space. 🍁📚

📢 Enrollment Office Temporarily Moved

The Dalton Public Schools Enrollment Office has been temporarily moved to the lobby area of the City Park School Auditorium.

Families can visit this temporary location for student enrollment, document submission, and assistance.

We appreciate your patience and understanding!

📍 Temporary location: Lobby of the City Park School Auditorium
☎️ Need help? Call 706-876-4000

Hispanic Heritage Month Staff Spotlight: Cindy Hernandez 🌟
Communications Specialist

As part of our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, we’re highlighting Dalton Public Schools staff whose stories and traditions reflect the pride and values of our community.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally or professionally?
"Hispanic Heritage Month gives me a moment to pause and be thankful for the sacrifices and love passed down through generations. Growing up in a Mexican household, family was always at the center of everything. The food, the music, and the stories my grandparents would share about their childhood will always be a happy memory. Those stories taught me to never forget my roots and to always try my best in everything I do."

Thank you, Cindy, for sharing your story and for the positivity and dedication you bring to DPS every day!

ROAR Day: Undisputed Champions Edition brought Dalton Public Schools together for a day of learning, collaboration, and celebration!

On Friday, educators from across the district gathered at Hammond Creek Middle to connect, grow, and share ideas that strengthen the DPS community. With over 75 presenters and guest speakers—including representatives from the Georgia Department of Education, Modern Jane, OTUS, and others—ROAR Day offered a powerful opportunity to learn from one another and celebrate what makes Dalton Public Schools truly exceptional.

The day was filled with energy, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. DPS staff came together to exchange ideas, build new connections, and celebrate the passion and dedication that define our district. Together, our educators proved once again that when we step into the ring as one team, we are unstoppable. 🏆💪

Last week, Dalton Public Schools celebrated Georgia Pre-K Week with a series of special storytimes across our classrooms. Throughout the week, our youngest learners had the opportunity to listen to a variety of books read aloud, sparking their imagination and fostering a deeper love for reading.

These moments were filled with laughter, curiosity, and meaningful conversations as students connected with stories and discovered the joy that books can bring. Experiences like these highlight the importance of early literacy and its lasting impact on a child’s educational journey.

We are proud to provide our Pre-K students with opportunities that encourage a lifelong appreciation for learning, creativity, and exploration. Georgia Pre-K Week was a wonderful reminder of how powerful reading can be in shaping the minds and hearts of our future learners.

Dalton Public Schools is excited to celebrate National School Lunch Week, October 13–17, 2025!🍎

This special week highlights the importance of healthy, balanced meals in schools through the National School Lunch Program. This year’s theme, “Taste the World: Your School Lunch Passport,” invites students to explore global flavors and celebrate the diversity of school meals.

We’re proud to serve nutritious meals every day that fuel learning and success. Join us in celebrating the delicious and healthy choices on our school menus!

Hispanic Heritage Month Staff Spotlight: Katya Spence 🌟
Third-Grade Teacher, Park Creek School

As we continue celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re proud to share the voices of Dalton Public Schools staff whose culture and values shape the way they inspire students every day.

Is there a tradition, value, or memory from your heritage that you are especially proud of and would like to share?
"One tradition I carry proudly from my heritage is the value of hard work and the belief that education can open doors. Growing up, I was always encouraged to not only put effort into what I do, but to also love the process and show joy in it. That perspective has shaped how I approach challenges and opportunities in my own life. For me, education has been more than just learning, it’s been a way to honor the sacrifices of those who came before me and to build a future with purpose. During Hispanic Heritage Month, I’m especially proud to share these values, because they continue to inspire me every day."

Thank you, Katya, for sharing your story and for inspiring students with the values of hard work, joy, and purpose!

Hispanic Heritage Month Staff Spotlight: Zuleima Ferreira 🌟
Dual Language Kindergarten Teacher, Westwood School

As part of our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, we’re proud to highlight the traditions and values that inspire our Dalton Public Schools staff and enrich our students’ learning.

Is there a tradition, value, or memory from your heritage that you are especially proud of and would like to share?
"When I was little, celebrating Día de Los Niños (Children’s Day) was one of my favorite traditions. Since I became a Dual Language teacher, I’ve made it a point to share this special tradition with my students every year. It has become a meaningful memory for each student to cherish and that makes me proud."

Thank you, Zuleima, for sharing this special tradition and creating lasting memories for your students!

Dalton Public Schools proudly observes World Mental Health Day, recognizing the importance of mental well-being for our students and staff. We are committed to creating a supportive environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

The Dalton Public Schools Enrollment Center will open at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 10, due to districtwide professional learning events.

We appreciate your understanding and support as our staff participates in valuable professional development to better serve our students and families.