During the April Board of Education meeting, the Dalton Board of Education celebrated outstanding achievements, leadership, and community contributions across Dalton Public Schools.
The Board recognized 2025 Convocation Sponsors and members of the districtās Advisory Councils, including teachers, students, and parents, for their dedication to supporting student success and school improvement. Students were also honored for excellence in leadership and academics, including Dalton Project Achievement 4-H participants, TDA 19 Under 19 honoree Esmeralda Rios, and Georgia Thespians Hall of Fame inductee Alana Sane.
The Board celebrated athletic accomplishments, recognizing the Dalton High School Girls Basketball Team and the first Dalton Academy wrestlers to qualify for the state sectional, Tomas Gonzalez and Cesar Barrera. Literary and fine arts achievements were also highlighted, including Dalton High School Literary State Champions, The Dalton Academy Literary Region Champions, and students recognized in the Northwest Georgia High School Shakespeare Showcase and Poetry Out Loud, where Anslie Wright was named a state finalist.
In addition, the Board honored student excellence in career and technical and visual arts, including winners from the GASTC State Technology Competition, participants in the Creative Arts Guild SAE 2026 Student Awards, and students recognized through regional and state showcases.
The Board congratulates all honorees for their hard work, creativity, and commitment to excellence in Dalton Public Schools.
The Board recognized 2025 Convocation Sponsors and members of the districtās Advisory Councils, including teachers, students, and parents, for their dedication to supporting student success and school improvement. Students were also honored for excellence in leadership and academics, including Dalton Project Achievement 4-H participants, TDA 19 Under 19 honoree Esmeralda Rios, and Georgia Thespians Hall of Fame inductee Alana Sane.
The Board celebrated athletic accomplishments, recognizing the Dalton High School Girls Basketball Team and the first Dalton Academy wrestlers to qualify for the state sectional, Tomas Gonzalez and Cesar Barrera. Literary and fine arts achievements were also highlighted, including Dalton High School Literary State Champions, The Dalton Academy Literary Region Champions, and students recognized in the Northwest Georgia High School Shakespeare Showcase and Poetry Out Loud, where Anslie Wright was named a state finalist.
In addition, the Board honored student excellence in career and technical and visual arts, including winners from the GASTC State Technology Competition, participants in the Creative Arts Guild SAE 2026 Student Awards, and students recognized through regional and state showcases.
The Board congratulates all honorees for their hard work, creativity, and commitment to excellence in Dalton Public Schools.
Save the Date! š
Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026!
š The Dalton Academy ā May 20 at 7:00 PM | The Dalton Stadium
š Dalton High School ā May 21 at 7:00 PM | Harmon Field
Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026!
š The Dalton Academy ā May 20 at 7:00 PM | The Dalton Stadium
š Dalton High School ā May 21 at 7:00 PM | Harmon Field
City Park Schoolās 4th grade students recently brought a March Madness twist to reading in Nicole Gillispieās classroom.
Students voted on their favorite books from each Savvas unit, creating a bracket-style competition. Using Google Forms, the entire 4th grade participated to help determine the winning title. The winner was "Trombone Shorty," by Troy Andrews.
What a great example of engaging students in reading through creativity and collaboration. Special shoutout to Kassie Ayers for creating the display!
Happy Administrative Professionals Day! š
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!
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 Public Schools is proud to announce that Dalton High School senior Andrea Marsh has been selected as a Robert W. Woodruff Scholar at Oxford College of Emory University, one of the institutionās highest and most competitive honors.
Marsh, who plans to major in Political Science, was chosen for the distinguished scholarship in recognition of her outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and potential for future impact. The Woodruff Scholarship is awarded to a select group of students who demonstrate exceptional promise and commitment to excellence.
As a Woodruff Scholar, Marsh will receive a comprehensive merit-based award covering full tuition, fees, and room and board, totaling $93,854 for the 2026ā2027 academic year. The scholarship extends across all eight semesters of undergraduate study, including time at both Oxford College and Emory University.
Dalton Public Schools congratulates Andrea Marsh on this remarkable achievement and wishes her continued success in her academic journey.
Read more about Andrea here: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2828830
Marsh, who plans to major in Political Science, was chosen for the distinguished scholarship in recognition of her outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and potential for future impact. The Woodruff Scholarship is awarded to a select group of students who demonstrate exceptional promise and commitment to excellence.
As a Woodruff Scholar, Marsh will receive a comprehensive merit-based award covering full tuition, fees, and room and board, totaling $93,854 for the 2026ā2027 academic year. The scholarship extends across all eight semesters of undergraduate study, including time at both Oxford College and Emory University.
Dalton Public Schools congratulates Andrea Marsh on this remarkable achievement and wishes her continued success in her academic journey.
Read more about Andrea here: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2828830
What a great day on the diamond! ā¤ļøā¾
Last week, the Dalton High Catamounts and Hammond Creek Tigers hosted the annual āGrand Slamā Baseball Tournament at Dalton High School, and it was truly a special event. This year was even more exciting with Park Creek Cheetahs students joining in on the fun!
From start to finish, the field was full of smiles, cheers, and incredible teamwork. Every swing and every play showed the heart and determination these students bring to the game.
A big thank you to everyone who helped make this event such a meaningful tradition.
Last week, the Dalton High Catamounts and Hammond Creek Tigers hosted the annual āGrand Slamā Baseball Tournament at Dalton High School, and it was truly a special event. This year was even more exciting with Park Creek Cheetahs students joining in on the fun!
From start to finish, the field was full of smiles, cheers, and incredible teamwork. Every swing and every play showed the heart and determination these students bring to the game.
A big thank you to everyone who helped make this event such a meaningful tradition.
Hammond Creek Middle Schoolās talented theatre students are bringing the classic musical Annie Jr. to life! š Come support these hardworking performers as they sing, dance, and shine on stage in this heartwarming production.
Join us for an unforgettable show full of energy, laughter, and amazing student talent. You wonāt want to miss it! šāØ
š Performance Dates:
ā¢ Friday, April 17 at 6:00 PM
ā¢ Saturday, April 18 at 6:00 PM
ā¢ Sunday, April 19 at 2:30 PM
We hope to see you there!
Join us for an unforgettable show full of energy, laughter, and amazing student talent. You wonāt want to miss it! šāØ
š Performance Dates:
ā¢ Friday, April 17 at 6:00 PM
ā¢ Saturday, April 18 at 6:00 PM
ā¢ Sunday, April 19 at 2:30 PM
We hope to see you there!
The competition was fierce yesterday as all six of our elementary schools competed in the district elementary track championship!š¾
We extend our sincere thanks to the student-athletes from Dalton High School and The Dalton Academy for volunteering their time and supporting our younger athletes with mentorship and encouragement throughout the day.
A special moment of the event was the presentation of two awards from the Sotelo Family in memory of Lance Sotelo, honoring student-athletes who demonstrate strong work ethic, dedication, and a commitment to the sport.
A big shoutout to the Carpet Capital Running Club for their generous support! This event would not have been possible without you! Special thanks as well to Jeff Talley, the coordinator extraordinaire from City Park, and to Hannah Talley for her spirited emceeing!
We extend our sincere thanks to the student-athletes from Dalton High School and The Dalton Academy for volunteering their time and supporting our younger athletes with mentorship and encouragement throughout the day.
A special moment of the event was the presentation of two awards from the Sotelo Family in memory of Lance Sotelo, honoring student-athletes who demonstrate strong work ethic, dedication, and a commitment to the sport.
A big shoutout to the Carpet Capital Running Club for their generous support! This event would not have been possible without you! Special thanks as well to Jeff Talley, the coordinator extraordinaire from City Park, and to Hannah Talley for her spirited emceeing!
Meet the DPS Cabinet āØ
Our cabinet members play an important role in supporting our schools and helping ensure students and staff have what they need to succeed.
Today, weāre highlighting Mendy Woods, Chief of Human Resources.
We asked Mrs. Woods a few questions about her role, what she enjoys most about Dalton Public Schools, and a little about who she is outside of work. Hereās what she had to say š
"As Chief of Human Resources for DPS, I oversee all core HR functions, including recruitment and onboarding, certification, compensation, benefits administration, retirement, employee training, state reporting, and personnel records management. I lead efforts to ensure our workforce is highly qualified, well-supported, and aligned with district goals and initiatives. A key part of my role is managing employee relations, including conflict resolution and fostering a positive and professional work environment. As a member of the executive cabinet, I work closely with district leadership to develop staffing strategies, ensure policy compliance, and support organizational effectiveness. I also serve as an advisor to the Superintendent, providing guidance on workforce planning and long-term strategic initiatives."
"I love working closely with administrators and staff to find thoughtful, practical solutions to challenges. I value helping facilitate clear, effective communication and serving as a steady resource when navigating complex situations. It is especially meaningful to reflect on our practices and continuously improve how we support teachers and staff, knowing that strong adult support ultimately benefits our students. I am committed to ensuring that the human resources department is a trusted, reliable source of accurate information and responsive service for the entire district."
"Outside of work, I'm usually with my family. You'll find us at a local Mexican restaurant on Fridays and church on Sundays. I read whenever I get the chance - I set a goal to read 50 books last year and was very happy to accomplish it. The beach is my favorite place to relax and recharge, and I try to get there as often as I can."
Mrs. Woods has worked in education since 2005.
Our cabinet members play an important role in supporting our schools and helping ensure students and staff have what they need to succeed.
Today, weāre highlighting Mendy Woods, Chief of Human Resources.
We asked Mrs. Woods a few questions about her role, what she enjoys most about Dalton Public Schools, and a little about who she is outside of work. Hereās what she had to say š
"As Chief of Human Resources for DPS, I oversee all core HR functions, including recruitment and onboarding, certification, compensation, benefits administration, retirement, employee training, state reporting, and personnel records management. I lead efforts to ensure our workforce is highly qualified, well-supported, and aligned with district goals and initiatives. A key part of my role is managing employee relations, including conflict resolution and fostering a positive and professional work environment. As a member of the executive cabinet, I work closely with district leadership to develop staffing strategies, ensure policy compliance, and support organizational effectiveness. I also serve as an advisor to the Superintendent, providing guidance on workforce planning and long-term strategic initiatives."
"I love working closely with administrators and staff to find thoughtful, practical solutions to challenges. I value helping facilitate clear, effective communication and serving as a steady resource when navigating complex situations. It is especially meaningful to reflect on our practices and continuously improve how we support teachers and staff, knowing that strong adult support ultimately benefits our students. I am committed to ensuring that the human resources department is a trusted, reliable source of accurate information and responsive service for the entire district."
"Outside of work, I'm usually with my family. You'll find us at a local Mexican restaurant on Fridays and church on Sundays. I read whenever I get the chance - I set a goal to read 50 books last year and was very happy to accomplish it. The beach is my favorite place to relax and recharge, and I try to get there as often as I can."
Mrs. Woods has worked in education since 2005.
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that two Dalton High School seniors, Leslie Garcia and Alaina Peterfreund, have been named 2026 Georgia Scholars by the Georgia Department of Education.
The Georgia Scholar program identifies high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional dedication to academic rigor, leadership, and service. Honorees maintain exemplary course loads throughout their high school careers, achieve outstanding academic success, actively participate in extracurricular and community activities, and serve as leaders in their schools and communities.
Dalton Public Schools commends Leslie Garcia and Alaina Peterfreund for their hard work, leadership, and commitment to excellence. Their recognition as Georgia Scholars reflects not only their individual accomplishments but also the strength of the Dalton High School community.
Read more about the 2026 Georgia Scholars: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2799187
The Georgia Scholar program identifies high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional dedication to academic rigor, leadership, and service. Honorees maintain exemplary course loads throughout their high school careers, achieve outstanding academic success, actively participate in extracurricular and community activities, and serve as leaders in their schools and communities.
Dalton Public Schools commends Leslie Garcia and Alaina Peterfreund for their hard work, leadership, and commitment to excellence. Their recognition as Georgia Scholars reflects not only their individual accomplishments but also the strength of the Dalton High School community.
Read more about the 2026 Georgia Scholars: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2799187
Donāt Miss This! Rising 6th Grade Parent Meeting ā April 16
We are excited to invite you to an important Rising 6th Grade Parent Meeting for Hammond Creek Middle School. This is your opportunity to learn what to expect, ask questions, and help your child start this next chapter with confidence.
š Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
ā° Time: 5:30 ā 7:00 PM
š Location: Hammond Creek Middle School
330 Pleasant Grove Drive
Dalton, GA 30721
Whether this is your first time navigating middle school or youāve been through it before, this meeting will provide valuable information to help your family prepare.
We hope to see you there as we welcome our newest Hammond Creek Tigers!
We are excited to invite you to an important Rising 6th Grade Parent Meeting for Hammond Creek Middle School. This is your opportunity to learn what to expect, ask questions, and help your child start this next chapter with confidence.
š Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
ā° Time: 5:30 ā 7:00 PM
š Location: Hammond Creek Middle School
330 Pleasant Grove Drive
Dalton, GA 30721
Whether this is your first time navigating middle school or youāve been through it before, this meeting will provide valuable information to help your family prepare.
We hope to see you there as we welcome our newest Hammond Creek Tigers!
š¾ Little Cats Pop-Up Classes! š¾
Families with young learners are invited to join us for a Little Cats Pop-Up Class at the Beechland Resource Center! These sessions are designed to support DPS families by providing an opportunity to experience the Little Cats Program ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.
These free pop-up classes are ideal for families who are interested in enrolling a child who will be turning 3 years old by September 1, 2026.
š Date:
ā¢ April 22
ā° Time: 12:30ā2:30 p.m.
š Location: Beechland Resource Center
Address:704 Beechland Circle. Dalton, GA 30721
š Registration is encouraged! Please click the link below to register so our team can share updates and follow-up information with you.
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=gFYg6YRaWUiHRBVlO6te8n1WeX2ijElOpoLli1Zc05pUOEZTSDZSVVZNV0w3SzlOMERYUDFQUFkyUC4u&origin=QRCode
We canāt wait to welcome our future Little Cats!
Families with young learners are invited to join us for a Little Cats Pop-Up Class at the Beechland Resource Center! These sessions are designed to support DPS families by providing an opportunity to experience the Little Cats Program ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.
These free pop-up classes are ideal for families who are interested in enrolling a child who will be turning 3 years old by September 1, 2026.
š Date:
ā¢ April 22
ā° Time: 12:30ā2:30 p.m.
š Location: Beechland Resource Center
Address:704 Beechland Circle. Dalton, GA 30721
š Registration is encouraged! Please click the link below to register so our team can share updates and follow-up information with you.
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=gFYg6YRaWUiHRBVlO6te8n1WeX2ijElOpoLli1Zc05pUOEZTSDZSVVZNV0w3SzlOMERYUDFQUFkyUC4u&origin=QRCode
We canāt wait to welcome our future Little Cats!
We can't wait to welcome back our students tomorrow after Spring Break! See you soon!
Dalton Public Schools is proud to recognize our March Game Ball winners ā team members whose impact reaches across the entire district.
Sgt. Steve Collins and George Woods exemplify our core values through their leadership, dedication and commitment to supporting students, staff and school communities every day.
š Thank you for the difference you make across Dalton Public Schools!
š Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2799663
Sgt. Steve Collins and George Woods exemplify our core values through their leadership, dedication and commitment to supporting students, staff and school communities every day.
š Thank you for the difference you make across Dalton Public Schools!
š Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2799663
Now Open: Cyber Academy Applications for 2026ā2027
Looking for a different kind of learning experience for your secondary student? The Dalton Public Schools Cyber Academy offers a flexible, personalized approach designed to meet students where they are and help them move forward.
Applications are now open for the 2026ā2027 school year. Apply by April 30, 2026 by visiting the enrollment page on the Cyber Academy website.
Interested in seeing it for yourself? Join us for an Open House and Q&A session: Cyber Academy Tuesday, April 14 9ā11 AM or 5ā7 PM
Tour the space, meet the team, and learn how Cyber Academy is creating new opportunities for student success.
Learn more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2798840
Looking for a different kind of learning experience for your secondary student? The Dalton Public Schools Cyber Academy offers a flexible, personalized approach designed to meet students where they are and help them move forward.
Applications are now open for the 2026ā2027 school year. Apply by April 30, 2026 by visiting the enrollment page on the Cyber Academy website.
Interested in seeing it for yourself? Join us for an Open House and Q&A session: Cyber Academy Tuesday, April 14 9ā11 AM or 5ā7 PM
Tour the space, meet the team, and learn how Cyber Academy is creating new opportunities for student success.
Learn more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2798840
Your seat is waiting! š
First Student is hiring bus drivers for Dalton Public Schools.
Apply today at DriveWithFirst.com
First Student is hiring bus drivers for Dalton Public Schools.
Apply today at DriveWithFirst.com
City Park School recently brought imagination to life with their performance of "Imagine a Dragon!" šāØ
The story follows a group of innkeepers trying to save the Dancing Dragon Inn by spreading rumors of a dragonās returnāonly to attract fame-seeking heroes and an army of princesses. Along the way, the production explores themes of honesty, imagination, and bravery.
We are proud of the students, teachers, and staff who worked hard to bring this production to life. Thank you to everyone involved for a wonderful performance!
The story follows a group of innkeepers trying to save the Dancing Dragon Inn by spreading rumors of a dragonās returnāonly to attract fame-seeking heroes and an army of princesses. Along the way, the production explores themes of honesty, imagination, and bravery.
We are proud of the students, teachers, and staff who worked hard to bring this production to life. Thank you to everyone involved for a wonderful performance!
Dalton Public Schools families, weād love to see your fun Spring Break pictures! Share your favorite moments in the comments below.
Stay safe and enjoy the break!
Stay safe and enjoy the break!
Meet the DPS Cabinet āØ
Our cabinet members play an important role in supporting our schools and helping ensure students and staff have what they need to succeed.
Today, weāre highlighting Theresa Perry, Chief of Finance.
We asked Mrs. Perry a few questions about her role, what she enjoys most about Dalton Public Schools, and a little about who she is outside of work. Hereās what she had to say š
"I strive to be both a careful steward of resources and a strategic partner in advancing student goals and community outcomes. Accurate and timely financial data enables the board and superintendent to make well-informed decisions that meet short term needs and the long-term success of our district. Although I do enjoy spreadsheets, analysis and forecasting, I really like to go beyond the numbers and help translate complex financial information into meaningful guidance for other leaders, teachers, and stakeholders."
"I am energized by the constant growth and change in public education. There are always opportunities to learn and improve whether it's adapting to new laws or responding to the evolving needs of our students and staff. I think Dalton Public Schools has been able to respond thoughtfully and quickly when changes are needed allowing us to make a real impact. It is an honor to be part of the administrative team to have a voice in some of the strategic decisions of the school district."
"Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors - hiking with my dog, working in the flower garden, or driving the convertible. I am a Buffalo Bills fan and really into fantasy football, especially all the statistics. And probably the most unexpected thing about me is that I met my husband when I was learned how to hang glide which also led me to Dalton Public Schools. I have spent several years at Lookout Mountain Flight Park and progressed to an intermediate Hang 3 rating."
Our cabinet members play an important role in supporting our schools and helping ensure students and staff have what they need to succeed.
Today, weāre highlighting Theresa Perry, Chief of Finance.
We asked Mrs. Perry a few questions about her role, what she enjoys most about Dalton Public Schools, and a little about who she is outside of work. Hereās what she had to say š
"I strive to be both a careful steward of resources and a strategic partner in advancing student goals and community outcomes. Accurate and timely financial data enables the board and superintendent to make well-informed decisions that meet short term needs and the long-term success of our district. Although I do enjoy spreadsheets, analysis and forecasting, I really like to go beyond the numbers and help translate complex financial information into meaningful guidance for other leaders, teachers, and stakeholders."
"I am energized by the constant growth and change in public education. There are always opportunities to learn and improve whether it's adapting to new laws or responding to the evolving needs of our students and staff. I think Dalton Public Schools has been able to respond thoughtfully and quickly when changes are needed allowing us to make a real impact. It is an honor to be part of the administrative team to have a voice in some of the strategic decisions of the school district."
"Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors - hiking with my dog, working in the flower garden, or driving the convertible. I am a Buffalo Bills fan and really into fantasy football, especially all the statistics. And probably the most unexpected thing about me is that I met my husband when I was learned how to hang glide which also led me to Dalton Public Schools. I have spent several years at Lookout Mountain Flight Park and progressed to an intermediate Hang 3 rating."
Happy National Assistant Principals Week! Today, weāre 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!
