
Spotlight on JJ Trowell: From Student to Educator
Westwood Elementary School first-grade teacher JJ Trowell is a proud product of Dalton Public Schools' Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs. As a student, she participated in the Early Childhood Education pathway, which ignited her passion for teaching and set her on the path to becoming the educator she is today. Now, she teaches all subjects to her first-grade students and serves as a “Master Teacher” representative, helping implement new reading standards next year.
Beyond the classroom, Trowell is dedicated to supporting student-athletes, serving as the Program Coordinator for the Dalton CATS Softball Youth Program and an assistant coach for the Dalton High School softball team. She recently earned her M.Ed. in Elementary Education with an ESOL Endorsement from the University of West Georgia and is now pursuing her Ed.S. in Elementary Education at the American College of Education.
Trowell’s journey from CTAE student to accomplished educator highlights the impact of hands-on learning experiences and career pathways in shaping future teachers. We are proud to celebrate her success during CTAE Month!


Big Win for C3’s First Lego League Team!
Congratulations to the C3 robotics team for earning 2nd place in Robot Performance at the Tennessee Valley Robotics Regional Championship at UTC!
These talented students from Blue Ridge, Roan, City Park, and Park Creek Elementary Schools showcased outstanding STEM skills, teamwork, and innovation to bring home the trophy.
Read More: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2026668


Pre-K Registration is just around the corner!
Is your child turning 4 years old on or before September 1, 2025? Then it's time to register them for pre-kindergarten classes for the upcoming school year!
Dalton Public Schools will have its annual pre-k registration event on Tuesday, March 18 from 7:30 AM - 6 PM and Wednesday, March 19 from 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM at the Mack Gaston Community Center.
Please bring the following items for your child:
- Proof of Immunizations (GA Form 3231)
- Eye, Ear, and Dental Certificate (GA Form 3300)
- Social Security Card
- Birth Certificate
- Proof of Address (Utility Bill in Parent's name and service address, or lease agreement)
- Medicaid or PeachCare Card (If Applicable)



The Dalton Academy is proud to welcome Michel Bates as the new Tennis Program Director!
A legendary athlete and coach, Michel has made history in Dalton and beyond. As the first State Champion in Dalton High School Tennis history and a Junior Davis Cup competitor, her legacy in the sport is undeniable. After a standout career at Auburn University, earning All-American and All-SEC honors, she dedicated over 30 years to coaching and developing players at all levels.
Now, she’s bringing her passion, expertise, and mentorship to The Dalton Academy! We can’t wait to see the incredible impact she’ll have on TDA student-athletes.
Join us in welcoming Coach Bates to TDA!
🔗 Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2026532


Dalton Public Schools Celebrates Black History Month: Spotlight on Christopher Smith
In honor of Black History Month, Dalton Public Schools is shining a spotlight on dedicated staff members who have made significant contributions to education and beyond. Christopher Smith, a 7th Grade ELA and Math Teacher at Hammond Creek Middle School and Boys Basketball Coach, reflects deeply on the significance of Black History Month.
For him, it is a vital opportunity to educate younger generations about the profound impact African Americans have had on shaping this nation while sharing the richness of Black culture with others.
"As an African American man, my educational journey has taught me to walk the path of 'UJIMA.' This is a reference to collective work and responsibility and represents how African American communities come together to lend a helping hand in community affairs. My people weren't always allowed to educate themselves, and many were killed for it. Therefore, it's all our responsibility to educate the youth to help make a positive impact within their community. EDUCATION brings KNOWLEDGE, KNOWLEDGE brings POWER, and POWER brings CHANGE."
Smith’s dedication to his students and players serves as a testament to the enduring power of education and the importance of celebrating Black history.


PEACH TAX CREDIT PROGRAM: Looking to support education and save on taxes? Learn how you can benefit from the Peach Tax Credit program with Dalton Public Schools!
Visit https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/page/peach-education-tax-credit for more details!


🚨 Pumas, Get Ready for Homecoming 2025! 🚨
Homecoming Week is almost here for The Dalton Academy! Join TDA as they celebrate Pumas: Beyond Tomorrow on Friday, February 28, 2025!
Events include:
-Pep Rally at 10 AM
-Early dismissal for all DPS students
-Homecoming Parade at 4 PM
-Homecoming Soccer vs. NW Whitfield (JV @ 5 PM | Varsity @ 7 PM)
-Homecoming Queen crowning between soccer matches
-Homecoming Dance after the varsity match (until 11 PM)
Don't miss a moment of the action! Click here for full details: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2022148


Reminder: Kindergarten registration is open, but the deadline is March 14, 2025! Be sure to register your future kindergartner before time runs out. Let’s kick off their school journey the right way!



Thank you for following along as we celebrated National School Counseling Week! We asked our counselors, ‘What inspires you most about being a school counselor?’
Here’s what Dolores Carillo, counselor at The Dalton Academy, had to say: "What inspires me most about being a school counselor is the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our students and their families. I understand the unique cultural dynamics and challenges that many of our students face, whether it's navigating language barriers, family expectations, or the pressures of living in two worlds. Being able to guide them through these challenges, while also celebrating their rich cultural heritage, is incredibly fulfilling. What also inspires me is the deep sense of community that we have within our school. It’s not just about supporting students academically or emotionally....it’s about building strong, trusting relationships with families and being an advocate for our community. Many of our students come from backgrounds where support systems might not always be accessible, and to be someone they can rely on feels like a privilege. Watching them grow, succeed, and thrive, knowing that I’ve had a hand in their journey, is the most rewarding part of my job."


Schedule Reminder:
📌 Friday, February 14: Virtual Learning Day – Students will complete assignments from home.
📌 Monday, February 17: Mid-Winter Holiday
📌 Tuesday, February 18: Mid-Winter Holiday & Staff Professional Learning Day
Thank you for planning ahead!


Happy National School Counseling Week! Dalton Public Schools celebrates the incredible impact our school counselors have on student success, well-being, and future planning. We asked our counselors, ‘What inspires you most about being a school counselor?’ Here’s what one had to say: ⬇️


Happy National School Counseling Week! Dalton Public Schools celebrates the incredible impact our school counselors have on student success, well-being, and future planning. We asked our counselors, ‘What inspires you most about being a school counselor?’ Here’s what one had to say: ⬇️


Elementary students from across the district recently gathered at City Park School to participate in the annual Elementary Choral Festival. After a day of practicing, these students performed a medley of songs for their families and friends!






Did you know our district offers Culinary Arts, Graphic Design, Early Childhood Education, and AVTF?
Students in Culinary Arts train in a restaurant-style kitchen right inside Dalton High, gaining real-world experience in the food industry. In Graphic Design, creativity comes to life as students showcase their designs on clothing and beyond. The Early Childhood Education pathway allows students at The Dalton Academy to work hands-on with our youngest learners, building essential teaching skills. Meanwhile, AVTF (Audio, Video, Technology & Film) encourages students to explore their creativity through filmmaking and podcasting competitions.
These career pathways equip students with valuable skills to succeed in college and beyond!









Classroom Spotlight: Park Creek School Paraprofessional Paola Mondragon is working closely with students to help them recognize uppercase and lowercase letters and their sounds. Her support plays a vital role in building early literacy skills and confidence in young learners!




Only 3 days left until the Dalton Public Schools Recruitment Fair!
This is your chance to explore exciting career opportunities and learn more about what it’s like to be part of our dedicated team.
📅 Date: February 8
⏰ Time: 8 AM - 12 PM
📍 Location: Hammond Creek Middle School
Don’t miss out—visit www.daltonpublicschools.com to learn more. We can’t wait to meet you! #DaltonReady


Happy National School Counseling Week! Dalton Public Schools celebrates the incredible impact our school counselors have on student success, well-being, and future planning. We asked our counselors, ‘What inspires you most about being a school counselor?’ Here’s what one had to say: ⬇️


Happy National School Counseling Week! Dalton Public Schools celebrates the incredible impact our school counselors have on student success, well-being, and future planning. We asked our counselors, ‘What inspires you most about being a school counselor?’ Here’s what one had to say: ⬇️


Dalton Public Schools Celebrates Black History Month: Spotlight on Aimee Beck
In honor of Black History Month, Dalton Public Schools is shining a spotlight on dedicated staff members who have made significant contributions to education and beyond. Among them is Aimee Beck, a dedicated paraprofessional at City Park School and the head coach for Dalton Junior High School's 8th-grade cheerleaders.
Aimee is a role model both in the classroom and on the sidelines, inspiring her cheerleaders to strive for excellence and confidence. When asked about the significance of Black History Month, Aimee shared, "Black history means celebrating the creations Black engineers, doctors, and more discovered that still affect us to this day."
We are honored to highlight individuals like Aimee Beck during Black History Month!


Happy National School Counseling Week! Dalton Public Schools celebrates the incredible impact our school counselors have on student success, well-being, and future planning. We asked our counselors, ‘What inspires you most about being a school counselor?’ Here’s what one had to say: ⬇️
