The Class of 2025 earned over $2.5 million in scholarships ā a powerful reflection of the hard work, talent, and dedication of our outstanding graduates across Dalton Public Schools.
This is what #ExcellenceInActionDPS looks like!
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2516125





City Park School Counselor Emily Jones recently visited Mrs. Arthurās class for a classroom guidance lesson. Together, they read āThe Tease Monsterā ā a story that teaches the importance of understanding the difference between friendly teasing and hurtful teasing. The class discussed bullying, kindness, and how everyone has a voice they can use to stand up for themselves and others.
Our talented young artists continue to showcase their creativity and passion, making us incredibly proud!










Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Katya Spence has been named Park Creek Schoolās 2024ā2025 Teacher of the Year.
Spence teaches third grade at Park Creek, where she serves as a homeroom teacher for English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. She began her teaching career at Park Creek in 2017 and has continued to grow as an educator and leader within the school and district.
Spenceās journey into education is rooted deeply in her upbringing and her parentsā message that āTu educación es claveāā āYour education is key.ā
Read more on our website: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com

They recently learned how pumpkins grow from tiny seeds by reading From Seed to Pumpkin and creating their own life cycle diagrams. In small-group STEM activities, students became pumpkin investigators, observing size, color, and shape, predicting which pumpkins would float or sink, and examining the inside of a real pumpkin!
To tie in math, they measured how tall each child was using pumpkin cutouts, discovering how many āpumpkins tallā they are! Our Little Cats loved learning through these fun, hands-on fall activities. š










Joyās message about leading with relationships, empathy, and consistency aligns perfectly with our districtās commitment to fostering environments where every student and staff member feels valued and supported. At Dalton Public Schools, we strive to build communities that inspire pride, encourage growth, and celebrate the excellence within us all. #LeaveYourMark
We are grateful for Burlingtonās generosity and commitment to supporting educators and students here in Dalton!
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2504791














Dalton Public Schools proudly congratulates Blue Ridge School for earning the Distinguished Recognition Level for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) from the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) for the 2024ā2025 school year. This recognition places Blue Ridge among a select group of schools in Georgia honored for demonstrating excellence in implementing PBIS with fidelity and impact.
Read more on our website: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com

Dalton Public Schools has launched a new employee recognition initiative, The Game Ball Awards, established by Superintendent Dr. Steven Craft to honor staff members who demonstrate exceptional dedication and embody the districtās core values.
Announced during the District Administrative Team meeting on October 16, the program recognizes employees who exemplify what it means to Culturize Dalton Public Schoolsāliving out the four core values of Expecting Excellence, Championing for Students, Serving as Merchants of Hope, and Carrying the Banner for the district.
āThese individuals were personally selected because they donāt just talk about our valuesāthey live them,ā said Dr. Craft. āThey consistently go the extra mile to strengthen our schools and make Dalton Public Schools an exceptional place for students and families.ā
The inaugural Game Ball Awards recipients were celebrated for their professionalism, innovation, and commitment to service:
Kendall Jordan, Jorge Miranda, Kevin Bruce, and Aubrey Poppel.
Read more on our website: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com
Following a memorable induction banquet last night, Dalton High School will continue celebrating its 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame Class this evening at the Catamountsā 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.
āOur Hall of Fame weekend showcases what makes Dalton special,ā said Ryan Richards, Athletic Director. āSeeing generations of Catamounts reconnect and celebrate these incredible individuals reminds us that our tradition of excellence is alive and well.ā
Tonightās 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
Mrs. Deharoās students have been mastering how to spell one-syllable and multisyllable words featuring a variety of syllable types. This weekās focus: Words with the Long A sound ā ai, ay, and ea!
Part of their engaging SAVVAS curriculum, this work helps students strengthen foundational spelling and reading skills.
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 isnāt just whatās hanging on the walls, itās 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 Schoolsāempowering 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 Georgiaāproof 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! āØ
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
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!










The Board recognized Blue Ridge School for receiving the PBIS Distinguished Award, the Dalton High School Theatre Program for being selected for the Fox Theatreās 2025ā26 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.
Hispanic Heritage Month Staff Spotlight: Viri Ortiz š
School Social Worker
Thank you for following along with our Hispanic Heritage Month staff spotlights! As the month comes to a close, we are grateful to our incredible DPS staff who shared their stories, traditions, and values with us. Their voices continue to enrich our schools and community every day.
How has your culture influenced who you are today or how you approach your work in education?
As a first-generation Mexican American and the oldest daughter in my family, I was the first to learn English. That experience taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of being a bridge for others. In my work as a school social worker, I strive to create a safe, welcoming space and connect families to the resources they need to thrive.
Thank you, Viri, for your dedication to supporting students and families with care, strength, and compassion!

ESS Paraprofessional, Park Creek School & Middle School Cheer Coach (6thā8th Grade)
As part of our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, weāre 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 didnāt 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!

