Dalton Public Schools -

Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Dalton High School student Hla Zar has been selected as a recipient of the Emory Classics Gateway Award, a highly competitive scholarship awarded by the Department of Classics at Emory University.

The Emory Classics Gateway Award provides full funding for tuition, room, and board for Emory University’s Pre-College Summer Program. As part of the award, Zar will enroll in the course “Archaeological Investigation: Pompeii and Herculaneum.” In addition to academic study, the program offers immersive experiences on Emory’s campus and throughout the greater Atlanta area.

Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2728972

Dalton Public Schools Celebrates Black History Month: Spotlight on Tyree Goodlett

In honor of Black History Month, Dalton Public Schools is highlighting staff members who make a meaningful impact in their schools and communities. Tyree Goodlett, a teacher at Hammond Creek Middle School, is a dedicated educator and lifelong Dalton native who exemplifies leadership both in and beyond the classroom.

In January 2016, Goodlett made history as the first African-American ever elected to the Dalton City Council—an achievement that reflects his deep commitment to representation, service, and progress. For Goodlett, Black History Month highlights the power of visibility and inclusion in shaping futures.

“Being a person of color who is a male educator and the first person of color elected to the Dalton City Council is important because representation in both education and local government creates powerful change,” he shared. In the classroom, Goodlett understands the importance of serving as a visible example of leadership and possibility for students who may not often see themselves reflected in positions of authority.

His role in city leadership carries that impact even further. “Breaking barriers and making history sends a clear message to the community that progress, inclusion, and diverse voices matter,” Goodlett said. He hopes his journey shows young people—especially students of color—that their dreams are valid and that they, too, can grow into leaders who help shape their city’s future.

Serving as both an educator and a city council member allows Goodlett to bridge education and public service in meaningful ways. With firsthand insight into the needs of students, families, and schools, he continues to advocate for policies that support equity, opportunity, and community growth. “Being the first person of color elected to Dalton City Council is not just a personal achievement—it represents hope, progress, and a step toward a more inclusive and representative local government that truly reflects the people it serves.”

The Dalton Public Schools Board of Education has officially approved the 2026–27 and 2027–28 academic calendars! 🗓️

The 2026–27 calendar includes 180 instructional days, scheduled holidays, early release days, staff professional learning days, and three virtual learning days. The 2027–28 calendar has also been approved to support long-term planning, with additional details to be finalized at a later date.

The calendars follow a structure similar to previous years to provide consistency for our students, staff, and families.

View and download the calendars here: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/o/dps/page/academic-calendars

Join us in celebrating Public Schools Week 2026 (#PSW26), Feb. 23–27! We’re proud to serve our community by empowering students through innovation, excellence, and opportunity — all in a safe environment where they can learn, lead, and succeed. #PublicSchoolProud

CTAE Month highlight 🧭 Career Exploration students at Hammond Creek Middle School, led by teacher Raul Ramirez, are discovering the wide range of career clusters and learning about the many job opportunities available to them. This course helps students build awareness of their interests and strengths while preparing them to make informed choices about future CTAE pathways.
#CTAEMonth

Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Dalton High School senior Kate Jones has been named a National Merit Commended Scholar in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, recognizing her as one of the nation’s top academic performers.

National Merit Commended Scholars are students who achieved exceptionally high scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). This distinction places Jones among approximately 50,000 students nationwide who earned scores in the top range of all PSAT/NMSQT test-takers, representing outstanding academic potential.

Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2723272

CTAE Month highlight 💻📱 Computer Science students at Hammond Creek Middle School, led by instructor Craig Gunter, are building foundational coding and problem-solving skills through hands-on learning. In these photos, students are using computer programs to code their own mobile apps, gaining experience with programming logic, creativity, and real-world technology applications.
#CTAEMonth

Jane’t Lloyd Named Head Cross Country Coach at The Dalton Academy

The Dalton Academy is proud to announce Coach Jane’t Lloyd as the new Head Cross Country Coach for the Pumas! Already serving as the Head Girls Soccer Coach, Coach Lloyd now brings her championship mindset and proven leadership to the cross country program.

With 10 years of experience building state-contending teams, the future is bright for Puma Cross Country!

🔗 Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2718716

Dalton Public Schools and Dalton State College are taking their longtime partnership to the next level with a new agreement designed to strengthen the region’s teacher pipeline and enhance workforce development across northwest Georgia.

Through this collaboration:
✨ Dalton State education majors from Dalton are guaranteed student-teaching placements within Dalton Public Schools.
✨ Qualified graduates will receive a guaranteed interview with DPS, creating a smoother, more supportive pathway into the teaching profession.

Together, we are investing in future educators and building a strong foundation for students across our community.

#DaltonPublicSchools #LeaveYourMark

CTAE Month highlight 🤝

The Work-Based Learning programs at Dalton High School and The Dalton Academy connect students with real-world job experiences that help them build professional skills, explore career interests, and gain valuable workplace experience while still in school.

Featured here are just a few of our participating students at Dalton High School led by Coordinator Doug Shults: Annabelle Rollins at The Den Print Shop at Dalton High School, Charlie Beckler at McCamy Law Firm, and Jose Gallegos at Gallegos Party Rental—each gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for future careers and success beyond graduation.

#CTAEMonth #DaltonPublicSchools #LearnLeadSucceed

Dalton Public Schools is proud to recognize our February Game Ball winners — staff members whose work impacts the entire district and reflects our core values of excellence, leadership and service to students.

Join us in celebrating Mike Leonard, Trish Hooper and Theresa Perry for the incredible difference they make behind the scenes each day.

👉 Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2719852

Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce Dolores Carrillo, school counselor at The Dalton Academy, as the 2024–2025 Dalton Academy Teacher of the Year.

Carrillo serves students in grades 9–12 and has been part of Dalton Public Schools since 2017. She began her career with DPS at Morris Innovative High School before joining The Dalton Academy in 2021.

Carrillo is a proud product of Dalton Public Schools and credits her own experiences as a student for shaping her work as an educator and counselor.

Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2719632

Elementary students from across the district came together at City Park School yesterday for the annual Elementary Choral Festival! After spending the day rehearsing and refining their performance, the students took the stage to present a joyful medley of songs for their families and friends.

Dear Dalton Public Schools Families,

Due to limited driver availability this afternoon, February 19, 2026, some bus routes will run later than scheduled.

We understand that delays can disrupt your family’s schedule and apologize for the inconvenience. Our team is actively adjusting routes to minimize disruptions while maintaining our commitment to student safety.

Thank you for your patience and continued partnership with Dalton Public Schools.

Good Afternoon families,

We want to make you aware that due to the Dalton State Homecoming Parade taking place in downtown Dalton on Friday, February 20, the Dalton Public Schools After School Program (ASP) at City Park will not operate that afternoon.

The scheduled street closures connected to the parade will prevent us from running ASP as usual. As a result, ASP services will not be available on February 20.

We understand this change may require adjustments to your afternoon plans, and we sincerely appreciate your flexibility. Please make arrangements for your child to be picked up at regular dismissal time.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s school. We are always happy to help.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Park Creek School was proud to welcome members of our community into their classrooms to read with students in celebration of Black History Month! 📚✨ Thank you to everyone who took the time to share powerful stories, meaningful conversations, and your love of reading with our students. Your presence made a lasting impact and helped bring history to life in such a special way. We are so grateful for your partnership and support!

Dalton Public Schools continues to make significant progress on districtwide facility improvements, with a detailed capital update presented during the most recent Dalton Board of Education work session.

The update highlighted ongoing renovations at Roan Elementary School and The Dalton Academy, as well as continued progress at Fort Hill, all designed to enhance learning environments and expand opportunities for students.

Director of Operations Rusty Lount shared timelines and construction milestones, noting that major projects remain on schedule for completion in Summer 2026.

Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2717788

CTAE Month highlight 🎖️ Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (Army) students at The Dalton Academy, led by Captain Bill Jinright and First Sergeant Eugene Jackson, are learning the foundations of leadership, teamwork, and discipline. In these photos, students are practicing stationary movements and marching techniques in preparation for their Homecoming parade while developing leadership skills through group-led instruction that teaches duties, responsibilities, and effective command.
#CTAEMonth

Early Release Reminder | Friday, February 27

All Dalton Public Schools will dismiss early on Friday, February 27, in celebration of The Dalton Academy’s Homecoming.

🕒 Dismissal Times:
• Elementary Schools – 12:15 PM
• Hammond Creek Middle & Dalton Junior High – 11:30 AM
• The Dalton Academy & Dalton High – 10:45 AM

🎉 Homecoming Parade – “A Whole New World for Pumas”
Parade staging begins at 2:30 PM at Trinity Methodist Church, with the parade stepping off at approximately 4:00 PM.

📍 Parade Route:
Mitchell St. → Ave C → Morningside Dr. → Veteran’s Ave. → Trinity Methodist Church

🚗 Spectator Parking:
Old VFW parking lot & street parking on Ave C (near the fields)

⚽ The celebration continues with boys’ soccer vs. Calhoun High School — JV at 5:00 PM, Varsity at 7:00 PM, followed by the Homecoming Court Coronation during halftime of the varsity match.

We encourage families and community members to plan accordingly and join us for an afternoon full of school spirit and Puma pride!