Sheree Patton Named Brookwood Schoolās 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Sheree Patton, lead STEM teacher at Brookwood Elementary, has been named the schoolās 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year.
Patton began her career with Dalton Public Schools in 2006 at Westwood Elementary, where she taught kindergarten through third grade. In 2023, she joined Brookwood Elementary as a third grade teacher. Over her nearly two decades in education, she has worked to build meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues that continue long after students leave her classroom.
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2458979
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Sheree Patton, lead STEM teacher at Brookwood Elementary, has been named the schoolās 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year.
Patton began her career with Dalton Public Schools in 2006 at Westwood Elementary, where she taught kindergarten through third grade. In 2023, she joined Brookwood Elementary as a third grade teacher. Over her nearly two decades in education, she has worked to build meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues that continue long after students leave her classroom.
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2458979
Classroom Spotlight:
Students in Olivia Holmesā classroom at Westwood School celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by creating colorful piƱatas! Guest speaker Mrs. Paniagua joined the class to share the fascinating history and cultural significance of piƱatas in Hispanic traditions ā symbols of joy, celebration, and community.
Through this project, students learned about the art of making piƱatas and the importance of honoring and appreciating different cultures.
Students in Olivia Holmesā classroom at Westwood School celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by creating colorful piƱatas! Guest speaker Mrs. Paniagua joined the class to share the fascinating history and cultural significance of piƱatas in Hispanic traditions ā symbols of joy, celebration, and community.
Through this project, students learned about the art of making piƱatas and the importance of honoring and appreciating different cultures.
Hispanic Heritage Month Staff Spotlight: Veronica Rodriguez š
Principal, Blue Ridge Elementary School
This Hispanic Heritage Month, weāre spotlighting the voices of Dalton Public Schools leaders who share their culture, stories, and values with our community.
How has your culture influenced who you are today or how you approach your work in education?
"My culture has greatly influenced who I am today and how I approach my work in education. It has helped me embrace and appreciate who I am, where I come from, and has shaped me into the leader I am. In my culture, we deeply value hard work and determination, values I carry with me every day. My parents sacrificed and risked so much to come to this amazing country to give my family a better life, and I have taken those values into my own life and work in education.
As principal at Blue Ridge, I feel I can truly connect with and understand our families and students because I was once in their shoes. Growing up, I often went home after school to care for my younger siblingsāfeeding them, helping them with homeworkāand at times, serving as my parentsā interpreter at doctorās appointments or insurance offices. I still remember trying to explain policies and deductibles as a fifth grader, even when I barely understood them myself.
These experiences have shaped my empathy, resilience, and dedication to supporting every child and family. I am proud to be Mexican and to have grown up in the land of the American dream, and I bring that pride, perspective, and determination into my work every single day."
Thank you, Veronica, for your leadership and for inspiring students and families through your story and service!
Principal, Blue Ridge Elementary School
This Hispanic Heritage Month, weāre spotlighting the voices of Dalton Public Schools leaders who share their culture, stories, and values with our community.
How has your culture influenced who you are today or how you approach your work in education?
"My culture has greatly influenced who I am today and how I approach my work in education. It has helped me embrace and appreciate who I am, where I come from, and has shaped me into the leader I am. In my culture, we deeply value hard work and determination, values I carry with me every day. My parents sacrificed and risked so much to come to this amazing country to give my family a better life, and I have taken those values into my own life and work in education.
As principal at Blue Ridge, I feel I can truly connect with and understand our families and students because I was once in their shoes. Growing up, I often went home after school to care for my younger siblingsāfeeding them, helping them with homeworkāand at times, serving as my parentsā interpreter at doctorās appointments or insurance offices. I still remember trying to explain policies and deductibles as a fifth grader, even when I barely understood them myself.
These experiences have shaped my empathy, resilience, and dedication to supporting every child and family. I am proud to be Mexican and to have grown up in the land of the American dream, and I bring that pride, perspective, and determination into my work every single day."
Thank you, Veronica, for your leadership and for inspiring students and families through your story and service!
š¾ Check out the latest edition of Paws in Print to stay up to date on news, events, and celebrations from across Dalton Public Schools!
š Read it here: https://daltonpublicschoolsga.edurooms.com/engage/dalton-public-schools/newsletters/paws-in-print-a-dps-parent-newsletter-87960
š Read it here: https://daltonpublicschoolsga.edurooms.com/engage/dalton-public-schools/newsletters/paws-in-print-a-dps-parent-newsletter-87960
Fall Break Reminder š
Just a friendly reminder that Fall Break starts this Thursday! Thursday, October 9 is an early release day.
Elementary Schools: 12:15 PM
Hammond Creek Middle and Dalton Junior High: 11:30 AM
TDA and Dalton High: 10:45 AM
Friday, October 10th is a student holiday and a staff work day.
Monday, October 13th is a student and staff holiday.
We will see you all back on Tuesday, October 14!
Just a friendly reminder that Fall Break starts this Thursday! Thursday, October 9 is an early release day.
Elementary Schools: 12:15 PM
Hammond Creek Middle and Dalton Junior High: 11:30 AM
TDA and Dalton High: 10:45 AM
Friday, October 10th is a student holiday and a staff work day.
Monday, October 13th is a student and staff holiday.
We will see you all back on Tuesday, October 14!
As we celebrate National Coaches Day, we want to recognize and thank our exceptional instructional coaches who work tirelessly to support our students in the classroom and beyond, providing invaluable guidance to enhance teaching practices and foster student growth.
Their expertise, mentorship, and commitment play a crucial role in our educational community. We are deeply grateful for their contributions and the positive impact they have on our students' success. Thank you for all that you do!
Their expertise, mentorship, and commitment play a crucial role in our educational community. We are deeply grateful for their contributions and the positive impact they have on our students' success. Thank you for all that you do!
Happy National Coaches Day!
Today, we celebrate the incredible coaches who support our students in every aspect of their livesāwhether itās in athletic activities, academic pursuits, or beyond. Your dedication, leadership, and unwavering support make a world of difference. We are truly grateful for everything you do to inspire and guide our students to success!
Today, we celebrate the incredible coaches who support our students in every aspect of their livesāwhether itās in athletic activities, academic pursuits, or beyond. Your dedication, leadership, and unwavering support make a world of difference. We are truly grateful for everything you do to inspire and guide our students to success!
This week, we celebrate Georgia Pre-K Week!
Dalton Public Schools is proud to recognize the importance of early learning and the role it plays in building a strong foundation for our youngest students.
From story time to hands-on activities, our Pre-K classrooms are full of curiosity, discovery, and joy. Thank you to our dedicated teachers and families who help nurture a love for learning from the very beginning!
Dalton Public Schools is proud to recognize the importance of early learning and the role it plays in building a strong foundation for our youngest students.
From story time to hands-on activities, our Pre-K classrooms are full of curiosity, discovery, and joy. Thank you to our dedicated teachers and families who help nurture a love for learning from the very beginning!
Hispanic Heritage Month Staff Spotlight: Fabiola Miranda š
Assistant Principal, Hammond Creek Middle School
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, weāre proud to highlight Dalton Public Schools leaders whose stories, values, and experiences strengthen our community.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally or professionally?
For me, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the richness of our culture that shape who I am and connect me to a larger community. It also creates space for the next generation to feel proud of who they are, so they don't feel like they have to choose between cultures but can embrace all parts of themselves.
How has your culture influenced who you are today or how you approach your work in education?
My culture has helped shape my values, leadership style, and how I connect to students and families. I grew up with family and community being central to everything we do. That influences how I approach my work, I see Hammond Creek and Dalton Public Schools as my extended family and I work to ensure every student and staff member feels supported and cared for. My culture also taught me that education is the key to opportunity and breaking barriers. That belief shapes how I advocate for students, it is important to me that they see their culture as a strength and not an obstacle.
Is there a tradition, value, or memory from your heritage that you are especially proud of and would like to share?
One of the things I'm most proud of is the way my family stays close and makes time for each other. That sense of closeness reminds me to prioritize relationships and community in everything I do.
Thank you, Fabiola, for your leadership and for the heart you bring to serving our students, families, and staff!
Assistant Principal, Hammond Creek Middle School
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, weāre proud to highlight Dalton Public Schools leaders whose stories, values, and experiences strengthen our community.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally or professionally?
For me, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the richness of our culture that shape who I am and connect me to a larger community. It also creates space for the next generation to feel proud of who they are, so they don't feel like they have to choose between cultures but can embrace all parts of themselves.
How has your culture influenced who you are today or how you approach your work in education?
My culture has helped shape my values, leadership style, and how I connect to students and families. I grew up with family and community being central to everything we do. That influences how I approach my work, I see Hammond Creek and Dalton Public Schools as my extended family and I work to ensure every student and staff member feels supported and cared for. My culture also taught me that education is the key to opportunity and breaking barriers. That belief shapes how I advocate for students, it is important to me that they see their culture as a strength and not an obstacle.
Is there a tradition, value, or memory from your heritage that you are especially proud of and would like to share?
One of the things I'm most proud of is the way my family stays close and makes time for each other. That sense of closeness reminds me to prioritize relationships and community in everything I do.
Thank you, Fabiola, for your leadership and for the heart you bring to serving our students, families, and staff!
Dalton Public Schools was proud to host another wonderful breakfast this morning with Superintendent Dr. Steven Craft and an outstanding group of teachers and staff from across the district!
Nominated by their principals, these dedicated educators and team members enjoyed a chance to connect, recharge, and be celebrated for their hard work and commitment. It was a meaningful way to honor their contributions and send them into the weekend feeling appreciated.
Hispanic Heritage Month Staff Spotlight: Bianca Maldonado š
Assistant Director of Human Resources
As part of our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, weāre proud to highlight the voices of Dalton Public Schools staff who share their culture, values, and perspectives with our community.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally or professionally?
"To me, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and honor our culture's history, contributions, and achievements. I believe it is important for us to share our diverse backgrounds and traditions as it promotes inclusivity and allows our students and staff to feel seen, respected, and appreciated."
Thank you, Bianca, for your dedication to uplifting others and for the positive impact you bring to our DPS family every day!
Assistant Director of Human Resources
As part of our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, weāre proud to highlight the voices of Dalton Public Schools staff who share their culture, values, and perspectives with our community.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally or professionally?
"To me, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and honor our culture's history, contributions, and achievements. I believe it is important for us to share our diverse backgrounds and traditions as it promotes inclusivity and allows our students and staff to feel seen, respected, and appreciated."
Thank you, Bianca, for your dedication to uplifting others and for the positive impact you bring to our DPS family every day!
Classroom Spotlight: Mrs. Allison Chlebischās class at City Park School recently embarked on an exciting research adventure!
Students chose a country they would love to visit and explored its culture, language, holidays, food, currency, and transportation. Working with partners, they created detailed travel guides complete with maps and fun facts to convince others why their chosen country is the best destination.
Along the way, students read āCulture Shockā from their Savvas workbooks to spark meaningful questions, then developed research plansāasking questions, making claims, researching, writing, revising, and presenting. By sharing responsibilities, each team got hands-on experience in collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
Students chose a country they would love to visit and explored its culture, language, holidays, food, currency, and transportation. Working with partners, they created detailed travel guides complete with maps and fun facts to convince others why their chosen country is the best destination.
Along the way, students read āCulture Shockā from their Savvas workbooks to spark meaningful questions, then developed research plansāasking questions, making claims, researching, writing, revising, and presenting. By sharing responsibilities, each team got hands-on experience in collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
Dalton High School is proud to announce the 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame Class!
This year, we celebrate:
Football ā Bill Mitchell, Joe Bill Faith
Wrestling ā Hosea Lampley
Boys Basketball ā Bernard Betton, Jimmy Howell
Girls Basketball ā Mimi Crenshaw
Baseball ā Matthew Boggs
Swimming ā Jonathan Rehberg
Soccer ā Kobe Perez
Boys Track ā Joseph King
Girls Golf ā Brendie Rockholt
Coach ā Hayden Wagers
Community Contributor ā Ray Broadrick
Team Recognition ā 1967 State Championship Football Team
Join us in honoring these Catamount legends at the Hall of Fame Induction Dinner & Banquet on October 16 and at the community introduction on October 17 during the home football game.
Read the full press release with details and the complete roster of the 1967 championship team ā”ļø https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2462518
This year, we celebrate:
Football ā Bill Mitchell, Joe Bill Faith
Wrestling ā Hosea Lampley
Boys Basketball ā Bernard Betton, Jimmy Howell
Girls Basketball ā Mimi Crenshaw
Baseball ā Matthew Boggs
Swimming ā Jonathan Rehberg
Soccer ā Kobe Perez
Boys Track ā Joseph King
Girls Golf ā Brendie Rockholt
Coach ā Hayden Wagers
Community Contributor ā Ray Broadrick
Team Recognition ā 1967 State Championship Football Team
Join us in honoring these Catamount legends at the Hall of Fame Induction Dinner & Banquet on October 16 and at the community introduction on October 17 during the home football game.
Read the full press release with details and the complete roster of the 1967 championship team ā”ļø https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2462518
Hispanic Heritage Month Staff Spotlight: Jorge Miranda š
Network Administrator
For Hispanic Heritage Month, weāre honored to highlight Dalton Public Schools staff whose stories, traditions, and values strengthen our community.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally or professionally?
Hispanic Heritage Month is both a celebration and a reflection for me. Personally, itās a time to honor my parents and the sacrifices they made so I can be where I am today. Their hard work, dedication and perseverance laid the foundation for the opportunities I now have. Professionally, itās a chance to recognize the contributions of Hispanic leaders, educators, and innovators, while also reminding me of the responsibility I carry to ensure that students in our schools see themselves represented and know that their heritage is a source of pride and strength.
How has your culture influenced who you are today or how you approach your work in education?
My culture has instilled in me the values of hard work, family, and perseverance, and it has shaped the way I lead with empathy and collaboration. It has also reinforced my personal core values: Family, Integrity, Improvement, and Respect. These guide me dailyāwhether I am mentoring team members, supporting staff, or building opportunities for students. They remind me that supporting technology for education is not only about outcomes but also about how you treat people, the trust you build, and the example you set for others.
Is there a tradition, value, or memory from your heritage that you are especially proud of and would like to share?
One of the traditions that is most near and dear to my heart is how food brings people together in my culture. Meals are more than nourishmentāthey are moments to connect, share stories, and strengthen bonds. Growing up, those gatherings taught me the importance of community and belonging. Today, I carry that same value into my professional life by striving to create environments where people feel included, supported, and part of something greater than themselves.
Thank you, Jorge, for your dedication and the example you set in serving our DPS family with integrity and heart!
Network Administrator
For Hispanic Heritage Month, weāre honored to highlight Dalton Public Schools staff whose stories, traditions, and values strengthen our community.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally or professionally?
Hispanic Heritage Month is both a celebration and a reflection for me. Personally, itās a time to honor my parents and the sacrifices they made so I can be where I am today. Their hard work, dedication and perseverance laid the foundation for the opportunities I now have. Professionally, itās a chance to recognize the contributions of Hispanic leaders, educators, and innovators, while also reminding me of the responsibility I carry to ensure that students in our schools see themselves represented and know that their heritage is a source of pride and strength.
How has your culture influenced who you are today or how you approach your work in education?
My culture has instilled in me the values of hard work, family, and perseverance, and it has shaped the way I lead with empathy and collaboration. It has also reinforced my personal core values: Family, Integrity, Improvement, and Respect. These guide me dailyāwhether I am mentoring team members, supporting staff, or building opportunities for students. They remind me that supporting technology for education is not only about outcomes but also about how you treat people, the trust you build, and the example you set for others.
Is there a tradition, value, or memory from your heritage that you are especially proud of and would like to share?
One of the traditions that is most near and dear to my heart is how food brings people together in my culture. Meals are more than nourishmentāthey are moments to connect, share stories, and strengthen bonds. Growing up, those gatherings taught me the importance of community and belonging. Today, I carry that same value into my professional life by striving to create environments where people feel included, supported, and part of something greater than themselves.
Thank you, Jorge, for your dedication and the example you set in serving our DPS family with integrity and heart!
A great way to start the day! š
The Dalton Academy flag football team recently visited Westwood School to greet students with smiles, open car doors, and wish them a fantastic day of learning. Thank you, Pumas, for spreading positivity and showing what it means to lead with kindness!
The Dalton Academy flag football team recently visited Westwood School to greet students with smiles, open car doors, and wish them a fantastic day of learning. Thank you, Pumas, for spreading positivity and showing what it means to lead with kindness!
Happy School Custodian Appreciation Day! š We are beyond grateful for our dedicated custodial staff who work tirelessly to keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming for students, staff, and visitors. Your hard work and commitment help create an environment where everyone can thrive. Thank you for all that you do!
Hispanic Heritage Month Staff Spotlight: Karla Jacobo š
Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
This Hispanic Heritage Month, weāre celebrating the voices and stories that make Dalton Public Schools such a vibrant community.
What Hispanic Heritage Month means to Karla:
Hispanic Heritage Month is a chance to honor the beauty and strength of my culture and the journey of my family. Being a first-generation Mexican American has shaped my heart for service. Those values of hard work, family, and community guide how I serve at DPS, where Iām proud to help families feel seen, heard, and supported.
Thank you, Karla, for your dedication and the warmth you bring to our students, families, and staff every day!
Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
This Hispanic Heritage Month, weāre celebrating the voices and stories that make Dalton Public Schools such a vibrant community.
What Hispanic Heritage Month means to Karla:
Hispanic Heritage Month is a chance to honor the beauty and strength of my culture and the journey of my family. Being a first-generation Mexican American has shaped my heart for service. Those values of hard work, family, and community guide how I serve at DPS, where Iām proud to help families feel seen, heard, and supported.
Thank you, Karla, for your dedication and the warmth you bring to our students, families, and staff every day!
October is National Principal's Month, and we want to take a moment to appreciate our incredible principals at Dalton Public Schools.
Their dedication, leadership, and hard work are the foundation of our educational community. Thank you for all you do to support our students and staff!
Your words of appreciation mean the world to our principals! Don't hesitate to leave a comment on this post to show your support for their hard work and dedication.
Their dedication, leadership, and hard work are the foundation of our educational community. Thank you for all you do to support our students and staff!
Your words of appreciation mean the world to our principals! Don't hesitate to leave a comment on this post to show your support for their hard work and dedication.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month!
At Dalton Public Schools, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and respected. Together, we can take a stand against bullying and promote kindness, acceptance, and unity.
At Dalton Public Schools, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and respected. Together, we can take a stand against bullying and promote kindness, acceptance, and unity.
Fall Break Reminder š
Just a friendly reminder that Fall Break is right around the corner! Thursday, October 9 is an early release day. Friday, October 10th is a student holiday and a staff work day.
Monday, October 13th is a student and staff holiday.
We will see you all back on Tuesday, October 14!
Just a friendly reminder that Fall Break is right around the corner! Thursday, October 9 is an early release day. Friday, October 10th is a student holiday and a staff work day.
Monday, October 13th is a student and staff holiday.
We will see you all back on Tuesday, October 14!
