Dalton Public Schools

Paws in Print: A DPS Parent Newsletter

A MONTHLY COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
A group of students and administrators pose for a photo in a school setting. The students, dressed in a mix of casual and semi-formal attire, stand in the center, while two adult administrators in professional attire stand on either side. The background features large windows, red-framed glass panels, and a school logo on the wall, indicating a high school setting. The group appears engaged and confident, standing together in a well-lit common area.

UPCOMING DPS EVENTS

February 14 – Virtual Learning Day
February 17 – Student & Staff Holiday
February 18 – Teacher Work Day/Student Holiday
March 31 thru April 4 – Spring Break

Announcements

A classroom scene featuring a diverse group of young students engaged in learning. A teacher with curly hair, glasses, and a purple crocheted sweater leans over to assist a student with a laptop. In the foreground, a smiling girl wearing pink headphones and a black dress appears to be enjoying an activity, while another student in a gray hoodie observes. The background includes other students working on their laptops, bookshelves with colorful decorations, and a classroom clock. The bold text overlay at the bottom reads, 'Be Bold. Be Dalton.' in white and red letters, accompanied by the Dalton Public Schools logo.

Join us for the DPS Recruitment Fair!

📅 Saturday, February 8, 2025 | ⏰ 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Hammond Creek Middle School

Your future starts here! Meet our team, explore opportunities, and take the first step toward a rewarding career where passion meets purpose. Don't miss out!

Learn More: Dalton Public Schools Recruitment Fair

A promotional graphic for the 'Tom Jones Educator of the Year Award,' featuring a photograph of four individuals standing on a football field. The two men on the left and right wear red polo shirts, while the two women in the center wear red blouses. One of the women in the center is holding a clear glass award. The background shows a football stadium with spectators. The text at the top reads 'Tom Jones Educator of the Year Award' in bold white letters on a black background. Below the photograph, large white text on a black banner states, 'NOMINATE AN EDUCATOR TODAY!' At the bottom, the logo of the Dalton Education Foundation, featuring a red apple, is displayed.

Nominate an Outstanding Teacher

Know an outstanding Dalton Public Schools educator?

Nominate them for the Tom Jones Educator of the Year Award! Sponsored by the Dalton Education Foundation, this annual award honors educators who exemplify excellence and make a lasting impact on students, teachers, and the community.

Read More: Nominate a Teacher for the Tom Jones Educator of the Year Award

A digital graphic designed to resemble a smartphone screen features a Giving Tuesday message from Dalton Public Schools. At the top, the Dalton Public Schools logo is displayed, followed by a simple black-line illustration of school supplies, including a backpack, notebook, calculator, and headphones. The main message in bold, black text reads: 'Help us meet their needs this Giving Tuesday!' Below, in smaller uppercase letters, the text encourages people to 'Download the Purposity app to help meet the needs of real students in our community.' The background has a gradient effect transitioning from white at the top to soft red at the bottom.

Help Us Meet Student Needs!

Did you know? Dalton Public Schools has an app that helps you meet student needs with just a few clicks!

Download the Purposity app at purposity.com/@dpsschools and help meet the needs of this family, and others!

Your support matters more than you know!

A graphic with a red background featuring black circular and dotted design elements. In the center, a white torn piece of paper is pinned to the background with a black pushpin. The text on the paper reads: 'GOOD NEWS!' in bold, uppercase red letters with a black outline, followed by 'in' in smaller red lowercase letters, and 'Dalton Public Schools' in bold black italicized letters.

Good News in Dalton Public Schools

Got News? Is something good happening in your school or your child's school that the community should know about? Do you have good news to share about a class project, school activities, student and staff achievements or interesting people in the district?

We want you to share your Good News with Dalton Public Schools.

Submit a story here: Submit Good News in DPS Schools

ACCOLADES

A young student with medium-length dark hair and a bright smile stands in an auditorium holding a golden saxophone. They are wearing a red hoodie with a small Jumpman logo on the chest. The background features rows of empty black seats and a stage with red curtains. The student appears excited and confident, ready for a performance or practice session.

DALTON JUNIOR HIGH’S CHRISTIAN VERDEL EARNS SPOT IN GEORGIA ALL-STATE BAND

Dalton Public Schools proudly celebrates an incredible achievement by Dalton Junior High School 8th grader Christian Verdel, who has earned a spot in the prestigious Georgia All-State Band. Christian’s selection is a testament to his dedication, talent, and countless hours of practice. He will perform with the state’s finest young musicians on March 1, 2025, at The Classic Center in Athens, GA.

READ MORE

A congratulatory graphic from Dalton Public Schools announcing students selected for the Georgia All-State Chorus. At the top, the Dalton Public Schools logo is displayed, followed by bold black text stating, 'Dalton Public Schools Students Selected for Prestigious Georgia All-State Chorus.' Below, two student portraits are featured. On the left, Jack Redding, a young student in a white long-sleeve shirt, smiles while holding a black folder labeled 'Georgia All-State Chorus' against a gray brick wall background. On the right, Hayden Poe, wearing a blue floral-patterned button-up shirt, smiles warmly with curly hair against a softly lit background. Their names appear in bold red text beneath their images. The bottom of the graphic has a red curved design element.

DALTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS STUDENTS SELECTED FOR GEORGIA ALL-STATE CHORUS

Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that two of its talented students have been selected to represent the district at this prestigious event, which will take place on February 15, 2025, at The Classic Center in Athens, GA.

Jack Redding, a student at Hammond Creek Middle School, will make history as the first-ever participant from Hammond Creek to earn a spot in the GMEA All-State Chorus.

Joining him is Hayden Poe, a senior at Dalton High School, who will perform in the highly competitive Senior High Men’s All-State Choir.

READ MORE

A congratulatory announcement graphic for Lauri Johnson, who has been named Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Dalton Public Schools. The background is bold red with the Dalton Public Schools logo at the top. On the left, there is a framed portrait of Lauri Johnson, a woman with shoulder-length red hair, wearing a black and white patterned blouse and red earrings. She is smiling warmly. On the right, her name 'Lauri Johnson' is displayed in large white text, followed by 'NAMED:' in a smaller italicized font. Below, 'ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS' is written in bold, capitalized white letters. At the bottom, the website 'www.daltonpublicschools.com' is displayed in small white text.

LAURI JOHNSON NAMED ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS FOR DPS

Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce the appointment of Lauri Johnson as the new Assistant Superintendent of Schools. Johnson brings an extensive background in educational leadership, with more than two decades of experience in various roles that have significantly impacted student achievement, teacher development, and school improvement.

READ MORE

MORE NEWS FROM DALTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

A woman with shoulder-length gray hair and a smile stands in front of a gray brick wall. She is wearing a black polo shirt with The Dalton Academy logo embroidered on the left side of her chest. The right side of the image features a black background with The Dalton Academy logo—a bold red 'D' with a snarling cougar mascot. The text in white and red announces: 'The Dalton Academy announces the addition of Golf with Head Coach Deb Harrington.' The word 'GOLF' is written in bold red cursive, and 'HEAD COACH' is highlighted in white with a red outline, while 'Deb Harrington' appears in red script.

The Dalton Academy Announces Addition of Golf Program for 2025-26 Season

The Dalton Academy is thrilled to announce the addition of Golf to its athletic program, set to officially launch in the 2025-26 school year. This exciting expansion provides students with a new opportunity to develop skills in one of the fastest-growing high school sports while representing TDA with pride and excellence.

Leading the charge as the first-ever Girls Golf Coach at The Dalton Academy is Coach Deb Harrington. Coach Harrington brings a wealth of experience and passion to the program, having played golf recreationally for over 40 years and working in the golf industry for 15 years, specializing in golf course maintenance and food and beverage services.

READ MORE

A graphic announcing the transition to 4x4 block scheduling for the 2025-26 school year. The left side features the Dalton High School logo, a bold red 'D' inside a white oval with a red border. Below the logo, black text reads '2025-26 Transition to:' followed by bold black text that states '4x4 Block Scheduling.' On the right side, there is a red folder labeled 'SCHEDULE' in black uppercase letters on a white rectangular background, with white lines representing text. The bottom of the image features a red banner spanning the width.

Dalton High School Announces Transition to True 4x4 Block Schedule in 2025-26

Dalton High School is excited to announce a shift in its academic scheduling to better serve students and prepare them for future success. Beginning in August 2025, the school will transition from its current A/B block schedule to a true 4x4 block schedule, where students will take A classes during the fall semester and B classes in the spring.

This new schedule is designed to enhance learning outcomes and provide students with opportunities for growth, exploration, and preparation for life beyond high school.

To ensure a smooth transition, Dalton High School is committed to providing families with comprehensive support. Parents and students can learn more at our upcoming Parent Information Nights:

February 3, 2025
February 20, 2025
April 14, 2025

READ MORE

A graphic with the Dalton Public Schools logo at the top, which consists of a symmetrical red and black geometric design resembling a stylized tree or cross. Below the logo, the text 'Dalton Public Schools' is written in black. The main message is displayed in bold, uppercase black letters: 'STAY CONNECTED' is on the first line, followed by a thin red horizontal line, and 'STAY INFORMED' on the second line.

Dalton Public Schools Ensures Safety with Comprehensive Weather Response Team

Dalton Public Schools wants families to know that when winter weather becomes a possibility, the district has a comprehensive weather response system in place to ensure the safety of students, staff, and families.

“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” said Dr. Steven Craft, Superintendent. “With a dedicated team, we are prepared to respond effectively to any weather challenges.”

The district’s Weather Response Team, led by Dr. Craft, includes key leadership members and works tirelessly to monitor weather conditions and make informed decisions.

READ MORE

Opportunities from our Community Partners

Dalton Parks and Recreation

A flyer for Dalton Parks & Recreation’s Spring Sports programs with a sky and cloud background. At the top, "SPRING SPORTS" is displayed in large black text, with the website "www.daltonparks.org" and phone number "706-278-5404" below it. The Dalton Parks & Recreation logo is in the top right corner. A QR code is included with the text "Scan Code to register." The flyer details five sports programs: Baseball & Softball (Red box): Ages 3-14 (as of September 1, 2025), $25 per participant, registration from January 1 - February 19. Lacrosse (Green box): Grades 3rd-5th, $25 per participant, registration from January 1 - February 7. Drafted Soccer (Blue box): Ages 3-14 (as of September 1, 2025), $25 per participant, registration from January 1 - February 19. Volleyball (Yellow box): Ages 7-18 (as of September 1, 2025), $25 per participant, registration from January 1 - February 19. Track & Field (Orange box): Ages 5-14 (as of December 31, 2025), $25 per participant, registration from January 1 - February 7. The flyer includes images of children participating in baseball, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, and track. A Facebook logo at the bottom encourages users to follow Dalton Parks & Recreation.
Un volante de los Deportes de Primavera de Dalton Parks & Recreation con un fondo de cielo y nubes. En la parte superior, el título "DEPORTES DE PRIMAVERA" está en letras negras grandes, seguido del sitio web "www.daltonparks.org" y el número de teléfono "706-278-5404". El logo de Dalton Parks & Recreation está en la esquina superior derecha. Se incluye un código QR con el texto "Código de escaneo para registrarse." El volante detalla cinco programas deportivos: Béisbol y Softbol (Caja roja): Edades 3-14 (para el 1 de septiembre de 2025), $25 por participante, inscripción del 1 de enero al 19 de febrero. Lacrosse (Caja verde): Grados de 3ro a 5to, $25 por participante, inscripción del 1 de enero al 7 de febrero. Fútbol (Caja azul): Edades 3-14 (para el 1 de septiembre de 2025), $25 por participante, inscripción del 1 de enero al 19 de febrero. Voleibol (Caja amarilla): Edades 7-18 (para el 1 de septiembre de 2025), $25 por participante, inscripción del 1 de enero al 19 de febrero. Atletismo (Caja naranja): Edades 5-14 (para el 31 de diciembre de 2025), $25 por participante, inscripción del 1 de enero al 7 de febrero. El volante presenta imágenes de niños practicando béisbol, lacrosse, fútbol, voleibol y atletismo. En la parte inferior, hay un icono de Facebook con el texto "Síguenos en Facebook.

Get ready for an exciting season of Spring Sports with Dalton Parks & Recreation! They are offering a variety of athletic programs for our children and youth, providing opportunities to learn new skills, stay active, and have fun.

Spring 2025 Sports Offerings:

Baseball & Softball (Ages 3-14) – $25 per participant
Registration: January 1 - February 19

🥍 Lacrosse (Grades 3rd-5th) – $25 per participant
Registration: January 1 - February 7

⚽ Drafted Soccer (Ages 3-14) – $25 per participant
Registration: January 1 - February 19

🏐 Volleyball (Ages 7-18) – $25 per participant
Registration: January 1 - February 19

🏃‍♂️ Track & Field (Ages 5-14) – $25 per participant
Registration: January 1 - February 7

All ages are determined as of September 1, 2025, except for Track & Field, which is based on December 31, 2025.

How to Register: Easily register online by visiting www.daltonparks.org.

Have Questions: Call Dalton Parks and Rec at 706-278-5404 for more information!

The Dalton Public Schools logo featuring a symmetrical geometric design in black and red, resembling a stylized tree or abstract educational symbol. The design includes small red shapes within a black framework. Below the logo, the text 'Dalton Public Schools' is displayed in bold, black, serif font on a white background.

Stay Connected

We are thrilled to announce our new app for mobile phones!

Stay up-to-date with access to events, documents, news from administrators, student stories, and even emergency notifications. 

You can download the app for free on Google Play or Apple App Store.

Android App>>

Apple App>>