Dalton Public Schools

Paws in Print: A DPS Parent Newsletter

A MONTHLY COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER EDITION
DPS high school sophomores had the opportunity to participate in the interactive ‘game of life’ at the Teen Maze event organized by Whitfield Family Connection! Taking place at the Dalton Fair Grounds, Teen Maze aims to educate students about the real-life consequences of their choices through a hands-on and engaging experience. By examining how their decisions can affect their future and understanding the importance of personal responsibility, this event empowers students to make positive choices in life. We are proud of our students for participating and gaining valuable insights that will help shape their futures!

DPS high school sophomores had the opportunity to participate in the interactive ‘game of life’ at the Teen Maze event organized by Whitfield Family Connection!

Taking place at the Dalton Fair Grounds, Teen Maze aims to educate students about the real-life consequences of their choices through a hands-on and engaging experience. By examining how their decisions can affect their future and understanding the importance of personal responsibility, this event empowers students to make positive choices in life.

We are proud of our students for participating and gaining valuable insights that will help shape their futures!

UPCOMING DPS EVENTS

  • October 9 - Early Student Release Day

  • October 10 - Teacher Work Day/Student Holiday

  • October 13 - Student and Staff Holiday

  • October 13 | 5:00 PM — 6:00 PM - DPS Board of Education - Work Session

  • October 13 | 6:00 PM — 8:00 PM - DPS Board of Education - Regular Meeting

Announcements

A flyer announcing that free and reduced lunch applications are now open. The top of the flyer features smiling children eating lunch together. Bold red and white text reads “Now Open! Free and Reduced Lunch Applications.” Below it, the flyer highlights the benefits of applying: A photo of a girl holding school materials is labeled “School Funding” with the note “Maintains funding for student programs and services.” A photo of a student graduating is labeled “SAT, ACT, AP Fees” with the note “Discounted fees for SAT, ACT, and AP exams along with scholarship opportunities.” A photo of a student selecting lunch is labeled “School Meals” with the note “Free or reduced meal prices for nutritious and delicious meals.” Text at the bottom encourages families to complete a new application annually and to do so by September 1, 2025. It notes that applications can be completed online or via paper forms at any school’s front office.

Free & Reduced Lunch Applications

The 2025–2026 Free & Reduced Lunch Application is still open! Everyone is encouraged to complete a new application each year, even if you’ve qualified in the past. Apply online or pick up a paper copy at the front office of any Dalton school.

  • ENGLISH: https://www.myschoolapps.com/.../DistrictR.../DaltonPS_GA...

  • SPANISH: https://www.myschoolapps.com/.../DistrictR.../DaltonPS_GA...

It’s About More Than a Meal!

  • Access to free or reduced prices on healthy, delicious meals

  • Discounted fees for SAT, ACT, and AP exams

  • Eligibility for college scholarships and academic programs

  • Helps maintain critical student services and enrichment programs

Take a few minutes to apply—it’s a small step that supports big opportunities for your student!

October 9 is an early release day.

Early Dismissal Day for All Schools!

Schedule Reminder:
📌 Thursday, October 9: Early Release Day
📌 Friday, October 10: Teacher Work Day/Student Holiday
📌 Monday, October 13: Student and Staff Holiday
We look forward to seeing our students back in class on Tuesday, October 14!

Escaping CAB’s Wonderland: Dalton State’s Fall Family Festival

Escaping CAB’s Wonderland: Dalton State’s Fall Family Festival

Join us on October 23rd at Dalton State College for Escaping CAB’s Wonderland! From hayrides and crafts to balloon animals, food trucks, face painting, and a petting zoo—there’s something for everyone. With free entry, treats, and activities, it’s a magical night you don’t want to miss!

Free Virtual SAT Prep for Georgia High School Students!

Free Virtual SAT Prep for Georgia High School Students!

The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) has partnered with Tutored by Teachers (TbT) to offer free, live, virtual SAT prep classes for high school students across the state. 🎓✨

✅ 100% Free
✅ Live instruction aligned to student needs
✅ Easy online access

👉 Don’t miss this opportunity—scan the QR code or click to save your spot today!

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.

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.

Every Day Counts at Dalton Public Schools!

Every Day Counts at Dalton Public Schools!

Did you know… Missing just 2 days a month adds up to over 3 weeks of learning lost in a school year? Students with strong attendance are more likely to succeed in reading, math, and graduation? That’s why DPS is rolling out a new attendance process to better support families:

  • Clear, consistent communication when absences begin to add up

  • Supportive phone calls and letters to keep families informed

  • School and district teams working together with you to remove barriers

Learn more about how we’re supporting attendance year-round: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/page/attendance

Free Admission and T-Shirts at Georgia Volleyball’s 10K Day vs. Alabama!

Free Admission and T-Shirts at Georgia Volleyball’s 10K Day vs. Alabama!

It’s 10k Day! Georgia Volleyball faces Alabama on Friday, October 17th, at 7:00pm at the Steg. The first 1,000 fans will receive a free t-shirt, enjoy our kids’ zone, and cheer on your Georgia Bulldogs. Join us at the Steg and be a part of history as we break the State of Georgia attendance record again on Friday, October 17th at 7:00pm. Admission is free for all fans!

Check Out “Rooms”!

Have you explored the Rooms feature yet? It’s the brand-new, official two-way communication tool for Dalton Public Schools — a convenient hub for classroom updates, district announcements, direct messaging with teachers, clubs, sports updates, and more.

Why you’ll love Rooms:

  • Everything school-related in one place — no more hunting through emails or multiple platforms.

  • Accessible through the Dalton Public Schools app on both Apple and Android.

  • Two-way messaging with teachers, administrators, counselors, and school staff — plus text notifications even if you don’t download the app.

Getting started:

  • Make sure your contact information (phone number and email) matches what’s on file to gain access.

  • Need help? For further assistance, you can access Apptegy’s helpful resources, or contact the Dalton Public Schools Communications Team directly.

👉 To learn more and see how Rooms works, check out our webpage: daltonpublicschools.com/rooms

If you'd like, we’re happy to walk you through signing up or navigating Rooms—just give us a shout! Let’s make staying connected with your child’s school smoother than ever.

NEWS FROM DALTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Dalton High School is proud to announce the 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame Class!

Dalton High School is proud to announce the 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame Class!

Dalton High School is proud to announce the second class of inductees into the Dalton High School Athletics Hall of Fame. Established in 2024, the Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches, and community contributors who have made lasting contributions to Dalton athletics. This year’s class builds upon the momentum of the inaugural celebration, honoring individuals and teams whose achievements represent excellence, leadership, and an enduring commitment to the Catamount legacy.

READ MORE HERE

We were excited to welcome student leaders from across grade levels who shared their voices and perspectives to help shape the future of Dalton Public Schools.

DPS Welcomes 2025 Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council

We were excited to welcome student leaders from across grade levels who shared their voices and perspectives to help shape the future of Dalton Public Schools.

In the session, students met with Superintendent Dr. Craft and Associate Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Shaw to explore positive ways Dalton Public Schools GA could implement the new Distraction-Free Personal Device State Law. Their ideas guided opportunities to enhance learning and keep students engaged in the classroom.

This was just the beginning, and we looked forward to the incredible ideas this group would share throughout the year.

DALTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS GRADUATION RATES SHOW STEADY GROWTH

Dalton Public Schools Graduation Rates Show Steady Growth

Dalton Public Schools (DPS) is celebrating continued growth in graduation rates, with both Dalton High School and The Dalton Academy showing year-over-year improvement. The district’s overall graduation rate remains strong and continues to track closely with the state’s record-setting performance.

READ MORE HERE

Dalton Public Schools Dedicates "Dalton Reads!" Mobile Library On Georgia Reads Day

Dalton Public Schools Dedicates "Dalton Reads!" Mobile Library On Georgia Reads Day

Dalton Public Schools proudly launched the Dalton Reads! Mobile Library with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, September 22, at the Junior Achievement Center in Dalton, Georgia. The event coincided with Georgia Reads Day, a statewide celebration of literacy.

READ MORE HERE

National Child Passenger Safety Month

National Child Passenger Safety Month

September was National Child Passenger Safety Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of proper car seat use.

The Dalton Police Department and our dedicated School Resource Officers partnered with several of our elementary schools during car rider line to help families ensure children were buckled up safely. Officers offered free car seat checks and even provided new seats when needed—no tickets issued, just support.

We were extremely grateful for their service, generosity, and commitment to keeping our students safe!

NOW HIRING IN DALTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

"Dalton Public Schools is now hiring Activity Bus Drivers. The flyer features a red and black school bus with 'Dalton Public Schools' written along the side. Text describes the role: drive students and staff to games, field trips, and events, with afternoon, evening, and some weekend trips included. Contact information is provided: phone number 706.876.4035, address 300 W Waugh Street, and website https://dalton.schoolspring.com."

Dalton Public Schools is Hiring an Activity Bus Driver


Love the open road and school spirit? Become an Activity Bus Driver with Dalton Public Schools and drive the adventure! Help students get to games, field trips, and fun events—safely and on schedule. Apply today and be part of the journey! This is a Dalton Public Schools position—join the DPS team!

Apply today at: https://dalton.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5280435

Looking for other career opportunities?
Explore our other job openings here and join a team dedicated to student success!