Paws in Print

A MONTHLY COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER - May Edition

A group of elementary-aged students perform on stage in a school play, wearing simple costume outfits. A girl stands at the center singing or speaking, while other children pose and move behind her against a red curtain backdrop.

Hammond Creek Middle School’s talented theatre students recently brought the classic musical Annie Jr. to life!

 

UPCOMING DPS EVENTS

May 11 | 5:00 PM — 5:30 PM - DPS Board of Education - Work Session

May 11 | 6:00 PM — 7:30 PM - DPS Board of Education - Regular Meeting

May 20 | 7:00 PM — 9:00 PM - The Dalton Academy Graduation

May 21 | 7:00 PM — 9:00 PM - Dalton High School Graduation

May 22 | All Day — Last Day of School/Early Dismissal

August 4 — First Day of School 2026/2027

A drawing of a letter in red

District News

See all recent news stories.

View all District News
A drawing in red of mountains and a flag

Summer Programs 2026

Check out these awesome opportunities!

View Summer Programs
A red drawing of a calendar

2026-2027 School Calendar

Plan ahead for the 26-27 school year!

View the 26-27 Calendar

Announcements

Save the Date! 🎓

Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony Information

Save the date! Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026!

The Dalton Academy – May 20 at 7:00 PM | The Dalton Stadium

Dalton High School – May 21 at 7:00 PM | Harmon Field

A Dalton Public Schools banner reads “Save the Date! Summer Feeding” in large red and white script text over a blurred background of fresh foods. The Dalton logo appears in the top left corner.

Summer Feeding Program 2026

Dalton Public Schools is proud to offer free lunch for all children 18 and under from June 1 to July 17 as part of our Summer Nutrition Program.

No registration required. Just stop by and enjoy a healthy meal.

Find more information and view summer meal locations here.

Upcoming Next Gen Basketball Skills Clinic

Upcoming Next Gen Basketball Skills Clinic

Looking for a great way to grow confidence and skills? The Next Gen Basketball Skills Clinic is a FREE opportunity for Dalton Public Schools students (or children of DPS employees) in grades 3rd–8th (boys & girls) to train, compete, and improve. Led by Coach Brendan Plavich, this clinic brings high-level experience directly to our athletes:

✔ Former Division I standout & NCAA leader in 3-point shooting

✔ Trained with NBA-level coaches & players

✔ Played professionally in Germany’s top league (1st Bundesliga)

✔ EYBL coach with a track record of developing college players

✔ Dalton High standout (First-Team All-State, 2x Region Player of the Year)

Players will build real game skills while learning from coaches and athletes they’ll see and play with in the Dalton program. All skill levels are welcome!

Clinic Details:

📍 Location: DJHS Gym

May Sessions (Saturdays):

• May 16 | 5:00–7:00 PM

• May 23 | 5:00–7:00 PM

Register for the clinic!

A black-and-white photo of a large school band performing on stage in an auditorium with a conductor at the front. Overlaid text reads “Dalton Bands in Concert” and lists dates and times: 6th Grade on April 28 at HCMS, 7–8 Grade on April 30 at HCMS, Dalton High School on May 5 at DHS, and 7–12 Grade Jazz on May 13 at HCMS, all at 6:00 PM.

Dalton Bands In Concert

Missed the first concerts? You still have time! 🎶

There are two more opportunities to see Dalton Bands in concert this spring:

🎷 Dalton High School – May 5th @ DHS | 6:00 PM
🎺 7–12 Grade Jazz – May 13th @ HCMS | 6:00 PM

Come out and support our talented student musicians—you won’t want to miss these performances!

Looking for food assistance in the Dalton area? Click the link below to see a full list of local organizations offering free meals and pantry support. The list includes details in both English and Spanish for your convenience.

Set Up for Success: Testing Reminders

As we approach upcoming testing, we encourage families to help students be prepared for success. Ensuring your child gets a good night’s rest and arrives at school on time can make a big difference. We also ask that parents take a moment to check their student’s device for any damage and confirm that it is fully charged each day. Please make sure your student brings their charger to school as well. Replacement chargers are available for purchase in the Media Center for $15.

 

A bold red and gray graphic announcing “First Day of School” with the date “August 4, 2026” displayed prominently in the center.

Save the Date!

The first day of school is August 4, 2026. Click here to view the 2026-2027 calendar.

Looking for food assistance in the Dalton area? Click the link below to see a full list of local organizations offering free meals and pantry support. The list includes details in both English and Spanish for your convenience.

Local Food Assistance Resources

Looking for food assistance in the Dalton area? Click the link below to see a full list of local organizations offering free meals and pantry support. The list includes details in both English and Spanish for your convenience.

👉 View the full list of food assistance locations

A promotional flyer for an “Enchanted Night” dance shows an illustration of a man carrying a young girl on his shoulders under string lights. The event is titled “Daughters & Their Special Guest Dance,” hosted by Puma Volleyball, and invites fathers and other special guests. Details include May 8, 2026, from 6–8 PM at 1250 Cross Plains Trail (cafe), with pricing listed and a QR code for sign-up.

Step into an Enchanted Night ✨💫

Join us for a magical evening of dancing, laughter, and unforgettable memories at the Daughters & Their Special Guest Dance—hosted by Puma Volleyball. Fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and all special guests are welcome! 💛

📅 May 8, 2026 | 🕕 6–8 PM
📍 1250 Cross Plains Trail (Café)

Don’t miss this special night to celebrate the important bonds that last a lifetime.

A Dalton High School flyer invites families to a College Signing Celebration honoring student-athletes continuing to collegiate athletics and academics. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6th at 7:00 PM at Dalton High School. The graphic includes sports-themed illustrations and lists participating students along with the colleges they will attend.
A Dalton High School graphic announces “Fine Arts Signing Day” scheduled for Monday, May 4 at 5:30 at Dalton High School. The design features red and black accents, the Dalton “D” logo, and arts-themed icons like a paint easel, theater masks, and music notes.

Dalton High School’s Signing Days

Dalton High School is proud to celebrate their students taking the next step in their academic, athletic, and fine arts journeys! Join us as we recognize their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments during our upcoming Fine Arts Signing Day and College Signing Celebration.

Support Dalton Students Through Purposity

Support Dalton Students Through Purposity

You can make a real difference! Download the Purposity app to help meet the needs of Dalton Public Schools students in our community. Every small act of kindness helps students succeed — one need at a time.

Here’s the May Calendar of Events from the Dalton-Whitfield County Public Library! Check out all the exciting programs and activities happening this month for readers of all ages.

May at the Dalton-Whitfield County Public Library

Here’s the May Calendar of Events from the Dalton-Whitfield County Public Library! Check out all the exciting programs and activities happening this month for readers of all ages.

Mayo en la Biblioteca Pública del Condado de Dalton-Whitfield

Mayo en la Biblioteca Pública del Condado de Dalton-Whitfield

¡Aquí está el calendario de eventos de mayo de la Biblioteca Pública del Condado de Dalton-Whitfield! Echa un vistazo a todos los emocionantes programas y actividades que se llevarán a cabo este mes para lectores de todas las edades.

Catch up on key updates from this month’s Board of Education meeting, including project updates, instructional initiatives, recognitions, and approved action items. These highlights provide a quick, easy overview of the work happening across the district.

Board of Education Highlights

Catch up on key updates from this month’s Board of Education meeting, including project updates, instructional initiatives, recognitions, and approved action items. These highlights provide a quick, easy overview of the work happening across the district.

🔗 Read the April Board Highlights

A Dalton Public Schools graphic reading “Save the date! Summer Camps” in bold red lettering, set against a blurred outdoor field background with the district logo in the corner.

Discover, Learn, Play: Dalton Public Schools Announces 2026 Summer Camps

 

Dalton Public Schools is excited to announce the launch of its 2026 Summer Programs and Camps! Families now have access to a wide variety of fun, educational, and enriching experiences to keep students engaged throughout the summer months.

View the 2026 Summer Programs

News

Dalton Public Schools Educator Dr. Lisa Hackney Receives Margaret Bynum Award

A bright graphic with a yellow sunburst background announcing the Georgia Association for Gifted Children 2026 Margaret Bynum Award. It features a portrait of Dr. Lisa Hackney and text identifying her with the Georgia Department of Education, along with decorative lightbulb icons.

Dalton Public Schools proudly announces that Dr. Lisa Hackney, a longtime educator and former Director of School Support for the district, was honored with the 2026 Margaret Bynum Award at the Georgia Association for Gifted Children (GAGC) annual conference.

Dr. Hackney dedicated 41 years to Dalton Public Schools, including 28 years in the classroom and 13 years in administration, leaving a lasting mark on generations of students and educators. She currently serves as the Program Specialist for Gifted Education and Advanced Academics at the Georgia Department of Education, where she continues to support and advance gifted programming statewide.

Read more about Dr. Hackney

Inaugural Lance Sotelo Award Honors Dalton Student-Athlete Antonella Colmenarez

Four people stand together smiling in an indoor venue as a student holds an award plaque. Overlaid text reads “Inaugural Lance Sotelo Award Honors Dalton Student-Athlete Antonella Colmenarez.”

Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Antonella Colmenarez, an 8th grade student-athlete, has been named the first-ever recipient of the Lance Sotelo Award.

Presented by Chuy and Jeanne Sotelo, this award recognizes a Track and Field athlete who exemplifies outstanding work ethic, dedication to their team, and a strong determination to continue their journey in the sport. The award was established in memory of Dalton Public Schools alumnus Lance Sotelo and will continue to be presented to future student-athletes who embody these same qualities.

Read more about the Lance Sotelo Award