Dalton, GA – We are proud to congratulate several Dalton Public Schools that have been recognized by the Georgia Department of Education for their efforts in supporting cursive writing instruction, as part of the 2025–2026 John Hancock Awards program.

Brookwood Elementary School and Blue Ridge Elementary School received the John Hancock Banner and Ribbon of Distinction, the highest level of recognition in the program. This award is given to schools where at least 90% of students demonstrate the ability to write both their name and the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution in cursive. 

Additionally, the following schools were awarded the John Hancock Banner and Proficiency Ribbon, which recognizes schools where 90% or more of students can write their name in cursive: 

• City Park Elementary School

• Dalton High School

• Dalton Junior High School

• Hammond Creek Middle School

• Park Creek Elementary School

• Roan Elementary School

• The Dalton Academy

• Westwood Elementary School

“Having 10 schools recognized through the John Hancock Awards is a tremendous accomplishment and a proud moment for Dalton Public Schools,” said Dr. Steven Craft, Superintendent of Dalton Public Schools. “Our students embraced the challenge, our teachers made the learning meaningful, and together they achieved something worthy of celebration. We are delighted to see their hard work honored at the state level.”

About the John Hancock Awards 

The Georgia Department of Education created the John Hancock Awards to highlight schools that demonstrate strong cursive writing instruction. Cursive writing, which remains part of Georgia’s English Language Arts standards, is linked to improved fine motor skills, literacy development, and the ability to engage with historical texts in their original form. 

"Cursive writing is about much more than penmanship — it supports the development of skills students use throughout their learning," said Dr. April Aldridge, GaDOE Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning. "It also gives students the ability to encounter documents like the U.S. Constitution as they were originally written, creating a tangible connection between literacy, history, and civic understanding. We are proud of the Georgia educators who continue to provide students with these important learning opportunities."