
The Little Cats program officially launched its first classes of the 2025–2026 school year! This early learning program is designed for children who turn three on or before September 1 and provides both students and parents with a strong foundation for school readiness in Pre-K and Kindergarten. The curriculum emphasizes academic growth and social-emotional development, aligning with early learning standards.
This year’s opening lessons centered on building a literacy foundation through the beloved story Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. The colorful, rhythmic book introduces children to uppercase and lowercase letters as they climb a lively coconut tree. Teachers used the story’s playful illustrations and vocabulary to spark conversations, make connections to prior experiences, and expose students to print in meaningful ways.
Students rotated through two engaging small-group activities:
Literacy-Based Lesson – Each child recreated their name on a Chicka Chicka Boom Boom tree using crayons, pencils, and scissors. This activity built fine motor skills while helping students recognize and construct their names with letters.
STEM-Based Lesson – Students assembled a model coconut tree, labeling its parts. This hands-on experience combined fine motor practice with early science learning, reinforcing vocabulary and observation skills.
Both activities were designed to connect literacy with creativity, movement, and problem-solving,supporting the program’s mission to nurture curious, confident, and Pre-kindergarten-ready learners.
This year’s opening lessons centered on building a literacy foundation through the beloved story Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. The colorful, rhythmic book introduces children to uppercase and lowercase letters as they climb a lively coconut tree. Teachers used the story’s playful illustrations and vocabulary to spark conversations, make connections to prior experiences, and expose students to print in meaningful ways.
Students rotated through two engaging small-group activities:
Literacy-Based Lesson – Each child recreated their name on a Chicka Chicka Boom Boom tree using crayons, pencils, and scissors. This activity built fine motor skills while helping students recognize and construct their names with letters.
STEM-Based Lesson – Students assembled a model coconut tree, labeling its parts. This hands-on experience combined fine motor practice with early science learning, reinforcing vocabulary and observation skills.
Both activities were designed to connect literacy with creativity, movement, and problem-solving,supporting the program’s mission to nurture curious, confident, and Pre-kindergarten-ready learners.











Classroom Spotlight: Fifth graders in Mariela Vazquez’s class at Brookwood School recently transformed their room into an Earth Construction Zone!
Wearing yellow helmets and orange vests, students explored constructive and destructive processes that shape our planet. Using Chips Ahoy cookies, graham crackers, frosting, and chocolate chips, they modeled divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries—all inside a “caution-taped” construction zone!
Hands-on learning made science come alive as students discovered how the Earth is constantly changing beneath our feet.
Wearing yellow helmets and orange vests, students explored constructive and destructive processes that shape our planet. Using Chips Ahoy cookies, graham crackers, frosting, and chocolate chips, they modeled divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries—all inside a “caution-taped” construction zone!
Hands-on learning made science come alive as students discovered how the Earth is constantly changing beneath our feet.











Dalton Public Schools was proud to represent at the 2025 Greater Dalton Chamber Business Expo!
This year’s event highlighted the energy, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit that make our community thrive. It was a great opportunity to build relationships and celebrate all that makes Greater Dalton strong!
This year’s event highlighted the energy, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit that make our community thrive. It was a great opportunity to build relationships and celebrate all that makes Greater Dalton strong!







RECENTLY FEATURED IN THE DALTON DAILY CITIZEN: Check out the incredible student artwork from Roan School, lead by art teacher, Sara Stevens.
Our talented young artists continue to showcase their creativity and passion, making us incredibly proud!
Our talented young artists continue to showcase their creativity and passion, making us incredibly proud!











Classroom Spotlight: In Mr. Facey and Mrs. Esparza’s History classroom at The Dalton Academy, students recently explored the 2nd Great Awakening, discovering how powerful ideas and movements can inspire lasting social reform.





Schedule Reminder:
📌 Friday, September 19: Early Release Day
📌 Monday, September 22: Virtual Learning Day – Students will complete assignments from home.
We look forward to seeing our students back in class on Tuesday, September 23!
📌 Friday, September 19: Early Release Day
📌 Monday, September 22: Virtual Learning Day – Students will complete assignments from home.
We look forward to seeing our students back in class on Tuesday, September 23!


Classroom Spotlight: Jennifer Barmore’s 7th grade students at Hammond Creek Middle School recently explored the Principles of Graphic Design by analyzing major brand logos—discussing their meaning, design elements, and the star power that makes them unforgettable.

Last week, Superintendent Dr. Steven Craft represented Dalton Public Schools at the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce State of Education event alongside Whitfield County Schools and Christian Heritage School.
Dr. Craft shared exciting updates, including:
✅ Our new Mission & Vision to guide daily work in every school
✅ Five Commitments: Safety & Security, Culture, Tier 1 Instruction, Literacy, and Customer Service
✅ Districtwide DaltonReads! literacy efforts — from LETRS training for teachers to a new mobile literacy van and book vending machines in elementary schools
✅ Student achievement growth on the 2025 Georgia Milestones (gains in 18 of 27 areas!)
✅ Facility and program innovations like the Roan School transformation, Dalton Academy pathway growth, and the launch of Cyber Academy serving 130+ students
Together, these updates highlight a clear and unified direction for Dalton Public Schools — safe and welcoming schools, strong instruction, a deep focus on literacy, and responsive support for families.
You can read more and view Dr. Craft’s full presentation here ➡️: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2402348
Dr. Craft shared exciting updates, including:
✅ Our new Mission & Vision to guide daily work in every school
✅ Five Commitments: Safety & Security, Culture, Tier 1 Instruction, Literacy, and Customer Service
✅ Districtwide DaltonReads! literacy efforts — from LETRS training for teachers to a new mobile literacy van and book vending machines in elementary schools
✅ Student achievement growth on the 2025 Georgia Milestones (gains in 18 of 27 areas!)
✅ Facility and program innovations like the Roan School transformation, Dalton Academy pathway growth, and the launch of Cyber Academy serving 130+ students
Together, these updates highlight a clear and unified direction for Dalton Public Schools — safe and welcoming schools, strong instruction, a deep focus on literacy, and responsive support for families.
You can read more and view Dr. Craft’s full presentation here ➡️: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2402348


Students and teacher leaders from The Dalton Academy and Dalton High School recently gathered at the JA Discovery Center to kick off the year with officer inductions, team challenges, inspiring guest speakers, and valuable networking with advisory boards.
Our students demonstrated strong leadership throughout the day, showing that the future is bright. Thank you to Mrs. Holverson and Mrs. Starks for organizing such a meaningful and impactful experience.
Our students demonstrated strong leadership throughout the day, showing that the future is bright. Thank you to Mrs. Holverson and Mrs. Starks for organizing such a meaningful and impactful experience.











Amy Gleaton’s Forensics class at Dalton High School received funding through the Dalton Education Foundation’s Grants for Instruction program to purchase materials for engineering students to build spec houses and stick houses. Once completed, these student-built structures were used in partnership with the Dalton Fire Department Arson Unit to study fire behavior and learn important fire safety skills.
Special thanks go to the Dalton High School Catabots for constructing the large houses, the Dalton Education Foundation for making this project possible, and the Dalton Fire Department for volunteering their time and expertise to teach students about fire safety.
The experience gave students a rare opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, strengthening both their technical skills and community connections.
Special thanks go to the Dalton High School Catabots for constructing the large houses, the Dalton Education Foundation for making this project possible, and the Dalton Fire Department for volunteering their time and expertise to teach students about fire safety.
The experience gave students a rare opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, strengthening both their technical skills and community connections.











In Lauren Moses’ Kindergarten class at Blue Ridge School, students recently practiced important reading skills using their SAVVAS workbooks — learning how to turn pages and hold a book correctly while enjoying a story together!

Dalton Public Schools will be conducting safety drills throughout the year to keep students and staff prepared.
Learn more here: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2391018


Dalton Public Schools Little Cats Program Enrollment for 2025-2026
Dalton Public Schools is now enrolling 3–4-year-olds for the 2025-2026 Little Cats Program! This free parent and child program meets once a week for 2.5 hours, offering a range of activities including story time, music, movement, and literacy, math, and science activities to foster academic and motor skills development. Classes are led by the DPS Early Childhood Coordinator and are available at three locations:
CURRENT LOCATIONS:
CITY PARK ELEMENTARY: Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered. Classes will be every Wednesday, starting in January 2026.
Address: 105 N. Thornton Avenue, Dalton, GA 30720
BEECHLAND RESOURCE CENTER: Afternoon session will be offered. Classes will be every Wednesday, starting in January 2026.
Address:704 Beechland Circle. Dalton, GA 30721
ROAN ROUNDHOUSE: Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered. Classes will be every Tuesday, starting on September 9th.
Address: 400 Vann Circle Dalton, GA 30721For more information, please contact:
Saira Laruy: 706-463-7631
Click here for more information: https://5il.co/2t4qk
Dalton Public Schools is now enrolling 3–4-year-olds for the 2025-2026 Little Cats Program! This free parent and child program meets once a week for 2.5 hours, offering a range of activities including story time, music, movement, and literacy, math, and science activities to foster academic and motor skills development. Classes are led by the DPS Early Childhood Coordinator and are available at three locations:
CURRENT LOCATIONS:
CITY PARK ELEMENTARY: Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered. Classes will be every Wednesday, starting in January 2026.
Address: 105 N. Thornton Avenue, Dalton, GA 30720
BEECHLAND RESOURCE CENTER: Afternoon session will be offered. Classes will be every Wednesday, starting in January 2026.
Address:704 Beechland Circle. Dalton, GA 30721
ROAN ROUNDHOUSE: Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered. Classes will be every Tuesday, starting on September 9th.
Address: 400 Vann Circle Dalton, GA 30721For more information, please contact:
Saira Laruy: 706-463-7631
Click here for more information: https://5il.co/2t4qk



Dalton Public Schools Celebrates Hannah Talley as 2025 Tom Jones Educator of the Year
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Hannah Talley, Media Specialist at City Park School, has been named the 2025 Tom Jones Educator of the Year by the Dalton Education Foundation.
With over 25 years of dedicated service in Dalton Public Schools, Talley has made a profound impact on students, colleagues, and the broader Dalton community. Beginning her career as a fifth-grade teacher at City Park Elementary in 1999, she has continuously sought innovative ways to engage students and families both inside and outside the classroom.
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2388874
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Hannah Talley, Media Specialist at City Park School, has been named the 2025 Tom Jones Educator of the Year by the Dalton Education Foundation.
With over 25 years of dedicated service in Dalton Public Schools, Talley has made a profound impact on students, colleagues, and the broader Dalton community. Beginning her career as a fifth-grade teacher at City Park Elementary in 1999, she has continuously sought innovative ways to engage students and families both inside and outside the classroom.
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2388874


The Little Cats Open House brought families together for a day of learning and fun!
Christina Rand from GPB Education (PBS Kids Resources) guided families through engaging Social & Emotional Learning activities, while also sharing take-home materials to extend the experience beyond the event.
This celebration showcased the valuable partnership between Dalton Public Schools and GAPBS, as we work hand in hand to empower parents as their child’s first teacher and create meaningful opportunities for family learning.
The excitement and joy shared by our families made it clear—our future Cats are off to a great start, and amazing things are happening here at DPS!
Christina Rand from GPB Education (PBS Kids Resources) guided families through engaging Social & Emotional Learning activities, while also sharing take-home materials to extend the experience beyond the event.
This celebration showcased the valuable partnership between Dalton Public Schools and GAPBS, as we work hand in hand to empower parents as their child’s first teacher and create meaningful opportunities for family learning.
The excitement and joy shared by our families made it clear—our future Cats are off to a great start, and amazing things are happening here at DPS!

Classroom Spotlight: Deb Harrington’s students at Dalton Junior High wrapped up their geography unit by traveling through the five regions of Georgia—without leaving the classroom! Using virtual reality, they explored the state’s diverse landscapes in an immersive and exciting way.

Dalton Junior High is shining bright!
Our students achieved 100% Proficient & Distinguished on the Algebra Milestones—an incredible accomplishment.
Among NWGA RESA middle schools, Dalton Jr. High ranked 7th overall in Algebra Milestones performance.
Congratulations to our students and teachers—your commitment and hard work continue to make us proud.
Our students achieved 100% Proficient & Distinguished on the Algebra Milestones—an incredible accomplishment.
Among NWGA RESA middle schools, Dalton Jr. High ranked 7th overall in Algebra Milestones performance.
Congratulations to our students and teachers—your commitment and hard work continue to make us proud.


Brookwood School was thrilled to welcome Shane Kornberg from the University of Georgia 4-H Extension! He joined these 1st Grade Pollinator Protectors to explore the importance of pollinators and even led a hands-on pollinator census in the garden. These young scientists loved learning how they can help protect these vital creatures!


Dalton Public Schools Little Cats Program Enrollment for 2025-2026
Dalton Public Schools is now enrolling 3–4-year-olds for the 2025-2026 Little Cats Program! This free parent and child program meets once a week for 2.5 hours, offering a range of activities including story time, music, movement, and literacy, math, and science activities to foster academic and motor skills development. Classes are led by the DPS Early Childhood Coordinator and are available at three locations:
CURRENT LOCATIONS:
CITY PARK ELEMENTARY: Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered. Classes will be every Wednesday, starting in January 2026.
Address: 105 N. Thornton Avenue, Dalton, GA 30720
BEECHLAND RESOURCE CENTER: Afternoon session will be offered. Classes will be every Wednesday, starting in January 2026.
Address:704 Beechland Circle. Dalton, GA 30721
ROAN ROUNDHOUSE: Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered. Classes will be every Tuesday, starting on September 9th.
Address: 400 Vann Circle Dalton, GA 30721For more information, please contact:
Saira Laruy: 706-463-7631
Click here for more information: https://5il.co/2t4qk
Dalton Public Schools is now enrolling 3–4-year-olds for the 2025-2026 Little Cats Program! This free parent and child program meets once a week for 2.5 hours, offering a range of activities including story time, music, movement, and literacy, math, and science activities to foster academic and motor skills development. Classes are led by the DPS Early Childhood Coordinator and are available at three locations:
CURRENT LOCATIONS:
CITY PARK ELEMENTARY: Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered. Classes will be every Wednesday, starting in January 2026.
Address: 105 N. Thornton Avenue, Dalton, GA 30720
BEECHLAND RESOURCE CENTER: Afternoon session will be offered. Classes will be every Wednesday, starting in January 2026.
Address:704 Beechland Circle. Dalton, GA 30721
ROAN ROUNDHOUSE: Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered. Classes will be every Tuesday, starting on September 9th.
Address: 400 Vann Circle Dalton, GA 30721For more information, please contact:
Saira Laruy: 706-463-7631
Click here for more information: https://5il.co/2t4qk



Full Circle at City Park: Former Student Returns to Teach Alongside Mentor
City Park School is celebrating a remarkable full-circle story this year as veteran teacher Stephanie Williams begins her 34th year in education. Williams, who has spent her entire career teaching in Dalton Public Schools, is now teaching alongside one of her former students.
Williams has taught at Morris Street, Park Creek, and City Park, spending the last 20 years at City Park. This school year, she welcomed Kimberly Gonzalez, a former student she taught nearly 25 years ago at Park Creek, as a co-teacher in the 3rd–5th grade focus room.
This touching moment at City Park is a reflection of something Dalton Public Schools is proud to see often—students who once walked the halls of DPS returning years later as teachers, sometimes even working side by side with the very educators who inspired them.
While this story is just one example, it highlights how generations of educators and students continue to shape one another. It’s a powerful reminder of what it means to #LeaveYourMark.
READ MORE: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2377495
City Park School is celebrating a remarkable full-circle story this year as veteran teacher Stephanie Williams begins her 34th year in education. Williams, who has spent her entire career teaching in Dalton Public Schools, is now teaching alongside one of her former students.
Williams has taught at Morris Street, Park Creek, and City Park, spending the last 20 years at City Park. This school year, she welcomed Kimberly Gonzalez, a former student she taught nearly 25 years ago at Park Creek, as a co-teacher in the 3rd–5th grade focus room.
This touching moment at City Park is a reflection of something Dalton Public Schools is proud to see often—students who once walked the halls of DPS returning years later as teachers, sometimes even working side by side with the very educators who inspired them.
While this story is just one example, it highlights how generations of educators and students continue to shape one another. It’s a powerful reminder of what it means to #LeaveYourMark.
READ MORE: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2377495

