Dalton Public Schools Hosts 3rd Annual Leadership Symposium
Our two-day, high-energy Leadership Symposium united leaders from across the district under the theme "Undisputed Impact: Leading Like a Champion." Together, we explored how aligned values, actions, and mindsets can shape thriving school cultures for students and staff alike.
We were honored to welcome back the incredible Joy Kelly, whose insights inspired us to lead boldly and with purpose. Her message highlighted the power of leadership in shaping school culture—and how each of us can make an undisputed impact every day.
Throughout the symposium, we focused on bringing our district commitments to life, including:
🔐 Strengthening school safety
📚 Delivering high-quality Tier 1 instruction
🌟 Ensuring exceptional customer service
These pillars will guide our leadership journey as we move forward with clarity, confidence, and consistency.
Our two-day, high-energy Leadership Symposium united leaders from across the district under the theme "Undisputed Impact: Leading Like a Champion." Together, we explored how aligned values, actions, and mindsets can shape thriving school cultures for students and staff alike.
We were honored to welcome back the incredible Joy Kelly, whose insights inspired us to lead boldly and with purpose. Her message highlighted the power of leadership in shaping school culture—and how each of us can make an undisputed impact every day.
Throughout the symposium, we focused on bringing our district commitments to life, including:
🔐 Strengthening school safety
📚 Delivering high-quality Tier 1 instruction
🌟 Ensuring exceptional customer service
These pillars will guide our leadership journey as we move forward with clarity, confidence, and consistency.
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
It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!
Today we’re featuring The Dalton Academy graduate, Isabel Burciaga.
During her time as a TDA student Isabel participated in Cheerleading, Volleyball, Student Council, HOSA, FCCLA, and Pep Club. Her greatest achievement in high school was achieving her goal of becoming President of Student Council, which allowed her to work with others in a way that gives back to the community. Isabel will be attending Southern Union College where she will study to become a Pediatric Speech Pathologist.
Way to go!
Today we’re featuring The Dalton Academy graduate, Isabel Burciaga.
During her time as a TDA student Isabel participated in Cheerleading, Volleyball, Student Council, HOSA, FCCLA, and Pep Club. Her greatest achievement in high school was achieving her goal of becoming President of Student Council, which allowed her to work with others in a way that gives back to the community. Isabel will be attending Southern Union College where she will study to become a Pediatric Speech Pathologist.
Way to go!
Mark your calendars! The first day of school is just 3 weeks away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. 🎒📚 Let the countdown begin!
Dalton Public Schools Releases Back-to-School Information for the 2025-2026 School Year
Dalton Public Schools is excited to announce that detailed back-to-school information for the 2025-2026 academic year is now available on our website. As the district prepares to welcome students and families to another year of learning, we have created a dedicated Back-to-School Information webpage that consolidates key dates, schedules, and essential resources.
The first day of school for all students is Wednesday, August 6.
We are excited to see our students back in the classroom and look forward to a successful start to the school year.
https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/page/back-to-school-information
Dalton Public Schools is excited to announce that detailed back-to-school information for the 2025-2026 academic year is now available on our website. As the district prepares to welcome students and families to another year of learning, we have created a dedicated Back-to-School Information webpage that consolidates key dates, schedules, and essential resources.
The first day of school for all students is Wednesday, August 6.
We are excited to see our students back in the classroom and look forward to a successful start to the school year.
https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/page/back-to-school-information
The DaltonReads! giveaway last week was a blast — thank you to everyone who came out and made it special! We loved sharing the joy of reading with you.
📍 Catch us again this week: Thursday, July 17
🕦 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
📍 Veterans Park (901 Veterans Drive)
Come grab some free books and keep those summer reading vibes going! #DaltonReads
📍 Catch us again this week: Thursday, July 17
🕦 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
📍 Veterans Park (901 Veterans Drive)
Come grab some free books and keep those summer reading vibes going! #DaltonReads
It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!
Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate, Natalia Rodriguez.
At Dalton High School Natalia participated in Varsity Soccer , Varsity Cheer , Varsity Softball , Student Council , National Honor Society, and Pep Club. Her greatest accomplishments from high school include receiving the UGA Merit Award, making 4a all region team for game day varsity team, being named as a scholar athlete all four years, and assisting in a region win on the Varsity Soccer team. Natalia plans to continue her education at Dalton State, seeking an Engineering major with a Criminal Justice minor.
Way to go!
Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate, Natalia Rodriguez.
At Dalton High School Natalia participated in Varsity Soccer , Varsity Cheer , Varsity Softball , Student Council , National Honor Society, and Pep Club. Her greatest accomplishments from high school include receiving the UGA Merit Award, making 4a all region team for game day varsity team, being named as a scholar athlete all four years, and assisting in a region win on the Varsity Soccer team. Natalia plans to continue her education at Dalton State, seeking an Engineering major with a Criminal Justice minor.
Way to go!
On Thursday, July 10th, the Rising Pre-K and Kindergarten Summer Transition Program hosted its annual STEM Family Workshop, bringing together students and families for an afternoon of hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math fun!
This year’s theme Tinker, Test, and Learn brought the joy of discovery alive through six interactive learning stations designed to build foundational math and science skills in a playful, memorable way. From designing rockets to blowing the perfect bubble, each activity encouraged creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
This year’s theme Tinker, Test, and Learn brought the joy of discovery alive through six interactive learning stations designed to build foundational math and science skills in a playful, memorable way. From designing rockets to blowing the perfect bubble, each activity encouraged creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!
Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate, Hope Hambrock.
As a Dalton High School student Hope was the Vice President of DHS's National Honor Society and served on the Board of Directors for L'Abri Symphony Orchestra. Hope played varsity lacrosse, flute in the band's top ensemble, synthesizer in marching band, and violin in the mariachi band. She was also a part of the United Way Youth Council, the Interact Club, and served on the worship team and children's ministry for her church. Hope is proud to have been named a Georgia Scholar, a National Merit Scholar, and an AP Scholar with Distinction. Hope was also selected as the first student to play with the professional orchestra at the GA HS Musical Theater Awards, made District Honor Band on flute three times, and was a three-time All-State finalist for violin. She also received the award for DHS's highest ACT score. In the fall Hope will be attending the University of Georgia with plans to explore career options in the sciences.
Way to go!
Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate, Hope Hambrock.
As a Dalton High School student Hope was the Vice President of DHS's National Honor Society and served on the Board of Directors for L'Abri Symphony Orchestra. Hope played varsity lacrosse, flute in the band's top ensemble, synthesizer in marching band, and violin in the mariachi band. She was also a part of the United Way Youth Council, the Interact Club, and served on the worship team and children's ministry for her church. Hope is proud to have been named a Georgia Scholar, a National Merit Scholar, and an AP Scholar with Distinction. Hope was also selected as the first student to play with the professional orchestra at the GA HS Musical Theater Awards, made District Honor Band on flute three times, and was a three-time All-State finalist for violin. She also received the award for DHS's highest ACT score. In the fall Hope will be attending the University of Georgia with plans to explore career options in the sciences.
Way to go!
It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!
Today we’re featuring The Dalton Academy graduate, Larry Bautista
As a student at The Dalton Academy Larry was an active member of the Translation Academy which provided him with a variety of opportunities to serve as a translator in the community. Through the Translation Academy he volunteered with the Latin American Association, Dalton Public Schools PreK Registration, Mohawk Mentor Program, and at the Mack Gaston Community Center for certain bilingual events. Larry is most proud of having gotten to volunteer and give back to the Dalton community. He plans to continue his education at Dalton State College where he will study Information Technology.
Way to go!
Today we’re featuring The Dalton Academy graduate, Larry Bautista
As a student at The Dalton Academy Larry was an active member of the Translation Academy which provided him with a variety of opportunities to serve as a translator in the community. Through the Translation Academy he volunteered with the Latin American Association, Dalton Public Schools PreK Registration, Mohawk Mentor Program, and at the Mack Gaston Community Center for certain bilingual events. Larry is most proud of having gotten to volunteer and give back to the Dalton community. He plans to continue his education at Dalton State College where he will study Information Technology.
Way to go!
It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!
Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate, Diana Lopez-Jacobo
Diana was an active participant in Girls Wrestling, Beta Club, National Honor society, Interact Club, the Hope program, and the Marching Band while at Dalton High School. Her greatest achievements as a DHS student include being an all A’s student with a 3.9 GPA, being selected as a visual captain and section leader in Marching band for two years in a row, and reaching her goal of 100 community service hours. Diana plans to continue her education in college, studying diagnostic medical sonography..
Way to go!
Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate, Diana Lopez-Jacobo
Diana was an active participant in Girls Wrestling, Beta Club, National Honor society, Interact Club, the Hope program, and the Marching Band while at Dalton High School. Her greatest achievements as a DHS student include being an all A’s student with a 3.9 GPA, being selected as a visual captain and section leader in Marching band for two years in a row, and reaching her goal of 100 community service hours. Diana plans to continue her education in college, studying diagnostic medical sonography..
Way to go!
It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!
Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate, Emely Torres.
At Dalton High School Emely was active in the Interact Club, National Honors Society, Fine Arts Academy, and the Marching Band. She is most proud of having been one of the Marching Band drum majors during her last 2 years at DHS. She plans to attend Dalton State College to study radiology with the aim of becoming a radiological technician.
Way to go!
Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate, Emely Torres.
At Dalton High School Emely was active in the Interact Club, National Honors Society, Fine Arts Academy, and the Marching Band. She is most proud of having been one of the Marching Band drum majors during her last 2 years at DHS. She plans to attend Dalton State College to study radiology with the aim of becoming a radiological technician.
Way to go!
It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!
Today we’re featuring The Dalton Academy graduate, Liyan Alhijazi .
Liyan participated in FCCLA, Student Council, Work Base Learning, HOSA, and Dual Enrollment while at The Dalton Academy. Her greatest achievements in high school include passing all of her classes, being able to do Dual Enrollment her senior year, and being inducted into the National Honor Society. Liyan is excited to continue her education in college.
Way to go!
Today we’re featuring The Dalton Academy graduate, Liyan Alhijazi .
Liyan participated in FCCLA, Student Council, Work Base Learning, HOSA, and Dual Enrollment while at The Dalton Academy. Her greatest achievements in high school include passing all of her classes, being able to do Dual Enrollment her senior year, and being inducted into the National Honor Society. Liyan is excited to continue her education in college.
Way to go!
The Rising Pre-K and Kindergarten Summer Transition Program recently hosted its first annual Magical Math Family Workshop, inviting students and families to explore the joy of numeracy through hands-on learning stations.
This year’s theme, “A Bug’s Life,” brought together the excitement of math and science as students worked through six engaging stations that combined counting, problem-solving, and insect-themed fun! From plastic spiders and web mats to fly swatters and dice games, every activity was designed to spark curiosity and build foundational math skills in a playful, memorable way.
Families rotated through stations including:
Roll, Find, and Stamp – practicing number recognition and fine motor skills
Race to Fill – counting and comparing using dice, cups, and pom-poms
How Many Bugs Am I Hiding? – building estimation and early addition skills
Subitizing Cups – recognizing quantities quickly using dot stickers and patterns
Smack the Bug Counting Game – developing number fluency with a fun twist
Collecting Bugs – exploring preschool-level addition with bugs and butterflies
It was a fantastic afternoon of math, movement, and memory-making for our young learners and their families
This year’s theme, “A Bug’s Life,” brought together the excitement of math and science as students worked through six engaging stations that combined counting, problem-solving, and insect-themed fun! From plastic spiders and web mats to fly swatters and dice games, every activity was designed to spark curiosity and build foundational math skills in a playful, memorable way.
Families rotated through stations including:
Roll, Find, and Stamp – practicing number recognition and fine motor skills
Race to Fill – counting and comparing using dice, cups, and pom-poms
How Many Bugs Am I Hiding? – building estimation and early addition skills
Subitizing Cups – recognizing quantities quickly using dot stickers and patterns
Smack the Bug Counting Game – developing number fluency with a fun twist
Collecting Bugs – exploring preschool-level addition with bugs and butterflies
It was a fantastic afternoon of math, movement, and memory-making for our young learners and their families
It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!
Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate, Andrew Berry.
As a Dalton High School student Andrew was active on the Lacrosse team, serving as a team captain. He is proud of having maintained a 4.0 GPA while staying active in his role on the lacrosse team. Andrew is excited to be attending Clemson University in the Fall where he will be majoring in Packaging Science.
Way to go!
We’ll be closed July 3rd–4th to celebrate Independence Day. Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday!
It’s officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!
Today we’re featuring Dalton High School graduate, Ellis Stephens.
Ellis served as the Historian for the DHS Player’s Drama club for his Junior and Senior year, was an active member and the videographer for the Catamount Singers choir, and was the teen representative for the Board of Directors at the Dalton Little Theatre. He is proud of having been named the One Act competition Region 7-4A Best Actor in 2024, Region 7-5A Best Actor in 2023, having attended the Governor’s Honors Program for theatre, being featured in the Georgia Thespian Final Showcase in 2023, having had his films featured in the Thescon Film Festival all four years of High School, winning the Class 4A State Championship in 2025 for dramatic interpretation at the State Literary Championships, and of having been inducted into the National Honor Society. Outside of Dalton High School he is proud to have received three Dalton Little Theatre Billy Awards for Best Youth Performer (2023), Best Youth Actor (2024) and Best Special Production (2024.) He also wrote an original musical called "Click," with his friend Lilli Sharp that was performed at the Dalton Little Theatre for which sold out both evenings of its run. In the fall Ellis will be attending Marymount Manhattan as part of both their musical theatre and writing programs.
Way to go!
PEACH TAX CREDIT PROGRAM: Looking to support education and save on taxes? Learn how you can benefit from the Peach Tax Credit program with Dalton Public Schools!
Visit https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/page/peach-education-tax-credit for more details!
We’ve got exciting news for our athletics families! Starting July 1, all team communication—like schedules, practice updates, and coach messages—will happen on the Stack Team App!
This app is just for athletics, and it’s the new official way to stay in the loop with your child’s teams.
💡 Important: Simply downloading the app won’t get you all the updates—you’ll need to search for and follow each team your child plays on to start receiving messages, schedules, and alerts. (You can follow more than one!)
Ready to get started?
📲 iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/app/team-app/id625607532
📲 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teamapp.teamapp
Can’t Find Your Team?
Some teams are still being added to the platform. If you’re not seeing your group listed yet:
Double-check spelling in the search bar
Ask your coach for the exact team name
Or contact us for help at info@dalton.k12.ga.us
Need help or more info?
https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/page/athletics-communications
Let’s get game-day ready—see you on Stack Team App!
Please note: The Enrollment Center will be closed for the entire week of July 4th and will reopen on Monday, July 7th.
