Dalton Public Schools -

Notice of Intent to Opt Out of Homestead Exemption The Dalton Board of Education intends to opt out of the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption for Dalton Public Schools. Despite recent inclement weather closings, the public hearing on this matter will proceed as scheduled on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Auditorium of City Park, 405 School Street, Dalton, Georgia. Times and places of additional public hearings will remain as planned: Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Auditorium of City Park Elementary, 405 School Street, Dalton, Georgia. Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Board Meeting Room at Whitfield County Schools District Office, 3264 Cleveland Highway, Dalton, Georgia. All concerned citizens are invited to attend.

Good afternoon, With extremely cold temperatures and the potential for inclement weather in the forecast, we’ve made the decision to cancel school on Tuesday and Wednesday, January 21 & 22, 2025, to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families. These will not be digital learning days, so students will not have assignments or online work to complete. We hope this provides your family with the opportunity to stay safe and warm at home during this time. If your child is in need of a warm jacket or other winter clothing, please contact your school social worker for assistance. We are here to help and ensure all students are prepared for the colder conditions. Additionally, if your family is experiencing food insecurity or would like assistance, we encourage you to visit our website for a list of local food resources available to families. Indoor extracurricular activities, such as sports practices and rehearsals, are continuing as normal. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we prioritize safety during the winter weather. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s school. Stay safe, stay warm, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back soon!

Today, students and staff are out of school in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We encourage all of our students, staff, and families to take some time today to learn about and remember the life and legacy of Dr. King. Let us all remember this great man whose efforts to stand up to injustice and end segregation brought about peaceful change in our country. We will see all of our students back in class tomorrow!

Schedule Reminder: 📌 Tomorrow, Friday, January 17 is a Virtual Learning Day!

NOTICE OF INTENT TO OPT OUT OF HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION The Dalton Board of Education intends to opt out of the statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption for Dalton Public Schools. All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this matter to be held in the Auditorium of City Park, 405 School Street, Dalton, Georgia, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 6:00 PM. Times and places of additional public hearings on opting out of this homestead exemption will be in the Auditorium of City Park Elementary, 405 School Street, Dalton, Georgia on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 6:00 PM or The Board Meeting Room at Whitfield County Schools District Office, 3264 Cleveland Highway, Dalton, Georgia on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM.

As a reminder, Monday, January 20, is a student and staff holiday in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

IMPORTANT WEATHER UPDATE: TWO-HOUR DELAY FOR DALTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS ON MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025 Out of an abundance of caution, Dalton Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay on Monday, January 13, 2025. Key details for families: Dalton High School and The Dalton Academy will begin at 9:30 AM. Hammond Creek Middle School and Dalton Junior High School will begin at 10:05 AM. Elementary schools will begin at 10:30 AM. -Buses will run two hours later than normal. For example, if a bus typically picks up students at 6:30, it will arrive at 8:30. -All students will receive a grab-and-go breakfast upon arrival. -All extracurricular activities will continue as schedule -The Board of Education meeting will proceed as planned. Students will be released at their normal time, and aside from the delayed start, the school day will proceed as usual. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please stay safe, and we look forward to welcoming students back to school on Monday!

Schedule Reminder: 📌 Friday, January 17: Virtual Learning Day – Students will complete assignments from home. 📌 Monday, January 20: Schools will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We look forward to seeing our students back in class on Tuesday, January 21! Thank you for planning ahead!

With snow and a wintry mix expected in the forecast, we’ve made the decision to cancel school on Friday, January 10, 2025, to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families. This day will not be a digital learning day, so students will not have assignments or online work to complete. We hope this gives your family the opportunity to enjoy a safe and restful day at home. While we anticipate returning to school as usual next week, we will encourage students to take their laptops and chargers home with them today. This is just a precaution in case weather conditions extend beyond Friday. Please help us remind your child to handle these items with care so they’re ready to use when needed. If your child is in need of a warm jacket for the winter weather, please contact your school social worker for assistance. We are here to help and ensure all students are prepared for the colder temperatures. Additionally, if your family is experiencing food insecurity or would like assistance, we invite you to visit our website for a list of food resources available to families. Thank you for your understanding and partnership as we navigate the winter weather together. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your child’s school. Stay safe, stay warm, and we look forward to seeing everyone back soon!

Join us for the Dalton Public Schools Recruitment Fair! 📅 Date: February 8 ⏰ Time: 8 AM - 12 PM 📍 Location: Hammond Creek Middle School Explore career opportunities, meet our team, and learn how you can be part of something special. Visit www.daltonpublicschools.com to learn more. We can’t wait to meet you! #DaltonReady

With snow and a wintry mix in the forecast, we are closely monitoring the weather and considering all factors to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families. We will meet with our weather team early tomorrow morning to review the latest conditions and determine the best course of action. Once a decision is made, we will communicate it to you promptly, so you have time to prepare accordingly. In preparation for the weather event, we encourage all students to bring their laptops and chargers home with them on Thursday. We ask for your help in reminding your child to do so, ensuring they handle these items with care and have them ready to use if needed. If your child needs a warm jacket to prepare for the colder temperatures, please contact your school social worker for assistance. We are here to help ensure all students are ready for the winter weather. Additionally, if your family is experiencing food insecurity or would like assistance, we invite you to visit our website for a list of food resources available to families. You can access this information on our website. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate the winter weather together. Please keep an eye out for tomorrow’s update, and feel free to reach out to your child’s school with any questions.

Exciting news—kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year is almost here! If your little learner will be 5 years old by September 1, 2025, it’s time to get ready to register them for an amazing year of learning and growth. Don’t miss out on this important milestone!

Dear Dalton Public Schools Families, We are closely watching the weather forecast with local agencies as snow or a wintry mix may impact our area on Friday. If we need to adjust schedules—like delaying the start of school, dismissing early, or closing schools—we will let you know right away through our communication channels. Thank you for your support as we prioritize the safety of our students, staff, and community.

Making Plans for the New Year? Start planning ahead! 🗓️ Click below to access our district's 2025-2026 calendar and stay informed about important dates. https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/o/dps/page/academic-calendars

Welcome Back, Students! Happy New Year! We’re so excited to welcome everyone back to school as we kick off the second half of the school year. Let’s make 2025 a year full of learning, growth, and great achievements. Here’s to a fresh start and a fantastic semester ahead—let’s make it amazing!

Tomorrow, January 4, Park Creek Elementary School will take an exciting step in its ecological restoration efforts with a controlled burn of a section of the pollinator garden. Controlled burns are a vital tool in ecological management, helping improve growing conditions for native plants, which support essential pollinators and wildlife. This initiative is part of Park Creek's commitment to enhancing outdoor learning spaces and fostering community engagement through environmental stewardship. Thank you for supporting this innovative project that not only benefits our school but also contributes to the health of our local ecosystem!

Welcome back to all our teachers and staff after winter break! They're busy preparing for an exciting new semester starting Monday. Students, we can’t wait to see you bright and early Monday morning!

Classroom Spotlight: Melissa McLaughlin’s art class at The Dalton Academy has been bustling with creativity as students worked on winter-themed projects before the break, crafting Santa ornaments and painting winter scenes. In McLaughlin’s class, students explore the elements and principles of art and design, fostering a space where learners of all abilities can thrive. Many talented students stand out, showcasing their artistic skills and passion. Over the past three years, McLaughlin has dedicated herself to gathering quality materials for her students and encouraging them to participate in local competitions, believing their talents and hard work deserve recognition. She loves being part of TDA and helping students shine through their artistic endeavors!

Alisa Parker Named Hammond Creek Middle School’s Classified Staff Member of the Year Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Alisa Parker has been named Hammond Creek Middle School's Classified Staff Member of the Year. A dedicated paraprofessional, Parker has made a lasting impact through her commitment to students, colleagues, and the Dalton Public Schools community. Read more on our website!

Wishing you a year filled with joy, growth, and endless possibilities! Happy New Year from Dalton Public Schools! 🎉