Dalton Public Schools -

Every Day Counts at Dalton Public Schools!

Did you know…
➡️Missing just 2 days a month adds up to over 3 weeks of learning lost in a school year?
➡️ Students with strong attendance are more likely to succeed in reading, math, and graduation?

That’s why DPS is rolling out a new attendance process to better support families:
-Clear, consistent communication when absences begin to add up
-Supportive phone calls and letters to keep families informed
-School and district teams working together with you to remove barriers

🔗 Learn more about how we’re supporting attendance year-round: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/page/attendance

Three Dalton Public Schools counselors represented DPS at the first-ever Nourish Conference sponsored by Helping Hands: Ending Hunger (HHEH). Rosa Perez from Roan, Megan Marcus from Brookwood and City Park, and Emily Jones from City Park attended the event, which focused on addressing hunger in schools.

Helping Hands: Ending Hunger is a nonprofit organization that empowers students to reduce food waste and fight hunger in their communities by redistributing unopened and unused food from school cafeterias to local families in need.

Conference attendees heard a keynote address from State Superintendent Richard Woods and connected with Carla Harward, CEO of Helping Hands: Ending Hunger.

Currently, the HHEH program is offered at five Dalton schools: Blue Ridge, Brookwood, City Park, Park Creek, and Roan. We are excited to see this impactful program continue to grow and serve more of our students.

Hispanic Heritage Month Staff Spotlight: Saira Laruy 🌟
Early Childhood Coordinator

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting the incredible voices of Dalton Public Schools staff who share their stories, culture, and values with our community.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally or professionally?

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of reflection, celebration, and pride, for both who I am and where I come from. Personally, it reminds me of the beauty and strength of my roots as a Puerto Rican woman, the traditions my family instilled in me, and the sacrifices my parents made to pursue the American dream. Professionally, it’s an opportunity to highlight the diversity within our Hispanic community and uplift the cultural richness our students and families bring into our schools every day. As an educator and Early Childhood Coordinator, it is also a powerful time to ensure our students see themselves reflected in the curriculum, literature, and classroom experiences. Hispanic Heritage Month is not just a celebration of culture, it’s a reaffirmation of identity, belonging, and the value each child carries into our learning spaces.

How has your culture influenced who you are today or how you approach your work in education?

My culture has shaped every layer of who I am, from my deep love of Latin music and family gatherings to my commitment to honoring identity and language. Growing up as the daughter of Puerto Rican parents, one raised in the States and the other on the island, I lived at the crossroads of tradition and assimilation. Experiences like having my name mispronounced and changed by a teacher as a child taught me how critical it is to affirm a student’s identity. That memory drives me daily as an educator: I am intentional in creating spaces where all students feel seen, valued, and respected. My bilingualism and cultural heritage give me the empathy and insight to build trust with families who may be navigating a new educational system, just as my own parents once did. Culture is not a side note, it’s central to how I build relationships, design instruction, and advocate for our youngest learners.

Is there a tradition, value, or memory from your heritage that you are especially proud of and would like to share?

One of my favorite memories is tied to music and dance, a tradition deeply embedded in my family’s culture. My mother often says I was born with dancing feet, and for good reason. She went into labor with me while getting ready to attend a wedding, fully intending to dance salsa all night, convinced that the rhythm and joy would help bring me into the world. To this day, I find comfort, joy, and connection through Latin music. That tradition symbolizes so much more than celebration, it reflects the energy, resilience, and sense of community that are hallmarks of Hispanic culture.

Another memory I hold close is the moment I reclaimed my name. For years, I was called “Sara” in school because a teacher couldn’t pronounce “Saira.” I didn’t realize how much of myself I had lost in that moment until, years later, another Hispanic student asked me why I didn’t use my legal name. That question sparked a powerful realization: my name carries history, meaning, and identity, and it deserves to be honored.

That experience solidified a lifelong commitment to affirming and respecting others' identities. Today, as a Pre-K leader, I champion that value by creating inclusive, welcoming environments where every child’s story, language, and name are celebrated, not silenced.

Thank you, Saira, for inspiring us with your passion for early childhood education and for ensuring every child feels valued and seen!

Classroom Spotlight: Barbara Alexander’s Economics co-taught class with Alex West and Lauren Holverson’s Dual Enrollment class joined forces for a hands-on commodities trading simulation. Students explored how the circular flow of economics connects markets and practiced negotiating supply and demand to discover equilibrium prices in real time!

Hispanic Heritage Month Staff Spotlight: Miguel Gonzalez 🌟
District ESOL Specialist

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re honored to highlight Dalton Public Schools staff whose voices, experiences, and values enrich our community.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally or professionally?
Hispanic Heritage Month is both a personal and professional reminder of pride, resilience, and community. Personally, it is a time to honor where I came from and recognize the sacrifices my family made when we immigrated from Guerrero, Mexico to Dalton, Georgia. At that time, the Hispanic population was very small, and I relied heavily on the support of my teachers. Their guidance not only helped me navigate a new culture and language but also inspired me to become an educator myself. Professionally, this month gives me the opportunity to celebrate the richness of Hispanic culture with my students and colleagues, while also reinforcing my commitment to removing barriers for the next generation of Hispanic learners.

How has your culture influenced who you are today or how you approach your work in education?
My culture has shaped me into the educator I am today by instilling the values of perseverance, family, and service. I do not take the approach of “I struggled, so it's ok if my students do too.” Instead, I focus on eliminating obstacles that I once faced so my students can have a clearer path to success. This mindset comes directly from my cultural values of collective responsibility and helping one another. I see my work not only as teaching academic skills but also as building bridges of support that affirm students’ identities and potential.

Is there a tradition, value, or memory from your heritage that you are especially proud of and would like to share?
One aspect of my heritage that I am especially proud of is the importance of family unity. No matter how busy we are or how much time has passed, my family always finds reasons—big or small—to come together. This sense of unity and celebration has carried over into my life and my work. It reminds me to create welcoming spaces in my classroom where students feel like they belong to a larger community. Just as my family remained close-knit after immigrating, I want my students to feel that same strength in connection, knowing they are supported and valued.

Thank you, Miguel, for your commitment to supporting students and breaking down barriers so they can thrive!

Dalton Public Schools Dedicates "Dalton Reads!" Mobile Library On Georgia Reads Day

Dalton Public Schools proudly launched the Dalton Reads! Mobile Library with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, September 22, at the Junior Achievement Center in Dalton, Georgia. The event coincided with Georgia Reads Day, a statewide celebration of literacy.

Superintendent Dr. Steven Craft opened the event by highlighting the importance of expanding literacy access beyond the classroom and into the heart of the community. “The Dalton Reads! Mobile Library is more than a vehicle—it’s a promise to our students and families. By bringing books and resources directly into our neighborhoods, we are ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow as a reader and a leader,” said Craft.

Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2438615

Ready, Set, Read! It’s Georgia Reads Day!📚

Dalton Public Schools invites all families to join us today in celebrating the joy of reading. As part of the Ready, Set, Read! program, families are encouraged to:

✅ Sign up here: https://lrg.georgiaresa.org/campaign/ready-set-read?utm_source=chatgpt.com
✅ Read together at home – any book, any time, counts!
✅ Log the books you read to show your family’s progress
✅ Share photos of your family reading and tag us with #DaltonReads
✅ Try fun activities like acting out scenes, drawing favorite characters, or writing your own story endings

Together, we’re building stronger readers and a stronger community. Let’s show the power of reading in Dalton and across Georgia!

Dalton Public Schools is celebrating Georgia Reads Day today!

Although this is a virtual day for our students, we still want to come together as a community of readers. We invite our students and staff to share their love of books by posting a picture of themselves reading!

You can snap a photo with:
Your favorite book
A book you discovered through Dalton Reads
Or a favorite from your school library

We’ll randomly select one lucky reader to win a DPS swag bag filled with new gear!

Let’s fill our feed with readers and show how much Dalton loves to read! Use the hashtag #DaltonReads and tag Dalton Public Schools so we can see and share your photos!

What an incredible turnout for the 2025 Dalton High School Homecoming Parade! Our community came together to celebrate school spirit and this year’s theme, “Catamounts Through the Ages.”

From creative floats to cheering fans lining the streets, today was the perfect kickoff to an unforgettable Homecoming weekend.

Dalton Public Schools’ Culture and Climate Committee has officially started its work for the 2025–26 school year!

This districtwide team is made up of representatives from every school and key departments, working together to strengthen our culture and climate. Their focus centers on our four core principles:
✅ Champion for Students
✅ Expecting Excellence
✅ Carrying the Banner
✅ Being a Merchant of Hope

The committee collaborates to ensure that our schools are connected, unified, and intentional about building a positive environment for students, staff, and families.

➡️ Read more about the committee’s work in our latest article: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2434854

We are so proud of Hammond Creek Middle School Broadcasting and Communications Teacher Jennifer Barmore and Dalton Junior High School student Taylor Grace Amonett for presenting with PBS News Hour Student Reporting Labs at the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA) Conference!

They shared their experiences with the Student Voices Collective, highlighting how educators and students can grow through storytelling, overcome challenges, and use journalism to strengthen civic engagement and community connections.

Dalton Public Schools was proud to represent at The United Way of Northwest Georgia’s Annual Campaign Kickoff Trike Race.

Assistant Superintendent of Schools Lauri Johnson, Dalton High Principal Lee Collins, CTAE Director Rhett Parrott, and Hammond Creek Middle School Assistant Principal Terrance Little hopped on the trikes to race, while the Dalton High cheerleaders brought the spirit and cheered them on.

United Way works year-round to make a difference in our community, and Dalton Public Schools was excited to take part.

This year’s theme was Camp United: All Trails Lead to Impact. Dalton Public Schools joined in by sharing our DaltonReads! literacy initiative and giving away free books—because we believe there is adventure in every page.
#DaltonReads #CampUnited #UnitedWay

During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Dalton Public Schools is highlighting the essential resources available in our community, ensuring students and families know where to find support when needed.

Hispanic Heritage Month Staff Spotlight: Ely Brackett 🌟
Teaching and Learning Specialist + Dalton Education Foundation Representative

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15), we’re proud to spotlight members of our DPS family who share their culture, values, and stories with our community.

What Hispanic Heritage Month means to Ely:
“It’s a celebration of where I come from and everything that’s shaped who I am. It reminds me of the strength of my family, the sacrifices they made, and the culture that raised me to work hard, love deeply, and never forget my roots. I carry all of that with me every day in how I work, how I treat people, and how I carry myself.”

How her culture shapes her work in education:
“I was that newcomer kid who didn’t speak English… That experience taught me empathy, resilience, and the power of simply having someone there to say, ‘I’ve got you.’ Because of that, I make it a point to be that person for our families… I want them to know they’re not alone.”

A value she’s proud to carry forward:
“Hard work. My parents sacrificed everything they knew to give me and my brothers a better life… Family is the most important thing we have, and I hope to instill those same values in my own children: work hard, stay grounded, and never forget where you come from.”

Thank you, Ely, for inspiring us with your story and your dedication to our students and families!

Classroom Spotlight: Students in Maddie Tighe’s class at Westwood School have been hard at work during their math block! They’ve been practicing adding doubles and near doubles, sharpening their number sense and building confidence as mathematicians. Way to go, Wildcats!

SCHEDULE REMINDER: Dalton High School’s Homecoming 2025 kicks off this Friday, September 19 with a full day of events:

📣 Pep Session – 9:45 AM
🚗 Parade – 3:15 PM (leaving DHS parking lot by 3:00 PM)
👑 Coronation – Halftime of the football game
🏆 Spirit Stick – Between 3rd & 4th quarters
And don’t forget the Homecoming Dance on Saturday, September 20 from 7–10 PM!

This year’s theme is “Catamounts Through the Ages." DHS students have been hard at work decorating the halls to bring the theme to life, and we’ve got some fun behind-the-scenes photos to share with you.

Reunion Classes: 1975, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2015.

Schedule Reminder:
📌 Friday, September 19: Early Release Day
Elementary Schools: 12:15 PM
Hammond Creek Middle and Dalton Junior High: 11:30 AM
TDA and Dalton High: 10:45 AM

📌 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!

Jessica Barbosa Named The Dalton Academy’s 2024–2025 Classified Staff Member of the Year

Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Jessica Barbosa has been named The Dalton Academy’s 2024–2025 Classified Staff Member of the Year. Barbosa, who currently serves as the school’s bookkeeper, has been with Dalton Public Schools for more than 20 years, bringing consistency, compassion, and leadership to every role she has held.

Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2421157

National Arts in Education Week Spotlight

This week, we’re shining a light on Mr. Adam Sanford’s classroom at Park Creek School! His students have been exploring digital landscapes, focusing on creating light-to-dark layers to bring depth into their work.

Their vocabulary word of the week was “Values” — which, in digital art, refers to the range of lightness and darkness in a piece. By learning how values impact mood and contrast, students are building strong foundations in both technique and creativity.

We are excited to share that several of these incredible student artworks will be submitted to the local fair for judging. Please join us in celebrating their hard work and talent during National Arts in Education Week!
#NationalArtsInEducationWeek