Dalton Public Schools -

Dalton Public Schools families, we’d love to see your fun Spring Break pictures! Share your favorite moments in the comments below.
Stay safe and enjoy the break!

Meet the DPS Cabinet ✨

Our cabinet members play an important role in supporting our schools and helping ensure students and staff have what they need to succeed.

Today, we’re highlighting Theresa Perry, Chief of Finance.

We asked Mrs. Perry a few questions about her role, what she enjoys most about Dalton Public Schools, and a little about who she is outside of work. Here’s what she had to say 👇

"I strive to be both a careful steward of resources and a strategic partner in advancing student goals and community outcomes. Accurate and timely financial data enables the board and superintendent to make well-informed decisions that meet short term needs and the long-term success of our district. Although I do enjoy spreadsheets, analysis and forecasting, I really like to go beyond the numbers and help translate complex financial information into meaningful guidance for other leaders, teachers, and stakeholders."

"I am energized by the constant growth and change in public education. There are always opportunities to learn and improve whether it's adapting to new laws or responding to the evolving needs of our students and staff. I think Dalton Public Schools has been able to respond thoughtfully and quickly when changes are needed allowing us to make a real impact. It is an honor to be part of the administrative team to have a voice in some of the strategic decisions of the school district."

"Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors - hiking with my dog, working in the flower garden, or driving the convertible. I am a Buffalo Bills fan and really into fantasy football, especially all the statistics. And probably the most unexpected thing about me is that I met my husband when I was learned how to hang glide which also led me to Dalton Public Schools. I have spent several years at Lookout Mountain Flight Park and progressed to an intermediate Hang 3 rating."

Happy National Assistant Principals Week! Today, we’re celebrating the incredible Assistant Principals who support our high school students. Your leadership, dedication, and commitment help shape the future of our students as they prepare for success beyond graduation. Thank you for all that you do!

Happy National Assistant Principals Week! Today, we’re recognizing the incredible Assistant Principals who support our middle and junior high school students. Your leadership, dedication, and commitment help guide our students through these important years. Thank you for all that you do!

Brookwood Pre-K students are bringing learning to life through their “STEM Art Detective” experience! 🎨🔍

Using recycled materials, students collaborated to create a vibrant “Spring into STEM” mural that invites exploration, observation, and critical thinking. As they interact with the display, students are counting, comparing, classifying, and asking meaningful questions.

This engaging project supports key Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS), including curiosity-driven learning, early math and science skills, and strong communication development.
#DaltonPublicSchools #LearnLeadSucceed

The Catabots are proving that success is about more than just competition 🤖

From March 19–21, twenty members of Dalton High School’s Catabots traveled to Columbus, Georgia for their second qualifier of the season. On the field, they showed determination and skill, climbing three spots in the district standings, but their biggest impact went far beyond the scoreboard.

By the end of the event, the Catabots were honored with the Gracious Professionalism Award, one of the highest honors in FIRST Robotics. This award recognizes teams who lead with respect, kindness, and collaboration, even in the most competitive moments.

Throughout the competition, the Catabots embodied these values, helping other teams, encouraging their peers, and representing Dalton with integrity and teamwork. Their actions showed that they are not just building robots, but building a culture of leadership, respect, and inspiration.

Next up, the Catabots head to the Peachtree District Championship in Macon, Georgia (April 8–11) as they continue their journey toward the World Championship.

Join us in congratulating the Catabots on this incredible achievement and wishing them the best of luck in Macon!

GO CATABOTS!

Happy National Assistant Principals Week! Today, we celebrate the incredible Assistant Principals who support our youngest learners in Dalton Public Schools' elementary schools. Thank you for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to student success! Stay tuned as we continue celebrating all of our amazing Assistant Principals throughout the week!

Happy National School Librarian Day! 📚✨ Today, we celebrate and thank our amazing school media specialists for all they do to support students and staff across Dalton Public Schools. From fostering a love of reading to providing valuable resources, your impact is immeasurable!

A special shoutout to:
📖 Anna Collins – Blue Ridge
📖 Emily Carpenter – Brookwood
📖 Hannah Talley – City Park
📖 Emily Elliott – Roan
📖 Hannah Higgins – Park Creek
📖 Cathy Dalton – Westwood
📖 Keri Faw – Hammond Creek
📖 Beth Mashburn – Dalton Junior High & The Dalton Academy
📖 Annette Boering – Dalton High School

Thank you for all you do!

Recently, all fifth-grade students across the district visited Hammond Creek Middle School for their Tiger Tours! During their visit, students explored the campus, connected with staff and current students, discovered available courses, and got answers to their questions about middle school. Our future Tigers had an amazing time learning, exploring, and making new friends!

Dalton Public Schools proudly congratulates Park Creek School teacher Kassie Dockery on being named a WDEF News 12 Now Golden Apple Award winner! 🍎

The Golden Apple Award recognizes outstanding educators who go above and beyond to make a lasting impact on their students, schools, and communities. Mrs. Dockery embodies this honor through her dedication, passion, and commitment to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. Her ability to inspire, connect, and uplift her students truly sets her apart as an exceptional educator.

We are so proud to have Mrs. Dockery as part of the Dalton Public Schools family!
Be sure to tune in to WDEF News 12 Now next Tuesday at 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM to see her featured segment and celebrate this well-deserved recognition. 👏

🐾 Check out the latest edition of Paws in Print to stay up to date on news, events, and celebrations from across Dalton Public Schools!

📖 Read it here: https://daltonpublicschoolsga.edurooms.com/engage/dalton-public-schools/newsletters/paws-in-print-april-edition

Now Open: Cyber Academy Applications for 2026–2027

Looking for a different kind of learning experience for your secondary student? The Dalton Public Schools Cyber Academy offers a flexible, personalized approach designed to meet students where they are and help them move forward.

Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 school year. Apply by April 30, 2026 by visiting the enrollment page on the Cyber Academy website.

Interested in seeing it for yourself? Join us for an Open House and Q&A session: Cyber Academy Tuesday, April 14 9–11 AM or 5–7 PM

Tour the space, meet the team, and learn how Cyber Academy is creating new opportunities for student success.

Learn more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2798840

Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Antonella Colmenarez, an 8th grade student-athlete, has been named the first-ever recipient of the Lance Sotelo Award.

Presented by Chuy and Jeanne Sotelo, this award recognizes a Track and Field athlete who exemplifies outstanding work ethic, dedication to their team, and a strong determination to continue their journey in the sport. The award was established in memory of Dalton Public Schools alumnus Lance Sotelo and will continue to be presented to future student-athletes who embody these same qualities.

Read more about the Lance Sotelo Award: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2801403

Dalton Public Schools is celebrating National Occupational Therapy Month!

We are so grateful for the incredible impact our occupational therapists have on our students every single day. Thank you for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to helping every child succeed!

👏 Help us celebrate our amazing team:
• Tracy Morrison, Occupational Therapist
• Fidela Mendiola, Occupational Therapist
• Rebecca Stanley, Occupational Therapist
• Stacy Bean Crosby, Occupational Therapist
• Donna Haynes, Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Madeline Lovell, Occupational Therapist
• Stephanie Lord, Occupational Therapist
• Sierra Logan, Occupational Therapist

Meet the DPS Cabinet | Spring 2026 ✨

Our cabinet members play an essential role in supporting our schools, working behind the scenes to ensure students, staff, and families have what they need to succeed.

We’re starting by highlighting Deputy Superintendent Nick Sun and the work he does to support day-to-day operations across the district.

We asked Mr. Sun a few questions about his role, what he enjoys most about Dalton Public Schools, and a little about who he is outside of work. Here’s what he had to say 👇

"I have the honor of being the Deputy Superintendent for Dalton Public Schools. I serve Dalton Public Schools by helping our schools and staff do their best work every day. I work with district leaders, principals, and the community to support students, solve problems, and keep things running smoothly. My focus is making sure our schools are safe, supportive, and set up so every student and staff member can succeed."

"What I enjoy most about working in Dalton Public Schools is the people. I value the strong sense of community and the dedication I see from our staff, students, and families every day. It’s rewarding to be part of a team that truly cares about helping students succeed and making a positive difference in their lives."

"Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my beautiful wife, Lindsay, and our two boys, Collin and Griffin. Most of my favorite moments are simply being at home with my family. I love watching my kids’ activities and staying busy keeping up with our family’s schedule. When I get the chance, I enjoy fishing and occasionally playing a round of golf. I also like watching most sports, attending plays and musicals, and listening to all types of music."

Today, we celebrate and thank our incredible paraprofessionals for their dedication, hard work, and support in our schools!🍎 Your impact on students and teachers is truly invaluable. Happy National Paraprofessional Appreciation Day!

In celebration of Women’s History Month, students at City Park School engaged in meaningful lessons honoring the impact and achievements of women throughout history.❤✨

First grade teacher Rigo Gonzalez led his students through a month-long exploration of influential women from around the world, helping them connect past accomplishments to present-day inspiration. The unit culminated in City Park’s annual Women’s March, where students proudly celebrated and recognized the contributions of women across generations. #LearnLeadSucceed

Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Brookwood Elementary School has renewed its Georgia Department of Education STEM Certification, reaffirming its commitment to innovative, student-centered learning. From hands-on classroom experiences to real-world partnerships, Brookwood continues to provide meaningful STEM opportunities that inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving in every student.

🔗 Read more about Brookwood’s continued impact and STEM journey: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2797189

Classroom Spotlight: In Crystal Torres’ classroom at Blue Ridge School, students are diving into hands-on science by exploring different types of reactions. Through a class lab, they mixed baking soda and vinegar to observe a chemical reaction, and combined sugar and water to compare how each mixture behaved.

Little Cats Pop-Up Classes 🐾
Our Little Cats program recently hosted its second Pop-Up Class, giving future students a fun, hands-on preview of learning through play! Students explored rainforest animals through storytime, built vocabulary, and participated in engaging STEM and math activities—like creating lion puppets and working with shapes to strengthen fine motor and pre-writing skills.

Families are invited to join us for the final Pop-Up Class:
📅 April 22
⏰ 12:30–2:30 p.m.
📍 Beechland Resource Center

These sessions are designed for children who will be 3 years old by September 1, 2026 and offer a great introduction to the Little Cats Program.