Exciting Author Visit at Roan School!

Student in grades 3–5 were excited to welcome Rachel Smalley to Roan School! Rachel Smalley is a children's author, former elementary teacher, and literacy advocate from Dalton. She is the author of the book, TUFTED: The Stitch & Story of Catherine Evans Whitener.


TUFTED tells the true story of Catherine Evans Whitener, a young woman from Northwest Georgia whose creativity and determination helped spark the tufted textile industry that would eventually become such an important part of Dalton’s history.


During her visit, Rachel talked with the students about her writing process, why she chose to tell Catherine’s story, how the book developed, and the people and history that inspired it. She also read TUFTED alongside our students!

And the best part?...Our students won't just get to read and meet Rachel...they get to keep their very own copy of the book, TUFTED!


about 24 hours ago, Diana Duarte
A close-up view of stacked copies of the children's book "TUFTED" with large white text overlaid across the image reading, "AUTHOR VISIT RACHEL SMALLEY".
Author Rachel Smalley standing and holding open a coy of her picture book "TUFTED" as she reads aloud to a group of seated elementary students.
Author Rachel Smalley pointing to a student to answer a question, with a presentation slide titled "WOMEN'S WORK" on a large digital screen is behind her.
Author Rachel Smalley leaning down to talk to a student while other students are seated on the floor during an interactive presentation in the Roan School Media Center
A staff member handing a copy of the book "TUFTED" to a student from a large stacks of books neatly arranged on a table in the Roan School Library.
A group of smiling elementary students standing together holding up their copies of the book "TUFTED" during an author visit.
Two elementary students standing together in the Roan School Library, each proudly holding up a copy of the book "TUFTED" by Rachel Smalley.
Author Rachel Smalley sitting down and using a pen to sign a copy of her book held by an elementary student standing beside her.
Author Rachel Smalley standing in front of a digital display screen speaking to a room full of attentive elementary students sitting on the floor.
What a night at the Heritage Complex!
Massive congratulations to our Roan School Bobcats on finishing as runner-up in the Dalton Public Schools Elementary Soccer Tournament '26-'27.
You played with grit, hustle, and incredible team spirit from the very first whistle to the last. We are so proud of every single Bobcat student athlete!
3 days ago, Diana Duarte
A large youth soccer team wearing matching green "Roan School Soccer" shirts posing together for a group photo on a sunny outdoor turf field with their coaches.
A Roan School soccer goalkeeper in a bright green jersey diving horizontally across the goal line to block a shot near the net.
A young soccer player wearing a green "Roan School Soccer" shirt dribbling the soccer ball down the turf field during an afternoon game.
Smiling youth soccer players in green jerseys from Roan School running across the field together in celebration from scoring a goal, with spectators watching from behind the goal.
Youth soccer players in yellow with Roan School soccer players in green jerseys battling for possession of the ball on an outdoor field at night.
A youth soccer goalkeeper from Roan School, in a green jersey diving to make a save near the goal post during a night soccer game on a luminating turf field.
Youth Roan School soccer players in green. Competing with navy jerseys for the soccer ball on a green field during a daytime match.
Roan School had lots of hands-on discovery, big smiles, and fun in Mr. Babb & Mrs. Allen Pre-K Classes.
Whether it's investigating pumpkins or crafting tasty treats, learning is always an adventure in the Pre-K classroom.
5 days ago, Diana Duarte
A PreK Teacher, Mr. Babb wearing a jack-o'-lantern shirt holding up the freshly carved top of a pumpkin to show the seeds and pulp to young students sitting in front of him in the classroom.
A PreK teacher, Mr. Babb dressed in a jack-o'-lantern shirt reading a storybook aloud about pumpkins to elementary students sitting on a colorful classroom rug, with several children wearing Halloween costumes.
A young girl reaching her hand inside a carved pumpkin to feel the seeds during a hands-on classroom activity, while the teacher, Mr. Babb wearing an orange jack-o'-lantern shirt assists.
A student wearing a plush animal onesie costume reaching inside a carved pumpkin during a classroom activity while the teacher, Mr. Babb in an orange shirt watches.
A four-panel collage showing a spider-themed classroom lesson. Top images show the book "The Very Busy Spider" and an anchor chart for "Spider Snack" instructions. Bottom images show students in costumes sitting at tables assembling spider snacks made of sandwich cookies, pretzel sticks, and candy eyes.
A two-panel photo showing students proudly displaying edible spider snacks made from sandwich cookies, pretzel stick legs, and candy eyes. On the left a boy proudly showing his edible spider up to the camera.
A four-panel collage of elementary students in costumes sitting at tables with their completed edible spider snacks made of cookies and pretzel sticks. One student in a Batman costume gives a thumbs-up next to his craft.

Talk about a sweet reason to come to school!

Last week on Early Release Day was a Surprise Attendance Day!

TDA Cross Country and Cheer Teams started the morning serving at Roan School, opening car doors and greeting students with smiles. Thank you TDA Pumas!

Mrs. Fetzer our school principal surprised our students with a PINATA! The pinata being herself! Every student received a lollipop, a reminder that everyday at school counts.

8 days ago, Diana Duarte
A young boy wearing a backpack smiling as he steps out of a white pickup truck during morning school drop-off. An older student stands by the open truck door while staff members wait along the walkway to greet arriving students.
A young boy wearing a backpack walking down a sidewalk towards a school entrance. School staff members lined up along the building hold welcome signs, including one featuring mascot bobcat reading "We're so glad you're here!"
A school bobcat mascot wearing a red "Roan School" shirt resting a friendly paw on a student's shoulder as they enter the school building. In the background, a staff member holds a sign that reads, "Welcome to Surprise Attendance Day!"
Two young elementary students wearing backpacks posting for a photo in front of the school mascot, a bobcat in a red "Roan School" shirt, who extends its paws around them outside the school entrance.
The school principal dressed in a colorful, fringed pinata costume standing with arms raised at the front of the classroom.
The school principal in a colorful pinata costume having fun with elementary students, who hold foam pool noodles to gently hit "the pinata" and spilling candy out of her hands, while seated classmates watch.
The school principal in a colorful pinata costume interacting with two students who are holding foam pool noodles at the front of the classroom.
Two smiling elementary students using foam pool noodles to gently tap/hit the principal dressed in a colorful, fringed pinata costume celebrating attendance day.
Exciting Author Visit at Roan School
Students in grades kinder through second grade were excited to welcome Author Cat Gayle to Roan School. A fellow Dalton Native, who now lives in Atlanta, GA. She is the author of several children-kid friendly story books featuring playful creatures and endless imagination.
8 days ago, Diana Duarte
Author Cat Gayle stands on stage speaking into a microphone during a school visit, with banner and digital display promoting her "Monster Magic" book series behind her. Large white text overlaid across the image reads, "AUTHOR VISIT CAT GAYLE".
Author Cat Gayle standing on stage with a microphone in hand, giving a presentation in front of a green curtain backdrop.
Author Cat Gayle presenting to a room full of seated students during a school visit.
Author Cat Gayle on stage pointing to students in an audience who have their hands raised during a school presentation.
Author Cat Gayle leaning down to hold a microphone for a young student wearing a pink shirt and jeans, who is standing and speaking to the group during a school visit. Surrounding students watch from their seats against a purple brick wall background.
Author Cat Gayle poses for a group photo with a large group of smiling elementary students gathered on stage during a school visit. One student in the front center holds a stuffed purple monster plush toy.

📣 We want to hear from our students!

The 2026 Believe Greater Dalton Community Survey is now open, and our students have an important role in helping shape what comes next for our community.

Students, please take a few minutes to share your voice. Families, we encourage you to ask your student to participate!

The survey takes approximately five minutes, responses are anonymous, and participants may enter to win one of five $100 Visa gift cards.

Take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BGD2026

Your voice matters. Let’s help build the future of Greater Dalton—together!

about 1 month ago, DPS Communications
Believe Greater Dalton graphic inviting community members to participate. Text reads: “We want to hear from you! Your voice helps shape what’s next for Greater Dalton. Take the survey—it only takes five minutes.”
Golden hour at Roan School, featuring a vibrant sunset backdrop!
about 2 months ago, Diana Duarte
Golden hour at Roan School, featuring a vibrant sunset backdrop!
A new look for our freshly renovated home! 🐾✨

Roan School is proud to introduce our new official logo! Designed to reflect the spirit and heart of our school, this design carries us forward into an exciting school year in our updated building.

Here’s to fresh spaces, new beginnings, and building on our proud tradition as Bobcats!
3 months ago, Dalton Public Schools Communications
A new look for our freshly renovated home! 🐾✨ Roan School is proud to introduce our new official logo! Designed to reflect the spirit and heart of our school, this design carries us forward into an exciting school year in our updated building. Here’s to fresh spaces, new beginnings, and building on our proud tradition as Bobcats!
Dear Roan School Families,

We know how excited everyone is to begin the new school year and to see the beautifully renovated Roan School. Our staff is just as eager to welcome students back and begin another great year together.

As we complete the final phases of construction and preparation inside the building, we have made the decision to make a small adjustment to our opening schedule. We understand this change may be unexpected, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding. Taking one additional day will allow our teams to continue the final preparations ahead of welcoming students. Our goal is to provide the best possible start to the school year, and we are excited to welcome everyone back to Roan School on Wednesday, August 5.

Meet the Teacher
Because we are unable to welcome families into the building while final work is being completed, Orientation will now be a Roan School Meet the Teacher event at the Mack Gaston Community Center.

Event Details:
Monday, August 3
1:30–3:30 p.m.
Mack Gaston Community Center - Gymnasium

During Meet the Teacher, families will be able to:
-Meet their child's teacher
-Receive important information for the school year
-Connect with Roan School staff

The Dalton Reads Van will also be on site with books and activities for students.

Your child's teacher and their classroom number have not changed and will remain exactly as listed on the postcards previously mailed to families.

First Day of School
Roan School students will now begin school on Wednesday, August 5.

We know many of you have been looking forward to the first day of school, and we appreciate your flexibility as we complete these final preparations. We truly believe this additional time will help us provide the best possible experience as we welcome students back.

Lunch Available on Tuesday, August 4
Although students will not attend school on Tuesday, August 4, grab-and-go sack lunches will be available for any Roan School student.
Location: Roan School Campus
Pickup Location: Playground Entrance
Time: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Thank you for your continued support throughout this exciting journey. We know how much this school means to our community, and we can't wait to welcome everyone back to Roan School very soon.

We look forward to seeing you at Meet the Teacher on Monday!

Sincerely,

Anne Fetzer

Principal

Roan School
3 months ago, DPS Communications
REMINDER
The last day of school is Friday, May 22, 2026.
There will be no ASP on this day.
Students will be dismissed at 12:15 p.m.

RECORDATORIO
El Ăşltimo dĂ­a de clases es el viernes, 22 de mayo, 2026.
No habrĂĄ guarderĂ­a despuĂŠs de escuela (ASP).
La hora de salida es a las 12:15 p.m.
6 months ago, DEBORAH AZUA
A bilingual school reminder flyer with a white background and an orange wavy border. At the top, stylized text reads “hello summer” in orange and blue. Below it, the heading says “REMINDER/RECORDATORIO.” The English text states: “The last day of school is Friday, May 22, 2026.” “THERE WILL BE NO ASP ON THIS DAY.” “Students will be dismissed at 12:15 p.m.” Decorative orange sun icons separate the English and Spanish sections. The Spanish text states: “EL ÚLTIMO DÍA DE CLASES ES EL VIERNES, 22 DE MAYO, 2026.” “NO HABRÁ GUARDERÍA DESPUÉS DE ESCUELA (ASP).” “La hora de salida es a las 12:15 p.m.”
Join us for our Title 1 Meeting!
¡Únase a nuestra Reunión de Padres de Título I!
6 months ago, DEBORAH AZUA
A school flyer for Roan School Bobcats announcing a Title I Parent Meeting. The flyer includes the school logo with a bobcat mascot and provides the meeting details in both English and Spanish. English section: Title I Parent Meeting All Roan Parents are invited! Tuesday, May 12 9:15 AM Media Center Spanish section: ReuniĂłn de Padres de TĂ­tulo I ÂĄTodos los padres de Roan estĂĄn invitados! Martes, 12 de mayo 9:15 a. m. Libreria
Bobcat Fund Day is coming!
6 months ago, JERRE LEONARD
A graphic that is black and red and shows children playing announcing Field Day.
Tomorrow (May 7, 2026), we will be selling spirit wear after school by the playground next to the gym door. Please see the attached flyer for more details.


MaĂąana (7 de mayo de 2026), estaremos vendiendo ropa escolar despuĂŠs de clases en el ĂĄrea del parque junto a la puerta del gimnasio. Por favor, consulte el volante adjunto para mĂĄs detalles.
6 months ago, DEBORAH AZUA
Flyer for a “Roan School Sidewalk Sale” featuring the Roan School Bobcats logo. Event details: May 7, 2026, from 3:00–4:00 PM, located at the school playground by the gym door. A note says that if picking up through the carline, park by the playground and walk to the tent. A callout encourages buying school spirit wear to show Bobcat pride on “Bobcat Funday.” Images show a red headband, a red bow, and a black “Bobcats” T-shirt. Prices range from $3 to $18.
Volante en español para una “Venta de productos de la Escuela Roan” con el logo de los Roan Bobcats. Detalles del evento: 7 de mayo de 2026, de 3:00 a 4:00 PM, en el parque de la escuela junto a la puerta del gimnasio. Un recuadro invita a comprar ropa escolar y mostrar el orgullo para el día de diversión. Nota: si recoges a tu hijo/a por la fila de autos, estaciona en el área del parque y camina hacia la carpa. Imágenes de una banda roja para la cabeza, un moño rojo y una camiseta negra que dice “Bobcats”. Precios desde $3 hasta $18.
Save the Dates! End of Year events are coming soon!
6 months ago, JERRE LEONARD
A graphic that shows dates and time for end of the year events at Roan School.
Un grĂĄfico que muestra las fechas y horarios de los eventos de fin de aĂąo en la Escuela Roan.
4/24/2026: Lunch times for today! 4th and 5th grade are going to be having lunch at the splash pad (218 N. Fredrick Street, Dalton, GA 30721).3

ÂĄHorarios de almuerzo para hoy! Los estudiantes de 4.Âş y 5.Âş grado van a almorzar en el ĂĄrea del splash pad (218 N. Fredrick Street, Dalton, GA 30721).
7 months ago, DEBORAH AZUA
This looks like a Splash Pad / Playground supervision schedule for elementary grades across Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24, with assigned staff and staggered lunch times. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you read it quickly: Thursday, April 23 ATKINS & Kindergarten (9:00–11:00) Splash Pad: 9:00–10:00 Playground: 10:00–11:00 Staff rotations include: Atkins, Barajas Garrod, Renteria Cardona, Martin G. Rodriguez, Ruiz Gordillo, Marlow Ortiz, Gonzalez Lunch slots: 11:20–11:50 11:22–11:52 11:24–11:54 11:26–11:56 2nd Grade & 3–5 SDC (12:00–2:00) Splash Pad: 12:00–1:00 Playground: 1:00–2:00 Staff: Davis, Lopez R. Ramirez, Amaro Renteria, Azua Vaughn, Thompson Halverson, Fajardo Hodges, Kolbas Lunch slots: 10:54–11:24 10:56–11:26 10:58–11:28 11:00–11:30 Additional Staff Lunches Babb: 11:05–11:35 Haynes: 11:10–11:40 Lynch: 11:12–11:42 West: 11:14–11:44 Scheunemann: 11:16–11:46
4/21/2026: This is the last week to join your child for lunch. Beginning next week, we will begin Milestone testing, and our campus will also start preparations for the final phase of our renovation project.
Due to these important activities, lunch visits will be paused for the remainder of the school year. We appreciate your understanding as we focus on supporting students during testing and preparing for upcoming improvements to our school. Thank you for your continued support.

Esta es la Ăşltima semana para acompaĂąar a su hijo/a a almorzar. A partir de la prĂłxima semana, comenzaremos las evaluaciones Milestone, y nuestro campus tambiĂŠn iniciarĂĄ los preparativos para la fase final del proceso de renovaciĂłn.
Debido a estas importantes actividades, las visitas durante el almuerzo quedarĂĄn suspendidas por el resto del aĂąo escolar. Agradecemos su comprensiĂłn mientras nos enfocamos en apoyar a los estudiantes durante las pruebas y en prepararnos para las prĂłximas mejoras en nuestra escuela. Gracias por su continuo apoyo.
7 months ago, DEBORAH AZUA
Pink announcement flyer with a red wavy border and a school mascot logo at the bottom. The text reads: “4/21: This is the final week to join your child for lunch. Esta es la última semana para acompañar a su hijo/a a almorzar.”
This flyer is for parents of students attending Hammond Creek Middle Next year.

Este folleto es para los padres de estudiantes que asistirĂĄn a Hammond Creek Middle el prĂłximo aĂąo.
ÂĄPRUEBAS DEPORTIVAS DE LA ESCUELA MEDIA! (DJHS y HCMS)
Pruebas de Golf
Fechas: 27 o 29 de abril
Hora: 3:30–5:00 p. m.
Lugar: School of Golf
Abierto a: Estudiantes que regresan a 7.Âş y 8.Âş grado y futuros estudiantes de 6.Âş grado
InscripciĂłn: tinyurl.com/3fcxjzep
Pruebas de Voleibol
Fechas: 4–7 de mayo
Hora: 4:00–6:00 p. m.
Lugar: Gimnasio de HCMS
Estudiantes actuales de 5.Âş grado: 4 y 5 de mayo
Estudiantes actuales de 6.º–7.º grado: 6 y 7 de mayo
InscripciĂłn: docs.google.com/e/1FAIpQLSe4jFwpH8zyC2VxKEHWQxnhnBV7-p08Qyw
Pruebas de SĂłftbol
Fechas: 4–6 de mayo
Hora: 3:30–5:30 p. m.
Abierto a: Futuros estudiantes de 6.Âş grado
Lugar: Heritage Point Park
1275 Cross Plains Trail, Dalton, GA
InscripciĂłn: docs.google.com/e/1FAIpQLSeLdrcxMWWZVjef-4EP8pGGHrtnGzv-9xMp1q07Q
7 months ago, DEBORAH AZUA
Flyer for middle school sports tryouts (DJHS & HCMS) with a red-and-black theme and a tiger mascot holding a bat at the top. Golf Tryouts Dates: April 27 or April 29 Time: 3:30–5:00 PM Location: School of Golf Open to: Returning 7th & 8th graders and upcoming 6th graders Sign-up link provided (TinyURL) Volleyball Tryouts Dates: May 4–7 Time: 4:00–6:00 PM Location: HCMS Gym Current 5th grade: May 4 & 5 Current 6th–7th grade: May 6 & 7 Sign-up link provided (Google Form) Softball Tryouts Dates: May 4–6 Time: 3:30–5:30 PM Open to: Upcoming 6th graders Location: Heritage Point Park, 1275 Cross Plains Trail, Dalton, GA Sign-up link provided (Google Form)
We are will have Career Day for Kindergarten, First and Second Grade on Friday! Parents, be aware that lunch times may be different so check with your child's teacher if you plan to come eat on Friday, April 17!🚒🚑🚔
7 months ago, JERRE LEONARD
A graphic that shows the words Career Day, Friday April 17 for Kindergarten, first and second grade with pictures of children dressed for their future career.
Un grĂĄfico que muestra las palabras ÂŤDĂ­a de las ProfesionesÂť, viernes 17 de abril, para kĂ­nder, primer y segundo grado, con imĂĄgenes de niĂąos vestidos para su futura profesiĂłn.
4/2/2026: Students will be eating lunch in their classrooms today. Thanks!

Los estudiantes comerĂĄn el almuerzo en sus salones de clase hoy. Gracias!
7 months ago, DEBORAH AZUA
Hi everyone! Our Glow Party is in two days and are looking for a few parent volunteers to help chaperone and make sure everything runs smoothly. Your support would mean a lot! Please, call the school if you are willing to help—thank you so much!

ÂĄHola a todos! Nuestra Fiesta Fluorescente es en dos dĂ­as y estamos buscando algunos padres voluntarios que puedan ayudar como acompaĂąantes para asegurarnos de que todo salga bien. ÂĄSu apoyo significarĂ­a mucho para nosotros! Por favor, llamen a la escuela si estĂĄn dispuestos a ayudar. ÂĄMuchas gracias!

7 months ago, DEBORAH AZUA
The image shows a colorful Glow Party schedule with a disco ball and confetti background. In the center, there’s a table labeled “Grade/Grado” and “Time/Hora” with the following schedule: 1st: 9:15–9:45 PK: 9:45–10:15 4th: 12:50–1:20 3rd: 1:20–1:50 5th: 1:50–2:20 KK: 2:20–2:50 2nd: 2:50–3:20 At the bottom right, it says “Let’s Party.”