Congratulations, Gabriela Ruelas!
We are incredibly proud to celebrate The Dalton Academy Class of 2026 graduate Gabriela Ruelas, who has been named to Junior Achievement of Georgiaās third class of Nineteen Under Nineteen: Students to Watch!
This statewide recognition celebrates 19 outstanding young people from across Georgia who are making an impact through leadership, innovation and service.
During her time at The Dalton Academy, Gabriela grew from someone who was hesitant to speak in front of a crowd into a confident communicator and leader. As a four-year 3DE Ambassador, AP Scholar, student entrepreneur and president of her school store, Gabriela continually challenged herself to grow while making a difference for those around her.
Gabriela will receive a scholarship to support her future educational goals and will be recognized at the JA Northwest Georgia Business Hall of Fame gala in March 2027.
We are so proud of Gabriela and cannot wait to see what comes next!
Read more about Gabriela and this incredible recognition: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/3105164
We are incredibly proud to celebrate The Dalton Academy Class of 2026 graduate Gabriela Ruelas, who has been named to Junior Achievement of Georgiaās third class of Nineteen Under Nineteen: Students to Watch!
This statewide recognition celebrates 19 outstanding young people from across Georgia who are making an impact through leadership, innovation and service.
During her time at The Dalton Academy, Gabriela grew from someone who was hesitant to speak in front of a crowd into a confident communicator and leader. As a four-year 3DE Ambassador, AP Scholar, student entrepreneur and president of her school store, Gabriela continually challenged herself to grow while making a difference for those around her.
Gabriela will receive a scholarship to support her future educational goals and will be recognized at the JA Northwest Georgia Business Hall of Fame gala in March 2027.
We are so proud of Gabriela and cannot wait to see what comes next!
Read more about Gabriela and this incredible recognition: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/3105164
Introducing the 2026ā27 Dalton High School Athletics Hall of Fame Class
Dalton High School is proud to announce eight outstanding individuals who will join the Dalton High School Athletics Hall of Fame.
Congratulations to the 2026ā27 inductees:
Gary Bramblett ā Football | Class of 1978
Taylor Dale ā Swim/Dive | Class of 2013
Whitney Deal ā Girls Basketball | Class of 2002
Joey Westmoreland ā Boys Basketball | Class of 1998
Carly Smith ā Cross Country/Track | Class of 2001
Eder Mora ā Soccer/Football | Class of 2015
Manny Pontonio ā Baseball/Coach
Lamar Hennon ā Community Contributor
Established in 2024, the Dalton High School Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes the athletes, coaches, teams and community contributors whose accomplishments and lasting impact have helped shape the proud legacy of Catamount athletics.
This yearās inductees will be honored during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on October 22, followed by special recognition at the Dalton High School home football game on October 23.
Please join us in congratulating the newest members of the Dalton High School Athletics Hall of Fame!
READ MORE: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/3103947
Dalton High School is proud to announce eight outstanding individuals who will join the Dalton High School Athletics Hall of Fame.
Congratulations to the 2026ā27 inductees:
Gary Bramblett ā Football | Class of 1978
Taylor Dale ā Swim/Dive | Class of 2013
Whitney Deal ā Girls Basketball | Class of 2002
Joey Westmoreland ā Boys Basketball | Class of 1998
Carly Smith ā Cross Country/Track | Class of 2001
Eder Mora ā Soccer/Football | Class of 2015
Manny Pontonio ā Baseball/Coach
Lamar Hennon ā Community Contributor
Established in 2024, the Dalton High School Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes the athletes, coaches, teams and community contributors whose accomplishments and lasting impact have helped shape the proud legacy of Catamount athletics.
This yearās inductees will be honored during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on October 22, followed by special recognition at the Dalton High School home football game on October 23.
Please join us in congratulating the newest members of the Dalton High School Athletics Hall of Fame!
READ MORE: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/3103947
Brookwood, Westwood, and Dalton High families: Free & Reduced Lunch Applications Are Now Available ā in English & Spanish!
The 2026ā2027 Free & Reduced Lunch Application is open!
Everyone is encouraged to complete a new application each year, even if youāve qualified in the past.
Submit your application by September 1, 2026. A new application is required each year, and last yearās status will expire on September 18.
Apply online or pick up a limited paper copy at the front office of any Dalton school.
ENGLISH: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/DistrictRedirect/DaltonPS_GA?langid=1
SPANISH: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/DistrictRedirect/DaltonPS_GA?langid=2
š Itās About More Than a Meal!
ā
Access to free or reduced prices on healthy, delicious meals
ā
Discounted fees for SAT, ACT, and AP exams
ā
Eligibility for college scholarships and academic programs
ā
Helps maintain critical student services and enrichment programs
Take a few minutes to applyāitās a small step that supports big opportunities for your student!
š Congratulations to The Dalton Academy senior Gabriela Mojica-Nava, who was selected to attend the prestigious Georgia Ready Summer Institute at the University of Georgia this summer! Gabriela earned her spot after qualifying for the Georgia Certificate of Merit, joining just 50 students chosen from 660 applicants statewide ā spending a week diving into workshops, admissions insights, and a peek at UGA's medical program. As Gabriela put it: college isn't as scary as it seems!
Way to go, Gabriela! šš
Read more about the Georgia Ready Summer Institute program: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/3096231
Way to go, Gabriela! šš
Read more about the Georgia Ready Summer Institute program: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/3096231
Classroom Spotlightš
Math comes to life on Fridays in Macavan Kalafut's class at Dalton Junior High School!
Every Friday, Mr. Kalafut uses math-based games to reinforce the weekās lessons. Recently, students split into three teams for Jeopardy: Math Edition, competing in categories covering absolute value, rational numbers, and irrational numbers. Great work, DJHS!
Math comes to life on Fridays in Macavan Kalafut's class at Dalton Junior High School!
Every Friday, Mr. Kalafut uses math-based games to reinforce the weekās lessons. Recently, students split into three teams for Jeopardy: Math Edition, competing in categories covering absolute value, rational numbers, and irrational numbers. Great work, DJHS!
Don't forget!
There is no school on Monday, September 7, due to the Labor Day Holiday. We will see all of our students and staff back in school on Tuesday, September 8.
Have a great long weekend!
There is no school on Monday, September 7, due to the Labor Day Holiday. We will see all of our students and staff back in school on Tuesday, September 8.
Have a great long weekend!
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!
Visit https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/page/peach-education-tax-credit for more details!
š Congratulations to Dalton High School senior Andrea Najera, who was selected as a finalist and attended the prestigious Georgia Governor's Honors Program this summer! Andrea studied Communicative Arts, spending a month at Georgia Southern University alongside 600 other top students from across Georgia ā growing her passion for storytelling, which she also brings to life as manager of Dalton High's student newspaper, the Catamount Times.
Way to go, Andrea! šš°
Read more about the Governor's Honors Program: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/3091967
Way to go, Andrea! šš°
Read more about the Governor's Honors Program: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/3091967
Shalisa Love Named Dalton Education Foundation 2026 Tom Jones Educator of the Year
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Shalisa Love has been named the 2026 Tom Jones Educator of the Year by the Dalton Education Foundation. With 15 years in education and 20 years in coaching, Love has made a profound impact on students, athletes, and the broader Dalton community. Having worked with students across elementary, middle, and high school, she currently serves as a CTAE educator leading the Teaching as a Profession Pathway.
Dalton Public Schools extends its sincere thanks to the Dalton Education Foundation for its continued support of teachers and schools. The foundation's commitment to recognizing and investing in educators helps strengthen the learning experiences of students across the district.
Read more about the Tom Jones Educator of the Year Award: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/3081760
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Shalisa Love has been named the 2026 Tom Jones Educator of the Year by the Dalton Education Foundation. With 15 years in education and 20 years in coaching, Love has made a profound impact on students, athletes, and the broader Dalton community. Having worked with students across elementary, middle, and high school, she currently serves as a CTAE educator leading the Teaching as a Profession Pathway.
Dalton Public Schools extends its sincere thanks to the Dalton Education Foundation for its continued support of teachers and schools. The foundation's commitment to recognizing and investing in educators helps strengthen the learning experiences of students across the district.
Read more about the Tom Jones Educator of the Year Award: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/3081760
Classroom Spotlight: Leadership in action at The Dalton Academy! šŗšø
In Captain Bill Jinwright's JROTC class, cadet leaders are taking charge in their brand-new facility, guiding new cadets through the precision and protocol of color guard operations. It's so inspiring to see our students building discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills every day!
#DaltonPublicSchools #LearnLeadSucceed
In Captain Bill Jinwright's JROTC class, cadet leaders are taking charge in their brand-new facility, guiding new cadets through the precision and protocol of color guard operations. It's so inspiring to see our students building discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills every day!
#DaltonPublicSchools #LearnLeadSucceed
Leslie Felix Named Dalton High School 2025ā2026 Classified Staff Member of the YearāØ
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Leslie Felix has been named Dalton High School's 2025ā2026 Classified Staff Member of the Year.
Felix has worked in the front office at Dalton High School since August 2020, serving as one of the first points of contact for students, parents, staff, and visitors. Felix said the role has strengthened her commitment to creating a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through the school's doors.
Dalton Public Schools congratulates Leslie Felix on being named Dalton High School's 2025ā2026 Classified Staff Member of the Year and thanks her for the dedication she shows to students and staff each day.
Read more about the Dalton High School Classified Staff Member of the Year: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/3069878
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Leslie Felix has been named Dalton High School's 2025ā2026 Classified Staff Member of the Year.
Felix has worked in the front office at Dalton High School since August 2020, serving as one of the first points of contact for students, parents, staff, and visitors. Felix said the role has strengthened her commitment to creating a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through the school's doors.
Dalton Public Schools congratulates Leslie Felix on being named Dalton High School's 2025ā2026 Classified Staff Member of the Year and thanks her for the dedication she shows to students and staff each day.
Read more about the Dalton High School Classified Staff Member of the Year: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/3069878
Classroom Spotlight: Math comes to life at Blue Ridge School! š²āØ
Layla Jarvisā students got a hands-on lesson in place value by turning into human base-ten blocksāfilling a giant "ONES" grid on the floor, grouping together with a string when they reached 10, and moving to the "TENS" spot to build teen numbers. They then headed to their desks to practice the concept with colored blocks and paper charts.
Way to make math interactive and fun! #DaltonPublicSchools #LearnLeadSucceed
Layla Jarvisā students got a hands-on lesson in place value by turning into human base-ten blocksāfilling a giant "ONES" grid on the floor, grouping together with a string when they reached 10, and moving to the "TENS" spot to build teen numbers. They then headed to their desks to practice the concept with colored blocks and paper charts.
Way to make math interactive and fun! #DaltonPublicSchools #LearnLeadSucceed
š¾ Introducing Little Cats Registration for the 2026ā2027 School Year! š¾
We are excited to kick off interest for the upcoming school year! Due to high interest in the Little Cats program, we are launching an online interest form to help us manage our list and prioritize our Dalton Public Schools families.
š Complete the Interest Form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=gFYg6YRaWUiHRBVlO6te8n1WeX2ijElOpoLli1Zc05pUME40WVUyN0VWRVlZNzc5V1pMUzg4WDMzOS4u&origin=QRCode
Important Details:
-Waiting List Placement: Submitting the form adds your child to the Little Cats waiting/contact listāit does not guarantee enrollment or placement.
-DPS Priority: Priority placement is given to families who reside within the Dalton Public Schools attendance zone.
-Follow-Up: As spaces become available, a Little Cats representative will contact families directly with additional information and next steps for enrollment.
Ready to get started? Click the link (or scan the QR code on the flyer) to add your child to the list! š±āØ
We are excited to kick off interest for the upcoming school year! Due to high interest in the Little Cats program, we are launching an online interest form to help us manage our list and prioritize our Dalton Public Schools families.
š Complete the Interest Form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=gFYg6YRaWUiHRBVlO6te8n1WeX2ijElOpoLli1Zc05pUME40WVUyN0VWRVlZNzc5V1pMUzg4WDMzOS4u&origin=QRCode
Important Details:
-Waiting List Placement: Submitting the form adds your child to the Little Cats waiting/contact listāit does not guarantee enrollment or placement.
-DPS Priority: Priority placement is given to families who reside within the Dalton Public Schools attendance zone.
-Follow-Up: As spaces become available, a Little Cats representative will contact families directly with additional information and next steps for enrollment.
Ready to get started? Click the link (or scan the QR code on the flyer) to add your child to the list! š±āØ
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce the Game Ball winner for the month of August: Amy Sherman, 21st Century Program Director.
Sherman leads Dalton Public Schoolsā 21st Century Community Learning Center programs, a federally funded initiative that extends learning beyond the traditional school day by providing students with additional academic support, enrichment opportunities and engaging experiences designed to help them thrive.
Through her leadership, Sherman helps ensure students have access to meaningful opportunities that strengthen academic skills, encourage exploration and provide additional support for success in school and beyond.
š Read more about the August Game Ball Winner: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/3075592
Sherman leads Dalton Public Schoolsā 21st Century Community Learning Center programs, a federally funded initiative that extends learning beyond the traditional school day by providing students with additional academic support, enrichment opportunities and engaging experiences designed to help them thrive.
Through her leadership, Sherman helps ensure students have access to meaningful opportunities that strengthen academic skills, encourage exploration and provide additional support for success in school and beyond.
š Read more about the August Game Ball Winner: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/3075592
Brookwood, Westwood, and Dalton High families: Free & Reduced Lunch Applications Are Now Available ā in English & Spanish!
The 2026ā2027 Free & Reduced Lunch Application is open!
Everyone is encouraged to complete a new application each year, even if youāve qualified in the past.
Submit your application by September 1, 2026. A new application is required each year, and last yearās status will expire on September 18.
Apply online or pick up a limited paper copy at the front office of any Dalton school.
ENGLISH: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/DistrictRedirect/DaltonPS_GA?langid=1
SPANISH: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/DistrictRedirect/DaltonPS_GA?langid=2
š Itās About More Than a Meal!
ā
Access to free or reduced prices on healthy, delicious meals
ā
Discounted fees for SAT, ACT, and AP exams
ā
Eligibility for college scholarships and academic programs
ā
Helps maintain critical student services and enrichment programs
Take a few minutes to applyāitās a small step that supports big opportunities for your student!
š Help Honor the Catamounts Who Made History! š
The search is on for the third class of the Dalton High School Athletics Hall of Fame!
Do you know a former athlete, coach, team, or community contributor whose impact on Dalton High School athletics deserves to be recognized? Now is your opportunity to help preserve the rich history and tradition of Catamount athletics by submitting a nomination.
Since its establishment in 2024, the Dalton High School Athletics Hall of Fame has celebrated the individuals and teams whose excellence, leadership, and dedication have shaped generations of Catamounts. Now it's time to recognize the next class of legends.
Nominations close on August 24, 2026.
If you've nominated someone in the past, we encourage you to update and resubmit your nomination to ensure the Hall of Fame Committee has the most complete and current information available.
Submit your nomination today:
šhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIAsY8STEViTR8R5Y6UyRtXUpHNpFp4YXVxl9yoEDV1XeGjg/viewform
The search is on for the third class of the Dalton High School Athletics Hall of Fame!
Do you know a former athlete, coach, team, or community contributor whose impact on Dalton High School athletics deserves to be recognized? Now is your opportunity to help preserve the rich history and tradition of Catamount athletics by submitting a nomination.
Since its establishment in 2024, the Dalton High School Athletics Hall of Fame has celebrated the individuals and teams whose excellence, leadership, and dedication have shaped generations of Catamounts. Now it's time to recognize the next class of legends.
Nominations close on August 24, 2026.
If you've nominated someone in the past, we encourage you to update and resubmit your nomination to ensure the Hall of Fame Committee has the most complete and current information available.
Submit your nomination today:
šhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIAsY8STEViTR8R5Y6UyRtXUpHNpFp4YXVxl9yoEDV1XeGjg/viewform
Angie Edwards Named Blue Ridge School 2025ā2026 Teacher of the YearāØ
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Angie Edwards has been named Blue Ridge School's 2025ā2026 Teacher of the Year. Edwards teaches ESOL and EIP to students in grades K-5 at Blue Ridge School, where she has spent her entire 13-year teaching career.
"After more than a decade at Blue Ridge, I see the school as much more than my workplace," Edwards said. "It is the community where I have grown as a teacher, built lasting relationships, and invested a significant part of my life."
Dalton Public Schools congratulates Angie Edwards on being named Blue Ridge School's 2025ā2026 Teacher of the Year and thanks her for the dedication she shows to students each day.
Read more about the Blue Ridge School Teacher of the Year: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/3069841
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that Angie Edwards has been named Blue Ridge School's 2025ā2026 Teacher of the Year. Edwards teaches ESOL and EIP to students in grades K-5 at Blue Ridge School, where she has spent her entire 13-year teaching career.
"After more than a decade at Blue Ridge, I see the school as much more than my workplace," Edwards said. "It is the community where I have grown as a teacher, built lasting relationships, and invested a significant part of my life."
Dalton Public Schools congratulates Angie Edwards on being named Blue Ridge School's 2025ā2026 Teacher of the Year and thanks her for the dedication she shows to students each day.
Read more about the Blue Ridge School Teacher of the Year: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/3069841
Dalton Public Schools Elevates Student Safety Through New Partnership with Sandy Hook Promise
In a continued commitment to maintaining safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environments, Dalton Public Schools is announcing a new partnership with Sandy Hook Promise. As part of this safety initiative, the district will soon launch the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System across our schools.
Read more about our partnership with Sandy Hook Promise: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/3068387
In a continued commitment to maintaining safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environments, Dalton Public Schools is announcing a new partnership with Sandy Hook Promise. As part of this safety initiative, the district will soon launch the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System across our schools.
Read more about our partnership with Sandy Hook Promise: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/3068387
Ready, set, learn! šš
Happy First Day of School, Dalton Public Schools! We are so excited to launch into another incredible year of growth, discovery, and community. To our students, teachers, and families: Letās make this school year our best one yet! You're going to love what's in store!
#DaltonPublicSchools #LearnLeadSucceed #DPSFirstDay
Doors open, hearts full! Orientations remind us just how special our school community is. Seeing so many familiar faces (and new ones!) brought our buildings right back to life. Weāre all set for a fantastic year aheadāsee you all bright and early tomorrow! šš #DaltonPublicSchools #LearnLeadSucceed