
Caitlin Autry Named The Dalton Academy’s Teacher of the Year
Dalton Public Schools is proud to recognize Caitlin Autry as The Dalton Academy’s Teacher of the Year. A passionate science teacher and dedicated educator, Autry brings energy, innovation, and heart to everything she does—both inside the classroom and beyond.
Autry says her desire to become a teacher began at an early age. “My earliest memory as a child growing up was my desire to be a teacher,” she shared. “My mom was a teacher, and I grew up watching her as she would prepare for school each year. I wanted to be a teacher in every sense of the word.”
Read more on our website! DaltonPublicSchools.com


The Dalton Academy JROTC Earns Top Honors Again!
We’re proud to announce that The Dalton Academy’s JROTC program has once again achieved the Honor Unit with Distinction (HUD) Gold Star — the highest rating awarded by the U.S. Army Cadet Command — following a rigorous triennial inspection!
This elite recognition is a testament to the cadets' discipline, teamwork, leadership, and unwavering dedication to excellence in training and service.
“Earning and maintaining the HUD is not easy—it takes discipline, teamwork, and a genuine passion for leadership and service,” said CPT (R) Bill Jinright, Senior Army Instructor.
Cadet Battalion Commander Sergio Diaz added, “It’s more than just a yellow star—it shows how determined and hardworking the team is, even in the face of difficulties.”
Congratulations to our incredible cadets and instructors! Your hard work and resilience continue to make The Dalton Academy proud.
🔗 Read more about this honor and the cadets’ journey here: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2158964

Celebrating Volunteer Recognition Day!
Today, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible volunteers who support our schools throughout the year. Your time and dedication make a difference!
📚 In these photos, mentor reading buddies from Engineered Floors are sharing stories with their young buddies—just like they do every week. Their commitment to fostering a love of reading is inspiring!
We value and welcome family involvement in our schools. All of our schools need volunteers to support students and staff! Learn more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/page/volunteer-opportunities











City Park Elementary Wins 2024 SSAS Bronze Award! 🐾
We’re thrilled to share that City Park Elementary School has been named a 2024 Single Statewide Accountability System (SSAS) Bronze Award winner for Greatest Gains by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement!
This honor recognizes the school’s exceptional growth in student achievement and places City Park in the top 7% of schools across Georgia for academic progress.
“This award is a true testament to the hard work of our teachers, staff, students, and families,” said Dr. Steven Craft, Superintendent of Dalton Public Schools.
Principal Kim Rhyne added, “Our students are demonstrating remarkable growth and success. This award shows our community that we are providing Endless PAWSibilities for all our students.”
Read more here: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2157317


Congratulations to Veronica Sandoval! 🎉
We’re excited to announce that Veronica Sandoval has been named the Technology Security Specialist for Dalton Public Schools!
With years of experience supporting students and staff through her work in IT and data systems, Veronica has consistently gone above and beyond to keep our technology running smoothly and securely. In her new role, she’ll help lead the charge in protecting our digital infrastructure across the district.
We’re proud to have her on our team!
Read more here: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2157230

The Little Cats program recently held its final Pop-up Class of the school year! These special sessions are designed to promote and recruit future Little Cats students for the upcoming school year.
In this final session, students explored the theme of ocean animals, learning to identify creatures such as stingrays, sharks, whales, and octopuses.
We are so excited to welcome our future Little Cats to the classroom next school year!











The Dalton High School Catamount Boys Soccer Team recently made a special visit to Brookwood School, where they greeted students and opened car doors during morning drop-off. What an awesome way to lead by example and connect with the community!






Melanie Franey Named Dalton High School Classified Staff Member of the Year
Dalton, GA —Dalton Public Schools is proud to recognize Melanie Franey as Dalton High School’s Classified Staff Member of the Year.
Franey, a Media Center Paraprofessional, has been an integral part of the Dalton High School media team for 19 years. Known for her dedication and connection with students, Franey helps foster a love of reading, supports students with their studies and projects, and assists both students and staff with technology needs.
This is not her first recognition—Franey was also named Dalton High School’s Classified Staff Member of the Year in 2022 and received the Dale Cook Support Educator of the Year award in 2023.
Beyond her daily responsibilities, Franey is known for building strong relationships with students that go beyond academics. Most DHS students know her by name and often turn to her for support. She is also a familiar face at the entrance gate during sporting events, where she connects with students and families. Her presence and support are felt across campus and at extracurricular events throughout the year.
Franey is considered one of the go-to people at Dalton High School, and the district is proud to honor her continued impact and service.
DaltonPublicSchools.com


The competition was fierce today as all six of our elementary schools competed in the district elementary track championship!
A big shoutout to the Carpet Capital Running Club for their generous support without which this event wouldn't have been possible. Gratitude is also extended to our student athletes from Dalton High School and The Dalton Academy and volunteers for their invaluable assistance and mentorship throughout the day.
Special thanks are also due to Jeff Talley, the coordinator extraordinaire from City Park, and to Hannah Talley for her spirited emceeing!

Reminder
📌 Friday, April 18: Student & Staff Holiday – No school for students and staff.
📌 Monday, April 21: Virtual Learning Day – Students will complete assignments from home.
We look forward to seeing our students back in class on Tuesday, April 22!


Dalton Public Schools Announces Terrence Little as Assistant Principal at Hammond Creek Middle School
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce Terrence Little as the new Assistant Principal at Hammond Creek Middle School.
Little has worked in education since 2018, joining the team at Dalton Middle School in 2020 before moving to Hammond Creek at its opening in 2021. As a dedicated educator and leader, he has played an important role in shaping the school’s culture and supporting student success.
“Being here since day one, the chance to be an Assistant Principal means a lot,” said Little. “I'm really excited to keep building a school where everyone feels like they belong and promote an environment where everyone who walks through the doors can grow!”
“Terrence has been a valued member of the Hammond Creek team since its opening, and we are excited to see him take on this new leadership role,” said Dr. Steven Craft, Superintendent of Dalton Public Schools. “His commitment to students, staff, and the school community is evident in everything he does. We look forward to the positive impact he will continue to make as Assistant Principal.”
Dalton Public Schools is excited to see Little take on this new leadership role and continue his work to make Hammond Creek Middle School a welcoming and inspiring place for students, staff, and families.

The Georgia Mobile Dairy Classroom recently visited our kindergartners at Blue Ridge School, giving them a fun, hands-on lesson about dairy cows, how milk is produced, and how cows are milked—an unforgettable day of learning and discovery! 🐄🥛📚

A Sweet New Arrival for Dalton’s Teacher of the Year!
2024 Dalton Teacher of the Year, Zach Clifton, and his wife Morgan just welcomed their first child, baby Blair, into the world! Zach was proud to drive her home from the hospital in style—in the Ford Bronco he received from Ford of Dalton during our Annual Employee Convocation.
From cheering on the Dawgs to dazzling holiday lights, and now bringing their daughter home for the very first time, the Bronco has been part of some unforgettable milestones for the Cliftons.
We’re so grateful to Ford of Dalton for their continued support of our educators and for helping celebrate life’s biggest moments—on the road and in the classroom.
Congratulations to Zach and Morgan Clifton, and welcome to the world, baby Blair!


Dalia Santiago Named Westwood School’s Teacher of the Year
Dalton Public Schools is proud to recognize Dalia Santiago as Westwood School’s Teacher of the Year. A dedicated educator with a deep passion for teaching and service, Santiago has been a vital part of the Dalton community since 1997, bringing nearly three decades of experience and commitment to her students and school.
Read more on our website! DaltonPublicSchools.com


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! 🎓


Now hiring: Park Creek School is looking for a dedicated school nurse to join our team. Apply today at https://dalton.schoolspring.com.


Dalton High School Players Sweep 2025 Georgia High School Musical Theatre Award Nominations
On Thursday, March 20 the Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards (GHMSTA), or Shuler Awards, announced the finalists and semi-finalists for their 2025 awards ceremony. Out of the 75 schools competing, the Dalton High School Players’ production of Hadestown: Teen Edition received finalist nominations in nine categories, three semi-finalist nominations, and two honorable mentions out of the 15 categories.
Tune in to PBS to watch the Dalton High School Players in action and cheer them on as they aim for some well-deserved awards!
The GHSMTA ceremony will be live-streamed on Thursday, April 17 at 8:00 pm. https://www.pbs.org/show/shuler-awards/
Read more on our website! DaltonPublicSchools.com


Free Virtual Reading Classes for 3rd Graders
The Georgia Department of Education and Tutored by Teachers are offering free, virtual reading classes to help 3rd grade students prepare for Georgia Milestones.
📚 April 14–17 | Choose a session: 5–6 PM or 7–8 PM
📍 Can’t attend live? Register to get the recording!
🔗 tutored.live/gadoe-reading
This is a great opportunity to build confidence and boost reading skills ahead of testing!



Cynthia Hoeng Named Dalton Junior High School Classified Staff Member of the Year
Dalton Public Schools is proud to recognize Cynthia Hoeng as Dalton Junior High School’s Classified Staff Member of the Year. Hoeng serves as the school’s Cafeteria Manager, where she is known for her commitment to providing students with fresh, nutritious meals in a clean and welcoming environment.
Hoeng takes pride in creating a friendly atmosphere in the cafeteria and is often seen serving students with a smile. She understands the vital role that well-balanced meals play in students' health, behavior, and academic success, and she is dedicated to making the cafeteria a place where students enjoy eating each day.
Among her team, Hoeng is known for promoting teamwork, joy, and kindness. She values the support of her cafeteria staff and the collaboration with educators at Dalton Junior High School.
Outside of work, she enjoys staying active with her running club.
Dalton Public Schools congratulates Cynthia Hoeng on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for her continued service to students and staff.
DaltonPublicSchools.com


Reminder
📌 Friday, April 18: Student & Staff Holiday – No school for students and staff.
📌 Monday, April 21: Virtual Learning Day – Students will complete assignments from home.
We look forward to seeing our students back in class on Tuesday, April 22!
