Our vision is clear: Learn. Lead. Succeed. #DaltonPublicSchools
Itās officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldnāt be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!
Today weāre featuring Dalton High School graduate, Jack Kersey.
During his time at Dalton High School, Jack has been deeply involved in the arts and leadership activities, showcasing his talent and dedication. He has performed on stage and contributed behind the scenes through lighting design in theatre, served as Chorus President for the Cats Singers Choral Ensemble, and held the role of Treasurer for the DHS Players.
Jack has also excelled in literary competitions, participating in both quartet performances and duo interpretive scenes. This fall, he will attend Western Carolina University to pursue a double major in Stage and Screen Production as well as Business Administration and Law.
For the past two years, Jack has worked as an intern on the Dalton Public Schools Communications team, supporting district communications in an invaluable way. We are so proud of Jack!
Today weāre featuring Dalton High School graduate, Jack Kersey.
During his time at Dalton High School, Jack has been deeply involved in the arts and leadership activities, showcasing his talent and dedication. He has performed on stage and contributed behind the scenes through lighting design in theatre, served as Chorus President for the Cats Singers Choral Ensemble, and held the role of Treasurer for the DHS Players.
Jack has also excelled in literary competitions, participating in both quartet performances and duo interpretive scenes. This fall, he will attend Western Carolina University to pursue a double major in Stage and Screen Production as well as Business Administration and Law.
For the past two years, Jack has worked as an intern on the Dalton Public Schools Communications team, supporting district communications in an invaluable way. We are so proud of Jack!
Dalton Public Schools Communications Team Honored with National NSPRA Awards
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that its Communications Department has been recognized with multiple national awards by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) for outstanding achievement in school communications during the 2024ā2025 school year.
The district earned two Honorable Mention awards in the 2025 Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards, both in the Photo category.
In addition, the Communications team was the recipient of two 2025 Golden Achievement Awards, one of NSPRAās highest honors for strategic communications excellence. These awards celebrate exemplary work that demonstrates outstanding success in school public relations, communication, marketing, and engagement.
The award-winning team is led by Executive Director of Communications Kendra Pannell and Assistant Director of Communications Ashley Grycz. Since these projects were completed, the team has welcomed Communications Specialist Cindy Hernandez, and they are excited to continue sharing the stories that make Dalton Public Schools exceptional.
As the 2025ā2026 school year begins, the Communications Department remains dedicated to championing the voices, achievements, and values of the DPS community.
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2346547
Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that its Communications Department has been recognized with multiple national awards by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) for outstanding achievement in school communications during the 2024ā2025 school year.
The district earned two Honorable Mention awards in the 2025 Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards, both in the Photo category.
In addition, the Communications team was the recipient of two 2025 Golden Achievement Awards, one of NSPRAās highest honors for strategic communications excellence. These awards celebrate exemplary work that demonstrates outstanding success in school public relations, communication, marketing, and engagement.
The award-winning team is led by Executive Director of Communications Kendra Pannell and Assistant Director of Communications Ashley Grycz. Since these projects were completed, the team has welcomed Communications Specialist Cindy Hernandez, and they are excited to continue sharing the stories that make Dalton Public Schools exceptional.
As the 2025ā2026 school year begins, the Communications Department remains dedicated to championing the voices, achievements, and values of the DPS community.
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2346547
Happy First Day of School!š¤©
Weāre so excited to welcome everyone back and canāt wait for an amazing year of learning, growth, and fun. Letās make it a great one! #DPSfirstday #backtoschool #LeaveYourMark
Weāre so excited to welcome everyone back and canāt wait for an amazing year of learning, growth, and fun. Letās make it a great one! #DPSfirstday #backtoschool #LeaveYourMark
We were thrilled to welcome everyone to our schools today for orientation! Seeing our students and families back in the buildings brought so much excitement and energy. We can't wait to kick off a spectacular school year togetherāsee you in class tomorrow! #DaltonReady #LeaveYourMark
HEY DPS FAMILIES ā OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS HAVE A MESSAGE FOR YOU!
Our friends at Dalton Parks & Recreation want to make sure EVERY student and family in Dalton Public Schools knows: The LAST DAY to sign up for fall programs is AUGUST 7! This is your chance to get involved, get active, and connect with your community.
š Deadline: Wednesday, August 7
šhttps://daltonparks.org/
Get involved and #LeaveYourMark, DPS!
Our friends at Dalton Parks & Recreation want to make sure EVERY student and family in Dalton Public Schools knows: The LAST DAY to sign up for fall programs is AUGUST 7! This is your chance to get involved, get active, and connect with your community.
š Deadline: Wednesday, August 7
šhttps://daltonparks.org/
Get involved and #LeaveYourMark, DPS!
Itās officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldnāt be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!
Today weāre featuring Dalton High School graduate, Maddie Breeden.
In her time at the Dalton High School Maddie participated in a variety of extra curricular activities including Competition and Sideline Varsity Cheer, Swim and Dive, Womenās Lacrosse, National Honors Society, and FCA. Her greatest achievements during high school include placing 6th in the state twice with her cheer team and being named Region Runner-Up for diving on two separate. She plans to continue her education and personal development by perusing higher education in the coming years.
Way to go!
Today weāre featuring Dalton High School graduate, Maddie Breeden.
In her time at the Dalton High School Maddie participated in a variety of extra curricular activities including Competition and Sideline Varsity Cheer, Swim and Dive, Womenās Lacrosse, National Honors Society, and FCA. Her greatest achievements during high school include placing 6th in the state twice with her cheer team and being named Region Runner-Up for diving on two separate. She plans to continue her education and personal development by perusing higher education in the coming years.
Way to go!
Our mission empowers every student to thrive in a changing world. See how our schools are bringing that mission to life! #MakeYourMark #DaltonPublicSchools
TOMORROW:
School orientations across Dalton Public Schools will be held on Tuesday, August 5. Get ready to kick off the school year!
š“ Hammond Creek Middle School
6th Grade ONLY: 9:00 AM ā 11:00 AM
7th Grade ONLY: 1:00 PM ā 3:00 PM
š“ Elementary Schools
1:30 PM ā 3:30 PM
š“ Dalton Junior High School
10:00 AM ā 12:00 PM
š“ Dalton High School
10:00 AM ā 12:00 PM
š“ The Dalton Academy
10:00 AM ā 12:00 PM
We canāt wait to welcome our students and families!
š Bus Routes Now Available!
āØOur bus routes are now live on this webpage: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/page/bus-routes
āØBe sure to check your route ahead of time so you know what bus you'll be taking before school starts!
š£ Reminder: The back-to-school season is always an exciting time, but it may also require a bit of adjustment as we all settle back into our routines. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we work together to ensure a smooth start to the year.
We canāt wait to welcome everyone back!
āØOur bus routes are now live on this webpage: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/page/bus-routes
āØBe sure to check your route ahead of time so you know what bus you'll be taking before school starts!
š£ Reminder: The back-to-school season is always an exciting time, but it may also require a bit of adjustment as we all settle back into our routines. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we work together to ensure a smooth start to the year.
We canāt wait to welcome everyone back!
We recently welcomed our newest team members at New Employee Induction! These outstanding educators and staff are bringing passion, energy, and fresh ideas to Dalton Public Schools.
With a shared commitment to championing education, they are ready to inspire, support, and empower our students throughout the upcoming school year. Letās give them a warm DPS welcome!
Notice for Families and Visitors: Staircase repairs at the 101 Building will begin Monday, August 4. Parking may be limited during construction, but overflow parking is available at the annex.
Student enrollment will remain openāweāre here and happy to help!
Itās officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldnāt be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!
Today weāre featuring Dalton High School graduate, Lilly Graffe.
In her time at Dalton High School Lilly participated in a variety of extracurricular activities such as Varsity Competition and Football Cheerleading, Varsity Track and Field, and dancing with the Dance Theater of Dalton. Lilly was also involved in several clubs including the United Way Youth Council, National Honors Society, Pep club, and the Interact club. Her greatest achievements during high school include both athletic and academic accomplishment. She is proud of being top 10 in her class all four years of high school, being recognized as an AP Scholar, being a member of the National Honor Society, her Competition Cheer team being Top Six in the State for two years, and being the champion for the 300 Meter Hurdles event at regions competition for Track and Field. Lilly plans to continue her education at college and looks forward to continuing to grow her knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Way to go!
Today weāre featuring Dalton High School graduate, Lilly Graffe.
In her time at Dalton High School Lilly participated in a variety of extracurricular activities such as Varsity Competition and Football Cheerleading, Varsity Track and Field, and dancing with the Dance Theater of Dalton. Lilly was also involved in several clubs including the United Way Youth Council, National Honors Society, Pep club, and the Interact club. Her greatest achievements during high school include both athletic and academic accomplishment. She is proud of being top 10 in her class all four years of high school, being recognized as an AP Scholar, being a member of the National Honor Society, her Competition Cheer team being Top Six in the State for two years, and being the champion for the 300 Meter Hurdles event at regions competition for Track and Field. Lilly plans to continue her education at college and looks forward to continuing to grow her knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Way to go!
Itās here! Our new look, our bold mission, and our united vision for the future. Welcome to the next chapter of Dalton Public Schools. #WeAreDalton #LeaveYourMark
Debra Holbrook Named 2025 Dalton Classified Staff Member of the Year
During the Dalton Public Schools Annual Employee Convocation, Debra Holbrook, longtime Building Supervisor at Dalton High School, was recognized as the 2025 Classified Staff Member of the Yearāan honor that celebrates her exceptional dedication, service, and leadership across 45 years.
Holbrook began working for Dalton Public Schools in 1980 at just 16 years old. Determined to be part of the school system where both her parents had built their careers, she started in custodial services and has since become an indispensable figure at Dalton High.
āFrom 16 to 61 ā how time flies,ā Holbrook reflected. āI started with a promise to work hard, and all these years later, Iām still hereāthree supervisors, eight principals, and countless memories later.ā
As a leader, Holbrook is known for her hands-on approach and deep commitment to excellence. She oversees a close-knit custodial team that consistently maintains Dalton High as one of the cleanest, most welcoming school buildings in the state.
āThereās not a task I would ask my team to do that I havenāt done myself,ā she said. āWe take pride in our work because we know that how our building looks reflects how much we care.ā
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2333953
During the Dalton Public Schools Annual Employee Convocation, Debra Holbrook, longtime Building Supervisor at Dalton High School, was recognized as the 2025 Classified Staff Member of the Yearāan honor that celebrates her exceptional dedication, service, and leadership across 45 years.
Holbrook began working for Dalton Public Schools in 1980 at just 16 years old. Determined to be part of the school system where both her parents had built their careers, she started in custodial services and has since become an indispensable figure at Dalton High.
āFrom 16 to 61 ā how time flies,ā Holbrook reflected. āI started with a promise to work hard, and all these years later, Iām still hereāthree supervisors, eight principals, and countless memories later.ā
As a leader, Holbrook is known for her hands-on approach and deep commitment to excellence. She oversees a close-knit custodial team that consistently maintains Dalton High as one of the cleanest, most welcoming school buildings in the state.
āThereās not a task I would ask my team to do that I havenāt done myself,ā she said. āWe take pride in our work because we know that how our building looks reflects how much we care.ā
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2333953
Nicole Gillispie Named 2025 Dalton Public Schools Teacher of the Year
During the Dalton Public Schools Annual Employee Convocation, Nicole Gillispie, a passionate educator at City Park School, was honored as the 2025 District Teacher of the Year. The award celebrates her deep commitment to her students, her reflective and research-driven approach to instruction, and her unwavering belief in the power of education to change livesāone small step at a time.
Gillispieās path to teaching was shaped by personal experience. As a parent of three, she was drawn into the field after supporting her daughter, who was later diagnosed with dyslexia and autism. That personal journey sparked a desire to better understand learning differences, which ultimately led her to pursue a Master of Education in Early Childhood Development and Special Education.
āSo, it is with starry eyes and an overflowing heart that I can say that my greatest accomplishment in education is that I get to teach,ā Gillispie shared. āI feel called to teach and am so proud to be an elementary school teacher. We get to introduce young people to books and ideas that light a fire in themāand that has a lasting impact.ā
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2333908
During the Dalton Public Schools Annual Employee Convocation, Nicole Gillispie, a passionate educator at City Park School, was honored as the 2025 District Teacher of the Year. The award celebrates her deep commitment to her students, her reflective and research-driven approach to instruction, and her unwavering belief in the power of education to change livesāone small step at a time.
Gillispieās path to teaching was shaped by personal experience. As a parent of three, she was drawn into the field after supporting her daughter, who was later diagnosed with dyslexia and autism. That personal journey sparked a desire to better understand learning differences, which ultimately led her to pursue a Master of Education in Early Childhood Development and Special Education.
āSo, it is with starry eyes and an overflowing heart that I can say that my greatest accomplishment in education is that I get to teach,ā Gillispie shared. āI feel called to teach and am so proud to be an elementary school teacher. We get to introduce young people to books and ideas that light a fire in themāand that has a lasting impact.ā
Read more: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2333908
Dalton Public Schools Celebrates a Spectacular Start to the 2025-2026 School Year at Annual Employee Convocation
Dalton Public Schools launched the 2025-2026 school year with energy and pride during its Annual Employee Convocation, held at Dalton High School. With the theme āThe Undisputed Champions of Learning,ā staff from across the district gathered to kick off the year united, inspired, and ready to serve students with excellence.
Read more on our website: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2333833
Dalton Public Schools launched the 2025-2026 school year with energy and pride during its Annual Employee Convocation, held at Dalton High School. With the theme āThe Undisputed Champions of Learning,ā staff from across the district gathered to kick off the year united, inspired, and ready to serve students with excellence.
Read more on our website: https://www.daltonpublicschools.com/article/2333833
Itās officially Senior Spotlight season, and we couldnāt be more proud to shine a light on some of our recent graduates!
Today weāre featuring The Dalton Academy graduate, Kimberly Lemus.
As a student at The Dalton Academy Kimberly was an active participant in basketball cheer for three years, DECA, the Translation Academy, and the Big Brother Big Sister program. Her greatest achievement in high school was embracing challenges beyond her comfort zone to foster personal growth. In the fall Kimberly will be attending Dalton State College to study nursing so that she can have a positive impact on individuals and communities.
Way to go!
Today weāre featuring The Dalton Academy graduate, Kimberly Lemus.
As a student at The Dalton Academy Kimberly was an active participant in basketball cheer for three years, DECA, the Translation Academy, and the Big Brother Big Sister program. Her greatest achievement in high school was embracing challenges beyond her comfort zone to foster personal growth. In the fall Kimberly will be attending Dalton State College to study nursing so that she can have a positive impact on individuals and communities.
Way to go!
Free & Reduced Lunch Applications Are Now Available ā in English & Spanish!
The 2025ā2026 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, 2025.
Apply online or pick up a 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!
The 2025ā2026 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, 2025.
Apply online or pick up a 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!
Love the open road and school spirit? Become an Activity Bus Driver with Dalton Public Schools and drive the adventure! Help students get to games, field trips, and fun eventsāsafely and on schedule. Apply today and be part of the journey! This is a Dalton Public Schools positionājoin the DPS team! Apply today at: https://dalton.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5280435
