BACK TO SCHOOL AT DALTON: 4 Things to Know

DGKN staff report

We asked Dalton Local Schools Superintendent Steve Watkins some questions as the school district kicks off a new school year.

1. UPGRADED FACILITIES
   “This fall we will begin updating the stage lighting in the Dalton High School auditorium and make upgrades to features in our weight room. These improvements will enhance both the performance experience in the auditorium and the training environment for our student-athletes.”
2. NEW FACES AT DALTON LOCAL SCHOOLS  Dalton Local Schools welcomes several new team members for the 2025–26 school year:

* Isaac Haver – DHS Math (Algebra 1 & Geometry)
* Brittany Palmer – 6th Grade ELA
* Nadia Hoffman – K–1 Intervention
* Alexis McBeth – School Speech Pathologist
* Audrey Zuercher – Wellness/ Nutrition Coordinator & Trainer
* Maddie Aumend – 7th/8th Grade Science
* Dylan Crawford – 8th Grade Math/Algebra 1
* Rachel Sparks – DHS Social Studies
* Joe Dillon – 7th/8th Grade Social Studies
* Gillian Christman – DMS Art

TAKING ON NEW ROLES:
* Michelle Lehman – From DMS Academic Assist to 5th Grade ELA
* Shelley Merriman – From DES Paraprofessional to DHS Paraprofessional
* Jeff Feller – From 7th/8th Grade Science to 4th Grade Math
* Connie Stutzman – From District Substitute to DES Paraprofessional
* Louis DelCiappo – From DMS Art to DHS Art
* Jenna Warner – From DHS Algebra/Geometry to Advanced/CCP Math
* Melanie Walton – From 6th Grade ELA to 8th Grade ELA
* Darren Gerber – From 4th Grade Math to 4th Grade Science/SS
* Kelsey Bahadursha – From DES Intervention Specialist to DMS Academic Assist
* Ellen Rohrer – From DES Title to Kindergarten Teacher
* Mike Doty – From DHS Social Studies to DHS Career Exploration/Academic Assist

3. NEW TECH

“We continue to expand the use of Clevertouch boards in our classrooms. These interactive displays allow teachers to integrate multimedia content, digital tools, and real-time collaboration into lessons, creating a more engaging and hands-on learning experience for students.”

4. MESSAGE TO STUDENTS
“This year, we remain committed to growing in all areas of our district while staying rooted in the strong traditions that make Dalton a special place. One major focus continues to be literacy at all grade levels. We also look forward to another year of excellence in our arts and athletic programs. These programs bring our community together and showcase the talents and dedication of our students.” – Superintendent Steve Watkins

* This version has been updated from the Aug. 20 print version to reflect “stage” lighting instead of house lighting.