DHS March 2025 Newsletter

February 18th, 2025

Important Dates

March 9: Daylight Savings Time Begins
March 16: Late Registration Deadline for ACT Test on April 5th
March 28: Photo Upload and Standby Deadline for ACT Test on April 5th
March 31-April 4: Spring Break Holiday

Daylight Saving Time through History

In the United States, daylight saving time (DST) was first observed in 1918 to save energy during World War I. It was called "War Time".

World War I

The Standard Time Act of 1918 was signed into law on March 19, 1918. The act added an extra hour of daylight to the day to help conserve fuel and power. The act lasted seven months.
World War II
President Franklin Roosevelt re-established DST during World War II. It was called "War Time" again and lasted from February 1942 until the end of September 1945.
After World War II
Local jurisdictions were free to choose if and when to observe DST. In 1966, the Uniform Time Act standardized DST. DST began the last Sunday in April and ended the last Sunday in October.

Modern DST
In 2007, the start and end of DST shifted again. DST now begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

STAR Student and STAR Teacher at DHS

The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program honors Georgia’s highest-achieving high school seniors and the teachers most instrumental in their academic development. Since its creation in 1958 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the STAR program has honored more than 30,000 students. In the mid-1990s, the PAGE Foundation was asked to assume responsibility for the oversight, administration and promotion of the statewide STAR program. Every accredited high school in Georgia is eligible to participate in this preeminent student/teacher academic recognition.

To be a STAR student in Georgia, a high school senior must:

Have the highest SAT score on any test date through the November test date of their senior year.
Be in the top 10% of their class based on grade point average.
Meet the national SAT average scores for their test date.

High school STAR Students are asked to name their STAR Teachers. The educator the students chooses may be any Pre-K through 12 classroom teacher in good standing in an accredited Georgia school system or private school.

The Kiwanis Club of Dalton recognized this year's STAR Students and Teachers from Christian Heritage School, Dalton Public Schools, and Whitfield County Schools.

STAR Student-Cencen Wan

"I chose Coach Harris as my STAR teacher because I truly appreciate the impact that his instruction has made on me. He deserves to be recognized because he fosters a genuine sense of learning. He makes sure that everyone feels comfortable communicating and has fun but still stays on track. While some find his class difficult, I appreciate his commitment to maintaining the integrity of the material. Rather than lowering the standard, he equips us with the tools and strategies necessary to meet it.

Beyond that, he has always supported me in my other endeavors. I have no doubt that his support and recommendation played a major part in my achievements and impactful moments, whether that be being accepted to the Governor's Honors Program or finding success in the college application process. As I wrap up senior year and prepare to attend Princeton in the fall, I would like to express the gratitude I have for my family, friends, teachers, and many others who, like Coach Harris, have cheered me on in the past few years."-Isa

STAR Teacher-Matt Harris

"It was such a privilege to have Isa in class. She holds all the traits to be a STAR student. She works hard, she is dedicated to her studies, and she has achieved great academic success. But more than being distinguished in her studies, she stands out based on her natural brilliance, inquisitive nature and her passion for inspiring her peers in the classroom.

Isa is committed to being the best version of herself. She pushes herself to improve and grow, while encouraging her peers to do the same. She easily could have been my teaching assistant for AP Calculus. She was always willing and eager to help when questions arose. She had the mindset of “we are all in this together,” and she did her part to hold all of us to that mantra.

Isa, you have had some amazing teachers during your time at Dalton High School. While I am sure you learned a lot, we all know that you have taught us just as much as we have taught you. I can only assume that you chose me because math is superior to all subjects, and you are biased. But even if that is true, I am grateful and honored to be your selection for STAR Teacher. As teachers, we are all blessed to be able to teach some amazing students during our careers, but not many teachers get to meet an Isa Wan. It is an honor and privilege to have been a small part of what is surely going to be an amazing story!" Matt Harris

There are two types of teachers: Those that have a favorite student, and those that lie about it. With that said, Isa, I have never had a favorite student.

Isa Wan is Dalton High School's Region 1 STAR Student and will attend the State Star Student Event in April. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Literacy & World Languages Night

On February 20, 2025, DHS hosted a variety of sessions. One session was an informational presentation on next years 4 X 4 schedule. This session was followed with an overview of our IB Diploma Program. Our English Language Arts and World Language teachers hosted a Literacy Night for our parents and students. Parents had the opportunity to see a display of exemplar student work from the different grade levels. The Dalton Reads initiative provided free books to give away to our families. Another resource available to parents that night was instructions in both English and Spanish on how to become parent observers in CANVAS, which gives parents the ability to stay informed of their student's progress.

DHS In Action!

US History

Students in Mr. Taylor’s class and Mrs. Smothers’ class engaged in an interactive activity called the Urban Game. They were divided into groups, with each group responsible for building a town set in the late 1700s. The game consists of 19 rounds, and in each round, students add new elements to their city. As the game progresses, the rounds become increasingly fast-paced, allowing students to experience the pressures and challenges of city planning. The goal of this activity is to help students understand the negative impacts of the Industrial Revolution. By the end of the game, the towns they created will be so overcrowded that there is no remaining space.

Geometry Class

Students in Mrs. Johnson's class practiced filling in the unit circle (ordered pairs, radians, and degrees) as a team using using a hands-on magnetic activity created by Mrs. Johnson.

World History Class

In Mr. Hamilton’s class and Mrs. Baker's class, students were building catapults. These catapult building activities provide an interdisciplinary learning experience, integrating physics concepts like trajectory and force with practical engineering design. These projects can also connect to world history by exploring the use of catapults in ancient warfare and siege tactics, offering a tangible link to past civilizations. Ultimately, the activity promotes collaborative problem-solving and critical thinking while making abstract concepts more engaging and memorable for students.

Forensic Science Class

Forensic Science students were challenged to solve a case. They were presented with blood samples from a crime scene along with blood samples from suspects and a victim.

DHS March 2025 Newsletter