Watkins set to take over as Dalton schools superintendent
The Dalton High science classrooms have been upgraded with new cabinets, lab tables, supplies and technology, all in place for the school year that begins Aug. 19.
As the calendar turns to August, focus turns from summer vacation back to school and all the activities involved.
This fall Dalton Local Schools will be much the same as it has been in previous years, with some new staff, different high school start times and some minor updates.
First off, Steve Watkins, who was previously the Dalton Middle School principal for five years and served as the Dalton High School principal last year, is the incoming superintendent.
Watkins graduated from Norwayne High School in 2002 and from the University of Akron in 2007 with a degree in education in math and science for fourth grade through ninth grade. He received his master’s degree in educational leadership from Akron in 2013. His teaching career started at Norton City Schools as a sixth- and eighth-grade math and science teacher for six years. He then accepted his first administration job at Chippewa Local Schools as its middle school principal, serving there for five years before moving to Dalton Local Schools.
“As I step into the role of superintendent, I am committed to continuing the tradition at Dalton Local Schools of educational and extracurricular achievements, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed inside and outside the classroom,” Watkins said. “Equally important is my dedication to building a positive school culture where students and staff feel valued, supported and empowered to reach their full potential.”
Other new staff or positions are as follows:
—Dalton High School Principal Zach McFarren.
—Dalton High School Athletic Director Ethan Kagy.
—Dalton High School Business/Career Connections: Ray Leek.
—Dalton High School Cafeteria: Jessica Nussbaum.
—Dalton High School library aide Jen Reynolds.
—Dalton Middle School intervention teacher: Eric Johnson.
—Dalton Middle School math teacher Hannah Hogsed.
—Dalton Elementary School intervention: Kelsey Anne Bahadursha.
—Dalton Elementary School PE: Justin Crooks.
—Dalton Elementary School art: Miriam Scheetz.
—Dalton Elementary School aide Elise Fletcher.
—Dalton Elementary School aide Jennifer Jackson.
Dalton High School will have a new start time of 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. On Wednesday the students’ day will begin at 8 a.m., but students will still be able to enter the building at the normal time of 7:10 a.m. if they need to be there early due to bus or drop-off schedules.
Watkins said some new upgrades students, staff and community members will notice include the resurfacing of the high school parking lot and school drive. Additionally, the high school science classrooms have been upgraded with new cabinets, lab tables, supplies and technology. The high school auditorium also will have upgraded house lights to start the school year.
“We are excited for another great year academically and with extracurricular activities for our students,” Watkins said. “Our staff is top-notch and puts in a lot of hard work and time to ensure each of our students, from kindergarten through 12th grade, receives an engaging and enriched education daily.
“We are also looking forward to strengthening our relationships with parents, local businesses and community members through collaboration and events to improve our school culture.”
Upcoming events
—Monday, Aug. 12: Meet the Team Night with dinner at 6 p.m. and introduction of teams at 7 p.m.
—Wednesday, Aug. 14: Dalton Elementary open house.
—Thursday, Aug. 15: Dalton Middle and High School open house with fifth grade at 5:30 p.m. and sixth grade through 12th grade from 6-7 p.m.
—Monday, Aug. 19: First day for students in first grade through 12th grade.
—Wednesday, Aug. 21: First day for kindergarten.