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Dothan City Schools Graduation Ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, May 14, at 7:30 PM at Rip Hewes Stadium. Gates will open at 6:00 PM.

• All attendees must have a ticket to enter.
• Both Home and Visitor sides will be available for seating.
• Extra parking options will be provided at the Colby Bottom Field lot off Selma Street and along Tate Drive.
• Accessible parking and wheelchair-friendly areas will be offered.
• No overnight parking is permitted.
• The Dothan City Schools Clear Bag Policy will be enforced, and weapon detection systems will be operational.
• Please refrain from bringing wagons.

The following items are prohibited

• alcohol
• air horns
• coolers
• umbrellas
• tents
• weapons
• fireworks
• illegal drugs
• laser pointers
• balloons.

The ceremony will also be live-streamed on the District's Facebook Page.

Dothan City Schools Teachers,

As we recognize Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to take a moment to personally thank each of you for the work you do every day for our schools. Teaching is more than a profession, it’s a calling that requires patience, creativity, resilience, and selflessness. In classrooms across our district, I see the impact of your commitment in the way you connect with students, meet them where they are, and motivate them to grow. You create environments where learning is meaningful and where students feel supported, challenged, and valued.

Your influence extends far beyond academics. You are mentors, role models, and trusted adults in the lives of our students. You celebrate their wins, help them navigate challenges, and encourage them to believe in themselves. Those moments leave a lasting impression.

This work is not always easy. The long hours, the preparation, and the care you put into each day often happen behind the scenes. Please know that your efforts do not go unnoticed, they are reflected in the growth we see in our students and in our school communities.

Because of you, Dothan City Schools continues to be a place where students are empowered everyday and have a place to learn, grow, and succeed. Thank you for pouring so much into the next generation and for being a part of our Wolfpack, I am grateful to serve alongside you.

With appreciation,

Dr. Garrick Askew, Superintendent, Dothan City Schools

Dothan City Schools is proud to recognize Teacher Appreciation Week, a time dedicated to honoring the educators who make a lasting impact in our classrooms each day.

Across the district, teachers are doing more than delivering lessons. They are building relationships, encouraging growth, and helping students develop the skills and confidence they need for the future. From early learning classrooms to career and technical education programs, their work shapes the experiences of every student in Dothan City Schools.

Throughout the week, schools are celebrating their teachers in a variety of ways, showing appreciation for the time, care, and commitment they bring to our campuses. While the recognition may look different at each school, the message remains the same: our teachers are valued and their work matters.

Teacher Appreciation Week serves as a reminder of the important role educators play not only in academic success, but in the lives of the students and families they serve. Their dedication helps create supportive learning environments where students are encouraged to grow, explore, and achieve.

Dothan City Schools thanks all of our teachers for the difference they make every day. Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom and we are grateful for all that you do.

With our Dothan High School Girls Soccer team advancing to the Final Four, we are excited to support this incredible achievement and provide our students the opportunity to attend. This opportunity is open to Carver 9th Grade Academy and Dothan High School students only.

Our Lady Wolves will take on Auburn in Huntsville, AL on May 7th at 1:00 p.m.

Students who wish to attend the game may do so with an excused absence, provided the following requirements are met:

1. A parent/guardian note must be submitted
2. Proof of purchase of ticket from GoFan must be submitted
3. Students must be in good academic and behavioral standing
4. Students are responsible for making up any missed assignments by May 11th
5. All school expectations and conduct guidelines apply while attending

We are so proud of our Lady Wolves and look forward to strong community support as they compete at the highest level.

Thank you for your continued support of Dothan City Schools. For questions or additional information, please contact your school.

Highlands Elementary School is holding a Community Meet and Greet with Dr. Clark Harden, the new Principal for Highlands Elementary School. The event will take place on May 5, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Highlands Elementary School.

Dr. Harden brings more than 25 years of experience in education and instructional leadership.He currently serves as the Performance Center Instructional and Behavioral Turnaround Administrator for Thomasville City Schools in Georgia, with a focus on improving academic outcomes, strengthening school culture, and implementing restorative, high accountability practices.

He has also served as a Secondary Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment and as a high school principal, where he led district wide curriculum alignment, strategic planning, and school improvement efforts. His extensive background in leadership development, data driven decision making, and student support positions him to build on the strong foundation at Highlands Elementary School.

“Taking the helm at Highlands Elementary school is an incredible opportunity to build upon a foundation of excellence,” said Dr. Harden. “My focus will center on being a highly visible leader, actively engaging with students and staff in the classrooms and hallways to ensure everyone feels supported and inspired. I can’t wait to become a member of the Highlands family.”

At the meet and greet, Dr. Harden will share more about his background and meet with community members.  Light refreshments will be available.

DOTHAN, Ala. - Dothan High School will recognize and celebrate students who have committed to serve in the United States Armed Forces during its 2026 Military Signing Day ceremony. The event will take place on Monday, April 27 at 1:30 p.m. in the Dothan High School Convocation Center. Students, families, faculty, and community members are invited to attend as the school honors members of the Class of 2026 who have chosen to enlist following graduation.

More than 30 DHS seniors will be recognized for their commitment to serve across multiple branches of the military, including the Alabama Army National Guard, United States Navy, United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps, and United States Army. 

Military Signing Day at DHS provides an opportunity to publicly recognize and celebrate students entering military service while also thanking them for their commitment to serving our country.

The following students will be recognized for their commitment to military service:

Alabama Army National Guard

• Johnathan Bennett

• Dana Centeno

• Faith Childree

• Joshua Guilford

• Makayla Johnson

• Nellie Lewis

• Tysheria Snell

• Syed Taha

• Javian Thomas

• Tiffney Thoas

• Nicholas West

• Kennedy Crews

• Natessa Matthews

• Jasiah McGriff

• Tierra Robenson

• Shuntravious Walker

• Brandazia Thompkins

• Jaylon Ward

• Sariyah Thomas

• Brantlee Chavis

• LaDarius Thomas

• Kaylah Doss

• Lazyria McKinney

• Barber Dunn

• Kira Key

• Chris Hughes

• Aaliyah Chapman

• Shakarhi McCall

United States Navy

• Hunter Andres

• Jonathan Bass

United States Airforce

• Caleb Adkison

• Haylie Harle

• Nathaniel Brewer

• Michael Mendoza

United States Army

• NyShawn Hart

United States Marine Corps

• Charles Gilmore

• Cardiya Jackson

• Darian Jackson

• Kyria Ingram

• Tnyreah Williams

• Zavior Carter

The Pride of the Wolfpack Marching Band at Dothan High School has been selected to perform in the prestigious 2027 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington, D.C.

The invitation-only parade, held annually in the nation’s capital, showcases outstanding marching bands from across the country as part of one of the largest springtime celebrations in the United States. This marks the first time Dothan High School has been invited to participate. Dothan High School’s Pride of the Wolfpack Marching Band will take part in the parade on Saturday, April 10, 2027, performing along Constitution Avenue in front of a national audience.

“This is an incredible honor for our students and entire community,” said Director of Bands, Adrian Broughton II. “Being selected to represent Dothan on a national stage speaks to the talent and dedication of our incredible student musicians.”

The Pride of the Wolfpack Marching Band is known for its tradition of excellence and commitment to performance, leadership, and Wolfpack pride. Dothan City Schools is proud of our Pride of the Wolfpack students and staff and will be cheering them on as they embark on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Dothan City Schools Board of Education Approves New School Principals

The Dothan City Schools Board of Education approved new principal contracts during its April 20, 2026 meeting. The Board named leaders for Highlands Elementary School, Beverlye Intermediate School, Jerry Lee Faine Elementary School, and Dothan 6th Grade Center.

Dr. Jerry “Clark” Harden has been named principal of Highlands Elementary School for the 2026-2027 school year. Dr. Harden brings more than 25 years of experience in education and instructional leadership. Dr. Clark is currently the Performance Center Instructional and Behavioral Turnaround Administrator for Thomasville City Schools in Georgia, with focuses on improving academic outcomes, strengthening school culture, and implementing restorative, high accountability practices.

Harden has also served as a Secondary Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment and as a high school principal, where he led district wide curriculum alignment, strategic planning, and school improvement efforts. His extensive background in leadership development, data driven decision making, and student support positions him to build on the strong foundation at Highlands Elementary School.

“Taking the helm at Highlands Elementary school is an incredible opportunity to build upon a foundation of excellence,” said Dr. Harden. “My focus will center on being a highly visible leader, actively engaging with students and staff in the classrooms and hallways to ensure everyone feels supported and inspired. I can’t wait to become a member of the Highlands family.”

Aundria L. Sewell has been named principal of Beverlye Intermediate School for the 2026-2027 school year. Sewell currently serves as principal of Dannelley Elementary School in Montgomery, Alabama, where she has led school improvement efforts that increased student achievement through data-driven instruction, strategic planning, and a focus on high expectations for both students and staff.

Sewell brings a strong background in instructional leadership and professional learning, having previously served as an assistant principal and instructional leader. She has been recognized as a National Presenter at the Model Schools Conference and is known for building collaborative school cultures that support continuous improvement and student success. Her commitment to data driven instruction, strong school culture, and continuous improvement positions her to build on the success at Beverlye Intermediate School.

“I am so excited to join the Wolfpack at Beverlye Intermediate School,” said Sewell. “Leading is not about having all the answers, it’s about building a school environment where students are learning, teachers are growing, and staff are supported.”

Dr. Teresa K. Anderson has been named principal of Dothan 6th Grade Center, bringing more than a decade of experience in educational leadership and organizational development. She currently serves as principal at George W. Carver Elementary School in Richmond, Virginia, where she has led initiatives focused on strengthening instructional practices, improving staff performance, and aligning systems to support student success.

Anderson also brings experience in district level leadership as Director of Employee Relations, where she supported systemwide improvement efforts, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness across multiple schools. Her expertise in coaching, data driven decision making, and building strong teams positions her to lead continued success at Dothan 6th Grade Center.

“It is truly an honor to be appointed as principal of Dothan 6th Grade Center,” said Dr. Anderson, “I am excited to partner with the students, staff and parents to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. I am honored to lead, committed to serve, and ready to make a difference at Dothan 6th Grade Center.”

Dothan City Schools Superintendent Dr. Garrick Askew said the new principals bring a strong background of proven experience, leadership, and a shared commitment to student success.

“We are excited to welcome these leaders to the Dothan City Schools family,” said Dr. Askew. “Each of them brings a passion for students, a commitment to excellence, and the leadership needed to support our schools.”

Dothan City Schools is proud to recognize Jessica Freeman, a teacher at Carver School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, for being named a finalist in the 2026-2027 Alabama Teacher of the Year program. Ms. Freeman has earned a place in the state’s “Sweet 16,” a distinction awarded to just 16 educators across Alabama following a highly competitive selection process that included more than 155 applicants. The recognition highlights excellence in teaching, leadership, and the impact educators have on their students and school communities.

With more than 22 years of experience serving students across multiple states, Ms. Freeman currently teaches 6th grade mathematics at Carver MST. As a National Board Certified Teacher, she brings extensive expertise in mathematics, science, gifted education, and instructional technology to her classroom. She is known for her hands-on, student-centered approach to instruction, helping students build curiosity, confidence, and real-world problem-solving skills. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Freeman provides leadership in STEM programming, serves on professional teams, and supports after-school initiatives that expand opportunities for students. Her dedication and commitment to student success are reflected in both the achievements of her students and the strong relationships she has built with colleagues and families.

The Alabama Teacher of the Year program is one of the state’s most prestigious honors. The selected Teacher of the Year will spend the school year serving as a full-time ambassador for education and the teaching profession, while also representing Alabama at the national level. The group of 16 finalists will soon be narrowed to the Top Four, with the 2026-2027 Alabama Teacher of the Year to be officially announced in May by the Alabama State Department of Education and State Board of Education.

Dothan City Schools congratulates Ms. Freeman on this outstanding achievement and is proud to celebrate her impact both in and beyond the classroom at the state level.

From student achievements to classroom learning in action, there's a lot to celebrate across DCS this month! The April edition of Inside the Pack  highlights the people and moments making an impact across our district.

We invite you to take a look whenever you have a moment, click here to read the April 2026 Edition of Inside the Pack.

Desde los logros estudiantiles hasta el aprendizaje en el aula en acción, hay mucho que celebrar en todo DCS este mes. La edición de abril de Inside the Pack destaca a las personas y los momentos que están teniendo un impacto en todo nuestro distrito.

Le invitamos a que, cuando tenga un momento, haga clic aquí para leer la edición de abril de 2026 de Inside the Pack.

Dothan High School students are taking their talents beyond the classroom and
into the community through a new partnership with the Dothan Regional Airport.

DHS will hold its art exhibition opening on Thursday, April 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Dothan Regional Airport, featuring student created works from the Dothan High School Visual Arts Department and the Dothan Technology Center. The exhibit highlights a range of artistic expression and craftsmanship, showcasing the skill and creativity of DHS students.

The partnership between the Dothan Regional Airport and Dothan High was created to both support the local community and provide students with a platform to display their work in a public space.

The opening event will include performances and student involvement throughout the evening. Members of the Dothan High School National Honor Society will welcome guests, while the DHS Jazz Band will provide live music. The DHS Cheerleaders will also take part in the event, along with student artists who will meet attendees and discuss their work.

Members of the public are encouraged to support the work of these talented student artists.The exhibition will remain on display at the Dothan Regional Airport through May 9th.

Beverlye Intermediate Students Complete Leadership Development Program.

62 students made up of 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at Beverlye Intermediate School are building more than just academic skills. They’re developing the discipline, mindset, and life skills needed for long-term success. The school’s Leaders in Training (LIT) small group has officially completed a nine-week cycle focused on personal growth, positive decision-making, and accountability. 

Throughout this recently created program, students engaged in lessons centered around discipline, the value of hard work, and development of positive behavioral habits. These sessions were designed to equip students with practical life skills they can carry into the classroom and beyond. Led and spearheaded by Behavioral Specialist Ashley Tolbert, the group has demonstrated strong progress and commitment over the nine-week program period. Students actively participated in discussions, reflected on their experiences, and applied new strategies during each session.

“This group has shown tremendous growth,” said Torbert. “It has been rewarding to see students engage in the process and begin to apply what they’ve learned in meaningful ways.”

The LIT program also aligns with the district’s continued focus on strengthening student support systems. Under the guidance of Superintendent Dr. Garrick Askew, the role of Behavioral Specialists is evolving to incorporate a more clinical and data driven approach. This shift allows for more intentional intervention programs, targeted skill building, and deeper support for not only students’ behavioral needs, but also their emotional needs.

“LIT is the exact form of intervention that DCS' students need,” said Dr. Askew. “I have observed the program first hand. By equipping students with the skills to manage their emotions, resolve conflicts, and navigate day-to-day interactions with peers and staff, LIT is maturing the students at Beverlye which supports their academic success and the overall climate and culture of the school.”

As the students prepare for a program graduation ceremony, students are returning to their classrooms and homes with renewed confidence and a stronger foundation for success. They are equipped with strategies to help them stay focused, make positive choices, and continue growing both academically and personally.

Dothan City Schools remains committed to supporting every student and ensuring each member of our Wolfpack has the tools they need to succeed in school and in life.

Dothan City Schools is celebrating a historic achievement as Dothan High School senior Alexis Saffold has earned an automatic bid to the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), one of the world’s largest global science competitions.

Saffold secured her spot at the Greater East Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair (GEARSEF) competition in Montgomery last Friday, bypassing the state-level qualification process. This is an extraordinary accomplishment that places her among the top student scientists in the world.

In May, she will travel to Arizona for an all expenses paid, week-long competition, where she will compete alongside finalists from across the United States and more than 65 countries. Participants will compete for nearly $9 million in scholarships and prizes.

Saffold’s success builds on her outstanding performance at the 2026 ACOM Science Fair in January, where she earned 1st Place in the Physics, Astronomy, and Mathematics division. Her project, “Using Arduino Pressure and Accelerometer Sensor Data to Determine the Least Painful Backpack Strap Position,” showcased the research and innovation that ultimately contributed to her earning an automatic bid to ISEF at GEARSEF.

Through her achievement, Saffold is making Dothan history. This milestone marks a first for the Wiregrass region, as Saffold is the first ISEF finalist from the area in the competition’s 75-year history. Dothan City Schools takes immense pride in Alexis and her remarkable achievement that not only reflects her hard work, dedication, and talent, but also the strength of the opportunities available to students across the district.

Dothan City Schools encourages the community to join in celebrating Alexis Saffold and wishing her continued success as she represents the Wiregrass on a global stage.

Dothan City Schools Kindergarten Registrations will begin on

March 10, 2026 for the 2026-2027 school year.

Children registering for Kindergarten

must be five years old on or before September 1, 2026.

Parents should bring proof of birth, a current Alabama Certificate of Immunization (blue card), and proof of residency.

All new students to Dothan City Schools must register at their zoned school. For more information, please contact your zoned school, or visit our website for school zone listings. Please refer to the current School Zone Map.

For more information, visit our website at www.dothan.k12.al.us

COMUNICADO DE INTERÉS PUBLICO

5 de marzo de 2026

La Inscripción para el Kindergarten de las Escuelas de la Ciudad de Dothan

para el año escolar 2026-2027 comienza el 10 de Marzo de 2026.

Los niños deben tener 5 años de edad

el o antes del 1º de Septiembre del 2026.

Los padres deben proporcionar el certificado de nacimiento, certificado de vacunas de Alabama

actualizado (tarjeta azul), y comprobante de domicilio.

Todos los estudiantes que van a asistir a las Escuelas de la Ciudad de Dothan por primera vez, deben de ser inscritos en la escuela de su zona. Para más información, por favor contacte la escuela de su zona o visite nuestra página de internet para una lista de las escuelas por zonas. Consulte el mapa de zonas escolares actual.

Visite nuestra página de internet www.dothan.k12.al.us

In March’s edition of Inside the Pack, you’ll find stories celebrating student success, staff excellence, and meaningful learning experiences across Dothan City Schools. As we recognize achievements and highlight important moments throughout the district, we invite you to explore the continued progress happening across our Wolfpack.

Click here to read Inside the Pack!

_____

En la edición de marzo de Inside the Pack, encontrará historias que celebran los logros estudiantiles, la excelencia del personal y experiencias de aprendizaje significativas en todas las escuelas de Dothan City. Al reconocer los logros y destacar momentos importantes en todo el distrito, le invitamos a explorar el progreso continuo que está ocurriendo en nuestra comunidad Wolfpack.

Haga clic aquí para leer Inside the Pack.

As Dothan High School advances to the AHSAA Final Four in Birmingham on Thursday, March 5, 2026, schools and families across the Wiregrass are rallying behind our team. We are proud of our student-athletes and the momentum surrounding this historic event.

Regarding district wide operational plans for the Final Four game, Thursday, March 5, 2026, will be a normal instructional day for Dothan City Schools students and staff.

Dothan High School students who choose to attend the game in Birmingham must present a valid game ticket and sign in at the designated DCS check-in location at the game. Students who complete this process will have their absence counted as a virtual day for March 5.

Students will be responsible for completing any required make-up assignments within three (3) school days, as established by Dothan High School administration.

Families of students at other DCS schools should contact their child’s principal directly with any attendance-related questions.

Dothan City Schools appreciates the community’s support and remains committed to ensuring both academic expectations and school spirit are upheld.

At their Regular School Board Meeting on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, members of the Dothan City Schools’ Board of Education approved the 2026-2027 School Calendar.

View the calendar below or click here.