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Whole Child: Dothan City Schools - Warm Welcomes & Goodbyes
Meagan Dorsey

At Dothan City Schools, we believe in the potential of every student. That’s why we are proud to launch the Whole Child Initiative, focusing on the development of a successful learner through five key tenets—ensuring each child is healthy, safe, challenged, supported, and engaged. As a result of this initiative, students will be knowledgeable, emotionally and physically healthy, civically inspired and each child is nurtured to succeed in all areas of life.

At Dothan City Schools, we believe in the potential of every student. That’s why we are proud to launch the Whole Child Initiative, focusing on the development of a successful learner through five key tenets—ensuring each child is healthy, safe, challenged, supported, and engaged. As a result of this initiative, students will be knowledgeable, emotionally and physically healthy, civically inspired and each child is nurtured to succeed in all areas of life.

We look forward to working with the entire community to make this initiative a success and to continue shaping the future of our students.

September marked  the beginning of our Super Strategies that will take place across all schools each month. September’s super strategy was Warm Welcomes and Warm Goodbyes.


Take a look at September’s Super Strategy explained by our very own students at Hidden Lake Primary School in the featured video!

Official National Blue Ribbon School Logo - 2024
  • Carver School for Math, Science and Technology
Meagan Dorsey

Dothan City Schools is pleased to announce that Carver School for Math, Science and Technology is a recipient of the 2024 National Blue Ribbon by the U.S. Department of Education. This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups. 

Carver School for Math, Science and Technology was one of 356 schools as the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools announced on September 23 by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. Only 1% of schools in the nation have an active Blue Ribbon and 353 schools received the award this year.

Official National Blue Ribbon School Logo - 2024

DOTHAN, Ala. – Dothan City Schools is pleased to announce that Carver School for Math, Science and Technology is a recipient of the 2024 National Blue Ribbon by the U.S. Department of Education. This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups. 

Carver School for Math, Science and Technology was one of 356 schools as the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools announced on September 23 by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. Only 1% of schools in the nation have an active Blue Ribbon and 353 schools received the award this year.

“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.” 

Carver School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (CMST), established in 2019, is a STEAM-focused, Title I school that draws a diverse student body from nine different elementary schools. Students at CMST embody the school’s mindset of excellence, known as “The Carver Way,” where giving your best is more than an expectation—it’s a way of life. 

CMST ranks among the top-performing schools in the state, thanks to a passionate staff dedicated to nurturing each child's potential. Through a standards-based approach to education, our students are consistently challenged to exceed grade-level expectations and achieve new heights. 

The school offers a dynamic, hands-on curriculum that includes unique projects such as embryology, where students hatch and raise chicks, and DNA studies through seasonal gardening. Our students also excel in robotics; designing, building, and programming robots for regional and state competitions. In the arts, our students have earned numerous awards at local and state levels. Beyond academics, CMST offers enrichment programs tailored to student interests, including chess, gardening, Science Olympiad, LEGO engineering, robotics, art, book clubs, game design, and athletics. 

At CMST, the school strives to create a safe, respectful, and loving environment where students can grow into responsible citizens. Our commitment to developing the whole child makes CMST an extraordinary place to turn childhood dreams into reality.

The leadership team from Carver School for Math, Science and Technology will participate in the awards ceremony this November in Washington, D.C. For more details, please visit the U.S. Department of Education website.

Additionally, Carver School for Math, Science and Technology plans to organize celebratory events throughout this semester.

Charles Longshore
Meagan Dorsey

Please join Dothan City Schools in congratulating Dothan Preparatory Academy's Assistant Principal, Charles Longshore for being named by K-12 Dive as a Rising Leaders: 10 standout assistant principals and district leaders you should know in 2024-25

Earlier this year, K-12 Dive asked readers to tell them about the assistant principals and district leaders who stand out in their schools. K - 12 Dive sorted through the outpouring of nominations, read about the tireless support, creative ideas, and big-picture innovation in K-12 school systems nationwide.

Dothan City Schools Employee of the Month - September 2024 - Constance Holston
Meagan Dorsey

At Dothan City Board of Education’s September meeting, Dothan City Schools recognized Child Nutrition Program Manager, Constance Holston, as the September Employee of the Month.

Holston has been an employee of Dothan City Schools for 9 years where she currently serves as the Child Nutrition Program Manager for Dothan City Early Education Center and Head Start campuses. Holston was nominated by Head Start Principal, Nikki Cochran.

DOTHAN, Ala. – At Dothan City Board of Education’s September meeting, Dothan City Schools recognized Child Nutrition Program Manager, Constance Holston, as the September Employee of the Month.

Holston has been an employee of Dothan City Schools for 9 years where she currently serves as the Child Nutrition Program Manager for Dothan City Early Education Center and Head Start campuses. Holston was nominated by Head Start Principal, Nikki Cochran.

“Holston ensures students' needs are met each and every day. Not only their nutritional needs but all needs. She is often seen giving a much needed hug to a student having a rough start or outside at carpool helping guide students in who had a hard time saying goodbye to their mom. Holston ensures to create an environment that is welcoming and encouraging. She has been heard asking a child to spell their name or letting a good citizen student help scan lunch cards. She ensures our Head Start students are full physically as well as emotionally,” says Nikki Cochran, Head Start Principal. 

Cochran also notes that Holston always gives and does for others without ever expecting anything in return. She wants everyone to feel included and special. She is a dedicated worker who is dependable and works so hard each day. She takes pride in what she does and represents our school and DCS extremely well. She sets the tone for positivity and is a crucial component to our positive school climate.

“Holston is split between Head Start and DEECC and does it flawlessly. She has implemented procedures and policies that allow our lunchroom to be an extended learning environment,” adds Cochran. “She is the first one to dress up with her team on dress up days as well as any special days we have at our school. She communicates and is a strong link between our school and our families. Holston spends time building relationships with her co-workers and our students. You may find her checking in on a student having a rough day, helping line kids up to transition or tying shoes. She is a valuable asset to Head Start and DCS!” 

Holston received a plaque for her recognition as well as a gift certificate to local eatery, The Cellar.