Puma News

Hello Families,

Thank you, students and staff, for another successful week at TDA! We are truly blessed to serve such an amazing group of students and families. From classrooms full of engaged learners to exciting victories on the court and new opportunities for growth, it’s clear that the 2025–26 school year is off to a strong start. We look forward to building on this momentum together in the weeks ahead!

Looking Ahead:

• Sept 22--> Virtual Day for Students-- Be sure to get work for classes from Canvas

• Sept 23--> Volleyball vs Christian Heritage @ Christian Heritage 5:00 PM

• Sept 24--> All sophomores will attend the Teen Maze field trip 11:15-2:00

• Sept 25-->Volleyball vs Ridgeland @ Ridgeland High JV 5:00 PM/ V 6:00

• Sept 26--> Club Day

• Sept 27--> JROTC Competition @ Dawson County

A big THANK YOU to our JROTC members (and a few from DHS) for setting up for the Teen Maze field trip. This is an interactive field trip for all Sophomores that simulate the "Game of Life".

SAT Weekend dates are listed below. Testing locations are in surrounding high schools (not TDA). We currently have a limited number of free waivers for SAT Weekend. See your counselor to see if you qualify.

🌟 Student Spotlight: David Linares 🌟

We are proud to recognize David Linares, a junior at TDA, as our Student Spotlight of the Month!

Since his freshman year, David has been a true stand-out—serving as a dedicated member of Student Council and the National Honor Society. This summer, he went above and beyond by independently designing and creating motivational and culture-building signs for our school. His creativity, wit, and countless hours of work have helped transform our hallways into spaces that inspire and encourage every student.

What makes David even more remarkable is not just the time and effort he gives so generously, but the way he does it—with a smile on his face and a genuine commitment to making TDA a better place for everyone.

💙🐾 David, we couldn’t be more proud to call you a Puma!

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Daniel De La Fuente 🌟

We’re thrilled to introduce Daniel De La Fuente, our new Barbering Instructor at The Dalton Academy! ✂️

Daniel will officially launch our Barbering Pathway with students this spring, bringing not only his expertise as a Master Barber at Studio 312 in Dalton, but also an impressive list of awards and accomplishments from barbering competitions across the country.

His passion for the craft and dedication to excellence will make a huge impact on our students as they begin their journey into cutting, styling, and building professional skills. 💈

Welcome to the Puma Family, Daniel—we’re excited for the future, and we know our students can’t wait to get started! 🐾

Parents-- make sure you have downloaded the DPS App. We will be upgrading our communication channels through "Rooms", via Thrillshare. To make sure you are ahead of the game, download the DPS App Today!

Main Office Phone Number: (706)876-4700

(you can be transferred to anyone from this number)

Principal:

Jessica Ashlock

Assistant Principal:

Virginia Ruiz

Athletic Director

Michael Bolen

AP Coordinator/Publicist

Julia Cagle

Nurse: Traci Hopkins

Counseling Office: Questions concerning records or schedules, and personal issues.

Last Name A-L: Michaela Burke

Last Name M-Z: Dolores Carrillo

School Social Worker

Viri Ortiz

Cafeteria Manager:

Cynthia Hoeng

Email: jessica.ashlock@dalton.k12.ga.us
Website: www.tda.daltonpublicschools.com
Phone: 706-876-4700

Email: virginia.ruiz@dalton.k12.ga.us
Website: www.tda.daltonpublicschools.com
Phone: 706-876-4700