Puma News

We’re so proud of how our students, staff, and families have started this year—with energy, respect, and a commitment to excellence. Thank you for partnering with us to make TDA such a special place to learn and grow!

Last week was full of energy and accomplishments at The Dalton Academy!

• MAP Testing – 9th and 10th graders completed the first MAP benchmark exam. Students who missed will make up the assessment this week.

• Lady Pumas Volleyball – Congratulations to our Lady Pumas and coaches on a huge win over Grace Baptist in Chattanooga! The team battled hard and swept the match in three straight sets. Way to go, Lady Pumas!

• Faculty Professional Development – Teachers participated in our first PD session of the year, digging into our three instructional priorities: SIOP, Kagan cooperative structures, and Tier I instructional practices.

• Senior Class Meeting – Seniors held their first class meeting Friday. Seniors, stay up to date on announcements—reach out to your counselor with any questions.

Looking Ahead:

• Leadership Summit -- Friday, CTAE pathways

• Lunch & Lead -- Friday, CTAE advisory council meeting 12-1:15

• Blood Drive – Friday, sponsored by JROTC.

• Sports This Week:

  • Volleyball @ Murray County – Tuesday, 6:00/7:00

  • Volleyball (Home) vs. Gordon Central/Woodland – Thursday, 5:00/7:00

  • Cross Country @ Buzzard Roost (Dalton) – Saturday, 4:30

• Labor Day – School will be closed Monday, September 1st.

It’s been an excellent start, and we look forward to another strong week ahead!

We’re proud to celebrate a major jump in Advanced Placement (AP) achievement at TDA in 2025. This year, more students than ever earned passing scores (3 or higher) across a wide range of AP courses—including Environmental Science, English Language & Composition, U.S. History, Seminar, Research, and More!

Average Score: 3.05

Total Scholars: 6

AP Scholar with Distinction: 1

AP Seminar & Research Certificate: 1

Compared to 2024, passing scores (3+) significantly increased in nearly every subject, a testament to our students' determination and our teachers’ tireless efforts to raise the bar.

This kind of growth reflects what’s possible when students believe in their potential—and when schools are committed to helping them reach it.

Congratulations to our very own SRO, Sean Hudson for his honor as Officer of the Month for June 2025! Officer Hudson was recognized for his outstanding work to coordinate the Summer Law Cadet Program that is hosted each year with the American Legion, Whitfield County Sheriff's Office, and other first responder agencies. Officer Hudson's work has created a program that is now being used as a model for other Georgia communities. Congratulations on job well done!

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