Puma News

Week of October 27- October 31, 2025

💎 The Best Kept Secret in Northwest Georgia

We’ve wrapped up another wonderful week at The Dalton Academy! Every day, our teachers work tirelessly to create engaging, meaningful learning experiences that inspire our students to grow and achieve. Each week, we’re encouraged by the progress we see and the feedback we hear from our students — their enthusiasm fuels everything we do.

Recently, someone told us that TDA is “the best kept secret in Northwest Georgia,” and we couldn’t agree more! Our school is filled with passionate, high-achieving students and strengthened by a team of dedicated, caring teachers and staff who go above and beyond every day.

We’ve always known that TDA is a hidden gem, and we’re thrilled that others are starting to notice! Help us spread the word — when you meet someone new or run into a friend in the community, share all the exciting things happening at The Dalton Academy. Together, we can make sure everyone knows about the incredible learning and leadership happening right here at TDA!

🏃🏻‍♂️Events This Week

Oct. 28--> SAT School Day

Oct. 29--> FCCLA Pencils for Pancakes School Supply Drive

Oct. 29--> One Act Play 2nd & 4th periods

Oct. 29--> One Act Play Public Show 7PM

Oct. 30--> 5:00, Flag Football, Lafayette /Dawson County @ Lafayette High School

Oct. 31--> Halloween (students can wear costumes, no weapons, no face coverings)

Oct. 31--> Volleyball Tournament

Watch TDA on TV

Start at minute 27 and end at minute 43 for all of TDA!

Watch our Athletic Director, Michael Bolen, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Scott Thompson, and Senior Fatima Pimentel on the North Georgia Game Day Show.

👩‍🏫 Randa Hunt

This month, we proudly recognize Mrs. Randa Hunt for her incredible dedication and impact on student literacy at The Dalton Academy. As our Basic Reading and Writing teacher, Mrs. Hunt works tirelessly to support students who need extra guidance in strengthening their foundational reading and writing skills. Her passion for education shines through her calm, consistent presence in the classroom and her commitment to helping every learner grow.

Outside of school, Mrs. Hunt enjoys life on a beef farm with her husband and their two adult sons. Whether she’s coaching readers or raising cattle, Mrs. Hunt brings care and determination to everything she does. We’re lucky to have her as part of the TDA family!

🎓 Osvaldo Calderon

Osvaldo Calderon, a TDA sophomore, has been nominated by Mrs. Alexander for his outstanding character, resilience, and academic effort. Osvaldo shows up each day ready to learn and consistently gives his best in class. Even when faced with challenges, he continues to push forward, modeling perseverance for his peers.

Osvaldo is also involved in FCCLA, one of our Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), where he’s developing leadership and business skills under the guidance of Mrs. Holverson. His quiet strength and strong work ethic make him a standout student and a role model at TDA.

Infinite Campus-- Ensure your contact info is current!

Update once, update everywhere! Keeping your contact info current here ensures it’s accurate across all our communication platforms.

Become a Parent Canvas Observer

Becoming a Canvas Observer gives you a front-row seat to your student’s learning. You’ll be able to view assignments (with timestamps), see time spent in each course, and communicate directly with your child’s teacher.

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!

You can always call the main phone number if you have a question, and it will be routed to the correct person if the Receptionist, Monica Rodriguez, cannot answer the question.

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.