Puma News

Hello Families,

We had an exciting week with our students! It has been wonderful to see their engagement both inside and outside the classroom. Our counselors have been talking with students about the importance of academic excellence, and we’ve seen incredible examples of their hard work through classwork and projects.

If the first five and a half weeks are any indication, our students are off to a strong start this school year! As a reminder, the first grading period ends next Friday, September 26th. This is a great time to check your child’s grades on Canvas and follow up with teachers if you have any questions.

(Need help checking grades on Canvas? Become a Canvas Observer! Directions below)

Starting September 15th, we are excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! This is a time to honor the traditions, history, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities — many of which are part of our own TDA family.

To join in the celebration, we’re hosting a Door Decorating Contest and a Spirit Week filled with fun activities! This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase cultural pride, creativity, and school spirit. 🌟

Looking Ahead:

• Sept 16--> Volleyball vs Gordon Lee/Gordon Central HOME 5:00 PM

• Sept 17--> Cross Country NGXCL Wildwood Run @ Edwards Park 4:30

• Sept 18--> Volleyball vs Model @ Model High School 5:00 PM

• Sept 18--> GNTC Field Trip (juniors and seniors)

• Sept 20--> JROTC Competition @ Cartersville High School

A big THANK YOU to the Law offices of Ian Whittle, Dr. Perez with St. Joseph’s Clinic, Melissa Quick, Stephanie Cervantes, Xinia Arana, Nicole Mendez, and Mary Lynn Jones for sponsoring our Cross Country team by helping purchase new running shoes for each runner!

🌟 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