Our Biology students modeled energy loss across trophic levels through a hands-on simulation. Each team raced in a relay while carrying 750 mL of Froot Loops, representing stored energy. After the race, students measured how many Froot Loops remained ā demonstrating how energy decreases as it moves through an ecosystem.
Who knew ecology could be this competitive (and colorful)?
Who knew ecology could be this competitive (and colorful)?
You can find our detailed family newsletter here: https://app.smore.com/n/q5e08
It's Homecoming Week!
šš Happy School Resource Officer Day! šš
Today we proudly celebrate our SRO, Officer Sean Hudson, for the dedication, leadership, and care he brings to Dalton Academy each day. Officer Hudson does far more than ensure safety... he builds relationships, mentors students, and supports our school community in countless ways.
Thank you, Officer Hudson, for showing up for our Pumas every single day. We appreciate your commitment to keeping our campus safe and welcoming for all! š¾
Today we proudly celebrate our SRO, Officer Sean Hudson, for the dedication, leadership, and care he brings to Dalton Academy each day. Officer Hudson does far more than ensure safety... he builds relationships, mentors students, and supports our school community in countless ways.
Thank you, Officer Hudson, for showing up for our Pumas every single day. We appreciate your commitment to keeping our campus safe and welcoming for all! š¾
šāØ FCCLA State Bound! āØš
Congratulations to Alicen Rostro, Keiry Garcia, Camila Valdez, and Ella Austin for competing in the Region FCCLA STAR Events this weekend and advancing to the State competition!
We are proud of the hard work, preparation, and professionalism these students demonstrated to earn their spot at the next level. They will represent Dalton Academy at the FCCLA State Leadership Conference in Columbus, GA, March 25ā27.
Way to raise the bar, Pumas ā weāre cheering you on at State! š¾š„
Congratulations to Alicen Rostro, Keiry Garcia, Camila Valdez, and Ella Austin for competing in the Region FCCLA STAR Events this weekend and advancing to the State competition!
We are proud of the hard work, preparation, and professionalism these students demonstrated to earn their spot at the next level. They will represent Dalton Academy at the FCCLA State Leadership Conference in Columbus, GA, March 25ā27.
Way to raise the bar, Pumas ā weāre cheering you on at State! š¾š„
šāØ Young Georgia Authors ā Grade Level Winners! āØš
A big congratulations to these talented students for winning at the grade level in the Young Georgia Authors competition! Their creativity, voice, and dedication to the writing process truly stood out.
These students will now advance to the district level, and we couldnāt be more proud of the way they represent Dalton Academy.
Keep writing, keep creating, and keep shining! š¾āļø
A big congratulations to these talented students for winning at the grade level in the Young Georgia Authors competition! Their creativity, voice, and dedication to the writing process truly stood out.
These students will now advance to the district level, and we couldnāt be more proud of the way they represent Dalton Academy.
Keep writing, keep creating, and keep shining! š¾āļø
Congratulations to Michael Hunter!
We are proud to congratulate Michael Hunter for winning the VFW Essay Competition at both the Post level and the District level ā an incredible accomplishment!
Our local VFW Post serves Whitfield, Murray, and Gordon counties, and our District spans from the Alabama line to Blue Ridge and south to Marietta. Thatās a large and competitive region, making Michaelās achievement even more impressive.
Students participating in this national VFW program are given a prompt from the VFW National Office and must write an original essay. They then record themselves presenting the essay, and submissions are evaluated on multiple criteria including content, clarity, delivery, and originality.
Michaelās hard work, preparation, and thoughtful response set him apart across a wide field of applicants. We are proud of the way he represented The Dalton Academy and our community.
Congratulations, Michael!
We are proud to congratulate Michael Hunter for winning the VFW Essay Competition at both the Post level and the District level ā an incredible accomplishment!
Our local VFW Post serves Whitfield, Murray, and Gordon counties, and our District spans from the Alabama line to Blue Ridge and south to Marietta. Thatās a large and competitive region, making Michaelās achievement even more impressive.
Students participating in this national VFW program are given a prompt from the VFW National Office and must write an original essay. They then record themselves presenting the essay, and submissions are evaluated on multiple criteria including content, clarity, delivery, and originality.
Michaelās hard work, preparation, and thoughtful response set him apart across a wide field of applicants. We are proud of the way he represented The Dalton Academy and our community.
Congratulations, Michael!
Wrapping Up National School Counselors Week
As we close out National School Counselors Week, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dolores Carrillo and Michaela Burke for all they do for our students, families, and staff. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but the impact is felt every day... through guidance, encouragement, advocacy, and genuine care for our kids.
We are grateful for the way they support students through challenges, celebrate successes, and help pave the way for bright futures. Dalton Academy is a better place because of you. Thank you for all you do!
As we close out National School Counselors Week, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dolores Carrillo and Michaela Burke for all they do for our students, families, and staff. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but the impact is felt every day... through guidance, encouragement, advocacy, and genuine care for our kids.
We are grateful for the way they support students through challenges, celebrate successes, and help pave the way for bright futures. Dalton Academy is a better place because of you. Thank you for all you do!
School Counselor Spotlight: Dolores Carrillo
Did you know Ms. Carrillo is a proud product of Dalton Public Schools? She started kindergarten at Roan School and went on to graduate right here in Dalton!
If she werenāt a school counselor, sheād be running her dream businessāa coffee shop and plant store. During busy school days, youāll usually find her with a cup of hot tea, and when she needs a quick mood boost, an episode of The Office does the trick every time.
One thing Ms. Carrillo wants every student to know: her door is always open. You donāt have to have a big problem to come talkāsometimes itās enough to just need someone to listen or help you think things through.
Thank you, Ms. Carrillo, for the care, guidance, and heart you bring to our students every day!
Did you know Ms. Carrillo is a proud product of Dalton Public Schools? She started kindergarten at Roan School and went on to graduate right here in Dalton!
If she werenāt a school counselor, sheād be running her dream businessāa coffee shop and plant store. During busy school days, youāll usually find her with a cup of hot tea, and when she needs a quick mood boost, an episode of The Office does the trick every time.
One thing Ms. Carrillo wants every student to know: her door is always open. You donāt have to have a big problem to come talkāsometimes itās enough to just need someone to listen or help you think things through.
Thank you, Ms. Carrillo, for the care, guidance, and heart you bring to our students every day!
National School Counselors Week Spotlight: Michaela Burke
Did you know Ms. Burke has visited more countries than states? When sheās not supporting students, she dreams of being a writer, fuels busy days with cold brew or Garden Salsa SunChips, and turns to musical soundtracks whenever she needs a boost.
Most importantly, Michaela wants students to know this: no matter how busy the day gets, she would always rather stop and listen to your victories, your struggles, your interests, or your day. Sheās here for the kids... always.
Thank you, Ms. Burke, for all you do for our Pumas!
Did you know Ms. Burke has visited more countries than states? When sheās not supporting students, she dreams of being a writer, fuels busy days with cold brew or Garden Salsa SunChips, and turns to musical soundtracks whenever she needs a boost.
Most importantly, Michaela wants students to know this: no matter how busy the day gets, she would always rather stop and listen to your victories, your struggles, your interests, or your day. Sheās here for the kids... always.
Thank you, Ms. Burke, for all you do for our Pumas!
š„ CTAE Month Spotlight: Audio, Video, Technology & Film
At The Dalton Academy, AVTF students arenāt just learning about mediaātheyāre making it every single day.
From our brand-new Mac Lab equipped with Apple computers and DaVinci Resolve, to three dedicated podcast studios (including one with a mural designed and painted by students), this pathway is built for creativity, collaboration, and real-world production.
Podcasting is a huge part of our program. Students work with professional-level equipment, experiment with audio and video podcasting, and tell stories that actually get heard beyond the classroom.
What makes this program even stronger is the leadership behind it. Our instructors are regional leaders in their craft, regularly training teachers and students across the area. In addition, we host Speak Up Whitfield, a regional student podcast competition that will return on May 14, 2026.
This is hands-on learning for students who want to create, edit, produce, and tell stories that matter.
š CTAE Month | AVTF Pathway
šļø Learning by doing. Creating with purpose.
#CTAEWorks #CTAEMonth #DaltonAcademy #AVTF #StudentCreators #PodcastingInSchools
At The Dalton Academy, AVTF students arenāt just learning about mediaātheyāre making it every single day.
From our brand-new Mac Lab equipped with Apple computers and DaVinci Resolve, to three dedicated podcast studios (including one with a mural designed and painted by students), this pathway is built for creativity, collaboration, and real-world production.
Podcasting is a huge part of our program. Students work with professional-level equipment, experiment with audio and video podcasting, and tell stories that actually get heard beyond the classroom.
What makes this program even stronger is the leadership behind it. Our instructors are regional leaders in their craft, regularly training teachers and students across the area. In addition, we host Speak Up Whitfield, a regional student podcast competition that will return on May 14, 2026.
This is hands-on learning for students who want to create, edit, produce, and tell stories that matter.
š CTAE Month | AVTF Pathway
šļø Learning by doing. Creating with purpose.
#CTAEWorks #CTAEMonth #DaltonAcademy #AVTF #StudentCreators #PodcastingInSchools
Congratulations to the 2025ā2026 TDA Homecoming Court!
Homecoming Court representatives will be recognized throughout Homecoming week, with grade-level princesses and the Senior Homecoming Queen crowned during halftime of the varsity soccer game on Friday, February 27, at 7:00 PM.
Court members will also participate in the Homecoming Parade at 4:00 PM, riding in vehicles as they are celebrated by our school and community.
Weāre proud of each of you ā Go Pumas!
9th Grade
Melissa Sandavol Barcenes
Alexandra Hernandez
Arleen Lopez
Datriana McKenzie
10th-
Jolette Chen
Karen Pacheco
Sophia Ramirez
Azul Zamora
11th-
Gabriela Mojica Nava
Genesis Perez
Aileny Perez Perez
Ceci Garcia Raymundo
12th-
Ella Austin
Camila Valdez-Barcenas
Guadalupe Mena Barajas
Nalley Gaitan Gonzalez
Valerie Huerta
Homecoming Court representatives will be recognized throughout Homecoming week, with grade-level princesses and the Senior Homecoming Queen crowned during halftime of the varsity soccer game on Friday, February 27, at 7:00 PM.
Court members will also participate in the Homecoming Parade at 4:00 PM, riding in vehicles as they are celebrated by our school and community.
Weāre proud of each of you ā Go Pumas!
9th Grade
Melissa Sandavol Barcenes
Alexandra Hernandez
Arleen Lopez
Datriana McKenzie
10th-
Jolette Chen
Karen Pacheco
Sophia Ramirez
Azul Zamora
11th-
Gabriela Mojica Nava
Genesis Perez
Aileny Perez Perez
Ceci Garcia Raymundo
12th-
Ella Austin
Camila Valdez-Barcenas
Guadalupe Mena Barajas
Nalley Gaitan Gonzalez
Valerie Huerta
š£ Field Trip Opportunity for Juniors & Seniors ā Future Fest
All 11th and 12th grade students have the opportunity to attend Future Fest, a local career and job fair held at the Dalton Convention Center. Students will have the chance to meet local employers, explore career options, and learn about jobs, internships, and future opportunities.
Transportation Schedule:
Wednesday, February 11th
Seniors: Depart around 8:45 AM and return by 11:00 AM
Juniors: Depart around 10:45 AM and return by 12:15 PM
Future Fest is hosted by Dalton Public Schools, Junior Achievement of Georgia, and the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce and is designed to help students explore career pathways and connect with local industries.
Please see the attached flyer for details about expectations.
All 11th and 12th grade students have the opportunity to attend Future Fest, a local career and job fair held at the Dalton Convention Center. Students will have the chance to meet local employers, explore career options, and learn about jobs, internships, and future opportunities.
Transportation Schedule:
Wednesday, February 11th
Seniors: Depart around 8:45 AM and return by 11:00 AM
Juniors: Depart around 10:45 AM and return by 12:15 PM
Future Fest is hosted by Dalton Public Schools, Junior Achievement of Georgia, and the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce and is designed to help students explore career pathways and connect with local industries.
Please see the attached flyer for details about expectations.
Pumas, get ready! š Hereās what you need to know about an upcoming college visit.
Help us give a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to the 2026 Homecoming Court. Pictures to come later. The 2026 Homecoming Queen and her Princesses will be crowned during halftime of the varsity soccer game on 2/27.
If you are interested in your student taking college Dual Enrollment courses next year, please come to one of our Dual Enrollment Interest Meetings at TDA!
Monday, February 2 at 6:30 pm
Wednesday, February 4 at 9:00 am
Monday, February 2 at 6:30 pm
Wednesday, February 4 at 9:00 am
We are proud to announce our 2025ā2026 Kiwanis STAR Student, Diego Cuna, and his chosen STAR Teacher, Ana Ortega! š
The Kiwanis STAR Student program recognizes a senior who earns the highest SAT score. This honor reflects outstanding academic achievement and dedication.
As part of this recognition, the STAR Student selects a teacher who has made a meaningful impact on their academic journey. Diego selected Ms. Ortega in recognition of her influence, support, and commitment to student success.
Diego and Ms. Ortega will be honored in the coming days at a luncheon hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Dalton, alongside other local STAR Students and Teachers.
Congratulations to Diego and Ms. Ortega ā we are incredibly proud of you both! ā
The Kiwanis STAR Student program recognizes a senior who earns the highest SAT score. This honor reflects outstanding academic achievement and dedication.
As part of this recognition, the STAR Student selects a teacher who has made a meaningful impact on their academic journey. Diego selected Ms. Ortega in recognition of her influence, support, and commitment to student success.
Diego and Ms. Ortega will be honored in the coming days at a luncheon hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Dalton, alongside other local STAR Students and Teachers.
Congratulations to Diego and Ms. Ortega ā we are incredibly proud of you both! ā
