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
Parents and Guardians,
We need your assistance! Please take a moment to complete this short School Climate Survey. Your input will help us make decisions for our school to make TDA even better!
https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=6B051D6F
Thank you in advance.
Padres y tutores:
Ā”Necesitamos su ayuda! Por favor, tĆ³mense un momento para completar esta breve Encuesta sobre el Clima Escolar. Sus opiniones nos ayudarĆ”n a tomar decisiones para mejorar nuestra escuela y hacer que TDA sea aĆŗn mejor.
https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=6B051D6F
Gracias de antemano.
We need your assistance! Please take a moment to complete this short School Climate Survey. Your input will help us make decisions for our school to make TDA even better!
https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=6B051D6F
Thank you in advance.
Padres y tutores:
Ā”Necesitamos su ayuda! Por favor, tĆ³mense un momento para completar esta breve Encuesta sobre el Clima Escolar. Sus opiniones nos ayudarĆ”n a tomar decisiones para mejorar nuestra escuela y hacer que TDA sea aĆŗn mejor.
https://survey.gadoe.org/FM?sid=6B051D6F
Gracias de antemano.
TDA will provide a School Day SAT exam time for any interested student. March 11, 2026 at TDA. Sign up today in the counseling office. Deadline for sign ups February 25th.
Friday picture of the day- Advanced Chemistry students conducting a lab.
Save the Date: Homecoming Week 2026!
Join us February 23ā27, 2026 for a week full of school spirit, celebrations, and community fun!
Donāt miss the Homecoming Parade on Friday, Feb. 27 at 4:00 PM, the pep session, and the Homecoming Court Coronation during the varsity soccer game.
More details coming soonāwe canāt wait to celebrate with you! š¾
Join us February 23ā27, 2026 for a week full of school spirit, celebrations, and community fun!
Donāt miss the Homecoming Parade on Friday, Feb. 27 at 4:00 PM, the pep session, and the Homecoming Court Coronation during the varsity soccer game.
More details coming soonāwe canāt wait to celebrate with you! š¾
MAP Testing has been postponed to next Tuesday, January 13th, due to technology concerns. MAP Testing is for all 9th and 10th-graders.
We will hold a Parent ACCESS meeting this Thursday at either 8:00 AM or 3:00 PM.
You can find our detailed family newsletter here: https://app.smore.com/n/egrsq
AquĆ pueden encontrar nuestro boletĆn informativo familiar detallado: https://app.smore.com/n/egrsq
