Discovery Academy of Science

Dear DAS Families,

I hope your week is off to a great start. As Discovery Academy of Science prepares to expand to multiple campuses, we are making organizational updates to strengthen services for our students, families, and staff. These changes are effective September 15, 2025. We have one campus approved in Pinellas County schedule to open in August 2026. The third DAS campus is scheduled for Pasco County School board approval in September 23^rd, 2025 and will be located in the Wesley Chapel, Pasco for August 2027/28. Therefore, the summary of the administrative changes is as follows:

What’s changing

• Mr. Emre Akbaba — Executive Director
• Dr. Sherry Hatch — Principal, Clearwater Campus
• Mr. Christopher Bartlett — Dean of Students
• Ms. Jessica Costa — Principal Designee; 3–5 Curriculum & Instruction Administrator
• Ms. Susanne Mizzi — K–2 Curriculum & Instruction Administrator
• Ms. Erin Hablutzel — 6–8 Curriculum & Instruction Administrator
• Ms. Sherry McHenry — Director of Special Education Services
• Ms. Alex Register — Director of Communications and Facilities

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Hatch and Mr. Bartlett on their new roles. They—and our entire leadership team—have my full support, and I am confident they will serve our students and families with excellence.

What this means for your child

• No classroom changes. Your child’s teacher, class placement, and daily schedule will not change due to these updates.
• Same routines. Arrival, dismissal, and school-day procedures remain the same.
• Stronger support. These administrative updates allow us to respond more quickly to family needs, maintain high academic standards, and ensure a safe, well-run school as we grow.

Who to contact

• Student culture/discipline: Dean of Students (Mr. Bartlett, cbartlett@discoveryacademy.info )
• Curriculum & instruction: Your child’s grade-level administrator
  • K–2: Ms. Mizzi, smizzi@discoveryacademy.info
  • 3–5: Ms. Costa, jcosta@discoveryacademy.info
  • 6–8: Ms. Hablutzel, ehablutzel@discoveryacademy.info
• Special education services:Ms. McHenry, smchenry@discoveryacademy.info
• Facilities and communications:Ms. Register, alex@discoveryacademy.info
• Campus leadership: Dr. Hatch, Principal (Clearwater Campus), shatch@discoveryacademy.info 
• General questions: Please contact the main office, and we will direct you to the right person.

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. Our growth is made possible by your support and by the hard work of our students and staff. We look forward to serving you even better in this next chapter.

Emre Akbaba, M.Ed, Executive Director

Discovery Academy of Science Charter School
A Florida School of Excellence & A High Performing Charter School

Dear DAS Families,

We hope you're enjoying a relaxing and fun-filled summer! As we look ahead to the 2025 - 2026 school year, here are some important updates and reminders to help you get ready:

 Our School Theme: Ecosystems

We’re excited to share that our school-wide theme next year is Ecosystems! Students will dive into the diverse world of ecosystems. We will explore how nature works, how everything is connected, and how we can care for our planet. From hands-on projects and green challenges to outdoor learning and creative activities, we can’t wait to see our Eco-Explorers in action!

 Orientation Schedule

Our orientation schedule is set. Come by during your time window to visit your classroom(s) and teachers, drop off supplies, browse the used uniform sale, purchase patches, and more.

• Wed, August 6, 2025
  • Kindergarten 8:30 – 9:30 am
  • 1^st Grade 9:30 – 10:30 am
  • 2^nd Grade 10:30 – 11:30 am
  • 3^rd Grade 12:30 – 1:30 pm
  • 4^th Grade 1:30 – 2:30 pm
  • 5^th Grade 2:30 – 3:30 pm
• Thurs, August 7, 2025
  • 6^th Grade 8:30 – 9:30 am
  • 7^th Grade 9:30 – 10:30 am
  • 8^th Grade 10:30 – 11:30 am

 Supply Lists Are Ready

Check off your shopping early! View the supply list here.

 Kindergarten Round-Up – Don’t Forget to RSVP

Kindergarten families, make sure to RSVP for your round-up session: Sign up here.

 Focus Parent Portal – Required for All Kids

Every student must have at least one parent or guardian with an active Focus account linked to them who will complete required back-to-school forms. The forms themselves will not be available until the district releases them in late July/early August. For now, you can make sure you are ready by setting up your account.

Click here and follow this step-by-step guide to get started.

 Fall Sports Tryouts: Sign Up Now

Do you have a 5^th – 8^th grader interested in girls’ volleyball or boys’ soccer? Tryout sign-ups are open:

• Girls Volleyball Tryout Signup
• Boys Soccer Tryout Signup

 Want to Volunteer or Chaperone Field Trips?

All volunteers must have a completed Level 2 background check (valid for 5 years).

• Instructions to complete Level 2 check
• Email Mrs. Kate at kate@discoveryacademy.info to join our volunteer list.

 Summer Office Hours & Services

The front office is currently open Monday–Thursday from 8 AM to 3 PM. You can:

• Donate gently used uniforms
• Purchase uniform patches ($3 each)
• Stop by to make a copy of your ID for Focus verification

 Uniform Info

Need help with uniforms? Visit our uniform page here.

We’ll also have a used uniform sale during orientation with great deals, but some sizes go fast!

Thank you for staying connected this summer! We’re looking forward to a fantastic year ahead with all our Eco-Explorers.