Students in grades 5th through 7th competed in the Southwest Florida Regional SeaPerch Competition last March. Since August, the D.A.S. SeaPerch Club met twice per week to design, build, and test their underwater robots in preparation for this competition. One of the teams finished in 2nd place and made it very close to qualifying for the National Competition. D.A.S. will also have numerous teams competing in the 2019 Regional Competition this year.

SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program that equips teachers and students with the resources they need to build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) in an in-school or out-of-school setting. Students build the ROV from a kit comprised of low-cost, easily accessible parts, following a curriculum that teaches basic engineering and science concepts with a marine engineering theme. The SeaPerch Program provides students with the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science, and mathematics (STEM) while building an underwater ROV as part of a science and engineering technology curriculum. Throughout the project, students will learn engineering concepts, problem-solving, teamwork, and technical applications.

Building a SeaPerch ROV teaches basic skills in ship and submarine design and encourages students to explore naval architecture and marine and ocean engineering principles. Students learn important engineering and design skills and are exposed to all the exciting careers that are possible in naval architecture and naval, ocean, and marine engineering.

The DAS Middle School Chorus is comprised of all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who attend music class. Chorus rehearsals are held on the last class of each week. Students learn to sing both classical warm ups as well as popular music. Students are taught correct singing posture, proper breathing techniques, as well as how to maintain and sing a correct pitch. There were 107 members in the 2018-2019 chorus. During the 2018 winter concert, the middle school students sang Time of Your Life, Warriors, Let It Be, Knee Deep and All Star. Past concerts have included Count On Me, Best Day Of My Life, Stand By Me, On Top Of The World, Believer, Over The Rainbow / Wonderful World, and Centuries. The students are accompanied by Mr. Currier on piano and guitar.

The DAS CONCERT BAND participated in The First Performance National Day of Celebration. The Music Achievement Council set aside November 15th, 2018 as the inaugural First Performance National Day of Celebration to celebrate, honor and recognize the achievements of beginning instrumental music students.