From the Director’s Chair
Ahoy, DECATS Families!
The first week aboard the DECATS Spacecraft has been a blast! We are so grateful you said ‘Yes!’ to DECATS this summer.
As we prepare to launch each day, we are fueled with celebratory songs during our morning and afternoon assemblies. The energy is out of this world! Having our parents join us for our assemblies each day is exciting. Scholars are exploring new adventures and engaging in singing, dancing, and celebrating all things DECATS. We’re sure that you’ve heard some of the songs on your way home each afternoon!
In Manners to Morals and Perspectives — our first two periods — Scholars participate in activities that promote character and explore what it means to be gifted. Manners Scholars are practicing handshakes and introductions. Executive Functioning Scholars are practicing the skills of impulse control and shifting between tasks smoothly. Wellness Scholars are investigating the importance of nutrition, exercise and stress management. Values & Morals Scholars are exploring morality and ethics and brainstorming ideas for a service project to support the larger community. Meanwhile in Perspectives, we are unpacking our core philosophy — that “better at” does not mean “better than” — and cultivating the skills of self-awareness, leadership and creative thinking.
Highlights from our wide variety of courses include Scholars:
- creating culinary concoctions and sweet treats in “Edible Art”
- applying their mastery of basic chords and songs to become a real “Guitar Hero.”
- engaging in critical thinking regarding the myths and misconceptions about how the world works through an exploration of physics and chemistry in “The Magic of Science.”
It’s wonderful to see so much progress in such a short amount of time. Scholars from across Houston have formed friendships that will last well beyond the program.
Let us know what your Scholars are saying about their DECATS experience. If we may use your comments online and in other projects, let us know that as well. We are on a mission to provide a qualitatively differentiated learning experience, boldly devoted to excellence in mentoring, learning and developing young leaders to use their gifts for the betterment of the world around them. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to work with your children.
We look forward to more discoveries with your Scholars next week during “Exploration Awaits!”
Dr. Tonya Dixon
Program Director, Incarnate Word
