From the Director’s Chair
Dear DECATS Families,
What a week it has been! Our Scholars have saddled up and headed Deep in the Heart of DECATS, embarking on a summer adventure filled with discovery, friendship, and growth. Throughout the day, they have brought Texas-sized enthusiasm, curiosity, and determination to every part of the program.
Each morning, our DECATS community gathers around the campfire of prayer, song, and celebration. Through these daily assemblies, Scholars are building connections, strengthening friendships, and creating memories that will last long after the summer trail ride comes to an end.
Along the way, our foundational courses have helped Scholars pack the tools they need for the journey ahead. In Manners, they learned how to make strong first impressions and introduce themselves with confidence. In Executive Functioning, they explored ways to rein in distractions and steer their thinking with purpose. Wellness encouraged them to care for both body and mind, while Values and Morals challenged them to follow their moral compass and make choices rooted in integrity. In Perspectives, Scholars explored one of DECATS’ guiding beliefs: “Better at” does not mean “better than.” Just as every star shines differently in the Texas sky, every Scholar possesses unique gifts and talents worth celebrating.
In true Deep in the Heart of DECATS fashion, Scholars have been traveling through an exciting landscape of hands-on discovery, creativity, and challenge-based learning.
Slime Time Scholars became young scientists in action—following the scientific process from hypothesis to experimentation as they mixed, measured, observed, and tested to create their own unique slime formulas. Star Wars Zoology Scholars are designing their own planets and studying extraordinary creatures from across imagined galaxies. Meanwhile, the stage is coming alive in Give My Regards to Broadway, where Scholars are actively preparing for their upcoming performance, The Lion King.
In Rube Goldberg Made Me Do It, innovation is in full swing as Scholars design, test, and refine intricate chain-reaction systems using a variety of materials and simple machines.
As we ride into Week Two, the adventure continues! There are still trails to explore, challenges to conquer, and opportunities to grow. We encourage you to gather around the dinner table and ask your Scholar about their DECATS journey. What new skill have they discovered? What challenge have they overcome? What has been their favorite stop along the trail?
We would love to hear the stories your Scholars are bringing home. If you are willing to share their reflections for future DECATS communications or projects, please let us know.
Thank you for trusting us with your Scholar’s summer adventure. Together, we are helping them discover their strengths, develop their character, and grow into confident leaders—all Deep in the Heart of DECATS.
Blessings,
Dr. Kendall Shamas
Program Director, St. Anne
