From the Director’s Chair
Greetings DECATS Families!
I am delighted to write with an update on how much work has already happened during the first week of DECATS Houston at Strake Jesuit. From the moment the program kicked off Monday morning, the energy was running high and showing no signs of slowing down. During their first-period courses, our youngest Scholars got started learning the art of a firm handshake and proper introduction etiquette. Other Scholars saddled up for lessons on the prefrontal cortex in Executive Functioning, while our Wellness squads began learning how to keep their minds and bodies strong, healthy, and ready for the trail ahead.
Meanwhile, our Values & Morals teams explored how to recognize and responsibly use the strengths and influence they carry within themselves. By following the Hero’s Journey, they began mapping the path of growth, challenge, and purpose—and before long, they’ll start seeing where they stand on that trail themselves.
Each morning and afternoon, our DECATS band led all of us in joyous assemblies, where we sang and moved to classic DECATS songs as well as some new tunes. We dove deeper in our assemblies by busting out some campus classics like Just Dance and Tunak Tunak Tun, and we have more surprises to come. We are happy to welcome all parents to join us during morning and afternoon assemblies in the Parsley Center Auditorium; for those of you who have joined us already this summer, I’m sure you’ll agree that the songs are powerfully catchy. Walking around campus, it is not uncommon to hear a verse or two while Scholars switch courses or play at recess.
As I have made my way around campus, I have been impressed with the imaginative creation of home-grown crafts (“DECATS DIY”), the critical thinking and collaboration between Scholars (“Rube Goldberg Made Me Do It”), the perseverance of Scholars in determining what is fact and what is fiction (“CSI: DECATS”), and the innovation of some budding interior designers (“DECATS Dreamhouse”). Around each corner, examples of creative and critical thinking take place. Personally, the most rewarding moments are when I see two new Scholars develop a friendship this summer that will continue to grow throughout the years to come. Our mentors work exceptionally well together, all oriented towards the same goal of bringing your Scholars an incredible summer experience of joy, learning, and growth. With all that’s planned for week two, we cannot wait to continue the growth in your Scholars.
We’d love to hear what your Scholars are saying around the campfire about their DECATS experience so far. If they’ve shared stories, discoveries, or favorite moments from their time on the trail with us, please pass them along. And if you’re comfortable with us using your comments online or in future projects, we’d be grateful if you’d let us know that as well.
Here at DECATS, we’re on a mission to blaze new trails in education by providing a qualitatively differentiated learning experience, boldly devoted to excellence in mentoring, learning, and developing young leaders. Our goal is to help each Scholar discover their unique gifts, strengthen their character, and learn how to use their talents to make a positive mark on the world around them.
We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to ride alongside your children on this journey of growth and discovery, and we look forward to all that lies ahead.
In Gratitude,
Ruth Lim
Program Director, Strake Jesuit
