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DeBusk Enrichment Center for Academically Talented Scholars St. Laurence Catholic School Sugar Land, Tx HOMEDECATS PROGRAMADMISSIONSCOURSESMEDIA CENTER Home Dropdown (none) DECATS Prg Dropdown Admissions Dropdown Courses Dropdown

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Decats NewsClick on a headline to read the full story. October 24, 2011 In Memoriam: Mr. Manuel DeBusk June 13, 1914 - Oct 24 2011 DECATS 2011 News, Pictures, Videos and much more!!! http://news.decats.netRADIO DECATS Check us out! http://radio.decats.net

"A tradition of excellence "

Through the financial generosity of the Debusk Foundation, the DECATS summer experience offers gifted and talented scholars exciting opportunities for growth, achievement and adventures in learning!

Each summer, tomorrow’s leaders gather to form a community dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, wisdom and creativity. By proving qualitatively different learning experiences, DECATS instill in young scholars the ambition to make the most of their God given talents and the commitment to make a difference in our world.

" Each summer is a new adventure! "

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2630 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479 Phone 281-980-0500
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Program Overview

Young people who are the caliber of those selected for the DeBusk Enrichment Center for Academically Talented Scholars (DECATS) are the greatest resource that our nation has for the future. The overriding purpose of the program is to identify and challenge young scholars at a critical period in their lives. The program seeks to make a direct impact on the learning environment of those selected for the program, as well as positively influence the lives of other students with whom the program participants are in contact with in their home schools.Another purpose of the program is to encourage schools to become more aware of the unique and individual needs of these gifted and talented students and meet these in the curriculum. The program is designed to be a valuable partner, not a critic or competitor, of the elementary schools participating in the identification of these DECATS eminent young scholars.The ParticipantsEnrollment for the program is open to Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Catholic school students who are completing the third through the sixth grades by June. The DECATS program is limited to one three-week session. To qualify as a Distinguished Nominee (and thus be eligible for the program's final selection), one must score in the ninety-fifth percentile (composite) or ninety-seventh percentile (subject) on a nationally-normed, standardized achievement test, such as the Stanford Achievement Test, and be nominated by the principal.These certified Distinguished Nominees, having presented evidence of their achievement test score at the ninety-fifth percentile or above on their school's official nomination form, and then are eligible to make formal application to the program. Final selection as an eminent young scholar is dependent upon the application information, academic transcript reflecting a commitment to excellence, a clearly exemplary portfolio of work, and a recommendation from the school principal and teacher attesting to the scholar's behavior and attitude toward learning. It is ultimately the principal's decision as to whether or not the young person is fit for the DECATS program, regardless of whether or not they meet the academic requirements.Academically gifted students need:◦To be challenged by activities which enable the scholar to operate cognitively and affectively at complex levels of thought and feeling.◦To be challenged through group and individual work which demonstrates process and product outcomes.◦To be challenged by discussions among intellectual peers.◦To be challenged by the opportunity to see inter-relationships in all bodies of knowledge.◦To be challenged by special courses in the scholar's area of strength and interest which accelerate the pace and depth of content presented.◦To be challenged by greater exposure to new areas of learning within and without the formal school structure and to develop more fully the following skills: critical thinking, creative thinking, research, problem-solving, coping, exceptionality, decision-making, and leadership.◦To be challenged to apply their abilities to real problems in the real world.The ScheduleThe DECATS Program is a three-week session. The program convenes on Monday with all classes beginning at 9AM. Courses continue for three weeks until the third Friday. Scholars must attend the full three weeks. The classes will meet for six hours each day, Monday through Friday (9AM - 3:10PM). Scholars will have more than one hundred contact hours of classroom instruction. A Scholar/Parent Orientation and Open House are held the Saturday before DECATS kicks off. The Closing Ceremony for parents and scholars will take place on the last day of DECATS. Scholars will be dismissed at the end of Closing Ceremony (half-day).The CurriculumScholars select three enrichment courses during the three-week session. While directly related to the regular archdiocesan school curriculum, this type of enrichment program, to be effective, addresses the need for a qualitatively differentiated education program for the academically gifted child. This program provides specific guidelines for enrichment of all aspects of the curriculum: content, process, product, as well as learning environment. The ProcessUsing the Triad process developed by Dr. Joseph Renzulli and emphasizing Level III activities, the DECATS program includes the curricular areas of literature, drama, social studies, mathematics, science, computer science and technology, creative writing, journalism, art, music, physical education, and creative problem solving. The affective development of the gifted child is directly addressed as scholars explore the implications of their talents in a required guidance course entitled "Perspectives." Leadership and positive risk-taking skills are taught and encouraged. Challenging work is accomplished in an informal atmosphere. Scholars wear casual clothes. There is no homework and scholars bring packed lunches.The FacilitiesDECATS takes place at St. Laurence Catholic School in Sugar Land. All classrooms are fully air-conditioned. There is access to all school facilities including gymnasium, computer lab(s), library, cafeteria, playing field and play-ground. Additionally, the cultural and scientific resources of the Sugar Land and Houston areas are within easy reach of the campus. An extended day program is offered in the morning beginning at 7:30 AM and in the afternoon until 4:30 PM.MentorsThe program is taught by distinguished professional Catholic and non-Catholic school educators who have noteworthy achievements in their areas of expertise. Maintaining a 10:1 ratio of scholars to faculty is a priority of the program.Sponsoring InstitutionThe program is underwritten through the financial generosity of Mr. Manuel DeBusk and the DeBusk Foundation (www.debuskfoundation.org), dedicated to the education of elementary gifted children. It is fully supported by the superintendent of Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.Fees and ScholarshipsThe cost of this innovative program is approximately $1000.00. The DeBusk Foundation provides a scholarship to each and every scholar for more than two-thirds of that cost. Thus, each scholar's remaining tuition is $450.00. A $150.00 registration fee is due with the completed application. In the event that an applicant is not admitted to the program, the registration fee will be refunded in full.
The CurriculumScholars select three enrichment courses during the three-week session. While directly related to the regular archdiocesan school curriculum, this type of enrichment program, to be effective, addresses the need for a qualitatively differentiated education program for the academically gifted child. This program provides specific guidelines for enrichment of all aspects of the curriculum: content, process, product, as well as learning environment. The ProcessUsing the Triad process developed by Dr. Joseph Renzulli and emphasizing Level III activities, the DECATS program includes the curricular areas of literature, drama, social studies, mathematics, science, computer science and technology, creative writing, journalism, art, music, physical education, and creative problem solving. The affective development of the gifted child is directly addressed as scholars explore the implications of their talents in a required guidance course entitled "Perspectives." Leadership and positive risk-taking skills are taught and encouraged. Challenging work is accomplished in an informal atmosphere. Scholars wear casual clothes. There is no homework and scholars bring packed lunches.The FacilitiesDECATS takes place at St. Laurence Catholic School in Sugar Land. All classrooms are fully air-conditioned. There is access to all school facilities including gymnasium, computer lab(s), library, cafeteria, playing field and play-ground. Additionally, the cultural and scientific resources of the Sugar Land and Houston areas are within easy reach of the campus. An extended day program is offered in the morning beginning at 7:30 AM and in the afternoon until 4:30 PM.MentorsThe program is taught by distinguished professional Catholic and non-Catholic school educators who have noteworthy achievements in their areas of expertise. Maintaining a 10:1 ratio of scholars to faculty is a priority of the program.Sponsoring InstitutionThe program is underwritten through the financial generosity of Mr. Manuel DeBusk and the DeBusk Foundation (www.debuskfoundation.org), dedicated to the education of elementary gifted children. It is fully supported by the superintendent of Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.Fees and ScholarshipsThe cost of this innovative program is approximately $1000.00. The DeBusk Foundation provides a scholarship to each and every scholar for more than two-thirds of that cost. Thus, each scholar's remaining tuition is $450.00. A $150.00 registration fee is due with the completed application. In the event that an applicant is not admitted to the program, the registration fee will be refunded in full.
History

HISTORY

The DECATS program was originated by a woman that we owe much to, Dr. Diane Cooper in Dallas, Texas. The DeBusk Foundation was founded by Mr. and Mrs. Manuel DeBusk on March 5, 1979 in Dallas, Texas, and the DeBusk Foundation continues to provide the grants to carry out the DECATS program each year. It was founded to serve the academically talented students in the Dallas area. However, things have changed since its origin. One of the major changes is that DECATS has spread to four other locations in the state. Our location is St. Laurence Catholic School, in Sugar Land, TX. The other four DECATS campuses are St. Rose of Lima, All Saints Episcopal School in Tyler, and Holy Spirit Episcopal School in Houston.Today DECATS offers over thirty challenging courses at each of the five campuses. Since Dr. Marty Webb opened DECATS in Houston in 1994 at Corpus Christi Catholic School, it has been held every summer. We had six wonderful years at Corpus Christi and two at the St. Laurence Campus. Although, in 2001, it was time to move on. The Corpus Christi Campus was moved to St. Laurence under the direction of Mr. John Barone, and the St. Laurence Campus relocated to John Paul II under the direction of Mrs. Debra Haney. After ten wonderful years as DECATS director, Mrs. Haney handed the reigns over to Abigail Doheny. In 2005, Mrs. Doheny held her first session at John Paul II, as DECATS director. DECATS 2007 relocated back to St. Laurence with a record 205 students. Co-directors, Mrs. Sheila Drewes and Mr. Scott Granito lead an awesome session. Every day, scholars are challenged, entertained, and interacting with one another to achieve the course objectives. DECATS participants are students from third through sixth grade from area Catholic schools. The whole program runs from 9 AM until 3:10 PM Monday through Friday for three weeks in the summer. DECATS is not a school, scholars (students) take part in rigorous courses (classes). Instead of teachers, we have very skilled Mentors.There is a parent/scholar/mentor orientation that occurs the Saturday before DECATS to introduce everyone to each other and scholars receive their schedule. A grand closing celebration takes place on the last day of DECATS to show off all of the scholars' hard work.Scholars choose three courses to take during the three-week period. A fourth course, Perspectives, is automatically chosen depending on how many years the scholar has been to DECATS. Courses fall into the categories of literature, drama, creative writing, journalism, social studies, religion, mathematics, science, technology, art, music, and problem solving.Scholars wear casual clothes and, on Tuesday and Thursday, everyone wears their DECATS t-shirt. Since DECATS is not "school," there is no homework. Everyone brings his or her own lunch every day (except on the last day of the program where dismissal is midday).

St. Laurence

DECATS Mission

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DECATS MISSION

The DeBusk Foundation provides grants of financial assistance to gifted students 12 years of age and under. Grants will be limited to the state of Texas and priority will be given to established organizations engaged in education. Grants will be made to educational organizations only for the purpose of direct enrichment of gifted students. The foundation will not normally consider such items as funding of land and improvements, buses for transportation or teacher training. Programs seeking funding must have a specific process for identifying gifted students. One criteria that MUST be met is a ranking in the 95% or above on standardized achievement test, creativity test, or reasoning test. Additional criteria may be used by individual programs. Funding will be for summer programs only. Gifted students are to attend only one summer program per year.
FAQ

FAQ

Q: What are the dates of the program?A: The program begins on June 11th and ends on June 29th. There is an orientation day on June 9th. Q: What are the hours of the DECATS program?A: The DECATS day begins at 9:00 and ends at 3:10. We do have an Extended Challenge program that begins at 7:30 and ends at 4:30.Q: How should my child dress for DECATS?A: Dress is summer casual (t-shirt, shorts and sneakers), Scholar will receive a t-shirt on orientation day. T-shirt days are Tuesday and Thursday of each week.Q: Is there homework in DECATS?A: In general, there is no homework in DECATS. Occasionally a mentor may give scholars the option to complete work at home.Q: Can the program be extended beyond 6th grade?A: No. Research indicates that the optimum time for influence in the lives of gifted students is between 3rd and 6th grade. The guidelines of the DeBusk Foundation which provides the grant for DECATS specifically targets 3rd through 6th graders. However, scholars who have graduated from DECATS often return to serve as volunteer aids in the program.Q: Will we need to purchase school supplies?A: No. All supplies are provided.Q: What happens to the portfolios?A: Portfolios of students accepted into DECATS will be shared with their Perspectives course and brought home by the scholar during the program. The portfolios will be safely stored until June. Portfolios of students not accepted into the program may be picked up at St. Laurence Catholic School by June ______. Portfolios not picked up by this date will be discarded Q: Is there an evaluation of each scholar¹s participation?A: Yes. Each mentor will provide scholars and parents with a course description and an evaluation of the success of the scholar in each class.Q: Will we have a chance to evaluate the program?A: Yes, parents will be provided an opportunity to fill out an evaluation toward the end of DECATS. This feedback is very helpful in future planning.Q: Is there refrigeration or microwave available for lunches?A: Unfortunately, no. Please provide scholars with lunches that do not require refrigeration or heating.Q: Where and when do I bring and pick up my child each day?A: Scholars are dropped off at the Dining Hall doors at 9:00 am each day and picked up in the same place each afternoon at 3:10. Those scholars attending before/after school challenge will be in the Gym. Extended Challenge times are, morning 7:30-9:00 am, and afternoon 3:10-4:30 pm. Scholars not picked up by 4:30 pm will be charged a $1.00 a minute.Q: What if my child takes medication?A: Archdiocesan policy requires a medication form signed by a physician for any medication given, both prescription and non-prescription. This form is available to you through the DECATS secretary. Meds should be brought to the DECATS office with the completed form on the first day of DECATS. Meds will be administered by the DECATS secretary.Q: Can I visit DECATS?A: Parents are encouraged to join us each morning for prayer from 9-9:15, and each afternoon for prayer and class presentations from 2:50-3:10. In addition, please join us at the DECATS closing celebration on Friday, June 30, from 9-11:30am.

DECATS Mentors

DECATS MENTORS

News

decats news

In Memoriam: Mr. Manuel DeBuskManuel DeBusk passed away peacefully on October 24, 2011, at the age of 97. During the 30 years in which he actively participated as the President of the Board and then as a Director, more than 12,000 gifted and talented children have been awarded scholarships for enrichment courses. Mr. DeBusk will be missed by all of the lives he touched and dearly remembered for his generosity, integrity, and wonderful sense of humor. There's no telling how many people will be enriched as a result of his and Edith's vision of doing something good for others. I know he touched my life and made me a better person. He may have touched yours, too. He paid it forward in more ways than can possibly be counted. He said it would trickle down from where he started, so that our future leaders could some day do great things for others. Mr. DeBusk once referred to all of the gifted and talented children as "budding geniuses". ~Kari Kolber (Foundation Secretary)
Forms

Forms

Summer 2012 Download Forms

Links

useful links

DeBusk Enrichment Center for Academically Talented Studentshttp://www.debuskfoundation.org/St. Laurence Catholic School http://www.edline.net/pages/slcsTexas Association for the Gifted and Talentedhttp://www.txgifted.org/Gifted and Talented Education Online Resourceshttp://www.nsgt.org/resources/index.asp

Our Founders

DECATS FOUNDERS

Manuel and Edith DeBusk established the DeBusk Foundation on March 5, 1979 as a means of giving financial support to charitable activities. Substantially, all monies now in the Foundation were contributed by the DeBusks because they wanted to set its goals, elect its directors and point its charitable direction while they were alive. They therefore, each provided by wills, that the survivor of them bequeaths his or her assets to the Foundation. Mrs. Edith DeBusk died on October 4, 1990. Mr. DeBusk died on October 24, 2011. The death of his wife, Edith, was followed by two marriages, to Jean Shelley Henry and subsequently to Darlena Blackwell, both of whom preceded Manuel in death. Manuel DeBusk was educated in Texas public schools, attended Wayland Junior College, Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech University) and SMU Law School. He and his wife Edith established a law firm in Dallas specializing in Mortgage and Real Estate Law. He was active in Texas politics from 1936 through 1980. His long standing interest in education and civic service led to his appointment as Chairman of the Board of Texas Technological College and Chairman of the Coordinating Board of all Texas colleges and universities. He was an International President of Cosmopolitan International, an international service club. As Chairman of the Board of the Association of Small Foundations in Washington, D.C., he promoted small foundations. He was also a Special Agent with the FBI during World War II.Edith Mann DeBusk was educated in Texas public schools and graduated from SMU Law School. She was one of the outstanding pioneer women lawyers in the State of Texas. She was International President of Altrusa International, one of the large worldwide women's service clubs. For many years her health was poor, but it did not stop her from leadership in business and service. Mrs. Edith DeBusk was a Founder of DeBusk Foundation along with her husband, Manuel DeBusk. Jean Shelley Jennings Henry DeBusk was educated in Texas public schools, Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech University) and received her Master's Degree from Texas Christian University. She taught in Texas public schools and at Hockaday Private School in Dallas. She was married to the Reverend Patrick Henry, long time Pastor of Northway Christian Church in Dallas. Rev. Henry died in 1983. She married Manuel DeBusk on January 18, 1992. Jean DeBusk served on the Board of Directors of DeBusk Foundation and endorsed wholeheartedly, the Foundation's objectives until she died on January 12, 2001. It is a pleasure to announce, during the 30 years in which Mr. DeBusk actively participated as the President of the Board and then as a Director, more than 12,000 gifted and talented children have been awarded scholarships for enrichment courses.

Manuel DeBusk

From our Director

from our director

Dear Parents:We are thrilled that your child is interested in the DECATS program at St. Laurence Catholic School. We have included an application, teacher recommendation to be given to your child’s teacher, and portfolio requirements for first year DECATS applicants. In addition to providing qualitatively different learning experiences for children with strong academic talents, DECATS helps gifted scholars to develop the skills needed to work independently, to spark and sustain interest in intellectual pursuits beyond that possible during the normal school day, to teach techniques important to gifted individuals, and to expand scholars' problem solving ability. An important facet of the program is parent education. This begins with the parent/student orientation and open house on Saturday, June 9, 2012 from 10:00-12:00 pm. Your time at St. Laurence during this three weeks will afford you the opportunity to meet other parents of gifted children, to learn techniques to deal with your child's giftedness, and to fully appreciate your child’s uniqueness. In addition, at the end of the three weeks, an evaluation describing your child's activities and progress will be sent to you and to the home school for inclusion in your child's permanent record.The DeBusk Enrichment Center for Academically Talented Scholars (DECATS) will take place June 11 – June 28, 2012. Nominees may apply ONLY if they are committed to attending the entire three-week program. Applications will be reviewed by the DECATS faculty, and you will be notified after April 1st if your child has been chosen to be a Distinguished Scholar for the 2012 DECATS program. Since we receive more applications than available spaces, we will compile a waiting list of the qualified applicants. A registration fee of $150 must accompany all forms. Please make your check or cashier’s check payable to St. Laurence Catholic School. This fee will be refunded if your child is not selected. The remaining $300 is due with the registration packet if your child is accepted. If you would like for your child to be considered for this program, please return the completed application, student questionnaire, portfolio, scholar contract, and the $150 registration fee by February 29, 2012 to: DECATS Scholar Applications2630 Austin ParkwaySugar Land, TX 77479It is a great privilege for us to serve the children of our archdiocese in this life-changing program. We look forward to receiving your application packet!In Him we trust, Debra HaneyDirector of DECATSSt. Laurence Catholic School
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Important Dates

iMPORTANT DATES

Mark your calendars...June 9 Open House/Parent Scholar orientationJune 11-June 28th DECATS session

Admission Process

Admissions Process

Fees and Scholarships

Course Descriptions

course descriptions

American Indian Pow WowWhat is the Ghost Dance? Did ETs really visit the Hopi Indians? In this study of Native Americans, you will discover the answers to these and many more intriguing questions. We will explore the rich heritage of indigenous Americans and the influence their cultures have had on the U. S. While playing Native American games and making crafts, well try our hand at different art forms, learn to communicate in new languages, and explore Native American folklore and music. Well even cook up an authentic recipe or two!Art Smart Have you ever been to an art museum and wondered what the big deal was? This just might be the course for you. We will explore the art of famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Jean Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, and Diego Rivera. We will first try to understand what their art means and explore how their lives influenced their art. We will also try to imitate their styles by creating our own simple works of art.Backyard NaturalistNature detectives will explore the beautiful and the strange creatures living nearby. Then, lure them to an urban habitat designed to keep us and nature smiling. Learn how to create or restore a wildlife habitat near you!Bystanders, Victims, and Rescuers Create butterflies and stepping-stones to commemorate the more than six million people who died during the Holocaust. Explore some films about heroes and victims. Take a tripto the Holocaust Museum. Discuss prejudices in your world and what you can do to fight them. This course is open to 5th and 6th grade scholars only.Chime In!Are you interested in making beautiful music by playing one note? Well learn to play the hand chimes! Scholars will let their musical talents ring out by learning to play these beautiful tone instruments as a part of an ensemble. Learn to read and play music in a unique and fun way while learning about the history of chimes and the composers as well. So, come on and ring those chimes!Cocoa Motion!Welcome aboard the sweet Cocoa Motion ride! Get ready to have some delicious fun with chocolate! Take a virtual tour of the Hersheys Chocolate Factory, explore the ancient world to see how they discovered chocolate, build a chocolate sculpture, design a candy bar, create your own chocolate recipe, and more! Your taste buds will thank you for this unforgettable experience! Design With the TimesCalling all creative kids: Come design your own got-to-have-it piece, from jewelry making to painting and everything in between! Together we will let our creative juices flow!Discovering Science SecretsIf you like to discover things for yourself, then this is the course for you! It might be messy and even explosive!! Youll have a great time exploring many sciences including physics, chemistry, earth science, and botany. Well make super bouncy balls and really cool hover crafts! Youll even be able to eat an experiment or two.yummmmmmm!Dress for Success: How does your faith fit?Claim your inheritance. As a Catholic you are part of a history that is over 2000 years.As a Catholic you are in line to collect the prize of everlasting eternal life. A prize that cost ONE human life. Many things happened since that day. Come and see how you fit into YOUR faith and explain what God has in store for you. This course will offer opportunities for you to discover your faith and take ownership of what already is yours.Extra! Extra! Read All About Us! Have the experience of planning, creating, publishing, and distributing a newspaper utilizing computer word processing, layout, scanner, and digital photography. Get the real scoop on the scholars and mentors of our St. Laurence DECATS summer program! This course is open to 4th, 5th & 6th grade scholars only.Fantasy Adventures Want to explore strange worlds with fascinating creatures? Solve difficult challenges? Care to defend good against an evil sorceress? Ever wanted to gain special powers? You canwith a lucky roll of the dice! Combine role-playing wits with your band of minstrels, knights, jesters, etc. to outwit the game master. This course is open to 5th & 6th grade scholars only.Get with the Beat!!!!Come and explore the world of drumming. Students will have fun learning to read, write, and play rhythms and beats on various drums from around the world. From the traditional snare drum to the Djembe from Mali, the bongos from Cuba, the native American tom tom, to the traditional drum set, students will enjoy learning drumming techniques on these drums and many more.Home is Where the Heart IsUsing software from the National Association of Home Builders, scholars enrolled in this course will build their own virtual home. Scholars will need to consider what neighborhood to build their home and what clientele they are designing the home for. Scholars are also provided a budget that they will need to allocate accordingly, so as not to leave themselves bankrupt. During the duration of this course, scholars will learn many aspects of the home design and real estate process.Human Habitat Dimension Transform a space into your own unique environment. You will sketch a house plan and choose the interior decoration style and colors that you feel will best suit the client-YOU! With the use of color, texture, and form we will design and create your dream home, ready to move in!Invention Sensation Explore the nuts and bolts of inventing. Learn about various inventors, the process involved with developing a new creation, and even attempt to build/make your own invention!Iron Chef DECATS Are you ready for a cook off challenge? Kitchen Stadium will be filled with opponents ready for battle as they face off to score the highest points in taste, presentation, and originality. Scholars will learn kitchen basics, including safety, food cleanliness, and the art of spices, recipe studies, etiquette and proper place settings. Team players with a strong stomach, wild imagination, and a healthy appetite for friendly competition should apply. Junior Apprentice-Youre Hired Much like the NBC show with Donald Trump, scholars will participate in team challenges to become the next Junior Apprentice. Challenges will range anywhere from cake decorating to providing a service for teachers. Scholars in this class will be expected to put forth effort and a positive attitude to help their team achieve as many points as possible. In the end, only one student will be awarded the title of Junior Apprentice and will hear those infamous words, Youre Hired.Just Scrap It Ready to take those photos out of the box and display them with pizzazz? Just Scrap It will help you put together an album to detail those special pictures. You will learn to use some specialized tools and scrapbooking techniques to put together an album. So, start organizing your photos that you would like to put on pages. A helpful tip would be to put the photos, mementos, notes, ticket stubs, etc. into a zip lock baggie labeled with significant who, what, when, where, and why. Well take a trip one day to Hobby Lobby to find paper and embellishments to enhance your photos. Cards, calendar pages, and bookmarks will also be offered.Know the CodeScholars, ask your parents if they remember shorthand! In this course, well be using symbols to represent sounds. In no time at all, well be writing phrases, sentences, and more! Well also have competitions, where teams will create problems for the others to solve. Youll be able to take terrific notes in this course and fascinate your family and friends. Come and learn the code!LEGO Robotics NXTThis course is an introduction to building and programming robots using the LEGO Mindstorms NXT Robotics System. Students will practice construction and programming with the NXT intelligent brick with servo style motors and ultrasonic sensor. In pairs, scholars build robots and program them with a computer to move, react, and make sounds in order to solve challenges. This course is good practice for scholars interested in robotics competitions such as FIRST LEGO League.Lets Put on a Show!Lights, Camera, Action! Do you love to be on stage? Do you sing and dance throughout your day? Is acting your scene? Then, lets put on a show! You will learn to perfect your craft and sharpen your talents while learning how to put a show together and perform for an audience. By using our talents, we will create a show stopping musical revue!Mathematical Juggling Algebra!:Get a jump on your fellow students and see why you are learning all of those math operations. It is fun to be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide better and faster than your fellow students, your parents, and others, but in this course you will get an opportunity to see some applications of those math operations. When you begin to see what you can do with numbers and their operations, hopefully you will see that it is similar to juggling numbers! Amaze your teachers with what you will be able to do!Mission to AfricaThe rich culture of Africa can be seen in its proverbs, folktales and fables. We will explore the literature, animals, and cultures of these far-off countries and reproduce some of the crafts, such as mask making, sculpture, painting, and bead work. We will also meet some outstanding missionaries who have dedicated their lives to helping the African people and participate in the missionary work of the Church.MythbustingCan humans actually spontaneously combust? Have you ever wondered if certain myths can truly, scientifically happen? Well now is your chance! Come explore the scientific world of mythbusting and have the opportunity to bust a couple myths of your own!Number SenseNumber Sense describes ideas of numbers such as the meaning of a number, ways to represent a number, relationships among numbers, and skill in working with them. Scholars will participate in a number of activities which will allow them to practice tricks in working with numbers. Problem solving strategies will also be explored in this course. Phil and Sophie & Me Learn more about your amazing self and the universal love of wisdom called philosophy. Use logic and critical thinking skills to solve puzzles and paradoxes. Explore feelings about friendship, truth, justice, time and more. Compile a personal journal of philosophers, quotes, questions, explanations, and challenges.Physical Phenomthons: Riots on a RollercoasterEver wonder how you stay in a rollercoaster as it twirls through a loppty-loop? Or why you lift off the seat as you plummet towards the ground? There here is your chance to explore the world of physics phenomthons where we are taking the science of rollercoasters to new heights! And you get to help construct parts of the rollercoaster too!Picture This! This course will offer a menu of choices for artists of photography and film. Scholars will learn the basics of digital photography and videography, as they move through projects of their choice. Scholars who choose this course should have an eye for telling stories through pictures and video. Imagination is a must! These budding artists should enjoy writing basic story lines and have time outside of the course to collect their work on film. Course time will be spent drafting ideas, drawing layouts, and editing. Scholars who have a digital camera, and know how to use it, are welcome to use theirs during the course. Digital cameras are available for those who do not have their own. If you have a tri-pod you are willing to share during DECATS please bring that as well. Scholars may complete as many projects as time allows. Radio DECATSScholars will plan, write, perform, edit, and produce a daily audio podcast showcasing the news of the day at DECATS. Scholars will learn how to use the program GarageBand, organize news stories, interview people, and manage the daily production of creating an audio podcast.Ready, Set, Fit!Do you suffer from chronic thumb aches due to over- exposure to video games? This course is designed especially for you. You'll learn healthy living choices and health-enhancing physical activities that will keep you in tip top shape. So get ready... "I like to move it, move it!"Scholars Around the WorldFaraway places are at your fingertips, so scholars; get ready to travel around the world!! New destinations await you this summer! What would it be like to go to school in Argentina? How would you celebrate your birthday in Canada? How is the daily life of a child in Russia different from yours? How is it the same? Pretend you went to a childs home in Spain. What would you want to do? What objects would you bring to your home? Why? What do you find most interesting about this child and his or her life? Explore new places around the world and understand about other cultures and the way that they live. Celebrate the culture, people, landmarks and geography of places around the world through research, videos, photographs, maps, charts, folktales, language and activities. Well start the course by planning our trip and choosing our favorite destinations .Buen Viaje! - Bon Voyage!Scholastic CafeExplore past and present visionaries who have influenced our history. Analyze works, engage in conversation, sip a tasty beverage in the comfort of a café setting. All opinions welcome.Sew What? Heres what you will experience the excitement of creating with a sewing machine. You will master basic stitches as you create fun projects. Travel to a fabric store where you will select fabrics to stitch a unique sports bag, beach bag or overnight bag. You will further master basic sewing techniques as you stitch a matching treasure pouch. Finally you will create a DECATS pillow.Sing, Sing, Sing! Scholars will learn to sing various musical styles from throughout the ages, including madrigals, classical, swing, to popular show tunes of Broadway musicals. They will learn about choral ensemble singing, blending voices, singing in parts, proper breathing, vocal techniques for singing, as well as a history of the styles and composers of the music we perform. So, come join in making a joyful noise and SING!Snakes Alive! Silent, slithering snakes will surround you! As a junior herpetologist, discover these reptile's secrets and handle them, if you dare!Super Slime Co.If it fizzes, oozes or globs, it is on the menu. Make gastric foam, milk maggots and monster snot and then devise some clever ideas to amuse and amaze your friends.Tapping Feet Buffaloes! Shuffles! Flaps! Strap on your tap shoes and lets learn beginning movements in Broadway style tap dancing. Well explore the history of this fun style of dancing and enjoy learning about some tapping legends through time. Well learn fun, challenging and exciting routines that well perform for an impressed audience.Scholars must provide their own tap shoes.The Cutting EdgeHave you ever wondered what is inside of you or any of the animals you have learned about in school? This is a hands-on opportunity to get inside some animals and learn about their anatomy. Includes many elements of grossology smell, slimy feel, weird looking organs! What could be more fun?! Virtual RealityLearn everything you need to know (well, almost everything!) for survival in the real life world of personal finances through a computer simulation game! Rent an apartment, buy your own furniture, find a job, get an advanced education, manage your time and health, buy a car, open checking and savings accounts, invest your money, buy a home, and use online banking to learn how to make it in the financial world. And, YIKES, you can even get robbed, have a car accident, and pass away if you dont take good care of your health! Team competitions will also take place to see who is the most successful!¡Viva el Español!Explore Mexico and other Latin American countries without ever leaving Houston! Learn to make tasty Mexican dishes like quesadillas and empanadas, and youll remember how to make them at home for your family as you will compile a book of recipes. You will also make fun, traditional crafts, such as an ofrenda (a memorial to a deceased individual) and get to learn more about their cultures. If you like eating at Mexican restaurants but wonder about the definitions and roots of all those words on the menu, then you will love this course!Whats the Problem?Scholars will work on solving various types of problems. We will learn how to work in groups to come up with solutions and learn strategies to solve problems on our own. We will use our math and logic skills in order to solve all types of problems.World SportsWell move beyond the baseball diamond and learn about popular sports from around the world. Students will learn the origin, history, rules and strategies for exciting sports. Of course, playing the games will be the best part of this class. We will have fun learning to play Cricket which is very popular in the Eastern countries, Bocce, which is a type of lawn bowling from Italy, as well as a few surprises. Come join the sporting fun!World Travel, Inc. Pack your bags, grab your passport, and get ready for a virtual trip around the world! You and a friend will plan a unique adventure to any destination the world has to offer. You will become your own travel agent and plan every facet of your journey. This will truly be a trip of a lifetime!
A look at our day

a look at our day

Perspectives

perspectives

Pictures

Video

decats videos

Music

decats music

We are one in the spirit

Radio DECATS

radio decats

CheckRADIO DECATS PRODUCTIONShttp://radio.decats.net/
Headphones

course descriptions

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