Q:  What are the dates of the 2024 program?

A:  The program begins on Monday, June 11, and ends on Thursday, June 28.  There is an orientation date on Saturday, June 8th.

 

Q:  What are the hours of the DECATS program?

A;  The DECATS day begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:05 p.m.  We do have an Extended Challenge program that begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. This program is available at an additional charge.

 

Q: How much does DECATS cost?

A: Tuition for Summer 2024 is $700. There is an additional fee for the Extended Challenge Program, which is open from 7:30-9:00 a.m. and 3:00-4:30 p.m. The fee for the Extended Challenge is a flat rate of $150 for the use of the program during the three weeks or $75  for just morning or afternoon care. Extended Care payments and their application fee will need to be paid at the start of the program.

 

Q: How should my child dress for DECATS?

A: Dress is summer casual (t-shirt, shorts, and sneakers), with designated DECATS t-shirt days on Tuesdays and Thursdays 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 target 3rd through 6th graders.  However, scholars who have graduated from DECATS often return to serve as scholar aids in the program.

 

Q: Will we need to purchase school supplies?

A: No.  All supplies are provided unless a scholar wants to bring in additional supplies. The “Just Scrap It” course does require the purchase of a scrapbook.

 

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 for future planning.

 

Q: Is there refrigeration for lunches?

A: Unfortunately, there is limited space available.  Please provide scholars with lunches that do not require refrigeration.

 

Q: Is there a microwave for lunches?

A: Yes, scholars may use the microwave to heat their lunches.

 

Q: Where and when do I bring and pick up my child each day?

A: Scholars should be brought to DECATS each morning between 8:45 and 9:00 a.m. through the carpool line.  Scholars should report immediately to the dining hall.  Scholars should be picked up in the same place each afternoon at 3:05 p.m.  Those scholars attending the before/after school challenge be in the school gym between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. and should be picked up between 3:05 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

 

Q: What if my child takes medication?

A: An archdiocesan medical form is available to you at this meeting.  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 a.m. and each afternoon for prayer and class presentations from 2:40-3:05 p.m., both in the gym.  In addition, please join us at the DECATS closing celebration on Thursday, June 29, from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

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