Fr. Steve’s updates

Monday, March 1, 2010

It’s not exactly a heat wave, but after many gray days, the sun shone brightly and the temperatures climbed into the mid 30’s. You could hear the sound of water gently running towards the Missouri River as the melting slowly begins.

I ditched the car and walked around campus for meetings.

Sunshine not only brightens the day, but is good for the soul.

Sunshine not only brightens the day, but is good for the soul.

I made the rounds at school today. There were no big events, just the daily learning that develops skills students will need for later. Our second graders were working on vocabulary words relating to government.

Macey was having difficulty recognizing the  word “allegiance” until I hinted that she says the word every morning at the start of the school day! “Oh yeah,” she said. “I pledge allegiance. . .” 

The other second grade class was learning about pronouns and sixth grade about suffixes, while the fourth grade class was in the kitchen learning how to make popcorn balls for their Personal Living Skills class.

In the office I ran into Amber’s mom, who lives over two hours away. She was here for a Case Service Plan meeting.

Each quarter, every student and their family meets with their teacher, a houseparent and their counselor to talk about how they are doing, making sure everyone has the same goals for helping the student learn and succeed. It’s best when families can come in and join in person, but sometimes they join the conference by phone. We work hard to find ways to network with families, even at a distance.

After school the students were outside in force, shooting baskets, sledding, making snowmen from the slushy wet mix. One of our houseparents, Frank, remarked that when the students are able to spend more time outside, the incidents of arguing and conflict go down proportionally.

A little sunshine goes a long way!

Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future.

7 thoughts on “Fr. Steve’s updates”

  1. Hi Fr. Steve, It sounds like you are doing real good, keep up the good work. The kids are having fun and learning alot , thats great. Its good to hear that the parents are coming to be there to, even though some have to come a real long distance. God Bless you Angie & Kenny

  2. Fr. Steve,

    I was so sad to hear about your illness. You help the children at St. Joseph’s so much– it seems unfair that such a good person as youself should be hit with this terrible sickness. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You will recover–try to find something to laugh about each day.
    Never lose your sense of humor no matter how hard it gets. This will give you strength. I know many people like myself are praying for you at this difficult time in your life’s journey. What you are going through now will make you stronger. I will be thinking about you every day.

    My deepest affection.

    Ellen Johns

  3. You sound so upbeat! I was very happy to read your blog today. I was at the doctors today myself. I will send you a more private message later. God bless you in your ministry – and be assured of my prayerful support.

  4. Hi Fr. Steve!

    Kids are the same everywhere…let them out to play and peace exists when they come in!

  5. Father Steve
    That sunshine can do wonders. that is why they write so many songs about it I guess. ha! I know my pets like it as much as i do. Good to see your enjoying the day today. It always helps you feel better when the sun is out. We are suppose to have weather this weekend in the 40’s. Alright. Let the spring come upon us. hope your week goes great. God Bless – your extended family!! Mike and Kathy Clapper

  6. Sunshine is sometikmes the best news we all can have..! We are getting some here in Omaha now, and it’s like a new world of light and life..! Spring seems to be springing everywhere ! If we do have a few
    more gloomy days, they won’t seem so gloomy, with all of the sunshine in our hearts,now..!
    We see the sunshine is reflecting through you, too. Keep up the good work…
    You are truly God’s Blessing to the world..!
    Love and Hugs..
    Mia and Bob

  7. Fr. Steve,

    St. Joseph patron saint of the school is also the patron saint of good health. With all the hard work you have done and continue to do St. Joe have no choice but make you well so you can do more great things for the children. I pray to him everyday and you are now in it.

    Wishing you a quick and total victory over this trial. God is good.

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