Fr. Steve’s updates

I ate supper with the David Home girls. Afterwards, I experienced a battle of the books. I tried to get two first graders to take turns reading, but they were not in a very sharing kind of mood.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Today, I had the usual meetings with the Director of Child Services and the Child Services Team. As we wrap up the last three weeks of school, everyone is getting in full gear for the summer.

As soon as school is out, we start a seven week smorgasbord of summer programs. The high school program has the most complicated schedule to coordinate. Our students come and go to a variety of camps, jobs and summer classes.

We also had our monthly Strategic Protection Committee meeting, which deals with issues of campus security ranging from preventing accidents to monitoring access to campus and the homes. We place a premium on staff and student safety.

There are so many trainings our staff do that I forget about until being reminded. The college students who will work on maintenance crew for the summer need a defensive driving course.

Other staff need a refresher course in lawnmower and forklift safety. I appreciate that our supervisors make sure those happen.

I ate supper with the David Home girls. Afterwards, I experienced a battle of the books. I tried to get two first graders to take turns reading, but they were not in a very sharing kind of mood.

Both Sasha and Jasmine wanted my full attention. First graders are sometimes hard to reason with, so both girls read different stories out loud on either side of me, a competition in stereo. But, they both seemed OK with that, so I just bounced back and forth to listen as I could and to help or correct where needed.

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.

4 thoughts on “Fr. Steve’s updates”

  1. O my gosh..!How well you understand kids..! You will never realize how far the influence of that reading session goes..and it will last all of their lives..! You believed that all you werre doing was listening to two little girls read..actually, you were teaching generations to love and respect all of life.
    Thank You, man of excellence and humility..
    Love and prayers..
    Mia and Bob

  2. Fr.Steve,
    I am humbled when I realize how much of yourself you give to the children in your care. I am blessed with my own children and grandchildren and I am happy to be able to make an occasional donation to help with your work. I wish I could do more.
    Know that my prayers are for your speedy and complete recovery.

  3. Hard to believe the school year is coming to a close so soon! How fun it must have been to have book reading in stereo!!! Sometimes you just have to let the kids do what they want, very cute!

    Take care Fr. Steve. You are in our prayers.

    Jim & Marianne

  4. Dear Father Steve,

    You are very inspiring although you are facing many challenges right now. I want you to know that I am praying for a full recovery. Keep your positive attitude. It was an honor meeting you in September of 2008, and I shall never forget my experiences in South Dakota.
    Sending many blessings, and healing thoughts and prayers,
    With much love, and light,
    Jeannie

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