St. Joseph’s Indian School Introduces Newest Members of HAPI Homes

A St. Joseph’s Indian School student shares a special bond with a HAPI Homes dog. Whether providing comfort, encouraging confidence or simply enjoying playtime, these four-legged companions make life a little brighter every day!

Homes are brighter when they come with a built-in tail-wagging, belly-rubbing, unconditional-loving family member, right? The Lakota (Sioux) students and staff at St. Joseph’s Indian School certainly think so!

We’re thrilled to introduce you to three of our newest members of the Houseparents And Pets In (HAPI) Homes program — Cowboy, Mr. Bones and Ruby. These lovable pups aren’t just adorable faces; they play a key role in offering emotional support, teaching responsibility and maybe sneaking in a few extra snuggles. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Indian School Introduces Newest Members of HAPI Homes”

A Day to Remember, A Time to Heal: Honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives at St. Joseph’s Indian School

Students participated in a walk to American Creek Park to raise awareness of MMIR in the Chamberlain community.

On a warm spring day when the cherry trees released a soft, sweet scent into the air, St. Joseph’s Indian School held a sacred prayer service to honor and remember Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Awareness Day. Continue reading “A Day to Remember, A Time to Heal: Honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

Celebrating Nurse Appreciation Day at St. Joseph’s Indian School

The health and wellness team at St. Joseph’s Indian School includes: a Director of Health and Wellness, Nurses (5), a Health and Wellness Coach/Red Cross CPR/Life Guard trainer, a Health Center Transport and a Health Center Receptionist. All play a vital role in caring for the children at St. Joseph’s!

At St. Joseph’s Indian School, our nurses and health support staff do so much more than treat colds and check temperatures. They are an essential part of our campus community, caring for students in ways that go beyond medicine. Whether offering a comforting presence when a child is not feeling well or ensuring every student gets the healthcare and wellness-related services they need, their dedication helps children focus on learning, playing and growing.

Today, on Nurse Appreciation Day, we want to take a moment to celebrate these incredible professionals and thank them for the difference they make every single day. Continue reading “Celebrating Nurse Appreciation Day at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

Honoring Our Unsung Heroes: St. Joseph’s Indian School Teachers

A St. Joseph’s Indian School teacher shares an engaging lesson with students, making education feel exciting and accessible.

At St. Joseph’s Indian School, education isn’t just about textbooks and test scores — it’s about transformation. It’s about meeting students where they are, guiding them through their unique learning journeys and helping them discover their true potential.

Behind every student’s success is a teacher who believes in them, supports them and never gives up. Continue reading “Honoring Our Unsung Heroes: St. Joseph’s Indian School Teachers”

Barnyard Bonds: How Animals Bring Joy at St. Joseph’s Indian School

Welcome to the world! Students at St. Joseph’s Indian School cradle newly hatched chicks, sharing in the joy of new life on campus.

Cheep-cheep!

Hmm, that’s not a sound you usually hear in the Equine Therapy Center at St. Joseph’s Indian School …

Cheep-cheep!

There is it again! You see, for the time being, St. Joseph’s barn isn’t just a place for horses, emotional healing and hay — it’s a hub of excitement. Driven by a lifelong love of animals, Mark, St. Joseph’s Equine Specialist Assistant, has made a point to introduce Lakota (Sioux) students to the wonders of farm life, one baby chick at a time. Continue reading “Barnyard Bonds: How Animals Bring Joy at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

70 Years of Compassion: A Legacy of Giving to St. Joseph’s

Robert (left) and Yolanda (right) stand with Laura (center), St. Joseph’s Indian School’s Major Gifts Manager, during a recent trip Laura took to visit them in their home.

In the heart of South Dakota lies St. Joseph’s Indian School, a school dedicated to empowering Lakota (Sioux) children and families for life — mind, body, heart and spirit. Among its most steadfast supporters are Robert and Yolanda, a couple whose commitment to St. Joseph’s spans more than seven decades! Their journey of generosity is a testament to the transformative power of empathy and faith. Continue reading “70 Years of Compassion: A Legacy of Giving to St. Joseph’s”

An Easter Message from St. Joseph’s Indian School

Students at St. Joseph’s Indian School received the sign of the cross on their foreheads during Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent. The ashes serve as a reminder of faith, repentance and the journey toward Easter.

Easter reminds us of God’s presence and enduring love. It is about renewal and rebirth, forgiveness and blessings.

As the joyous season of Easter dawns upon us, we at St. Joseph’s Indian School want to take a moment to reflect on the blessings your generosity brings into the lives of the Lakota (Sioux) children. Your support is not just a gift; it is a reflection of love and hope — the very essence of Easter. Continue reading “An Easter Message from St. Joseph’s Indian School”

St. Joseph’s Annual Staff vs. Students Basketball Game Brings Big Smiles

Cheering crowds, creative plays, and plenty of laughter made this year’s Staff vs. Students basketball game a slam dunk for fun and community spirit at St. Joseph’s Indian School.

March Madness reached new heights at St. Joseph’s Indian School on March 26 as our students and staff took to the court for the annual Staff vs. Students basketball game — a tradition filled with laughter, energy and unforgettable moments. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Annual Staff vs. Students Basketball Game Brings Big Smiles”

St. Joseph’s Third Graders Bring History to Life with Wax Museum

A St. Joseph’s Indian School third grader transformed into their chosen historical figure and shared their story with parents, teachers and classmates during the Wax Museum project showcase.

At St. Joseph’s Indian School, our third-grade students recently took a remarkable journey through time as they participated in a Wax Museum project. With a blend of creativity and curiosity, the young Lakota (Sioux) learners brought to life some of history’s most iconic figures in an unforgettable way. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Third Graders Bring History to Life with Wax Museum”

A Journey of Firsts: Roxy and Ava Experience Florida through a St. Joseph’s Donor Event

Two St. Joseph’s Indian School students, Roxy and Ava, took the trip of a lifetime to Florida to meet donors and explore new places.

St. Joseph’s Indian School students, Roxy and Ava, stepped onto the airplane, their eyes wide with excitement and just a hint of nervousness. The hum of the engines filled the cabin as they buckled their seatbelts, gripping the armrests in anticipation. Continue reading “A Journey of Firsts: Roxy and Ava Experience Florida through a St. Joseph’s Donor Event”