St. Joseph’s Students Explore Faith and Future at Notre Dame

Walking the grounds of the University of Notre Dame during the AICSN Middle School Pilgrimage became an opportunity for students to see higher education as a path that could truly belong to them.

Some moments help students see a wider horizon than they knew existed. For four St. Joseph’s Indian School middle schoolers, stepping onto the University of Notre Dame campus became one of those moments — a chance to deepen their faith, imagine their futures and connect with Native American peers walking similar paths. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Students Explore Faith and Future at Notre Dame”

Senior Suitcase: St. Joseph’s Graduates Shop for the Future

Ten St. Joseph’s Indian School graduates shop for their futures, each using $500 as they step into their next chapter.

“I am in line to check out everything for my future right now,” Delante said as he looked down at a shopping cart piled high with essentials for adulthood.

His words summed up what every student pushing a cart that day was feeling — this wasn’t just shopping, it was the beginning of adulthood. Continue reading “Senior Suitcase: St. Joseph’s Graduates Shop for the Future”

Learning from the Land: Harvesting Sage and Sweetgrass

A St. Joseph’s Indian School student proudly holds up her freshly cut sweetgrass.

Lakota (Sioux) summer school students at St. Joseph’s Indian School recently traded desks for fresh air during a special visit to the Medicine Wheel Garden at the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center. This special lesson came with sunshine, drum music and a chance to harvest sacred plants. Continue reading “Learning from the Land: Harvesting Sage and Sweetgrass”

Students Explore Faith, Service and Discovery at Summer Institute

A group of four St. Joseph’s Indian School students participated in the Summer Institute, a partnership event of our Schools in Collaboration with other Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJ) schools across North America.

Some journeys shape students long before they return home. For four St. Joseph’s Indian School students, a week in Milwaukee, Wisc., became more than a trip. It became a chance to see themselves as part of something larger — a wider SCJ family woven together by faith, learning and shared purpose. Continue reading “Students Explore Faith, Service and Discovery at Summer Institute”

Pedal to the Metal: St. Joseph’s Bookmobile

Bookmobile Intern Alexandra (right) refills the shelves with books before the Bookmobile travels throughout South Dakota.

Every summer, the St. Joseph’s Indian School Bookmobile hits the road with a purpose: bringing free books, needed supplies and friendly visits to Native American children, families, current students and alumni throughout South Dakota.

Over the course of the summer, the Bookmobile traveled Continue reading “Pedal to the Metal: St. Joseph’s Bookmobile”

Light That Lasts Beyond the Fireworks: A St. Joseph’s Indian School Prayer

Sending you a blessed Independence Day greeting from St. Joseph’s Indian School.

As fireworks brighten the sky each 4th of July, we’re reminded how even a brief spark can lift our eyes, warm our spirits and bring people together. But long after the last shimmer fades, another kind of light remains — one that doesn’t crackle or roar, yet guides us just the same. Continue reading “Light That Lasts Beyond the Fireworks: A St. Joseph’s Indian School Prayer”

More Than Summer Fun: Why Rising Eagle Day Camp Matters

Rising Eagle Day Camp gives Native American children the chance to enjoy a fun-filled summer at no cost to families.

For decades, Rising Eagle Day Camp (REDC) has been an important part of summer for Lakota (Sioux) children and their families. But in today’s world, where screens and technology are increasingly part of everyday life, summer camp matters more than ever. Continue reading “More Than Summer Fun: Why Rising Eagle Day Camp Matters”

Best Day Ever: Field Day at St. Joseph’s Indian School

A few St. Joseph’s Indian School students said that Field Day was “THE BEST DAY EVER!”

On the last day of school, Thursday, May 21, Lakota (Sioux) students at St. Joseph’s Indian School spent the afternoon enjoying all kinds of outdoor games and activities during our annual Field Day event. From long jump and obstacle courses to parachute games and water activities, students were laughing and running all afternoon long. Continue reading “Best Day Ever: Field Day at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

Small Packages, Big Impact: St. Joseph’s Sends Heartfelt Finals Week Care Packages

Alumni Relations and Major Gifts staff gather around tables filled with treats and self care items as they assemble more than 30 finals week care packages for St. Joseph’s alumni in college.

Finals week can feel like a marathon made entirely of late‑night study sessions, too much coffee and the occasional bundle of nerves that come and go throughout college. But for more than 30 St. Joseph’s Indian School alumni currently in college, this spring brought a bright, unexpected boost: a cheerful care package from St. Joseph’s Indian School. Continue reading “Small Packages, Big Impact: St. Joseph’s Sends Heartfelt Finals Week Care Packages”

Fifth Graders Blast Off with STARBASE STEM Adventures

The smile on this student’s face sums up the unforgettable experiences our fifth graders had during a week full of STARBASE STEM activities!

Learning took on a whole new form for our fifth-grade students during a special week with the STARBASE Program at St. Joseph’s Indian School. STARBASE — short for Science and Technology, Academics, Reinforcing, Basic Aviation and Space Exploration — certainly has a long name, which is why the acronym is so helpful! Through hands-on STEM activities focused on science, technology, engineering and math, Lakota (Sioux) students spent the week discovering just how fun learning can be. Continue reading “Fifth Graders Blast Off with STARBASE STEM Adventures”