St. Joseph’s Indian School Begins 99th School Year

Four boys reunite after a summer apart, sharing big smiles as they pose together for a photo.

The start of a new school year is always filled with excitement at St. Joseph’s Indian School, and this year was no exception. On August 10, students arrived on campus to begin the 99th school year. Though the horizon was hazy with smoke from Canadian wildfires, the atmosphere was nothing but bright and joyful.

As cars pulled into campus, laughter, cheers and hugs filled the parking lot. Students hopped out with wide smiles, eager to greet staff members they hadn’t seen all summer. Many parents joined in on the joyful reunions, hugging staff they remembered from their own school days at St. Joseph’s.

The day began with a stop at the for quick check-ups, followed by tours of the school and a special lunch with guardians. Then came the exciting moment — moving into campus homes. Houseparents warmly welcomed families as students wheeled in luggage, eager to make their rooms their own. The positive energy could be felt everywhere.

Evan, a Rec Center Associate, said, “Today is the big move-in day, the Sunday when everyone comes back to campus. There is always good energy around here. Seeing the kids after the summer, everyone is just enlightened for the day.”

A student flashes a cheesy grin while taking a big, delicious bite of a burger at the picnic.

The next day was set aside for students to explore campus and settle into their homes. Bikes zipped around, the playground filled with giggles and rooms began to reflect the personalities of their young residents. That evening, staff and students gathered together for a picnic, sharing food, stories and smiles under the warm summer sky.

When the first official day of school arrived on August 12, the excitement was contagious. Students walked into the school while smudging sage, a cleansing tradition that sweeps away negative energy and creates space for a fresh start. The Chalk Hills Singers — the student drum group at St. Joseph’s Indian School — performed the Lakota Flag Song, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance as a way to honor both culture and country as the school year began.

For Raeleia, a second grader, the reason St. Joseph’s is so special is simple: “St. Joe’s is really special because of the culture and the people.”

Students raise their hands in excitement, ready to high-five staff members during the Back-to-School Parade.

Before the first day of school ended, staff uplifted students with a Welcome Back Parade. Departments lined campus roads, handing out treats and cheering as students walked by.

A student at St. Joseph’s, Rukia, said, “School was really great. It was honestly fun. I had the best time. The parade was really fun. It’s good to be back with all my friends.”

For staff like Evan, the first few days set the tone for the entire year.

“By the time you hit move-in day here, it is just time to see everyone. Once you see them, they’re smiling. They’re excited to see us again. We are excited to see them again. It just sets the tone of what is always going to be a fun year,” he said. “It’s such a warm, welcoming environment to start with that really carries through the whole school year.”

As St. Joseph’s Indian School begins this school year, the community reflects with gratitude. The smiles, hugs, songs and traditions remind us how truly blessed we are. And none of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors.

Experience all the back-to-school excitement for yourself by watching this fun video!

Philámayaye thank you — for helping us create such a warm, welcoming and hope-filled start to the school year. We are so blessed to do what we do.

Learn more about St. Joseph’s Indian School by visiting stjo.org.

Sunglasses for the Soul

Just like sunglasses help us see clearly in bright light, Jesus helps us draw near to God, guiding and protecting us every step of the way.

Have you ever tried looking directly at the sun? Its brilliance is too much to take in. It’s overwhelming, powerful and even dangerous without protection. And yet, it lights our world, gives us life and helps us see everything. In many ways, God is like the sun. He is holy, radiant and perfect, far too powerful for our human eyes to look directly at.

But in His mercy, God gave us something that allows us to see Him more clearly and draw near without being burned by His divine greatness. He gave us Jesus. Continue reading “Sunglasses for the Soul”

Coming Together in Service: First-Ever Mission Day at St. Joseph’s Indian School

Staff members proudly hold up their completed tie blanket, knowing that someone in need will cherish it.

At St. Joseph’s Indian School, the mission to serve Native American children and families has always been at the heart of everything we do. This year, that mission came to life in a brand-new way with the launch of our very first Mission Day — a powerful, hands-on opportunity for staff to come together and serve not only our students, but also our surrounding communities and reservations.

Held on August 5, Mission Day was more than just a new initiative. It was a day of unity, compassion and purpose. Continue reading “Coming Together in Service: First-Ever Mission Day at St. Joseph’s Indian School”

Feeding Hope Across South Dakota

Each summer food box includes nourishing staples and bottled water, hand-packed with care and compassion for Native American families navigating food insecurity.

Under South Dakota’s vast skies, the road stretched long and endless. From the bluffs of Chamberlain to the rocky edges of Pine Ridge, a St. Joseph’s Indian School vehicle rolled along highway and gravel bearing more than just food. It carried intention, care and the invisible threads of kinship. Continue reading “Feeding Hope Across South Dakota”

Summer School: A Season of Learning and Laughter

At St. Joseph’s Indian School, summer school blends learning with laughter — a season where students explore new skills, deepen relationships and grow — mind, body, heart and spirit.

At St. Joseph’s Indian School, summer school is anything but ordinary. It’s three hours of jam-packed fun, heartfelt learning and the kind of memories that make you wish the bell never rang. Our Lakota (Sioux) students aren’t just hitting the books — they’re exploring, connecting and laughing their way through the season. Continue reading “Summer School: A Season of Learning and Laughter”

From the Plains to Palaces: St. Joseph’s Students Travel on a Life-Changing Journey to Germany

St. Joseph’s staff and students stop for a selfie in front of the beautiful Lucas Fountain in Frankfurt, Germany.

What happens when five high school students from the heart of South Dakota travel to the middle of Europe for a cultural exchange? You get a life-changing, laughter-filled adventure of friendship, growth and global perspective. Continue reading “From the Plains to Palaces: St. Joseph’s Students Travel on a Life-Changing Journey to Germany”

Art Alert! More Inspiring Pieces from St. Joseph’s Indian School

We’re happy to showcase more St. Joseph’s Indian School art to you in this second art update!

Earlier this year, we shared a peek into the art that enriches our campus and reflects the beauty of Lakota (Sioux) culture and Catholic faith. Today, we’re thrilled to share even more pieces that deserve the spotlight. These works are more than decoration — they represent our values, our history and the spirit that guides St. Joseph’s Indian School. Continue reading “Art Alert! More Inspiring Pieces from St. Joseph’s Indian School”

The Spark: A Powerful Message from St. Joseph’s Indian School

Watch the powerful message from St. Joseph’s Indian School and help keep the spark alive.

At St. Joseph’s Indian School, every Lakota (Sioux) child carries the potential to ignite a bright future. That belief is at the heart of our newest public service announcement (PSA), “The Spark”, which has been making waves across the country. As donors share their excitement about seeing it on their television screens, we want to ensure even more people experience its powerful message. Continue reading “The Spark: A Powerful Message from St. Joseph’s Indian School”

An “Eggciting” Adventure at Rising Eagle Day Camp

Campers huddle together with big smiles, capturing a moment of friendship at Rising Eagle Day Camp.

Summer fun was in full swing at Rising Eagle Day Camp. For four weeks, children from Lower Brule and Crow Creek reservations were bused to and from St. Joseph’s Indian School for an experience filled with laughter, learning and … eggs? Yes, eggs! Continue reading “An “Eggciting” Adventure at Rising Eagle Day Camp”

From Seeds to Sweet Success: Second Graders Dig into Business

The second-grade class smiles for a photo as they open for business, selling plants to staff to learn about money management.

This spring, the second-grade class at St. Joseph’s Indian School discovered a little dirt and a few seeds can grow more than just plants — they can grow life lessons, too. Continue reading “From Seeds to Sweet Success: Second Graders Dig into Business”