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.

St. Joseph’s Indian School welcomes students, families with Back-to-School Picnic

“Look! I’m a kitty-cat!” exclaimed Darliss, a St. Joseph’s Indian School student, as she pointed to her ears.

However, she wasn’t pointing to her own, God-given ears, but rather the kitten ears painted on her forehead. The ears were coupled with whiskers stretched across her cheeks and a black nose. The Native American student had just gotten her face painted during the Back-to-School Picnic, hosted by St. Joseph’s Indian School, to welcome students and their families back to campus on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017. Continue reading “St. Joseph’s Indian School welcomes students, families with Back-to-School Picnic”

Martina – Army Achievement Medal

Martina, an alumna of St. Joseph’s Indian Schools graduating class of 2016, was recently awarded the Army Achievement Medal.

Martina attended St. Joseph’s for eleven years and was very involved in the St. Joseph’s and Chamberlain High School communities.

We are so very proud of her!

PFC Martina Hawk was recently award the AAM , The Army Achievement Medal.  Private First Class Martina H. Hawk, currently stationed in Hawaii, received this medal “For exceptionally meritorious achievement while assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 65th Brigade Engineer Battalion During PTA Range Density. PFC Hawk’s commitment to excellence, dedication to duty and technical expertise made her a valuable asset to the unit and contributor to mission success. PFC Hawk’s actions reflect credit upon herself, the “Renegade” Company, The “Bayonet” Battalion, The “Warrior” Brigade, and the United States Army.” 
Continue reading “Martina – Army Achievement Medal”

A Time for Lunch, A Time to Learn…

Hi! I’m Nicole. I am one of the Family Service Counselors at St. Joseph’s Indian School.

Family Service Counselors wear many hats—not only do we provide clinical mental health counseling, conduct guidance lessons in the school and assist with student issues in the homes – we are also the main contact for our students’ parents and guardians. Continue reading “A Time for Lunch, A Time to Learn…”

Focusing on the future…

Though some things ended with graduation mid-May, others have kept moving along… helping us focus on the future and what comes next!

STEP-UP DAY

Before the end of the school year, our students got the chance to visit the classrooms they will be in next year on what we call ‘Step Up Day!’

FIELD DAY

During the last week of school, our 1st-8th grade students participated in Field Day. Field Day is an annual St. Joseph’s event that helps our students burn off a bit of energy and make a few extra fun memories before the school year culminates. After the Field Day activities, our students were able to watch a movie at the local movie theatre. Continue reading “Focusing on the future…”

A time for endings… a time for new beginnings!

Whew!  It’s all over.

Our 89th school year has come to a close with the graduation of our high school students on Mother’s Day and our 8th graders on May 26.  On May 25 and 26, all students returned home to their families for the summer.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

Our four high school graduates—Justin, Danielle, Lilly and Ashley—joined their classmates to walk across the stage, receive their diplomas and take the first steps into their futures.  Justin is looking forward to learning how to weld, Danielle will study nursing, Lilly is interested in Astrophysics and Ashely is currently undecided.  We wish our grads all the best as they walk the path the Great Spirit opens before them. Continue reading “A time for endings… a time for new beginnings!”

A recap of the last few weeks at St. Joseph’s Indian School!

Good day from St. Joseph’s Indian School!

As the school year wound down throughout the month of May, our students kept active!  Many of the Homes took their year-end trips to Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Pierre or Minnesota.  The various classes also took day trips to visit local points of interest.

Though the students always get excited about going off campus to visit various sites, they also like to be involved in what is happening in the local Chamberlain-Oacoma area.

CIRCUS

In mid-April, the Chamberlain Big Bend Shrine Club Circus came to town.  The students were excited about having the chance to ride an elephant, camel or pony.  They also were excited about seeing clowns and the acts of the circus performers—especially those working with lions and tigers. Continue reading “A recap of the last few weeks at St. Joseph’s Indian School!”

A trip they will never forget!

Hello, I’m Frank. I currently serve as the 7-8 Grade Residential Coordinator at St. Joseph’s.

In April, St. Joseph’s traveled to New Orleans for a donor luncheon. Each time St. Joseph’s host a donor luncheon, two students are chosen to travel along. This gives our students a unique opportunity to see the country and meet many people who so generously support them!

Let me tell you a little about the preparations on our end… Continue reading “A trip they will never forget!”

There’s many things going on at St. Joseph’s!

Greetings from St. Joseph’s Indian School,

SACRAMENTS

This past Sunday was a very grace-filled day for St. Joseph’s as 27 of our students, who had been studying since September, received the Sacraments. Nineteen students were fully initiated through Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion.  Two students, previously baptized in another Christian tradition, made a profession of faith in the Catholic Church, were confirmed and received First Communion. Six others who were baptized Catholic as infants, made their First Communion. Continue reading “There’s many things going on at St. Joseph’s!”

Holy Week at St. Joseph’s

Happy Holy Week from St. Joseph’s Indian School!

What is the old adage, ‘if you don’t like the weather just wait a few moments?’ That has been the truth here in Chamberlain these past few days. It was in the 80’s on Saturday and then on Monday, the temperatures dropped to the low 30’s along with rain, sleet and snow. On Tuesday, most of the snow melted and on Wednesday, the weather was overcast and rainy. The moisture is allowing the grass to green-up nicely!

WAX MUSEUM
Last Friday, our 3rd graders hosted a ‘wax museum’. Continue reading “Holy Week at St. Joseph’s”

Odds and Ends at St. Joseph’s Indian School!

Good day from St. Joseph’s Indian School.

I thought I’d write about a few odds-and-ends of what has been happening here on campus and in the local community.

FISHING

Last Friday, I was driving back to campus and came across one of our local motels that had their sign up saying “No Vacancy.” Continue reading “Odds and Ends at St. Joseph’s Indian School!”