Starting fresh in a new school can feel overwhelming — especially when that school is also your new home. At St. Joseph’s Indian School, staff understand the importance of helping students feel connected and supported from the very beginning. That’s why the Co-Pilot Program was created: to ensure no student has to navigate their first days alone.
“The goal of Co-Pilot is to partner kids who are new to St. Joseph’s with returning students,” explained Ben, St. Joseph’s Residential Liaison. “Each student is paired with a buddy for four Co-Pilot sessions.”
Co-Pilot pairs take part in activities designed to be fun while encouraging new connections.
- 1st–4th graders receive a “My Buddy” booklet, a coloring and activity book filled with questions and prompts they can complete with their buddy.
- 5th–6th graders get a scavenger hunt that sends them around campus together, encouraging them to meet staff, try new activities, sit with new people at lunch and even sing a silly song.
“These activities are meant to happen outside of class time,” said Ben. “Part of the goal is to encourage the paired buddies to spend their free time together and create a more natural friendship.”
When students finish their booklets, they can turn them in for a wóohiye — prize — which adds an extra bit of fun.
Ben recalled a powerful moment that revealed just how meaningful this program can be.
“We were speaking about feeling homesick,” he said. “The kids were a bit hyperactive during the session, so I was feeling discouraged thinking the information may not be useful to them. Later, when I went through their writing exercises, I realized they had taken everything to heart.”
Students wrote about real strategies for easing homesickness: hanging family pictures in their rooms, calling home, visiting cousins or friends on campus and even having the courage to say “hi” first.
“From the outside looking in, I thought they weren’t absorbing it,” said Ben. “But my goodness, they were listening.”
Living on campus means navigating many “firsts.” From meeting new friends to adjusting to new routines, the transition can feel daunting. Co-Pilot gives students a safe, welcoming path into campus life.
“There is so much new information when transitioning to a new school campus, especially when you live here,” explained Ben. “The Co-Pilot Program is another opportunity for new kids to get bonded with their peers. It’s also a reminder that everyone at St. Joseph’s, at one point, was the new person.”
Staff have seen how powerful the program can be. New students who participate in Co-Pilot often feel socially integrated more quickly. And while new students may arrive nervous, many returning students eagerly ask to participate in the program as buddies.
Veronica, a current student, said, “I love hanging out with all my new friends.”
The hope is that Co-Pilot leaves students with more than just a new friendship.
“I hope they take away a stronger sense of familiarity and a feeling of safety regarding our campus home at St. Joseph’s,” said Ben.
The heart of Co-Pilot is greater than just guidance. It’s about making sure all students feel a sense of belonging and are part of our thiyóšpaye — extended family.
Learn more about St. Joseph’s Indian School by visiting stjo.org.
