The end of the school year is quickly approaching at St. Joseph’s!
As always, there are many extra activities occurring before we dismiss for the summer, which keep the Lakota children (and their teachers!) very busy. In reading, we have finished up our first unit on poetry.
This was a big change from our previous units on nonfiction informational texts. Everyone seem to enjoy the change. In the next couple of weeks, students will be putting their knowledge to the test and engage in the art of writing a few short poems. I always enjoy seeing their imaginations come alive!
Last week, we had some visitors from the Mission Education Conference come into our classroom. We decided it would be fun to see what they knew about the elements of poetry, so we made up a bingo game using poetry terms.
Our Native American students and visitors helped each other out; everyone had a good time and it proved to be a good learning tool for the students and visitors as well!
~ Linea – 6th – 8th grade reading teacher
The Lakota students and Mission Education visitors helped each other play bingo with poetry terms.
This is Nancy the Nurse reporting in from St. Joseph’s Health Center. Ahhh yes, spring is here! Bring on the sunburns and mosquito bites. Ok, I may be jumping ahead a bit… The mosquitoes are still wearing their winter coats, but the sun is blessing us with longer hours and warmer weather (after the big spring storm, anyway). The Lakota children at St. Joseph’s Indian School are now riding their bikes, participating in track and dodging facial blows from the tether ball, baseball, basketball, T-ball, whiffle ball, football, and golf ball. Life is good!
The flu season had a short run and not too furious. Around 30 of our Native American children ended up with the flu this winter. High School sports took a toll on knees and fingers. It seemed there were more of these injuries than usual. Most of the Lakota students have healed nicely, but there are a few still in physical therapy.
Bones aren’t the only thing breaking around here. We’ve had too many broken pair of eye glasses to count! They just don’t make ’em like they used to. Oh wait, I guess those goofy- looking, thick plastic frames are coming back in style… We’ll have to encourage more children to choose that kind. J The eye doctor’s receptionist keeps a kind, but frozen smile on her face every time we bring in a pair for repair.
The Lakota students always wear helmets and other safety equipment when playing.
So what else is going on at the Health Center? We are seeing students with strep throat, colds and an occasional stomach virus. We had a student who needed an appendectomy this fall and another one this spring. I hope we are done with that!
We are also finishing up the children’s dental work at Dr. Daily’s office in Chamberlain. That makes the children VERY happy. So, that’s a little summary of the last several months.
So what can we expect the next couple months before school is out? Although safety is a big priority around here, there will likely be another broken something or other, a scraped knee or elbow and a set of stitches across someone’s skin. Did I say life is good? IT IS!
Enjoy your spring everyone! And remember to duck if you see a ball coming your way.
Hi! I am Dianne G., Administrative Assistant at the school. I haven’t blogged for awhile so I will fill you in with my news. I actually have missed quite a bit of work in January and February—my husband received a kidney transplant on January 3 and he was hospitalized in Omaha, Nebraska, for a total of 30 days. Our prayers were answered and e is now doing well and recuperating at home!
I was totally out of the loop for awhile, but now am back!
Earlier this fall, I was selected along with one of our houseparents to accompany three of our Lakota students on a trip to Washington, D.C. — a fantastic gift from one of St. Joseph’s donors!
We left early on a Saturday morning (we got up at 4:00 a.m.!!) and flew to D.C. Two of the girls had never flown before so it was a new experience for them, as was the entire trip to everyone but me (I went to D.C. last June with my son and his family).
I was so glad that I had been there before as it helped me to plan the itinerary for the trip. We were five very busy people. As soon as we got to our hotel and unloaded our luggage, we walked to the Hard Rock Café and had a scrumptious supper along with a fun-filled dining experience. We then went to Union Station to pick up our tickets for the Moonlight Monument Tour.
D.C. is a beautiful sight at night—all the memorials that were lit up were awesome. We also drove past Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, the Capital, the Supreme Court and made stops at three of the memorials. The girls were amazed how large Lincoln’s statue was in his memorial.
While touring we saw the President’s helicopter flanked by two other helicopters heading for the White House! Our tour guide provided us with historical facts and trivia questions. Such a great time!
The next day, we went to the Holocaust Museum which made such an impression on the girls—we all had tears in our eyes. Then on to the American History Museum where we saw Dorothy’s ruby red slippers, Kermit the Frog, the flag that the Star Spangled Banner was written about and so much more!
We walked around the White House and took tons of pictures. We went to the P.O.V. Terrace, which is at the top of the W Hotel, where we could see all of Washington from above.
Later on, we dressed up for dinner, which was fun, and ended up eating hamburgers and fries!! Our girls gave their uneaten fries to a homeless person who they saw outside the restaurant.
On our last full day, we went to the National Museum of the American Indian, where the girls played interactive games and crafts and received stamps on their “passports.” We had a little snack there after seeing an awesome movie about the different tribes and then walked to the Dirksen Building (in the rain).
We went to South Dakota Senator Thune’s office, where we had scheduled a tour of the Capitol and hoped to meet Senator Thune. We had a great tour guide and learned a lot of the history of the capitol, along with some fun information like the whispering spot where we could hear our guide from across the room! We did not get to meet Senator Thune as he had flown home to South Dakota when the Senate recessed. We were disappointed about that.
After that we headed to Union Station where we ate some delicious sandwiches and rested our feet for a little while. We then caught a taxi and headed for the Spy Museum where we were involved in solving a mystery! Wow! After all this activity we were T-I-R-E-D.
We spent the rest of the evening packing our things and resting our weary bones. We flew out the next day and spent a lot of time in airports—seeing the sights there also. All of us had such a great time but were ready to come home and see our families. Heidi and I took the kids home after arriving in Chamberlain around 10:00 p.m., so it was a late night for us.
What a wonderful experience! We are very thankful for such a great trip!
Vilencia sits at the President’s desk in the Oval Office!The girls dressed up for their tour of the Capitol Building.A highlight of the trip was the National Museum of the American Indian.
Things have been heating up in Personal Living Skills (PLS) class this last month! St. Joseph’s sixth, seventh and eighth grade Lakota students have been busy in the kitchen, planning menus, and preparing foods.
We put lots of emphasis on how to plan nutritious meals, making wise food choices when shopping, and how to store foods properly.
Our Native American students also learn how to follow recipes, which includes reading food preparation directions and measuring ingredients. Then, of course, we give it a try! Some of their favorite labs have been pizza Stromboli, fry bread, donuts, pumpkin French toast, Butterfinger cake, and fruit smoothies.
A great meal also includes proper table etiquette. Setting the table is an important part of meal preparation, especially in a formal setting. When our students are faced with the dilemma of three forks, they will know which one to use!
Learning to read a recipe and measure ingredients are important first steps.The flour can get away from you if you’re not careful!
St. Joseph’s REC Center is always a busy place during the school year and especially during the winter months. Andy, Mark, Bev, Shelly and I have our hands full during that time. It is, however, a different look during spring break.
St. Joseph’s boys’ basketball teams play in January and February.
Spring break for the Lakota boys and girls gives us time to catch up on many things that we don’t have time for in January and February. A lot of “little things” take place such as deep cleaning and organizing equipment. This spring break was no exception. With the addition of a handicap bathroom stall, we had extensive cleaning in both the REC Center office area and bathroom area. The additional bathroom is a great addition to the building and will be greatly utilized by St. Joseph’s staff, students, families visitors.
We did have one spring break home on campus, so there was still some normal activity. Each day, they scheduled time in the gym, pool, weight room or game room. They also borrowed DVD’s and games to enjoy during break.
Another nice part of break is planning upcoming activities for the Lakota students. The REC Center provides lots of programs and activities for the children from now through the end of the school year. The time it all gets put together is during spring break!
Now that the Native American students have returned to St. Joseph’s, we will start track for the sixth, seventh and eighth grade students, T-Ball for the first through third graders, and softball for all the homes in grades 4-8! All these activities will wrap up in the middle of May.
In addition to activities for everyone, we have several staff and students we will be working with individually for wellness/health workouts.
All in all, spring break is nice and welcomed by everyone. It is bitter sweet, however – we get a little break from the daily grind, but we also know it means the end of the school year is near.
Thanks for your support and have a happy Spring!
The REC Center offers activities like wrestling and tumbling for the younger Lakota students.Each spring, the REC Center plans field day for all the Lakota children.
Greetings once again from the banks of the Missouri River!
We hope that you and yours had a very blessed, peaceful and happy Easter.
Things were a bit quiet this past weekend since the Lakota (Sioux) students were away for the Spring/Easter break. They’ll be returning today and we’ll have an Easter egg hunt later this afternoon.
Fr. Steve is on his way back from Florida, so I have the chance to bring you up-to-date on what’s been going on.
I was able to help with Holy Thursday services at St. Michael’s in Kennebec, South Dakota, which is about 30 miles west of us here in Chamberlain. It is one of the mission parishes covered by our pastoral team at the Lower Brule Indian Reservation. I enjoyed having the chance to celebrate with the community there.
I concelebrated Easter Vigil at St. James in Chamberlain, helping Fr. Guy Blair, SCJ. One of our houseparents had been part of their RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program this past year and joined the church at the Vigil.
It was an honor to take part in the service and helped get me excited since our RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) will have its celebration this coming Sunday, when 18 of our Native American students receive the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation.
Easter Day was quiet and relaxing. I had Mass for St. Joseph’s students staying in the break Home (those who stayed on campus instead of going home for the Spring/Easter break) prior to their outing to Mitchell, South Dakota.
It was also quiet since it appears the snow geese, which are on their migration back to the Arctic, have finally headed north. Their normal route home was feeling the effect of mid-Western snow storms and frozen waters, thus their path was pushed further to the west, which brought them into our area. They were all over the place – the local paper estimated that there were about 50,000 in Brule County!
Again, best wishes for a very happy Easter Season. Be assured of our prayers for you and your intentions, as we are truly grateful for your support of St. Joseph’s Indian School. May the Great Spirit continue to bless and reward you.
Hi, my name is Jennifer and I am the Web Producer at St. Joseph’s Indian School. I work in the business office, updating our website and sending out emails. I help keep benefactors informed of the happenings around St. Joseph’s campus.
I am an enrolled member of the Lower Brule Sioux tribe and was fortunate to be a St. Joseph’s Indian School scholarship recipient. Looking for employment after college, I decided St. Joseph’s was the right move for me.
My father is a Commander in the U. S. Public Health Service and has worked for Indian Health Service for almost 30 years. His job took my family and me from state to state, and from one Indian Reservation to the next, throughout my childhood.
He was once given an eagle feather – the greatest honor a Native American can receive – by a Lakota medicine man from the Black Hills for his work with the elderly. His passion for helping Native Americans and giving back has been my inspiration to do the same.
Working for St. Joseph’s Indian School is my way of giving back to my people. I am fortunate to help our people; even though I do not work directly with the students, this is my way of giving something better for the next generation.
Jennifer, St. Joseph’s Web Producer and her father, a Commander in the U. S. Public Health Service.
Greetings, friends of St. Joseph’s Indian School! I hope you are doing well. It is hard to believe, but spring is here! The official start of spring was March 20, and with that comes St. Joseph’s Indian School’s spring and Easter Breaks. The students departed for break on March 22 and will return April 1.
Most of our students will be headed home. At this most holy time of year, it is wonderful to see our students being able to spend the time with their families. Our students have worked hard over the last months, since returning from Christmas break, and are excited to have a few days away from school to be with family. A few of our students will be remaining on campus for the break, with houseparents in one of St. Joseph’s homes.
Our high school students do get a few days off for Easter Break, but lament the fact they no longer get the long Spring Break our younger Lakota students get J.
Upon returning to St. Joseph’s campus on April 1, students in grades 1-5 will get to take part in an Easter egg hunt. This is always great fun for the younger students. Grades 6-8 will be having a potluck on that day, which is open to all of the 6-8 grade students and their families. This is the first year the 6-8 grade community will be holding the potluck and we hope for great success.
Over Spring Break, three of our eighth grade students headed to Washington, D.C., for a few days to tour our nation’s capital.
For a couple of the students, it will be their first experience with flying, and although nervous, they are very excited to be on a plane! The students are also looking forward to being away from South Dakota and experiencing a big city and all that Washington, D.C. has to offer. We wish them safe travels and an excellent adventure!
At this most holy time of year, we here at St. Joseph’s Indian School wish to take a minute to THANK YOU for all of the support you offer us throughout the year.
Without your prayers and generous financial support, we would not be able to do the work we do here. St. Joseph’s Indian School is an amazing place and we are so very lucky to be able to work with some amazing children.
Last week was the birthday of Fr. Leo Dehon, the founder of the SCJ’s (Priests of the Sacred Heart). This led to some discussions on campus about what it meant to be Dehonian. I remember quizzing our St. Joseph’s kids about Fr. Dehon once. What did they know?
Born in France!
Died in Belgium!
Had three doctorates!
Wore glasses!
While interesting, these bits of information weren’t terribly enlightening. I had some time between picking up my runner from track practice and dropping off my baseball players at the field, so I thought I would do some research.
One really obvious fact: Fr. Dehon did not have 10 teenage boys to contend with when he wanted a few minutes of quiet time.
I bet he never had to throw a wet sock off his desk as some giggling kid hit the floor behind the office door and whispered, “Don’t tell him I’m in here!” All while some other kid is screaming down the hall, “Where’s Annnnndrew??” and swinging the other wet sock with a vengeance.
My Dehonian moment was going to have to wait until after the kids had gone to bed.
In the meantime — there was dinner to eat and dishes to do. This one had to go the tutor and that one had to find his Geography book. The guys with privileges tried to run off all their excess energy at the Rec center and the ones who stayed back to do homework got hopped up on snacks and algebraic aggravation. Home meeting became a debate over sharing time on the X Box and whether or not people should leave the room when they fart.
Prayer time was calmer, with intentions offered for family, friends, baseball, track, Sandy Hook and the new Pope. And a special intention for the guy who was going to end up on the bottom of the…3..2..1…Dogpile.
I admit, I was not feeling very Dehonian at the end of the day. I was tired, cranky, and I had a pile of unfinished tasks. I was not in a more saintly state of mind the next morning either. When I finally plowed into Maija late in the afternoon, the only thing I had on my mind was making it to my day off and taking a long nap. In her infinite wisdom, she said to me, “Get out of my office and don’t come back until you have your heart in your work again.” Well, duh.
We work for the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Not the Sacred Rule Book of Jesus. Or the Sacred Schedule of Jesus.
We are called to be heart-centered. To paraphrase the Tin Woodsman, “Hearts will never be practical, until they can be made unbreakable.” There is something reckless and un-practical about being heart-centered. This is different from being careless or thoughtless — Fr. Dehon was a learned man and he was neither impulsive nor fickle. Rather, he was doggedly persistent, even in the face of heartbreak. Kind of like someone else we know — and whose steps we are following this Holy Week.
A Sacred Heart space is expansive and inclusive and yes, somewhat foolish — letting in the lost, the weak, the so-called outsiders.
There is room for a kid who lost his mom and a kid who feels like he has to be the man of the house. There’s room for honor-rollers and homework procrastinators. There’s room for wall punchers and cookie bakers, emo-kids and hip-hoppers.
As a matter of fact, there’s room in there for everyone, including a somewhat exasperated houseparent and her laundry list of seemingly “important” things to do. If we all squish together, there’s space for you too. Just leave the room if you fart. ‘Cause that’s one rule we are going to keep.
Greetings to you all as we enter into Holy Week leading up to the joy, beauty and majesty of Easter!
Fr. Steve is away attending some meetings in Chicago and giving a retreat to our retired priests and Brothers in Pinellas Park, Florida. That’s what he said anyway, but I think there might be an effort to get in a spring training baseball game or two as well! As he will not be back until after Easter, he asked me to pass along what’s been happening here at St. Joseph’s over this past weekend.
The Lakota children took in the Star Lab Thursday before spring break.
The students and staff are on Spring/Easter break at the moment. They’ll return on Easter Monday. Our high school students are on a different schedule (since they attend Chamberlain High School) so they are still in session. Don’t feel sorry for them though – it seems like they are off for something or other every week! They’ll have Good Friday through Easter Monday off.
Just before the students left, we were able to host two special programs that shared insight into the scientific realm as the Lakota Star Lab came on Thursday and on Friday, we learned about tornadoes.
The Star Lab was an effort to get our students looking to and dreaming about the stars and the heavens. The Weather Enrichment Program dealt with storm chasers. There was an initial presentation of the impact tornadoes have and how they are formed. Then a 20-minute 3-D film called Tornado Alley showed how the storms are chased and studied.
That was followed by a Q & A session and then a tour of the Doppler on Wheels vehicle used in the pursuit of the storms. It weighs 26,000 pounds, stands 14 feet high, 8.5 feet wide and 27 feet long and is able to obtain speeds around 80 miles per hour. I asked where they did most of their chasing and they stated Kansas and Oklahoma because they are so flat.
It is good they shared info on tornadoes since South Dakota does get some during the summer months. We have had one or two storm chasers in the area around St. Joseph’s over the years.
The break also gave three of our Lakota students the chance to take part in a trip to Washington, DC to visit our nation’s capital and see the sights. They flew on Saturday and will visit various museums such as the Holocaust Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian. They will have a tour of the capital building on Monday before heading back on Tuesday. This has been a wonderful opportunity for our Native American students to explore our seat of national government and get to know the places they hear about on the evening news!
The week ahead should be quiet and peaceful here on campus aside from the squawking of all the Canadian geese that are in the area. It is amazing how many did not go south for the winter but found the Chamberlain area a nice place to stop and visit.
Hope you all have a rewarding and grace-filled Holy Week and a beautiful Easter!
Friday, after the Tornado Alley movie, St. Joseph’s students headed outside to take a look at portable weather stations and the Doppler on Wheels.
