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 health center 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.”
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.”
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.
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.
Thank you for sharing all these wonderful smiles. Blessings and great joy for the school year.