St. Joseph’s Indian School is scurrying

I’m always a little nervous when a lawyer knocks on my office door, but this visit made me very happy. A generous donor had willed St. Joseph’s Indian School a tract of land and we are finalizing the sale. The monies from this request can go into long-term investments that will benefit the Native American students a long way down the road.

I only had one scheduled meeting today, with Human Resources. But since everyone is back on campus and scurrying around to make sure all is in place for the students’ arrival Sunday, there are many, many impromptu meetings, phone calls and emails and we try to take care of all the details. As folks started going home at the end of the day, I had to work backwards to conscientiously answer the backlog of post-it notes I had written on top of other memos as they came in.  But we will be ready.

St. Joseph’s Indian School’s annual powwow isn’t until September 17, but we are already starting to set up the work schedules to make sure it all goes smoothly. We’re expecting another good crowd of visitors.

After supper, I took a walk around campus. Most of our houseparents go to their own homes or apartments for the night. Some however, live several hours away. During the school year they stay here for the 6 days they work, then go home for a 3 day break. For these prep days, it isn’t worth all the travel, so a few of them are on campus already. I saw the lights on in the Matthias home (jr. high girls) and stopped in to see Lisa, who had materials for her girls spread out all over the kitchen table as she tried to get organized. Like the other houseparents, she had a good break and is excited as she prepares for the arrival of the kids she knows well, and a few new students.

I continued my walk, and ran into Dick who was taking a break from the Fisher Home (jr. high boys) where he was cleaning and organizing and out for a walk himself. I changed direction and made a lap around the campus enjoying his company. It’s relaxing just to stroll and get caught up with what’s going on in the lives of staff members.

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. View all posts by St. Joseph's Indian School