At St. Joseph’s Indian School, summer school is anything but ordinary. It’s three hours of jam-packed fun, heartfelt learning and the kind of memories that make you wish the bell never rang. Our Lakota (Sioux) students aren’t just hitting the books — they’re exploring, connecting and laughing their way through the season.
The daily routine is designed to give students consistency while keeping them engaged. Mornings begin with outdoor recess, allowing children to shake off sleepiness and start the day with movement and laughter.
Once inside, they settle in with a daily journaling exercise that allows self-expression while strengthening their writing skills. These reflections give children a chance to be the authors of their own story.
“It’s a time where I get to build deeper relationships with students, see their personalities shine and watch them grow in ways that often go beyond academics,” said Jesse, the summer school teacher. “It helps students feel seen, heard and comfortable — like their voices and experiences matter.”
Next, academic time is split between focused math sessions and reading activities, which might include independent reading, group read-alouds or interactive online tools. Hands-on science and art activities follow, offering opportunities for creativity and exploration before students enjoy lunch and a second round of outdoor play.
Jesse said, “We work hard to fit in as much meaningful learning and fun as possible. Summer school is short, but it’s powerful.”
Each week brings special off-campus experiences that highlight both culture and creativity. Tuesdays are spent at the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center, where students listen to traditional stories from uŋčí and lalá — grandma and grandpa — who share tales with warmth and wisdom. Thursdays are reserved for trips to the public library, complete with story time, crafts and snacks.
Excitement continues with field trips. Students visited with the National Guard to explore equipment and learned about military service; toured the Big Bend Dam to understand local infrastructure; and explored hands-on exhibits at the South Dakota Discovery Center in Pierre, SD.
Jesse, who brings her experience in special education into the classroom, navigates the diverse range of student needs and grade levels with technology and teamwork. Group projects, like a volcano experiment, allow older students to mentor younger ones, encouraging leadership and a deeper sense of responsibility. Nothing says “leadership development” like letting preteens supervise lava flows while the little ones offer enthusiastic moral support in the name of fun!
Of course, adults are there to control the chaos. Helping Jesse this summer was her assistant Jamee and junior houseparents, Shayla and Gabe.
“I was incredibly lucky this year,” Jesse said. “Their help made it possible to give students more one-on-one attention and foster a positive, inclusive learning environment.”
As students spend time together across grades, they form friendships that often feel like family. This particularly important for this select group of students, as they stay at St. Joseph’s for the summer because they do not have another housing or care option. Jesse describes these relationships as one of the most meaningful parts of summer school. One particularly moving moment came when a student reunited with younger siblings at lunch. Tears, laughter and a spontaneous table rearrangement followed as she made room for her loved ones.
“These connections are one of the most rewarding parts of summer school — the friendships and ‘summer siblings’ that form often last well beyond the season,” said Jesse.
When summer school concludes, Jesse hopes students leave with more than new knowledge.
“I want each child to feel loved, cherished and seen,” she said. “Summer school fills my heart and reminds me why I love what I do.”
Learn more about the programs your generosity provides to Native American children at St. Joseph’s Indian School at no cost. Visit stjo.org today!
