chemotherapy – Page 4 – St. Joseph's Indian School

A day at St. Joseph’s Indian School

Today I spent time touring campus. The loading dock by the Development Office needs some major concrete and drainage work done. The building is 20 years old. While the work on the homes makes the campus look new and different, there is a lot of infrastructure work just to maintain the campus that our crew has to stay on top of.

I ate super with the Raphael Home (1^st-3^rd grade boys). They were full of energy after getting back from a hike around campus. You’d think it would calm them down, but still they were excited and had lots of stories to share. Being a guest, I had lots of requests of youngsters who wanted to sit next to me. Alas, there are only two chairs on either side, so I can only say yes to the first two to ask.

Afterward, I listened to and helped the readers along. The first graders had an 8 page book, with about a dozen words repeated in every possible combination. “I am Sam. Matt sat on a mat.” I remember having to start at that level too, once upon a time.

Becky and Chantel inventoried the safe and found some older coins that had been donated and stored for safe keeping. We decided to get them appraised and found that we could earn about $12,000 by selling them, so that was a nice day’s work.

Erica is a freshman in high school and I walked by a meeting with her family service counselor Julie. “Did you ever hear of a high school student who missed the rules so soon – after just one week?” Erica was telling Julie what she missed was the group structure of the junior high homes, where everything including homework time was done in common. In high school you have to organize your own time – an important task we all must learn.

Hurricane Irene affects St. Joseph’s Indian School

Good afternoon!

The first item I want to share is that Fr. Steve, the students and staff of St. Joseph’s that went to New York City for donor luncheons are safe, but stuck. Father called yesterday afternoon to say that they were able to have the luncheon on Saturday, but only seven Benefactors were able to attend due to the approach of Hurricane Irene since public transportation was shut down. I’m sure Fr. Steve will have more to blog at his next opportunity, but he wanted everyone to know they were safe. Due to the backlog of air travelers, he felt that they might have to stay an extra day or two before being able to fly back to South Dakota.

As mentioned in my last memo, the local Chamberlain School system opened last week and the high school kicked off their volleyball, football and soccer season. The Cubs pulled off a big upset in knocking off Hot Springs 16-14 in football. Four of our students are on the team, one is a cheerleader and even the mascot is a St. Joseph’s Indian School student. The soccer and volleyball teams did not fare as well. The soccer team is 0-3, but got a nice word of affirmation from the referee at their last game since he was impressed at the progress they have made since this is only their second year. The volleyball team won the JV game 2-0. Two St. Joseph students are on that team while one is on the varsity which gave a good effort but also had opening game jitters that helped contribute to losing the match 0-3.

I also mentioned that a variety of meetings have been underway here on campus and that was highlighted by various reports being generated regarding our strategic planning as we dream dreams for the future and how we can continue moving St. Joseph’s forward over the next several years.

On Saturday, three Benedictine Sisters from Yankton, South Dakota came by for a visit to campus. Sister Doris is the blood sister of Sister William after whom one of our Homes is named. One of the other Sisters had been to visit St. Joseph’s years ago and mentioned how impressed they were with the look of the campus and all the “new” additions they noticed. It is always nice when those who have some history with St. Joseph’s visit and then share their memories of previous visits, especially if it has been awhile.

St. Joseph’s hosted about 15 families who attended a FAST (Families And School Together) Weekend. The program is an outreach of our Family Service Counselors geared to help students and their families deepen relationship and interaction skills while facing the challenges of family life.

Lots of activities for the students this week as the cross-country, volleyball and 7^th/8^th grade football teams are practicing for their upcoming seasons which begin next month. Our 5^th grade Lakota (Sioux) students will also have the chance to check out the opportunity to form a band here at St. Joseph’s as part of a program in conjunction with the Chamberlain School system to help younger students start learning musical instruments, so as to be ready to transition into the high school band. It may be a bit noisy around here for the next several months or so, but we are also looking forward some beautiful music as the year moves along. Another area of practice will be for those preparing to dance for the powwow on September 17^th.

Now that the students are back and the year is underway, I’ll be going into each of the Homes to bless them for the upcoming school year. It is a way to remind our students we want to provide a safe and secure experience for them and the blessing highlights God’s presence so as to enable all within the Home to be supportive and encouraging to each other.

Again, our thanks to all of you for your generosity, prayers and encouragement. May God continue to bless and reward you. Have a great day!

Sincerely,

Fr. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ

Chaplain

St. Joseph’s Indian School

An update from Fr. Anthony

With Fr. Steve Huffstetter, SCJ on his way to New York City for donor lunches this weekend, I have the chance to serve again as guest blogger. My name is Fr. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ and I am the chaplain here at St. Jospeh’s.

The school year has been underway for about a week and a half. We had the official ‘opening’ on Wednesday afternoon with the Opening of School Liturgy and student picnic. It was also the opening of school for the Chamberlain School system which meant that our high school students were back and ready to go after their orientation and the children of our houseparents were starting their studies for the year as well.

We have a large number of high dchool students this year, as 8^th grade graduates over the last two years have made known their desire to continue in St. Joseph’s program. Several of the students came back early to take part in pre-season athletic activities—soccer, football and volleyball. The soccer is already underway and the football team has their first game Friday night against Hot Springs, SD. The volleyball team has their first game on Saturday against Mobridge/Pollock. To encourage support of the various teams, St. Joseph’s rec department buys several season passes so that our students can attend and lend their voices in cheer for the teams and their players, especially those from St. Joseph’s.

Fr. Steve may have mentioned that St. Joseph’s hosted the 2011 Chamberlain/Oacoma Youth Triathlon which consisted of swimming, running and bike riding. Students could take part individually or as part of a 3-man team. In the 9-10 year old boys, Maleke came in second and in the team category, Moses, Dylan and Bradley came in first and Ramez, Richie and Dustin came in second. In the 11-12 year old category, Angel was first and Cassidy second in the individual girls and Nate, Joseph and Louie won third along with Hialle, Trinity and Justis winning fourth in the team category. It was interesting watching them speed around campus on their bikes and then hit the pool and then run various distances depending on their age group. Many from town and the local area also took part and had some nice compliments regarding the facilities St. Joseph’s had to offer in hosting the event. Your generosity helps make the campus and facilities available to share with the local community. We extend our thanks for your help to enable us to host something positive for the local area.

One drawback from getting the year underway, is the necessity for meetings as we prepare to welcome students and new staff and get ready for upcoming events. We have already had a meeting on the up-coming powwow in September. Though they take up time, they do help us all get on the same page and thus better prepared to be of service to students and staff. I bring this up since I’m on my way to a meeting now. Will touch base with you again on Monday to share what went down over the weekend. May God’s blessings be with you to reward you for your interest in St. Joseph’s Indian School.

Sincerely,

Fr. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ

Chaplain

I was “Rolling by the River”

The Native American medicine wheel is a sacred symbol used by indigenous Plains tribes.

We took pictures of all the students and child services staff at St. Joseph’s Indian School in front of the school today. First we formed a medicine wheel, with staff wearing our blue jackets forming the frame and the students wearing t-shirts in the four traditional colors (yellow, red, black and white) to fill in the circle. The maintenance crew got out the bucket they use to work in the treetops or upper reaches of the building, and Emily our school photographer climbed aboard and snapped away. We also got a more conventional shot over by the bleachers. I enjoy looking back at old group photos and remembering the lives that touched mine, and I’m sure others will appreciate it now and many years down the road.

After school, I visited the Matthias Home (6^th-8^th grade girls). They are one of the homes living in transitional quarters while the former Matthias Home is undergoing renovations. Instead of two to a room, some of the rooms that are normally offices in the Sacred Hoop Center* now have four beds. We always hope that makes for more togetherness and not more drama. But the Matthias Home has a great spirit so far.

Some of the students were playing a dancing game on the Wii and asked me to hop in and try. About the only song I’d ever even heard of was Ike and Tina Turner’s Proud Mary, so with the Mighty Missouri in the background, I was indeed Rolling by the River and trying not to look too foolish. A good time was had by all.

I’ll be traveling for donor luncheons and some other meetings over the next week. Fr. Anthony said he’d give a couple of updates while I’m gone. I’m sure I’ll have a few adventures to tell about along the way.

An old all staff photograph of St. Joseph's Indian School.

*The Sacred Hoop Tiyospaye Center is a space for our Lakota (Sioux) students and their families to spend time together. Through the center, we provide short-term family visit accommodations, a variety of counseling services and an alumni program.

Sports are underway at St. Joseph’s Indian School

I can tell that school at St. Joseph’s Indian School is back I full swing by the amount of meetings I was in and out of today. I appreciate reports and updates of all that’s going on around campus. We’re constantly evaluating our results to make our programs better match our students’ needs.

Angelia and Ashley will represent St. Joseph’s at donor luncheons in New York in a few days, and they met with me to go over some of what they want to share with our attendees. I don’t know who is more excited – they or our chaperones. Going from life on the South Dakota prairie and getting to experience such a world renown place is something to look forward to indeed.

I stopped in to see the Hogebach (high school girls) students. Hogebach students tend to be one of the homes most involved in outside activities, jobs and sports. Since classes don’t actually start until Wednesday, all the girls were home at the same time, which rarely happens. Talia was helping in the kitchen and was twirling pizza dough and tossing it into the air as I came in. She was more steady with the rolling-pin than the tossing, but the end result was a tasty taco pizza. Afterward, they went to the Missouri River for a bonfire and time for bonding.

7th and 8th graders football practice at St. Joseph's Indian School.

Sports practices are under way. The coaches can quickly see which students kept active over the summer and which ones watched too much TV instead. After school I saw the cross-country runners taking laps around campus. We generally have a few really graceful and competitive runners. I admire all those who are trying out and striving for personal bests. Tonight the lights are on over by the football field as our 7^th and 8^th graders practice. They wait until the evening, after supper and homework are done. The girls volleyball team is in the gym, practicing serves and sets and getting into game shape.

Excitement at St. Joseph’s Indian School

We had our first Sunday mass of the year. Often, I tell stories when I preach to young people, to help them imagine and connect with the gospel message. Today, it was more about teaching and basic catechesis. We have 42 new students and for some of them, mass was a brand new experience. I took my time with extra explanations and tried to make everyone feel at home and welcome. We had a smaller crowd than normal, since many of the kids from Fort Thompson went back home this weekend for the Crow Creek Powwow. Also, our high school students didn’t return to campus until this evening.

A few folks from last night’s wedding visited us for mass. Georgia went to school here in the late 50’s, and the students were impressed to learn she is a Tribal Judge. I try to hold up alumni like that and urge our kids to aim high in the education and their dreams.

I stopped in at Crane Home (HS underclass girls) and welcomed everyone back. Besides getting bigger rooms than jr. high students, the high school students also have more freedoms and privileges – but also more responsibility as they have to learn to live more independently and get ready for what awaits them in the world beyond St. Joseph’s campus. There’s a good spirit and lots of excitement – if not about starting school, at least about reuniting with good friends and starting a new year.

God’s continued blessings

This morning the Chamberlain/ Oacoma Fitness Council sponsored a youth triathlon and used St. Joseph’s Indian School’s campus for most of the activities. The youngest crowd, 6 and under, rode their bike once around Wisdom Circle, then finished with a 100 yard dash. The 13-15 year olds swam 200 yards, biked 7 miles and ran for 2. The other age categories had in-between distances.

Three groups of our students put together teams and did one leg of the triathlon each. Three of our students competed on their own and did all three. It was the first time any had competed in such an event, and they made a great effort and had fun in doing so. I enjoyed seeing kids from St. Joseph’s and from town mingle together. Angel (7^th grade) won her division. Cassidy gave it a great try, but on the last ½ mile of running she hit a wall. She almost gave up, but the other girls from Pinger Home were there to support her and walked the course with her until she caught her breath and finished.

I admire such fortitude, especially when you know you’re not going to win – but are a winner because you hang in and finish.

In the afternoon, I had some visitors stop by campus who were parishioners when I was stationed in Eagle Butte. Janelle’s mom attended St. Joseph’s Indian School and I gave them a tour of the chapel, school and one of the homes. They told me they were in town for a wedding reception across the Missouri River at Cedar Shores and I should stop by if I had the time. Later that evening I did drop by, and between two of the larger clans on the Cheyenne River Reservation, I probably knew about 80% of the people there. It brought back so many memories of my work there; lots of hugs, hearty handshakes and reminiscing. I saw kids who I baptized who now have children of their own.

I also went to the open house of a couple who have been married for 50 years – Jean and Dwain Blackwell. Jean has been on our staff in donor services for many of those years. I enjoyed meeting family from out-of-town that I’d not yet met.

Congratulations and God’s continued blessings!

Folks that cross my path

I had the day off, and walked into town to run some errands. When I’m not in a rush to meet a deadline or get back for a meeting, it’s so pleasant just to take my time and visit with whatever folks cross my path along the way.

I watched a documentary I taped from Current TV called “Rape on the Reservation.” It examined the problems of sexual assault on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, and was both well done, and emotionally disturbing. While the information was not new to me, it can serve as a good teaching tool and discussion starter for dealing with a difficult problem.

On campus, most of our houseparents, a few teachers and other staff were involved in an all day training session – “Love and Logic”. The program is meant to give child care workers the tools they need to build relationships and understand children better. It teaches ways to change behaviors, encourage students to be responsible and still have fun in the process. Those I talked to afterwards appreciated the insights. It also helps to have training toward the beginning of the year when folks still have a good amount of energy and are highly motivated to put skills to work making the year a good one.

Also, the South Dakota School for the Deaf sent out their portable lab and worked with our Speech Therapist to test the hearing of all our new students and a few returning students we have some questions about. Two students were found to have some hearing difficulties. Knowing what their challenges are goes a long way in helping us work with them.

This weekend was the Annual Crow Creek Powwow. I drove up to Fort Thompson in time for the Grand Entry. A good number of our students come from the Crow Creek Reservation and I saw a few that were dancing. Many more were in attendance, walking around the arbor checking out people and activities. As is my custom, I usually check out the new line of Native American themed baseball caps and pick out a couple to wear around campus for the new year. What I love best about powwows, besides the color and ritual and ceremony, is just running into folks and catching up, the way you would do at a family reunion.

Powwow planning

A group of about 20, representing all school departments from facilities and donor services to the school and Akta Lakota Museum gathered together to check in on St. Joseph’s Indian School’s annual powwow planning. September 17 is less than one month away. It takes the efforts of everyone on campus to pull off the big weekend, but much work has already been done. We already have 278 out-of-town guests who have registered, and a few more come in every day! Two years ago, the day was quite hot and last year was cold enough for gloves and hats. This year we’re hoping everything is just right!

About half of our high school students are already on campus. Some are participating in sports practices for volleyball, football and cross-country. A few who are not in sports, are also here because family circumstances make being on campus now in their interest. Students not in sports, help out with jobs on and off campus. I saw one of our student athletes helping the grounds crew by picking up sticks around Wisdom Circle. He tried out for the football team, but a 5 hour practice changed his mind, so we put him to work. On the other hand, I saw Daylon washing windows the first couple of days. The manual labor gave her the incentive and motivation to try out for the freshman volleyball team!

Mark is the staff advisor for the Drum Group. They held their first meeting of the year to set up a practice schedule. We graduated several strong singers, and I was heartened to see a good-sized crew of sixth graders who have signed up and are willing to learn the songs and art of drumming. Besides helping out at the powwow and upcoming prayer services, this year the school is working to regularly incorporate the flag song as part of the home room beginning of the day ritual, which gives them an added incentive to practice.

Hoping to find a Woolly Mammoth

Now that school at St. Joseph’s Indian School is back in session, that means more meetings to work on various projects. This morning, I had a meeting with auditors, who are going through our books right now. They will present a report to the audit committee and Board of Directors later and needed to ask me questions about any of my observations or concerns. We try to be good stewards of the donations people give us and work to be very accurate with our financial records. Besides the yearly audit, we also post our financial statements on our website. I’m always grateful that the donations we receive allow us to run so many great programs and projects here on St. Joseph’s Indian School’s campus.

Later, I met with the pastoral care department to plan the upcoming liturgies for this weekend and our opening of school mass. We’re waiting until next week for our “All School Mass” because our high school students won’t all be back until then. We also are looking at ways to instruct students (and staff) about the translations of the mass prayers that will be implemented beginning in Advent. We also brainstormed about ways to foster more active participation in all our prayer times.

I spent a good deal of time in the office. Phone calls, letters, answering emails, checking in with staff who drop by the office for 5 or 10 minute questions – I can’t point to any major accomplishments, but tried to take care of the daily business that keeps everything going.

I finished the day by joining Summerlee (4th-5^th grade girls) for supper. There are 4 new girls in the home and they’re still getting to know one another, but already they’ve developed a good group spirit. One fifth grade girl did say she was a little homesick, especially missing her 10-year-old best friend who was killed in a car accident two weeks ago. We have to be very aware of the heartaches the students carry with them and work on healing and wholeness.

Daniel, a houseparent with some archeological training, is working on a “dig” around the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center before we start doing more construction there. Many of the girls are interesting in helping see what they can find out about the history that artifacts can tell about St. Joseph’s and the area’s indigenous people. One of the girls said she hoped we found a Woolly Mammoth!