It’s prom night at Chamberlain High School! Several of our houseparents collaborated to serve an elegant, candlelit four course meal to several of our high school prom goers. Aaron and Melissa-two houseparents-who this year switched from high school to work with the primary grades, wanted to come back for a tradition they had when they worked in the high school homes.
Tia-new this year-helped them with her culinary and artistic skills. They enlisted the help some of our younger high school girls who served as waitresses. One of our students referred to the mood music as “elevator music” but enjoyed the relaxing time by evening’s end. We all took a few photos and wished them well on their big night out on the town.
The high school has a Grand March of all the prom goers. Families and friends are allowed to come into the Armory for the first hour before the music and prom really gets going. Everyone wants to see the glamorous couples and take lots of pictures. Several of our homes attended the pre-prom festivities, including the Afra Home (1st – 3rd grade girls) who were particularly excited about seeing their older relatives and classmates.
Don’t the St. Joseph’s Indian School’s kids look great?Our houseparents collaborated to serve a candlelit meal.
We had a fun giveaway of 20 Minnesota Timberwolves basketballs after school today, courtesy of some friends from a church in Mankato, Minnesota. Some prizes were given our through a door prize drawing, while others were earned through shooting competitions, or copy-cat basketball skill drills. Our generous guests presented the balls to the winners, and our kids showed their appreciation with handshakes and huge grins. I enjoyed the time I spent with our visitors giving a tour of the school, homes and campus and answering their questions about St. Joseph’s Indian School’s programs.
Our FAST (Families and Schools Together) families gathered again on campus this weekend. I stopped by to greet the families. A few of our high school girls volunteered to babysit the little ones that families brought with them. I sat with those students at supper to hear plans about prom, upcoming summer jobs and adventures.
I don’t handle hardly any of the day-to-day business, but I started the day with a bank run. I never mind getting asked to go downtown to take paperwork for a signature, because that usually means someone has gifted us with stocks or bonds in a sizeable amount that requires my certification. Especially in a difficult economy, I am so grateful for people’s generosity.
Can you identify some of the activities the St. Joseph’s Indian School’s students participated in?
In the school assembly room, our houseparents set up booths with photos and hands on activities so other staff could stop by and learn about their home activities. One table showed the Lakota (Sioux) cultural projects jr. high students were working on. Another showed lovely wooden picture boxes the houseparents built as keepsakes for their graduating 8th graders each year. The Girl Scout troop leader showed examples of the many crafts her girls created over these last months. One home uses pictures of their 4th and 5th grade girls to make calendars for the families and guardians each year. Yet another makes a DVD to send home with the kids at the end of the year. Our houseparents are not only a very dedicated group, but they have lots of creativity and go the extra mile to make our homes feel more like a home.
Emily is our new photographer, and we set out for some new pictures with the students. It’s fun to take part in a classroom activity or have fun on the playground, and I do those things regularly anyway. Most of our kids have practically grown up around me, so they’re not at all bashful if there’s a camera present. It was a gorgeous-though windy-spring day, and the break from the office felt invigorating.
Dixie from our Akta Lakota Museum & Culture Center gave me a folder of art submissions for next week’s Museum Acquisition meeting. I’m not well schooled in art, and I don’t make the selections. However I did have some fun at the William Home (4th-5th grade girls) showing them the pictures and asking them to choose some of their favorite pieces. I want to show them that there’s more to art than just trying to make something look as realistic as possible, but the use of shape, color and texture can all be used creatively. After supper, I cheered for the girls on the softball diamond. I volunteered to pitch one inning. Though I tried to lay the ball right down the middle for students to hit away, I had surprisingly stellar defense behind me. They caught every ball that was hit and I finished with a perfect 1 2 3 inning.
I finished the evening at the gym, taking part in a game of 21 with three high school boys all several inches taller than me. With my limited “3 inch” vertical leaping ability, I didn’t earn many rebounds among the trees. When I did get a board through a lucky carom or bounce, I had to make the most of it. I hit a few outside shots, and left knowing that even 10 months after surgery, I still have much work to rehab my leg.
The St. Joseph’s Indian School was eerily quiet today when I walked over to see what was going on. All the students are taking part in the semi-annual Dakota STEP testing in order to measure their yearly progress. Our teachers use the results to see what areas they need to work more closely with the individual students. Kids were very quiet as they were reading, figuring and filling in the circles with good old #2 pencils.
The only noise I heard was coming from the 1st grade classroom. Their attention span is too short for a 2 hour block of testing, so they have more breaks. They had their crayons and markers out and were coloring pictures of Easter eggs and a Good Friday picture of a hill with three crosses on it. It gave me the chance to explain part of the Good Friday and Easter story.
We got word that one of our alumni was elected president of the Native American Club at South Dakota State University. Congratulations Stefen! We keep working so our graduates can fulfill more and more of their potential, and it’s a boost to hear when they are doing well.
This morning our maintenance crew finally got to a project they’ve been thinking about for years. Since the 40’s or 50’s we’ve had the cement remains of an old foundation in the center of Wisdom Circle, at the heart of campus. They finally dug it up, to improve the safety of the play area. The project will take a couple of days and after school-kids will be kids-and were having more fun climbing the mounds of dirt and running back and forth through the hole left behind. I’m sure the houseparents will have some extra clean up to do once the kids get home!
These Native American girls have great archery skills!
The students who’ve been learning archery put on a demonstration this evening in the Rec Center. The girls won round one, and the boys saved face and won the second round. The equipment came from a grant from the South Dakota division of Game Fish and Parks. I enjoyed seeing a few students who are not athletic in football or basketball, shoot extremely well in this sport. It requires a good eye, steady hand, lots of concentration and self-control. I always hope learning such discipline can also translate to the classroom and life.
After morning chapel, I noticed all the bicycles had returned to the racks – out of storage after the long winter. That’s a sign of optimism that spring is officially here. Temperatures were chilly in the morning, but in the 60’s and wonderful by the afternoon. Besides the bikes, I also noticed the sidewalk chalk has been brought out; the result of which was a series of colorful drawings and writing in front of the Benedictine Homes.
On the way back to the house, I spied one of the older school cars plowed into the fence at the edge of the football field, and knew there was some juicy story behind that sight. Last night one of our high school students drove over to see her sisters play softball. She didn’t get the car fully into parking gear, and after she got out it rolled down the hill, scattering everyone on the diamond! Thankfully no one was hurt and hopefully a valuable lesson was learned.
Today, we finished two days of strategic planning meetings. Our facilitator met with focus groups of houseparents, teachers, staff, representatives from the area’s business, school and law enforcement community. He also listened to our high school students and made a trip to the Lower Brule Indian Reservation to hear from parents and alumni. We’re also doing an online survey with some of our donors to look at key issues we will try to work on over the next 3-5 years. It will take us many more meetings over the next 6 months or so to flesh out the plan. What was noticeable, was so many people really caring and trying to make the programs and policies better here at St. Joseph’s Indian School.
I’m back from a four-day trip to Kansas City where we held two donor appreciation luncheons. I sat next to Will on his very first flight and he had his nose pressed to the window the whole way. He was excited to see both city and countryside from the air, and pointed out our plane’s shadow passing over the clouds below. He and Kuwa stared with fascination at workers loading baggage into the belly of the plane and both young men giggled like little kids when they discovered the airport’s moving walkways.
When we travel one of my rules that the students often hear me repeat is: try at least one new food each day. The first night we ate at a buffet which made that much easier. I had to laugh when I opened my fortune cookie which read, “Now is the time to try something new”! I have to admit that this duo was pretty adventurous.
Fr. Steve and the boys enjoying a baseball game!
Neither student had ever been to a major league baseball game and were excited for the chance to see the Royals and Angels play. We were treated to a walk off home run to win the game for KC in the bottom of the 9th, and after the game Kaufmann Stadium delighted fans with a colorful fireworks display.
Our luncheons drew 50 people each day. Both High School students were understandably nervous the first day, but with a little prompting, they had plenty to say. On the second day, they were more relaxed, drew a few more laughs and many more questions. Folks had a sense of living history when one of the guys told folks that Red Cloud was his great-great grandfather.
Many of our donors have known about St. Joseph’s Indian School for a long time, but only a small portion have ever gotten to visit the school. One of our donors has known about St. Joseph’s for a very long time because his mother graduated from there in the 1950’s. As always, we met so many kind and generous people, and enjoyed the chance to get to know each other better.
Before we left on the trip, I gave the students each a AAA tour book to look up sights they wanted to be sure to see. Surprisingly, an object art museum struck their fancy. Outside the Nelson Atkins Art Museum are two giant badminton birdies they wanted to get their picture taken by to show their friends. After checking that item off our list, we were close to an old historic area known as the Plaza. As we toured through that area, their heads were turning in every direction trying to take in the sights and sounds of everything from jazz street musicians to limousines and Cinderella like horse-drawn carriages. As we drove through downtown, they rolled down the windows to gawk at all the tall buildings.
St. Joseph's students and staff enjoyed some great food!
Mike, our houseparent chaperone, scouted out what he heard was arguably the best BBQ in a city that takes cuisine quite seriously. He was nervous and in disbelief when we pulled up because the line extended out the door into the parking lot, and this restaurant was in a gas station!
I was intrigued by houseparent Anita’s campus wide email titled, “Let’s Make A Deal”. At the beginning of the school year all the homes are stocked with standard non-perishable food supplies. But the high school boys and 2nd grade girls definitely have different likes and dislikes. Homes often end up with surplus in some areas and shortages in others. Anita advertised food items she had and was willing to trade as she thinks about using up inventory. It’s nice when staff consciously makes good use of resources to reduce waste and get items where they are needed and appreciated.
I drove up to the Lower Brule Indian Reservation, and picked up Fr. Joe, who serves as pastor there. We drove up to Eagle Butte, for tomorrow’s board meeting at the Sacred Heart Center. It will be his first meeting, so I filled him in on a few of the people he’ll meet and a little background on programs the center is trying to focus on. 150 miles in the car together allowed us to talk a little theology and share stories of ministry. It also gave a good chance to catch up on how things are going on the “Rez”.
We talked a little theology and shared stories of ministry.
When we arrived in Eagle Butte, the rectory was empty, but I figured with Wednesday night being religious education night, we’d find folks at the church. We walked in just as the grade school religion classes were getting out. Since I served these parishes 16 years ago, I didn’t recognize any of the children that walked by. But I did recognize all their catechists. Several of the teachers I knew when they were in those same classrooms as primary students, and it was fun to see them as adults. I said to Wendy, who I’ve known since she was a very shy kindergartener, that it’s great to see the adult she’s become, with good self-confidence and trying to pass faith on to her children and children of the area.
Today, most of my day was tied up in the office, going over budgets and strategic planning. We have our Board of Director’s meetings in two weeks and mailed out those meeting packets today. We finalized the agenda and prepared a couple of items for Board discussion and votes. Then I sat in on the two regular weekly meetings to discuss student and program issues.
What's on your "Yuck List"?
The Fisher Home (6th– 8th grade boys) gave me a break from the administration and graciously hosted me for supper. I came over early and saw a chess board near the TV. The Fisher boys are just learning to play. I asked 6th grader John if he wanted to try, and he enthusiastically said yes. It’s been a long time since I played. We were about evenly matched and considered it a draw by the time supper was ready. Dick and Carol, the houseparents, tried to apologize that they were serving leftovers, but those dishes were the first time around for me. I don’t visit the homes for cuisine, but for the company, and to get a taste of how things are going in the homes and how the students and houseparents are doing.
As with any groups of children, there are always finicky eaters to contend with. The Fisher Home lets each boy pick two and only two, specific foods that they really don’t like and can place on their “Yuck List”. Whenever that food is served, that boy can pass and doesn’t have to eat it. But they get no passes when other foods are served. It has cut way down on boys trying to avoid ALL vegetables or only filling up on peanut butter and jelly. They have to eat a more balanced diet and try new foods.
Dick got a call from the family of a former student who is now in trouble with the law. When we get news like that it does get discouraging. We want to form people who walk a good path through life. Setbacks like that reinforce the need to teach students to make good choices here and now, and find non-violent ways to resolve even the smallest of conflicts.
Overnight cold froze a thin layer of ice across campus, then we added a light dusting of snow to cover it up and make it even more slippery. I always caution staff to be careful, but I myself fell down twice today. The first time I only bruised my pride, but the second time left the muscles in my arm sore and bruised. Winter is not ready to let go of us just yet!
We loved the panda's at the National Zoo!
Linea, who teaches language arts in grades 5-8 here at St. Joseph’s Indian School, shared photos of a trip she just chaperoned. Two of our 8th grade girls got the thrill of traveling to Washington, DC. For several years a donor has helped sponsor a spring trip so two of our kids get the chance to experience the Museum of the American Indian, as well as some of the other national treasures. Senator John Thune’s office graciously set up a thorough tour of the Capital and Supreme Court. Our students were tickled to see the giant pandas at the National Zoo, and deeply moved by their time going through the Holocaust Museum. It was the first time in DC for both teachers and students, who said that it will make government and history come alive in a unique way.
This week the school is hosting an artist in residence. Sandra is working with our students to help them paint with water colors. They will start with abstract paintings, then try moving on to nature scenes. The state of South Dakota has a good group of visiting artist to draw upon, and I find them all to be very kid friendly. I’m excited to see what kind of creations they come up with by week’s end.
This coming weekend we have donor appreciation luncheons in the Kansas City area. I practiced with our two high school boys who will represent the school and tell of their experience of St. Joseph’s Indian School. I think they’re more excited about the possibility of taking in a real major league baseball game than having to speak in front of a crowd. But just like making it to the big leagues, almost all success in life takes practice, practice, practice.
Before I was ordained, I sang in several different kinds of choirs. Because of this, I know how much music – if done well – can help deepen people’s spirit of prayer. Our singing at church has been getting quieter and quieter lately, so we decided to try to animate the kids. Nate, a houseparent and guitar player, picked out the upbeat song “Lord I Lift Your Name on High” for the closing. I told the students, “Singing is like praying twice, and we’re getting a little weak, so I want to really hear you on this closing one”. I grabbed a guitar, joined the choir and strummed along. It worked wonderfully well, with a noticeable increase not only in volume, but people actually participating. KP, one of our high school students said, “Church should be like that all the time”! It can be when many people give full, conscious and active participation. It can happen with slower, more meditative songs as well, as long as people try singing along.
The spirit also moved when we celebrated the Scrutinies and prayed for protection against evil for our RCIC Native American students as they get closer to baptism. Some giggled a little bit when I made the blessing near each child’s heart with the oil of catechumens. We also presented them with holy cards of the Creed and Our Father, which they clearly prayed when reciting them in front of the congregation.
St. Joseph's kids bowling with their mentors!
Mentor’s bowling was this afternoon. Some days I forget altogether I’ve I had surgery and go about life as normal. I haven’t bowled for about a year, but didn’t think anything about it until I rocked the ball back, bent down and put all my weight on my bad right foot. I almost lost my balance completely and the ball quickly angled right into the gutter. I was a little more cautious the next time to the lane, but was able to make some adjustments and still have fun. I have to keep exercising my foot and leg in different ways. But the fact I forget that my nerves are weak and try to go about normal activities, tells me that I’m making good and gradual process.
Fr. Dominic invited Fr. Anthony and I to supper for the Kiwanis Club annual roast beef dinner fundraiser. I enjoyed seeing both townsfolk and St. Joseph’s folks. Waiting in line with one of the people I knew only a little, I found out that besides running his business, he had also been trained as a spiritual director. We had a great conversation about the different spiritual and developmental tasks between the first and second halves of our lives – more than expected when waiting for a tasty meal. I enjoy talking sports or weather but it’s fulfilling when you can engage in conversations of more substance with people.
