My name is Odis and I’m a houseparent. During the school year, I work with fourth and fifth grade boys. For the summer, I’m working with the Lakota (Sioux) students in
Louie, Odis and Nick “in the clouds” at the top of Harney Peak!
grades 2-8.
I wanted to let you know about some of the exciting things going on here in the Summer Home!
The students recently had a three-day weekend from summer school (they spend each morning during the week in class), so we used the opportunity to go to South Dakota’s beautiful Black Hills!
All twelve kids and three adults packed up and headed out to a weekend full of camping, hiking and other fun activities. The highlight of the weekend was the six (or seven!) mile hike up to Harney Peak in Custer State Park.
The map said six miles round trip, but our feet told us it was seven miles! Harney Peak is the highest natural point in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. On the way up, the kids learned about the Pine Beetle that is killing the pine trees and leaving the forest vulnerable to fire.
We also learned about Valentine McGillycuddy, whose ashes are interred at the top of the peak.
McGillycuddy was known to be a friend of Crazy Horse. He was also the physician who attended Crazy Horse shortly before he died of a bayonet wound in Fort Robinson.
Ready to make the hike!
All the kids made the hike without complaint and enjoyed being “in the clouds” when we got to the top. Our adventure concluded with a picnic at Sylvan Lake when we got back to the bottom.
The students and houseparents at St. Joseph’s Indian School are grateful for your support! We appreciate your sacrifices for us and good feelings toward us. Our work would not be possible without you.
You should be able to give away your most cherished possession without your heart beating faster.
Cathy is a St. Joseph’s houseparent.
This defines the value of generosity in the Circle of Courage. In helping others, youth create their own proof of worthiness and make a positive contribution to another human life.
Six young ladies from St. Joseph’s Indian School set out to do just that before school ended. To put generosity in action, they spent a Saturday serving at The Banquet in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Several weeks earlier, I tentatively asked the girls about an outing that would focus on volunteering. Since their ideal outing generally involves shopping and eating at a fast food restaurant, I was surprised when I received a resounding “yes!”
The Banquet’s mission is to provide food and fellowship through their ministry. They provide a safe place where people can gather, receive nourishment and experience love in action.
The day of our visit, the girls participating woke up early and were outside at 8:25 for the ride to Sioux Falls. Once they settled on who was going to sit where and seat belts were on, we took off. The other houseparent and I knew that music and volume were going to be the central issue for the next two hours.
To show generosity to others, the girls spent a Saturday serving at The Banquet.
Arriving exactly on time, we went in and put on nametags. All the volunteers sat at tables while the manager announced the groups volunteering. In all, there were about 40 volunteers. When it was announced that students from St. Joseph’s were present, everyone turned to look at these young Native American women who had given up part of their Saturday. Several of them hid behind their hands, sheepish at the attention. They were the youngest volunteers in attendance.
Everyone was encouraged to talk with visitors at The Banquet. Additional instructions were given for our safety, such as not sharing our last names, not giving out money and not offering transportation. A volunteer offered up a prayer and then we went to our different areas.
In the next hour, approximately 290 people came through the doors. Of these, 48 were children. The girls poured 17 gallons of milk, plus coffee and water. They made
conversation where possible and at the end of the hour, they helped sweep and put up chairs.
Everyone met for the closing prayer. The manager made a point of saying the “St. Joseph’s girls rocked” and everyone applauded them. We were certainly invited back to help again sometime.
What I really wanted to know was what the students thought. And would they do it again? Again, I received a resounding “yes!”
Here is how they described their day of generosity:
Cool – I really liked it a lot.
It felt cool to help others.
It felt good to give back.
Awesome!
I liked it because I got to do something positive.
One of The Banquet’s visitors told the girls to stay in school and get as much education as she could because that’s the best way to get what she wanted.
Thank you for providing opportunities for the Lakota boys and girls to serve others! Without your generosity, these life lessons would not be possible.
On May 25, Erica, Andrew, and I left on the trip of a lifetime! We have the honor of representing St. Joseph’s Indian School at the Lycee Ste Solange School, in Chateauroux,
Maija
France, on a trip to our sister school!
Similar to the exchange program with our sister school in Handrup, Germany, we hope this experience will broaden our students’ horizons. In turn, we will share the Lakota (Sioux) culture and St. Joseph’s mission.
We spent several months putting together a presentation for the school to share information about:
The state of South Dakota
Powwows and traditional regalia
The Seven Sacred Lakota Rites
St. Joseph’s programs
Chamberlain High School
With the older students in France, we will make dreamcatchers and beaded bracelets using the colors of the Four Directions. The little ones will learn about the Lakota tipi, star quilt and drum. Erica will also demonstrate fancy dancing in her regalia.
Erica
The past several months have also been spent getting to know our hosts. I have been in touch with Blandine, who is the school secretary and the headmaster’s wife.
Before Easter, Stellie (from St. Joseph’s office in Paris), went to Chateauroux and gave a presentation about St. Joseph’s mission and the Lakota children who attend our school. After learning why children come to St. Joseph’s, Blandine and the students organized the “Bowl of Rice” operation.
This activity came in conjunction with the Easter season of Lent. After a talk about what sacrifice means, students at their school were given a choice about their regular lunch.
They proposed having the students pay the regular price of a school lunch and, instead of receiving what they would normally have (starter, main course, cheese and dessert), it would be substituted with a bowl of rice, apple, and piece of bread. The difference in cost would be donated to St. Joseph’s.
Andrew
Two weeks ago, I received a very ecstatic email from Blandine – they had great success in Operation Bowl of Rice and raised 2,000 Euros (over $2,700)!
They never had so many participants, she added. She said everyone was so proud to be allowed to participate for Maija, Erica and Andrew’s school!
In thanks for their generosity, we’re showing our appreciation for the school children and staff at Chateauroux by offering a gift of an ironwood buffalo – a symbol of sacrifice.
The buffalo – tatanka – is considered a symbol of abundance. It is especially significant in the Lakota culture because it provided the people with everything they needed.
Thank you for helping St. Joseph’s provide amazing learning opportunities for the Native American children we serve and stay tuned for more details about our trip!
Have you ever wondered what a day is like at St. Joseph’s Indian School?
Mike is St. Joseph’s President
Here’s a page from Mike’s book in recent weeks. Mike and his wife started as houseparents in 1985. Since that time, Mike has worked in several areas, including Human Resources and Executive Director of Child Services. He was recently named President of the organization.
Friday, May 16
7:00 AM
I am fortunate to be able to attend Mass at 7:00 AM in the small chapel next to the larger Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel on St. Joseph’s campus. Fr. Anthony presides to a small group of four plus Fr. Bernie, a retired SCJ. The Gospel reading speaks of Jesus saying, “I am the Way, I am the Truth and I am the Life.” My reflection this morning gives me a sense of appreciation for all of God’s gifts, especially this gift of St. Joseph’s mission.
Fr. Anthony ends the Mass noting that high school graduation is on Sunday. We say a prayer for good weather for the event. Everyone on campus is wishing and praying for our nine high school graduates.
9:00 AM
Mark, the husband of a former teacher comes to visit St. Joseph’s. His wife, Melody, who worked in the Title Program, died on May 7 from cancer. He stops to bring blankets for our eighth grade students.
Melody had been making blankets for our eighth grade graduates for several years. This year, she had finished all but seven blankets. Mark and Melody’s family helped complete her project for delivery to the school.
Mark visited with the students and told them that Melody loved them and wanted to make sure they received a blanket. He also said that working here was very important to her. His words were quite moving.
The students each picked out a blanket and then shook his hand as a sign of respect and thanks. The other Title teachers that worked with Melody were also present. I could tell everyone was touched by Mark’s words and sincerity. It is a reminder to me that our mission impacts many of lives.
10:00 AM
A card from the mail is on my desk. It is from our recently recognized Distinguished Alumnus Sam Dupris. He went to school here in the 1930 and 40s. In the note, Sam not only sends his thanks for the award but also notes his true appreciation for all those responsible for the work currently taking place at St. Joseph’s Indian School. It is another example of the heartfelt appreciation for our work.
I recall his message when he spoke to the students last week. It was a powerful statement of working hard and believing in yourself. In his remarks, he noted how important St. Joseph’s Indian School was in his life. It reminds me that our work has long-term effects on those we serve.
12:00 PM
At noon, I am privileged to have lunch with three of our high school graduates. I have had the good fortune of getting to know these girls over the years, partly because they have become friends of my high school daughter Maddy. We had a nice lunch at Al’s Oasis.
During lunch, there was a lot of small talk, laughter and sharing of stories. Throughout the discussion, I could not help but believe these young women now have a strong foundation. That foundation, provided at St. Joseph’s, is rooted in education and allowed them to forge life-long relationships with staff and one another. Those memories and shared experiences will be helpful to them in their future.
As I drive them back to campus, they have to get going to pick up caps and gowns. Getting out of the car, they each ask if they could come back someday and work at St. Joseph’s. I tell them of course, but we cannot afford to have them eat at Al’s Oasis. They laugh.
2:00 PM
I receive a call from Maija, a high school staff member who is taking two students to France this summer as part of an exchange with a school in Chateauroux, France – one of our sister school partners. She is excited and explains how the French students raised Euros for St. Joseph’s Indian School. This is an example of how far reaching our mission truly is.
End of the day
As I jot down some reflections from the day, it is late in the afternoon and my office windows are open. In the background, I hear swings squeaking on the playground, student voices, laughter and that South Dakota wind. It reminds me that our mission permeates everything we do.
And I wonder why I am so blessed to be given this precise time here on campus today. Our Lord truly is the Way, the Truth and the Life…
St. Joseph’s eighth grade students received blankets from a former employee who recently passed away. Her husband presented the gifts to the Lakota students.
The end of the year at St. Joseph’s is filled with different educational field trips and fun home trips. The Explorers group went on just such a trip last week. Along with a St. Joseph’s chaperone, boys involved in the group went to two baseball games in Kansas City – a night game and a day game.
The boys attended two games: one day and one night.
The boys were very excited to be going on this trip and worked hard to earn the opportunity. Each year, the Explorers raise money in many different ways. Mostly, proceeds benefit the Chamberlain and Oacoma communities. In the past, they have raised money for softball fields and families struggling with difficult medical issues.
This year, they are helping fund new playground equipment at a local park.
With their annual business wrapped up, everyone piled in for the eight-hour car ride to Kansas City, Missouri. Everyone was filled with anticipation – we were going to watch a
Major.
League.
Baseball.
Game.
Live in the stadium!!
Many of the boys talked about what they would have been doing in school and how great it was that they WEREN’T in school on the way down to Kansas City. That only added to the excitement!
After arriving at the hotel, we walked across the street to the stadium. Some couldn’t contain their excitement and ran!
When we got there, all the boys received a Kansas City Royals t-shirt as part of a promotional give-away that night. Very cool!
After finding our seats and setting ground rules for the boys, they were off to explore the Hall of Fame and get closer to the field to see if they could catch a ball during batting practice. The boys asked many questions about the game of baseball, the field and everything else you can imagine! Everyone really enjoyed the night.
The next morning, we had brunch before heading back to the stadium for the day game.
When the game ended, we made the long trip back to South Dakota and St. Joseph’s Indian School. Most of the boys slept at least half the way home. We had a late arrival time (about midnight) so the boys found space on the nearest piece of furniture they could find and slept there until morning (they didn’t want to wake up the whole house!).
The boys had a very good experience and learned a lot about baseball on the trip. We had fun looking at the history of the stadium, the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame, and the evolution of the game itself.
During their year being involved with Explorers, they learned many other valuable lessons. Thank you for helping St. Joseph’s provide these opportunities!
The end of the year is here! It is a very busy time at St. Joseph’s Indian School, fitting in class trips, end-of-the-year activities and wrapping up projects.
Linea, St. Joseph’s reading teacher for sixth, seventh and eighth grades.
In reading classes, the Lakota students completed units on poetry. During this unit, it is always a treat to have our principal, Kathleen, come and read to us. She does an amazing job and captures the attention of all the students.
We read mostly lyric and narrative poems, and students explored the different ways authors presented their words. Some used humor and others appealed to our senses and emotions.
I also discovered we have some talented young poets right here at St. Joseph’s!
During the reading of the poem “The Dream Keeper,” our Native American Studies teachers came into our classroom and helped us make our own dreamcatchers. The students did an awesome job and had a lot of fun.
Spring is also the time that our sixth graders take their cultural field trip to the Badlands National Park in western South Dakota. We schedule this trip a couple of weeks in advance and then have to accept what Mother Nature has in store of us.
This year she decided to rain on our day…
Actually, we were like postal workers and could say that “neither rain nor sleet nor snow” will keep us from having fun on our class trip!
Everyone knows the end of the year is coming fast and the students are looking forward to their summer break!
Linea – Reading Teacher, grades 6-8
After reading “The Dream Keeper,” St. Joseph’s sixth graders made dreamcatchers in class.Sixth grade boys stand in the rain and snow in the Badlands during the sixth grade class trip.
Greetings once again from South Dakota – the land spring has forgotten! Although we have not had any of the snow that Rapid City and the Black Hills have received
Fr. Anthony spends time with St. Joseph’s students.
recently, it has been cold and wet over the last few weekends. We are grateful for the moisture, but would be happy to share some of it with the drought areas in California.
As the school year winds down, activities pick up for the Lakota (Sioux) students. Over the last two weekends, 11 of our 19 homes have been away on their home trips. Some have gone shopping in the Sioux Falls area and others have headed out to the Black Hills. This coming week will see the seventh graders head out on their cultural trip to explore various sites in South Dakota and the neighboring states that have Native American cultural and historical impact. They’ll be back on campus prior to graduation on May 23.
St. Joseph’s high school students have also had a variety of activities take place, including end of the year awards. Last Monday was the academic awards banquet:
Students who took part in the one act play were awarded a Superior Play & Acting Award on the State level;
Robert and Kyran were recognized for taking part in Boys’ State;
Senior Errol was honored as a Regent Scholar and recipient of the Al Mueller Memorial Scholarship and the Ruth Potter Memorial/Dakota Indian Foundation Award.
Wednesday, St. Joseph’s seniors were honored at a prayer service and reception where Cody was awarded the Jerry Vaad Memorial. This award is in honor of a long-time employee in the athletic department at St. Joseph’s Indian School. It is awarded to the graduate who best exemplifies sharing of time and talent with other members of his or her tiyospaye – extended family – on campus.
Friday came and it was time for athletic awards:
One of our new students this year, Danny, won the most improved award for golf;
Shawn was mentioned for making all-conference honorable mention in football;
Gabe was designated most inspirational for boys’ basketball;
Adrian won the JV Most Valuable Player award;
Jacob was considered the most inspirational on the high school track team;
Senior Reuben was honored for being a basketball team captain and making all-conference.
Chamberlain High School only has three days of classes left, so tomorrow night is the Baccalaureate service the United Church of Christ. It will be a special moment for all the seniors as they look back at their accomplishments and ahead to their graduation on May 18. Please keep them and their future plans in your prayers. Read more about them here.
Have a great week and know you are being remembered in our Novena of Masses offered the 11th through the 19th of each month. May God continue to bless and reward you for your generosity towards the Lakota boys and girls at St. Joseph’s Indian School.
Today the Lakota (Sioux) students begin Easter break.
We had a very busy weekend at St. Joseph’s – Saturday was packed, but started on a sad note.
In the afternoon, Chamberlain saw its first Annual Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Walk. The walk was held in loving memory of Mason Naser, a young child from the area who suffered fatal abuse at the hands of his father’s girlfriend. He was a sibling of one of St. Joseph’s boys in the Ambrose Home.
To show support for their housemate, the boys and their houseparents took part in the walk to affirm Dr. Seuss’ statement and the walk’s rallying cry – “A person’s a person,
Stefen, a St. Joseph’s alumnus, was crowned Mr. Relay for Life 2014!
no matter how small!”
Saturday evening held the second annual crowning of Mr. Relay for Life – a ‘beauty’ pageant for Chamberlain area men. There is a lot of laughter involved in support of dealing with something that isn’t funny — cancer.
Some of the outfits put Lady Gaga to shame as the participants took part in an evening gown competition, talent contest — thankfully only a minute in length – and an interview.
St. Joseph’s Residential Director Julie helped organize the event which, in its inaugural year, raised over $4,400.00 for cancer research! We were blessed to have many more
St. Joseph’s staffers involved, including Bryan, our Rec Center Director, and Doug, a houseparent, as contestants!
At the end of the evening, St. Joseph’s alumnus Stefen was crowned Mr. Relay for Life 2014!
Kudos to everyone who participated and helped exceed last year’s results by raising a whopping $7,000!
One local group that helped raise money for the event was the Explorers. This is a program for middle school boys, giving them opportunities for camaraderie and service, working to raise money for local needs.
Recently they had the chance to take a trip to the State Capital in Pierre, South Dakota. They had their picture taken with Governor Dennis Daugaard and had the chance to visit with Marty Jackley, the South Dakota Attorney General.
They are currently planning their big car wash fundraiser in late April, with the profits being used to buy some much-needed playground equipment for the park at American
The Explorers got to meet South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard.
Creek.
Several St. Joseph’s students are involved in this and have been officers in the program over the past few years. They will end the year in May with a trip to Kansas City for a professional baseball game.
God bless you this Holy Week! May we all take time to reflect on what takes place as we celebrate Holy Thursday, when Jesus gives us the gift of Himself in the Eucharist and appreciate the price He freely chose to pay to redeem us from sin by His Passion and Death on Good Friday and the joyous victory He achieves over sin and death by His resurrection on Easter.
Memo to Mother Nature — enough is enough, please make up your mind! This past Saturday was gorgeous but Palm Sunday was cold and windy, which kept our blessing of the palms indoors. I hope spring has really sprung for you, wherever you may live.
Last week, we were honored to have Fr. Steve back on campus. In his new role as Provincial of the United States Province he had two tasks to fulfill during his visit to St. Joseph’s Indian School. First, he visited with all the SCJs in ministry here in South Dakota to check in on how we are doing in terms of health, ministry and spiritual lives.
St. Joseph’s eighth grade girls vs. staff.
Second, he was part of the board meeting that reviews finances and ministry of the work the community is doing. The meeting was held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, so board members could visit St. Joseph’s Donor Care Center. The board was impressed by the ability of Donor Care Center staff to reach out to our benefactors, offering birthday greetings, answering questions and helping people learn more about St. Joseph’s Indian School and the programs we offer the Lakota (Sioux) people in Chamberlain and on South Dakota Indian Reservations.
Before heading to Sioux Falls for the meeting, Fr. Steve enjoyed watching the basketball games between staff teams and our eighth grade boys and girls’ teams. Our young ladies were up first, and staff players gave us a glimpse of glory from their younger years. The effort was there, but it took them awhile to hit their stride.
It was 12-11 in the staff’s favor at half. The fans were into the game, pulling for their side in good fun. The staff team was in the lead as the final few minutes wound down. The eighth grade coach sent his whole team out to play in a sneak attack that resulted in the eighth graders getting the ball for one last shot! They made a long 3-point shot to tie it at the buzzer ending the game tied at 33 all!
Many laughs were had by all, setting us up for the boys vs. staff game.
When the game got ready to start, Fr. Steve came out to administer the opening toss up and then scrambled out of the way as everyone rushed to get the ball. The staff team came at the eighth graders in waves – they had enough players to sub in and out. The eighth grade boys, however, had just five players!
St. Joseph’s eighth grade boys vs. staff. Derek, a houseparent, is cleverly disguised in a St. Joseph’s Braves uniform.
The boys held their own, however, and lead at half 13-9. Once the second half got underway, it got a bit confusing – many staff were wearing St. Joseph’s team uniforms, so it was hard to make sure you were passing to your teammate and not the opposition. The fans kept rooting for the students as the minutes ticked off the clock. There were lots of oohs and aahs as shots went up but not in. At the buzzer, the staff escaped with a 23-21 victory.
It was a great way to finish the week!
It was a busy weekend at St. Joseph’s, so stay tuned to hear more about Saturday’s many activities.
We hope that whatever activity you chose for Lent has proven beneficial and has you ready for Holy Week. May God continue to bless you all and reward you for your generosity.
St. Joseph’s eighth grade girls had another opportunity for hands-on learning last week when they attended a GEMS (Girls in Engineering, Math and Science) conference at
Claire
South Dakota State University (SDSU) in Brookings, South Dakota.
As one professor pointed out, eighth grade is a critical time for girls in math—some of them are taking algebra and for the first time are struggling to “get it.” Later, they may start avoiding taking math and science classes based on the faulty belief that it is too hard, or they just can’t do it. Besides, girls don’t do math, right? HA!
GEMS was an opportunity for them to learn that not only are math and science accessible for girls, they can be a lot of fun! They had 15+ volunteer role models to show them how great it is to be a girl-geek in engineering. Both students and professors were on hand to show them around and guide them through four activities.
The girls were careful to start their robot in the same place each time to navigate the course.
Engineering is all about solving problems, so the girls were given several cool tasks to try out for themselves.
Problem #1: Control a Robot. Instead of using a remote control, the girls wrote the actual program to guide the robot through a maze drawn on a floor mat. Wow! Just like the Mars Rover! They wrote lines of code and then tested them out on the robot, tweaking distances and degrees of turns. All the while, their college mentors modeled how to solve problems. “You might want to shorten the turn there. Make sure you always set the robot down in the same spot.” The girls were fascinated, frustrated and elated.
Problem #2: Solve a Crime. Oh no! Somebody broke into the lab, broke a planter, stole some copper wiring, and spilled a suspicious white powder on the floor. Plus, they left
Personal Protection Equipment – it’s what all the cool girls are wearing!
behind their half-eaten chocolate bar. That’s just WRONG.
The girls got to use techniques like fingerprinting, dental casting, foot printing and chemical analysis to figure out whodunit. I can’t wait until someone’s snacks go missing in Pinger Home, because I am sure the St. Joseph’s CSI team will be on the case. Stand back!
Problem #3: Build a New Laboratory. Well, the girls didn’t actually have to help construct a building. But they had a very enthusiastic tour guide explain to them all the different teams who have to work together to complete a complex structure (not unlike the crew who completed the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center renovation last fall). Plus they got to wear PPE – Personal Protection Equipment – goggles, hard hats and reflector vests. It’s what ALL the fashionable girl geeks and engineers are wearing!
Problem #4: Build a Bridge. This was their absolute favorite activity. It involved working in a team with a tour guide. They had to build a working 6-foot bridge with tinker toys, cardboard, string and two bricks. As one girl said:
At first, I saw the space between the two desks and I thought we could never do it. And then we just… started building. I really had to exercise my brain.
The importance of mentors became really clear.
I liked building the bridge because our guide stayed with us the whole time instead of rotating to other stations. She could tell we were really into it.
Their favorite task was building a 6-foot bridge, working only with cardboard, two bricks, string and tinker toys.
The girls really enjoyed their trip to SDSU, even though it meant getting up at 5am (on a Saturday!) to make the 3-hour trek from St. Joseph’s Indian School to Brookings. I really hope their experience will help them the next time they get stuck in math class.
This may be hard, but I can do hard things. I can solve this problem.
Once again, I thank our generous donors and SDSU for giving our Native American girls such an awesome learning opportunity. Girls Rock!
