Tag: St. Joseph’s Indian School

Spared the snow and power outages

Dear Friends of St. Joseph’s,

As you may have heard from watching various weather reports over the last few days, western South Dakota was blasted with over 30” of snow! It is being called one of the worst storms in South Dakota history.  We received some heavy rain in the Chamberlain area on Friday and Saturday, but thankfully were spared the snow and power outages.   The rain wiped out the Chamberlain High School Homecoming Parade, but the game was still played, despite a torrential downpour.

You may recall that both the Homecoming King and Queen elected last week were close to many hearts at St. Joseph’s Indian School. King Cody is one of our high school students, and Queen Marilyn is the daughter of two staff members. In addition, several other St. Joseph’s high school students were selected to be part of the honor court.

The Lakota children joined Kevin Locke in a flute recital.
St. Joseph’s students performed with Kevin Locke at the South Dakota Indian Education Conference last week.

Last week, our community was also the site of South Dakota’s Indian Education Conference. Our Principal, Kathleen, and several teachers attended.  A group of St. Joseph’s students, along with Kevin Locke, gave a flute recital and did a great job.

Today, members of St. Joseph’s Parent Advisory Council met on campus. Parents and guardians of current students and some former students themselves, these folks generously give their time to help us improve our programs. They provide feedback from a parent’s point of view and help us better understand their children’s needs and hopes.

At today’s meeting, they were brought up-to-date about our new anti-bullying program, the latest criteria for admissions and insight into a wellness program for the Lakota children.  They also had the chance to visit Chamberlain High School to get an idea of what a day is like for our high school students.

We are grateful for these parents and guardians giving of their time to listen and give responses as to how we can keep making things better and safer for the Lakota boys and girls entrusted to our care.  The council meets twice per year and membership rotates, so there is a good mixture of parents and guardians involved from different Indian reservations in South Dakota and Nebraska.

Have a great week!

Sincerely,

Fr. J. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ

Chaplain

P.S. During our recent powwow, we had slips of paper for guests to jot down prayer requests for our students and staff to remember in their evening prayers.  As I was going through them to pick out some intentions for October, I came across a slip that asked a question:

“Since the government gives the Indian nations money, what percentage does St. Joseph’s get for subsidies, if any?”

Thank you for the question! Federal money is given to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which then distributes the money to the various Native American groups; however, as St. Joseph’s is not affiliated with any tribe or reservation, we do not receive any money from the government.

St. Joseph’s does get some financial aid for the school lunch program and Title program, which provides specialists to help with the education of our students.   However, the bulk of St. Joseph’s financial resources come through YOU and your generosity!   Your kindness and support make all our programs possible.  Pilamaya—thank you!!

A beautiful day for a football game

Last Saturday was a beautiful fall South Dakota day – perfect for a football game!  We loaded up 12 of St. Joseph’s seventh and eighth-grade football players and headed down the road to Brookings South Dakota, home of South Dakota State University’s Jackrabbits.

The Lakota boys at a South Dakota State football game.
St. Joseph’s seventh and eighth-grade football players took in a college game at SDSU.

We left in the morning and arrived early for game time.  We found great seats!  The house was packed, as the Jacks took on the #1 rated North Dakota State Bison.  The Bison are from Fargo, North Dakota.  The crowd was intense, as there was about as many Bison fans in attendance as there were Jacks fans!

We have been taking the football boys on this trip for last several years. It isn’t just about watching football… that’s just the excuse we use to extend our classroom and provide real-life learning to the Lakota boys and girls.

With this trip, the boys get to experience a college atmosphere and see a college campus. Along with soaking up college, the boys get to practice skills we teach and role model for them every day – everything from basic social skills like starting a conversation to using good manners and being accountable for themselves and their actions. Extending our classroom into the world allows our students develop Mastery on these skills and gives them a sense of Independence, which are two of the primary components of the Circle of Courage.

After a hard battle, the Jacks were defeated 20-0.  We left Brookings and stopped in Sioux Falls, South Dakota for supper.  The boys were all starving and we found buffet that we knew would fill them up.  This was another opportunity for the boys to practice their social skills.  The boys ate their fill and finished off with ice cream before we hit the road back to St. Joseph’s.

We arrived back to campus just in time for bed. The boys got off the bus and thanked us for taking them to a football game, never suspecting we actually took them to a “classroom” so they could learn something.

The boys may have thanked us for taking them but they should thank the donors who make such trips possible.  So, on behalf of the St. Joseph’s Indian School Jr. High Football team, thank you for your support!

Frank W., Residential Coordinator

The football field and stadium at South Dakota State University.
The stands were packed as South Dakota State Jackrabbits took on their northern rivals – the North Dakota State Bison!

Cody is crowned Homecoming King!

Dear Friends of St. Joseph’s Indian School,

What a difference a week makes!  Last week, we were coming down from a great powwow and lots of visitors. This week, things have calmed down and returned to normal. If you haven’t seen our powwow video yet, please check it out! Thank you again for coming and making it a wonderful weekend.

St. Joseph’s high school student Cody is the Chamberlain High School Homecoming King for 2013.
St. Joseph’s very own Cody was crowned Homecoming King 2013! Queen Marilyn also has ties to St. Joseph’s – both her parents work here! Congratulations to all!

Chamberlain High School kicked off their Homecoming Week last night with the coronation of Homecoming Royalty tonight.  One of St. Joseph’s high school students, Cody, was crowned Homecoming King.  We’re so proud!

I just got back from a meeting at our headquarters in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, where Canadian and American SCJs met with our Superior General who was finishing up his visit to North America.  I had the chance to see Fr. Steve; he asked me to thank those who were at the powwow and took part in the prayer and honor dance for him.

Our German exchange students are on their way home.  They visited South Dakota and made a presentation to our students regarding what life and school is like in Germany.  For the past few years, 2-4 students and chaperones have visited Germany to share what life and school are like at St. Joseph’s.

We had some unexpected ‘guests’ on campus yesterday – some local cattle broke through a fence and showed up on St. Joseph’s football field!  Our maintenance crew sprang into action to round them up and do some ‘pick up’ to get the field ready for tonight’s football game against Chamberlain.

I hope your week is filled with much joy and happiness.  May God’s blessings continue to be yours!

Fr. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ

Chaplain

Everybody Powwow!!

WOW! What a weekend!

The Great Spirit really blessed St. Joseph’s Indian School this past weekend with great weather for our 37th Annual   Powwow.  Many new friendships were made, and over 400 visitors were given the chance to see where their generous donations go and how they impact the lives of our Lakota (Sioux) students.

The festivities kicked off on Wednesday, with Fr. Steve returning for the weekend.  The students and staff had an ‘official’ going away gathering that gave everyone time for tears, handshakes and sharing memories.  Thursday morning, we were up bright and early to take part in the bus trip to the Lower Brule and Crow Creek Reservations.

Friday, the morning got started with breakfast at the Development Office.  Tours were also included so visitors could see how the mailings go out and how the donations are handled when they come in.

Later, at the Rec Center, there were three different cultural presentations:

  • How to make a dreamcatcher
  • Traditional Native American foods
  • A drum presentation

Each session filled quickly.  Many took advantage of the opportunity to visit the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center and the new addition, the Tokéya uŋkí nájiŋpi (We Stood Here in the Beginning) Historical and Alumni Center. 

Visits to the school and classrooms, with the Lakota boys and girls acting as tour guides, took up the early afternoon prior to the crowning of St. Joseph’s royalty  — Eagle Staff Bearer,  Miss St. Joseph’s and Jr. Miss St. Joseph’s.  The afternoon concluded with a demonstration of Hoop Dancing by Kevin Locke who told stories, taught us sign language and employed 28 hoops in his dance.  The Friday evening banquet at Cedar Shores was jam packed with 375 guests.  There was a drawing for a Lakota Star Quilt and a silent auction for a painting by Mr. Del Iron Cloud, a St. Joseph’s alumnus.

Saturday was absolutely awesome weather-wise with sunshine and gentle breezes.  Early guests on campus that morning had the chance to visit several of St. Joseph’s homes prior to the Grand Entry at noon.  All veterans were invited to take part as the colors were presented and then shared their name and branch of service.

We had a great turn out of youth dancers – 191 in all – and all the practice our students put in paid off. Twenty St. Joseph’s students claimed prize money, with five winning first place!

Everyone enjoyed a buffalo stew supper after the powwow.

The evening ended with an honor dance for Fr. Steve, which began with a blessing for him in his new assignment as Provincial of the Priests of the Sacred Heart in the United States.

There was a full house for Mass on Sunday morning, which began with some of St. Joseph’s dancers – wearing full regalia – leading us in as our drum group provided the entrance music. Many pictures were taken and then our guests were free to visit the museum again or begin their journey home.

As I shook hands with those leaving Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel, many mentioned they are looking forward to coming again next year.  Our students and staff hope they are able to return and that others, who were unable to come this year, might make it next year.  St. Joseph’s 38th Annual Wacipi – Powwow – will be September 12-14, 2014.  I hope you all can join us!

See more moments from the weekend on Flickr, Facebook and YouTube!

Sincerely,

Fr. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ

Chaplain

P.S.   One thing that really impressed me was how many individuals or church groups brought donations of school supplies, clothing and other needed items.  Several mentioned they have been doing this for years.  Pilamaya —thank you.

St. Joseph’s Royalty were named Friday afternoon ahead of Saturday’s powwow.
Hope, Miss St. Joseph’s and Sasha, Jr. Miss St. Joseph’s, are pictured with Fr. Anthony and Ben, St. Joseph’s Eagle Staff Bearer.

A visit from the Superior General

Greetings for St. Joseph’s Indian School!

St. Joseph’s recently hosted the Superior General of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, Fr. Jose Ornelas, SCJ.  He was accompanied by Fr. John van den Hengel, SCJ.  Father Ornelas visited Canada and the United States to meet with all the SCJ priests and brothers and see our various ministries in action.  St. Joseph’s Indian School was founded by the Priests of the Sacred Heart in 1927.

Their visit began with a community meeting of the SCJs here in South Dakota.  Fathers Jose and John then toured St. Joseph’s campus, visited the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center, as well as the Tokéya uŋkí nájiŋpi Historical and Alumni Center.  They watched some of the Lakota (Sioux) students practice their dancing for the upcoming powwow, looked in on classrooms to see the students in action and helped with homework in several of the homes before having supper with our high school boys in Sheehy Home.

Tuesday, they visited the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Sioux Indian Reservations, where the SCJs began their ministry to the Native American people back in 1923.  They met with members of the pastoral team and drove around the area to get a feel for the land and work being done.

We also kicked off the Olweus Anti-Bullying Program last week at St. Joseph’s.  As part of the program, the Lakota students will meet each week and discuss the effects bullying can have on people.  We want to encourage a positive environment for our students, where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.  Teachers, house parents and staff will also take part, and students’ families will be involved as well.

The powwow is on the horizon! We find ourselves in a ticklish situation as we are praying for rain for those areas of the country that are suffering from drought or fires, yet we also want good weather here at St. Joseph’s so that our guests will have an enjoyable (and dry) experience as powwow activities unfold on September 20-22. One guest we look forward to welcoming is Father Steve!

Have a great week and may God’s blessings and strength continue to be with you.  Pilamaya – thank you – for your support of St. Joseph’s!

Fr. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ

Chaplain

St. Joseph’s Indian School

Finding purpose in your life

The beginning of the school year is always an exciting time! You are gearing up for the school year by setting up your classroom, reorganizing your office, and finishing up on some lesson planning… you find yourself not panicking.

But just when you think you have everything done, you look around the corner and are greeted with another item to add to your “To Do List.”

This happened to me while I was getting ready for the Lakota boys and girls to return to St. Joseph’s Indian School. I felt I had everything ready for the school year and I was going to be ready to rock ‘n roll for the first week of classes!

But then, I was then greeted with another item on my “To Do List.” I left the first day of school feeling a little overwhelmed. My head was spinning and I was thinking, “Wow, there is just so much more I have to do!”

As I was walking to my car, I heard shouts from the playground. My students were asking if I could join them on the swings.

God quickly reminded by me what an amazing place St. Joseph’s is. The happy shouts of the children reminded me that, no matter how long my list was, the main reason that God has me at this school is to build relationships and touch the hearts of the Native American students who attend this wonderful place.

If you are ever feeling overwhelmed during the day and are wondering what in the world is going on, take a deep breath. Look around and be thankful for what God is doing in your life.

Joe teaches the Native American children Religion at St. Joseph’s Indian School.
Joe and the Lakota students in Religion Class.

Lakota students take part in youth triathlon

Good morning from South Dakota!
All I can say is ‘God bless whomever invented air conditioning!’
The Chamberlain area is facing some extremely hot weather. Saturday was in the mid-90s, but luckily we had a bit of a breeze to “cool” things down. Sunday was so hot that, when I crossed campus about 1:30 PM, not a single Lakota student was outside! I’m sure the swimming pool was full, and that several St. Joseph’s homes went to American Creek beach to cool off in the Missouri River. It was still over 100 as late as 6:30 PM, and it is supposed to be hot again today.
On Saturday morning, 60 or so youth between the ages of 7 to 15 took part in the 6th annual Chamberlain Youth Triathlon, which involved a swim, bike ride and run. St. Joseph’s Indian School was well represented, with at least one of our Native American students winning medals in each age category. The Raphael Home (1st-3rd grade boys) and Summerlee Home (4th & 5th grade girls) had most of their entrants bring home a medal. We’re so proud of everyone who participated!
The Development Office passed along a number of prayer requests they have received from you and those who have visited our Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center. I’ll divide these up and pass them along to our students so they can keep your requests in their home prayers each evening. You are always remembered at our Mass on Sunday as we ask God to bless and reward you for your generosity.
Stay cool and let’s keep the fire fighters who are dealing with all the forest fires in the West in our prayers, that the Lord will keep them safe and provide some beneficial weather to help them get the blazes under control.
Sincerely,
Fr. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ
Chaplain

Quality Time and Positive Risk-Taking

Can I just say I love working on the weekend? I know most people would hate to come to work on the weekend, so I don’t want to make anyone jealous of my job.  But really– I LOVE WORKING ON THE WEEKEND! This is because weekends are full of quality time.  I find that, the more quality time we spend with the kids, the less conflict they have and the more positive their attitude is when they have to take care of their daily responsibilities.

This past weekend we were on duty in the Afra Home (1st – 3rd grade girls) and got to bond with our sweet Lakota girlies. We had SO much fun!  American Island Days was a little festival in Chamberlain at the American Creek Campground, which is just a few blocks from St. Joseph’s Indian School. We took advantage of all the events taking place. The best part is that they were FREE! With 12 kids, costs are always high when going out. It was such a blessing to have so much fun at no cost. The girls had a blast on the inflatables, zip line, and on the boat rides provided by the South Dakota National Guard.

It was interesting to see our girls’ little personalities. Leave any stereotypes at the door if you come to St. Joseph’s! Our kids are not all the same, that’s for sure. Although, one thing I have noticed since coming here is that many of them fear trying new things. In fact, research shows troubled or at-risk youth can be afraid of the unknown and the new.

Most of them had never been on a boat or had no idea what a zip line was. Jachin and I had our “encouragement switches” on the whole time. The girls needed lots of reassurance and were rather apprehensive. As we waited in line, I couldn’t help but wonder if anyone would back out at the last minute. I am delighted to tell you that all girls participated in the boat ride and all but two got on the zip line!

I’ve been doing some reading on positive risk taking.  Studies also reveal that young people who take positive risks are more likely to avoid destructive behaviors than are those who do not. They are also more likely to describe themselves in positive terms and to say they often feel happy. This is why this weekend I was especially proud of our girls. I was really proud that they were able to step outside of their comfort zones to take positive risks.

Here’s a video and some pictures highlighting some of the fun we had:

At dinner, we always go around the table and we each share what the best part of our day was as well as the worst part. On that day, nearly all the girls said their best part was the zip line and the boat ride (what they were originally most afraid of). Go figure! They also loved when Jachin was wearing a velcro suit (seen on the video) and he made us laugh.  I have to agree. I laughed obnoxiously hard.

P.S: the girls are so excited about our upcoming annual powwow! More on their dancing next time : )

What a weekend!

Activities were taking place all around the Chamberlain area this weekend, as well as on St. Joseph’s campus.

Many of St. Joseph’s Lakota students participate in powwow.
More than 1,000 people attended the powwow on the Crow Creek Indian Reservation this weekend.

The high school students returned Sunday and are now taking part in an orientation to get them ready for the first day of school at Chamberlain High on Wednesday, August 21.  We are excited that we’ll have 50 Lakota students in our program this year. High school sports practices have also begun.

The biggest event of the weekend was the powwow on the Crow Creek Sioux Indian Reservation, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the founding of Fort Thompson, South Dakota.  They had a big turnout, with nearly 1,000 people on Saturday alone.  Many dancers, singers and drum groups took part in the celebration. A good number of our Native American students come from the Crow Creek Reservation and they were happy to be able to spend time with family and friends.

St. Joseph’s upcoming 37th annual powwow is right around the corner! This week began with a planning meeting for the celebration, which is scheduled for September 21. We hope you’ll have the chance to visit St. Joseph’s Indian School for the event!  You can look over our schedule at www.stjo.org/powwow.

Have a great week and enjoy the last remaining days of summer.  May God’s blessings continue to be with you, and gift you with health and happiness.

Sincerely,

Fr. J. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ

Chaplain

Starting the year off with a Bang!

Hello from the Mathias Home, where we are starting off our new year with a bang! We have eleven Lakota (Sioux) girls in 6-8th grades. Two are new students at St. Joseph’s, and two have moved up from the 4-5th grade homes.  On top of that, we have four new staff in the home!

St. Joseph’s students love having Claire as a houseparent!
Claire has worked as a houseparent at St. Joseph’s for five years.

I am new to the 6-8th grade community, but have worked for five years in St. Joseph’s high school program.  My partner Cathy is fresh from Chicago.  Today is the first day of work for the 6-day house parents, who just arrived in South Dakota this week from out East.  We are all going through some changes as we try to figure out who we are, where everything is, and how we are going to work together.

The first week is usually pretty frenetic as we get all of our students checked in, get their medical and clothing needs taken care of, and get their belongings squared away.  Once we have the external details in order, we start with the internal ones.

The students need to know if new staff are trustworthy.  Do we mean what we say?  Are we going to be hurtful?  Are we going to give up on them?  Are we going to keep them safe?  Are we going to stop them if they go too far?

The student’s job is to feel out the limits, and our job is to be very clear where those limits are.  Over.  And over.  And over.  And over.

My partner and I are pretty on top of things, so students don’t get confused by conflicting messages.  And so the students don’t “confuse” us with conflicting stories.

I have been feeling the learning curve as I learn a new set of rules and expectations, and as I find my way around a new home and a new group of kids.  I think I am getting the hang of it.

The other night on duty, I decided to check in with one of my “veteran” students, Jillian, who has been at St. Joseph’s Indian School for several years.  She is actively trying to figure out what the limits are in the home, now that there are different staff people here.

I told her I was writing a blog post for the donors and friends of St. Joseph’s, and I could use her help.  She seemed to like being interviewed, and took a serious tone that I hadn’t seen from her before.  She tried to read me, and give me the “right” answers at times, but mostly she was amazingly candid.

ME: So what is good about being back at school?

JILLIAN:  Having a good time playing basketball with my friends [who I haven’t seen all summer].

Anything else?  There is always something good to learn.

Like what? Umm.  Math…reading.  Mostly all my subjects.   Anything else?  I like when we go on trips.  Like Lifelight. [a Christian Music Festival].  There was a girl rapper last time.

Anything else? There is always something good and healthy to eat.

Hm.  What have you liked so far?  Breakfast pizza!!

ME: Tell me about what is hard about being back.

JILLIAN: I’m used to being with my sisters and brothers.

And you don’t see them as much when you’re here? Yeah…my brother is somewhere else.

But your sister is here, right? [Makes a face.]   

Anything else?   New house parents.  [Makes a face].

ME: Tell me about your dreams for this year.

JILLIAN: Meet new people.  Try to get along with everyone in the home.  Try to get good grades.  Be a good role model.   [Pause.]  I would like to be Miss St. Joseph’s [for powwow.]

That’s right, you’re a dancer.  Fancy shawl, right?  Tell me about that.  Well, when I dance…it’s like there is no one there.  Just me.  There is no sound.

Do you feel anything?   Just the beat on the ground.  Like big horses.  Or a big heartbeat.  There are no colors.  Everything is white.  Going in circles.  When the drum stops, then everything goes back to normal.

[Dumbstruck.] Whoa. That is so cool.  [Shyly] I dance for my ancestors, who have done it in the past.

[Over the summer, Jillian said she lost that feeling of being connected to her ancestors.  She seemed pretty sad when she talked about it.   I asked if there was someone on campus who could help her with this.   Her face brightened when I mentioned LaRayne, her Native American Studies teacher. Yes!  LaRayne would know what to do! ]

ME: Anything else you would like to share?

JILLIAN:  It is hard living on the Rez!  Stay in School.  Stay out of trouble!  Don’t give up on work! 

Anything else? [Pause]  I think that’s all.

Thanks for helping me with my homework, Jillian!

Wow.  It has been a long week of sorting, folding, washing, talking, telling, urging, cleaning, cooking, mopping, nit-picking (literally), running, walking, shopping, teaching, writing, reminding, consequencing, listening,  learning, setting limits, setting limits, setting limits, setting limits…

I am very grateful for these moments when these precious Native American girls – my girls – remind me why I’m really here.

Thanks to everyone who makes these kinds of connections possible.  Your support and prayers are making it possible for us to have another great year at St. Joseph’s!