Tag: St. Joseph’s Indian School

Guest Blogger: Joe

Hi!  My Name is Joe I am the Pastoral Care Associate. This is my first year here at St. Joseph’s.  Part of my job entails teaching some of the religious education classes along with Clare, the Co-Director of Pastoral Care.  The other part of my job includes going into the homes and assisting houseparents with spiritual development for our Native American students.

Being right out of college and growing in my faith life, I have been praying and reflecting about what led me to St. Joseph’s Indian School. Over the past few weeks, I have been given a few answers to this question and would like to share a couple of examples.

Every morning when I get to school I recite a prayer from a small prayer-book that includes verses and devotions. The other day the verse was Proverbs 3: 5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Later in the day, I realized that this verse was setting the stage for me to gain insight about my position here at St. Joseph’s.

After lunch, the fifth grade students came into my class.  They were acting about how you would imagine fifth graders would act right after recess. It took some time for the class to calm down.  As class began, I told them that we were going to be talking about Creation and how God created everything for us.

I was reading out of Genesis when verse 26 came up,

“Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness.”

One student raised his hand.

“So God made us to look like Him?”

I responded by saying,

“Yeah, God made us in His likeness. Isn’t that crazy?”

Another and went up.

“Why would God make us in His image?”

I replied by saying,

“God loves us so much that he wanted us to be like Him and to love each other.”

I looked around the room to see some students nodding their heads as if they understood. There were a few students that seemed to be grasping this concept.  That gave me a good feeling.

The next class that came in was the first grade class. They always come in with a lot of energy.  I read them stories of Jesus and how He lived his life and how He wanted us to live our lives.

A first grader then asked,

“How did Jesus die?”

You have to remember that most of these first graders don’t know much about Jesus.

I told the young boy that it was a great question.

“Jesus died on a cross,” I said.

He then said,

“Why did He die?”

I responded with,

“Jesus loved us so much that He died for our sins.”

Another student then said,

“He died for us?”

I replied,

“Yeah, Jesus died for you because He loved you so much.”

I then asked the students how they felt about someone dying for them. The boy who asked the question then said,

“I LOVE JESUS!”

Other first graders then said they too loved Jesus Christ.

Later, as I reflected on the day I realized how the verse I read in the morning spoke to me and how God was working through me. I remembered how the fifth graders were amazed that we were made in the likeness of God, and how the first graders were loving Jesus.  I have to admit, it put a smile on my face.  It made me realize how lucky I am to be here in an amazing community with incredible children.

God is truly great! 

Guest Blogger: Brock

The St. Joseph’s 5th grade completed a week long Starbase Project NOVA class from September 17-21, culminating with a field trip to the South Dakota Air and Space Museum located next to Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, SD.

During the week, the students learned about science, technology, engineering and math; all while completing hands-on activities and experiments.  Some of the activities were designing a space shuttle seat for Eggbert, their passenger, to allow him to safely land on his return trip from outer space.  In this activity, they also learned about the importance of wearing seat belts while traveling.  They also built miniature rockets made out of straws, pieces of notes cards used for wings, and clay for the nose tip.  Their objective was to use a special launcher to try to land their rocket on a specific target.  If their first launch wasn’t successful, they were given opportunities to make modifications to their launch to try to reach their desired target.  They also conducted a chromatography experiment using different black markers to determine which marker was used to write a special note.  One more activity they completed was programming robots to maneuver through an obstacle course.

On their field trip, they were able to take a guided tour of the South Dakota Air and Space Museum, as well as observe experiments using liquid nitrogen.  A highlight was sampling ice cream made with the liquid nitrogen.

The St. Joseph’s 5th graders really enjoyed the week.  Some of their comments about Starbase  were,

“it was awesome,” and “we got to do some really neat experiments.”

Fifth grade class picture at the South Dakota Air and Space Museum.

Guest Blogger: Chris B.

Native American students race each other on the bungee run during Red Ribbon Week.
Danni and Tashia race each other on the bungee run during Red Ribbon Week.

My name is Chris and I am the Drug and Alcohol Prevention Coordinator at St. Joseph’s Indian School. I feel so blessed to work with such a great group of kids! The staff here is pretty amazing, too. St. Joseph’s is like a close-knit family – everyone is always willing to pitch in and lend a hand where needed. No matter what kind of work employees do here, everyone is working towards the same goals – to love and care for these children, make them feel like they belong at St. Joseph’s and to foster good relationships with their families so their stay away from home is a positive experience for both the kids and their families.

I facilitate Red Path groups for our fourth through eighth grade students. Red Path is a support group for children who come from homes where substance abuse is an issue. The majority of our kids have been exposed to drug or alcohol abuse, so there is a great need for understanding addiction and how it affects family dynamics. In addition to feeling ashamed and having trust issues, these kids often think they are to blame for a family member’s use. Red Path allows them to sort through their feelings and helps them realize they are not alone.

We have a Substance Abuse Prevention Committee (SAPC) that plans fun activities throughout the school year. The message during these events is clear:

  • It is cool to live a drug-free life,
  • It is important to take good care of your body and mind and
  • It’s easy to have lots of fun when you’re not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

We are already planning some good stuff for Red Ribbon Week in October, like relays in which the homes will race against each other and an inflatable party. We’re even planning on having the kids paint their faces blue during the relays to go along with the theme,

“I’ll say NO to drugs until I’m blue in the face!”

I will spend a quarter in each of the first through eighth grade classrooms this year teaching prevention. I’m currently working with first and second graders, and we have been learning about scientists and how they find answers to their questions. We have been talking about different things scientists study like addiction and the effects drugs have on the human body.

Thanks to each and every one of you for your ongoing support; whether you support us through prayers, monetary donations or items like clothing and books, the St. Joseph’s community is humbled and grateful for your kindness!

Daily progress, growth and learning

About 25 of our staff, from all different areas of campus sat together in the Assembly room to evaluate our 36th annual powwow. Kathleen, our principal led the discussion, and passed out Kudos candy bars, two to each participant. She told us to enjoy one treat for ourselves, and suggested we pass the other on to another staff member, since everyone pulled together so well to make for a delightful weekend.

Powwow usually goes well because of both planning and evaluation. We take a long look at what went well, and discuss what we could do better. Each year, we come up with an idea or two where we ask,

“Why didn’t we think of that years ago?!”

Daily progress is being made on the William Home remodeling process. Today, our maintenance crew drilled into a section of concrete wall almost two feet thick, pulled a chain through and pulled it down. The thud reverberated like an earthquake throughout the Benedictine homes. One houseparent napping before the kids came back from school said he didn’t know what to make of it as it woke him from his sleep. But it opens a new hallway so we can expand the size of the home by the end of the year.

During our community adoration, I noticed the wicker basket with the donor prayer requests left from powwow weekend. I used the quiet time to go through them one by one, and lift up the intentions presented in prayer. Many were heavenly appeals for healing from personal illness, but even more were concerns for loved ones going through personal struggles. Fr. Anthony will pass those around to the homes and classrooms and our Lakota students will be remembering those people in prayer.

Welcome baby Lilya!
Welcome baby Lilya!

All the Sheehy Home (high school boys) were away at school, but we had a big potluck lunch there anyway. Guest of honor was newborn Lilya, and her parents Tim and Jessica, who began recently as houseparents there. Several of our younger houseparents raise their own children along with the St. Joseph’s students in their care. Most of the high school houseparents were able to visit in a relaxed way, with good food and a festive, joyful atmosphere.

5th graders get to experience a hands on special Science module called Star Base. Today the school gym housed a large black inflatable theater in the round, called a GeoDome. While the students lay on the floor, they gazed up at projections of the stars, galaxy and universe. They participated quite intently and excitedly.

Native American kids learning about stars, galaxy and universe!
The kids has a great time learning about the stars, galaxy and universe!

Guest Blogger: Geri

Hello!  My name is Geri and I joined St. Joseph’s Indian School on August 20.  I’m delighted to be a ‘guest blogger’ and hope to share with you my ‘new to St. Joseph’s’ impressions!

What a warm, welcoming atmosphere!  I’ve had a variety of past work experiences, but none can compare to how welcome and comfortable I’ve been made to feel in the month since I’ve started.  I live in Mitchell and carpool with other St. Joseph’s employees Monday-Thursday and telecommute on Fridays.

Friends and family have asked me how the hour-long commute is going and I’ve honestly responded,

“It goes by remarkably fast, as we’re usually deep in conversation and surprised to see our exit sign.”

I’m amazed by how many people have worked at St. Joseph’s for 20, 25 or 30 years and very outwardly admit,

“I love working here – it’s a great place to work.”

I’ve had an opportunity to meet some of our Native American children and travel to the two reservations that 40% of our students come from, Lower Brule and Crow Creek.   The children are beautiful – and from the two times I’ve dined with them, amazingly polite and well-behaved.

The houseparents I met over dinner recently, Aleece and Leonard, are wonderfully kind and patient and have been at St. Joseph’s since 1988.  Their 1st-3rd grade boys were a joy to be around –proudly showing their regalia for the powwow and honestly remarking on my height (I’m north of 5’10”).

You may be wondering what my job at St. Joseph’s entails – let me tell you about that.  My title is Director of Major Gift Services and currently I’m working to gain an understanding of all that is happening in our development program while working towards the development of a major gifts program.

I have so much to learn, but it’s exciting!  I am looking forward to getting to know our supporters better and finding out what specifically they are passionate about and why they support St. Joseph’s, while at the same time learning all that I can about St. Joseph’s.

Feel free to share your thoughts with me!  My e-mail address is geri.beck@stjo.org.

St. Joseph’s Indian School’s 36th annual powwow is in the books

Our 36th annual powwow is in the books! I’m weary, but it’s the good kind of tired from a wonderful day.

As visitors streamed onto campus, they boarded our mini buses and were shuttled around campus for morning tours of Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel and four of the residential homes where the boys and girls live on St. Joseph’s campus. Houseparents prepared snacks for our guests, and students volunteered to give tours of the homes. The most enthusiastic were the 1st – 3rd grade girls of Afra Home, who  at times led people by the hand, tugging them along to see the playroom or laundry and tell them about all they’ve already learned from life in the Home.

Our students were polite, respectful, excited and touched people’s hearts. Our ever-present blue-shirted St. Joseph’s staff members drew countless praise as they made folks feel welcome, answered questions and made sure people had directions to the places they needed to go next.

Dave, our powwow arena director, kept things moving along and made sure people were in the right place and time for ceremonies and competitions. Virgil, our PA announcer entertained with humorous banter, encouraged dancers and educated visitors with his explanations of what they were seeing on the powwow grounds.

Besides our own St. Joseph students, many young people came from surrounding areas. When 150 dancers processed in during the Grand Entry, the colorful spectacle was a beauty to behold. We had ten drum groups rotating the songs, including our St. Joseph’s student group – “the Chalk Hills Singers”

The last couple of years, weather for the powwow has been on the cool side. Today, the sun was out much of the day and temperatures climbed into the high 80’s. The energetic dancers certainly worked up a good sweat! Spectators coveted the shady spots and more than a few took a mid-day break in our air-conditioned Akta Lakota Museum.

At supper we served stew and fixings at the picnic pavilion, feeding over 900 guests, students and family members. After the judges’ points were totaled, we announced the award winning dancers and passed out prizes. As the sun set over the majestic Missouri River and people headed home with pictures and memories, our facilities crew was already tearing down and putting the football field back to it’s normal configuration. Next year’s powwow will be the weekend of September 21, so make your plans now to join us!

Watch this beautiful video of this year’s powwow!

Hau, Taŋyáŋ yahi – Greetings from everyone at the Akta Lakota Museum

Construction continues . . . (Read the previous construction update here!)

The Alumni/Historical Center has made great progress!
Medicine Wheel Garden Site

The addition of the new Tokéya uŋkí nájiŋpi (We stood here in the beginning) Alumni/Historical Center has made great progress since July.  Most of the structure’s exterior work is complete and contractors are now busy working on the interior of the building.

At this point we are really in the final stages, installing lights, cabinets and wall and floor coverings.  The final completion date of the project is scheduled for October 1 and everyone is getting excited to move in.

Once the building construction is complete, we will begin Phase II of the project. This includes installation of the Tokéya uŋkí nájiŋpi exhibits and renovation work to the existing museum building and exhibits.

Mni Wićoni - water is life
Mni Wićoni – water is life

Other projects going on outside of the building are the addition of a Medicine Wheel Garden and the expansion of our parking lot; the museum and the Rec Center share a parking lot and things get pretty tight during the school year when sporting activities are in full swing.  In an effort to alleviate the problem the parking area will be expanded, adding additional parking spaces and a specific area designated for bus parking.  The improvement to the site will make the area much safer for our students and visitors.

This Medicine Wheel Garden area is shaping up as well.  The water wall element was installed last month and looks beautiful. The wall is inscribed with the Lakota words Mni Wićoni which translates to “water is life.”  The glu-lam beams for the arbor are in place and the pre-cast colors of the medicine wheel have been installed.  It is really progressing nicely.

Akta Lakota Museum Front Entrance
Akta Lakota Museum Front Entrance

If you are planning to visit our area please don’t let our construction scare you away.  As construction progresses we will continue to maintain regular museum hours as much as possible and extend a heartfelt welcome to everyone! We hope you can stop by and check out our progress.

Pilamaya – thank you!  Dixie

Guest Blogger: Facilities Team

These Native American girls can't wait to see their new home!
These four ladies can’t wait to play in their new home!

School is in session and powwow week is here! Every department is hard at work to make sure everything is ready. Here is an update of our largest projects:

Summerlee Home Renovations:

We have about 95% of the exterior work completed, which includes new siding, shingles and windows.  As for the interior of the home, we have completed all the rough-in plumbing and electrical work, and just finished the first coat of taping joints.  When the taping and texturing are finished, we will begin painting.  It is very exciting to see the layout changes that were made in the home come to life.

William Home Renovations:

The demolition process is still underway in the William Home.  We are considering a possible change in the floor plan, which would incorporate the entrance to the lower lever and to the adjacent office area.  Once walls are removed, we will have a better idea of how we will proceed with this possible change.  We enjoy putting our heads together and seeing what will best work for the students and their home and other staff who work in the Benedictine building.

Now, for a few tidbits of some to the day-to-day activities that are taking place around campus:

Grounds department:

The grounds department is checking out all the sprinkler lines and repairing or replacing any bad sprinklers.  They are also removing trees on the west side of Akta Lakota Museum to better accommodate some of the work being done there and at the Summerlee Home.

Carpentry department:

The carpenters are completing a few minor finishing touches to the Stevens and Mathias Homes – our most recently completed renovations. New railings are being added at both entrances of the homes.  They are also installing new carpet in the Human Resources and Facilities Management offices.

Electrical department:

The electricians are in the Human Resource and Facilities Management offices installing new lighting to help brighten up the work space.  They recently finished wiring in the Summerlee Home.

Plumbing department:

The plumber is keeping up with everyday plumbing RQ’s and also helping with the demo work being done at the Thrift Store.

This week, everyone’s main focus will be getting ready for the powwow.

Thanks – Facilities Team

Guest Blogger: Claire

Native American boys having fun in the sun!
Having fun in the sun!

The high school kids had a long Labor Day weekend, and all of the homes planned special trips for the occasion. The Giles Home (freshmen boys) decided that they wanted to camp out at the Lifelight concert in Sioux Falls.  Lifelight is a free Christian music festival that attracts over 300,000 people every year.  There are five stages, merchandise booths, concessions and all sorts of activities going on throughout the weekend.  Plus there is a large area set aside for people who want to tent camp.

Trips like these are one of the ways we can build Circle of Courage values (Independence, Mastery, Belonging and Generosity) while disguising it as “just having fun.”  It’s kind of like drowning broccoli in cheese sauce so that they don’t realize it’s good for them. 🙂

The Giles boys are good at Belonging.  They get along well together and look out for each other.  Unless of course, someone farts in the tent.  Then it is every man for himself.  They also warned each other not to trip over the … cord for the rain fly.  Usually after someone face planted on the ground, but still.

They are surprisingly Generous.  We saw a man holding a, “Will work for food” sign by the side of the road.  They gathered together some of their favorite snacks, and Isaiah hopped off the mini-bus to deliver them.  The boys’ favorite part was when I accidentally started the bus back up while Isaiah was changing seats, and he went bouncing down the aisle.  Oops.

Independence skills like checking in on time are very important, especially in a crowded, several-acre venue.  Most of the boys did a great job coming back to the campsite every hour and checking in with a houseparent before going back out to catch a show, play some hoops, listen to a band or check out the cute girls.  What, huh?  Flirting at a Christian festival?  Ohhhh yeah.  All those “Free Hug” signs are just irresistible.  Sadly, one boy did get “lost.”  Finding a missing kid among 100,000 visitors is quite a challenge.  After calling out a search party for him, we found him happily hanging out with another  SJIS home.  Phew!  Apparently, he had taken on more responsibility than he could manage, so his freedoms were curtailed for the evening.

They guys had lots of opportunities to demonstrate Mastery, from putting up/striking tents, to working the camping lanterns, to making s’mores on the camp stove.  We forgot sticks, but they came up with the brilliant idea of using a (clean) metal tent-peg.  Perfect!  Another  challenge for them was visiting the cathedral in Sioux Falls for Mass.  The impressive Romanesque architecture, incense, Latin inscriptions and chanted prayers are very different from the Mass for Children that they celebrate at Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel on St. Joseph’s campus.  They followed along pretty well, just like they would at home, only with a bit more looking around.

“This is cool.”

All around, it was a good Labor Day weekend.  It felt good to get back to the Giles Home and into the air conditioning.  And showers.  And real beds.  The boys are already talking about plans for our next home trip, which we will take next semester.  They are thinking skiing. (I might as well start practicing to use crutches now.)

Thank you again for your generosity, which makes trips like these possible.  I hope to see some of you at our powwow, which is coming up in a few weeks!

Claire

High School Houseparent