St. Joseph’s Indian School – Page 51 – St. Joseph's Indian School

Prom night for our Native American youngsters

Chamberlain High School held their prom this evening. A dozen of our high school students looked sharp as they ventured off to the evening’s festivities. Some of them dined at a restaurant in town, but eight of the students were pampered right here on campus. At the Sheehy Home (high school boys), several houseparents got together and hosted a pre-prom dinner, with multiple courses and luscious desserts. Some of the freshmen and sophomore girls served as waitresses, no doubt taking mental notes about dresses, corsages and dreaming about a future prom invitation themselves. The older students enjoyed the attention and star treatment.

As I approached the home to check out the sharply dressed young men and women, I met the girls of Afra Home (1^st-3^rd grade) coming to check out the fashions themselves. Several had big sisters or brothers attending the prom, and quite a few of the other homes made their way up the hill to have a peek and wish the prom goers well. Later in the evening, many family members and friends showed up at the Armory for the Grand Entry, with flash bulbs filling the night before the dance hall doors were close, to leave the students to enjoy the night with classmates.

Pride and accomplishments at St. Joseph’s Indian School

Our Board of Directors meeting is over. Most of the meeting was taken with budget issues. The Board voted to accept the budget as it was presented. Besides keeping on what we’re already doing, it will allow us to move ahead with the Strategic Plan that we laid the groundwork for. While the Board meetings generally go well, with good feedback, evaluation and challenge, it feels good to have them finished. I always feel a bit tired and drained when they are over. But I also had feelings of pride when my staff presented what each of the departments has accomplished this past year.

One benchmark we’ve been working hard at is high school retention. The efforts seem to be paying off. While nearby schools fight a nearly 50% drop out rate, we still have 38 of the 40 high school students who started the year. The two who left St. Joseph’s Indian School are currently enrolled in high schools back home, and hopefully will be part of a generation that completes school and sets their sights higher.

Who is easier, boys or girls?

Due to some staffing changes, last month I found myself moving from my comfortable world of teenage girldom, to that uncharted territory of testosterone known as the high school boys’ homes. I was a bit nervous at first. I haven’t lived in a house full of teenage boys since I graduated from high school umpty-scrunch years ago. My hazy memories of life with 4 brothers included garage bands, broken bones, girls calling all hours of the day and night, and mechanical objects being taken apart and reassembled with varying degrees of success. So when I stepped into Sheehy Home and saw the drum set, the crutches and partially disassembled remote control, at least it felt familiar if not entirely comfortable.

We were debating this in a staff meeting earlier this year. Which group is easier: high school girls or boys? Hands down, people seem to think that girls are harder. Sure, “boys will be boys,” meaning that they end up in the ER with freak accident injuries from jumping over couches or doing handstands. Sure, boys leave towels all over the floor. How do they use so many towels and why? I don’t know. But girls? Girls are “emotional”. No, girls have subtly nuanced levels of emotional upheaval that would be hard to plumb with a PhD, a compass and a troop of Avon representatives. Or so I’m told. But I sure do miss them.

So I’m off to a new adventure, one that, according to popular wisdom will be infinitely “easier” than the journey I have been on. Right now, I can rely on the wise counsel of people who have already established relationships with the boys. Or I can even ask what would Jesus do in this situation. Not that he ever had 18 teenage boys to take care of. But he must have had some dealings with adolescents because he made a whole sermon about them: blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall take the middle seat and save all of the rest of mankind from the wrath of the driver; blessed are those who hunger for justice, for they will make sure that you enforce the rules fairly or at least see to it that you know when you’re being unjust; blessed are those who mourn, especially those who have to mourn too soon and too often and too much, because they will change your life and make you rethink your priorities.

In writing this out, I concluded that I have been looking at this move from the wrong angle. The question really isn’t “Who is easier?” but “What do I have to offer, and what gets in the way?” One stumbling block is having dumb ideas about what boys are like or girls are like,

“I can’t work with boys! I’m too girly! I am not good with power tools! I can’t talk about sports or hunting! It’s a disaster!”

Another obstacle is knowing that these boys need more than just what I have to offer, and thinking somehow I need to solve that. That’s a mistake I think a lot of us make: thinking our small part isn’t enough and the little that we can do doesn’t matter. Really, what is needed for a whole lot of little somethings to come together.

So, what does a middle-aged white woman have to offer a bunch of teenage Lakota guys? What does anyone have to offer another? When in doubt, go back to the basics: Show up. Pay attention. Give a hoot. Keep showing up. Make sure the same person keeps showing up each time, and not some façade constructed to make sure we all get along. Occasionally bake brownies.

I genuinely like these kids, so showing up and caring isn’t all that hard. (The boys think I’m a little weird, but they’re also pretty forgiving. ) As for all their other supporters near and far, families, role models, teachers, elders, mentors, and caring friends like you—just keep doing your part. Tune in, show up, take interest, give a hoot and keep us in your prayers. Now wasn’t that easy?

Legacies and future plans

A former St. Joseph’s Indian School employee, Peggy, died at the age of 92. Her son Mike works on campus as our custodian, and I was asked to lead the funeral services. For many years Peggy was the public face of our Thrift Store on St. Joseph’s Indian School’s campus, who enjoyed interacting with all the people who passed her way. At 92, she outlived many of her peers, and the “friends” side of the church had only a handful of people. But the “family” side was filled with a vast number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. I was struck by how one life, especially a mother’s life, can touch so many others and leave a legacy of love and care.

Our four high school seniors are finalizing their plans for the fall. D’Kera and Erin have been accepted to South Dakota State in Brookings, South Dakota. D’Kera will first spend some training time in the Army Reserves. Danisha plans to attend Dakota State in Madison, South Dakota. She also got word today that she was accepted for a summer internship at Crazy Horse Monument. While there she will earn college credit to get her off to a good start. Nick is still undecided about his post high school plans are, but would like to study business and accounting.

Easter Egg Hunt at St. Joseph’s Indian School

Native American students getting lined up for an Easter Egg Hunt. — All of the kids at St. Joseph's Indian School had a great time at the Easter Egg Hunt.

The homes reopened at noon, and our Native American students started arriving back on campus to finish up our last quarter. April and May seem to fly by so fast, filled with all the end of year activities.

Our Easter Egg Hunt at 4:00 p.m. encouraged the students to get back before supper so they can have time to settle into their homes and be ready for school on Tuesday. A few students made it back just in the nick of time and rushed to the field where the eggs were hidden even before stopping at their home to unpack. There’s been a lot of odd news stories about egg hunts gone awry because they are too competitive. We try to keep it orderly and still let the kids have some fun. Our staff hid enough colorful plastic eggs for each child to find a dozen. Once a student collected theirs, they could help classmates fill their baskets. Once everyone had their eggs, they returned to the Rec Center to open them. All the eggs contained small prizes or candy, and a few had slips of paper that allowed them to choose a larger prize, like a stuffed bunny or a game. As the kids get older, they aren’t quite as enthusiastic about the eggs as the younger students, but all seemed to have a good time.

I saw a few students, especially the younger ones, fighting back tears when their parents or grandparents drove away. Even when students know this is the best place for them to be, those transitions away from family are inevitably hard.

An update from Facilites

Native American boy smiles big for the camera. — Gavin can't wait to see the new homes!

The Facilities Department at St. Joseph’s Indian School is still busy working on their primary project of renovating the Stevens and Mathias Homes. The crew continues to make great progress and should be on schedule to complete the project on time.

The Stevens Home is getting closer to completion. We are currently installing carpet throughout the upstairs bedrooms, and the floor tile is finished on both levels. We consider the Stevens Home to be about 90% done.

As different areas are completed on the Stevens side of the home, the crew transfers over to the Mathias side. We are currently finished with texturing the walls and will be starting to paint on the Mathias side next week.

Developing healthier lifestyles

At yesterday’s Child Service Meeting, our Rec Center staff gave a presentation on new programs they are developing. Besides coordinating the team sports against other schools, they have a vision about helping staff and students develop healthier lifestyles.

Mark has become certified in Circular Strength Training, which involves a series of body movements that can be done gently and slowly, but over time provide a great workout. Instead of just telling us about it, he had us get out of our chairs and walk through the activity with him. I admit it did help me stay more alert during the meeting than I normally would have after just eating lunch.

Our High School Program director, Shana, gave us an update on her meetings with the public school administrators. They have been brainstorming on ways to improve the transition for our eighth grade graduates at St. Joseph’s Indian School when they enter Chamberlain High School.

A bit of everything

Greetings once again from St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota. As Fr. Steve Huffstetter, SCJ is on his way back from a donor luncheon in the Miami, Florida area, I have been asked to bring you up-to-date on what happened here at St. Joseph’s over the weekend.

It was a weekend that had a bit of everything happen. Friday afternoon had one of our 4^th grades present a ‘living’ Way of the Cross entitled The Week That Changed the World to our students and staff. Friday also saw the end of the bowling season as all the participants had a fun afternoon in which trophies were awarded and snacks provided. A lot of fun was had this year and several of the students improved remarkably over the course of the season.

While we were at the bowling lane, word was received that the Chamberlain water supply was experiencing some difficulty and that the water should not be drunk. The whole town and campus were affected. As those working on the problem were not sure how long it would last, there was a run on bottled water. Luckily the disruption was fixed overnight and we could drink and use the water in cooking.

The end of the month also brought an end to our Home Prayers for March and the theme of St. Joseph. We had the homes pray the Litany of St. Joseph and talked with the students about who St. Joseph was and why he plays an important role in salvation history as the husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus.

Saturday saw the Spring session of FAST (Families And Schools Together) hold its graduation. We had five families complete the program which encourages interaction among the students, their families and St. Joseph’s staff. It was wonderful to see several homes attend the graduation as a sign of support and encouragement for their students who took part in the program. A nice reception took place afterwards.

Should the popular movie, The Hunger Games, have a sequel, several of our students are ready to try out. Due to the beautiful weather we have been having, those who have been practicing their archery skills were able to shoot outside on the football field. They seemed to really be into the experience as they were out there for several hours.

Several of the younger grades are taking part in a gymnastics camp offered in the Chamberlain community. It seems a very popular event; one of our students even participated on the Chamberlain High School Gymnastics Team as a 7^th grader. We hope that taking part in such a camp helps the students get the basics and establish some friendships with Chamberlain students. When they meet up again in high school, we hope good team work values may be established and will bear fruit as Chamberlain’s gymnastics team competes locally and on a state wide basis.

You know Spring has come when you see your first riding lawn mower! I am not sure if it was out to be used or was being moved to be prepared for the upcoming grass cutting season, but it was moving about the campus. I hope that is a positive sign that no more ‘wintery’ weather will hit the campus until next Fall and Winter.

Yesterday was Palm Sunday and we began our liturgy by gathering outside in front of the Benedict Homes for the blessing of the palms and then the procession into Our Lady of the Sioux Chapel.

I hope that each of you will have a meaningful and grace-filled Holy Week. As we continue our journey to Easter and witness what takes place on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter, may we be grateful for the love and mercy the Great Spirit shows His people through the witness Jesus gives as He willingly pays the price for our sins. May we always be grateful and echo the statement of the Roman officer heard in yesterday’s reading of the Passion,

‘Truly this man was the Son of God.’

May we live out that gratitude by following Jesus’ example of love and service to all those we encounter in our journey through life.

During our Sunday liturgy we make various announcements. Our high school program asked us to share some wonderful news. Erin, one of our high school seniors, has just been awarded the opportunity of a lifetime. She is one of only six South Dakota students to receive a Davis-Bahcall Scholarship. This will enable her to spend a month studying particle physics at some great laboratories world-wide. She’ll spend a week at Sanford Labs in Lead, South Dakota, which used to be an active gold mine, and then two weeks at the Fermilabs just outside Chicago, Illinois, where the Manhattan Project was begun. She ends the program with a visit to northern Italy where CERN’s Gran Sasso lab, which houses the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s largest, is housed. The Chamberlain High School principal stated he ranked this as one of the two highest honors a student could receive in the science field. We congratulate Erin on this honor. It was also mentioned that Erin and D’Kera have both been accepted at South Dakota State University following graduation.

Have a Happy Easter and know we continue to keep all of you in our prayers in gratitude for your generosity.

Fr. Anthony Kluckman, SCJ

Chaplain

Preparing students for their sacred day

Richard and his Lakota (Sioux) students. — Richard reading a book to the kids!

In a little over two weeks, on Sunday April 15, we will be having 21 students receiving the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation.

It is an exciting time in their lives and a somewhat sad time for me as this will be the last time I prepare students for this sacred day. I will be leaving St. Joseph’s Indian School at the end of the school term.

I have been here for almost ten years and in those years have served in various roles, including teacher and houseparent. I have tried to bring passion, dignity and laughter to each different job I have done, but the time has come to bring in new blood and new ideas.

I have always believed in going out when you are on top and not clinging to a job because it is safe and secure. We see that often in sports, where athletes hold on for dear life to their career, even when they can no longer be an asset to the team. I am proud of the work I have accomplished here at St. Joseph’s and walk away with my head held high and, most importantly, with the love and respect of our students.

I will be moving to sunny Palm Springs, California where an earthquake lasts only thirty seconds, as opposed the three day blizzards we have here!

As I let the Spirit guide me, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I must say, I have enjoyed doing this blog and am glad so many of you have responded so positively to what I have written.

God Bless you all – Richard

Girls in Engineering, Math and Science

Our 8^th grade girls attended a Girls in Engineering, Math and Science (GEMS) workshop this past Saturday. It was held at South Dakota State University. The purpose of the workshop was to generate female interest in the fields traditionally populated by males. The girls listened to female students who chose different fields of engineering and what they enjoyed about their chosen major. All the girls participated in a series of activities exploring engineering, math and science.

They built and programmed robots, investigated the science of forensics with a “Who done it?” scenario – complete with fingerprinting – and built load-bearing bridges out of toothpicks. Each participant received a backpack from SDSU loaded with lots of stuff, a notebook, calculator, logo cup, pens and a flashlight, to name a few.

This was an opportunity that really opened a number of unexpected future options for them.