youth – Page 28 – St. Joseph's Indian School

I took up the students’ challenge

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

I stopped in at the Akta Lakota Museum & Culture Center to see how things were going there. We don’t get a whole lot of visitors in February – only one brave soul during yesterday’s snowstorm. We do get regular shoppers on our Akta Lakota online gift store, interested in artwork, books and information on Native American culture, so there are always orders to fill. But now is also a good time to do inventory and prepare ahead for summer busloads of tourists, and travelers who stop through to visit campus.

Today was Red, White and Blue day for Catholic Schools Week. I simply donned my 1970’s White Sox cap–which covered all three colors–and I didn’t have to change any of my usual black and white wardrobe. My sisters envy me because I sure don’t have to spend much time figuring out what to wear for the day.

Fr. Steve in the classroom with our Native American students. — Fr. Steve in the classroom with some of our American Indian youngsters.

While in Math class, I took up the students’ challenge and proved I can still add mixed fractions, as I explained each step to them as I did it. I heard some of the poetry the 6^th graders were working on. When I entered the 5^th grade room and found they were in their reading mode, I listened to a few impromptu book reviews as I went around the room to ask what each was reading. Our speech therapist celebrated a birthday, so I stopped by and sang, “Happy Birthday” to Angela, then observed her lesson for a while.

Our SEED book discussion group was down to four hearty souls who braved the cold. Yet discussion of the autobiography “Crow Dog” was lively. He is from Rosebud, and his take on historical events we remember like the development of the American Indian Movement, the 1973 Wounded Knee occupation and the takeover of BIA offices in DC were fascinating. He also describes a Lakota (Sioux) ceremony and ritual in an enlightening way.

Snow day in South Dakota

Monday, January 31, 2011

Due to blowing snow Chamberlain (and most of South Dakota) public schools were canceled today, but since our students are all here, our only concessions was to start 90 minutes later to give our grounds crew more time to plow the snow, and staff extra time to dig out and navigate on the slippery roads. This week is Catholic Schools Week; once everyone arrived, we gathered all the staff and students in the Recreational Center for a prayer service. Fr. Anthony enlisted the help of Summerlee girls (4^th-5^thgrades) to help with reading our petitions. Some were quiet and nervous, others clear and loud. I like to encourage our American Indian student involvement in events we hold.

Several staff members couldn’t make it in, including our cook. But I don’t mind, because that gives me an excuse to eat lunch in the dining hall with the students. The kitchen staff is trying to introduce a greater variety of vegetables this year. The leafy greens for salad are more nutritious than plain iceberg lettuce, and most students ate it, but a few played with the differently shaped leaves. The butternut squash was tasty, but because it looked different, that was a harder sell. We’ll keep trying!

In the school, I checked out some of the latest art projects. Dave, our art teacher, is back after spending the fall semester with the National Guard, and it’s great to have him here full-time again. The students are currently working on clay creations. Bowls, characters, and hollow things that rattle are in different stages of completion. Dave tells me that besides being most popular with students, they are also most likely to be saved and given to their Native American family members as gifts. He’d also like to see them save more of their paintings and drawings, but works done on paper sadly are often thrown.

Outside the first grader room was their project, “What I would do if I had one-hundred dollars”. Besides a few savers, buyers of school and clothing items, three said they would buy a car, one a house, and one a castle! I encourage our Lakota kids to dream big, yet it looks like somewhere in our curriculum we need to teach the real purchasing power of a dollar.

With the public high school canceling school and activities, I know our high school students would all be home, so it was a good night to enjoy some hot soup with the Giles Home (HS girls). Most everyone loves a day off of school; although with basketball games, practices and other activities on hold, and homework caught up, I think some of the students were actually feeling bored. When we have days like that on campus, we see if there are activities they can plug into, including spending time to help tutor our grade school students, or visit the homes that they were once a part of.

Reading time

Our American Indian students love to read!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

After mass, I visited the Stevens Home (6^th-8^th grade girls). It was reading time there, and every girl had a book in hand when I arrived. Each of the homes set times for reading beyond homework – readings that are challenging enough for the student’s age, but of their choosing. These reads are for fun and enjoyment. I’m always curious about what people are reading, and went around asking each for a quick summary. The topics included everything from historical, romance, science fiction and drama. I was impressed by how everyone told me a good deal about their book. They were all invested and engaged. Being able to share their thoughts and feelings on what they’re interested in encourages them to read more.

While sharing brunch, the table-talk turned to school: art projects and science experiments. Dissecting worms may not have been the most appetizing table conversation, but did generate lively discussion and some laughs.

This afternoon, five of the girls went to the Armory and participated in the basketball “Hot Shot” competition sponsored by the Jaycees, and the “Free Throw Competition” sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. A few of them came home with trophies or medals, but all had fun. Some of our teachers and staff had children of their own competing, so I wandered around the gym and alternated between cheering and gabbing away.

I feel rewarded

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Today, I went back to the office, and with no one else around, I got a pile of mail done. I also signed off on this semester’s college grants to those who have qualified for scholarships. I feel rewarded when I read what our alumni are doing to continue their education, and am glad that we can encourage and support their efforts.

I take the responsibility of preaching very seriously, and I work to find words and images that the students can connect with.

I put in several hours working on the weekend homily. Some days, like today, I struggle. It felt like getting a test question that you kind of know, but are stuck trying to make it sound right. Sometimes, in preaching the words flow easily, but other times it’s difficult to understand the mysterious ways of God myself, let alone trying to explain it to others in a meaningful way.

I stopped in at Hogebach (HS girls) just to say hi and see what they were up to. Last night, was an away basketball game, and in South Dakota that often means a trip of up to three hours in one direction. The students got back around one o’clock in the morning and some of them were just getting up around noon. It’s good that they can have the occasional sleep in day.

Tonight, one of our Lakota (Sioux) high school students, Michelle, celebrated a birthday! Her friends used the gym to set up for a dance. When I stopped by to see how things were going, there were students, but not too much dancing. The strobe lights and techno music wasn’t my style, but she and her friends were happy. I checked in with a few of the houseparents. Mark, our newest houseparent told about his first month on the job. Mike, working with our freshmen boys and brainstormed about an upcoming trip.

A day off

Friday, January 28, 2011

Today was my day off, so I was able to be lazy without incurring any guilt. After sleeping in, I exercised and then ran shopping errands around town. In the afternoon I read, wrote letters, and made phone calls to family and friends.

I don’t watch much prime time TV, but do enjoy movies, so I rented “The Social Network”. I threw some popcorn in the microwave and invited Fr. Anthony and Fr. Dominic to join me. After watching, we had plenty of discussion. That’s when movies are best, when they’re shared with friends and you can talk about what you thought, felt and experienced.

A big hit with this crew

Thursday, January 27, 2011

We’re starting work on next year’s budget, and the first item is to figure out how much building remodeling and how many capital expenses we can afford. Everyone has great suggestions for campus improvements, but we also have to figure out how much time our facility crew has available for new undertakings. I spent a good chunk of the day going over figures and plans with our Management Team and the Head of Maintenance.

Perky Home (4^th-5^th grade boys) hosted me for supper. When I arrived, the American Indian boys were playing with a hacky-sack and tried to see how well I could do. The best I could manage was a pitiful two kicks in a row – not my sport, especially on a gimpy leg.

Some of our kids can be very picky eaters, but Wendy encourages them to try new dishes. Tonight, she experimented with a chicken and pesto sauce on the spaghetti. It was a big hit with this crew as everyone cleaned their plate and many asked for seconds.

As I walked home, I came across the 4^th and 5^th grade cheerleaders practicing their moves in the Skateroom. My mom had been a cheerleader and my sister, Delia carried on the tradition. So I grew up seeing lots of cheers and routines. These girls had the moves down well, but needed some encouragement to yell a little louder. When I started clapping and waving my arms around with them, the volume did increase considerably.

Many Lakota students jumped in and participated

Wednesday, January 26, 2010

Tonight was our honors banquet for our American Indian students grades 4-8 and high school who made the semester honor roll here at St. Joseph’s Indian School. Our school staff picks a colorful theme, and tonight was disco night. I haven’t seen so many shiny, glitzy clothes since my college days, when disco was truly the rage. Erica (8^th grade) sported a three-foot high Afro wig that her dad dug out of his closet. Shelby (first grade teacher) and Cassidy (7^th grader) wore roller skates as part of their outfits.

After supper, we passed out the certificates and a Native American feather with each student’s name sketched onto the quill.

For fun, they also received a colorful necklace with min disco ball attached. Choreographed by our school secretary Dianne, a group of teachers and counselors entertained dancing to Stayin’ Alive, Dancing Queen, and YMCA. On the last song many students jumped in and participated.

Jim, a houseparent, told me that he grew up in a tradition where dancing was not allowed. He said he appreciated how it could be fun and wholesome when done in the right circumstances. We had fun, and honored students for their academic excellence, hopefully encouraging them to keep on that path to knowledge.

Guest blogger: Mike Tyrell

When I came to the office today, I had this note from Mike, our Director of Child Services waiting for me. Since he speaks of lots that’s going on around campus, I thought I’d share this with you.

20 Minutes at the Rec Center

On Saturday morning, I happened to find myself in one of those unique but fun 20 minutes in our rec center. As I was winding down my workout, a houseparent came into the workout room with one of the boys from his home. He was working with the student teaching him to properly lift weights. It was nice to see the mentoring going on and the student following the houseparent’s lead.

As I finished, I left the workout room, only to find that the Ambrose Home’s students waiting rambunctious to go to wresting practice. We have not had a wrestling program in a few years and it was their first practice. The kids and houseparents were waiting at the front door of the rec center as mini-buses moved around outside to pick up the students. The boys looked eager to get going to Chamberlain’s wrestling room, as we do not have a mat yet for our wresting program.

I then wandered back into the rec center gym where two houseparent we setting up and Archery course for the students. Today was the first day of training our students about how to safely shoot a bow and arrow. The staff, who recently went to be certified in archery training, were eagerly awaiting the student’s arrival. In talking with the staff, you could tell they were excited.

As I left the gym, I noticed two student reading books. Apparently these students were in trouble, and reading was part of their discipline. I asked what they were reading and one boy showed me the book Prince of Egypt. I told him he could give me an oral book report sometime. Both boys were also watching the archery range being set up with great interest. If this was discipline, they appeared to be having a good time.

As I was leaving the facility, the second of two rec center staff showed up. They we looking forward to a busy morning followed by an afternoon of bowling. As I exited the rec center building, the snow was falling heavily and piling up. It was surreal as I thought of all that was going on at the rec center and across campus on this cold and snowy, January day. It also made me thankful for the fact that we are fortunate in what we provide for our students.

Prancing to the music

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

I had lots of emails and updates waiting on my computer this morning. Will it be important on my tombstone to say, “He answered all his emails”? Obviously not, but that’s what I spend a good amount of time with, and each message (except of course, most of the forwards people pass along) matters to the person who is sharing or asking.

It’s the little daily things we do with love that matter more than headline grabbing activities.

I also try to pay attention to co-workers around campus that I run into because what they are about is very important to me. Walking over to the business office for my weekly meeting with our Director of Development I saw Mary Jane, our Director of Alumni who is working with a former student looking for help going off to a treatment program; Foster, our groundskeeper, on his way to Pest Control training, finding ways to control critters, but are safe for our students; Peter, a houseparent, using his break during school hours to exercise, and strengthen his muscles after surgery; Laura, in planned giving, her desk surrounded by happy birthday balloons; Marina, working on a newsletter and wanting me to proofread a copy; and Shirley, answering a donor letter, wanting to make me aware of a man’s struggles.

My days are filled with multiple, brief encounters, but I try to be caring and attentive in each situation.

Fr. Steve and some Native American children play musical chairs! — Fr. Steve and some American Indian children play musical chairs!

Dennis Home (1^st – 3^rd grade girls) celebrated Mercedes’ 9^th birthday. To celebrate, besides a nice cake, Mercedes got to pick her favorite meal, which tonight was super nachos and cantaloupe. After she opened up presents, I found myself in a game of musical chairs with the children, who laughed to see me prancing to the music with them.

Her daily prayers was four pages long

Monday, January 24, 2011

Sister Anthony Davis, OSBS, died at the age of 95. Fr. Gary and I traveled to Marty Indian Mission for her funeral. I worked with Sr. Anthony in Eagle Butte years ago. She was a gentle, happy person, and a woman of deep prayer. In her latest years of convalescence, the list of people she kept in her daily prayers was four pages long! I knew I was in good hands since I was included on that list. I was happy to share a few of my memories with her relatives and friends who gathered to remember and say their farewells.

Sr. Anthony was Chippewa, hailing from the Turtle Mountain reservation in North Dakota. Last year, Sr. Anthony celebrated her 75^th anniversary of religious profession! She is the last founding member of the Oblate Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, an order specifically started for Native American women.

The community was organized by Fr. Sylvester, a Benedictine under the patronage of Saint Katherine Drexel. When I think of a Saint, it’s often a distant historical figure, but Sr. Anthony met and spoke with her.

When Mother Drexel visited the community, Sr. Anthony was working in the kitchen, very nervous about getting everything right. She got so busy with potatoes that she left the buns in the oven too long and they started burning. Though mortified, during those depression years the community didn’t have the luxury of much extra, so Sr. Anthony had to serve the bread as it was. Mother Drexel came from a wealthy Philadelphia family and was undoubtedly used to the finer things in life. But she ate what was offered, and commented “These are the best buns I’ve ever had”!

Fr. Gary worked in Marty for several years and recounted many memories.

The roads coming home were difficult, with large drifts blowing across the road; the snow that had earlier melted turning back to ice. But we just took it slow, and with the camaraderie, the hundred mile journey really took no time at all.