Greetings everyone,

We have had a busy summer consisting of numerous projects! We are now approaching the finishing touches of the first phase of our long-awaited new Recreation Center. I was just inside a few days ago on a tour, and I must say, this is an amazing and special place. I cannot even imagine how much our students will love the new facility for sports activities, rejuvenation and generating years of priceless memories.

On Sunday, the students returned to school. They began this process by checking in at the school health center. After that, they saw one of the nurses and their counselor before they proceeded to their residential home. This is, especially for the new students, a day that can generate anxiety for children going away from home for the first time and being new. The assistance of other students who have already been here and the support of their houseparents, teachers and other supporting staff usually makes their transition less of a burden.

Together, we have a dedicated staff whose time, talent and treasure provides a holistic education for our students — mind, body, heart and spirit.

None of this would be possible without your generous contributions to St. Joseph’s Indian School. On behalf of the students and staff of this special mission, we thank you. I look forward to sharing more news about our students as the school year progresses, especially with our 48th annual powwow, which will be on September 21! If you can come, I would love to meet you!

Peace and Blessings,
Fr. Gregory signature
Fr. Greg Schill, SCJ
Chaplain

Read the e-version of the September 2024 Dreamer newsletter here.

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Stories from our Lakota Indian School

(Left to right): OK Corral President Greg Kersten; Therapy Horse Coachee; Counselor Darcy, MSW, LCSW; Therapy Horse Sox; Equine Specialist Patricia; and Counselor Amanda, MS, NCC, LPC, learning to use all available resources in a crisis in order to teach clients to do the same.
St. Joseph’s Indian School Hosts National OK Corral Equine Therapy Training

St. Joseph’s Indian School hosted a national training for the OK Corral Equine Therapy Red Series in July. Attendees included 10 of the school’s counseling staff, three attendees from nearby Lower Brule Reservation and seven others from around the country.

Books for all ages, from children to adults, are available for free at every stop of the St. Joseph’s Bookmobile!
St. Joseph’s Indian School Bookmobile Completes a Record-Breaking Summer

The outreach made stops in 44 communities, crisscrossing South Dakota to serve nearly 2,300 children and adults. The Bookmobile crew distributed nearly 22,600 books free of charge, some of which were Native American books by Native American authors procured through Lily Mendoza of Rapid City, S.D.

St. Joseph’s Indian School Freebie List

As a DreamMaker, you are incredibly kind and generous to support St. Joseph’s Indian School monetarily every month. To say thank you, the following downloads, quizzes and seasonal items are yours to enjoy … for FREE!

Powwow Booklet

Powwow is coming up! Refresh your memory on all this Lakota culture with this free booklet!

Test Your Powwow Dance Knowledge

Powwow is just around the corner. Test your Powwow Dance knowledge with this fun quiz!

Full List of Freebies

That’s not all! St. Joseph’s has many more special items for you. View the full list here!