Dear friend reader, this blog post is a simple reference to the ‘St. Joseph Indian School’. They are a school of Native-American youth, who are being raised with a deep respect and high regard for the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Not only are they being nourished by the Word of God, they are also being inculcated by an ambitious daily regimen through scheduled activity. Located in South Dakota, this school had recently sent me a timeline that depicts what the children follow.

I was impressed. As a youth, having also been raised with an ambitious schedule of academics, religious study, personal duties, sports, music, family time, and recreation, I was so gratified to see that these students also have structure in their lives in the formative years. This should often lead to higher than otherwise achievement, personal accomplishment, and foster for a sense of gratitude throughout one’s life.

I thought that I would share with you the itinerary of these youth, as it was sent to me on a page. And, so I will.

As an adult now, looking back, I see that there are many ways to lead a life. A strict enforcement of rules can prep a young person for a life in the military. A strict regimen can also lead to one’s life in adulthood where one actively rejects such regimen. Children, with good support, will find a good balance for themselves (we should hope) when they have caring adults in their midst during schooling years.

The important thing to note, as parents, is that we ought to discover the purposes for how we choose to raise our own children. Are we to be drill seargeants? No, I don’t advise that. But, as parents, we must monitor the responsiveness of our own children. We can discover the emerging talents, and nurture those talents – while learning to let go of certain extra ambitions; and teach them to let go of dreams that may be beyond reach or reality. Discipline in the formative years is beneficial.

Above all, make certain that your child is willfully choosing the direction that you are providing to him or her. This will ultimately lead to great success in his or her life!

So, I thought that you would appreciate knowing the daily timeline of these young Lakota students, presented to you as their own exemplary framework for teaching their own youth:

6:30 am “rise and shine, wash up, dress and make your bed”.
7:15 am “breakfast”.
7:45 am “household chores”.
8:25 am “morning prayers”.
8:30 am “school/academics”.
11:30 am “lunch in student dining hall and recess”.
12:00 pm -3:30 pm “classes resume”.
3:30 pm – 6:00 pm “homework time & extra curricular”.
6:00 pm “supper/dinner”.
6:30 pm “dishes/clean up”.
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm “break/social time/individual quiet time”.
8:00 pm “shower & collect items for laundry”.
8:30 pm “snack and evening prayer”.
9:00 pm “bedtime for the younger ones”.
9:30 pm “lights out for all there”.

Now, you might say that the schedule is too rigid. Or, that it is merely a framework where a lot happens in between. Maybe. But, when you are a youth, among a group of students (in this case, a tribe) this kind of time-structure is often very beneficial to the community of young learners.

Remember, this is a school. Unlike many public schools that are not in custody of the city’s children 24/7, this community of youth is benefiting from the schedule; from the supervision and custody of the school which is responsible for these children (for 24 hours each day, and 7 days each week).

I would like to thank the Lakota Student elders at this school, for teaching a balanced way of life to their own children. Congratulations!

St. Joseph is the model citizen for us of fatherhood; a fatherhood that is both humble and ever-present. As these children learn the virtues of St. Joseph (for which their school is named after) let us look to their elders as an example of how to teach values to our children. Let us not forget that we are guardians and custodians.

Lastly, I’d like to thank the school for mailing me my very own “dream-catcher”. For those of you who don’t know, a “dream-catcher” when hung beside a baby’s crib, or next to the place of sleep, will keep the nightmares away… as they are caught in the “dream-catcher”! Wonderful. Thank you!