Thursday, November 20, 2008

Fly-by week!

Greetings dear friends!

This past week has been increasingly picking up pace, and today is my final day in school, as I will be leaving for the State VB tourney tonight in Rapid City. No, our crusaders are not playing (unfortunately)... but my HS Alma mater ARLINGTON is.... so I shall be joining my hometown in cheering on the Cardinals! (I even wore red today... difficult to find now that my wardrobe has changed to include mainly Crusader blue).

This week has been full of restructuring after-school program to accommodate the large turnouts. As one example of how well the after-school program turnouts have been- I have had "advertise after-school program" on my to-do list all semester, thinking that surely there might be a dip in numbers at some point, so I will need to advertise. Nope. Only a growing attendance. Which is awesome, don't get me wrong, but I do have to figure out ways to weed out those who are only 'hanging out' vs. those who are actually studying. 30 students in the library with one monitor sometimes leads to issues. Generally it's fine, but I think it's also an inevitable distraction from studying when so many students congregate.

Hmm, oh yes, I have been working on the winter formal details as well. Wanna know the most daunting of those details? Trying to make a paper snowflake. Ha, see, it's been awhile, and I cannot exactly say that I was the best at any point (making paper snowflakes) but I was previously better than I am now. My first one looked like an oblong white plate with a few random pieces cut out. I have yet to do a second. Don't worry, though, students are generally more savvy than myself, so we should be fine. :) I am also procuring a Santa costume for one of our students to wear for a photo area at the dance. Yes, I know, pulling out all stops on this one! :)

I am still thoroughly impressed with my Student Council this year, particularly the sophomores and juniors. Gosh, I guess I cannot speak enough good things, because I see their potential in so many ways- all bright students, capable, motivated, helpful, creative, and good at communication. Yep, that's them- my Stu. Co. :)

The Drama Club is presenting their play today for the Elementary, and I shall plan to be in the audience as well, since their performance for the HS is occurring tomorrow, and I shall be gone. They are presenting "Iktomi and the Ducks" which is a Lakota legendary story, and I am really excited to see how they pull it off (especially considering they switched plays 1/2 way through the quarter). Two of my Stu. Co. students are also in it, so of course I'll be like a proud older sister in the crowd! :)

On Tuesday of this week the Seniors all participated in a "Senior Day of Service" in which they reported to various sites for the whole day- the sweat lodge and maintenance, the elementary, a ministry in White Clay, NE, a church, and the development office. I think it's fantastic that they all showed up for this and really seemed to enjoy themselves... it goes to show that when given the opportunity, youth are extremely gracious and willing to serve. One student in particular came back from the 3rd grade and told me how much he enjoyed his day helping with reading and math and recess... and beings that I live with the 3rd grade teacher, I asked her about the day, and it seems there was much appreciation for the experience from all parties involved. It's beautiful when we as volunteers can share in the good work of our students here at Red Cloud.

Well, I must be going now, since I have yet to finish working on a presentation that I will be giving to John's spirituality classes on Monday... I am presenting the life and diary of Perpetua, an early 3rd Century Christian Martyr and first Christian women to have recorded a testimony of sorts. I will be 'interpreting' her diary entry from prison (often considered the 'Passion of Perpetua') and give some fun questions to get them thinking about the personality and life of the first Christian women we know about from a primary source.

Thanks for tuning in. As always, I appreciate hearing from so many of you about your continued interest in my life and work here (I say both 'life and work', because they are inextricably integrated). This may be my last entry until Thanksgiving, so I wish you all wonderful and happy moments as the holiday season begins!!!

Much love,

Emily

Thursday, November 13, 2008

November Rolls...

Why Hello my Dear Audience...

I am writing to you after nearly two weeks... no apologies this time, basically because I had a five-day weekend, hence... the news from Red Cloud has been relatively minimal. (Except for if you count the fact that we had three days of activities-school and a retreat- cancelled because of an unexpected snowstorm on last Wednesday night.)

This is not to say that experiences have not been occurring, because of course they have. For example, I straightened my hair :) (an annual occurrance which always takes people by surprise because of the distinct way it changes the shape of my face), the Student Council has been planning a winter formal dance (and students are thus agonizing over which color dress to buy and which person to ask as a date), the construction has begun on the south side of the school (we now have strange walkways to follow to arrive at lunch), I subbed for two days in Lakota Language I and II (less than exciting, considering the fact that I sat in front of the class for 10 minutes trying to coax someone to lead them in singing the Flag Song, but shyness prevailed), and I've been prefecting the snowball-throwing zone during lunch. And that, folks, is what comprises a typical few days at Red Cloud. It's been a pretty glorious time, reconnecting with so many students after the long break... Sigh, I love it here...

I have managed to upload some photos from the past few weeks, with Halloween and the O.S.T. Presidential debate, so please enjoy the images of Red Cloud...



First, my long straight hair...okay, now on to Red Cloud :)


Our awesome VB team... Wonderful girls, somewhat less-than-wonderful season.

Steph and Autumn lovin' the door greeting position at OST Debate


Duane, Daisa, and Autumn- attempting to spell out Stu. Co. (for Student Council)



Todd, Jace, and Steven taking in the debate



My super Stu. Co. students- ready to ask questions at the debate


In case you're fooled by their sober faces....


They really ARE happy senior boys who like to deceive the camera...


Rachel (my housemate, front left) at her pumpkin-carving B-day party hosted by the Gray House (that's where I live)! :)


The Administration Addams family... winners of the "most unexpected" award.


The creative beauty of upperclassmen girls!


The less-than-beautiful creativity of other students during dress-up day.



Oh the fun of riding ostriches... exemplified by none other than Jacob Franks
What a lovely picture to end with. :) Honestly, perhaps this photo best reveals the joy I find in our students. Jacob, an intense and jovial student is ALWAYS coming up with bizarre and hilarious 'pranks' and other ways of entertaining staff and students. Tawna, far left fairy, is as sweet as can be- always giving a smile and shy hello in the hallways. Juliana, green tetris piece, is a go-getter senior who is always respectful, creative, and friendly. Marque, vampire, is the Homecoming queen and b-ball MVP for Red Cloud, and it warms my heart to see that distinctions in choice of activities does not create divisions among classmates in some ways which occur at other high schools.... they all show respect for one another, at least mostly, if not entirely.

I am happy to be back in school now, and we only have today and tomorrow until another weekend. Right now, in addition to details for the winter formal, I am working on an after-school incentive program... although I'm not sure it's as necessary as one might think. Just yesterday we had over 60 students stay after school, and that's not counting those who stayed for physical conditioning. We have five clubs offered today, so I expect the numbers to be high once again. Science club, Accelerated Math, Drama Club (they present their play next week), Study hall, and Dance club- to learn formal dancing before our big winter formal! And I expect you're wondering what snack I'll provide... no? Well, that's at least what concerns the kids. :)
Cereal bowls and milk. A general favorite.
My office is currently being 'rocked' by the sway of a demolishing piece of equipment outside. I guess each thud joins a chorus of noises which will be present all year as the the construction continues... It is soon time to cleverly prevent kids from throwing snowballs (hence, it's almost lunch time). I prefer to use positive reinforcement to disarm any potential snow ball fights. "Thanks SO much for not throwing any snowballs... I am Sherriff Emily and I REALLY appreciate that I don't have to write anybody up... because no one wants to see that happen!" What a dork, I know.
Until next time, may you find the 'thuds' of disruption in your life eventually lead to something more wonderful.
In the loving arms of God,

Emily