Seniors of '08

Hmmm....

It was graciously brought to my attention that I have forgotten to post this week's reflections.

The only excuse I could possibly conjure at this point is that this past week has been graduation festivities... and thus I have been preoccupied. I know this isn't a very good excuse, so I suppose I'll just apologize and get on with it...

Last weekend I spent at home with my family, taking care of a few wedding items (my sister's officially getting married in two weeks- wait, I'm not sure what an 'unofficial' wedding would be, so I suppose I could drop the 'officially', but it does sound cool). Although at first I felt the weekend home would be poor timing, with trying to end things well here- spending time with volunteers and various tasks- but I was wrong. It was actually really great timing, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing my family again and celebrating my grandmother's 80th birthday with her and so many others!

I arrived back to Red Cloud Monday evening, and the brevity of the last few weeks of this school year hit me harder than I expected. I am trying to soak up as much time as I can with everyone here, thus making me a little elusive to folks back home- my apologies. I shall relay the many adventures of this week, primarily involving the seniors, class of 2008!

Tuesday we departed on the 'official' :) Senior Class Trip- to none other than Rapid City! :) I was partly in charge of planning and budgeting out the expenses for this trip, and I was overjoyed when I found out I would be chaperoning an ice-skating/movies/buffet dinner trip! As the trip coordinator, I also was responsible for driving the bus- now this part of the story, when I get there, will certainly be of interest to those who have been fascinated by my bus driving skills, FYI.... (I know, anticipation arises)

We had a great time ice-skating, with 35+ seniors participating (2/3 of the class!). Many students had never gone ice-skating prior to this trip, so it was exciting for me (someone who thoroughly enjoys a good time ice-skating) to watch- and occasionally help- the new learners maneuver their way around the rink. Once most people's ankles were finished fighting the ice-skates, we headed to the Golden Corral to eat an early dinner. This was a good experience (I had never been)... massive amounts of food were both displayed and consumed by the students- and in record time too! I forget how fast some people eat, so by the time I finished my first plate- some guys were done with four!

Anyway, at this point, the antsy seniors were ready for the mall, where we spent a good 1 1/2 hours enjoying individual preferences- my preference? Discovering places which would give me smaller bills in exchange for my many $50 bills (to split up for each senior). I did receive some suspicious inquiries from the clerks at both Target and JCP, but when I explained the situation, both were quite accommodating! My second preference was to get a hair cut! I had been speaking on Monday of how badly I would love to get a hair cut, and then very next day I was in Rapid- AT the MALL- WITH TIME! Everything added up to Emily saying bye-bye to split ends!

Okay, well- we have now reached the most interesting part of the story... my great and not-so-great bus maneuvering skills- on my very last bus run! All year I secretly prided myself on my ability to successfully and with great care- drive even the largest of school buses without getting in any accidents. Of course this was true- until Tuesday.... Dun dun dun..... yes, that's right- Emily had her first accident with a school bus, and this is how it occurred. So I dropped off most of the students at one of the theaters (which was positive bus maneuvering, BTW) in time to arrive back at the Rushmore Mall Theatre and see Prince Caspian (quite good). As I was parking the (long :) bus in a way conducive to quick get-away, I began backing up for a better angle, and I shouted back to the girls to watch the back for me, but obviously I didn't work. Soon enough, I hear a loud thump, some shattering, and the few screams from high school girls. Sure- wonderful- I had hit something (a light pole, to be exact) on my very last bus run of the year!

I get out to inspect the damage- and the only thing missing was the plexi-glass covering the light on the top of the pole (an accident which was conveniently forgiven by the movie theatre manager, even though it shattered into many pieces on the parking lot). The next item to inspect? The bus of course. Well, besides a slight groove (the shape of a light pole) on a few places along the back of the bus, relatively little damage... only slight fear and sadness for having gone the entire year without a wreck, then the very last day- bam! Light pole! Yikes! So there you have it- the irony of pride.

Wednesday we held a baccalaureate for the graduates, which lasted for 3 1/2 hours, complete with a meal and slide show. Honestly, I was so grateful to be able to see these seniors in this way before graduation, since I expected (and was correct) that graduation would be more hectic. Thursday was the last day of classes (and it was finals) for the rest of the students, and after school I decorated and set-up for graduation, which we ended up holding in the fieldhouse (gym). Overall the festivities of the week went off without complaint, and I am grateful to be able to breathe a sigh of relief! By Friday, graduation day, I wasn't really even emotional, since so many other things preoccupied my mind. I'm sure the loss of the seniors will hit me next year.

Oh, I didn't mention that I also had a successful first meeting for the new student council. I am so excited for this group of fine students- to work with them on some fantastic activities and projects next year! Woohoo! Thank goodness for a second year- knowing what I didn't know this year!

I shall end this post by say that I'm not sure when the next will be coming. It all depends on the amount of time I will be able to access internet this summer, for I actually leave in 4 days for my summer job- and these 4 days are absolutely packed with things to get done!

I would also like to say that I am honored by any and all attention you have given to my blogging this year. Honestly, it has been a true pleasure to share this experience with so many people, and I hope to continue more reflections next year. I don't think this will be the last until then... but in the slight chance it is- toksa! (which means "later" in lakota)

Much love and treasured thoughts,
Emily

Near transition...

Hello! (Emily says, with an enthusiastic tone at 8:38am)

I am near transition here, well- we are all near transition. A senior student just popped into my office and after asking me if my throat was still dead (in reference to my loss of voice last week), he asked about my blog. I mentioned the transition title, and he says, "Oh, like we only have 1 1/2 days of school left?" Oh wow... yeah. That's true, but also surreal, really. These seniors will surely be missed, but I also know that most of them are ready to move onto college and/or various places.

A junior student (Todd) also popped in and would like to say, "School is getting out so soon, yea!"

So, here I am, left with many transitions to deal with- and to hear about from others. As we all know, change can be scary and for some, emotion (and drama) is running high at this point in the year. In addition to saying goodbye to students, I also will say goodbye to some dear volunteers, fellow faculty, and students who will not be returning come fall. I will make a few space transitions as well, moving my office upstairs and boxing my personal belongings into a storage room in the cottage (our cottage is used to house various groups during the summer). I begin with my camp work during the week of teacher inservice, so I'm currently working out the details of this... but needless to say it will be a quick transition, so I have to think about packing up my belongings soon, making time to spend saying goodbye to people rather than absorbed in my own moving.

Ah, before I get too carried away with the future, I want to mention the excitement of the past week.... Last Wednesday we had an awards banquet for the star students, and I was happy for everyone- many of the top students are also on student council for next year, hurray! :):) The following day during school we had another awards ceremony for "top student in each class" awards. For the sake of mentioning, Andrew Twiss and Jacob Franks won my guy class awards, and Ida Clarke and Charity Wilson won my girl class awards. Yep, pretty exciting!

Friday was a really fun day, the weather was beautiful and I had my first official "Red Cloud Repeat" experience. That's right. We celebrated the seniors with a graduation powwow, which happens to be the event I came for exactly one year ago on my first visit! Thus begins my ability to compare from one year to another! :) (oh yeah, blogging perspectives for next year)....

Other than working concessions at the powwow (which I was fine with, but not overly enthusiastic about), the evening was fantastic! Much dancing occurred, some 'specials' hosted by the families of various seniors, honorings for a few teachers (one whom will be leaving this year and was particularly close to many of the seniors) In addition, the seniors played a fun musical chairs game to a drum group song and the main event of the evening was the feather-tying ceremony. A significant person in each senior's life (mother, father, guardian, mentor, etc) ties an Eagle feather or plume into their hair, both of which are significantly sacred in the Lakota tradition. The ceremony symbolizes their connection to nature and the strength of the Creator, their Lakota tradition, and to one another as a graduating class. I took pictures, but have yet to upload them. The story of my life.

Saturday was another great day- I was able to spend the day with my volunteer friends (two of whom will not be returning come fall)... we had a girls' day out in Rapid, going to a movie, the mall, and eating Thai food. It was a fantastic time, really, and it makes me realize how greatly I will miss Jackie and Katie. I love hanging out with everyone, but I realize so few weekends now exist... since this coming weekend I am heading home, and then the following with be our last weekend together! Yikes! How quickly this year is halting to a stop.

Sunday I had another adventurous day, partaking in something I hadn't done since high school- horseback-riding!!! A friend from my Lakota class invited me to ride horses at her friend Dave's place, and we had a great time! My friend who works in the heritage center here, Miriam, came along (despite her initial hesitation- which shall be addressed later)... and for a few hours we rode along slowly, enjoying the beauty of the day and the rustic pasture landscape. I have a great story to share (at the expense of Miriam)... but don't worry, she agrees this story is too good not to share! :)

We had been riding along for about 1/2 hour, and my riding skills were surprisingly alright... while Miriam was still quite reluctant to increase speed, for fear of the fall and of the horse itself. We rode into this tree-dotted area of a valley, and Miriam began having flashbacks to when she was nearly clothes-lined while riding horse, so she didn't desire to have a repeat experience; hence, she stopped and began walking her horse until we reached higher, tree-less ground. We all successfully reconvened our ride together once on higher ground, and we made our way toward this water hole. Dave, the leader of the group, for some reason wanted the horses to walk through the water... even though we could have easily avoided the water. Anyway, the first two horses (one of them being my own) began walking through fine. Dave was on a horse that needed a bit more taming, so he waited... and as I was riding my horse through the water I looked back to see Miriam's horse pawing at the mud... and then with a simultaneous shout from Miriam, the horse decided to lay itself down in the water- with Miriam still on its back! As she tried jumping off (at the recommendation of Dave), the horse rolled over- covering her with mud! Gosh, even though I felt bad for her, I couldn't stop laughing at the whole situation.

We all concluded that the horse knew Miriam's fear and resentfully acted out despite its otherwise docile nature. To end the story- after Miriam got back on the horse, the horse began rearing up and acting out in all sorts of unpleasant ways...walking backward, etc. Thus, Miriam had her fill of negative horse experiences by this point and chose to walk her horse the 1 1/2 miles back to Dave's. The horse wouldn't even walk behind her though, so she led Dave's horse while he led hers. We all enjoyed the experience, only some a bit more than others. :)

The rest of my Sunday evening was fun time with community, getting back just in time for another cook-out. I love these cook-outs...by the way. :) We had a prospective volunteer named Ann present, which was fun! Made me remember back to my overwhelming visit to campus last year! What a difference a year makes!

On Monday I had a pretty normal day I would say... subbing for a few classes (which consequently makes the time fly by)... and trying to hold a student council celebration during lunch. I even offered pizza, cookies, chips, and lovely hand-make cards, but only about 5 people I think appreciated it! Whatever... I do my best and will no longer accept any criticism from students who want more activities, b/c if the student council won't even meet for pizza, why would they meet for productive purposes! :) I did also enjoy my evening, running in the cool post-rain air. Oh yes, and we hosted yet another sweat meal... this time for a group from Ohio I believe. I happened to be in a very hospitable mood that evening, which was perfect for the occasion.

Each day now this week, the seniors make remarks such as "my last Monday of high school ever!" "My last Tuesday in weight-lifting ever!" (gosh, that one better not be true!) :) What have I (or not) taught them? :)

Yesterday I had to cover for a sub who didn't show up 1 and 2 period. I don't exactly like surprise subbing... but I have probably mentioned that a time or two. Anyway, yesterday we also had senior rehearsal for graduation... I wasn't exactly involved, because of after-school program and all, but still the excitement brews among the seniors. Yesterday evening I was invited to the wrestling team's banquet, since I was a fab bus driver and all! :) I do enjoy the wrestlers, and the coach-Clay Leonard- made homemade pizza for everyone! He's quite the culinary artist! :) It was great to see the wrestlers honored as well, since basketball receives so much attention and wrestling, well... doesn't.

And here I am, watching my morning melt away once again... I have a lot to get organized around here, but I suppose it will all fall into place, right? :) Since receiving my voice back this week, I have realized how many people I have yet to catch up with... so I apologize to the parties to have been affected by my lack of calling (namely Nealy, Katie, Emily, Aubrey, and family at present)... :)

I must be going... Oh, but I want to relay a conversation which just occurred between a sophomore student and myself. This particular sophomore doesn't live with his parents, and he doesn't exactly have the typical 'family' to speak of... anyway, he was asking me why I would choose to volunteer, if I had a college education and could make lots of money. After briefly explaining that I don't care much about money, he asked about college loans, and I soon realized he had little clue about loans in general. So, it turned into a conversation about how loans work, and why it's not good to get into debt, etc. Coincidentally, it was such a good example of one reason I gave him for why I'm here- because I hope to make at least a small difference in the quality of experience for students at Red Cloud. I think he understood.

Well, farewell for another week. Next week I shall be writing during finals, and the following week with be my last week this year at Red Cloud. I have not determined if I will be writing during the summer or not. I know my internet access will be severely limited in comparison to this year. I have been blessed with the ability to communicate so frequently thus far.

The 3rd period bell just rang. With the multitude of interruptions, it only took me just over 2 hours to type this! :) That's how a day here goes! :)

Okay, much love and care....

Emily

PS- as I was proof-reading (okay, sometimes I do, sometimes I don't) :) a student came in to have me take out a piece of lead from her finger. We weren't successful, but it makes me realize how much I love the unexpected encounters of a random day in the office. Also, I've had a student in and out this morning who seems like she wants to talk, but was at first reluctant. As she was leaving just now she mentioned that she will not be returning next year- something I wasn't aware of.... and she says, "Well, maybe if you want, I could give you my email address or something..." (her way of saying- I don't want to be forgotten!) And of course I took her up on her offer. :)

The end is near...

The Meth Mural (as written about in the Journal article)

Jarrian working on the mural... he's quite the artist, really!

Two young artists working on the mural... how cute, right?

Three faculty members participating in the spring drama production

The Cast all posing after their bows... what a great crew!

Four Powwow Royalty... all beautiful RC Seniors!

RC Freshmen & Sophomores at the Powwow

A large drum group- led by RC faculty Charlie Eagle Hawk

Daisa, a good traditional dancer and special sophomore friend

Picture of Grand Entry at the Powwow w/ royalty in the center

We are quickly coming to the end of what has been an entirely eventful, enlightening, exciting, and tumultuous school year. (I have added pictures of various events- a Pow Wow, Drama production, the Death to Meth event, etc.)

My first year at Red Cloud (granted, my first year ever! of not being a student) is almost complete, and I must say that in somes ways I really do feel as if I have been a part of the Red Cloud community for way longer than a year! The end of the year for me involves holding a celebration for student council this year, meeting with student council for next year, academic awards ceremony, graduation duties, wrapping up weight lifting class, moving my office upstairs, and general goodbyes to students, with special goodbyes in store for graduating seniors.


I have actually been sick the past few days, so it's only today that I am now thinking about school once again. This past weekend we had our RC Staff banquet in Rapid City, and it was a really fun night! My Vanna White skills ended up improving as the night went on, and althought I did not recieve a door prize, I (along with all other volunteers) were given a jacket for bus driving, a T-shirt, a mug, and a great meal! We had a cool table of volunteers and a few faculty, so plenty of good laughter and conversation!


On Saturday I ended up covering this event called Death to Meth in Pine Ridge for the Rapid City Journal, so I've attached the link below...

http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2008/05/13/news/local/doc4826957485e7a577154878.txt?show_comments=true#commentdiv


Sunday our volunteer community was treated to a lunch at "Bette's Kitchen" which is a restaurant in a woman's (Bette's) home just outside Manderson... and it was a thank you from this woman named Pinky who is instrumental around the Rez in positive community development issues. We had a great time, and I always enjoy the moments we spend together, since community life as we know it is quickly coming to an end as well. I must also mention that two goodbyes in particular are going to be very difficult, and they are to my good friends Jackie and Katie. They are both returning home next year... and I will miss them dearly!!! Awe, I still don't allow myself to think about it much.


Yesterday I stayed home from school and basically slept the entire day. I have been borderline sick for awhile, but it finally hit home this weekend... and yesterday I could not talk AT ALL!!! So, I basically slept all day... yet had to meet with my boss and partner for this summer's camp work... and we toured various places on the Rez- where we will be working this summer, etc. It was actually really productive, despite the fact that I couldn't talk. :)


So, today here I am. Trying to converse with students, while they are thoroughly appreciating the fact that my voice sounds like an adolescent boy going through puberty. :) Or an old man who has smoked too much, either one. :)

I am signing off now. Hopefully I will be able to speak the next time I write- but you all wouldn't even know the difference, huh? :):)

Okay, much love from the heart of Emily.

Peace.

Hmm... Students.

Hello again!

I apologize for this coming late once again, but my week has not been conducive to free-time writing, so here I am, subbing once again for 'dear freshman' and finally finding time to write!

My "hmm... students" title refers to my ambiguous feelings towards particular students right now. I rarely lose my temper- but I have to say, one student has completely tried my patience this week, and yesterday I finally yelled at him "You are never allowed in my office again!" loud enough for all neighboring classes to overhear. I really meant it too. Never shall he be allowed to enter my office- mainly because he doesn't seem to have the capacity to understand what is and is not okay to do (sneaking into my office and messing with documents on the computer is one thing, refusing to leave until I physically force his hand off my mouse is another)- and how to properly respond to authority. I know it is not only me. Actually all teachers share this sentiment, and he was kicked out twice already, but let back in on some technicality.

(one other difficult part of the situation- he holds a grudge better than almost anyone I know- he is boisterous and opinionated- AND somehow he has gained the affection and loyalty of several classmates.)

With all this said, my particular negative feelings toward this certain individual have been alleviated by the other wonderful students who give me so much hope and enjoyment. AND most of them who were present for this less-than-graceful moment in my office told me, "Don't worry about it- he annoys everyone, Emily." Other than this episode, I had a wonderful day.

My Lakota language final was last night- and it went well!!! I actually received an A on the written part- plus delivered a creative oral presentation, so I think I'm good to go! We also all contributed to an enchilada meal during the exam, which was fun and rather out of the norm for my experience of college finals... but I enjoy this new approach! :) I am so thankful to have taken the class, and I also made a friend throughout the semester- she's quite energetic and we have hung out a few times- and plan to continue!

Hmm, let's see. Oh yes, this week has been student council election week, with the voting taking place today, and speeches were on Tuesday. I thought they did a fantastic job, especially since they were all SO NERVOUS!!! I am proud of those that have chosen to run, and honestly, regardless of who wins, it's going to be a great Student Council next year!

Breaking News Story: Dominic, a freshman running for Sophomore Rep next year, just came into the freshman class I am subbing for and handed out breakfast burritos with a sign attached to each which reads, "Vote for Dominic" :) Isn't that great! In addition to handing out food (candy, burritos, who knows what else)... plenty of signs now decorate the halls. It is quite a festive time, honestly, and I love that the students are taking it seriously!

The school year is drawing to an end, with only three weeks of class left! Next week will be the final "after-school clubs" week, followed by a week with study hall offered, and then my 21st Century after-school program duties will be complete! (minus the paperwork involved).

Tomorrow we have an early out for the Staff Banquet, which will be in the Ramkota hotel in Rapid City- and I am quite excited for this. In addition to simply attending, I will also play 'hostess' and pass out the door prizes throughout the evening. Fun, huh? I've been told this is the 'Vanna White' position, only no letters to turn.

Dakota (a student introduced to you in a previous post) would like to say something: "I just said put me in your story, that's it!" A young man of few words, but possessive of a great chuckle.

I am feeling a bit relieved today and will even moreso this weekend, once student council elections are past- and I can concentrate on wrapping things up from this year and preparing for next fall. I will also be moving offices- to the upstairs for next year, so that sounds like an excellent task for my weight lifting students one day! :)

What else to say- I guess not much. I am only slightly distracted by freshman asking me (over and over again) the difference btw. "their" and "there" ; "mane" and "main" ; "lessen" and "lesson" Hmm, homonyms packets are due today, as you might imagine.

Okay, 'tis all for now. Thanks for tuning in. I am writing a story for the Rapid City Journal this week, about my Lakota language class, so I'll post a link next week!

Hope all is well for you- and I also pray that you do not encounter the type of student that drove me to screaming this week... although I suppose in some way (down the road) I shall perhaps be grateful for the experience. Honestly, I'm not right now. :)

Much love and smiles, as we enjoy the moisture God is granting the land,

Emily