Dear Lakota Waldorf School supporters and friends,
Our summer break is wrapping up, and school begins on August 23rd!
We want to share summer updates with you in this newsletter, including our wonderful Lakota summer camp, information on the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s COVID-19 protocols and capital campaign news.
Lakota Summer Camp 2021
In June, we organized a one-week-long summer camp. We invited our students as well as children from local communities, enabling our students to bring their cousins, siblings, or friends to this hands-on opportunity. Twenty-one students participated in the one-week Lakota summer camp. Our teachers set up different studio activities in each classroom and children could participate in a variety of workshops throughout the day. Activities included doll-making with Joyce Little Whiteman, painting with Celestine Stadnick, traditional beadwork with Santee Witt, and clay and woodwork with Kris Carlson. Children also participated in several Lakota games held outside with instructor Didier DuPont. At the end of the camp, we held an exhibition for parents and community members to view the beautiful artwork.
We thank the instructors for this fantastic week. The students completed lovely artwork and had a week full of art activities, Lakota games, and creativity.
Oglala Sioux Tribe’s Current COVID-19 Protocols
Lakota Waldorf School will adhere to all COVID-19 protocols outlined by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Covid- Response Risk Alert level chart. This means we can only have limited class sizes up to 10 and must have a plan for remote learning options. The safety of our students, staff and families is of utmost importance to us. We are in constant contact with the OST’s Education Agency and health officials and will follow the tribe’s safety protocols.
Update on the Capital Campaign
We have secured $195,000 towards our Phase 2B goal! Thank you all who contributed to this goal. We continue to focus on Phase 2B–the exterior of the building. The exterior needs to be completed before winter begins. The total cost of Phase 2B is $448,950.
Help us raise the remaining $253,000 to complete Phase 2B!
Phase 2 also includes the much-needed cafeteria for the students and a school kitchen. Further, it will have a faculty meeting room and office spaces. When finished, phase 2 will enable us to provide a rich educational program for as many as 80 children, grades K-8. Your gift will help us empower Lakota children to create a positive future for themselves, their communities, and beyond.