Dear Lakota Waldorf School friends and supporters,
Greetings! We want to share Lakota Waldorf School’s year-end activities, including our performing arts program, school graduation, and a Capital Campaign update!
Lakota Language & Performing Arts Program
In September 2020, we received a Native Language Immersion grant from the First Nations Development Institute for our new Lakota Language Performing Arts Program. This grant enabled us to build an outside classroom in the shape of an amphitheater. With this addition, we can now have a Lakota Language Performing Arts program, a place for community gatherings, graduation celebrations, music, and dance performances.
Public Performances on May 19, 20 & 21
On May 19, 20 & 21, our students performed three Lakota-themed plays in the Lakota language, incorporating Lakota songs, dancing, and drumming. Our kindergarteners performed a play of the four seasons, “The Seasons and the Trees,” and the 1st-3rd graders acted out a fable, “The Rabbit and the Lion,” translated by our Lakota language teachers. Finally, the 4th-8th grade students performed “The Spirit in the Sky,” written by our Lakota culture teacher, Santee Witt.
The performances were a huge success; between 40-50 people attended each of the three public performances.
Graduation at LWS
On May 25th, 2021, LWS celebrated our graduates outside in our new amphitheater. Parents and family members were able to attend this beautiful celebration in person.
Our two eighth grade graduates will move on to one of the reservation high schools. We wish them success and know they will adapt and transition smoothly. Our drum group accompanied the celebration, teachers gave speeches, and all enjoyed a delicious lunch buffet. Congratulations graduates!
Update on the Capital Campaign
We have met our 2A goal of raising $350,000! Thank you all who contributed to this goal. Now our focus is on Phase 2B, the exterior of the building, which needs to be completed before our cold, harsh winter begins.We have secured $100,000 towards the total Phase 2B cost of $450,000.
Help us raise the remaining $350,000 to complete Phase 2B by August!
When finished, Phase 2 will enable us to provide a rich educational program for as many as 80 children, grades K-8. This is important because LWS helps students develop a strong connection to the traditions, language, and culture of the Lakota people while also preparing them to meet the challenges faced by native peoples in today’s world.