Chaŋwápe Kasná Wí

Taŋyán Waŋčhíyaŋkapi!

Han Mitakuyapi! Welcome to the newsletter for Mahpiya Luta Owayawa. Please read below to see what's happening this week and learn about what we are learn this month.

✅Tuesday, September 30th Orange Shirt Day

✅Wednesday, October 1st 4th Grade Wophila Wednesday (10:55)

✅Thursday, October 2nd Homecoming/1:00 Dismissal

📚 Attendance Matters Be On Time, Every Day! 📚

At Mahpiya Luta, we know that every minute counts. When students arrive on time and attend regularly, they build strong routines, feel more connected, and are ready to learn!

✨ Why it’s important:

Arriving on time helps students start the day calm and confident.
Good attendance means not missing important lessons or activities.
Being present builds responsibility and lifelong habits for success.

👉 Families can help by:

Setting regular bedtimes and morning routines.
Preparing backpacks and lunches the night before.
Aiming to be at school a few minutes early each day.

When we show up on time, we show that learning matters and that every student matters. Together, let’s make every day count!

🎒ASP

Students who sign up for ASP will have to attend during the week. Students will sign up for the club for the entire 9 weeks. They will switch clubs at the quarter. ASP Students will ride the 5:05 bus unless their parents pick them up at 5:00. Parent pick ups, please make sure to get your student at 5:00.

Art
Cross Country
Handgames
Singing (Weds Only)

📚🧡 Orange Shirt Day – Every Child Matters 🧡📚

On September 30th, we will wear orange shirts to honor Indigenous children who were taken from their families and placed in residential schools. Many never made it home, and those who did often carried lasting trauma.

Join us as we gather to offer prayers, songs and listen to stories from our elders.

The orange shirt comes from the story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor, whose brand-new orange shirt was taken away on her first day at school. Her story reminds us of the loss of culture, language, and identity that thousands of children faced.

👉 Why do we wear orange?

To show support for survivors and their families.
To remember and honor the children who never came home.
To commit to reconciliation and ensure that every child matters.

Let’s take this day to learn, reflect, and stand together in respect and solidarity.

🧡 Every Child Matters 🧡

Makȟópta Khiíŋyaŋkapi

Next meet will take place at Rockyford on Wednesday, October 1st

Parents, students who signed up for the Cross Country Club will also have practice on Monday through Thursday after school. Monday and Thursday, students will need to be picked up after practice at 5:15 at the big gym. Please make sure they bring their running shoes and running clothes to change into. Meets will be held on Wednesdays.

Meet Schedule:

Bear Butte, the Fall Equinox, and the Teachings of the Oceti Sakowin

As seasons change, the Ptanyetu ákhiaŋpetu (fall equinox) is a time of balance when day and night are equal. For the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Seven Council Fires), this moment in the year held deep meaning.

One of the most sacred places connected to these teachings is Bear Butte (Mato Paha). This mountain is a place of prayer, vision, and guidance. Generations of Lakota and other Indigenous Nations have gone here to seek spiritual direction, to pray to thuŋkašila, and to prepare for what lies ahead.

During the equinox, the Oceti Sakowin would gather not only to ready themselves for the coming winter, but also to pray and plan for the next seven generations. This teaching reminds us that our choices today shape the lives of those yet to come. At Bear Butte, prayer was the foundation connecting the people to the land, the seasons, and to one another in a sacred way.

As we reflect on this time of balance, may we remember the teachings of the Oceti Sakowin:
🌱 Care for the land.
🪶 Live in prayer and respect.
🌄 Think seven generations ahead.

To protect the health of our school community, students must stay home if they:

Have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher within the last 24 hours.
Have vomited or had diarrhea within the last 24 hours.
Have symptoms of contagious illness (e.g., strep throat, influenza, pink eye) until cleared by a healthcare provider or symptom-free according to public health guidelines.
Have open sores, rash with fever, or other symptoms of communicable disease not yet evaluated by a healthcare providers.

Healthy Habits to Prevent Colds:

🧼 Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
🙌 Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, and mouth), since that’s how germs usually sprea
🤧 Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, not your hands.
🚰 Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
🥦 Eat healthy foods rich in fruits and vegetables to boost the immune system.
💤 Get enough sleep to keep the body strong and better able to fight off illness.
🏃 Stay active with regular movement or exercise to support overall health.
🧣 Dress for the weather to stay warm and comfortable.
🏠 Stay home when sick to rest and to help prevent spreading germs to others.

Thematic Unit: Leadership from a Lakota Perspective

Thematic Unit: Lakota Social Games and Dances

Unit Goal

Students will learn about traditional Lakota social games and dances, understanding how they teach important values such as respect, cooperation, generosity, and community strength. Students will experience learning through play, music, and movement while connecting with cultural traditions.

Essential Questions

How do games and dances help teach Lakota values?
In what ways do social activities bring the community together?
What can we learn about respect, cooperation, and leadership through play and dance?
How can we apply these values in our own classroom and community?

Core Lakota Values to Highlight

Wówačhaŋtognaka (Generosity) – Sharing joy and success with others
Wóohola (Respect) – Honoring traditions, elders, and each other
Wówačhiŋtȟaŋka (Fortitude/Perseverance) – Playing fairly and finishing strong
Wólakota (Peace, Balance, Harmony) – Living together in unity through shared activities

Learning Activities

Introduction to Lakota Social Games
- Explore games like the plum stone game (kȟaŋsú), double ball (tȟabkápsičapi), or hand games (háŋpapȟečhuŋpi).
- Discuss how each game teaches skills (teamwork, patience, strategy, respect).
Learning Through Play
- Students play simplified versions of Lakota games in small groups.
- Reflect as a class: What value did we practice during this game?
Lakota Social Dances
- Introduce social dances (such as round dance or rabbit dance) that focus on community rather than competition.
- Invite a cultural teacher, drummer, or elder to lead.
- Students participate in a respectful way, learning that everyone has a place in the circle.
Community and Story Connection
- Elders or guest speakers share stories of how games and dances were used to build community, especially during winter or gatherings.
- Students record these lessons in a “Cultural Learning Journal.”
Create Our Own Community Game/Dance
- Students, guided by Lakota values, create a classroom game or circle dance to symbolize unity and cooperation.
- Share it with another class, parents, or community members.