As we move deeper into the school year, Wak̇áŋyeja Ki Ṫókeyaḣči (WT) is buzzing with activity, learning, and growth. Under the steady leadership of Head of School Sage Fast Dog, staff and students continue to strengthen our Lakota-language immersion environment while building a nurturing, community-centered school culture. Below is a look at what’s happening across campus, what’s coming up, and how our community can continue supporting this vital work.

School Growth & Governance

WT opened the year with 52 students and now serves 47–48 across kindergarten through 5th grade. The Board’s Education Committee meets monthly on the second Friday and is working toward full clarity on its decision-making authority. This committee, made up of board members and a parent representative, helps ensure the school remains aligned with community needs and long-term goals.

Parent Engagement: Strengthening the Circle at Home

A central part of immersion learning happens in the home, and WT continues to create intentional space for families to learn alongside their children.

K–2 Family Night: First Tuesday of each month, 4–7pm
Teachers provide one-on-one support and tools for parents to practice with their children at home.
3–5 Family Night: Second Tuesday of each month, 4–7pm
Families share what they want to learn, and WT provides tailored resources, guidance, and sometimes even materials such as practice artifacts

Because home practice is essential to language retention, families who cannot practice regularly meet with Sage to identify supports. The goals ensure that every child receives the immersion experience they deserve.

Sports: New Opportunities for Movement & Pride

This year, WT launched its first-ever sports programs!!:

Cross Country: 10 participants, with all students earning awards at local meets
Basketball: Boys’ team created through a partnership with the dorm
Girls’ Athletics: Two WT girls joined the Todd County Elementary team
Future Plans: Wrestling, pending mats and additional equipment

These programs are teaching discipline, teamwork, and pride, but they require ongoing support for coaching stipends, gear, travel, snacks, and equipment.

Lakota Nation Invitational Preparation

The school is alive with excitement as the students practice for this year’s LNI competitions.

Lakota Language Bowl Teams

Kindergarten
1st & 2nd Grade
3rd & 4th Grade
4th & 5th Grade

Each team includes five students and families have been showing up in full force. Hand games teams (one from grades 3–4 and another from grade 5) are also practicing weekly. Attendance at Monday and Wednesday evening open practices has been strong, and parents are even hosting extra sessions outside the scheduled times.

Land-Based Learning: Returning to the Out-of-Doors

WT’s Land-Based Learning (LBL) program remains a cornerstone of cultural education. For two years now, the students have learned:

Tipi building
Medicine identification walks
Shelter-building
Bow and arrow safety
Fire-making
Tracking and teamwork challenges
Lessons on generosity and kinship through interactive role-play

Now, WT is refining the program to root it even deeper in Lakota worldview. While the school currently lacks a dedicated land site for LBL, the team has equipment ready and funding secured to relaunch in the spring. Support staff, including a needed Administrative Assistant, will be essential to making this program sustainable.

Curriculum & Daily Learning

WT continues to maintain one of the most intentional and culturally grounded immersion curricula in the region.

Each classroom follows a structured schedule and weekly lesson plans based on real evidence of student progress.
Teachers use student-specific assessment folders that follow each child from grade to grade, ensuring continuity and intentional skill-building.
Even though WT avoids standardized tests, teachers can use iReady for English proficiency when needed.
All lesson plans must be submitted and approved weekly, ensuring high-quality, culturally aligned instruction.

Morning Meetings: Building Community and Confidence

Every morning, the entire school comes together for a 30-minute circle led by the students themselves. This daily ritual teaches:

Cooperation
Leadership
Inclusivity
Listening skills
Language usage
Cultural norms

Kindergarteners gain early confidence hearing the language used by older peers, while older students strengthen their identities by teaching songs and sharing responsibilities. Teachers primarily observe, ensuring this remains a space of peer-driven learning, trust, and community building.

One highlight this fall: a teacher assistant translated the “Addams Family” theme song into Lakota and shared it online. Students loved it so much that an entire class learned to sing it together, proudly switching to Lakota lyrics without hesitation.

Cultural Events & Community Ties

WT continues to be a strong cultural presence across the community:

Language Weekend: Completed on Nov. 22–23
Tribal Land Enterprise: WT was invited to open their Nov. 19 meeting
Tribal Presentation: Sage presented on treaties to the Tribe, with WT students attending
Upcoming Bison Harvest: Planned for this month, with special focus on helping kindergarteners participate meaningfully

Staff Growth & Student Success

The staff continues to blossom, including a former teacher assistant who, after two years of mentorship, now confidently leads their own classroom. Classrooms remain full, vibrant, and guided by at least one fluent speaker each.

WT’s second-language learning pathway is growing, and continued funding is needed to sustain this momentum.

A Look Ahead: Needs & Opportunities

To continue offering the highest-quality immersion education, WT is preparing for the following needs:

Administrative Assistant to support front desk operations
Counselor (even part-time) — potentially shared with the Health Initiative
Sports equipment (basketballs, volleyballs, wrestling mats)
Funding for substitute teachers
Sustained support for the second-language learning pathway

WT will also be renovating the building next door, using existing funds to repair ceilings and floors and expand capacity.

We appreciate you standing with our students

The heartbeat of Wak̇áŋyeja Ki Ṫókeyaḣči grows stronger each day. From the morning drumbeats to the laughter in Lakota heard in every classroom, this immersion school is transforming what is possible for the next generation of Siċaŋġu leaders.

Your support makes this possible and we are deeply grateful.

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Wóuŋspe wašté hiyágleya! A good education leads to success!