Shoshone Language

Students have been busy learning their Native language. On the last test all students except for two of our little ones got a 100% Here are some of the words that they have been practicing. This week students have to use the words correctly in a sentence. gu chu (cow), pig ee (pig), gu dee(cat), boni (mouse), suduh (dog), mungee( monkey),deheya(deer), bia gweeya (eagle), wiaipe(woman), sogope (land), duyepe (boy), dainape (man), mubee (car/vechile), bungu (horse), ba (water), debo ganee (school), and bia (mother).

"All Gods Creatures"

Fun Times!

We had one of the Board Members as our visiting Priest this month. He is the Dean of St. Michael’s Episcopal Cathedral, in Boise, Idaho. He was at the school all day on Thursday and Friday sharing his time and talents with the children. He led us in the prayer circle and spent his time helping in all three classrooms. He brought us a new song to teach the students, “All God’s Creatures Have a Place in the Choir.” He also brought each student a new shirt with a quote from the Cheyenne Tribe, “Our first teacher is our own heart.” This was very fitting as this month is Valentines Day.

On Friday we had a teacher come from the Museum of Art In Idaho Falls to teach the students new art techniques. She was losing her voice so she had to speak very quietly. The students were very kind and made sure to listen carefully when she spoke. The K-2 class did a pastel and watercolor painting. The 3-5 grade class did a project on the study of warm and cool colors. I was so impressed with the level of respect the students had for both of our visitors.

Elephants Tooth Paste

Once a month students get the opportunity to participate in Science Club. The students have to earn science club by having good behavior for the entire month. This month each age group did a different Science experiment. The K-2 classroom did Elephant Tooth Paste and the 3-5 grade classroom did an Iodine Time Clock. These two girls had some specific comments about their experience. The kindergartner says, "We poured the thing and it exploded." The second grader writes, "I mixed stuff to make it explode." The students have a wonderful time each month and really look forward to the science activity.

Meet the Warriors!

The students have been learning about warriors. This quote is the theme that was used in class.

"For us, warriors are not what you think of as warriors. The warrior is not someone who fights, because no one has the right to take another's life! The warrior, for us, is one who sacrifices himself for the good of others. His task is to take care of the elderly, the defenseless, those who cannot provide for themselves, and above all, the future of humanity." Sitting Bull

The students spent the week practicing warrior cries, racing stick horses, and learning how to be warriors in their homes and their communities. On Friday the students learned about warrior paint. We were able to capture some fun pictures of the students with their paint. We are preparing these kids to be warriors and to help the elderly, defenseless, and themselves. We continue to thank all of our donors for their support.

A Special Visit From Wiley Peterson!

Lillian Valley recently had a special visitor. Famous 2007 PBR World Finals Event Champion Wiley Peterson made an appearance on Friday, February 24th to meet and talk with the kids. Having grown up in Fort Hall and been a member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe, the famous bull rider was able to not only relate to all of the kids, but was also a great motivator and role model for everyone. He gave the kids a quick explanation of the steps he takes to get ready to ride a bull, and some tips on being successful in PBR (Professional Bull Riders). Wiley Peterson discussed with the kids about the importance of working hard, being healthy, making good choices and having high goals for themselves. He also stressed the importance of his faith, telling the kids that his relationship with Christ is extremely important to him. He brought in all of his bull riding gear and the kids had a blast checking it all out, and even trying on some of it! After he told his story, the kids had the opportunity to ask Wiley questions, including ones like: "When is your birthday?" and "When will you start riding again?" The morning visit ended with the kids all lined up to get Wiley's autograph and finally, a group picture.
Wiley briefly discussed his upcoming events, including a bull riding clinic for children on March 23rd and 24th in Pocatello. For more information on this event and Wiley Peterson, visit his website at http://wileypetersen.com/.

In the Classroom

The kids have been hard at work in the classroom over the past weeks. Mrs. Young's kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders have been reading The Mouse and the Motorcycle together. They kids are really enjoying the book and are very excited to finish it because when they do, they will get to watch the movie that accompanies the book.
Mr. Belnap's 3rd, 4th and 5th graders have been working very diligently on academics, and have started a new math system. The kids are working on division, subtraction, addition and other math skill worksheets. Each 90% on a worksheet gives them a star on their sticker chart, which they can later trade in for prizes. The kids have been more excited about doing math and have been working very hard to earn their stars.

Culture Day Friday

On Friday, January 20th the students participated in a Stick Game tournament for Culture Day Friday. The students truly enjoyed learning the traditional Indian game for the two weeks before the tournament, and caught on very quickly. The kids were split into seven teams of three, with each group of kids being able to pick a team name for themselves. The game was played to traditional Stick Game music, by the artist Gabby Corral Jr. On another fun note, the artist’s mother, Latrcia Stone, is a member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe and Gabby Corral Jr. will actually be making a visit to Fort Hall this spring. The students are excited for his visit and very eager to play the game again.

The results of tournament are as follows:

1st Place: Team Sho-Ban Girlz (Kalianna (team captain) and Samantha)

2nd Place: Team Butterflies (Angel (team captain) Aracely and Taylen)

3rd Place: Team Green Natives-Keno (team captain) Xavier and A'Miah

Other team names included: Pink Hello Kitty's, Pink Roses & a Gentleman, The Eagles, and Blue Spirits