An Education Focused on Mind, Body, Heart and Spirit

Earlier this year, we launched a new program for students called Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH). The program is part of a nationwide effort to combat childhood obesity and teach students healthy lifestyles.

The entire campus community is on board to help our students. House parents post CATCH materials and visual aids in the homes. At school, healthy tips are read during the morning announcements. Teachers present at least one CATCH lecture during each six-week theme. Classrooms are also implementing energizers, turning the study of math facts into an active game in the gym. In addition, the dining hall has posted similar materials and now labels food as "Go," "Slow" or "Whoa."

"At St. Joseph's, we say that we 'wrap care' around our students. This is a wellness wrap and speaks to the 'body' in our mission statement of educating students — mind, body, heart and spirit," says our houseparent, Trond. "A healthy body contributes to every aspect of that statement."

When it comes to healthy eating, the new CATCH program will offer clear-cut information for students to make healthy decisions. However, rather than labeling foods as simply good or bad, CATCH labels offer greater distinction to show even though some foods are higher in calories (the "Whoa" foods), they can still be enjoyed in moderation and not given up completely, which helps students recognize balance.

"In the past, the main tool we had available to educate students on nutritional needs was to have a dietician speak to students and staff. This approach did not result in the progress we were looking for, but rather caused more confusion," says Ronda, a licensed practical nurse at St. Joseph's Health & Family Services Center. "The CATCH tools are simpler."

CATCH focuses on both nutrition and exercise. Rather than a boring, dreaded task, CATCH exercise materials provide countless ideas for turning normally stationary tasks into energetic, enjoyable experiences.

Students are already taking notice of the changes around campus. CATCH activities are taking place in PE and Personal Living Skills classes, and staff have heard children using the new CATCH language when talking about meals and snacks — all positive changes that should only increase with time.

"The health and wellness of our students is important to us — even after they have graduated," Ronda says. "It is our hope that introducing healthy decision-making skills to our students early will allow them to lead healthy and fulfilling lives no matter what path they may follow."

Create a Legacy of Health and HOPE

The kindness and generosity of supporters like you is what makes programs like CATCH possible. Wopila tanka — many thanks — for investing in healthy futures for our Lakota students. To learn how you can leave a legacy to support St. Joseph's Indian School's mission of an education for life — mind, body, heart and spirit — contact Denise Hyland at dhyland@stjo.org or 1-800-584-9200.