St. Francis Indian School Initiates Creative Minds: A Culturally Relevant After-School Intervention and Enrichment Program

Written by: Alex Young, 8th Grader at St. Francis Indian School

St. Francis Indian School launched the Creative Minds After-School Intervention and Enrichment Program, a culturally relevant initiative designed to foster academic and skills development in students from kindergarten to 12th grade. In this program, students can select themes and subjects to participate in.

The program takes place every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., allowing all students to participate in a fun and supportive learning environment outside the regular classroom. The program will run until March 2026, helping students develop new skills, build confidence, and make lasting connections with their peers.

Students will benefit from small group discussions and individualized attention. The teachers and external mentors will provide tailored support to meet each student’s unique needs and foster learning and growth. Students also explore their interests and hobbies, making learning fun and engaging. The goal is to make every learning experience enjoyable and exciting. Parents and guardians value the meaningful and engaging after-school activities for their children.

Students develop essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity through hands-on projects. With teacher guidance, students achieve their goals in fun and meaningful ways and learn by doing. The program's emphasis on creativity and innovation encourages students to think outside the box and develop novel solutions to real-world problems. This approach enhances their problem-solving skills and fosters a sense of curiosity and creativity that will serve them well throughout their lives.

The program offers differentiated instruction for gifted and talented students, allowing them to progress at their own pace and explore complex topics in depth. This ensures that they stay challenged and engaged while also developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The program's benefits extend beyond academics. Incorporating Lakota values helps students learn and relearn their culture.

The Creative Minds After School Enrichment and Intervention Program was initiated by Dr. Maria Heidi Alaine V. Tahir, Director, Gifted and Talented Education, in collaboration with Mr. Allen Wilson, Director, Lakota Language Department. The GATE Department supports the program.

The following are the themes of the Creative Minds After School Program with their mentors:

Arts:

• Traditional and Contemporary Visual Arts with Ms. Mechelle Rodriguez
• Photography, Photo Editing, and Exploring Canva with Ms. Dharielyn Soreno
• Beading Accessories with Ms. Lynette White Hat
• Performing Arts: Basic Ballet with Dr. Chereyna Guantia
• Performing Arts: Songs, Dances, Drums & Ensemble with Dr. Chereyna Guantia

Music:

• Basic Guitar Lesson with Ms. Tess Gedaria
• Piano Lesson with Ms. Marjorie Gatilogo

Language and Culture:

• Storyteller Studio on Lakota History and Culture with Ms. Dera Iyotte
• Lakota Language Tutorial with Ms. Janice Hunts

STEM/Academics:

• Reading Intervention “The Reading Warriors” with Ms. Laramae Tendido
• Mathematics Intervention with Ms. Cheryl Estrera
• STEM: Young Nurses and Health Scientists with Ms. Lyren Endozo
• STEM: Digital Creativity, Video Editing & Graphic Design with Mr. Renante Salimbao

Support:

• SPED teachers to support students with Ms. Verginia Habal and Ms. Mercy Calendacion
• Presence of external moderators or consultants sponsored by the Lakota Language Department