ATTENTION 8th-grade parents! We are holding our second meeting this evening, Monday, October 6, 2025, from 5:30 to 6:30 in the Middle School science room. Please attend, we have a sale coming up on 10/17 & Halloween Carnival 10/30. In addition to starting a raffle and discussing upcoming fundraising opportunities.
Archery Tournament - all levels welcome, free! Today, October 5, 2025 - start time: 1:00 -3:00 p.m.- Isna Wica Owayawa School Gym - registration is free! The waiver must be signed by a parent or guardian. 8th-grade concessions will be sold. Contact phone # - Tamera 308-886-2410
OPEN GYM - 10/1/25
4-8 grade
6 - 9 p.m.
OPEN Gym - 10/3/25
High School - Adults
6 - 9 p.m.
2$ to play & 1$ to watch
4-8 grade
6 - 9 p.m.
OPEN Gym - 10/3/25
High School - Adults
6 - 9 p.m.
2$ to play & 1$ to watch
Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
Today is the first day of our 21st Century After-School Program! Students will be dismissed at 5:15 pm. Each day, after-school activities will run from 3:15–5:15 pm, and buses will transport students home afterward. If you have any questions, please call the school. Thank you for your support and understanding!
Good Afternoon!
Our Pine Ridge Bus will be in the BIA Parking lot around 4:15 pm. Please be there on time to pick up your students. Thank you
Our Pine Ridge Bus will be in the BIA Parking lot around 4:15 pm. Please be there on time to pick up your students. Thank you
Good Morning,
We are excited to see the strong interest in football this year. Due to the high number of boys participating in grades 5–8, we are unable to accommodate 4th-grade football players for the upcoming season.
We truly value the enthusiasm of our younger students and look forward to welcoming them into the program in the future. Students in 4th grade are more than welcome to join cross country.
All student athletes can not start practice until they have a physical on file. Thank you for your understanding and continued support of our athletic programs.
We are excited to see the strong interest in football this year. Due to the high number of boys participating in grades 5–8, we are unable to accommodate 4th-grade football players for the upcoming season.
We truly value the enthusiasm of our younger students and look forward to welcoming them into the program in the future. Students in 4th grade are more than welcome to join cross country.
All student athletes can not start practice until they have a physical on file. Thank you for your understanding and continued support of our athletic programs.
📣 Parent/Teacher Conferences
📅 Wednesday, September 10th
🕒 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🍽️ Meal served at 4:30 PM
Families are invited to meet with teachers and discuss the progress your student is making in school. We look forward to seeing you there! 💙
For questions, please call 📞 605-867-6875
🌐 www.isnawica.org
📅 Wednesday, September 10th
🕒 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🍽️ Meal served at 4:30 PM
Families are invited to meet with teachers and discuss the progress your student is making in school. We look forward to seeing you there! 💙
For questions, please call 📞 605-867-6875
🌐 www.isnawica.org
🎒 School Supplies Information
We understand that not all families are able to purchase school supplies. While the supply list is recommended, it is not mandatory.
✅ Students are encouraged to have their own supplies if possible.
📚 If needed, the school will provide supplies for students to borrow for the year.
🎁 We also receive donations throughout the year, so some supplies may be provided at no cost.
Please don’t feel pressured to purchase everything on the list—just do what you can. Every little bit helps!
🔍 Important Note:
If your child chooses to bring a backpack to and from school, it must be a CLEAR backpack that families need to provide for the student(s). Regular backpacks will not be allowed in the building, they will be kept in the Security Office.
Thank you for your support and understanding as we prepare for a great school year! 💙
📢 NOW HIRING: Join Our Team at Isna Wica Owayawa! 📢
We are seeking innovative, positive, and dedicated individuals to join our team and help provide students with the most effective and supportive learning experience possible. 🌟🦅💙
🎓 INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF OPENINGS
Middle School Reading Teacher
Lakota Studies Instructor
Art Teacher
Math Intervention Teacher (3rd–8th Grade)
Paraprofessionals (General Ed) – 5 positions
Paraprofessionals (Special Ed) – 5 positions
Paraprofessional (GATE) – 1 position
School Counselor
💰 SIGN-ON BONUSES
Certified Teachers & Counselors: $3,000
Paraprofessionals (SPED, General, GATE): $1,500 (after 90-day probation)
🔧 SUPPORT STAFF OPENINGS
Food Service Supervisor
Food Service Worker
Property & Supply Technician
IT Assistant
School Nurse
CDL Driver
Part-time CDL (Bus Runs Only)
Groundskeeper
Housing Maintenance
✅ FULL EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PACKAGE – 100% PAID BY EMPLOYER
✅ Up to 5% match for 401K
📄 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Letter of Application
Resume
Completed Application for Employment
Completed Investigative Questionnaire for Child Contact Position
Credentials / Official Transcripts
SD Educator Certificate (if applicable)
🚫 No faxed applications will be accepted
🧪 Drug/Alcohol Testing & Background Check Required (paid for by Isna Wica Owayawa)
📞 Contact Principal or Human Resources:
📧 lisa.yellowhorse@ isnawica.org
📧 hr@isnawica.org
📱 (605) 867-6904 Principal - Lisa Yellow Horse
📱 (605)867-6884 Human Resources - Pamela Giago
🧡 Be a part of something meaningful. Help shape the future — one student at a time.
#NowHiring #EducationJobs #SupportStaff #LakotaEducation #JoinOurTeam #IsnaWicaOwayawa
We are seeking innovative, positive, and dedicated individuals to join our team and help provide students with the most effective and supportive learning experience possible. 🌟🦅💙
🎓 INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF OPENINGS
Middle School Reading Teacher
Lakota Studies Instructor
Art Teacher
Math Intervention Teacher (3rd–8th Grade)
Paraprofessionals (General Ed) – 5 positions
Paraprofessionals (Special Ed) – 5 positions
Paraprofessional (GATE) – 1 position
School Counselor
💰 SIGN-ON BONUSES
Certified Teachers & Counselors: $3,000
Paraprofessionals (SPED, General, GATE): $1,500 (after 90-day probation)
🔧 SUPPORT STAFF OPENINGS
Food Service Supervisor
Food Service Worker
Property & Supply Technician
IT Assistant
School Nurse
CDL Driver
Part-time CDL (Bus Runs Only)
Groundskeeper
Housing Maintenance
✅ FULL EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PACKAGE – 100% PAID BY EMPLOYER
✅ Up to 5% match for 401K
📄 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Letter of Application
Resume
Completed Application for Employment
Completed Investigative Questionnaire for Child Contact Position
Credentials / Official Transcripts
SD Educator Certificate (if applicable)
🚫 No faxed applications will be accepted
🧪 Drug/Alcohol Testing & Background Check Required (paid for by Isna Wica Owayawa)
📞 Contact Principal or Human Resources:
📧 lisa.yellowhorse@ isnawica.org
📧 hr@isnawica.org
📱 (605) 867-6904 Principal - Lisa Yellow Horse
📱 (605)867-6884 Human Resources - Pamela Giago
🧡 Be a part of something meaningful. Help shape the future — one student at a time.
#NowHiring #EducationJobs #SupportStaff #LakotaEducation #JoinOurTeam #IsnaWicaOwayawa
📣 Isna Wica Owayawa Open Registration 📣
Registration is now open for NEW students for the 2025–2026 school year!
🗓️ Deadline: August 8th
📍 Pick up registration packets in the front office
🎒 First Day of School: August 14th
📑 New students must provide:
*Birth Certificate
*Blood Degree (CIB)
*Updated Immunizations
*Social Security Card
*Custody Papers (if applicable)
*Report Card from previous school
*MAPS / Test Scores
*Attendance & Behavior Record
*IEP (if applicable)
📞 For more info, contact Carleen or Lisa at (605) 867-6875
#IsnaWicaOwayawa #SchoolRegistration #BackToSchool #LakotaEducation #Fall2025
Registration is now open for NEW students for the 2025–2026 school year!
🗓️ Deadline: August 8th
📍 Pick up registration packets in the front office
🎒 First Day of School: August 14th
📑 New students must provide:
*Birth Certificate
*Blood Degree (CIB)
*Updated Immunizations
*Social Security Card
*Custody Papers (if applicable)
*Report Card from previous school
*MAPS / Test Scores
*Attendance & Behavior Record
*IEP (if applicable)
📞 For more info, contact Carleen or Lisa at (605) 867-6875
#IsnaWicaOwayawa #SchoolRegistration #BackToSchool #LakotaEducation #Fall2025
50 Years of Self-Determination in Education
📘 Did You Know? The History of Loneman School & Native Self-Determination in Education
In Article VII of the Fort Laramie Treaty, the U.S. Government promised to provide a schoolhouse and a teacher for every 30 Oglala Sioux children. As a result, schools were built across Pine Ridge Reservation — including Isna Wica Owayawa (Loneman School), established in 1892, making it one of the oldest schools on the reservation.
Originally called Number 5 Day School, it began as a one-room schoolhouse for K-8 students in the White Clay District. After a fire in 1954, the school was rebuilt with expanded facilities — classrooms, a gym/dining hall, kitchen, staff housing, and a bus garage.
But perhaps the most groundbreaking moment came after the passage of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (P.L. 93-638) in 1975.
🏫 Loneman School became the first school in the nation to move to "local control" under 638.
This meant that tribal communities — not the federal government — would oversee education, including curriculum, staffing, and administration.
Today, Loneman School and others on Pine Ridge are operated and led by tribal citizens, many of whom are alumni. These schools aim not just to educate, but to restore and revitalize Lakota language, culture, and identity.
✨ The transition to 638 wasn’t always easy. Legal complexities and administrative challenges were part of the journey — but the goal was always clear: educational sovereignty.
This is more than a school. It’s part of a larger movement by Native nations to take back the power to educate their children — in their own language, with their own values, by their own people.
📚 #LonemanSchool #IsnaWicaOwayawa #638School #NativeEducation #LakotaLanguage #SelfDetermination #PineRidge #OglalaSioux #IndianEducation #FortLaramieTreaty #NativeHistory #TribalSovereignty
📘 Did You Know? The History of Loneman School & Native Self-Determination in Education
In Article VII of the Fort Laramie Treaty, the U.S. Government promised to provide a schoolhouse and a teacher for every 30 Oglala Sioux children. As a result, schools were built across Pine Ridge Reservation — including Isna Wica Owayawa (Loneman School), established in 1892, making it one of the oldest schools on the reservation.
Originally called Number 5 Day School, it began as a one-room schoolhouse for K-8 students in the White Clay District. After a fire in 1954, the school was rebuilt with expanded facilities — classrooms, a gym/dining hall, kitchen, staff housing, and a bus garage.
But perhaps the most groundbreaking moment came after the passage of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (P.L. 93-638) in 1975.
🏫 Loneman School became the first school in the nation to move to "local control" under 638.
This meant that tribal communities — not the federal government — would oversee education, including curriculum, staffing, and administration.
Today, Loneman School and others on Pine Ridge are operated and led by tribal citizens, many of whom are alumni. These schools aim not just to educate, but to restore and revitalize Lakota language, culture, and identity.
✨ The transition to 638 wasn’t always easy. Legal complexities and administrative challenges were part of the journey — but the goal was always clear: educational sovereignty.
This is more than a school. It’s part of a larger movement by Native nations to take back the power to educate their children — in their own language, with their own values, by their own people.
📚 #LonemanSchool #IsnaWicaOwayawa #638School #NativeEducation #LakotaLanguage #SelfDetermination #PineRidge #OglalaSioux #IndianEducation #FortLaramieTreaty #NativeHistory #TribalSovereignty
Isna Wica Owayawa
Returning Student Registration for SY 2025-2026
Registration is happening now until July 31st (Deadline).
Packets can be picked up in the front office Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 3:30pm. Returning students need update Immunization Record and/or Custody papers.
New student registration will take place at a later time.
For More Information: Call 605-867-6875
Contact: Carleen or Lisa
Isna Wica Owayawa Kindergarten Screening Thursday June 26th & Friday June 27th
Testing times are available (30 Minute slots)
Thursday June 26th - 9:00 am to 2:30 pm
Friday June 27th - 9:00 am to 2:30 pm
*All students need to participate in screening before enrolling in Kindergarten for SY 2025-2026*
Students must be 5 years old by September 1st
Contact Lisa at 605-867-6875 Ext 6904
Isna Wica Owayawa
Returning student Registration Only
SY 2025-2026
Packets can be picked up Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.
New Student Registration will be in August
More Information: 605-867-6875
Contact Carleen or Lisa
Reminder: The Warrior Mindset FREE basketball camp is happening at the school from June 10th to June 12th for all students. Students must have their own ride to and from school.
Camp times are as follows:
K-4 students: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
4th-8th grade students: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Also, snacks, drinks, and t-shirts will be provided by Project AWARE to all the participants.
Good Evening!
Due to recent rain and road conditions, our school vehicles will not be able to access off-road areas for student pickup tomorrow, Friday, June 6th. Please arrange to bring your students to the main road where our vehicles can safely reach them. Your students will be excused if they can't make it to school because of the roads. We appreciate your understanding!
Isna Wica Owayawa
Kindergarten Screening
Thursday June 26th & Friday June 27th
Testing times are available (30 Minute slots)
Thursday June 26th - 9:00 am to 2:30 pm
Friday June 27th - 9:00 am to 2:30 pm
Contact Lisa at 605-867-6875 Ext 6904
*All students need to participate in screening before enrolling in Kindergarten for SY 2025-2026*
Students must be 5 years old by September 1st
Eighth grade meeting on Tuesday 5/27 at 5pm. We would like all students, parents, and trip chaperones to attend. Thank you, have a great evening!
Attention Parents/Guardians,
You are invited to attend the final presentation of Isna Wica Owayawa students Lakota Value Projects. For the past school year our students have learned and presented on 12 Lakota Values. Students will be presenting their final project on Woksape. We would like to invite parents and guardians to attend the presentations. Presentations will take place on Tuesday May 6 after 2:30pm. Please come see the work students put into their Lakota Value Projects.
Happy Principal Appreciation Day to the absolute best there is—Ms. Lisa! We’re so grateful for your leadership, kindness, and unwavering commitment to our Lakota community. Thank you for all that you do daily for our staff and students! 🎉🦅 💙 🌷💖 Families, feel free to drop a message of appreciation in the comments to help us celebrate her!
