SUIMA holds coat drive for Pine Ridge community 

In February, SUIMA Upper Elementary students held a winter Coat Drive. This coat drive is to support and benefit the students in Pine Ridge, S.D., known as the Thorpe’s. Pine Ridge is the home of the Oglala Lakota People. The conditions of Pine Ridge have been poorly supported by the U.S. Government, therefore leading to high crime, drug, and alcohol rates. It has been noted that the Pine Ridge Reservation is amongst the most impoverished places in the country.  

While understanding what this coat drive was going to do to assist in our fellow Indigenous Relatives, many families, community members, dignitaries, and children came together through the outreach of SUIMA Upper Elementary students, to assist in providing clothing, shoes, boots, coats, and winter gear for Pine Ridge students K-12.  

In our vision statement, SUIMA is providing an environment that creates future tribal and world leaders who appreciate and support their culture, family, and lifelong learning.  

As Indigenous People, we teach our children to be respectful and lend a helping hand where it is needed. This is a way of giving back, not only to the people of the land, but to Creator. When we help one another do good things, it brings strength to all people. This was also a way to show our students that no matter where you are in the world, you are always able to show support and get involved in matters that uplift many. 

The Southern Ute Montessori Academy and Upper Elementary students would like to thank everyone who helped in this cause. May Creator bless your homes and your relatives. May blessings come to our families and our community. 

SUIMA School Board 

The School Board is currently updating policies and procedures.  If you’d like to bring something to their attention, you can find a tab on our school’s website (www.suima.org) to submit your concern.  A board member will get in touch with you.  

Reminders 

Conference week is coming up!  Please plan on attending to learn how your child is doing academically, socially, and emotionally.  

Spring Break is March 18-22.  

Parent Advisory Group  

The next PAG meeting will be March 26 from 6 – 7 p.m. via Zoom.  These meetings are typically held every third Tuesday of the month.   

Family Night group 

The date for our March Family Night has not been set at this time.  

Upcoming Events 

• Early Release at 2 p.m. every Friday! 
• Feb. 26: Mar. 1 – parent/family teacher/guide conferences 
• Feb. 28: Drum Group Practice 
• Mar. 1: Read Across America Day – Thank you, Dr. Seuss!