Day Care (E-mail sent to Kyle E.)

Kyle,

Our goal as student senate is to address the needs and concerns of the student body in whole. As, pertaining to this goal we have received many requests for a day care service. So, as student senate we took this request very seriously and we have pursued it. In addition, the senate wants to establish a long term service for the students rather then a short one year goal. We want the students that come after us to have better services available to them if they chose to use them.

That being said; we the student senate have looked into the possibilities of day care services provided in the area, and the colleges goal of achieving one on campus. Due to budget reasons the day care on campus is undetermined at this point? It could be years before the third phase of the college is completed. Therefore, we determined to provide a day care in the Cass Lake area as means for day care at this current time.

The Mikinaak was chosen by the senate at this point to work in partnership with each other. The future possibilities are limitless as to making it an improved situation. The Mikinaak is a therapeutic day care, which is not just a normal day care, they teach the children and work with children with learning disabilities. For more information, either contact Mikinaak staff or check out their flyer, they are more then willing to answer questions and concerns.

Now, we the senate have meet with some of the Mikinaaks Board Members, and are in the progress of getting this going. We discussed a short term goal and a long term goal. The short term goal is we the student senate along with student volunteers will make the effort to raise $6,000.00 in order for Mikinaak to get their fire alarm system. This would make Mikinaak fully licensed as a Therapeutic nonprofit organization. In return, the Mikinaak would offer internships in early childhood and business , and possibly more areas of study. Now, as for a more longer goal, the senate, the college, and Mikinaak will be trying to secure a immersion grant. This, would help pay for the students child care needs and also it would help the Mikinaaks needs. This, immersion grant would be utilized at the Mikinaak to teach our Anishinaabe children their own language from the beginning, and their will be criteria that has to be meet.

The student senate is working on a MOU towards the agreement and partnership between the senate, college, and Mikinaak. A MOU is a memorandum of understanding, which is basically a good faith agreement in writing.

In order, to get this day care project in full swing, we the senate need to raise the money for this alarm system. Then, there will be many doors opened as to the endless possibilities. So, we the Student Senate would like each student to donate at least $5 dollars or more.

Any questions, please come to the student senate meeting on Wednesdays at noon, a light lunch we be provided for free by the senate. So, students come voice your concerns about the day care. Make the senate aware of all angles on this matter, because the day care is for the students in whole. So, do not be afraid to express your views.