Health & Human Services - Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

Ojibwe Language Program
This program assures that day care and Head Start students are taught by two fluent Ojibwe
speakers for 35-45 minutes a day and provides a speaker in each classroom.
Cheryl Minnema, Director of Ojibwe Language and Culture . . . . . .320-532-4695, ext. 2101
Nutrition Program
Free breakfasts, lunches and snacks are provided to children in Early Education programs.
Deb Foye, Nutrition Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .320-532-4690, ext. 2213
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .dfoye@nas.k12.mn.us
Parent Education Evenings
Parents and children participate in activities to improve their educational and parenting
skills. This includes family activity nights, positive Indian parenting, and fatherhood events.
Family Activity Events
Held once a month, these events are open to parents and families of Early Education
children who want to learn about topics such as child development, nutrition, and family
stress.
Time with Child Program
This program grants Band employees three hours of paid leave from work each month to
spend time with their children in school.
Mille Lacs Early Education Parent Store
Parents who volunteer their time by attending Early Education parent committee meetings or
parent activity nights, working in the classroom, or performing other activities earn “parent
bucks” to use in the Parent Store. The store features household goods, personal care
products, and children’s toys and games.
Parent Action Committee Meetings
These meetings provide a small-group setting in which parents and teachers can talk about
a child’s performance or discuss topics such as child development. These meetings are held
monthly.
Karen Sam, Parent Involvement Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .320-532-4695, ext. 2160
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ksam@nas.k12.mn.us
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