Many programs and services are offered at the House to strengthen the sense of community, while providing emotional and financial support for the families. Programs are also offered to support each family member and the relationships within each family.   THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE SCHOOL is a contract alternative school, licensed through the Minneapolis Public Schools and staffed by the Ronald McDonald House. Fulltime instruction is provided for patients and siblings in grades kindergarten to 12th, allowing children to maintain academic performance and families to remain together. In 2005, the Ronald McDonald House School was attended by an average of 10 students each day; a total of 45 students were served throughout the academic year. Of the 45 students served, 22 were from Minnesota, 21 were from other states and 2 were from foreign countries. The average length of enrollment was 36 days with 3 students enrolled for nearly the entire school year. This year, the School opened with a record number—23 students! THE COOKS FOR KIDS PROGRAM is a volunteer program in which organizations, groups and individuals prepare a home-cooked meal for our families. This program ensures our families are provided with a delicious meal and an opportunity to eat together. In addition, it is a wonderful opportunity for groups to volunteer at the House. In 2005, 420 meals were served, averaging 8.5 meals a week. THE SUMMER ACTIVITIES PROGRAM offers families fun, engaging, and educational activities. In 2005, over 37 families participated in 42 activities, including bowling, swimming, canoeing and field trips to Valley Fair, the Mill City Museum and a boat ride on the St. Croix River. Summer activities participants also took weekly trips to the library. Each child received a library card and many of them completed the library summer reading achievement goal. WEEKLY ACTIVITY NIGHTS provide families with fun and creative diversions such as arts and crafts, the bouncy house, movies and BINGO. These activities offer an opportunity for families to build a community with each other. In addition to these regular activities, several others are offered. A group of therapy dogs visits every week. These furry visitors are a welcome reminder of home. Special activities and parties are planned around all the holidays, including a great Luau, an even bigger spring egg hunt, a wonderful celebration of Chinese New Year, a frighteningly fun Halloween Party and special gifts for each family for the holidays in December. Additionally, Mother’s and Father’s Days are marked with wonderful gifts for the parents. AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES offer a fun afternoon for the children at the House. A variety of activities are offered including crafts, cooking yummy treats, and Music with Melissa, a program made possible through a partnership with MacPhail Center for Music. PARENT'S NIGHT IN is held three times during the year, offering parents an evening to go on a "date.” A candlelight dinner is served at the House and child care is provided for the children. These evenings are offered in support of the many stresses and strains placed on parents when a child has a life-threatening illness. Parent’s Night In provides parents with much need time together alone to enjoy each other and strengthen and nurture their commitment. The children have a fun night too! They have their own yummy dinner with Ronald McDonald and then they watch a movie together.   TRANSPORTATION is offered to families twice a week for grocery and retail shopping.   HAIRCUTS AND MASSAGES are provided monthly free of charge. Staff from JUUT Salons and Sister Rosalind’s Massage School donate their time to provide these services. Families appreciate a chance to take care of themselves in the midst of such a busy time, when caring for oneself is often pushed aside. HOUSE WARMERS assist the families in their adjustment to the House. These volunteers make lunch for the children in ourschool, supervise recess, play with the children, help direct the afternoon and evening activities, and help to clean rooms or do laundry for a family.   THE FAMILY RESOURCE ROOM AND LIBRARY contains 8 computers that provide free internet and email access. A collection of medical resource materials and a comprehensive library of bibliotherapy materials is also available.   THE CHILD LIFE SPECIALIST on staff helps the children, both patients and siblings, understand and cope with their disease and treatment, as well as being a resource for parents about these issues.