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Declaring Thursday, October 23, 2014, as "Lights On Afterschool Day" in the City of Saint Paul.
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WHEREAS, each year, "Lights On Afterschool" is observed nationwide in celebration and support of afterschool programs; and
WHEREAS, in this, the 15th annual Lights On Afterschool celebration, over 1 million people nationwide will be celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities; and
WHEREAS, Sprockets is Saint Paul's out-of-school time network, of which the City of Saint Paul is a member and supporter, is committed to improving access to out-of-school time programs for youth in Saint Paul and improving the quality of afterschool programs for all children; and
WHEREAS, high quality afterschool programs provide the types of enriching experiences that develop the skills children need to succeed in school, work and life, and promote community engagement; and
WHEREAS, afterschool programs support working families by ensuring their children are safe and productive after the regular school day ends; and
WHEREAS, afterschool programs help build stronger communities by involving students, parents, business leaders and adult volunteers in the lives of young people, thereby promoting positive relationships among youth, families and adults; and
WHEREAS, Saint Paul is committed to the healthy development and safety of our youth and recognizes afterschool programs for the opportunities they provide; and
WHEREAS, Saint Paul and Sprockets will continue to lead in the development and well-being of our youth, grounded in the principle that investments in quality afterschool programs are beneficial to our children's academic, social, physical, and emotional development; and
WHEREAS, a variety of community-based events are planned as part of "Lights On Afterschool" 2014, with the goal to ensure that in every community across the state the lights stay on and the doors stay open for all children after school; now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Saint Paul City Council does hereby declare October 23, 2014, to be "Lights On Afterschool Day" in the City of Saint Paul.
Be it Further Resolved, that the City requests that the Minnesota Department of Transportation light the I-35W Memorial Bridge in gold on October 23, 2014, as a sign of support for "Lights On Afterschool Day."