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Representatives from the Winslow Residential Hall (WRH) presented information to those in attendance of Good Morning Winslow last week.
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In addition to providing breakfast for the event, presenters also explained what the WRH does and how it serves the community of Winslow.
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A brochure provided by the WRH offered a brief history of the land on which the hall stands today noting that the property began as a military installation, housing personnel while they transitioned into civilian life. The building was used by the Job Corps from 1952-54, and in 1954, the Bureau of Indian Affairs took over the land. In 1956, Emmons Hall was established to house Native American students while they attended Winslow High School.
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Any Native American student that attends either the Winslow Junior High School or Winslow High School is eligible to reside at WRH. Families are asked to pay a $50 security deposit. All other costs are covered by WRH.
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According to Human Resources Director Erminda Hernandez, WRH is funded by the federal government. “More specifically, the Department of the Interior through the Bureau of Indian Education.”
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Calvin Chee, Home Living Manager at WRH said, “We can house up to 160 students at a time, 80 on the boy’s side and 80 on the girl’s side. We provide various programs and focus on academics. We give them at least an hour every day of study time. They do have responsibility and we like them to be independent.”
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Students are at the residential hall during the school week and are bussed home on weekends. They come from both the Navajo and Hopi reservations and transportation is part of the services offered at WRH.
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Chee continued, “It is very hard to get parents involved, but we do try to establish communication with them as well as the schools. That communication increases the success of our students. We are there for these students, we act as the parents of the child when they are with us.”
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Winslow Residence Hall is also partially funded by federal grants. Chee said, “Part of our grant program requires us to meet certain conditions. Right now, we are working on trying to establish an internship program behind that grant. Hopefully, we will find some local businesses that will accommodate such a program.”
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Carole Davis, the coordinator of the 21st Century Learning Program added, “The 21st Century Program is about enrichment and getting students equipped for life beyond high school. We are required to provide academic, nutritional and physical education as part of the program. We really want our students to be ready for the 21st century.”
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Currently WRH houses 100 students from junior high through high school. “When they are in our care,” Davis said, “we have to discipline them, we have to instill in them structure. The students are responsible for keeping their rooms clean and they have duties throughout the residence.”
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WRH is currently seeking four certified academic tutors for part time work. Interested parties should contact Hernandez at (928) 289-4488. For further information regarding the services provided by WRH visit 600 N. Alfred Ave. in Winslow.
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