A Place for Learning
Written by: Jim Baker
Just before the end of the 20th century, on August 17th, 1999, we celebrated a historic event at what was then called “Navajo Missions.” It was the first day of school at our newly formed “On-Site School” for our younger school-aged children. Our hopes and dreams had become a reality for our first through sixth-grade students! This was something our staff and board members had prayed about for many years.
A year earlier, we had begun discussions with Tom Sullivan, Superintendent of the Farmington Public Schools. We had concerns regarding our at-risk children who were getting lost in the cracks in the traditional school classroom. Due to their disruptive and dysfunctional backgrounds, they came to us at least one grade level behind in their reading and math skills. They were also being bullied by classmates, or they had become the bullies themselves, just to survive.
After discussions with the school board, they approved an on-site classroom for our elementary-aged students. Farmington Municipal Schools provided the curriculum and a portion of the teacher’s salary. We also received Title 1 assistance that helped with the cost of a teacher’s aide and computers. Because we were paying a portion of the teacher’s salary, we were able to help select a teacher with faith values. While we had a prayer and devotional each morning, most of the day included reading, writing, and arithmetic, just like the other classrooms in the district.
Debbie Fowler was our first teacher. She decided to leave her teaching position in the traditional school setting and come to the Mission to teach our precious little ones. Delores Ledford was her assistant. Debbie’s calm and quiet spirit produced a peaceful classroom environment where the students enjoyed learning. As Navajos, they could connect the students to their history and culture, including the Navajo language, lost to many younger generations. On that first day of school, the Superintendent gave his personal “seal of approval” when he arrived for a tour.
The classroom was in the former Christian bookstore that the mission operated for many years. On this day, books were opened again…this time by our youngsters who desperately needed this one-on-one attention that would enable them to thrive in this safe and comfortable environment.
A few months later, we embarked on a new century that would lead us into many years of successful educational experiences for our children living at Four Corners Home for Children. Before long, we realized that the aging school building right next to the busy highway was not conducive to the ongoing educational needs of our children. When fire engines or down-shifting semi-trucks drove by, the students would lose their focus for the next ten minutes.
As we looked to the future growth of the campus, two new homes were constructed on the lower level of the 16-acre campus. There was room on that portion of the grounds to build our new 8,000 sq. ft. Education and Activity Center, which would include classrooms, a central kitchen, and cafeteria/recreation room. Years of fund-raising would proceed through tough economic times in our country. Finally, in 2012, this dusty field of dreams became a place of promise as the new facility was dedicated for God’s glory. It has been a wonderful addition to the care and education of our precious boys and girls.