Staff News and Events

Celebrating the Launch of RRSS’s Restructured ESL Program

For over thirty years, HDH proudly offered English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to support staff in building their communication skills. Now under RRSS, the 2024–2025 cycle marked the first year of a newly restructured ESL program designed to meet the evolving needs of our workforce.

RRSS HR representatives and staff ESL participants

Led by Dominique Valentino, the ESL teacher and curriculum designer, and coordinated by Luis Ramirez, Training Assistant, this year’s program began with oral and written assessments to place participants in either beginning or intermediate classes. Over twenty weekly sessions, staff engaged in lessons focused on job-related language—including tools, chemicals, customer service, American idioms, and workplace etiquette. Dominique provided study guides for four assessments throughout the session, allowing for personalized instruction and progress tracking. Students were encouraged to practice their English both at work and in their daily lives.

The program concluded with a celebration of their accomplishments, where participants received certificates of achievement and were recognized by supervisors for their dedication and progress. A fun and engaging Jeopardy-style game was also held, with categories such as housing/dining, customer service, American holidays, and other work-related topics—allowing students to showcase what they learned in a team-based, supportive environment.