Prairie Rose Public Schools News Archive

<p>It may still look and feel like winter, but the greenhouse at Senator Gershaw School in Bow Island is now fully planted for the season with a few cucumbers ready to be picked.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“The greenhouse has been operating for a couple of years now and we've been learning through trial and error with what works. What we’ve found is if we start too soon, we get too many bugs from the summer,” explained Principal Scott Angle. “Now, what we do, is we wait until there has been a good solid freeze before we move any plants in.”&nbsp;</p><p>The school partners with Stigter’s Greenhouses in Redcliff who provide propagated plants around the second week of January. “We’ve found we aren’t successful if we don’t use the propagated plants and because we aren’t a big enough bulk purchaser, we can’t buy them on our own. As a result, we have to partner with a greenhouse to make it happen,” stated Angle.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Even though it’s small, the greenhouse is operated along the same lines as a commercial greenhouse. Angle is learning alongside the students as the teacher who began the program transferred to another school. “We worked together lots and I was the one who knew the most about it, so I took over,” said Angle. “The tomatoes and peppers need to be pruned and I need to learn how to do it properly, but I’m going to work with Jeff Stigter on that and figure it out.”&nbsp;</p><p>Growing in the greenhouse are peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers in coconut bags and there is a small hydroponic unit for lettuce. Over the next few weeks, younger students will start planting seeds for the school garden west of the school.&nbsp;</p><p>There are between five to eight students who choose the greenhouse option each year, which is the perfect number as it allows those most interested in the program to join. Additionally, the work in the greenhouse can be done most effectively by a smaller group of students.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Grade 9 students Alia Babcock and Gage Hintz both signed up for the greenhouse option this semester.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“I think it’s a good option because it produces and gives us something fun to do by getting your hands dirty, doing extra projects and watching your plants grow,” said Babcock. For her, the biggest challenge is putting lots of effort into plants that aren’t thriving only to have them continue to fail.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Hintz joined the greenhouse as he does aquaponics – germinating plants on top of an aquarium where the fish provide the nutrients - and gardening at home. He enjoys how much faster plants grow in the greenhouse compared to an outdoor plot. “The hydroponics we’ve never done before, which is cool, we helped set that up. The hardest thing was getting the pump working right to get water to the system.”&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://vimeo.com/782597223?share=copy"></oembed></figure><p><i>Promotional video featuring students in the Foremost Rodeo Academy.</i></p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>The Rodeo Academy at Foremost School is now in its second year with 11 students enrolled, two who are from the Medicine Hat area and billet in town. Recently, the Academy put out feelers over social media to find out if there is enough interest from students in the Medicine Hat area to run a bus out to Foremost School each day.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“This is our second year and over the past two years we’ve had lots of enquiries from all around the province,” stated Principal of Foremost School Corey Steeves. “This year we have two students who attend from the Medicine Hat area and billet in town and a couple of students transferred from the Horizon School District.”&nbsp;</p><p>Connor Harty is in Grade 12 and finds the most challenging part of the Rodeo Academy is staying focused and taking opportunities as they arise. Alternatively, being involved with the academy helps motivate Harty to get his schoolwork done early so that he can go to practice because he knows he won’t have time after.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Grade 8 student Roan Bosch was born and raised on a ranch bull yard and joined the academy to improve his roping skills. “When we do roping and steer wrestling, you are riding up to a calf you have to brand or treat. You can rope them, flip them and get them treated and it helps to know how to do that,” explained Bosch. Feedback from the instructors is incredibly helpful for Bosch and he’s learned to overcome his fears and make a run without overthinking.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Kendyl Hollingsworth used to barrel race but now focuses on goat tying and breakaway roping. “The year I started Rodeo Academy I was leaning towards the livestock end of rodeo and was getting out of barrel racing and entering the roping side,” she stated.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>While it was a long process, Hollingsworth persevered and has seen lots of improvement in her technique. “I didn’t know how to swing a rope about a year ago and now I’m competing with the girls in high school rodeo,” said Hollingsworth. “I think it helps push me to do my schoolwork because if I’m going to practice, I’m finishing my schoolwork first. That kind of thing helps me keep in track.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Brittney Chomistek began teaching at Foremost School two years ago just as the Rodeo Academy was launching. With a lifetime of rodeo experience and as the 2018 Miss Rodeo Canada, Chomistek is able to bring the connections she made on the circuit into the school to provide different opportunities for students.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Outside of instructing at the Rodeo Academy, Chomistek teaches Grade 2 and is thrilled about how the academy filters down to the younger kids. “We let them go rope dummies sometimes, or we’ll have the high school kids teach them how to tie goats. There are kids who have never been around horses and just want to be a part of it, so it’s also building that sense of community,” explained Chomistek.&nbsp;</p><p>Based in Medicine Hat, she thinks the commute out to Foremost each school day is worth it. While the roads can be challenging at times, this year has been much easier now that her dad, Guy Chomistek, is also teaching at the school and they commute together.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Chomistek is a huge advocate for Prairie Rose Public Schools and what the division offers all students. When she talks about the academy to those on the pro circuit, they often respond by saying they might have tried harder in school, or stayed in school, had they had an option such as the Rodeo Academy to look forward to most days.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“What I love about Prairie Rose is that we have all these specialized areas in all these other communities that allows us to have other kids involved,” stated Chomistek. “The division goals of fostering futures and igniting minds, that’s what we are doing with these academies while also keeping them accountable in school. We hold our academy kids higher than average students because we expect them to be attending their classes, we expect them to be doing their best, whatever their best is. We’ve taken away practices because we want a well-rounded student athlete, which is what PRPS promotes.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>It’s important to note that not all students in the rodeo academy have their own horse and gear. “It’s about giving kids experience in rodeo and our western heritage while also giving them practice so they can see if this is an avenue they want to pursue or not, which is another beautiful thing about it,” concluded Chomistek.&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer</p>

<p>A year ago, students at Senator Gershaw School in Bow Island began publishing the <a href="https://bowislandioc.ca/"><i>In Our Community</i> publication</a>. A mainstay in Bow Island, Foremost, Burdett and area for many years, the school bought the business when the former owner retired.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“It’s a service our community wants and we had the infrastructure here (at the school) so we bought it,” said Principal Scott Angle. The publication is still run as a business with students applying for positions and getting paid through a profit-sharing system. Three students - editor, finance and publisher/editor - are employed and the more advertising they bring in, the more they earn.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Advertising is beginning to branch out of Bow Island, with some coming in from Seven Persons and Medicine Hat recently. A website is being added soon and there is currently both a paper and online version available.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“It’s almost all student run and we’ve added a hometown hero to recognize people in our community that do great things,” stated Angle. “We’ve been doing it for about a year now and it’s been fairly successful.”&nbsp;</p><p>It’s not only about advertising, in addition to the Hometown Hero feature, <i>In Our Community</i> also lets those reading know about upcoming events.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Grade 9 student Alayna Martens was hired as the editor this year and appreciates she can do the job during school hours once her other schoolwork is complete. She is gaining valuable work experience and learning new skills – software programs, communication skills, editing and how to formally reply to an email – along with engaging as a team member.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“My job is to reply to emails and ensure everyone knows what we are doing. I tell the boys if there are ads we need to do. It’s fun and a great experience,” said Martens.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><i>In Our Community</i> comes out once a month and is delivered through the post office to each mailbox free of charge. Student employees will also deliver copies where needed. Martens puts in about 12 to 13 hours each month and works each day to keep up with incoming emails.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“I think community feedback has been quite positive, the Hometown Heroes has really brought some light to different people and made people realize there are lots of organizations out there. I look through old newspapers or online, then call people to ask them if I can do a write up on them,” concluded Martens.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Corey Steeves - School Administration Leadership</strong></p><p>Corey Steeves, principal at Foremost School, gave a presentation on strategies to elevate and flourish as a school leader. “I’ve been doing some research the last couple of years on strategies as a school leader to support well-being and I’ve always had a passion for speaking.” Steeves put together a presentation based on his research to share strategies with other school leaders.&nbsp;</p><p>“Being school leader is a complex job with lots of moving parts and sometimes they feel like they are on their own. I’m going to talk about the power of social capital, or who is in your support network. Education is a learning ecosystem where you have all these other parties that help each other out, leadership is the same,” stated Steeves.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>He feels fortunate to be part of the School Leader Wellbeing Generative Listening group started last year in partnership with Horizon School Division. Principals and division office staff from PRPS and Horizon meet once a month to discuss school leader wellbeing. “That’s a part of social capital,” explained Steeves, “we leave that meeting feeling as good or better than when we walked in.” He also talked about contextual literacy, which is knowing context and understanding communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Kelli-Ann Nixdorf - Canva in the Classroom</strong></p><p>Kelli-Ann Nixdorf was a teacher at Eagle Butte High School before becoming an Instructional Coach and finds the best part of this new role is being in every school across all grade levels within the division. Both presentations by Nixdorf were on Canva, the first on the Education Library and the second on Magic Studio.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“Canva has a massive library with thousands of templates and resources for K-12, including activities, worksheets, full lesson plans and presentations.” said Nixdorf. Her first presentation's aim was to give participants a clear understanding of how to access and filter the library to access material or information required.&nbsp;</p><p>Last year the Canva education library was limited, but now it is fully loaded explained Nixdorf, although it can be overwhelming if one doesn’t know where to look or if they haven’t used the program before. After a quick demonstration on how to access the education library and how to filter, Nixdorf turned the session over to the audience to make it interactive and help those in attendance find resources on topics they were interested in.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Nixdorf’s second session on the Canva Magic Studio was content driven. The magic studio contains AI tools that have ChatGPT in the background with Canva-added filters to make the AI more user-friendly. The design feature of the studio can, for example, create a six-slide presentation on the water cycle and will provide five different versions for the user to choose from. Depending on the reliability of the WiFi at MHC, Nixdorf was planning to demonstrate how to use Magic Convert, which will take a presentation and convert it into a digital or printed handout.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Cammie Kannekens - The AI Frontier in the Classroom</strong></p><p>Instructional Coach Cammie Kannekens, who was an English and Social Studies Teacher at Eagle Butte before moving into her current role in 2017, gave two presentations on AI, the first more general knowledge and the second on the generative AI frontier in the classroom.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Using an alphabet wheel, Kannekens discussed a topic related to AI with the letter the wheel landed on. “It’s a fun one to do with random, internet things people haven’t seen before. This will be the first time I’ve done it with AI because it is fairly new,” said Kannekens about her first session.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Regarding her second session, Kannekens added, “in the last year, we’ve been able to say this is a great tool for teachers, here’s lots of ways AI can save time and make you more productive and maybe help to have a higher quality output in a shorter period of time, that part is fairly straightforward. Right now, we are on that precipice with some teachers using AI and tools that are more for students, but there is a lot of ethical, moral, safety, and privacy issues once you start looking at using AI with students.” The goal of this presentation was how to teach students about AI, both the benefits and shortcomings, along with giving teachers ideas of on how to shift their teaching so it is more appropriate in an AI world.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Nichole Neubauer - Agro Food Kits</strong></p><p>Nichole Neubauer is Coordinator of the Agricultural Discovery Centre (ADC) at Irvine School. “This year’s Teachers’ Convention will mark the official launch of the EQUS Agro-Food toolkits. These resources were created thanks to a generous donation by EQUS and will be housed at the Irvine School ADC. They are designed to be an outreach tool for teachers who might not be able to get their students to a farm, so instead we’ve found a really fun way to bring the farm to them.”&nbsp;</p><p>Neubauer had a table in Centennial Hall with examples of several toolkits available and during her presentation on Friday afternoon, she will go into detail about one of the kits. They are available to teachers at no charge thanks to the EQUS grant with each one on loan for about one month. All teachers throughout each of the three school divisions in the Medicine Hat area can request a kit, along with those from other communities EQUS serves, which are Claresholm, Onoway and Innisfail.&nbsp;</p><p>Chicken hatching cycle, growing crops, hydroponics and aquaponics (growing plants in a soilless environment), honeybees and vermicomposting are all available. Links are provided so educators can create activities connected to the curriculum using supplies within the toolkits. For example, the vermicomposting kit will have a vermicomposter, worms, activity suggestions for students K-6, microscopes, spray bottles, petri dishes, and suggestions for experiments to make the learning fun and hands-on for each student.&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer</p>

<p>There was a good turnout at the South Alberta School of Trades Open House at Medicine Hat College on February 13 with about 100 people coming out for the two in- person sessions held in the evening along with an online one during the day for the Foremost and Oyen areas. Interest is high and enrollment for the program is already near capacity.&nbsp;</p><p>Sherry Craven, Student Experience Designer, explained the structure of the program will be cohorts of 12 with up to 48 students accepted each year. “If anyone wants to get their first-year apprenticeship by the time they graduate (from high school), this program is going to help them realize their interests and put the resources behind helping them find the path that is best for them. My goal would be that by graduation, they have their first year (post-secondary) under their belt, but at the very least they are coming in and learning all kinds of life and job skills, getting themselves to be more employable,” stated Craven.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>In the first year, Grade 10 students experience two weeks in each of the seven trades – plumbing, welding, electrical, automotive, carpentry, heavy duty mechanics, and pipefitting – giving them the opportunity to experience a variety of trades to find those that most interest them.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>In the second year, students will choose from one of four clusters, each containing two trades. “The clusters are already decided, they will pick one cluster. They will get experience in two trades of whatever is in the cluster they are most interested in,” explained Craven.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>At the end of Grade 11, students will have both high school and post-secondary credits along with, hopefully, gaining work experience. “In addition to all the stuff being done in school, the students need to be getting out and getting jobs and experience in the field,” stated Craven. “They are starting work experience in the summer by Grade 11. In addition to taking this dual credit class, they will hopefully be registering in RAP (Registered Apprenticeship Program) by Grade 11.”&nbsp;</p><p>Declan Grant and his friend Cooper Melvin, both Grade 9 students at Parkside School in Redcliff, attended the open house and are excited about the School of Trades. They have experience in the plumbing lab and electrical lab at Medicine Hat College as part of a program through Parkside. Declan’s mom Amy said, “when I heard they came out with this I was pretty excited because Declan has been interested in mechanics for quite some time, heavy duty specifically because he is a fairly big guy.”&nbsp;</p><p>Cooper is interested in carpentry and thinks it would be cool to build a house one day. Cooper’s mom Joni said, “this is a fantastic opportunity and just to have a leg up going in and being hooked up with pre-employment and the connections they can get through this program. To be able to know this is what they are really interested in before investing in college, it’s just fantastic on so many levels.”&nbsp;</p><p>Trustee Shauna VanderSpruit attended the open house and was thrilled about the great turnout at the event. “When these opportunities are presented to the Prairie Rose school community, it gives kids an opportunity in a school setting to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. They can experience college life while still in high school. Lots of kids who know they want to be in trades are interested early, but there are still those students who don’t realize that trades is a great career and this will give them the opportunity to see that sooner.”&nbsp;</p><p>For Eagle Butte students, the commute to Medicine Hat College will not be overly taxing, but for those coming in from Oyen, Bow Island and Foremost, more planning will be required by the schools.&nbsp;</p><p>“The advantage we have there,” stated VanderSpruit, “is we have an executive team and administrators at the schools who are so willing to think outside the box and to make it happen for these kids, going that extra mile across the school division.”&nbsp;</p><p>Principal of Foremost School Corey Steeves said mechanics is once again available as an option at the school and many students, along with their parents, are interested in trades education. Steeves understands the need for people trained in the trades and is aware of the future benefits of the new program, thus he is willing to do whatever it takes to make it work for Foremost students.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“The way it’s laid out is awesome, where in Grade 10 you don’t know what you don’t know,” added Steeves. “They might think they are interested in the trades and only be thinking about heavy duty mechanics, but what’s awesome about that first year is they will be exposed to all those other trades and they might realize they like another one of them more. We’ve seen the power of the Flight Academy and Fire Academy and our Rodeo Academy, things like that, where students are experiencing as they are learning are super valuable.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The School of Trades will offer students hands-on, experiential learning while providing them a jump start to their post-secondary education. “It’s a good opportunity to have strong supports behind you as a student to find their path,” concluded Craven. “When I talk to adults, they wish there was something like this when they were younger. I have a 26-year-old going into his carpentry apprenticeship and I never had an inkling he would want to do that. Getting that early start and finding out if you are interested, what your passions are, is highly valuable.”&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer</p>

<p><i>Photo: New logo for the AgPro program at Irvine School</i></p><p>Principal of Irvine School Trent Rayner, along with three students and teacher Logyn Jacksteit, gave a presentation to the Board of Trustees at the regularly scheduled meeting on February 13.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“I think the ultimate success of a program is when you are able to have it branch out to other students,” said Rayner. “That happened with the Ag-Pro Western Tractor course when Corey Steeves reached out last year.”&nbsp;</p><p>Steeves is Principal of Foremost School and thought the Ag-Pro course would be a perfect fit for the community. “School-wise we really try to have a lot of hands-on, very place-based learning. There is lots of research behind the power of place and the power of students where they live,” stated Steeves.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>People learn best in the environments they love, and the school has numerous students who live on farms or around farms with around 20 kids from Grades 7, 8 and 9 taking the course. “What was cool about the Western Tractor course is it takes in different avenues, they aren’t just working on the mechanics part, which is very important, but they are also getting into sales and marketing and all those other neat areas,” said Steeves. “Kids are excited about it and parents have commented on how happy they are with the course.”&nbsp;</p><p>Foremost students have just started the Western Tractor Ag-Pro course, they are working through WHMIS and other class-based learning and will have their first on location visit on February 27. It was a simple process to transfer the course from Irvine to Foremost School as creators of the course Logyn Jacksteit and Nichole Neubauer put together a complete program plan that is easy to use.&nbsp;</p><p>Grade 8 student Senya Hietamaa talked to the board about the certification courses she’s taken at Irvine School, which are another new CTF-option addition for junior high students at the school. The first course she took part in was emergency first-aid, which was combined with a babysitter’s course. In the second course, each student tailored what they took to suit their interests, selecting from, among others, sports anatomy, computers, nutrition, driver’s education, second languages, resume building, boat license, animal care, stocks, bonds and taxes, mechanics, and Alberta Health food safety.&nbsp;</p><p>“I did the animal care. I have many pigs at home and we just got them and we don’t know a whole lot about them and how to take care of them. I took the course and I learnt so much and I got so much information from it that I got to do a presentation for 4-H,” explained Hietamaa. “I also looked at the stocks, bonds and taxes course and it was very confusing at first, but I did learn a lot because I don’t know anything about taxes, I’m in Grade 8.”&nbsp;</p><p>Additionally, Hietamaa also took part in resume building and the food safety courses. She concluded by saying she enjoyed all the courses, which were incredibly valuable, providing each student with skills they can put on their resume.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Logyn Jacksteit is currently teaching Grade 6 and 7 language arts and some of the CTF options and presented to the board the two new courses added to the Ag-Pro lineup this year. “Western Tractor CTF was a success and Nichole Neubauer and myself put our heads together this year to plan two additional courses that started just a couple weeks ago,” said Jacksteit.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The two new courses are Ag-Pro Beef and Ag-Pro Crops with both courses having more students interested than they had spaces available. The beef course is well under way, acquainting the students with the cattle industry by bringing in guest speakers and taking the students on multiple field trips.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“Students have a large project at the end to create a scale-model of a cattle handling system in class and it will be judged by professionals,” explained Jacksteit. “They will have to consider animal stress and welfare along with efficiency of the cattle handle system.”&nbsp;</p><p>Ag-Pro Crops will follow a similar format with field trips to the Rattlesnake Reservoir, Nutrien, and Big Marble Farms, to name a few. The students will be studying crops that can be grown in the classroom as well as aquatic systems that can be built in a home to grow plants without soil. At the end of the year, all Ag-Pro students from the three courses will be taken on an overnight field trip to Olds College to get further information on post-secondary options after they complete high school.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;Jacksteit also mentioned new merchandise has been ordered that will reflect the programs. If you would like a hoodie, email him as he promises they will be good conversation starters.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Grade 9 student Odin Jordet gave his perspective on Ag-Pro and how the knowledge gained and people met along the way are why students gravitate to these courses. The courses provide opportunities for students with a background in agriculture and those who don’t.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“The Ag-Pro program is very inclusive for kids who are shy or who don’t know how to get started in agriculture,” stated Jordet. “This program has made myself and many of my friends consider jobs in agriculture for when we get out of school. When I did the Western Tractor program it made me more confident around large machinery.”&nbsp;</p><p>The courses have shown Jordet that learning inside and outside the classroom can be fun while staying on task. Agriculture is the backbone of our society and Ag-Pro provides a new perspective on the amount of work it takes to get the food we eat daily to the table.&nbsp;</p><p>Katelyn Sheppard was involved with the Western Tractor program at the end of her Grade 8 year and most enjoyed learning about the sales department where they learned how to connect with customers and build confidence. Sheppard has also enrolled in both the beef and crop courses and is learning lots and hopes more schools start educating their students on agriculture.&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

<p><i>Photo: A recent basketball game at Parkside school, showing the lack of space for spectators to sit while watching the game.</i>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Parkside Junior High School received design funding in 2023 from Alberta Education for a modernization project. Built in 1958, the school received an addition in 1971. Outside of regular maintenance, there have been upgrades in terms of flooring and new paint, but no further renovations. Currently, 154 students in Grades 7, 8 and 9 are attending the school.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Janet Kraft, Vice Principal of Parkside School, “the whole Redcliff community is excited for the modernization and to get an upgraded junior high school.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>One of the key features of the modernization is a new, larger gym. At present, the gym is small and spectators at sporting events are relegated to sitting on the stage, huddled in corners or standing alongside the baseline. However, to build the best gym, about $600,000 will need to be raised through community support.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Sylis Robins, Grade 8 student at Parkside explained how it is playing basketball in the current gym. “When there is a pass-in, after the ball goes out of bounds, it’s hard to fit in among the crowd. It’s also easier for the ball to go out and it hits lots of parents in the crowd who are watching.”&nbsp;</p><p>When playing at schools with larger gyms, Robins said the team doesn’t feel as enclosed, making it easier to make the plays the team has practiced. “I’m excited for the new gym because it will be a new experience and it will be pretty cool in there.”&nbsp;</p><p>With no place for spectators to sit, it makes it challenging for Parkside to host tournaments. Storage is also an issue, with equipment kept in various locations around the school. Part of the modernization and the reason for adding 80 square meters to the size of the gym is so bleachers can be accommodated outside of the playing courts with having all equipment stored in one central area.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>A larger gym will benefit the entire community of Redcliff, added Kraft, as others will be able to access the new facilities. “Right now, we have volleyball that runs out of the gym every Tuesday and pickleball on Sundays, but there would be more opportunities for the town with a larger gym.”&nbsp;</p><p>Kandice McInnes, President of the Parkside Parent Council has a child on the Grade 7 basketball team. “One of the struggles we see for the Grade 7 team is we can’t come in and watch other games, so we can’t learn from them. During practice, sometimes there is extra space as there are less parents in the gym; however, we don’t get to sit and watch tournaments or games. Unless you have a player in the gym, you don’t get to be in there because there is no room. We are limited to what we can do and where we can do it.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>McInnes has watched the Grade 7 team play at other schools and finds the gyms are bright and open along with being more inclusive, where larger numbers of spectators, including students, can sit and watch the games.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“The other side of the modernization is for everything else, whether it be the arts program or cooking programs or all of those things, we just don’t have the space,” stated McInnes. “We have to take the money we are allocated and put it into all of these things, which cuts down our ability to put in seating (in the gym) because we can only budget for so much.”&nbsp;</p><p>Kraft added the school isn’t very well set up for visitors entering the school, with the main office difficult to spot after walking through the front doors as it’s behind a closed-off wall and across the main foyer.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“In the new building design, it’s an open facility,” explained Kraft. “Walking in, one would see the office staff and they can see you, which is also great for safety. The students will have a gathering area to sit and visit. Instead of having three different lunchroom classes, we would have one area as an open lunchroom/foyer for students to gather and eat together. It would be good for building school community and school spirit, creating a welcoming school environment by opening up the school so you can see people and things.”&nbsp;</p><p>Robins mentioned having an open foyer/lunch area would be beneficial. He has friends in Grade 7 and 9 but currently doesn’t get to see them much during school hours as there is nowhere within the school for them to meet.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools will know around the end of February, after the budget is released, if Parkside will receive construction funding this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Financial Officer for PRPS Ryan Boser explained, “we only have design funding, but our hope is once the budget is released at the end of this month, we will get construction funding. Parkside will remain on our Capital Plan as our number one priority until we get construction funding, which is that final step that allows us to take the project off our Capital Plan.”&nbsp;</p><p>The schematic design for the modernization is almost complete and shows the new layout of the school. Next will be the design development stage, where the architect will begin working on a more detailed design, such as the layout of individual rooms along with paint colours.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>In closing, McInnes stated, “I am grateful Alberta Education decided Parkside was due and approved us for our modernization as opposed to building a new school. I don’t believe that putting a new school way out in the middle nowhere that has no services, houses or development is a good idea. As a community in Redcliff, we love that our kids are everywhere. Wherever you go, you see our kids and we have incredibly well-behaved children, for the most part, and it’s how you learn to be a community. When the modernization of this school was approved, I was very excited about it because we are still in the middle of the town.”&nbsp;</p><p>An estimated $600,000 will need to be fundraised to build a gym that will accommodate bleachers along with either two volleyball courts, one basketball court or six badminton courts. For more information about the project, or to donate, please contact Prairie Rose Public Schools Chief Financial Officer Ryan Boser (<a href="mailto:ryanboser@prrd8.ca">ryanboser@prrd8.ca</a> or call 403-527-5516). All donations are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Regular updates about the Parkside School modernization project can be found on the Prairie Rose Public Schools website (<a href="https://www.myprps.com/parkside-jr-high-school-modernization-project">https://www.myprps.com/parkside-jr-high-school-modernization-project</a>).&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

<p>The February 13, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda Package can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mEKoxSYAFibSXZFwclmZusTVqRzMG0y6/view">February 13, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda</a></p><p><strong>Irvine School Presentation</strong><br>Irvine School Principal Trent Rayner was joined by teacher Logyn Jacksteit and students Senya Hietamaa, Katelyn Sheppard and Odin Jordet to share information about two new programs being offered at the school aimed to provide junior high students with job-ready skills.&nbsp;</p><ul><li><strong>Skills Certification Courses:</strong> Grade 8 student Senya gave a short presentation to the board about the new Skills Certification Courses each junior high student would participate in this spring. Students can choose from various certification options, including Red Cross, first aid, babysitting, nutrition, resume building, animal care, mechanics, referee courses, driver's education, computer programming, boating license and more. Principal Rayner explained that this is something the school has wanted to offer for some time now and was able to get organized this spring under the direction of teacher Linda Kraft. The goal is to ensure each student can get certified in something they can add to their resume as they start building a job application.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</li><li><strong>AgPro Western Tractor:</strong> Grade 9 students Katelyn and Odin and teacher Logyn Jacksteit talked about the AgPro program, which has three different course options for students to learn about. Last fall, students participated in the Western Tractor option, which included learning about farm equipment operations and sales. This spring, the program has added AgPro Crops and AgPro Beef courses. Students are currently taking the AgPro Beef course, where they are learning about the cattle business, feedlot operations, cattle auctioning, butchering, land management, and animal stress and welfare. In AgPro Crops, Jacksteit says they will shift to learning about food growing with several field trips planned, including Nutrien Ag Solutions and Big Marble, to name a few. The students will also learn about aquatic systems, fish fertilization and plants. Both Odin and Katelyn shared what they have learned so far from the AgPro program and why they think all students should know about where their food comes from in school.</li></ul><blockquote><p>A full length story of the Irvine presentation can be found here: <a href="https://www.myprps.com/news/irvine-jr-high-students-learn-about-agriculture-and-gain-advanced-skills-1708104559850">https://www.myprps.com/news/irvine-jr-high-students-learn-about-agriculture-and-gain-advanced-skills-1708104559850</a></p></blockquote><p><strong>Executive Report</strong><br>Superintendent Reagan Weeks shared that the announcement of the new Mavericks School of Baseball and the South Alberta School of Softball had been very well received by students and families. Currently, 89 students are registered across the division in both programs. It was also shared that PRPS successfully launched the new online registration program on February 1, Eagle Butte was set to host a SEAVC volleyball camp on March 15, and new STEM and Vex Robotics options were being added at Eagle Butte and Ralston schools.</p><p><strong>Quarterly Financial Report</strong><br>Finance Controller Candice Hintz shared the quarterly financial update as of November 30, 2023. Overall, PRPS expects a $571,000 funding increase for the year due to increased enrollment over initial projections. It was also noted that increased revenues are expected due to the launch of new academy programs and BATUS funding. Revenues are forecasted to come in $813,750 higher than budgeted. On the expense side, certificated salaries and benefits have been adjusted to reflect an increase in teacher time (due to increased enrollment and increased staffing purchased by schools). Additional costs will also be incurred due to other expenses related to academy programs (including additional transportation costs), modular demolition costs (New Brigden), and additional grants. The school division is now expecting a decrease in the projected deficit for the year of $2,987, with a new expected overall deficit of $1,365,445.</p><p><strong>Transportation Accountability Report</strong><br>Director of Transportation Derek Beck presented the Transportation Accountability Report for information.&nbsp;</p><p>Highlights of the report include:</p><ul><li>An increase in total bus routes from 83 to 87</li><li>Route contractors include Southland (68), First Student (8), Old West Transportation (5), Independent (6)</li><li>An increase in the number of student bus riders from 1,884 to 2,025</li><li>An increase in kilometres travelled each day by school buses from 17,274 to 17,644</li><li>Continued cooperative bussing agreements with Chinook and Sun West school divisions in Saskatchewan, Cherry Coulee and Holy Spirit school divisions in Bow Island, Christ the Redeemer in Oyen and Grasslands School Division to Duchess.</li><li>The longest bus ride in the school division is 115 minutes per day.</li><li>The overall average cost of a bus route in 2022-2023 was $63,863</li></ul><p>It was noted that all PRPS bus routes were coming up for tender this spring. An RFP package will be posted online, in community papers and emailed to current and former bus contractors. The full presentation can be found in the February 13, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda package.</p><p><strong>Communications Accountability Report</strong><br>Director of Communications Angela Baron presented the Communications Accountability Report for information.&nbsp;</p><p>Highlights of the report included:</p><ul><li>An overview of communication channels and tools for parents and staff.</li><li>A summary of social media and website account activity.</li><li>A summary of communications initiatives completed during the 2022-2023 year and upcoming planned projects.</li></ul><p>It was shared that two of the larger projects this past fall included implementing the new online school registration software, School Engage, managed through Communications, and completing/launching the new PRPS brand. The full presentation can be found in the February 13, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda package.</p><p><strong>Other Items:</strong></p><ol><li>Trustees approved the following policy changes as presented:<ul><li>Ends #1 Guiding Principles (combined numerous policies into one)</li><li>GP#15 Trustee Development</li></ul></li><li>The board approved the extension of MNP for auditing services for two years.</li><li>The board approved the spending of $250,000 from Capital Reserves towards purchasing a new teacherage in Oyen to accommodate new staff moving to the area.</li><li>ASBA Report - No report. The next meeting is on February 14, 2024.</li><li>PSBA Report - No report.</li><li>Rural Caucus - The next meeting is on March 3, 2024, before the Rural Education Symposium.</li></ol>

<p>The South Alberta Fire Academy held an open house at the Cypress County Firehall in Dunmore during the evening of Wednesday, February 7th. Two current students in the Fire Academy at Eagle Butte High School spoke about their experiences to those gathered.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Judah Kurpjuweit knew he wanted to be a firefighter following graduation in June of 2023 but was initially disappointed he would miss out on attending the South Alberta Fire Academy, which Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) launched in September 2023. All was not lost and Kurpjuweit was able to attend the Academy as a returning senior.&nbsp;</p><p>The most memorable day so far has been the HAZMAT testing day where the students were presented with multiple situations they had to inspect and control. “It was very interesting because all the instructors were hands off and allowing us to inspect and observe to figure out how to deal with each situation. It is my favourite memory thus far because it’s when my classmates became a team,” explained Kurpjuweit.&nbsp;</p><p>The most challenging aspect of attending the Fire Academy is the amount of information the students need to learn, including fire dynamics, HAZMAT, and required personal protective equipment (PPE). “There is a certain pressure that comes with it because it’s a college-level course. I see that as a good thing, the pressure of it, because we all build with each other. It’s lots to take on so it creates this environment that’s heavily impacted by teamwork in the best of ways.”&nbsp;</p><p>Grade 11 student Rachel Sylvester is known as one of the hardest working students at the academy. She was a late comer to the program and didn’t start until the end of September 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“I realized I didn’t have a career path and I was looking at the academy the year before and thought it was cool but had lots of discouragement from my family who said it was too dangerous,” explained Sylvester. “They are very supportive now because they see how much I love it.”&nbsp;</p><p>The academic aspects of the program are not as challenging for Sylvester as they are for other students. She admits there is lots of information that needs to be learned on top of regular schoolwork and being organized is important.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“We aren’t far enough into the year to have started the firefighter training because we took our HAZMAT course first. We’ve gone into the gym to workout to tone and build up for what’s coming in Firefighter 1,” said Sylvester when asked about the physical demands of the program.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The PPE is restrictive, heavy and not pleasant to put on explained Sylvester, but it makes one looks cool and helps keep the person wearing it alive. “I’m ready for anything that is coming, my willpower is stronger than my actual power,” concluded Sylvester.&nbsp;</p><p>Registration into the upcoming year of the Eagle Butte Fire Academy opened at the beginning of February and there are already five students signed up. Eagle Butte will be accepting new students each year while the Senator Gershaw Fire Academy in Bow Island will accept students every two years as it’s a smaller school. Senator Gershaw opens up their Fire Academy for Grades 10 through 12 whereas at Eagle Butte only Grade 11 and 12 students can apply for the program.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“When we looked at it, because of the number of students we have at Eagle Butte and the proximity to Medicine Hat, we’ve always thought there was an opportunity to run two classes of 12 students, which was our goal in the first two years,” stated Assistant Superintendent Boyd Craven.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>PRPS is always looking to improve each of the academies they run and are continually learning, with respect to the Fire Academy, with Cypress County on how best to offer the program so the students can get the most out of it.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“We will continue to do that in the second semester with the goal of trying to have a two-year program that continuously turns out a consistent number of volunteer firefighters for the County and provides an educational opportunity for students to have a pathway to a career,” continued Craven.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>One of the tweaks made this year was altering the schedule of the Fire Academy. Originally, students were in the classroom from Monday to Wednesday and spending time at the firehall on Thursdays and Fridays. Many of the students in the program are also student athletes and missed several Fridays due to tournaments and championship games.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“The boys volleyball team got really successful, they were in a tournament, then zones followed by making it to provincials and missed some Fridays,” explained Craven. “A simple change was made and we turned Friday into a classroom day and Wednesday and Thursday became the onsite sessions.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Moving forward, one of the areas being looked at for Eagle Butte are the logistics of having two Fire Academy classes running throughout the year and exploring unique ways where the two groups can work together at times.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“One of the other things that is exciting is we had one of the parents ask how many girls we have participating in the program,” concluded Craven. “We have five right now out of 20 between the two schools, so a quarter of our students. One thing we’ve always wanted to do with all the programs is have equity and opportunity for everyone.”&nbsp;</p><p>More information about the South Alberta Fire Academy can be found at <a href="https://www.myprps.com/south-alberta-fire-rescue-academy">https://www.myprps.com/south-alberta-fire-rescue-academy</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

<p>The February 13, 2024, PRPS Public Board Meeting will take place at the Prairie Rose Public Schools Division Office starting at 12:45 p.m. The meeting is only available in-person.</p><p>The complete agenda package can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mEKoxSYAFibSXZFwclmZusTVqRzMG0y6/view?usp=drive_link">February 13, 2024 Board Meeting Agenda</a></p>

<p>On February 1st, registration for Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten (JK) students opened at Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS). Upon completion of the 2024-2025 Student Registration Form, parents will be asked to sign up for an Early Readiness Checkup. These check-ups are for all children between three and five years old who will be attending school or preschool for the first time this coming September. Parents can check to see if their child qualifies by using the new Student Age Calculator on the PRPS website (<a href="https://www.myprps.com/student-registration-guide">www.myprps.com/student-registration-guide</a>).&nbsp;</p><p>The Early Readiness Check-Up takes about 30 minutes and allows parents or guardians to meet with a speech pathologist and early learning facilitator. “It is quite informal with lots of conversation. The child will play and interact while parents share what development has been like thus far,” explained Director of Student Experiences Lisa Lindsay. “We are looking to flag students who need early supports, so that we can get them into programming and offer speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, deaf/hard of hearing, and vision services.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>This is a new, proactive approach for PRPS because it can take months to identify any needs once a student starts school. Flagging students in the Spring will help to develop programming for September, allowing supports to be put in place as soon as the children begin school.&nbsp;</p><p>JK is a pay for service program and is available to all children who will be 3 years old by December 31, 2023. However, if the child is flagged for early intervention services, Program Unit Funding (PUF) is available. This is another benefit of the Early Readiness Checkups as they allow PRPS and each school to know how many children are eligible for PUF before the school year begins.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>If a parent cannot make the scheduled day for the checkup at the school their child will attend, an evening event at the division office is being held on March 27, 2023. Alternatively, the parent(s) and child can attend a checkup session at another school.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>For those who have registered their child without completing the sign-up form for a checkup, school&nbsp;administrative assistants&nbsp;will be reaching out. The checkups are fun and meant to be enjoyable. The format will be play-based with snacks and juice boxes available, along with Playdough and takeaway bags for the kids. PRPS wants the checkup to be a positive experience for the child and parent(s).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“The advantages (of registering a child in Kindergarten or Junior Kindergarten) are early exposure to peer social interactions and early exposure to communication,” stated Lindsay. “We want to focus on those early language skills because they are a precursor to literacy. We’ve notice since COVID there has been an uptick in children who have been identified with expressive and receptive language delays and it might have something to do with the fact these little ones weren’t exposed to society during COVID.”&nbsp;</p><p>Receptive language skills are the ability to understand what another person is saying. Expressive language skills are the ability to tell another person your thoughts and feelings. Not just within PRPS, but across the province, school divisions are seeing an increase in the needs of early learners.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“The hope would be that just being in a setting that is led by an adult outside of the family, along with peers, that we can get those language skills and early literacy skills strong so when they get into Grade 1, they have a level playing field,” continued Lindsay.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Due to PRPS being a rural school district that is geographically diverse, schedules for Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten are different for each school. In some schools, Kindergarten is full days twice a week and in others it is three half days. A few schools also have the Learn and Explore program for children, which is a pay for service program that is more like playschool but with academics integrated.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>For more information about Junior Kindergarten, Kindergarten or early learning supports at PRPS schools, visit <a href="https://www.myprps.com/jk-and-kindergarten-prps.">https://www.myprps.com/jk-and-kindergarten-prps.</a> There are links available to frequently asked questions as well as to schedules at each of the schools for the 2024-25 school year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Book a Check-Up Appointment: <a href="https://schoolinterviews.ca/code/7m3kr">https://schoolinterviews.ca/code/7m3kr</a>&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer</p>

<p>A committee was formed in Spring of 2022 to explore a new brand for Prairie Rose Public Schools. A variety of staff were involved with the committee, including administrators, teachers, support staff, members of the executive team, and a trustee. The goal was to create a new and timeless logo&nbsp;that represented the vision of PRPS.</p><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools was created in the mid-1990's following the amalgamation of four separate school districts. The first brand consisted of some books and an apple, which was changed to the rose brand in the early 2000’s. During the last academic year, each of the schools either rebranded or updated their brands, with Eagle Butte being the final school to complete the process. As PRPS is a continually evolving school division and both the font and brand were outdated, it was decided to create a new one for the division in Spring 2022.&nbsp;</p><p>Board Vice-Chair Patty Rooks stepped up to be the voice of the trustees as the Board of Trustees felt they also needed a fresh look to integrate with what the division was doing.</p><p>“The brand committee was great; everybody is so passionate about their school and where they are geographically. It was important to everyone that we as a school division represent our geographic diversity yet uniqueness and bring that together,” said Rooks. “I enjoyed working and hearing so many different opinions with others bringing things to the table I’d never thought of. That passion people brought, it was exciting to see, and everyone had their unique perspective. Bringing it together as one to be cohesive I felt was a wonderful experience.”&nbsp;</p><p>PRPS worked with Flag Five and the committee completed a brand strategy questionnaire, which the designer used to create several brand options. THe committee wanted a brand that was youthful, innovative, creative, forward thinking and collaborative. Additionally, highlighting the inclusivity and diversity of the student experience within the division. &nbsp;</p><p>“The committee felt strongly that PRPS is large geographically with the landscape up north being very different than down south. It was important to see parts of all the district in the brand,” stated Director of Communications Angela Baron. "We wanted to make sure we stood out based on what we are doing for kids and being innovative in programming. We felt it was important to have the idea of forward momentum, forward thinking, innovation, always moving ahead and not being stalled along with remaining youthful in those programming decisions.”&nbsp;</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><i>The new PRPS logo is broken into half circles and placed into a scenic landscape to showcase how the colours and design was chosen for the new brand.</i></td><td><img class="image_resized" style="width:97.22%;" src="/images/de4d6767-f8f1-43b2-bf0f-090e5f305589?fingerprint=ppb20251217025244" alt="PRPS Brand Example NEWS story"></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>The new brand is neither traditional nor dated with the new design representing a pinwheel to create a sense of forward momentum and moving ahead. The committee was cognizant of not having too many colours in the new logo and there were numerous discussions on what colours to use. &nbsp;</p><p>Maintaining nostalgia for the old brand was also important and this is carried forward into the new one. Looking at the colours, pink represents the rose of the old brand. If the pink colour is made into a full circle and the green is moved over, it incorporates the old rose logo into the new brand. While the green is also part of the rose, it also represents the green petals of the old flower and new life that sprouts in the spring. Yellow represents crops and the abundance of sunshine and the fall crops. Blue is for the sky and the two rivers - South Saskatchewan River and Red Deer River - that flow through the school district. &nbsp;</p><p>“Education is no longer just done sitting in a classroom,” commented Baron, “it’s done going out and having those hands-on learning experiences, which we do a lot of in Prairie Rose and our rural environment makes that possible.”&nbsp;</p><p>Rolling out a new brand is a process that will take time. Internally, the process is already complete and the new logo can be seen each time a staff member or student turns on a division computer. The logo is now available for all staff to use and anything new coming out has the new brand and colouring on it, including promotional items. &nbsp;</p><p>“For me, the most important thing is for people to see where they fit in the brand and why it is what it is,” concluded Baron who added the rollout for the new brand should be completed by the beginning of the 2024-25 school year. &nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

<p>The DR South Alberta Flight Academy is holding an open house on <strong>Wednesday, February 7th from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.</strong> The open house will be at Super T Aviation located at 24 Les Little Way SE in Medicine Hat. Current students have nothing but great things to say about their experience at the Flight Academy and the opportunities it has provided that aren’t available in other school divisions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Karter Kurpjuweit is in the first year at the Flight Academy and is working towards earning his private pilot’s license and drone license. “Last year I heard about the program and I want to be able to fly, maybe even commercially, so I wanted to go in this academy.” At the start of his second semester, he is feeling good about his decision and feels the abundant opportunities available and new learnings have been incredible.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Grade 11 student Cipher Brooks-Kirsch is also working towards her private and commercial pilot’s license. There has been a delay for her to start flying due to medical issues, but Brooks-Kirsch will complete the taking off and landing courses in the near future. “It’s been my dream since Grade 6 when I first learned about aerodynamics in science. When I am in the air, I feel free and happy.” As she is enrolled in Flight Strategies, which allows students to fly during school hours, Brooks-Kirsch is confident she will be able to catch up on her flight hours without falling behind academically. Originally, she was going to attend McCoy High but switched to Eagle Butte to attend the Flight Academy.</p><p>Grade 11 student Reid Vossler took his first solo flight a few months ago. “It’s a really weird experience not having your instructor beside you watching your airspeed and altitude. It’s a nice experience, kind of like driving for the first time after you get your license. It’s really weird but at the same time it’s really fun as well.”&nbsp;</p><p>Maya Moore is in Grade 12 this year and didn’t know going into the program if she would want to pursue it as a career. “I might get my night reading because it would be so beautiful to fly at night, but I think honestly it will be a cool hobby to be able to fly. It’s been a great experience with the Academy,” said Moore. Following graduation in June, she plans to take a gap year to travel to Thailand as well as building up more flying hours. “I don’t want to go somewhere over my gap year that is a regular, family vacation destination. I want to go somewhere that will be interesting to see while I’m younger,” explained Moore. When she returns, she plans to apply to the nursing program at Medicine Hat College.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Grade 11 student Cole Edmonstone is hoping to become a commercial pilot and fly for WestJet and began looking at this as a career a couple of years ago after hearing about the Flight Academy.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Kathryne Fairbrother is in her second year and completed her first solo flight last year in September and enjoys being in the air on her own. “I’m working towards getting my private (license) before I graduate and hopefully my commercial after that,” stated Fairbrother who has wanted to be a pilot since she was very young. “I love looking up at planes and I’ve never travelled in a plane, except for here (at the Flight Academy) so I think it would be eventful to be up there and flying.”&nbsp;</p><p>Fairbrother was cleared for her first solo by Logan Neubauer, the first graduate from the Flight Academy to receive his wings and, among other things, now an instructor with the Flight Academy. Neubauer recently had the honour of taking Premier Danielle Smith up in the air during her visit to the Flight Academy.&nbsp;</p><p>“It’s not every day your son gets to fly the Premier at 20-years-old,” said Nichole Neubauer, mother of Logan as well as the Coordinator of the Agricultural Discovery Centre at Irvine School. “What a testament to this program, the opportunities seem to be incalculable.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Logan started at the Flight Academy in 2019 and managed through the struggles of the pandemic to complete his training. Logan’s had an interest in airplanes since he was 4 years old after attending an airshow and has persisted in pursuing his passion&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“People think that really cool things should just happen overnight, it should just be easy. It comes with lots of years of practice, and this is year five of Logan’s aviation career. It was such a proud moment when he walked across the stage at his graduation ceremony and they pinned his wings on. He took his commercial license the next year out of high school and went to Saskatoon to get his instructor rating. Now he’s working hard to build hours and get some more ratings to move to the next level,” explained Nichole Neubauer.&nbsp;</p><p>Logan’s story has come full circle with him now instructing some of the Flight Academy students. “It’s easy for him to relate to what they are going through and some of the challenges they face. Becoming a pilot isn’t easy, it’s so technical and there is so much information,” said Nichole. Logan has the unique ability to be able to relate to what it means to be a fulltime student while also participating in extracurricular activities in addition to being part of the Flight Academy.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“He makes it real,” continued Nichole, “and shows it’s possible with hard work and doing what you are told, and because they are set up for success in this program, students can achieve great things. Some of the students who graduated last year are going on to get their commercial licenses and it’s such a fantastic opportunity for the flight industry in general to get these kids excited about flying.”&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was an exciting day at the DR South Alberta Flight Academy, where all students in the program gathered for a visit from Premier Danielle Smith. Aside from the Premier there were other dignitaries at the event, including MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat Justin Wright, Mayor of Medicine Hat Linnsie Clark, the Super T and Little families, CEO of HALO Paul Carolan, Medicine Hat College President Kevin Shufflebotham and Vice President/Provost Dr. Nancy Brown, along with teachers and staff from Prairie Rose Public Schools who have played a critical role in creating and running the Flight Academy. &nbsp;</p><p>“South Alberta Collegiate is a forward-thinking educational institution that embraces a micro-school concept, emphasizing personalized, specialized learning experiences tailored to individual students’ needs. The Collegiate’s unique approach integrates micro-schools, each designed to provide students with transformative learning experiences while aligning with the current priorities of the Alberta Government,” Superintendent Dr. Reagan Weeks told those assembled following the arrival of Premier Smith. &nbsp;</p><p>The micro-school concept supports connection, well-being, and future job prospects so graduates will become a vital part of the workforce with the program bridging the gap between academic learning and practical skills. &nbsp;</p><p>“Super T is proud and privileged to be part of the unique in Canada program, which is a collaboration between private enterprise and a public-school division,” said Terri Super, owner of Super T Aviation. “Students in this program, whether they are learning to fly an airplane or learning to build an airplane, are gaining confidence and abilities through these activities that other high school students can only dream of.”</p><p>Following lunch, Premier Smith said a few words to those assembled. “I didn’t expect this reception, I thought I was coming just to do a little tour and its sort of amazing how many kids are in this program. I have to tell you, I talk about you all over this province.”</p><p>Premier Smith believes the innovation and culture within PRPS serve as a model for other schools throughout Alberta. During lunch, she had the opportunity to talk to each of the Flight Academy students sitting at her table, which helped give her a sense of the growth of the program since it began. &nbsp;</p><p>“19 students in Grade 10 this year, which is amazing, and I hope this keeps on growing, I don’t know what the capacity is, but it’s pretty remarkable,” stated Premier Smith. She believes each of the students in the program are well-placed to have amazing careers and was intrigued by the different paths those sitting at her table were planning on taking after graduating. Students told the Premier about their plans of becoming a commercial pilot, to fly up north, join medevac, or use their pilot’s licence for recreational use or because it would be useful for running a farm. &nbsp;</p><p>Grade 11 student Reid Vossler was lucky enough to be one of the students sitting at the Premier’s table during lunch as well as being part of the group who gave the tour. “Lunch was great,” said Vossler, “it was awesome to meet the Premier and hear her stance on aviation this afternoon. She told us how she was really interested in this program and how she’d like to see if in different schools across the province.”</p><p>Grade 12 student Maya Moore also accompanied the Premier on the tour. “We didn’t get to talk to her a ton, she was mainly seeing the facilities Super T has. I was explaining how our build goes on Friday and how it works.” While Moore felt nervous while talking to Premier Smith, she didn’t let it show and managed to speak clearly about student experience of building a plane from the ground up. &nbsp;</p><p>AT the flight simulator Doug Little allowed the Premier to take the pilot’s seat, although she was only able to have a few minutes as pilot due to a shortage of time. Out in front of the hangar, pilot Logan Neubauer had a plane ready and waiting for the Premier to climb into the passenger seat. &nbsp;</p><p>Neubauer and Superintendent Weeks had planned the flight path out beforehand such that it encompassed the experience of flying along with viewing some of the agricultural projects within PRPS. “We ventured out to look at the Agricultural Discover Centre in Irvine as well as discussing our hopes of creating an Ag Innovation Centre,” explained Neubauer. &nbsp;</p><p>Following the flight, Premier Smith shook Neubauer’s hand and thanked him for the flight, telling him he was a good instructor. “We went through it like I would approach any other student, introducing some of the controls and aspects of flying,” said Neubauer. “I gave her the opportunity to do some of her own flying, which she was all over and did very well. I supervised just like I would any other student and it was a surreal experience. I am honoured and humbled to have been a part of it.”&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer</p>

<h3><strong>Trades education for regional high schools</strong></h3><p>A new educational opportunity for regional high school students is on the horizon, thanks to a collaborative partnership between Medicine Hat College (MHC) and Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS).</p><p>Starting in Fall 2024, Prairie Rose and MHC will launch the Southeast Alberta School of Trades. This initiative will expose students to seven trades disciplines in Grade 10, then narrow their focus on two trades the following year. The final year of high school would involve pre-employment or first year apprenticeship programming.&nbsp;</p><blockquote><p>&nbsp;“The partnership between Prairie Rose and Medicine Hat College has allowed us to expose our students to in-demand career training while in high school,” says Assistant Superintendent Boyd Craven. “We’ve seen this with the Health Care Aide Program, where there is a significant need in rural communities. We know this is the same for trades positions and we are excited to offer this option to grade 10 students across the school division.”&nbsp;</p></blockquote><p>The program is open to students from rural high schools in Bow Island, Dunmore, Foremost and Oyen who will attend classes onsite at MHC for a full day every two weeks to access labs, equipment and instruction.&nbsp;</p><blockquote><p>“I am thrilled about this new opportunity with Prairie Rose Public Schools, which demonstrates a significant stride towards enriching trades education in our communities. This collaboration is more than just an educational alliance; it's a commitment to opening doors for our youth, right from the K-12 system, into the world of skilled trades,” says Chad Flinn, dean of trades and technology at MHC.&nbsp;</p></blockquote><p>The concept received a high level of support from across the region and will help shed light on the potential within trades professions, adds Flinn.&nbsp;</p><blockquote><p>“This partnership aims to provide young minds with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to pursue a fulfilling career in trades, contributing to both their personal growth and the development of our economy. Together, we are setting a new standard for trades education in Canada, ensuring our students are not just ready for the workforce, but are trailblazers in their chosen fields.”</p></blockquote><p>A South Alberta School of Trades information night will be held at MHC on February 13, 2024, from 5 – 7 p.m. for PRPS teachers, students and parents/guardians to explore trades programming and facilities.</p><p>Read more about the program: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/18z1pXkBO-e5l5BZXOx9GNuoLkInUK4Jb/view?usp=drive_link">South Alberta School of Trades</a></p>

<p>The January 9, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda Package can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xfSaApkqnkNaP3j0aLaCWSiHJuYC2mnE/view?usp=drive_link">January 9, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda</a></p><p><strong>Schuler School Presentation</strong><br>The principal of Schuler School, Lyle Kennedy, provided an update on the school's learning goals, emphasizing educational programming and promoting a strong sense of community. Feedback from school stakeholders highlighted the importance of parent engagement, diverse student opportunities, student voice, and the staff's dedication to making a difference. One of the school's primary education goals is to enhance literacy skills through methods like the science of reading, UFLI, and a vibrant library run by the school's administrative assistant and librarian, Janice Herman. Efforts to promote a positive culture include regular interactions with stakeholders that focus on being "for our community, with our community, as our community." It was also noted that the small school has expanded its sports offerings to include volleyball, basketball, curling, mini basketball, badminton, archery, and track and field options. Additionally, it was shared that the school was recently successful in securing a wellness grant for $10,000, which could go towards funding a greenhouse, outdoor fitness equipment, guest speakers, or even hosting community wellness events. The full presentation can be found in the January 9th Board Meeting Agenda package.</p><p>Story about Schuler School by the Medicine Hat News:&nbsp;<a href="https://medicinehatnews.com/news/local-news/2024/01/11/schuler-schools-new-principal-has-been-building-off-past-successes/">https://medicinehatnews.com/news/local-news/2024/01/11/schuler-schools-new-principal-has-been-building-off-past-successes/</a></p><p><strong>Executive Report</strong><br>In the monthly executive report, Superintendent Reagan Weeks shared that the school division was announcing two exciting new sports programs for both baseball and softball. The new Mavericks School of Baseball will begin this spring and will be offered to students in grades 4-9 who attend Irvine School, Schuler School and Senator Gershaw School. The new South Alberta School of Softball will kick off at Seven Persons School this spring and be offered to female students in grades 4-9. It was also shared that two new drone offerings are being developed for students. One is a semester-long course offered in partnership with the Medicine Hat College. The other is a joint initiative with Cypress County, a two-day drone course centred around agriculture and livestock in Seven Persons on March 12th and 13th.</p><p>Mavericks School of Baseball:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.myprps.com/news/the-mavericks-and-prairie-rose-partner-to-launch-new-school-of-baseball-this-spring-1704825660121">https://www.myprps.com/news/the-mavericks-and-prairie-rose-partner-to-launch-new-school-of-baseball-this-spring-1704825660121</a></p><p>South Alberta School of Softball:&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aWI4f0bnqEM2iOt1-OUx9cnOuKUT9mfN/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aWI4f0bnqEM2iOt1-OUx9cnOuKUT9mfN/view?usp=drive_link</a></p><p>Story on Drone Courses by the Medicine Hat News:&nbsp;<a href="https://medicinehatnews.com/news/local-news/2024/01/11/prps-revamps-its-drone-program/">https://medicinehatnews.com/news/local-news/2024/01/11/prps-revamps-its-drone-program/</a><br>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Building Operations and Maintenance Report</strong><br>Director of Building Operations and Maintenance Darrell Drefs provided his annual report to the board for information. One of the biggest challenges continues to be the Operations and Maintenance budget, which ran a deficit for the 2022-2023 year ($150,000). Drefs contributes the deficit to several factors including increased utility costs for power and water, additional mechanical costs added in schools compared to previous years, which cost more to run, reduced federal subsidies for summer students (grounds crews), higher insurance costs, and vehicle and fuel costs. Some of the listed priorities for the current year include updating the mechanical rooms at Oyen Public School, replacing the gym roof at Foremost School, upgrading the Senator Gershaw treatment room, and refinishing the SGS gym floor. The other notable project is the Parkside School Modernization, which is currently in the design stage. The division hopes to complete design plans by the fall of 2024, with construction beginning in the spring of 2025. The complete Building Operations and Maintenance Report can be found in the January 9th Board Meeting Agenda package.</p><p><strong>Wellness Report</strong><br>Tammy Toews and Greg Godard presented the Wellness Report for information. Toews gave an overview of employee wellness strategies for the year, including the development of new policies (disconnecting after work hours, workplace diversity, discrimination and harassment training) and the division-wide PD day held last fall with a primary focus on the dimensions of wellness. The division also has a wellness BINGO in January, February and March to promote self-wellness for employees. On the student side, School Psychologist Greg Godard provided an overview of the Student Support team, which consists of Family School Liaison Workers (7), a mental performance professional, behaviour intervention specialists (2), himself (school psychologist) and three service dogs (Timber, Luka, Iain). It was shared that the four most commonly referred cases to the FSLW team are related to anxiety, emotion regulation, and family and peer relationships, which is similar to what the team saw last year. It was also shared that overwhelming pressure on junior and senior high students, sleep problems, use of inappropriate language, social drama, and cyber and in-person bullying are the most common trends school mental health counsellors are seeing in today's youth. The complete Wellness Report can be found in the January 9th Board Meeting Agenda package.</p><p><strong>Other items:</strong></p><ul><li>The board approved proposed updates to policies GP#3 Chairperson's Role, GP#7 Regular Board Meetings, GP#8 Board Organizational Meeting, and GP#9 Executive Sessions (In-Camera) as presented.</li></ul>

<p>Prairie Rose students will be stepping up to the plate this spring as Prairie Rose Public Schools in collaboration with The Mavericks baseball organization (WCBL) is partnering to launch the Maverick School of Baseball. This innovative sports program is specifically designed for students in grades 4-9 and will be available at several schools in Prairie Rose Public Schools.</p><p>The Maverick School of Baseball integrates enhanced baseball training into the regular school curriculum outside of regular physical education instruction. Students will benefit from additional programming during their school day, focusing on developing and honing their baseball skills under the guidance of skilled professionals.</p><p>Key to the program's success is the direct involvement of experienced Mavericks coaches. Leading the Mavericks School of Baseball coaching team is head coach and program director Greg Morrison, a former professional player with a distinguished 12-season career which includes time with the LA Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays organizations. Morrison's career highlights include achieving over 1,000 hits and 100 home runs.</p><blockquote><p>“We know the importance of giving younger kids the skills to throw, catch, and hit a baseball,” says Greg Morrison. “Not only will you see those dividends in sport and athletic development for the students who choose to continue to play baseball in high school and college, but also in promoting a healthy lifestyle which carries with them for the rest of their lives.”&nbsp;</p></blockquote><p>Joining him is Chad Martin, a seasoned professional with a rich background in baseball. Martin has a history of playing US College baseball, has served as a high school baseball head coach at Eagle Butte High School and Crescent Heights High School for 25 years, and is currently the assistant coach with the Mavericks since 2009 and a teacher at Senator Gershaw School.</p><p>The Maverick School of Baseball will launch this spring (2024) and will be available to Prairie Rose students at Irvine School, Schuler School, and Senator Gershaw School.&nbsp;</p><blockquote><p>“The addition of the Mavericks School of Baseball to the PRPS program offerings represents a unique opportunity for young athletes to grow under the guidance of accomplished professionals,” says South Alberta High School principal Darren MacMillan. “In Prairie Rose we are always trying to find engaging learning experiences for students based on their passions. We heard from many students and parents that would like to see a program based around building baseball skills. Thanks to our partners at the Mavericks, we have been able to make that happen.”</p></blockquote><p>Details about the program are still being finalized and will be shared as soon as they are available. An information night will be held on January 16, 2024, at the Prairie Rose Public Schools Division Office at 6:00 p.m. All interested families are invited to attend.</p><p>Watch the story on CHAT TV: <a href="https://chatnewstoday.ca/2024/01/09/school-of-baseball-partnership-between-prairie-rose-school-division-and-medicine-hat-mavericks-announced/?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=twitter">https://chatnewstoday.ca/2024/01/09/school-of-baseball-partnership-between-prairie-rose-school-division-and-medicine-hat-mavericks-announced/?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=twitter</a></p><p>Medicine Hat News story 1: <a href="https://medicinehatnews.com/news/local-news/2024/01/10/prairie-rose-sd-partnering-with-mavericks-for-baseball-school/">https://medicinehatnews.com/news/local-news/2024/01/10/prairie-rose-sd-partnering-with-mavericks-for-baseball-school/</a></p><p>Medicine Hat News story 2: <a href="https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2024/01/10/morrison-mavs-open-baseball-school/">https://medicinehatnews.com/sports/local-sports/2024/01/10/morrison-mavs-open-baseball-school/</a></p><p>Learn more about the Mavericks School of Baseball ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️</p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZB6c-aOqcSH5aduCRrQaQ6MKQQSqJSe8/view?usp=drive_link"><img src="/images/8c60f5bc-3ee4-46c6-a315-69832877d0b8?fingerprint=ppb20251217023850" alt="MSB News Graphic"></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The January 9, 2024, PRPS Public Board Meeting will take place at the Prairie Rose Public Schools Division Office starting at 12:45 p.m. The meeting is only available in-person.</p><p>The complete agenda package can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xfSaApkqnkNaP3j0aLaCWSiHJuYC2mnE/view?usp=drive_link">January 9, 2024 Board Meeting Agenda</a></p>

<p><i>Medicine Hat News - BY SAMANTHA JOHNSON LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER ON DECEMBER 6, 2023.</i></p><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools has received a clean financial audit, with statements presented to the board on Nov. 28.</p><p>Board chair Lois Bedwell was on the audit committee and stated she learned a lot during pre- and post-audit meetings. Accounting firm MNP LLP gave PRPS a clean audit and was impressed with the work done by the financial team. Controller Candice Hintz touched on three of the main schedules in her presentation.</p><p>Last year, PRPS received new and initial funding, but only for a few months, and this year it is available for the full 10 months of operations. Badlands Baseball Academy has been incorporated into PRPS operations this year and the division was approved for collegiate funding for the South Alberta Flight Academy.</p><p>New this year is the assets retirement obligation (ARO), estimated at a $4.6 million cost to deal with any asset retirement obligation, such as asbestos and septic tanks, at the end of useful life. Most assets are in the schools, which Alberta Education will likely fund when the time comes, but since it’s not confirmed, PRPS must record this cost as a liability. With the ARO, it makes the total liabilities higher than total assets, resulting in a net debt amount due to that change in accounting policies.</p><p>Actual revenue was $1,549,994 higher than budget due to increased funding from Alberta Education, increase in fees, increase in interest income, additional donations and ASBIE (Alberta School Boards’ Insurance Exchange) equity return.</p><p>Actual expenses were $1,360,545 over budget, which was due to increased support for programming, additional professional development, increased utility costs and expenses incurred due to increased funding.</p><p>CFO Ryan Boser asked the board to approve a motion, which was carried, prior to approving the audited financial statements.</p><p>“In order to fund the deficit this year and get our reserves down below the maximum, which we successfully did, it does require a reserve transfer to move $1,003,458 from restricted operating reserves to unrestricted operating reserves. Essentially what that means is we are moving just over $1 million from our restricted reserves into operations to fund that deficit, and that was part of our plan all along.”</p>

<p><i>Medicine Hat News - BY SAMANTHA JOHNSON LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER ON DECEMBER 5, 2023.</i></p><p>For K-3 students at I.F. Cox School in Redcliff, there is a new Prairie Rose Possibilities project available called TNT, or Try New Things.</p><p>Parents wanted to see broader programs in the school and this project offers opportunities for students to take part in different areas of interest. Another benefit is children engage with different teachers as well as students from other grades while participating in their chosen courses.</p><p>The project aligns with kindling hearts by bringing a sense of well-being to both students and staff. It allows staff to offer courses in subjects they are passionate about and gives students a choice of what topics they want to engage in. It also provides an opportunity to bring parents and stakeholders back into the school post-pandemic. It ignites minds by providing high yield strategies, co-operative learning, executive functioning skills and non-linguistic representation.</p><p>Additionally, by cultivating wonder, strengthening partnerships with stakeholders and offering prospects for deeper learning, the program is forging futures.</p><p>The program started with teaching staff offering courses and has grown to include support staff and a divisional lead. First-year education students from Medicine Hat College, a retired teacher who is a watercolour artist, the Mavericks baseball team, along with men’s and women’s sports teams from the college have all come into the school.</p><p>There were 92 parent responses from a survey and 100% were positive, with comments focused on how much they were looking forward to sessions restarting again this year.</p><p>Trustee Patty Rooks stated the program was a great way to create a sense of community, and while she is aware it creates extra work for the teachers, it is appreciated.</p><p>The school is having a Christmas fair and fun night and many groups have been working on products to sell, such as baked items, ornaments and watercolour paintings. The fair will take place Dec. 6 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and the school is in the process of choosing a charity to donate all proceeds to.</p>