Prairie Rose Public Schools News Archive

<p>The May 24th Board Meeting Agenda and attachments can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WYrx7MA441adTbUJDWfRHTgz9hs3lqzY/view?usp=sharing">PRPS May 24, 2022 Board Meeting Agenda Package</a></p><p><strong>Eagle Butte High School Presentation</strong></p><p>Eagle Butte High School principal Boyd Craven and vice-principals Cathy Hynes and Rocheal Howes provided an update to the board highlighting educational and student initiatives from the past year. In addition to adding several new learning opportunities for students, such as podcasts, tutor time, busking and food fusion classes, the school leadership team has increased opportunities to gather student input through the implementation of TAG surveys. Overall, it was noted that students have transitioned really well from the restrictions of COVID-19 and are involved in many sporting events and activities this spring. It was also shared that this is Eagle Butte High School’s 25th anniversary with an extensive community event planned for June 25th.</p><p><strong>FNMI Report</strong></p><p>FNMI Coordinator Carol Carlson provided an overview of several FNMI learning initiatives and activities across Prairie Rose Public Schools. It was shared that Prairie Rose has been working closely with community partner Whitebear Creations, a local group who has visited several PRPS schools to provide FNMI learning support which includes sharing history, games and indigenous art projects. Increased FNMI learning has also been integrated into many Prairie Rose Possibility projects. These include the Ralston School Learning for the Land project, where students learn how to use resources found in the local area. This spring, heirloom seeds, native to the land and passed on through generations, are also being added to PRPS greenhouse projects. Prairie Rose Public Schools currently has 122 self-identified FNMI students, representing 2.85% of the student population.</p><p><strong>2022-2025 Three-Year Education Plan</strong></p><p>Superintendent Reagan Weeks presented the 2022-2025 Three-year Education Plan to the board for review and approval. The plan features three new goals, including Ignite Minds, Kindle Hearts and Forge Futures. These three goals are supported by the six new Core Principles outlined in the plan focused on Connect, Create, Communicate, Care, Contribute and Challenge. Feedback from various stakeholders, including staff, parents, students and community partners, was conducted as part of the plan’s development. The full plan can be found in the Agenda package.</p><p><strong>2022-2023 Preliminary Budget</strong></p><p>Chief Financial Officer Ryan Boser presented the Preliminary 2022-2023 Budget for approval. Overall, Prairie Rose Public Schools is projecting the following expenses and revenues for the upcoming school year:</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td><strong>Revenues</strong></td><td><strong>Expenditures</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Instruction</td><td>40,067,342</td><td>40,050,342</td></tr><tr><td>Operations and Maintenance</td><td>6,043,124</td><td>7,157,173</td></tr><tr><td>Transportation</td><td>5,814,362</td><td>5,548,298</td></tr><tr><td>Board and System Admin</td><td>2,193,363</td><td>2,272,705</td></tr><tr><td>External Services</td><td>29,184</td><td>27,755</td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Total Budgeted</td><td>54,147,375</td><td>55,056,273</td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Surplus (Deficit) of Revenues over Expenses</td><td>(908,898)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>It was shared that the proposed deficit for the 2022-2023 year of $908,898 will bring PRPS reserves down to 3.97% or $2.187 million. For the first time this upcoming year, K-12 school division operating reserves cannot exceed more than their Board and System Admin expense percentage allowance, which for PRPS is 4.42% of operating expenses (approx. $2.250 million).</p><ul><li>The board approved the transfer of $300,000 from unrestricted operating reserves to restricted reserves to implement the 2022-2023 Education Plan.</li><li>The board approved the 2022-2023 Preliminary Budget as presented.</li></ul><p>The complete 2022-2023 Preliminary Budget can be found in the Board Agenda package.</p>

<p><strong>12:44 p.m. Meeting UPDATE: The live stream for the public meeting has been delayed until 1:30 PM.</strong></p><p>The next public board meeting for the Prairie Rose Public Schools Board of Trustees will take place on Tuesday, May 24th starting at 12:45 pm. The meeting will be streamed online and held in-person at the Chamber of Commerce Office in Medicine Hat located at:</p><p>413 - 6 Avenue SE<br>Medicine Hat, Alberta</p><p>Due to limited space at the meeting location, attendees are encouraged to join via the online stream: <a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NmEyMDkxOWUtMjFmNy00MmM2LWE4MDItNGFmNTI3OTcxZjg0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22c1a7f361-4369-4e63-af8a-db541e2c097b%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2248a6a9b8-2a7b-494f-9523-0206f91ffcad%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d&amp;btype=a&amp;role=a">Click here to watch the live stream</a> (<i>Once you click the link, click cancel on the pop up, watch on the web instead, join anonymously.)</i></p><p>The meeting agenda can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WYrx7MA441adTbUJDWfRHTgz9hs3lqzY/view?usp=sharing">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WYrx7MA441adTbUJDWfRHTgz9hs3lqzY/view?usp=sharing</a></p>

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools would like to congratulate Deanne Smigelski who has accepted the position as vice principal of Oyen Public School (OPS) and South Central High School (SCHS). The vice principal role is a new position in Oyen where the focus will be on providing leadership support to the principal across two school communities under the newly created joint leadership model.</p><p>Deanne is a longtime teacher with Prairie Rose Public Schools having worked exclusively in the Oyen community for the past 15 years. During that time she has primarily focused on teaching elementary students in grades JK-5, while supporting both teachers and students in all grades through her role as the Inclusive Learning Teacher. In addition to a Bachelor of Education, Smigelski also has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Lethbridge.</p><blockquote><p>“I am very excited to welcome Deanne to the Oyen leadership team,” says Oyen Public School principal Jason Duchscherer. “Her background in developing high yielding instructional strategies with a focus on literacy, coupled with her knowledge and passion for the Oyen community make her an excellent fit for the role. I look forward to working with her as we continue to build amazing opportunities for all Oyen students.”</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>“I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to start a new path,” says Deanne Smigelski. “The future of OPS and SCHS as a unified school community is one I am looking forward to being part of and supporting. I am hopeful for what's to come for our small-town schools.”</p></blockquote><p>Deanne Smigelski will officially assume the role of vice principal of OPS and SCHS on August 24, 2022. The transition to the new combined leadership model comes following the retirement of current SCHS principal Jean Kimber at the end of the current school year. Jason Duchscherer was recently announced as the new principal of both schools, starting next fall.</p>

<p><strong>Irvine Agriculture Discovery Centre</strong></p><p>Prior to the May 10th public board meeting, the media, trustees and Cypress County officials were invited for a tour of the new Irvine School Agricultural Discovery Centre. As part of the tour, officials were asked to participate in some of the chores students are responsible for at the Agriculture Centre including cleaning the goat pen, feeding the baby calves, collecting eggs from the chicken coop and working in the garden. The initiative is a joint school project between Prairie Rose Public Schools and program founder Nichole Neubauer of Neubauer Farms. Photos of the tour are available on the Prairie Rose Public School Facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrairieRosePublicSchools/posts/5207103409372267">https://www.facebook.com/PrairieRosePublicSchools</a></p><p><strong>Ralston/Redcliff Proposed Attendance Area Changes</strong></p><p>The Prairie Rose Public Schools Board of Trustees approved the application for proposed changes to the Ralston/Redcliff attendance boundary. It was noted that the request affects the designated school attendance area for only a couple of families (who are already meeting a bus to Redcliff) and will have minimal to no impact on Ralston School, as the majority of land in the proposed area is leased and cannot be purchased. Attendance area requests come forward to the Board for review and consideration once each year, as per the Board Monitoring Schedule.</p><p><strong>The PRPS Board approved the following administrative items:</strong></p><ul><li>The 2022-2023 Board Monitoring Schedule</li><li>Changes to the Board/Teacher Advisory Committee policy to clarify the maximum number of trustees that may sit on the board</li></ul><p><strong>The PRPS Board approved the following school field trips:</strong></p><ul><li>South Central High School Grade 9 Field Trip to the Inter-Varsity Pioneer Camp in Rocky Mountain House from May 4-6.</li><li>South Central High School Biology 20/30 Field Trip to Edmonton to participate in RiverWatch from May 11-12.</li><li>Irvine School Grade 9 Field Trip to Cypress Hills (Saskatchewan) to Treeosix Adventures on June 17th.</li></ul><p>Additional details regarding the board items listed above can be found in the May 10th PRPS Board Meeting Agenda package: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qizqmwwXA33lf2f7Qqjvn75ZTGKrkTh5/view?usp=sharing">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qizqmwwXA33lf2f7Qqjvn75ZTGKrkTh5/view?usp=sharing</a></p>

<p><i>Boyd Craven announced as new Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services for Prairie Rose Public Schools</i></p><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools would like to congratulate Boyd Craven who has been chosen as the successful candidate for the role of Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services.</p><p>Currently working as the Eagle Butte High School principal, Boyd Craven is a long-time employee of Prairie Rose with an extensive teaching and leadership background. Throughout his 18-year teaching career with Prairie Rose Public Schools, Boyd has worked in school administration for the past 15 years, first as vice-principal of Ralston School, then vice-principal and principal at Parkside Junior High School and most recently as principal at Eagle Butte High School. In addition to a Bachelor of Arts and Education, he also holds a Master of Education with a focus on Educational Leadership.</p><blockquote><p>“I am excited to welcome Boyd to the Prairie Rose leadership team,” says Superintendent Reagan Weeks. “Boyd has a strong background in building positive school cultures that support a teamwork approach to learning. As Prairie Rose continues to create exceptional opportunities for students, his leadership and collaborative approach will be instrumental in executing our division education plan.”</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>“During my years as a school leader, I have witnessed deeper learning and academic excellence occur when students are given the opportunity to engage in learning they love and have a passion for,” says Boyd Craven. “In my new role as Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, I look forward to being part of a leadership team that is continuously striving to find new ways for students of all ages to be innovators and find success through access to these opportunities.”</p></blockquote><p>Boyd Craven will make the transition from Eagle Butte to the Assistant Superintendent position at the end of the current school year. The Eagle Butte High School principal position will be posted in the very near future.</p>

<p>The next public board meeting for the Prairie Rose Public Schools Board of Trustees will take place on Tuesday, May 10th starting at 12:45 pm. The meeting will be streamed online and held in-person in the Irvine School library.</p><p>Due to limited space at the meeting location, attendees are encouraged to join via the online stream: <a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MzQwZWRhOGQtOWEyNS00NzYzLTg3NzgtYjAwZTM3YmU3YTk4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22c1a7f361-4369-4e63-af8a-db541e2c097b%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2248a6a9b8-2a7b-494f-9523-0206f91ffcad%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d&amp;btype=a&amp;role=a">Click here to watch the live stream</a> (<i>Once you click the link, click cancel on the pop up, watch on the web instead, join anonymously.)</i></p><p>The meeting agenda can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qizqmwwXA33lf2f7Qqjvn75ZTGKrkTh5/view?usp=sharing">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qizqmwwXA33lf2f7Qqjvn75ZTGKrkTh5/view?usp=sharing</a></p>

<p><strong>Bring a toonie to school on May 5, 2022 to support the 2026 Special Olympics!</strong></p><p>The City of Medicine Hat is pleased to confirm Special Olympics Canada has approved Medicine Hat as the host city for the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.specialolympics.ca/">Special Olympics Canada Summer Games</a> is a national sporting event for Canadian athletes with an intellectual disability.&nbsp;</p><p>From 2022 to 2026 school divisions in Medicine Hat have been asked to participate in a small annual fundraiser to support the 2026 Special Olympics. Each student is asked to bring a toonie to school on May 5 as an act of kindness for this worthy cause. The organization will collect coins directly from schools the following day. This fundraiser will continue in the first week of May for the next five years.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/news/city-of-medicine-hat-eager-to-host-2026-special-olympics-canada-summer-games.aspx#:~:text=Medicine%20Hat%20%E2%80%93%20The%20City%20of,impacts%20resulted%20in%20a%20cancellation.">City of Medicine Hat eager to host 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games</a>&nbsp;- Media Release</p>

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools would like to congratulate Jason Duchscherer who will assume the role as principal of both Oyen Public School (OPS) and South Central High School (SCHS) in Oyen, starting fall 2022. The announcement comes following the retirement of Jean Kimber at the end of the current school year as principal of South Central High School.</p><blockquote><p>“Combining the leadership roles allows the two schools in Oyen to continue forward on the path towards a future of one amazing K-12 school,” says Duchscherer. “Both OPS and SCHS have already made steps to connect and build programming that enables a smooth transition for students as they move from elementary to junior high and onto high school, so this further supports that work.”</p></blockquote><p>The move towards a unified school community is something both OPS and SCHS have been working towards for the past few years. Following a community consultation in 2019, the Board of Trustees added a new K-12 school in Oyen to the Prairie Rose Public Schools Capital Plan. Last spring, both schools collaborated on their school rebranding projects and established a single vision statement of developing confident, engaged and caring citizens. Both schools have also focused on building opportunities where students are learning alongside each other through programming such as the South Alberta Hockey Academy and the Badlands Junior Badgers program.</p><blockquote><p>“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Jean Kimber who has contributed tremendously to the education of countless students and wish her well in her next adventures. Jason Duchscherer takes on this newly structured role with a breadth of experience and a passion for rural education,” says Superintendent Weeks. “We have other schools in the division that operate under a similar model and it has worked very successfully in building a community of one school, despite being in different buildings. To further support the transition to one administrative position, a vice principal role will be added in Oyen to ensure leadership resources are maintained.”</p></blockquote><p>Duchscherer will officially assume the role of principal of both OPS and SCHS at the start of the 2022-2023 school year. The vice principal role will be posted later this spring.</p>

<p>Families living in the Redcliff area may have started hearing about a new program called Roots and Wings. The program aims to provide flexibility and ease of access to Redcliff students and their families for basic needs such as clothing, baby formula, and non-perishable food.&nbsp;</p><p>Eagle Butte teacher Scott Raible came up with the idea for the program when he was tasked with finding an initiative for his Masters degree that helps fill an identified gap for students. As a teacher he says he often sees that families can be hesitant to access the many supports already available in communities due to accessibility issues. The Roots and Wings program is aimed to remove those barriers to ensure that no Prairie Rose family in Redcliff goes without.</p><blockquote><p>“The process is quite simple,” says Raible. “Our school staff keep an eye out for those who may require assistance and information is provided directly to families via our Family School Liaison Workers. Families can also reach out to the schools directly and initiate support. All the family has to do is make an appointment and come “shopping”; selecting the clothing and food items that they need. There is absolutely no cost and no forms to fill out. If they need something we don’t have, we will find a way to get it.”</p></blockquote><p>Raible says the new program is growing and word of mouth is getting out in the community with many people providing donations. This support is greatly appreciated and is vital to ensuring continued success of the program. Currently those who wish to donate non-perishable food, can do so at the Redcliff Library and at the Redcliff Youth Center.</p><blockquote><p>“The entire purpose of Roots and Wings is to ensure that every student and their family in Redcliff has access to what they need to be successful. The program is organic in that we know each school has different needs. The staff at IF Cox, Margaret Wooding and Parkside have been essential in ensuring that we can be prepared when a family reaches out to us for assistance.”</p></blockquote><p>The program is currently only available to students who attend IF Cox, Margaret Wooding, Parkside Junior High, and Prairie Mennonite Alternative School and operates out of the old Redcliff Mennonite Alternative School. Families can call their local Redcliff school to get details on accessing the Roots and Wings program.</p><p><strong>Program sponsors:</strong> Prairie Rose Public Schools, Redcliff Library, Redcliff Youth Centre, The Salvation Army, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, The Mustard Seed, Little Munchkins.</p><p><strong>Program contact:</strong> Scott Raible, scottraible@prrd8.ca</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="/images/860873c1-d07f-401e-b9c3-4999dbfb0568?fingerprint=20260527T1845Z" alt=""></figure></td><td><figure class="image"><img src="/images/030ab9da-99af-4a10-a384-490ca5aa3159?fingerprint=20260527T1845Z" alt=""></figure></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools would like to congratulate Darren MacMillan on being selected as the principal of South Alberta High School.</p><p>MacMillan has been a teacher with PRPS for 25 years having previously worked at Schuler School, Irvine School and Eagle Butte High School. Most recently he has been instrumental in developing academy programming for both the South Alberta Hockey and South Alberta Flight academy programs and holds the General Manager role for the U18 Male and Female CSSHL Prep hockey teams. In addition to a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts, MacMillan also has a Master of Education with a focus in coaching studies.</p><p>South Alberta High School will offer a wide range of programming and learning opportunities with a focus on academy development and growth, non-primary distance education for high school students, collaboration with non-profit groups and establishing business partnerships. MacMillan will oversee the South Alberta Hockey Academy, the Dave Rozdeba South Alberta Flight Academy, Badlands Baseball Academy, Player X, E-Sports, House of Leaders, rodeo and equine programs, summer educational opportunities and international student recruitment.</p><p>“I am excited to continue working alongside my colleagues in Prairie Rose Public Schools to develop unique learning opportunities and provide high quality education,” says MacMillan. “South Alberta High School will increase accessible options for high school students as we continue to develop partnerships with community members. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to starting the work.”&nbsp;</p><p>“Prairie Rose Public Schools has been working hard the past few years to build unique programming opportunities that focus on a wide range of student interests and maintain long-term enrollment stability across the division,” says Deputy Superintendent Mark Heinricks. “Darren’s role will be to provide guidance and leadership to support these efforts.”</p><p>At the April 2022 Board Meeting, the PRPS Board of Trustees officially approved the name South Alberta High School which was previously called Rural Futures. MacMillan will assume the role of principal of South Alberta High School on July 1, 2022.</p>

<p>Congratulations to the following Prairie Rose Public Schools students who came out on top at the annual Kiwanis Southeast Alberta Regional Science Fair held earlier this month. The event is an opportunity for students in grades 4-12 to showcase their scientific investigative skills and present the findings in front of peers and a panel of judges.&nbsp;</p><p>A special shout out to Victoria Rooks (Senator Gershaw School) and Britten Kurtzweg (Foremost School) who have been chosen to compete at the 2022 Canada Wide Science Fair. Good luck and we are excited to have you represent Prairie Rose Public Schools.</p><p><strong>Elementary School Winners</strong></p><p><i>Bronze</i></p><ol><li>Elise Poku, Ralston School (Grade 6) – Will bacteria increase or decrease depending on temperature?</li><li>Isaac Holmes and Elias Pemberton, Ralston School (Grade 6) – Mini Drill</li></ol><p><i>Honourable Mentions</i></p><ol><li>Yasmine Kamara and Joyous Raskoti, Ralston School (Grade 6) – EV3 Mindstorms Space Challenge</li><li>Lucy Cowley and Hollie Hemingway, Ralston School (Grade 6) – How to extract iron from corn flakes</li><li>Kyla Green and Jamie-leigh Beatty, Ralston School (Grade 6) – Growing Bacteria</li></ol><p><strong>Junior Winners</strong></p><p><i>Bronze</i></p><ol><li>Froese, Parker &amp; Froese, Taten – Ralston School (Grade 7): “What Humidity Ivy (My Snake) Best Sheds At”</li><li>Spaan , Ava – Ralston School (Grade 8): “Lava Lamps – “How Can I Make a Homemade One?”</li><li>Sumner, Poppy – Ralston School (Grade 8): “What Are We Wasting?”</li></ol><p><i>Silver</i></p><ol><li>Rodrigue, Patrick – Ralston School (Grade 7): “How Do Different Drinks Affect Your Teeth”</li><li>Owusu-Ansah, Kofi &amp; Reilly, Kayden – Ralston School (Grade 8): “How It Works”</li></ol><p><i>Gold</i></p><ol><li>Pemberton, Marlie &amp; Sherpa, Rinzen – Ralston School (Grade 7) – “Marlie and Rinzen Colour Change Flower”</li><li>Pflughaupt , Aden – Ralston School (Grade 8) – “Does the Colour of Food Affect Its Taste?”</li></ol><p><strong>Intermediate Winners</strong></p><p><i>Silver</i></p><ol><li>Wall, Joseph – Ralston School (Grade 9) – “Chemical change”</li><li>Davies, Riley &amp; Green, Kian – Ralston School (Grade 9) – “Are Sports Drinks Actually Better Than Water?”</li></ol><p><i>Gold</i></p><ol><li>Kurtzweg, Britten – Foremost School (Grade 9) – “Pondering Pendulums”</li><li>Rooks, Victoria – Senator Gershaw School (Grade 9) – “Killing It!”</li></ol><p><strong>Senior Winners</strong></p><p><i>Gold</i></p><ol><li>Rooks, Ayden – Senator Gershaw School (Grade 11) – “Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons”</li></ol>

<p><i>The board meeting agenda package can be found here:</i>&nbsp;<a href=" https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L4YAmX-XD5lfH4rvdguTPv3slTvpwxPi/view?usp=sharing"> </a><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L4YAmX-XD5lfH4rvdguTPv3slTvpwxPi/view?usp=sharing">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L4YAmX-XD5lfH4rvdguTPv3slTvpwxPi/view?usp=sharing</a></p><p><strong>School Calendar</strong></p><p>At the April 12, 2022, public board meeting, the Prairie Rose Public Schools Board of Trustees revisited the previously approved 2022-2023 school year calendar. The calendar was brought back to the board to review following feedback from parents and staff citing concerns that the Prairie Rose calendar was not in alignment with neighbouring school division calendars. Specifically, concerns were raised regarding the difference around the Christmas break, as there would be challenges for both parents and staff to find childcare services and that the current calendar only included two full weekends within the break instead of three.</p><p>The following changes to the calendar were approved by the board by a vote of four (Haraga, Cursons, Hogg, Vanderspruit) to three (Bedwell, Dennis, Rooks) at the April 12th public meeting:</p><ul><li>The Christmas break has been shifted to December 24th – January 8th. Students will still have an early dismissal day on December 23rd and will return on January 9th.</li><li>The SI day scheduled on November 14th has been moved to November 9th.</li></ul><p>The revised calendar has been posted to the public documents section of the Prairie Rose website and is available for online viewing.</p><p>The approved calendar can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JjxVhn6FpP9-UYmMKL6VrZ-61O-_YqOv/view?usp=sharing">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JjxVhn6FpP9-UYmMKL6VrZ-61O-_YqOv/view?usp=sharing</a></p><p><strong>Mennonite Liaison Report</strong></p><p>German/Mennonite Liaison (GML) Benita Neufeld provided an update to the board regarding the work she’s been doing to support Low German Mennonite (LGM) families across Prairie Rose Public Schools. It was shared that her primary role is to reduce barriers related to language and cultural differences for Mennonite families and assist them in making connections to appropriate supports. Additionally, the role of the GML is to support the Mennonite EA’s in the schools and to provide them with LGM appropriate educational resources. Since coming into the role last fall, Neufeld says she has focused on building trust with current and new families living in the school division and reaching out to the Schulz’s to understand how she can best support all families and students attending Prairie Rose Public Schools.</p><p><strong>Financial Update</strong></p><p>Assistant Secretary Treasurer Candice Hintz provided a financial update to the board for information. As of February 2022, the division was 50% of the way through the current fiscal year. It was noted that revenues are expected to come in $1,165,386 higher than budgeted, while expenses are forecast to come in $849,508 over budget. Overall, Prairie Rose is projecting a $315,878 decrease to the overall deficit for the 2021-2022 year, which is now expected to come in at $314,317 over budget. The complete Financial Update can be found in the Board Meeting Agenda package.</p><p><strong>Capital Plan</strong></p><p>The PRPS 2022-2025 Capital Plan was presented to the board for approval, following a complete evaluation of school facilities through Ferrari Westwood Babits Architects (FWBA). The first item on the board’s Capital Plan includes the Burdett/Bow Island solution with an estimated cost of $11.6 million. The second priority is the Redcliff solution which involves turning IF Cox School into a grade K-5 and a complete re-modernization of the current Parkside School to become a grade 6-9 school. The current Margaret Wooding School would become the new Prairie Mennonite School (K-9). The Redcliff solution is valued at $10.1 million dollars. The final two Capital Plan priorities include the consolidation and modernization of both Oyen Public School and South Central High School into one K-12 school ($14 million) and a facility modernization of Foremost School ($12.8 million). The board approved the Capital Plan as presented. The full Capital Plan can be found in the Board Meeting Agenda package.</p><p><strong>Field Trips</strong></p><p>The board approved two high risk school field trips:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Margaret Wooding School grade 6 students will be participating in a visit to Super T Aviation and taking a ride in an airplane as part of their flight unit in Science.</li><li>Seven Persons School junior high students will be participating in an Outward Bound Outdoor Leadership trip to Kananaskis from June 1st to June 4th.</li></ul><p><strong>Other items</strong></p><ul><li>The board voted to approve the renaming of Rural Futures School to South Alberta High School.</li><li>Draft <i>GP14 Trustee Honorarium and Expense Reimbursement </i>was tabled until September 2022.</li></ul>

<p>At the April 12, 2022, public board meeting, the Prairie Rose Public Schools Board of Trustees revisited the previously approved 2022-2023 school year calendar. The calendar was brought back to the board to review following feedback from parents and staff citing concerns that the Prairie Rose calendar was not in alignment with neighbouring school division calendars. Specifically, concerns were raised regarding the difference around the Christmas break, as there would be challenges for both parents and staff to find childcare services and that the current calendar only included two full weekends within the break instead of three.</p><p>The following changes to the calendar were approved by the board by a vote of four (Haraga, Cursons, Hogg, Vanderspruit) to three (Bedwell, Dennis, Rooks) at the April 12th public meeting:</p><ul><li>The Christmas break has been shifted to December 24th – January 8th. Students will still have an early dismissal day on December 23rd and will return on January 9th.</li><li>The SI day scheduled on November 14th has been moved to November 9th.</li></ul><p>The revised calendar has been posted to the public documents section of the Prairie Rose website and is available for online viewing.</p><p>The approved calendar can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JjxVhn6FpP9-UYmMKL6VrZ-61O-_YqOv/view?usp=sharing">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JjxVhn6FpP9-UYmMKL6VrZ-61O-_YqOv/view?usp=sharing</a><br>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The next public board meeting for the Prairie Rose Public Schools Board of Trustees will take place on Tuesday, April 12th starting at 12:45 pm. The meeting will be held at the Chamber of Commerce office in Medicine Hat, located at:</p><p>413 - 6 Avenue SE<br>Medicine Hat, Alberta</p><p>Due to limited space at the meeting location, attendees are encouraged to join via the online stream: <a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDVlODA3MDktMjVlMS00MTQyLWI4OTYtZDM5MmI0MGNmNjNj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22c1a7f361-4369-4e63-af8a-db541e2c097b%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2248a6a9b8-2a7b-494f-9523-0206f91ffcad%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d&amp;btype=a&amp;role=a">Click here to watch the live stream</a> (<i>Once you click the link, click cancel on the pop up, watch on the web instead, join anonymously.)</i></p><p>The meeting agenda can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L4YAmX-XD5lfH4rvdguTPv3slTvpwxPi/view?usp=sharing">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L4YAmX-XD5lfH4rvdguTPv3slTvpwxPi/view?usp=sharing</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools is seeking feedback from families who live in the Dunmore area to explore the feasibility of starting a Before and After School club/program for Irvine School students.&nbsp;</p><p>Tentative considerations for the program include:</p><ul><li>The program would be available for elementary students (K-6) enrolled at Irvine School.</li><li>Morning program: Starting at 7:00 AM<ul><li>Bus would leave Dunmore (location still to be determined) at 8:00 AM&nbsp;and transport students to Irvine School</li></ul></li><li>Afternoon program: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM<ul><li>Students would be bussed from Irvine School to the Dunmore location</li></ul></li></ul><p>To have your say, please complete the survey: <a href="https://prrdweb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0IzKtUNbvenIfCC">Survey - Dunmore B&amp;A School Club/Program</a></p>

<p>For Lisa, the journey to the front of the classroom did not begin right out of high school. Instead, her path to teaching led her in many directions and through all aspects of working with children. Before returning to post-secondary, Lisa worked in preschools, daycares and even as an Educational Assistant (EA) for ten years at Margaret Wooding, Parkside and RMAP in Prairie Rose Public Schools. Still, it was her son who eventually inspired her to take the leap to go back to school to get her Education degree.</p><p>“My son struggled in school. He had to learn differently in order to understand the concepts being taught, so all of those strategies put in place for all learners really did help him.”</p><p>As a mother of a child who was not your typical in-the-box learner, Lisa recognized that each child required a different level and approach to learning to be successful. This understanding was further reinforced through her previous work as an EA where she was always looking for ways to support students based on individual learning preferences.&nbsp;</p><p>“I really learned how to be flexible and intuitive to support all learners. So incorporating those universal design strategies in my classroom now as a teacher just feels like it is just a part of who I am and what I do because it is how I had to help support my students with special needs as an EA. In my classroom, it is more about equity over equality. I feel like everybody needs something different. We all learn in different ways.”</p><p>Lisa currently works as a grade 5 teacher at Ralston School on the Canadian Forces Base Suffield. Principal Stacey Nunweiler says that she knew right away when interviewing Lisa that she would be a fabulous teacher and a perfect fit for Ralston School, where 90% of the student population comes from outside of Canada.</p><p>“Her life experience and desire to make a difference in student learning were admirable. Lisa took the first part of the year building relationships with her students that allowed them to trust her even with their vulnerabilities. Lisa has a passion for making learning equitable in her classroom that includes making the curriculum accessible to all her students through tools, strategies and intentionally planning to work one to one with students as much as possible.”</p><p>As well as ensuring equity and equality among her students, Lisa also has a strong passion for learning about culture and incorporating this knowledge into her classroom teachings. As an EA she spent many years working with Mennonite families, while in her current classroom, she has students from the UK, Ghana and Nepal. She has also taken a special interest in indigenous studies and enjoys finding unique ways to incorporate these teachings into her instructional practices.&nbsp;</p><p>“It is important to me to educate students about the inequalities that still exist today in Canada and why we participate in reconciliation. I find if you want to create critical thinkers, you need to talk about the heavy stuff, those topics that make people uncomfortable. But as the facilitator, I can navigate these topics with students to make it appropriate and show each other we can appreciate each other's opinions and ideas and maybe even be persuaded to think differently.”</p><p>When asked where she sees herself in the next five to ten years, Lisa says she wants to keep learning and growing throughout her career and feels blessed to be working in a profession that allows that to happen. She also looks forward to being part of the special moments that come from being a teacher, mentor and caregiver.&nbsp;</p><p>“My heart is just beaming all the time. When you have just those moments where the lightbulb goes on with the kids, or you get nominated for this amazing award, there are many ways to feel rewarded. This career is awesome because you are not in this alone. You are in this with other people willing to share and inspire you. I want to be one of those people for somebody else.”</p><p>The Edwin Parr Teacher Award is presented annually by the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) to six exceptional first-year teachers from across the province of Alberta. Each spring, Alberta school divisions nominate and recognize one outstanding teacher who will represent them at the zone awards ceremony. The Prairie Rose Public Schools’ board of trustees would like to congratulate Lisa and wish her luck at the Zone 6 awards event in May.</p>

<p>Congratulations to Jonn Baird who has been chosen as the successful candidate for the position of Principal of Parkside Junior High School in Redcliff. Jonn was transferred to Parkside last fall as Acting Principal following the reassignment of Boyd Craven to the Principal position at Eagle Butte High School. In addition to the Acting Principal role at Parkside, Jonn has spent eight years in school administration including seven years as Vice Principal at Eagle Butte and four months in the Acting Principal role at Foremost School.</p>

<p><i>The board meeting agenda package can be found here:</i> <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ro2XbuU_WcCMh26nIZoKuDjL6zukV5bz/view?usp=sharing">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ro2XbuU_WcCMh26nIZoKuDjL6zukV5bz/view?usp=sharing</a></p><p><strong>Schuler School Presentation</strong></p><p>Schuler School principal Lisa Lindsay provided an overview of the school and highlights from the past year. Schuler is a K-9 school of approximately 70 students located 90 kilometres north of Medicine Hat. The school has implemented several new initiatives from the feedback received from students, parents, and staff through the 2021-2022 assurance survey. These include; new routines for junior high students during the recess and lunch break, increased choice in the option courses available, an active student voice, enhanced weekly communication to parents and the community, and opportunities for team building and collaboration amongst the staff. A summary of the school’s education goals was shared, focusing on literacy, deeper learning and promoting a positive culture. The full school presentation can be found in the meeting agenda package.</p><p><strong>Technology Accountability Report</strong></p><p>Director of Technology Wayne Rossler presented the 2022 PRPS Technology Accountability Report for information. The report includes a list of the division’s technology assets, along with a summary of key projects and priorities for the current school year, which includes; the digitization of student records, security upgrades, the moving of files to a cloud-based data centre and the installation of Chromebook internet filtering. It was noted that during the 2020-2021 school year, Prairie Rose Public Schools spent 1.3 million dollars on technology purchases and licensing. The full report can be found in the meeting agenda package.</p><p><strong>2022-2023 School Calendar Approval</strong></p><p>The board approved the school calendar for the 2022-2023 year. The calendar has a start date for students of August 29, 2022, a mid-week start to the Christmas break, a day for all students and staff to honour Truth and Reconciliation, and the inclusion of two wellness days into the calendar. The approved calendar is available on the Prairie Rose website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.myprps.com/news/2022-2023-prps-school-year-calendar-1646873059180">https://www.myprps.com/news/2022-2023-prps-school-year-calendar-1646873059180</a></p><p><strong>Capital Plan Approval</strong></p><p>Chief Financial Officer Ryan Boser shared that Prairie Rose has been granted an extension by Alberta Infrastructure for late submission of the annual Capital Plan, which is usually required by the end of March. The division will be working with Ferrari Westwood Babits Architects to formally revamp the plan to ensure essential school facility needs are represented. The plan will be returned to the board for approval at the April public board meeting.</p><p><strong>GP15 Trustee Development</strong></p><ul><li>A modification was made to GP15 to allow trustees the choice to attend the Rural Education Symposium or First Nations Metis Education Gathering conference annually as part of their allocated PD budget.</li></ul>

<p>At the March 9, 2022, public board meeting, the Prairie Rose Board of Trustees approved the school calendar for the 2022-2023 year. &nbsp;The document can be accessed through the <a href="https://www.myprps.com/calendar">Calendar </a>tab of the Prairie Rose website, or directly through the link below.</p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JjxVhn6FpP9-UYmMKL6VrZ-61O-_YqOv/view?usp=sharing">2022-2023 PRPS School Year Calendar</a> - approved March 9, 2022</p>

<p>The Prairie Rose Public Schools Board of Trustees will be holding their next public board meeting on Wednesday, March 9th at 12:45 pm. The meeting will be held in-person at the Chamber of Commerce office in Medicine Hat located at:</p><p>413 - 6 Avenue SE<br>Medicine Hat, Alberta</p><p>The meeting agenda can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ro2XbuU_WcCMh26nIZoKuDjL6zukV5bz/view?usp=sharing">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ro2XbuU_WcCMh26nIZoKuDjL6zukV5bz/view?usp=sharing</a></p>