Prairie Rose Public Schools News Archive

<p>The June 5, 2024, Special Board Meeting Agenda Package can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nJmNrgfGEBB51XUSiurEgBWBVaYauK3f/view?usp=drive_link">June 5, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda.</a></p><p>------</p><p>Note: The Christ the Redeemer Bussing request was removed from the agenda.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Transportation – School Bus Purchase</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Financial Officer Ryan Boser explained that the school division recently underwent an RFP process for PRPS school bus transportation services. The process resulted in contract proposals for 87 routes coming back with an 8% to 200% increase compared to current costs. The average increase was 55%. It was noted that the significant increases cannot be managed within the current transportation funding allocation. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The administration and the Board of Trustees investigated several options to navigate the funding challenge and will be moving towards a division-owned bus fleet, which is common in rural school divisions. The rationale is to make PRPS more economically efficient by running operations internally. This requires PRPS to secure funding to secure buses. Options were explored, including obtaining a bank loan, a line of credit, and/or leasing buses. PRPS was successful, following multiple meetings with government, to secure funding from Alberta Education to purchase buses. In the first year, the board will purchase/operate 39 bus routes and award bus contracts to large contractors for 30 routes and 12 routes to independent contractors. The total number of routes will be reduced from 87 to 81 for the 2024-2025 school year. &nbsp;</p><p>The board approved the purchase of 38 buses for $5,892,006.80 plus GST. The division already owns one new school bus. The interest-free loan is an advance on PRPS transportation funding, which would be paid back over the next 10 years, with payments coming directly off each year’s transportation grant. Estimated cost savings in the first year, compared to full contracted services, are $689,000.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>2024 – 2025 Preliminary Budget Approval</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Financial Officer Ryan Boser presented the 2024-2025 Preliminary Budget for approval. It was noted that assumptions for the preliminary budget were made based on securing funding for the purchase of buses for the school division.&nbsp;Highlights of the budget&nbsp;include&nbsp;primary instructional grants remaining the same, a slight enrollment increase (35.5 FTE), an&nbsp;increase in Alberta Education operational funding of $1,384,402, an increase in insurance premiums of 5% for liability and property and 3% for vehicles, and ASEPB benefit increases of 10%.&nbsp;</p><p>Budgeted amounts for the 2024-2025 year include the following:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Instruction Surplus $905,185&nbsp;</li><li>Operations &amp; Maintenance Deficit ($876,887)&nbsp;</li><li>Transportation Deficit ($405,608)&nbsp;</li><li>Administration Surplus $92,970&nbsp;</li><li>External Services (Teacherages) Surplus $3,254&nbsp;</li></ul><p>Overall, the division is projecting a deficit budget of $281,086. As of August 31, 2024, the Division has an expected accumulated Operating Reserves of $2.185 million, or 3.77% of total expenditures.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>2024 – 2027 Education Plan Approval</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>Superintendent Reagan Weeks shared highlights and changes in the 2024-2027 Education Plan for PRPS. The division will continue with the same goals and objectives in the plan's final year. Progress is measured through assurance measures, with the spring measure showing PRPS exceeding the province in eight of twelve measures. The remaining measures, related to diploma and PAT exams, will be added in November.&nbsp;</p><p>A new addition to the plan, requested by the Board of Trustees, is the stakeholder engagement statement. Another adjustment is a modification to the Capital Plan, prioritizing the modernization of Parkside School, with full design funding secured and hopes for construction funding soon, estimated at $20,095,967.&nbsp;</p><p>The strategic priorities are Ignite Minds, Kindle Hearts, Forge Futures, and Truth and Reconciliation. "Ignite Minds" focuses on core classroom coursework, emphasizing writing and primary literacy. "Kindle Hearts" aims to create meaningful connections with students. "Forge Futures" has shown positive results over the past five years. The work on Truth and Reconciliation continues, with acknowledgment of the need for growth despite considerable efforts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition to the workshops, PRPS artwork was on display throughout the showcase. The full list of art winners can be found here: <a href="https://www.myprps.com/news/2024-kaleidoscope-of-the-arts-art-winners-1717605893977">https://www.myprps.com/news/2024-kaleidoscope-of-the-arts-art-winners-1717605893977</a></p><p>-------</p><p>Multiple schools within Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) attended the 2024 Kaleidoscope event at the Esplanade on Thursday, May 30. The morning was dedicated to workshops, with the younger students attending two shorter ones in various areas of the Esplanade and high school students participating in one of two longer workshops at the Medicine Hat Public Library.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“Kaleidoscope of the Arts is an amazing showcase of all the work students and staff do throughout the year to develop various aspects of the arts,” Superintendent of PRPS Reagan Weeks. “I have the opportunity to look at visual arts and the beautiful pieces our students have created, along with seeing some of their talents on stages. Students also have the opportunity to continue their learning in a variety of workshops and I’m grateful to the organizing team for providing this opportunity to our school division. It’s a phenomenal place to be and see the excitement of kids about the fine arts.”&nbsp;</p><p>Jordyn is in Grade 3 at Parkside took part in the Boomwhacker workshop and said following the beat was the best part. Last year, she performed in the choir and feels the best thing about Kaleidoscope is watching other students perform and how much fun she has during the event.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Tiffany Molin is one of the organizers of Kaleidoscope and also facilitated the Boomwhacker workshop. “They are just so fun. This is my third year doing this for our Kaleidoscope celebration since we changed the format into a workshop and a concert. The kids come from lots of different places and we’ve been able to spread the activities we do here to smaller schools that don’t have a dedicated music teacher. It’s making music enjoyable for everyone.”&nbsp;</p><p>In the gallery was a drum workshop facilitated by Vice-Principal of Senator Gershaw John Paul Brocklesby, “it was great, I haven’t drummed with 40 kids in quite a while, and they did awesome. We managed to do a layered rhythm for their first time drumming, which is usually not possible. Most of them looked like they were having fun.” He was working with students from Grades 1 to 3. Ralston student Rexley is in Grade 2 and took part in the drumming and he enjoyed using the traditional drums and playing along to the beat.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Ron Mason, who teaches music at both Margaret Wooding and I.F. Cox schools in Redcliff, held two ukulele workshops. “The intention is to introduce new students to the ukulele and how simple and fun it can be. We start out by learning some simple songs and give them some encouragement to keep going because learning any instrument takes perseverance.”&nbsp;</p><p>Students taking part in the workshops learned two songs on the ukulele, the first was Eleanor Rigby by the Beatles, a two-chord song the students find fun to play. The second song is The Lion Sleeps Tonight, a three-chord song that is more advanced, but Mason believes pushing the students will help them decide if they would like to pursue playing the instrument. “Excellent,” was Mason’s comment on how the first session went. “Kids picked up Eleanor Rigby so fast, the kids are motivated and want to learn and it’s fun.”&nbsp;</p><p>The alcohol ink workshop with Kameko Ballantyne was popular and filled up quickly. “It was a great way for them to express themselves creatively in the workshop and we have mediums we haven’t worked with before, like alcohol ink. They got to practice on a tile and then they created two individual pieces themselves. They can make mistakes on the tile, which is a good thing when we are learning because mistakes mean we are trying. We did two abstract pieces, which is best for alcohol ink because it is fun to play around with and if you don’t have any expectations on what it will look like, sometimes that is a better way to learn.”&nbsp;</p><p>Greg Herman co-facilitated the Singer/Songwriter workshop that took place in the theatre of the Medicine Hat Public Library. “The kids are in groups now to try and come up with one verse to the rhyme scheme we pulled out of a hat and then they will share it with the group for better or worse. It’s just whatever they come up with under the gun. I’ve written a few things and thought this would be fun to do, I’ve never done anything like this so it’s a learning experience for me to. We might have to try and do this more down the road, if anyone wants to come back.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Justine Wilks was in the main theatre at the Esplanade leading students through a music and games workshop. “It was lots of fun, the kids were really great, and we enjoyed making music together. It was to show them choral warmups and learn some new classroom songs and make some music together.”&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congratulations to all the students whose artwork was selected for the 2024 Kaleidoscope of the Arts awards. Below is a list of all the winners.</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="3"><strong>Kindergarten - Grade 3</strong></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>First: Ryatt, Irvine, Gr 3</td><td>Second: Colton, BIE, Gr 1</td><td>Third: Stella, Seven Persons, Gr 2</td><td>Honourable Mentions</td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td><td><p>Valerie, Irvine Gr 3</p><p>Brooklyn, BIE, Gr 1</p><p>Maddy, Irvine, Gr 2</p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="3"><strong>Grades 4 - 6</strong></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>First: Lilly, Margaret Wooding, Gr 6</td><td>Second: MWS Collab, Margaret Wooding, Gr 4, 5, 6</td><td>Third: Connor, Margaret Wooding, Gr 6</td><td>Honourable Mentions</td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td><td><p>Sawyer, Foremost, Gr 4</p><p>Sofie, Foremost, Gr 4</p><p>Tucker, Margaret Wooding, Gr 6</p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="3"><strong>Grades 7 -9</strong></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>First: Michah, Parkside, Gr 8</td><td>Second: Lily, Parkside, Gr 7</td><td>Third: Lisa, Burdett, Gr 9</td><td>Honourable Mentions</td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td><td><p>Raelyn, Parkside, Gr 9</p><p>Avalynn, Parkside, Gr 9</p><p>Isolde, Parkside, Gr 9</p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="3"><strong>Grades 10 - 12</strong></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>First: Rachel, EBHS, Gr 11</td><td>Second: Charlie, EBHS, Gr 10</td><td>Third: Maria, EBHS, Gr 11</td><td>Honourable Mentions</td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td><td><p>Naomi, EBHS, Gr 11</p><p>Avah, EBHS, Gr 11</p><p>Kaden, EBHS, Gr 12</p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="3"><strong>Sculpture</strong></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>First: Avah, EBHS, Gr 11</td><td>Second: Jonny, Irvine, Gr 9</td><td>Third: Amalia, Seven Persons, Gr 4</td><td>Honourable Mentions</td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td><td><p>Megan, EBHS, Gr 12</p><p>Presley, Schuler, Gr 5</p><p>Jade, Seven Persons, Gr 4</p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Sketchbooks</strong></td></tr><tr><td>First: Oryx, Seven Persons, Gr 7</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="3"><strong>Photography</strong></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>First: Avery, Seven Persons, Gr 6</td><td>Second: Bailey and Taylor, Parkside, Gr 7 and Gr 8</td><td>Third: Noah and Leighton, Parkside, Gr 7</td><td>Honourable Mentions</td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td><td><p>Tatianna, EBHS, Gr 12</p><p>Noah and Leighton, Parkside, Gr 7</p><p>Rayne, Parkside, Gr 8</p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="3"><strong>FNMI</strong></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>First: Teagan, EBHS, Gr 12</td><td>Second: Devin, Irvine, Gr 9</td><td>Third: Stella, Seven Persons, Gr 2</td><td>Honourable Mentions</td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td><td>Bonny, Prairie Mennonite, Gr 7</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>People's Choice</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Tatianna, EBHS, Gr 12</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Judge's Choice</strong></td></tr><tr><td>First: Kaden, EBHS, Gr 12</td></tr><tr><td>Second: Ryeanna, EBHS, Gr 12</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Digital Art</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Oryx, Seven Persons, Gr 7</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

<p>The third annual Drone Games took place at Eagle Butte High School on Monday, May 27. Each year, the number of participants keeps growing with a record number turning out for the 2024 event.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Dana Marshall, Flight Academy Lead and Drone Games organizer said, “82 competitors from across Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS), as well as 3 adult competitors enjoyed demonstrating their skills in friendly competition. This event demonstrates our community connection, while also giving students skills that would take them into the unmanned systems world. Medicine Hat is home to several RPAS companies, like Qinetiq and Landing Zones. Along with our friends at the Foremost UAS, Apex, and others, Prairie Rose students are ready to “launch” into the world of remote piloting.”&nbsp;</p><p>Trustee Patty Rooks, who has a son interning at the Foremost UAS Test Range this summer, dropped by the Games as she feels they are an important learning opportunity for all students across PRPS.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“They have so many applications beyond the military, and we need our students to have that cutting edge technology,” stated Rooks. “It’s wonderful to see the support and connections we are building with the community. Medicine Hat is one of the largest innovators in Canada by bringing these organizations to our communities and getting them to work here. Why not utilize the resources we have and bring them to our students? Let them see those opportunities we have in our community so we can continue to train our students but bring them back after postsecondary to keep our communities vibrant, that’s really important.”&nbsp;</p><p>Captain John Tarnowski was stationed at the Circle Fly competition along with other soldiers from Canadian Forces Base Suffield. He saw an advertisement at the base about volunteers being needed for Drone Games and, as he works in signals, it applied.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“I asked my soldiers if anyone wanted to do this and stand outside in the sun for the day. We had three or four come out and a few from different trades as well, so a nice turnout,” explained Tarnowski. He also added they came to, “engage with young people who are learning about new technology and to show them the military uses this technology just like the rest of Canadian society does.”&nbsp;</p><p>Sterling Cripps from Landing Zones, a company that is developing a drone for collecting weather data that can be reused, was involved with the drone industry for the past 20 years and has a vested interest in training.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“I did the training with the kids here last year for their drone course and was asked to come back and help out as a volunteer, which I’m happy to do,” said Cripps. “I like seeing young people get involved in this technology. It’s complex, it’s not easy and it takes commitment and dedication to get good at it and understand it’s full potential. In Drone Games we are working with young children and adults and it’s going well. They’ve put on a good show here and the volunteer corps is very strong and it’s nice to see and do.”&nbsp;</p><p>Scott Plouffe from Throttle Hobbies came out and was captain of the obstacle course. “Ian, Jeff and I are all part of the Medicine Hat RCers as well, radio control flying club, and came down to help out and support the kids where we can. The school supports us by allowing us to fly indoors over the winter (in the gym at Eagle Butte on Sundays) and we raise money for scholarships for them.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The three were judging and taking times at the Obstacle Course, which was slow going during the first round of the games. “It’s the time it takes to run through and trying to get everyone set up. Ian hooked up to one drone and I hooked up mine so we can keep cycling the kids through. Before everybody wanted to use their own phones and it took too long for the connections to work.”&nbsp;</p><p>Eric Stock graduated from Eagle Butte High School last year and earned his private pilot’s license about two weeks into the summer. He immediately began working on his commercial license, which he hopes to have by November of this year and will then begin his instructor rating. Dana Marshall from the Flight Academy has remained in contact with Stokes and is continuing to support him as he pursues training toward a career in the aviation industry, which his how he ended up volunteering at Drone Games this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“Aviation has so many doors to it, there are so many opportunities within it beside just flying if one is interested. One door opens and there are seven others in front of you, there are so many opportunities. I think it’s going well. I’m doing my circle as much as I can. We have a bunch of wonderful volunteers out today, if they have a problem with their drone or the batteries aren’t working, I’m there to see what I can do to help them out.”&nbsp;</p><p>From Medicine Hat College were Chelsea Ehresman of the Centre of Innovation and Shannan Hurlbut of Extended Learning were at the Scavenger Hunt.&nbsp;</p><p>“We have a couple different department that engage with drone use so we always like to see that supported at a young age. For me, at the Centre of Innovation, we are doing applied research with drones and I’m always looking to hire pilots so it’s good to see the kids out learning the skills early on. They are spelling lots of different words so they can’t cheat off one another. It’s a challenge, if they are not super familiar with their drone flying skills, they probably won’t get it done on time. With the camera, they hover over a sheet of paper with various numbers on it, based on whatever number they are looking for, they need to pick out those ten letters and unscramble them into a word to give us. We’ve only had one successful completion in two rounds. It’s a good problem because there are far more students this year than drones so we’ve had to modify the rules slightly so each kids gets a chance to operate a drone.”&nbsp;</p><p>Hurlbut, “we have courses we are delivering in partnership with Prairie Rose right now, we’ve got about 17 students taking ARPA 101, the first course to prepare for the basic license, and then we’ve got about 7 students who will do an additional course about using drones in industry and we had two that did the full micro-credential, which included flying.”&nbsp;</p><p>David Sabados from Qinetiq were also at the Scavenger Hunt. “It’s a company that primarily works with uncrewed vehicles, not so much small drones like this but larger stuff for military. We are based out of Medicine Hat and feel it’s important to let students know where science and technology can take you. It doesn’t mean you have to leave Medicine Hat, there are cool opportunities to work here. Electrical and mechanical engineering apply to uncrewed vehicles and that’s about representing where they could go if they want to see this as a career path and giving back to the community. There are lots of excited kids, everyone wants to try. The kids showing up with their own drones who have put some time into them are very good already, I’m impressed with them and it's nice to see.”&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

<p>The June 5, 2024, PRPS Special Public Board Meeting will take place online (virtual only) starting at 1:30 p.m.</p><p>To join the meeting, please click on the Google Meeting link. When you join the meeting, it is asked that attendees mute their microphones and turn off their cameras. You will be placed into a meeting room and brought in when the meeting is set to begin.</p><p>Google Meeting link: <a href="https://meet.google.com/fuu-hoct-gqv">https://meet.google.com/fuu-hoct-gqv</a></p><p>The complete agenda package can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nJmNrgfGEBB51XUSiurEgBWBVaYauK3f/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nJmNrgfGEBB51XUSiurEgBWBVaYauK3f/view?usp=drive_link</a></p>

<p>Maddy Ferguson not only played on the South Alberta Hockey Academy (SAHA) U18 girls’ team as a goalie, spending each morning at the rink, but she also managed to be the second top academic student at Eagle Butte High School this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“I had no idea, honestly. Having to miss all that school because of games and not being here half the time, it definitely came as a surprise,” stated Ferguson. “It’s kind of cool to be part of the hockey academy and have that as one of the higher priorities in my life, but also to see my hard work in school pay off as well. As a female athlete, those academics are always more important because the sport doesn’t always take you as far so it’s important to be paying attention to your schoolwork,” stated Ferguson.&nbsp;</p><p>She began playing hockey at a young age as many of her family and extended family members play. Due to the great hockey program in Medicine Hat, Ferguson was able to improve her game and earned a spot in the Hockey Academy at Eagle Butte in Grade 10. “Playing here at the school, I’ve been very lucky and made lots of friendships, which is always nice and makes it easier to keep on,” explained Ferguson.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Graduating this year is bringing many changes for Ferguson and she’s still trying to decide what path she is going to take for her post-secondary education. Offers have been extended to her by schools in the USA to play hockey with them. Alternatively, Ferguson could choose to stay in Canada and focus only on academics. She intends to take a degree in exercise science and possibly complete a master’s in physiotherapy afterwards.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“It’s been awesome, being part of the hockey team. We are gone much of the time on road trips, and we don’t have much time to come in for extra help,” said Ferguson. “The teachers have been very accommodating, which has made this process of excelling at school much easier and able to be done.”&nbsp;</p><p>Hockey coach Jane Kish said Ferguson is a well-liked member of the team. “What she brings in the classroom, she brings to all areas of her life. Her work ethic, perseverance, hard work, and effort, that’s all very evident in what she does in school, on the ice and in the gym and is what makes her so successful,” stated Kish. “It’s really easy to like her as a coach.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Being so smart, Kish says Ferguson is always the first to catch onto new concepts and ready with an answer to any question. Additionally, she has a great wit and can be very funny, throwing out comments that Kish said can catch one off guard.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>When her teammates are struggling in any of their subjects, Ferguson is always the first to jump in and help. Kish said she is a leader and role model both on off the ice and she is thankful for that. “It’s good for our team going forward,” explained Kish. “She brought that, and someone will need to fill that role next year and it’s a big role to fill.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The team had two Grade 12 goalies this year and there was a healthy competition between the two said Kish. Both are very personable with different playing styles and were able to vibe off each other, enabling both to grow as people and goalies.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“I think it was important for our players to see because you can be competitive, but then it’s also important to be collaborative and help each other out,” said Kish. “As a coach, I’m extremely proud of her. I wasn’t here for her first year, but for the past two years, how much time and effort she’s put into everything, I think she is seeing the rewards of those now. Whatever she chooses to do and wherever she chooses to go, they will love here there. We are going to miss her here, but I would say that everything comes to an end when it’s supposed to, and you carry one when you need to.”&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

<p>The May 28, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda Package can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hG6Hy-7T2SN3tHpYy0_2mN5dysNVVewR/view?usp=drive_link">May 28, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda</a></p><p>---------</p><p><strong>Foremost School Presentation</strong></p><p>Principal Corey Steeves and Vice Principal Angela Hazell gave a presentation showcasing the great things going on at Foremost School. The school had a book study with all teachers on the Teacher Clarity Playbook that recently wrapped up. <i>Falcon 50</i> was initiated, where staff made 50 positive calls to homes of students. They had a pep rally style celebration of growth and learning midyear. The school has been asking what they can do for the community and brought in community members to have conversations with high school students. Additionally, students engaged with seniors in the community, having coffee conversations that will result in the publishing of a book. The school also started a boy’s and men’s group and expanded mini ball to include Grade 1 and 2 students this year. The full presentation can be found in the May 28, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda.</p><p><strong>First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Report and Presentation</strong></p><p>Carol Carlson presented the annual <i>First Nations, Métis and Inuit Report</i> to trustees for information. Within PRPS there are 41 Status First Nations, 45 Non-status First Nations, 95 Metis and two Inuit self-identified students. Assurance measures were high for three-year high school completion and high for five-year high school completion for FMNI students. Dreamcatcher and soap making kits continue to circulate around PRPS each month. A drum kit has been added this year, which contains seven sets of four drums with drumsticks. This kit is currently being piloted at IF Cox School.&nbsp;The full presentation can be found in the May 28, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Timeless Tales: Intergenerational Story Writing Project Presentation&nbsp;</strong></p><p>PRPS Instructional Lead Kelli-Ann Nixdorf opened her presentation by saying the <i>Timeless Tales: Intergenerational Story Writing Project</i> now has a more intentional focus across the division. Following a lesson on age and ageism, students engage with seniors in a care facility. A book will be published based on the conversations with one going to the local library, one to the school and one to the care facility. The project has been life changing for both the seniors and students.&nbsp;The full presentation can be found in the May 28, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Executive Report</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>Superintendent Reagan Weeks shared:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><ul><li>2024 Drone Games at Eagle Butte High School took place on Monday, May 27 with a record number 81 participants. Additionally, volunteers from many community partners – Medicine Hat College, Qinetiq, Medicine Hat RCers, Super T Aviation, Canadian Forces Base Suffield and Landing Zones - helped make it a successful event.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>The new South Alberta Collegiate building was granted temporary occupancy on Monday, May 27 and will begin use with students on Friday, May 31.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Assistant Superintendent Boyd Craven has been working with administrators and teachers to develop some skills for Veretta, the provincial system that will be used to operate PAT and diploma exams.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>PRPS is working on new CTF options that will feed into some of the high school programming. The next ones that will become available include aerospace and aviation along with one centred on digital skills that will be for junior high students.&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>2024-2025 Board Planning and Monitoring Cycle</strong>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>The Board approved GP06 as presented.&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>2024-25 Division School Calendar Adjustment</strong>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>The board approved two small adjustments to the 2024-2025 school calendar. &nbsp;</li><li>Two student instructional days have been taken out, one on November 7 for a teacher prep day. The other on June 6 for a SI Day, which will also allow teachers time during the day to continue to prep or work on report cards and other end of year tasks. &nbsp;</li><li>The change has reduced instructional days from 183 to 181 with balanced semesters.&nbsp;</li><li>The amended calendar is available on the PRPS website: <a href="https://www.myprps.com/calendar">https://www.myprps.com/calendar</a>&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>ASBA Report</strong>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Trustee Shauna VanderSpruit attended the last ASBA meeting where there was a discussion about development of a possible cell phone policy for students and the recent survey the province put out. The Spring General Meeting will be on June 2 - 4.&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>PSBAA Report</strong>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>The PSBSS Spring General Assembly takes place on May 30.&nbsp;</li></ul>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The May 28, 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.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The complete agenda package can be found here: </span><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hG6Hy-7T2SN3tHpYy0_2mN5dysNVVewR/view?usp=drive_link" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hG6Hy-7T2SN3tHpYy0_2mN5dysNVVewR/view?usp=drive_link</span></a></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A big congratulations to Gabe Thacker for recently being awarded a $120,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship. Gabe, along with his twin sister Ria, are the 2024 co-valedictorians at Senator Gershaw School. Schulich is a STEM scholarship for undergraduates with 100 of these highly coveted awards given to students attending one of 20 partner universities across Canada each year.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As Gabe will be taking a degree in engineering at the University of Alberta in September this year, he was eligible for one of fifty $120,000 scholarships. The other 50 scholarships are valued at $100,000 and are for students enrolled in science or math undergraduate programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Gabe signed up with GrantMe Educational Consulting, which provided him with a list of scholarships he was eligible for. In addition to the Schulich Leader Scholarship, Gabe was also awarded $6,000 for being a Loran finalist.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Prairie Rose Public Schools wishes Gabe the best of luck in all his future endeavors.</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The breakfast program at Oyen Public School (OPS) has been running for about six years and came about to ensure every student at the school had the opportunity to begin their day with a healthy meal. Between 40 to 120 K-6 students access the program each day depending on what is on offer, with higher numbers usually showing up when there is fresh fruit available.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Vice Principal at OPS Deanne Smigelski said, “the breakfast program means so much to all of our students and the community loves our breakfast program. Mrs. Stammers is always ready to greet and serve the students and they are so excited. They connect in the hallways while waiting in line and when they are back in the classroom, they have time to share and talk to one another while having their breakfast, we always carve out time for that. We know nutrition is important for their learning and maintaining energy throughout the day. It’s a valued part of our culture here at OPS and Mrs. Stammers is always amazing and has a smile in the morning when you walk in, which sets the atmosphere for our day.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 5 student Cruz loves, “just how nice Mrs. Stammers is when I come here and her having a smile on her face every time I see her.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Carla Stammers has been an Educational Assistant for 24 years and this is her second year of running the breakfast program. The program receives grants from the division office at Prairie Rose Public Schools along with donations, either monetary or food, from the community.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“This fruit was donated by one of the local restaurant owners who’d been in Calgary. We get a grant from the school division and that helps throughout the year, and we get money donations from parents and local businesses, our Serenity Chapter gave us $500 the other day. I try to keep a variety of snacks, so they all have a choice of what they want and not just the same thing every day,” explained Stammers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With fresh fruit on offer, the lineup of students went down the hall with Mrs. Stammers greeting each by name and asking about their day and what they would like for breakfast. A good number chose only to have fruit, but many also wanted hot food as well. All the students were polite and respectful and thanked Mrs. Stammers before leaving.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“I love seeing the kids in the morning and the smiles on their faces. I just want to feed them and I love to cook,” concluded Stammers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Prairie Rose Public Schools would like to congratulate Scott Raible on his appointment to the position of Principal of Burdett School. Burdett School is one of two Low German Speaking Mennonite (LGSM) K-9 schools in Prairie Rose with a current enrollment of 133 students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With 14 years of teaching experience, Scott began his career working as a temporary teacher at McCoy High School before soon finding a home with Prairie Rose in 2010 as a teacher at Eagle Butte High School. In his first year of teaching, he received the Edwin Parr nomination for the school division as an outstanding first-year teacher. Over the years, Scott has taught primarily English Language Arts and Social Studies courses, but also enjoys teaching drama, and religious studies. In addition to a Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge, Scott also holds a Bachelor of Theology. Last year, he completed his Master of Education in Educational Leadership at the University of Gonzaga.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to work alongside the excellent team at Burdett School. The school is known for providing a high quality education to Mennonite students that encompasses a mutual respect for religion and culture. The LGSM community is very active at the school and I look forward to building relationships with families and school Schultz’s as we continue to explore opportunities for students to grow and prepare for their futures.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Scott will officially assume the role of principal at Burdett School at the start of the 2024-2025 school year.</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Prairie Rose Public Schools would like to congratulate Stuart Shigehiro on accepting the principal position at Foremost School. Foremost School is a K-12 school with a current enrollment of 176 students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With 25 years of teaching experience, Stuart is a long-time teacher with Prairie Rose Public Schools having started at Jenner School back in 1999. In addition to teaching, he spent seven years in school administration, first at Jenner School as principal before moving to Margaret Wooding in Redcliff as a vice-principal and then principal. For the past 15 years Stuart has been working at Irvine School where he teaches junior high and elementary math, social studies and CTF courses. In addition to a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Lethbridge, he also holds a Masters Degree in School Leadership and Administration from Gonzaga University.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“I have really enjoyed my time at Irvine School but look forward to getting back into school administration. There are many commonalities between Foremost and Irvine schools such as the commitment to agriculture education, equine and rodeo, as well as hockey. I am excited to work with the community to continue to grow these programs and explore other unique rural options that build on the exceptional learning already taking place at Foremost School.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Stuart will officially assume the Foremost School principal position at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. The opening follows the transfer of current principal Corey Steeves to South Alberta High School this fall.</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The co- valedictorians at Senator Gershaw School for 2024 are twins Ria and Gabe Thacker.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“I’m happy that we are sharing,” said Ria, “because our marks were so close. Every assignment we completed, there was a different result (for who received the higher mark) and I feel like it wouldn’t be fair for one of us to get it.”&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“It is kind of sad because my grand plan was to win valedictorian and then when we are in a nursing home when we are 80 to continue to hold it over Ria’s head,” added Gabe.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s been a rivalry since the two were in Grade 5, when Ria earned the top student spot. For Grades 6 through 10 it was Gabe with Ria taking the victory again in Grade 11. Ria said, “it’s been a big competition throughout school.” To which Gabe added, “everybody was cheering for Ria this year, and nobody cheered for me.” Principal Scott Angle called over from his hallway office desk that the statement wasn’t completely true because he’d cheered for them both equally.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Both play volleyball and are active on student council. Gabe started working towards his fourth-class power engineering certificate when he was 14 years old and is currently working towards his third class. He uses this certification to work at the distillery on their family farm, which is how he spends his summers. Ria is a certified lifeguard and plans to work at the Bow Island pool again this summer.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For this September, Ria is enrolled in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary (U of C) to pursue a degree as a registered nurse. “Being a lifeguard, I’ve always been interested in healthcare, and I wanted to do something in that field. When I was applying, I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I applied for different programs in different schools, something broad enough I could upgrade later so that at least after four years I’d have a job.” Ria was accepted into all the programs and schools she applied for and chose the one that most appealed to her.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Gabe will be attending the University of Alberta (U of A) for engineering, which will effectively end the academic competition for the twins. “We’ll compare GPA’s,” said Gabe, “but I know Ria’s GPA will be significantly higher than mine all throughout university.” Ria disagreed as she was uncertain this statement would turn out to be true. Gabe hasn’t decided which branch of engineering he will enter and plans to wait until after his first year to decide.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Gabe’s last year in Senator Gershaw is ending well as he recently found out he was awarded a $120,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship. Additionally, he also received $6,000 for being a Loran finalist.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“I looked at the most valuable scholarships and I went down the list and started applying and I ended up winning the biggest one, so it worked out well,” explained Gabe. “There’s been lots of celebrating.”&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">September will be a momentous transition for both Gabe and Ria, who grew up and have attended Bow Island schools all their lives and always been together. “It will be a big change going from 16 people in a class to some courses with over 500 students,” said Gabe. “This year my cue to study was when I would walk upstairs and see Ria already studying because then I knew if I wanted to beat her, I also had to study. I won’t have that next year.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“It will be hard to get used to doing schoolwork when we aren’t doing the exact same stuff. I won’t be able to go home and ask him a question or if he’s finished something yet,” added Ria.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Although Ria has applied for residence and got a room, it wasn’t the style she was hoping for and plans to look at other options. However, she is glad she has something to fall back on if she can’t find alternate accommodation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“I’m excited but I’m also scared and definitely a bit nervous,” said Ria, who said nobody else from her graduating class will be attending U of C. “I’ll eventually like it but know it will be a rough few months.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Gabe added, “It’s fairly similar for me, but I have a friend in engineering who completed his first year at the University of Lethbridge and will be going up to U of A so we’ll both be there. He’s continued to remind me that it sucks, and it gets way harder, he’s sort of terrifying me.”&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Treyson Girletz has been named the 2024 valedictorian for South Central High School. Girletz started the year at Medicine Hat High School as he was playing on the U18 AA hockey team for the second year. However, he missed being at home and returned to Oyen in the beginning of November, commuting to Medicine Hat for practices twice a week along with travelling to wherever the team was playing games.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">He has a lighter schedule this semester with only three classes, Math 31, Physics and Social Studies. “When hockey was on, it was tough to do homework, mostly physics, but I still got it done.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">He plays centre and while he hasn’t been keeping track of his points, he believed he’d averaged about one point per game during the season, which ended in March. “All I’m going to do for hockey next year is drive back to Oyen on the odd weekend to play for the senior team here. I was debating playing for the Cubs in the Hat, but I thought focusing on school would be a better option.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“I have lots of friends there (Hat High), but I didn’t have classes with any of them, so it was mostly just talking with them at lunch or after school. Here, you know everybody, so you hang out with them at school and after school and get to know them a lot better in a small town.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Having lived in Oyen his entire life, Girletz is aware of how big a change it will be next year when he starts attending university. While he feels the three-hour drive to Calgary is manageable, he’s also confident he’ll be able to stay in touch with his friends via social media and plans to enjoy his summer with them.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Throughout high school, his favourite subjects have been math and chemistry. “My whole life, math is the subject everybody has known me to be good at.” When he was in Grade 9, Girletz was already enrolled in Grade 11 math and when he finished that course, he took a break for a few years. He felt it came back easily enough when he took Math 30-1, although there were a few challenges and he was surprised at what he’d forgotten.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Girletz has two younger siblings, both sisters, one in Grade 7 and the other in Grade 9. His mother is a math teacher at South Central and one of her daughters is currently in her class. “She never taught me. She taught my whole class, but I was ahead of them. Dad works for Special Areas and also coached me in sports my whole life.”&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Being valedictorian was always a goal for Girletz and he wasn’t surprised when he was told he’d earned the top academic spot. “It shows my hard work throughout the years. I’ve always made sure to keep my studies first even though I like to procrastinate sometimes. I’m the first valedictorian of my family on both sides and that means a lot.”&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In September, Girletz will be pursuing a degree in software engineering at the University of Calgary and plans to live in residence.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Prairie Rose Public Schools would like to announce the transfer of Jason Duchscherer to the position of Principal of Ralston School starting the 2024-2025 year. Ralston School is located on the CFB Suffield Canadian Military Base with a current enrollment of 65 students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Jason started his teaching career with Prairie Rose School Division in 1999 as a teacher at Oyen Public School. With 15 years of school administration experience, Jason has held the principal role at Oyen Public School, South Central High School, Schuler School and the vice-principal position at Eagle Butte High School. The move to Ralston School brings him back to the Medicine Hat area after working in Oyen for the past four years.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“I look forward to moving back and am excited about the opportunity to work at Ralston School. The school is very unique compared to other public schools based on the military connection and the cultural diversity that comes with working with families and students from other countries. I have heard many great things about the learning and opportunities available for students and I am eager to get to know the staff and community in the months to come.”&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Jason currently is the principal of both Oyen Public School and South Central High School.</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This year’s valedictorian at Eagle Butte High School is Alyssa Jaeger, who has always been a high academic student and her focus has been to excel in all her classes. “I wasn’t a very sporty kid, but I was a musical kid. I play violin so my group of friends were academics as well. I grew up playing music with and being friends with last year’s valedictorian. That was my group of people, they were high achievers from the time we were in Grade 4, and I grew up around that and it rubbed off on me,” stated Jaeger. “I enjoy the challenge academics brings and I love to learn so valedictorian seemed like a natural goal.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Jaeger is proud of herself and is pleased that all her hard work has paid off. The day she found out, Jaeger was writing a calculus test when she was called down to be informed she was the 2024 valedictorian. “I had to go back to class because they announce it at the end of the day. I got to go back to my calculus test, and I was smiling the entire time I wrote it,” said Jaeger.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This semester has been a rough one academically, with Physics 30, Chemistry 30 and Calculus all on her schedule, and Jaeger is glad it is coming to an end. She is excited for all the firsts that are coming this year and the prospect of attending the University of Calgary in September.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“I’m so excited for university, I can’t wait to learn what I want to learn and to really be able to dive deep into my own interest. I know that the opportunities for me staying here are quite limited, it wasn’t necessarily a choice to leave, but it was a natural next step.”&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Calgary was chosen because it had the program Jaeger is most interested in, but it being so close to her hometown of Redcliff is also a positive. While at university, Jaeger will be pursing a degree in biomedical sciences with an aim of entering medical school.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">While she hasn’t played violin much lately, it is still an important part of Jaeger’s life. “I started learning when I was five, so I learned how to read sheet music before I knew how to read, which I am so thankful for. I love music and I still participate in choir, and I play violin for other events around the school so being able to read sheet music and have the knowledge classical music gives has been very helpful. I haven’t reached for it in a while because I’ve been busy with school, but it’s a comfort for me.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">While violin is her primary extracurricular activity, Jaeger earned her second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and was also an instructor before she stopped to focus on academics. The most important skills Taekwondo taught her are determination, respect and mental fortitude.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For the summer, Jaeger will volunteer as a camp counsellor at Camp Shagabec on the Saskatchewan side of Cypress Hills and try to pick up some jobs to earn extra cash. She’s been attending the camp since she was 11 and once she was old enough, she wanted to be a volunteer counsellor because they are the ones who bring the atmosphere to the camp and make it fun.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Joyce Krause teaches calculus to Jaeger. “She’s a wonderful student, she’s probably one of the most hard-working students I’ve ever worked with. She’s very independent, she’s one of those students who likes to do it herself first. If she can puzzle through and solve something on her own, she’ll do it, but when she needs help, she’ll ask. Those are the kinds of students we love to have, she doesn’t want to be spoon-fed, she doesn’t want to be told how to do something, she wants to figure it out for herself and those are the skills that are going to make her really successful in post-secondary. While she’s independent, she is also willing to work with others. She’s helped students in classes, when people need help, she is there. She’s helped younger students and in a team environment, she’s definitely collaborative. You can’t make it through calculus without working with other people, so I’ve seen her partner with other people and work together. I’ve seen other kids who are struggling in class ask her for help and she’s always open to helping other people. She is definitely a perfectionist, but I recognize that in my own place. She’s a friendly person, she’s driven, she’s organized and a good person, it’s not just that she’s academic, she’s also an all-around good person.”&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">April is Month of the Military Child where the children of parents who serve are recognized for their sacrifices. Military children face unique challenges and must learn to be adaptable to living in various places, where they attend different schools and must make new friends. A move of this magnitude can affect learning and cause the child to fall behind in schoolwork, particularly when transitioning between countries that follow different curriculums.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ralston School is facing challenges of its own as the British Army continues to reduce its presence in CFB Suffield. “We started off the year with about 79 students, by the end of the year we are expecting to be around 59 students, so we’ve lost 20 students over the year, and we are supposed to be down to 50 by the time the next school year comes around,” explained Principal Stacey Nunweiler, who added that 75% of the student population are military children.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As the school is located on a military base, April is an important event for the community. On Monday, April 29, the entire school got together with the MFRC (Military Family Resource Centre) and Kiddie Care, the daycare on the base, for a hotdog lunch. “Most of us are wearing our teal shirts,” stated Nunweiler. “They want to do a big group picture at the end just to show we are supporting military children. This is a unique event for Ralston School and is a Canadian military celebration, but the British here have adopted it as well.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lara and Sienna are in Grade 1 and are having an awesome year. They’ve learnt about animals this year and particularly enjoyed Earth Day when they did a cleanup around the school. “I’m a bit Canada and a bit UK,” explained Sienna. “I did the very first class (Kindergarten) here all the way to Grade 1, so I picked up everything they taught me,” added Lara.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Both said it was great being a military child and felt April was an important month and thought ending the month with a hotdog lunch was super-duper awesome. The best thing about Ralston School is the learning. “It’s kinda of really fun when you are learning something you are interested in,” said Sienna who added, when asked what else she would like to learn, “I’m not sure, I think I’ve learned everything I’m interested in.”&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Three Grade 2 students sat down to chat, Aisha, Nkemdi, and Peyton. Science experiments, particularly when they were working with robotics and made machines that moved, seemed to be the most memorable part of their academic year. Pink was mentioned as a favourite colour amongst the group, as well as looking forward to the&nbsp;hotdog lunch. All three have lived in the UK and Canada and said the best thing about Ralston School was learning.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ousman is in Grade 4 and attended Ralston School before returning to the UK for a couple of years and is now back. Overall, he’s been at the school for three years. He enjoys “playing outside and math, numbers and multiplication and stuff like that. I’ve been to Mexico once, it was kind of nice, it was hot.” He felt Month of the Military Child was important as it helped him and other military children to feel special.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</span></p>

<p>Jenner School has been focusing on <i>Commitment to Community</i> this year, which will be the theme of their Exhibition of Learning in June. &nbsp;</p><p>“The exhibition has turned into a year-long focus project for our entire school. June is the revealing of the new ‘Welcome to Jenner’ sign that everyone will see when they drive into town,” stated Principal Kirby Stensrud. “The junior high students created prototypes and we took those ideas to our local Hutterite colony (Jenner Colony), who have an amazing fabrication shop, and they offered to make the sign and install it.” &nbsp;</p><p>The ribbon cutting for the new sign will happen once the exhibition in the school gymnasium is done. “The exhibition has turned into a community-centered recognition day that the teachers have now taken part in. We did some Christmas and Easter baskets and delivered those to care homes in Medicine Hat and things have spurred off from there that have been fun,” said Stensrud.</p><p>The young students, K-3, have been interviewing community champions who’ve come into the school to speak with them. The students have a list of questions they ask each presenter(s): What motivates you? If you had one word to describe Jenner, what would it be? Why did you pick your job or career? Along with telling the students a story about their life or career. Grade 2 student Huntley Stensrud said her one word for Jenner is amazing and she is motivated by friends, family and all animals. &nbsp;</p><p>Grade 4-6 students created two large mural art projects, with the post offices in Jenner and Buffalo each receiving one. “Each student chose a symbol that meant something to them about their community. Some chose a silhouette of a farmer, some chose cattle, others 4-H symbols,” explained Stensrud. &nbsp;</p><p>“It was fun (making the murals), it was relaxing to rip the pieces of paper up and glue them onto the page. I ended up doing the Alberta Sweet Potatoes logo because my mom runs that,” said Grade 5 student Madison Lessner, whose one word for Jenner is loving. &nbsp;</p><p>This is a year of transition for Grade 9 students, who will enrol in either Duchess School or South Central High School for Grade 10 in September. Evangeline Johnson has attended Jenner School since Kindergarten and said, “I love Jenner School so much, I don’t want to leave. I’m close with everyone I know at school. I like helping out the little kids, it makes me feel better. There are only six kids in our class, so we get a lot of attention from teachers, particularly with something we are struggling with.” &nbsp;</p><p>Johnson has difficulty with math while her friend Lily McLaughlin says math is her area of strength. The two girls have known each other since they started school and are grateful they will be together at Duchess next year, which has about 200 students, a large jump coming from Jenner that averages around 30 students each year.</p><p>In addition to creating a sign for Jenner, the junior high students each wrote a report on the area where they live. Johnson lives in Iddesleigh and learned much has been lost in the last generation. &nbsp;</p><p>“Jenner used to be bigger, and we used to have a grain elevator here, our hotel was two stories with a restaurant. We had tons of stuff and I learned that it wasn’t that long ago we had these things because my dad talks about it,” said Johnson. &nbsp;</p><p>“I live south of Jenner, in Denhart and the Tide Lake area,” said McLaughlin. “I did a mix of both with Jenner. There is not much there, in Tide Lake. I’ve lived there my whole life, so I kind of know it all and there was nothing that was really new.”</p><p>McLaughlin’s family lives next door to the 100-year-old Osborne School along with a 100-year-old church that her family still attends occasionally. “It’s a good community to grow up in, you know everybody so it’s awesome and you are close to a lot of people,” McLaughlin added.</p><p>Both girls said their one word for Jenner School is either family or community and are excited at having helped create a new sign for the town and seeing something they worked on come to life. Each of the students created different diagrams for the sign and three prototypes were made, with the final design a mixture of everyone’s ideas. “It was fun trying to get to that point and figuring it all out and knowing it will actually come true now,” said McLaughlin.</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer</p>

<p><strong>Update:</strong> A meeting will be held on <i>May 14th at Eagle Butte High School starting at 6:00 PM</i> to discuss the program and share the proposed space with interested families.</p><p>------</p><p>Based on feedback from our Irvine School community, Prairie Rose Public Schools is once again exploring the option of offering a Before and After School Program for Irvine School students who are between the ages for 5 and 12 years, starting the 2024-2025 school year. The program will operate out of Eagle Butte High School in Dunmore and include bus transportation to and from the program.<br><br>We are now seeking expressions of interest for the program to determine viability. To make the program operate, PRPS requires a minimum of 20 students registered. The program will be offered through the Medicine Hat YMCA and subsidies are available for those who qualify. You can use the <a href="https://www.childcaresubsidy.gov.ab.ca/ccs/ccs_public.nsf/Estimator?OpenForm">Subsidy Calculator</a> to determine if you are eligible.<br><br>Please read the information below about the program and <strong>complete the short survey before April 30, 2024</strong>. &nbsp;<i>Only those who are interested need to complete the survey.</i> This is not the official registration form. Those who express interest in accessing the program will be contacted by the first week of May with registration opening on June 4th.</p><p>➡️ Dunmore Before and After School Program Survey:&nbsp;<a href="https://prrdweb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9WFXCKfC6myxvp4">https://prrdweb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9WFXCKfC6myxvp4</a><br><br>Details for the Dunmore Before and After School program include the following:<br><br><strong>Program Options:</strong> There will be a single cost structure (flat rate) for mornings, afternoons or both. It will be the same cost whether a family chooses to use the program everyday or a few times a month. For those who choose the full-time (AM and PM options) PD Days will also be included in your fees. We will also be providing holiday week camps which will be an additional cost.<br><br><strong>Monthly Cost Options Per Child:&nbsp;</strong><br>Mornings (6:45 AM - Bus Pick Up to Irvine): $130<br>Afternoons (Bus Drop Off from Irvine - 6:00 PM): $180<br>AM and PM: $310 (each child registered receives a ONE YEAR Medicine Hat YMCA pass)<br><br><strong>Additional Program Options:</strong><br>PD Days for Full-time Students: FREE (included with your monthly fees)<br>Holiday Breaks (Christmas Break, Family Week, Easter Break): $170 per week</p>

<p>The first Monday of May is Bus Driver Appreciation Day and the parent council at Irvine School holds a breakfast for the drivers each year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Valerie Pearson, a representative on the parent council, said “the bus drivers are an integral part of our children’s education. They are super important and are often overlooked, so we decided we will appreciate the bus drivers by serving them breakfast. The parents made the breakfast, and the kids are going to serve.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The council also created a basket for each driver, which was new this year and Pearson said it was a way to present each driver with something personal. The baskets contained a fresh loaf of bread from the Walsh bakery, a bag of muffins cooked by parents and students, a toque with a rechargeable light on the front from PRPS, along with a bus driver survival kit – ear plugs, lip balm, peppermints, starbursts, lifesavers, bandages and a handmade key chain – along with a personalized mug.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Students who served included best friends Makinlee and Grace, who both did a great job greeting the drivers as they came into the room before taking their orders for either juice or coffee. Grade 1 student Reid said he enjoyed helping to serve breakfast. Kindergarten students Marrek excelled at slowly carrying an overloaded plate of waffles to the table. He smiled the entire time and quickly returned to take a second equally loaded plate to the other end of the table.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Brian Lambert has been driving bus for almost two months, leaving at 7:15 a.m. each morning to arrive at the school by 8:30 a.m., collecting 10 kids. Having recently retired from being a full-time driver, Lambert said, “this was an easy transition for me. I did that (full retirement) for a few months, but it wasn’t for me. I told my fellow co-workers before I left that I’d probably get a bus driving job and here I am.” He enjoys seeing the country and getting to know the kids, particularly the farm kids who he relates to easily and likes to ask them all sorts of questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Shelley Francis has a much longer route, travelling 25 km past Elkwater each day, with some parents driving their kids an additional 30 minutes to meet the bus there. The bus she drives is the same one she started with seven years ago, which had 10,000 km on it for her first run and now has over 500,000 km. “Every day, I’m like, come on baby, let’s go,” said Francis. She leaves at 5:50 a.m. to get to the school for 8:30 a.m., although when the weather is good, she takes a 10-minute break at the rest stop. “The best part is when the roads are good, they are good but when they’re bad they are bad. This morning they were really good, so I don’t know what it’s going to be like tonight because they are never good both ways, it’s either in the morning or in the afternoon.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Don Boschee retired over two years ago and decided last October to start driving bus because there always seemed to be a shortage. “I’ll probably keep going for another year for sure. I’m 68 so it depends on how old they let you get,” stated Boschee. “Be about two hours a day. The best part about it is that I’m fond of the kids. They can be trying sometimes, but I’m getting on with the parents. I like kids and I hope they like me.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Nadine Stimson drives a bus and is also a full-time Educational Assistant at Irvine School. She has been driving bus for three years and collects about 50 kids. The best part of the job is, “the kids, absolutely. They are awesome. It’s nice because I work here too so I have that relationship already. I figured I was driving out here anyways, so why not. I think a lot of times, bus drivers are overlooked, so when they do something like this (the breakfast) it really shows we are recognized and appreciated.”&nbsp;</p><p>Principal Trent Rayner came into the room to speak briefly with the bus drivers before he went to lead a class. “You are amongst the most important people we have, you are the first ones the kids see in the morning and the last ones at the end of the day, so you really can make or break their day and for the most part you really do make their day. We really appreciate all your hard work and all the stuff you put up with.”&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer</p>