<p data-start="480" data-end="859">Prairie Rose Public Schools is proud to support the opening of a new CASA Mental Health Classroom at Link School in Redcliff, in partnership with <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline whitespace-normal">CASA Mental Health</span> and the Government of Alberta. This classroom expands access to school-based mental health supports for students in southern Alberta by bringing care into a familiar learning environment.</p><p data-start="480" data-end="859">Read the official media release: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MZcl3dhZu8S2Wgt3SUzDKXAfoyBbtXlf/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MZcl3dhZu8S2Wgt3SUzDKXAfoyBbtXlf/view?usp=drive_link</a></p><p data-start="861" data-end="1175">The CASA Classroom model supports students who are experiencing mental health challenges that affect their learning and day-to-day well-being. By integrating therapeutic and educational supports within the school setting, students are able to remain connected to their education while receiving the care they need.</p><p><strong>What this means for PRPS students and families</strong></p><p data-start="1228" data-end="1629">For Prairie Rose families, the CASA Classroom at Link School helps reduce barriers to accessing care. Supports are provided during the school day, eliminating the need for families to coordinate multiple appointments or travel outside their community. Families are also supported through education and connections to additional resources, helping strengthen student success both at school and at home.</p><p><strong>A collaborative approach</strong></p><p data-start="1660" data-end="1939">CASA Classrooms reflect a shared commitment between education and health partners to support students earlier and more effectively. At Link School, students are supported by a team that works closely together to address both learning and mental health needs in a coordinated way.</p><p data-start="1941" data-end="2075">This approach allows students to focus on healing and learning in an environment designed to promote safety, belonging, and stability.</p><p><strong>Supporting well students</strong></p><p data-start="2106" data-end="2402">Prairie Rose Public Schools recognizes that student well-being is closely connected to engagement, attendance, and academic success. Partnerships like the CASA Classroom program help ensure students with complex needs continue to feel supported, included, and connected to their school community.</p><p data-start="2404" data-end="2555">Families interested in learning more about the CASA Classroom program can speak with their school team for additional information and referral support.</p>

<p>Additional information can be found in the February 10, 2026, Board Meeting Agenda package: <a href="https://www.myprps.com/news/february-10-2026-public-board-meeting-20260206222419">https://www.myprps.com/news/february-10-2026-public-board-meeting-20260206222419</a></p><p>----</p><p><strong>Irvine School Presentation – Building Thinking Classrooms</strong></p><p>Trustees received a presentation from Irvine School focused on the <i>Building Thinking Classrooms</i> approach to teaching and learning at the elementary level.</p><p>As part of the presentation, trustees and members of the executive team participated in a hands-on learning activity alongside students, working in small groups to solve elementary math factoring problems. The activity demonstrated key elements of the learning approach, including collaboration, problem solving, movement, and standing, all of which are intentionally used to keep students actively engaged.</p><p>The presentation highlighted how this instructional approach supports student thinking, discussion, and shared problem solving, while recognizing the important role elementary teachers play in building strong foundational math skills through intentional instructional design.</p><p><strong>Transportation Accountability Report</strong><br><br>The Board reviewed the Transportation Accountability Report for the 2025–2026 school year, which provided an overview of student transportation services across Prairie Rose Public Schools.</p><p>Key highlights included:</p><ul><li>2,225 students registered for transportation</li><li>87 PRPS local routes serving 24 schools</li><li>Approximately 16,673 kilometres travelled daily</li><li>Four Calgary routes operating through contracted services</li></ul><p>Ridership information included:</p><ul><li>1,962 rural students, with an average ride time of approximately 40 minutes</li><li>170 urban riders within Medicine Hat</li><li>93 urban riders associated with Calgary schools</li></ul><p>Additional updates included:</p><ul><li>A new transportation building with capacity to house approximately 20 buses, with additional storage at the South Alberta Collegiate building</li><li>Ongoing driver training and certification, including S Endorsement requirements and driving sessions</li><li>A projected $595,000 transportation deficit for the 2025–2026 school year</li><li>A successful bid to provide transportation services for the Canada Special Summer Olympics, offering PRPS drivers the opportunity to work during the summer months if they choose</li></ul><p><strong>Executive Report</strong></p><p>The Superintendent and Executive Team provided an update on key operational and program areas across the division.</p><p>Highlights included:</p><ul><li>The CASA Classroom is now operational at The Link (former RMAP building), with five students currently enrolled. A provincial announcement regarding the classroom is scheduled for sometime in February.</li><li>A mild January and February resulted in fewer transportation disruptions and weather-related school closures than typically experienced.</li><li>The new semester is underway across Prairie Rose schools.</li><li>Next week is the Family Break, with teachers attending the Teachers’ Convention during the final two days of the break.</li></ul><p><strong>Locally Developed Courses</strong></p><p>The Board approved proposed locally developed courses designed to expand student learning opportunities and support student-centred and career-related programming.</p><p>Approved courses include:</p><ul><li>Student-Centred Learning 15</li><li>Journalism</li><li>Film and Media Art</li><li>Leadership: Character &amp; Social Responsibility</li></ul><p>These courses are intended to support student engagement, communication skills, creativity, leadership, and social responsibility.</p><p><strong>Advocacy &amp; Association Reports</strong></p><ul><li>Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA): No report provided.</li><li>Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta (PSBAA): Trustees received an overview of professional development offered at the recent meeting. The Spring Assembly will take place in Calgary in May.</li><li>Rural Caucus of Alberta School Boards: Trustees noted the upcoming meeting scheduled for March 1–3, with limited hotel availability.</li></ul><p><strong>Commendations</strong></p><p>Trustee Lois Bedwell acknowledged Wade Lancot and the PRPS bus transportation team for their work supporting Prairie Rose transportation operations and maintaining efficient and reliable service for students.</p>

<p>The next Prairie Rose Public Schools board meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the PRPS Division Office in Dunmore <strong>starting at 10:30 p.m. (NEW TIME)</strong></p><p>Board Meeting Agenda Package: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q96cywZCUW18vnBkkq1ExPkHtckYg9Gz/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q96cywZCUW18vnBkkq1ExPkHtckYg9Gz/view?usp=drive_link</a></p>

<p>Please join us for a panel of your Medicine Hat Tigers, moderated by Head Coach Willie Desjardins, and supported by Sport Psychologist Janay Gregory.&nbsp;</p><p>Behind every young athlete learning to perform under pressure is a parent quietly shaping that experience, for better or worse.&nbsp;<i>Under Pressure: A Parent’s Role in Athlete Success</i>&nbsp;brings you inside the high-stakes world of WHL-level hockey through an honest, unscripted panel conversation with Medicine Hat Tigers players, moderated by their Head Coach. These athletes know firsthand what pressure feels like. Expectations, competition, mistakes, and the voices they have heard on the way home from the rink.&nbsp;This panel will be supported by a brief presentation on athlete pressure from Janay Gregory, Sport Psychologist.&nbsp;In this engaging evening at Medicine Hat College, parents will gain rare insight into how pressure can either sharpen resilience or undermine confidence, and how to support their child in developing the mental strength to handle stress, setbacks, and high expectations, on the ice and beyond.&nbsp;</p><p>Young athletes are welcome if their parents are in attendance, and this conversation is designed especially for parents who want to help their athletes thrive, not just perform.</p><p>Session will be located at the Eresman Theatre, Medicine Hat College on January 28th at 6:30 pm.&nbsp;</p><p>Sign up to attend the session: <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflzq00WHlpmDtnZHs74nUf2xhD0vJfP7dusMMQlrsfhgU48w/viewform">Heart &amp; Home Parent Session January 28th Registration Form</a></p><p>Can't join in person? Connect via the online stream: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/0iD9W0QL58c">https://www.youtube.com/live/0iD9W0QL58c</a></p>

<p>Additional information can be found in the January 13, 2026, Board Meeting Agenda package: <a href="https://www.myprps.com/news/january-13-2026-public-board-meeting-20260112171955">https://www.myprps.com/news/january-13-2026-public-board-meeting-20260112171955</a></p><p>------</p><h3><strong>Schuler School Presentation</strong></h3><p>Trustees received a presentation from Schuler School highlighting a wide range of student learning experiences, school activities, and community involvement. The presentation provided an overview of how students are engaged through classroom learning, Career and Technology Foundations (CTF) programming, athletics, the arts, and wellness initiatives, as well as how the school connects with families and the broader community.</p><p>Highlights included:</p><ul><li>Student learning &amp; enrichment: science fairs, exhibitions of learning, CTF programming such as carpentry, drones, music, sewing, foods, and archery, as well as student-led projects and inquiry-based learning</li><li>Wellbeing &amp; belonging: Donuts with Dad, Muffins with Mom, student breakfasts, PJ Day for Purpose, German Choir Night, and school-wide wellness activities</li><li>Arts, athletics &amp; outdoor education: volleyball, basketball, badminton, track &amp; field, curling, swimming, skating, ski days, and theatre experiences</li><li>Community connection: Remembrance Day activities, fire hall tours, town clean-ups, Terry Fox Run, food drives, and community celebrations</li></ul><p>The presentation gave trustees a clear picture of how Schuler School is supporting student engagement both inside and outside the classroom.</p><h3><strong>Wellness Accountability Report</strong></h3><p>The Board received the Wellness Accountability Report outlining current trends, challenges, and supports related to staff and student wellbeing across the division.</p><p><i><strong>Staff Wellness – Healthy &amp; Safe Work Environments</strong></i></p><p>Prairie Rose continues to prioritize both physical and psychological wellbeing for employees, recognizing that healthy staff are essential to strong classrooms and positive school cultures.</p><p>Key highlights include:</p><ul><li>Mental health continues to be a leading factor in workplace disability claims across the education sector, reinforcing the importance of proactive supports.</li><li>Prairie Rose remains in line with or below provincial averages for disability conversion rates among similar-sized employers.</li><li>The division continues to promote:<ul><li>Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) resources</li><li>Wellness bulletins and awareness campaigns</li><li>Mental Health First Aid training for school leaders</li><li>Collaboration with ASEBP workplace wellness consultants</li></ul></li></ul><p>These efforts are aimed at supporting staff wellbeing, reducing barriers to access, and strengthening healthy work environments.</p><p><i><strong>Student Wellness Update</strong></i></p><p>The report also highlighted the growing importance of student mental health and emotional wellbeing across all grade levels.</p><p>Prairie Rose’s Student Wellness Team currently includes:</p><ul><li>10 full-time Student Wellness Counsellors</li><li>a Resilience Strategist</li><li>and a Mental Performance Professional</li></ul><p>Together, this team provides support across Prairie Rose schools through:</p><ul><li>Individual and group counselling</li><li>Classroom-based mental health programming</li><li>Parent education and training</li><li>School-based consultation and intervention</li><li>and resilience and coping skill development</li></ul><p>The report noted a continued increase in anxiety-related referrals, growing demand for support at Eagle Butte High School and South Central High School, and the increasing impact of social media and screen time on student focus, emotional regulation, and overall wellbeing. Prairie Rose is responding through expanded supports, staff training, and a strong focus on helping students build the skills they need to manage stress and thrive.</p><h3><strong>Executive Report</strong></h3><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools recently hosted a delegation from Parkland School Division to share information on the design and delivery of academy programming. The visit showcased the South Alberta Collegiate (SAC) facility, South Alberta Flight Academy, agriculture programming in PRPS with the Irvine farm and new Yuill School of Agriculture, South Alberta Hockey Academy (SAHA), and the South Alberta Fire Rescue Academy.</p><h3><strong>International Baccalaureate (IB) Program</strong></h3><p>Eagle Butte High School will be introducing International Baccalaureate (IB) programming beginning in the 2026–2027 school year. Prairie Rose Public Schools will be offering a modified IB model, starting with IB-aligned Mathematics and English, focused on strengthening critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills while continuing to meet Alberta Education curriculum requirements.</p><p>The career-related component of IB programming will be delivered through the South Alberta Flight Academy. Students enrolled in the Flight Academy will have the opportunity to participate in the IB Career-related framework alongside their aviation training, connecting academic learning with hands-on, industry-focused experience.</p><p>This phased approach allows the division to introduce IB programming in a flexible manner, with opportunities for expansion as the program develops.&nbsp;</p><p>Watch a video to learn more about the program:&nbsp;<a href="https://vimeo.com/1154056857">https://vimeo.com/1154056857</a></p><h3><strong>Financial Report (as of November 30, 2025)</strong></h3><p>The Board reviewed the Year-to-Date Financial Report, which provides an update on Prairie Rose’s financial position partway through the school year.</p><p>Overall, the division is currently in a stable financial position, with revenues trending higher than budget due to Alberta Education funding adjustments and teacher salary settlement funding. At the same time, expenses are also higher than budget, reflecting retroactive pay, additional educational assistant time, increased Student Wellness Counsellor staffing, the addition of a Social Media &amp; Engagement position, and higher software licensing costs related to student growth.</p><p>As a result, the division has moved from a balanced budget to a projected operating surplus at this point in the year. Trustees were also advised that the year-to-date surplus is higher than typical due to reduced salary costs during the teacher strike, and that an Alberta Education clawback is expected later in the year.</p><h3><strong>Field Trip Approvals</strong></h3><p>Trustees approved two upcoming field trips that will provide students with meaningful, curriculum-connected learning experiences beyond the classroom.</p><ul><li>Students from Calgary Islamic School, Akram Jomaa Campus will participate in an exchange trip to Mississauga, Ontario (May 10–17, 2026), focused on cultural understanding, relationship building, and community connection.<br>&nbsp;</li><li>Students from Irvine School will take part in an Eastern Canada educational tour in May 2026, visiting Quebec City, Montreal, and Ottawa to explore Canadian history, culture, and government in support of the Grade 7–9 Social Studies curriculum.</li></ul><h3><strong>Locally Developed Courses</strong></h3><p>The Board reviewed and approved Locally Developed Courses that enhance Career and Technology Studies programming and support innovation, technology, and real-world skill development, including:</p><ul><li>iOS App Design</li><li>Game Design and Development</li><li>Cybersecurity</li><li>Intro to Artificial Intelligence</li></ul><h3><strong>Commendations</strong></h3><p>Trustees shared commendations recognizing the following:</p><ul><li>Western Tractor Days – Appreciation was extended to Nichole Neubauer for her continued dedication in promoting Prairie Rose Public Schools and championing agriculture initiatives across the region.<br>&nbsp;</li><li>Eagle Butte High School (EBHS) – Recognition was given to all staff for their significant work in preparing for the implementation of International Baccalaureate (IB) programming, as well as for hosting an engaging and successful Science Fair.<br>&nbsp;</li><li>PRPS Payroll Team – Trustees thanked the PRPS Division Office Payroll team for their professionalism and diligence in managing the complex timelines associated with retroactive pay processing and contract changes.</li></ul>