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

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

We will be closed all next week! We will re-open on Monday February 26. We hope you are able to spend some quality time with your family. #prairierosesd8 #mhcollege #mhpublicschools #familytime

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

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

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

Congratulations to Alyssa Bischoff who has been nominated by her teachers for the Student Spotlight. Thank you to Scotia Rise for supplying the swag bags to all of our nominees. #prairierosesd8 #mhcollege #mhpublicschools #scotiarise #swagnagsareawesome #studentspotlight

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

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

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

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

Orientation today (Jan 2). In Person classes begin tomorrow (Jan 3) Distance Learning will resume on January 8 #mhcollege #prairierosesd8 #mhpublicschools #wintersemesterbegins

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Let's see your Christmas Spirit! Coulee Collegiate is hosting Holiday Spirit Week Dec 11- Dec 15. #christmasspirit #digoutthechristmassweaters #whodoesntloveflannel #festive #mhcollege #prairierosesd8 #mhpublicschools