School News

Stay up to date on school news here.

News-Curriculum
2022-09-02 15:17:17 +0000 UTC
PRPS K-6 Curriculum Implementation for 2022-2023
<p>Starting this fall, Alberta school divisions will begin implementing the new K-3 curriculum in the subjects of <i>English Language Arts and Literature (ELAL)</i> and <i>Math</i>. In addition, students in grades K-6 will be receiving the new <i>Physical Education and Wellness (PEW)</i> curriculum. As the topic of the new curriculum has been widely reported and debated in the public realm, Prairie Rose Public Schools would like to ensure parents are well informed about how the new curriculum rollout impacts their child. If you have any questions after reading through this documentation, please bring them forward to your classroom teacher who can provide you with additional information and resources.</p><p>Within Prairie Rose Public Schools, the following grades will be receiving the new curriculum:</p><ul><li>Kindergarten (ELAL, Math, PEW)</li><li>Grade 1 (ELAL, Math, PEW)</li><li>Grade 2 (ELAL, Math, PEW)</li><li>Grade 3 (ELAL, Math, PEW)</li><li>Grade 4 (PEW)</li><li>Grade 5 (PEW)</li><li>Grade 6 (PEW)</li></ul><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Subject Abbreviations</strong></td></tr><tr><td>English Language Arts and Literature (ELAL)&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Mathematics (Math)</td></tr><tr><td>Physical Education and Wellness (PEW)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><i>Note: A small number of Prairie Rose teachers will also be participating in the 2022-2023 optional implementation of the 4-6 English Language Arts and Literature (ELAL) and Math curriculum, as well as the K-6 Science curriculum pilot. If your child's class is participating in the implementation or pilot of any of these subjects during the 2022-2023 school year, you will be informed of your child's participation directly by your classroom teacher.&nbsp;</i></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>Below you will find important links to the Curriculum or Programs of Study used by Alberta Education. In addition, we have put together a list of ‘frequently asked questions’ that parents may have and a timeline for the rollout of future subjects and grades.</p><h3><strong>Alberta Education Links</strong></h3><ul><li><a href="https://curriculum.learnalberta.ca/cdn/ciihub/docs/K-6%20Curriculum%20Implementation%20and%20Supports%20Timeline.pdf">K-6 Curriculum Implementation and Supports Timeline</a></li><li><a href="https://curriculum.learnalberta.ca/cdn/ciihub/docs/English%20Language%20Arts%20and%20Literature%20Subject%20Overview_Final.pdf">Overview of K-6 Language Arts and Literature Curriculum</a></li><li><a href="https://curriculum.learnalberta.ca/cdn/ciihub/docs/Mathematics%20Subject%20Overview_Final.pdf">Overview of K-6 Math Curriculum</a></li><li><a href="https://curriculum.learnalberta.ca/cdn/ciihub/docs/Physical%20Education%20and%20Wellness%20Subject%20Overview_Final.pdf">Overview of K-6 Physical Education and Wellness Curriculum</a></li></ul><h3>Frequently Asked Questions</h3><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Are PRPS teachers ready for the new curriculum?</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Implementing a new curriculum is an exciting opportunity and an important part of the evolving practice of teaching. Curriculum implementation is a process and PRPS teachers have already been planning and preparing, and will continue to be well supported with professional learning opportunities throughout the upcoming school year.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Will there be gaps in my child’s learning from content or material being moved from one grade to another?</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Regardless of the curriculum being taught, teachers continuously work to meet each student where they are at in their learning. While curriculum is grade-specific, many concepts are revisited each year, giving students ample opportunity to build on their previous knowledge or be introduced to new material.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>How much is different? What is the same?&nbsp;</strong></td></tr><tr><td>While the curriculums are new, a significant amount of the content has been carried over from the previous Alberta Programs of Study.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Will PRPS be buying all new library books/resources/etc.? Does PRPS have funding for this or will parents/guardians need to fundraise for these new resources?</strong>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Teachers will continue to use existing resources where they align with the new curriculum. Alberta Education has provided school districts with some funding to purchase new resources where required. In Prairie Rose Public Schools, the Board of Trustees requested that the 2022-2023 budget included funds to support teacher professional development and resources for the implementation of the new curriculums.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Is the curriculum developmentally appropriate for K-3 children? Is there too much to cover in the new curriculum? Will there still be time to play/be creative/take breaks?</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Teachers work to plan the delivery of curriculum content in ways that are engaging, creative, and inspiring for students. Personalizing learning to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed to the best of their ability continues to be important work for PRPS schools.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>How much of what my child does at school every day is directed by the new curriculum? How much memorization/fact recall is required?</strong></td></tr><tr><td><p>The curriculum outlines what students are expected to learn. The <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TDPd9dnuzgQYk5swGGGAg2MhGplIF1rM">PRPS Education Plan</a>, and other documents and strategies such as a school’s School Development Plan, provide insight on the PRPS’s approach to how students learn.&nbsp;</p><p>Throughout the year, you will be encouraged to attend celebrations of learning, parent teacher conferences, meetings and discussions with your child’s teacher, and events at your child’s school. These events help demonstrate what your child is doing at school and start conversations about their learning.</p><p>Alberta Education has developed a series of resources for parents on their website, <a href="https://curriculum.learnalberta.ca/home/en">curriculum.learnalberta.ca</a>. We encourage you to explore these resources and learn more about the content and structure of the new curriculum.</p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Will support for children change?</strong>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>No, teachers continuously work to meet each student where they are at in their learning and supports will not change as a result of the new curriculum.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Will Grade 6 Students participate in Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs)?</strong>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>For the 2022-2023 school year, students participating in the small-scale optional implementation of Grade 6 English Language and Literature (ELAL) and Math, and the Grade 6 Science pilot, will not be writing PAT exams for those subjects. If your child is part of the optional piloting of these courses during the current school year, you will be informed of this by your classroom teacher.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
NIDP
2022-06-21 14:55:05.499 +0000 UTC
National Indigenous Peoples Day 2022
<p>On June 21st, Prairie Rose Public Schools recognizes <strong>National Indigenous Peoples Day</strong>. In alignment with the summer solstice, the day marks the opportunity for people in Canada to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Prairie Rose is proud to learn and be guided by the knowledge of our indigenous community partners and elders. We recognize and celebrate the culture of our 101 FNMI self-identified students and their families.</p><p>More information about the history and importance of National Indigenous Peoples Day can be found on the Government of Canada website: <a href="https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013718/1534874583157">https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013718/1534874583157</a></p><h3>Treaty 4 and Treaty 7</h3><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools acknowledges that we are situated on Treaty 7 and Treaty 4 territory, traditional lands of the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Stoney-Nakoda, and Tsuu T’ina as well as the Cree, Sioux, and the Saulteaux bands of the Ojibwa peoples. We also honour and acknowledge that we are on the homelands of the Métis Nation within Region 3.&nbsp;</p><h3>Treaty 7</h3><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools acknowledges the Treaty 7 territory; ancestral and traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy: Kainai, Piikani and Siksika as well as the Tsuu T’ina First Nation, Stoney Nakoda First Nation.</p><h3>Treaty 6</h3><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools acknowledges Treaty 6 territory; the ancestral and traditional territory of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, as well as the Métis.</p><p>We acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for generations. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We recognise the land as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting.&nbsp;</p>
2022-06-20 20:29:37.91 +0000 UTC
DR Flight Academy Drone Games
<p>They say third the time is a charm and after being delayed twice during the pandemic, this past weekend the first annual Drone Games took flight at Eagle Butte High School. In total, 16 students and six adults participated in the event which consisted of a trajectory drop, an agility obstacle course, a scavenger hunt and an XBox and flight simulator course. Prizes were awarded for winners in each of the three age categories.</p><ul><li>Grade 9/10: Arabella Allen</li><li>Grade 11/12: Ryan Porter (1st), Grade 11/12: Trigger Ellis (2nd)</li><li>Adult: Dana Marshall</li></ul><p>Prairie Rose would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to our community partners and volunteers who helped make the first annual Drone Games a big success.</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Super T Aviation</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Teri Super<br>Les Little<br>Doug Little<br>Sheri Little</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>QinetiQ</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Catherine Walton<br>Christopher Schneider<br>Deiredre Schneider<br>Erin Murray and Logan Murray<br>Jermaine Hoven<br>Jocelyn Arthur<br>Lukasz Trzcinka<br>Madison Aubry<br>Mike Mulder<br>Sunayan Mullick<br>Telisha Mielke</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Medicine Hat College</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Kevin Shufflebotham<br>Chad Flinn and Alex Flinn</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Canadian Forces Base Suffield</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Major Joe Kemp&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>AB Drones</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Andy Loignon<br>Cody Schenkey</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Other Partners</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Benjamin Weir - BEET / Octal 7<br>Ray Penner - Benchmark Geomatics<br>Marco Jansen - NAV Canada<br>Tammy and Katelyn Rozdeba</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>A big thank you also goes out to all the Prairie Rose staff who came out to support the event and ensure everything ran smoothly.</p>
2022-06-20 15:00:00 +0000 UTC
2022 Redcliff Scholarship Recipients
<p>The Redcliff Scholarship Committee for Advanced Education, is pleased to announce that Eagle Butte High School graduates Eden McCarthy, Erica McCuaig, Breanne Neufeld and Amber Schneider are the recipients of the 2022 Redcliff Scholarship Awards. All four students will be attending post-secondary in the fall, with plans to pursue careers in education, nursing, science and history. Each student will receive one of four 2022 Redcliff Scholarships for $5,000 towards tuition costs for post-secondary studies. &nbsp;</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Eden McCarthy (EBHS)</strong>, plans to attend Medicine Hat College to pursue a career in nursing</td></tr><tr><td>“I will be attending Medicine Hat College in the fall with plans to pursue a career in nursing. It has been my dream for as long as I can remember to become a nurse. My goal is to become a travel nurse and then work in Calgary at the Alberta Children’s Hospital as a paediatric nurse."</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Erica McCuaig (EBHS)</strong>, plans to attend Medicine Hat College to pursue a career in education</td></tr><tr><td>“I will be attending Medicine Hat College in the fall in the education program. My goal is to be an elementary teacher for grades 3 to 6, which will give me the opportunity to inspire and mentor youth in our community."</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Breanne Neufeld (EBHS)</strong>, plans to attend Medicine Hat College to pursue a career in education and biology</td></tr><tr><td>“I will be attending Medicine Hat College for two years then transfer to the University of Lethbridge for three years to earn a combined degree in education and biological sciences. I want to become a high school biology teacher, so I can pursue my passion for sharing knowledge and science."</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Amber Schneider (EBHS)</strong>, plans to attend Medicine Hat College to pursue a career as an archivist</td></tr><tr><td>“I will be attending Medicine Hat College with a plan to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. My goal is to become an archivist, believing that the history of places and events are important to how our society can connect to community.”</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><blockquote><p>“This year’s scholarship recipients were chosen from a group of extremely talented and hard-working individuals,” says scholarship administrator Pat Cocks. “The Redcliff Scholarship Committee is extremely pleased to be able to support these four exceptional students, who showed determination and strength through what was another unconventional school year. The Committee would like to wish them all the best in whatever their futures hold.”</p></blockquote><p>The Redcliff Scholarships were established in 2002 and have been awarded to 47 Redcliff students. &nbsp;The awards are possible thanks to two endowed scholarship funds, that were established and are sustained by ongoing contributions of Redcliff organizations, and present and past Redcliff citizens. &nbsp;A third, Frank King Tribute Scholarship Fund, was announced in the spring of 2018 in memory of the late Frank King, while a fourth was added in November of 2020 to honour the legacy of former Redcliff resident David Jon Thomson.</p><p>If you require further information, please contact Fund Administrator Pat Cocks at the number listed below.</p><p>Pat Cocks<br>Redcliff Scholarship Fund Administrator<br>403-526-0548</p><p>--------------------------------------------</p><h3>REDCLIFF SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ADVANCED EDUCATION</h3><p>The <strong>Redcliff Scholarship for Advanced Education “Original Fund”</strong> was launched at the Reunion of the 1944 Grade One Class held in September 2002. The aim was to create an endowed scholarship fund. Ongoing public contributions credited to this fund have been contributed by, or in tribute to, past and present citizens of Redcliff and by Redcliff organizations.</p><p><strong>“The Four Friends Fund”</strong> was established in the memory of the value of the lifelong Redcliff friendships of Jack Fairhurst, Ron Hodges, John Hudak and Gerald Berkhold. &nbsp;This second scholarship is administered parallel to the initial scholarship. &nbsp;It enabled two separate but equal scholarships to be awarded commencing in 2006.</p><p><strong>“Frank King Tribute” </strong>scholarship was made available through the generosity of the family and friends of Mr. King, a former resident of Redcliff and the Chair of the 1988 Calgary Olympic Games.</p><p><strong>“David Jon Thomson Scholarship”</strong> was established in 2020 in memory of David Jon Thomson. Mr. Thomson grew up in Redcliff and was a well-known businessman and a lifelong supporter of higher education.</p><p>The scholarships are to support the brightest and most able Redcliff high school graduates to explore fully their potential. The scholarships have as priorities the student’s financial need and overall abilities. &nbsp;The award criteria include financial need, leadership and citizenship and academic merit, with preference to first year students. Applicants must have been residents of Redcliff for at least their full year of Grade 12.</p><p>Payment of the scholarships are governed as follows:</p><ul><li>There are four separate annual scholarships for tuition at an institution of advanced education to a maximum of $5,000 each.</li><li>The $5,000 scholarship will be applied to the student’s tuition with two equal payments of $2,500 being sent directly to the post-secondary institution in mid-August and mid-December by Prairie Rose Public Schools.</li></ul><p>Comments or inquiries regarding the Scholarship Fund and contributions to the fund can be directed to Ryan Boser, Chief Financial Officer, Prairie Rose Public Schools (403) 527-5516.</p><p><i>The PDF version of the announcement can be found here: </i><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c-eEPNiqf9pM2txlfVAb-cWTPdPezXXN/view?usp=sharing"><i>https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c-eEPNiqf9pM2txlfVAb-cWTPdPezXXN/view?usp=sharing</i></a></p>
2022-06-14 06:00:00 +0000 UTC
June 14, 2022 Board Meeting Highlights
<p>The June 14th Board Meeting Agenda and attachments can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xNtrBfr401XVztLP838zAV0xFfhjwDQX/view?usp=sharing">PRPS June 14, 2022 Board Meeting Agenda Package</a></p><p><strong>Foremost School Presentation</strong></p><p>Foremost School principal Corey Steeves made a presentation to the board focused on current and future learning initiatives taking place at the school. In his report, he shared that through student and parent engagement staff heard that there was a desire for more option classes focused on building connections between what students were learning and life skills. As a result, the school added fitness, outdoor education, agriculture, coding, shop and food classes to the school timetable. The Foremost hockey academy was also expanded to add grade 4 - 6 students to the current 7-12 program. In terms of new and growing projects, the school has established a FARM program (Foremost Agriculture Resource Model) which involves the students growing, harvesting and selling the produce they grow. It was shared that a student has been hired as a caretaker and will oversee the garden throughout the summer months, with the goal of opening a student-led farmers market this fall. Another notable addition to the school next fall is a rodeo academy. The school has offered rodeo clinics in the past and plans to expand the program by offering a rodeo and life on the ranch course for the first semester, followed by a rodeo program in conjunction with the high school rodeo season the following spring. The full Foremost School presentation can be found in the June 14th Agenda Package.</p><p><strong>Ralston School Growcer’s Modular Farm</strong></p><p>Ralston School Principal Stacey Nunweiler and teacher Wade Carrier made a presentation to the board requesting support for establishing a Growcer’s Modular Farm on the school site. The addition of a hydroponic growing farm would help further develop the school’s Prairie Rose Possibility project focused on ‘learning from the land.’ The program focuses on three key learning areas for students which include FNMI learning, sustainable food production and outdoor education. The goal for the school is to apply for grants and establish community partnerships that can assist with funding the vertical hydroponic farm which has the capacity to produce 600 heads of lettuce each week. While still in the planning phase, the school’s goal would be to sell produce to local Ralston residents and community businesses, support other PRPS school food programs and donate 25% of the product to a food scarcity issue. The cost of a single Growcer’s unit is approximately $270,000. The full school presentation and proposal can be found in the June 14th Agenda Package.</p><p><strong>Health and Safety Report</strong></p><p>Health and Safety Coordinator Derek Beck shared the annual health and safety report for information. Highlights of the report include updates related to staff emergency response training, safety inspections, fire inspections and participation in the AHS ARTSSN illness reporting program. An update regarding injuries reported during the 2021-2022 school year was also provided. In total there were 107 student injuries across 15 schools reported with the most common occurring on the playground. 11 staff also reported injuries this year, primarily related to strains/sprains and slips and falls. It was noted that PRPS WCB rates continue to remain high, as they are based on averages from staff injuries reported over the past three to five years.</p><p><strong>Locally Approved Courses</strong></p><p>The board of trustees approved the following locally approved courses which are either new, or will be continued for use at all PRPS schools over the next three to five years:</p><ul><li>Aviation - Structures 25</li><li>Aviation - Structures 35</li><li>Aviation Navigation Aids 15&nbsp;</li><li>Mental Health Literacy -15&nbsp;</li><li>Developing Personal Integrity - 15, 25, 35</li><li>Competencies in Math (2022) 15</li><li>Learning Strategies 15</li><li>Learning Strategies 15</li><li>Learning Strategies 25</li><li>Learning Strategies 25</li><li>Learning Strategies 35</li><li>Learning Strategies 35</li><li>Psychology - Abnormal 35</li></ul>
2022-06-01 20:00:09 +0000 UTC
2022 Kaleidoscope of the Arts
<h3>2022 Kaleidoscope Art Winners</h3><p>Click here to see the complete list of winners in the art categories: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_GY5-YT6P4Uqr3fBssXpdnWS5xp_kt7L/view?usp=sharing">2022 Kaleidoscope Art Winners</a></p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="/images/eeabf7b2-e195-4e66-836f-301cab82bc59?fingerprint=ppb20251217025517" alt=""></figure></td><td><figure class="image"><img src="/images/f8374be6-0e65-4878-867d-38c2b98ce044?fingerprint=ppb20251217025706" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13Ci7djbA6m8ggZdxLC_i5GAPKBI-iyZb?usp=sharing"><strong>Click here</strong> to check out all the photos from the 2022 event.</a> A special thanks to Kyla Darr at Little Reflections photography for capturing this year's event.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><h3>PRPS Institute of the Arts Program</h3><p>Thank you to everyone who came out and bid on the student art work. Total sales from the 2022 Silent Auction and Art Exhibit Student Sales totalled $3,245. All sale proceeds goes back to the student artists.</p><p>If you are interested in enrolling your student in the PRPS Institute of the Arts for the 2022-2023, complete the registration form: <a href="https://prrdweb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3ZVjFItvPIYyb2e">https://prrdweb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3ZVjFItvPIYyb2e</a></p><p>____________________________________________________________________________</p><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools will be hosting the 13th annual Kaleidoscope of the Arts on June 1st and June 2nd at the Esplanade in Medicine Hat. The format has been changed from previous years and will include the following:</p><h3><strong>June 1, 2022</strong></h3><p><i>Silent Auction and Art Exhibition&nbsp;</i></p><p>The Prairie Rose Institute of the Arts students will be holding a Silent Auction and Art Exhibition running from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Students will be on hand to talk about their work and present it in an exhibit format. Highest bidders in the silent auction will purchase the student's work. All money raised goes directly back to the student artists.</p><p>The list of participants can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ag7raZBPlmrF0ogtAvd7nbJMLbCgqJjk/view?usp=sharing">Art Showcase</a></p><p><i>Musical Showcase</i></p><p>Starting at 7:00 p.m. students from Seven Persons School, Margaret Wooding School, Bow Island Elementary School, Senator Gershaw School, Eagle Butte High School and Parkside Jr High School will perform on the Esplanade main stage. The show is free to attend and will be approximately one hour in length.</p><p>Musical program lineup can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/14ON1AjcuRNWvj0vxVCJ4YP6glULTZbdk/view?usp=sharing">Music Showcase</a></p><h3><strong>June 2, 2022</strong></h3><p>Classes from across Prairie Rose will be transported to the Esplanade for a day of workshops focused on art, FNMI/mixed media, music creation, ukulele, and chorale. The day will end with a group performance with all students on the main stage of the Esplanade.&nbsp;</p>
2022-05-30 18:50:00.858 +0000 UTC
EBHS Principal Announcement
<p>Prairie Rose Public School would like to congratulate Rocheal Howes, who will become the new Eagle Butte High School Principal at the start of the next school year.</p><p>Howes holds a Master of Education in School Leadership and Bachelor’s degrees in Education and Kinesiology. Throughout her 22-year career, she has taught overseas in Japan, in the Medicine Hat area, at both the high school and junior high levels, and as a teacher and vice-principal of Parkside Junior High School in Redcliff. Currently, Howes is one of two vice principals at Eagle Butte High School; a role she has had since 2020.</p><blockquote><p>“Eagle Butte is such a vibrant and innovative school,” says Howes. “There’s always something exciting happening, whether in our Back to Business class, through the South Alberta Hockey and Flight academies, our sports and athletics programs, fine arts initiatives, and noticeably at the heart of all other classroom activities. The school is a vibrant learning community, and I am honoured to be chosen to lead our team as we continue to create unique and impactful learning experiences for students.”</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>“Having worked at the junior and high school levels for many years as both a teacher and a school administrator, Rocheal has a strong leadership foundation which will serve her well in this new role,” says Superintendent Reagan Weeks. “She is a passionate school leader who is always looking for new ways to engage the school community. We look forward to seeing what the Eagle Butte staff, students, parents, and community will accomplish together.”&nbsp;</p></blockquote><p>Rocheal Howes will officially assume the role of Eagle Butte High School principal at the start of the 2022-2023 school year.</p>
2022-05-25 20:00:00.515 +0000 UTC
May 24, 2022 Board Meeting Highlights
<p>The May 24th Board Meeting Agenda and attachments can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WYrx7MA441adTbUJDWfRHTgz9hs3lqzY/view?usp=sharing">PRPS May 24, 2022 Board Meeting Agenda Package</a></p><p><strong>Eagle Butte High School Presentation</strong></p><p>Eagle Butte High School principal Boyd Craven and vice-principals Cathy Hynes and Rocheal Howes provided an update to the board highlighting educational and student initiatives from the past year. In addition to adding several new learning opportunities for students, such as podcasts, tutor time, busking and food fusion classes, the school leadership team has increased opportunities to gather student input through the implementation of TAG surveys. Overall, it was noted that students have transitioned really well from the restrictions of COVID-19 and are involved in many sporting events and activities this spring. It was also shared that this is Eagle Butte High School’s 25th anniversary with an extensive community event planned for June 25th.</p><p><strong>FNMI Report</strong></p><p>FNMI Coordinator Carol Carlson provided an overview of several FNMI learning initiatives and activities across Prairie Rose Public Schools. It was shared that Prairie Rose has been working closely with community partner Whitebear Creations, a local group who has visited several PRPS schools to provide FNMI learning support which includes sharing history, games and indigenous art projects. Increased FNMI learning has also been integrated into many Prairie Rose Possibility projects. These include the Ralston School Learning for the Land project, where students learn how to use resources found in the local area. This spring, heirloom seeds, native to the land and passed on through generations, are also being added to PRPS greenhouse projects. Prairie Rose Public Schools currently has 122 self-identified FNMI students, representing 2.85% of the student population.</p><p><strong>2022-2025 Three-Year Education Plan</strong></p><p>Superintendent Reagan Weeks presented the 2022-2025 Three-year Education Plan to the board for review and approval. The plan features three new goals, including Ignite Minds, Kindle Hearts and Forge Futures. These three goals are supported by the six new Core Principles outlined in the plan focused on Connect, Create, Communicate, Care, Contribute and Challenge. Feedback from various stakeholders, including staff, parents, students and community partners, was conducted as part of the plan’s development. The full plan can be found in the Agenda package.</p><p><strong>2022-2023 Preliminary Budget</strong></p><p>Chief Financial Officer Ryan Boser presented the Preliminary 2022-2023 Budget for approval. Overall, Prairie Rose Public Schools is projecting the following expenses and revenues for the upcoming school year:</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td><strong>Revenues</strong></td><td><strong>Expenditures</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Instruction</td><td>40,067,342</td><td>40,050,342</td></tr><tr><td>Operations and Maintenance</td><td>6,043,124</td><td>7,157,173</td></tr><tr><td>Transportation</td><td>5,814,362</td><td>5,548,298</td></tr><tr><td>Board and System Admin</td><td>2,193,363</td><td>2,272,705</td></tr><tr><td>External Services</td><td>29,184</td><td>27,755</td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Total Budgeted</td><td>54,147,375</td><td>55,056,273</td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Surplus (Deficit) of Revenues over Expenses</td><td>(908,898)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>It was shared that the proposed deficit for the 2022-2023 year of $908,898 will bring PRPS reserves down to 3.97% or $2.187 million. For the first time this upcoming year, K-12 school division operating reserves cannot exceed more than their Board and System Admin expense percentage allowance, which for PRPS is 4.42% of operating expenses (approx. $2.250 million).</p><ul><li>The board approved the transfer of $300,000 from unrestricted operating reserves to restricted reserves to implement the 2022-2023 Education Plan.</li><li>The board approved the 2022-2023 Preliminary Budget as presented.</li></ul><p>The complete 2022-2023 Preliminary Budget can be found in the Board Agenda package.</p>