<p>The Prairie Rose Public Schools Board of Trustees will be holding their next public meeting on January 11, 2022, at 12:45 PM. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the meeting will be streamed live.</p><p>The meeting agenda can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ayjvsHhUIIZTvm4ggNZhYMZTF6fpLzuP/view?usp=sharing">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ayjvsHhUIIZTvm4ggNZhYMZTF6fpLzuP/view?usp=sharing</a></p><p>The meeting will be held online and can be accessed here: <a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ODI4ODQzNGYtNmE1Ni00ZDJmLTlmMDEtZGUxOTQ4ZjM5YzM1%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22c1a7f361-4369-4e63-af8a-db541e2c097b%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22f7324c65-36e2-49e7-bfab-e0b3d9aa4a5d%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d&amp;btype=a&amp;role=a">Join the Online Meeting</a><br><i>Once you click the link, click cancel (on the pop up), watch on the web instead, join anonymously.</i></p>

<p>On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=81695BC01F3A2-FCDD-B660-8693473704E81BE1">January 5th the Alberta Government confirmed</a> that in-person classes would restart on January 10th. With the classes resuming next week, Prairie Rose Public Schools is prepared to welcome back students using enhanced cleaning and health practices such as masking for grades 4-12 (and all adults), cohorting when possible, and enhanced cleaning practices.&nbsp;</p><p>To supplement our current efforts, the government will begin distributing medical grade masks and testing kits to each student and staff member. The school division has been told that we can expect to start seeing shipments of these items as early as Friday, January 7th, although there is no guarantee they will arrive by the start of classes next week. Once schools receive the materials they will be sent home with students. <i>The use of the medical masks and testing kits is optional and can be used at the discretion and guidance of parents. </i>A video has been created with instructions on how to use the <a href="https://youtu.be/h4q7EuAbgE8">testing kits</a> for those who wish to use them.</p><p>Other important information:</p><ul><li>All individuals are still required to review the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/12oedZgsqwxJlmL6yMMLlR86E4PeuvGMG/view">Student Illness Guide</a> with their child each day before coming to school. If your child shows any signs of illness, parents will be contacted to pick up their child from school. It is anticipated there will be new changes to the daily checklist, but currently we ask families to follow the same process as prior to the winter break when determining if their child is well enough to attend school. Over the break the government also announced changes to the <a href="https://www.alberta.ca/isolation.aspx">isolation and quarantine timelines</a>. Please take a moment to review the new changes.<br>&nbsp;</li><li>Based on current health data, there will likely be a high number of student and staff absences in the coming weeks due to the rising number of Omicron COVID-19 cases within communities. Should this happen in Prairie Rose, it may be necessary to move a class or classes to online learning for a short period of time. Online learning will only be used as a last resort when it is not possible to offer in-person learning.<br>&nbsp;</li><li>It is our hope that extra curricular activities (including sports programs) will continue as planned. We have not received official confirmation regarding extra curricular and expect more information related to the continuation of these programs in the next few days.<br>&nbsp;</li><li>It is expected that the government will be making several changes to their K-12 school guidance documents. Currently, we do not have additional information related to what these may be, including contact tracing practices. Once we have more information this will be shared with families.<br>&nbsp;</li><li><strong>For high school students only</strong>: Diploma exams have been cancelled for January. Prairie Rose has also made the decision to cancel exam week, which means there will be no final exams for any high school students. Classes will run for all high school students up to and including January 26th. Students will be off on January 27th and January 28th (SI Day). Second semester will begin on January 31st.</li></ul><p>We understand that families may have additional questions. We continue to ask for your patience as we amend our guidelines based on new information from the province. Please watch your email over the weekend, as it is likely you may receive another update from us with these details. As always, we appreciate your cooperation and patience as we navigate the uncertainty of the pandemic and look forward to a return to in-person learning next week.</p><p>Sincerely,</p><p>Reagan Weeks<br>Superintendent of Schools<br>Prairie Rose Public Schools</p>

<p>On December 30th, the province announced that due to the rising number of Omicron cases of COVID-19, <strong>the return to school following the Christmas break will be delayed across the province until January 10th</strong>. In Prairie Rose, students were scheduled to return to class next Monday on January 3rd. In addition to postponing a return to class for students, it was also announced that diploma exams that are scheduled to start on January 11th have been cancelled.</p><p>During the extended break, school jurisdictions have been asked to assess staffing implications and the potential operational impacts of the current COVID-19 situation. This also includes reviewing current COVID-19 protocols in Prairie Rose schools and considering additional measures that can be implemented for a safe return to in-person classes. Alberta Education has committed to sharing more information with school authorities next week and have informed us that they are already working to secure additional PPE (masks and rapid test kits) to increase student and staff safety. In Prairie Rose we have already taken proactive measures and have secured KN95 and testing kits which will be available in our schools for the January 10th start date. Once we have more information regarding any additional measures they will be passed along to our school communities.</p><p>We appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty it brings for both schools and families. Our goal is to continue to work with parents to ensure learning remains a priority, despite the unforeseen challenges we face. Please enjoy your extended Christmas break and we will provide more information once it is made available to us.</p><p>Sincerely,</p><p>Reagan Weeks<br>Superintendent of Schools</p>

Merry Christmas from the staff and students of Warren Peers School.

<p>As we head into the holiday season, PRPS would like to thank all our families and students for helping us support many important social initiatives in our local communities. Your donations and time will go towards helping others this season.</p><p>Check out all the ways our schools have given back: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dyuwHMqaUi4991JZ7INOW_2yJX13bD85/view?usp=sharing">A Festive Season in Prairie Rose</a></p>

We're hiring!

Special guest dropped in to WPS yesterday bringing good cheer.

Thank you to the Warren Peers School Parent Council for the catered turkey dinner. So yummy.

<p><strong>Mileage and Meal Reimbursement Rates</strong></p><p>Secretary Treasurer Ryan Boser provided an overview of the results of a mileage and meal reimbursement review that compared Prairie Rose’s rates with other school divisions in Zone 6. The division currently reimburses staff at 0.50 per kilometre for mileage, $11 for breakfast, $15 for lunch and $25 for supper. It was recommended that the mileage rate be increased to 0.54 per kilometre and that breakfast financial reimbursement be increased to $15 and supper to $30. The changes would apply to all Prairie Rose staff when conducting official PRPS business. The motion was carried.</p><p><strong>Oyen Public School Presentation</strong></p><p>Principal Jason Duchscherer shared a presentation with the board outlining academic programming, instructional strategies and facility improvements at Oyen Public School. It was noted that the school used the assurance survey data collected in the spring of 2021 to make changes based on the feedback received from students and parents.&nbsp;</p><p>The presentation highlighted the following:</p><ul><li>Recent renovations at the school to improve the front entrance and the completion of a breakfast room.</li><li>Literacy strategies being used across all grade levels including science of reading, Heggerty program and secret stories.</li><li>New programming options at OPS including art class, band, drama, leadership, and computer skills and problem solving.</li><li>Two academy programs, including the SAHA hockey academy and the introduction of the new Jr. Badgers baseball program.</li><li>The introduction of the Prairie Rose Possibility agriculture program where the school purchased their own chicken coop and students were responsible for growing and caring for the animals. The school also purchased red wiggler worms as part of an organic recycling initiative.</li><li>The sharing of a school librarian with South Central High School for 9 hours per week.</li></ul><p>The full presentation can be found in the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LcBqHQiRv2YByODmAnYmid7PzdY2e6K4/view">December 14, 2021, Board Meeting</a> package.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Irvine School Field Trip</strong></p><p>Superintendent Reagan Weeks presented an Irvine School field trip request to Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto from April 23 - May 1, 2022, through EF Tours. It was noted that this specific trip has been approved by the board in past years and that EF Tours is a reputable company specializing in student travel. The board approved the field trip request as presented.</p><p><strong>Board Committee Structures</strong></p><p>Superintendent Reagan Weeks asked the board to vote on two separate motions to rescind two governance policies, Student Board Advisory Committee and FNMI Committee, as both were not consistently reviewed by the board on an annual basis. It was recommended that the Student Board Advisory Committee be renamed, Student Voice and be turned into an ad hoc committee. However, the FNMI Committee will be dissolved, as it was noted that the policy is outdated and the board already receives regular updates via the FNMI Coordinator report, Student Services report and Annual Education Results Report related to FNMI supports, results and strategies. The board passed both motions.</p>

Gingerbread House building. Lots of candies and fun.

<p>We have been asked to share the following information with our families from Alberta Health Services:</p><p>Health Canada has approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11. The Canadian Pediatric Society is recommending that all eligible children get vaccinated against COVID-19.</p><p>Parents may book vaccine appointments for children aged 5 to 11 through the <a href="https://bookvaccine.alberta.ca/vaccine/s/">Alberta Vaccine Booking system</a> or by calling Health Link at 811. <strong>Vaccines will not be available in schools and schools do not track or monitor the status of student vaccinations</strong>. Parent or guardian consent is required for children to get their vaccine, and it can be provided either in-person at the vaccine appointment or by a signed consent form.</p><p>K-12 students are not required to have a vaccination of any kind to attend Prairie Rose Public Schools, and no student will be denied access to an education based on their vaccination status. Prairie Rose will continue to recognize and respect parents as the primary decision-makers for their children regarding COVID vaccinations. We encourage our parents and guardians to seek out reliable and factual information to inform their decisions on vaccines for their children.&nbsp;</p><h4>Vaccine Resources</h4><ul><li><a href="https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/94df0467-fe7d-4008-891b-911c230bc8b9/resource/2fa7e614-a976-4cd2-82e2-4bc739687056/download/health-cmoh-letter-covid-19-vaccine-for-children-age-5-11-parents-guardians.pdf">Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health letter to parents (Nov 24)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine-myths-and-facts.aspx">Government of Alberta – Vaccine myths and facts and information on vaccines for children</a></li><li><a href="https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/page17746.aspx">AHS COVID-19 Immunization for Children Under 12</a></li><li><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/vaccination-children/covid-19.html?utm_campaign=hc-sc-covidvaccine-21-22&amp;utm_medium=sem&amp;utm_source=ggl&amp;utm_content=ad-text-en&amp;utm_term=children%20covid%2019%20vaccine&amp;adv=2122-89750&amp;id_campaign=12876015044&amp;id_source=128444816378&amp;id_content=545566020908&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAs92MBhAXEiwAXTi25ykm3zsdnWS0BBBHnhZ9lKIDupsFaIexHgIGw5_VrYtlH691ESvTbxoCYmIQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">Health Canada – COVID-19 vaccines for children: What you need to know</a></li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools would like to congratulate Daphne Thompson of Eagle Butte High School and Victoria Rooks of Senator Gershaw School who have both recently had their science fair research published in the Canadian Science Fair Journal. Being published is a huge accomplishment and we are incredibly proud to recognize the effort and dedication to science and learning required to reach this milestone.</p><p>Daphne Thompson, grade 12 student at Eagle Butte High School:<br><a href="https://csfjournal.com/volume-3-issue-7/2021/4/10/fungi-in-snow">https://csfjournal.com/volume-3-issue-7/2021/4/10/fungi-in-snow</a></p><p>Victoria Rooks, grade nine student at Senator Gershaw School:<br><a href="https://csfjournal.com/volume-4-issue-2/2021/10/29/worm-phun">https://csfjournal.com/volume-4-issue-2/2021/10/29/worm-phun</a></p><p>The full media release from the Kiwanis Regional Science Fair Committee can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LPB6IlUth_r49I408jB74tItdGpDuAe8">https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LPB6IlUth_r49I408jB74tItdGpDuAe8</a></p>

<p>The meeting agenda can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M8ausPsSe9nUKMaAxzulKi8w0RKXMzcd/view?usp=sharing">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M8ausPsSe9nUKMaAxzulKi8w0RKXMzcd/view?usp=sharing</a></p><p><br><strong>Student Services Report</strong></p><p>Director of Inclusion Services Camille Quinton shared her Student Services Accountability Report to the board for information. The Student Services team is responsible for providing a variety of programming support to students and staff that includes special education supports, counseling, student leadership, early childhood programming, speech and language therapy, social work, psychology and health supports. It was noted that there has been an increase in students requesting mental health support in schools as a result of the ongoing COVID pandemic. Priority around health and wellness in schools continues to be emphasized.</p><p><strong>Audited Financial Statements</strong></p><p>Assistant Secretary Treasurer Candice Hintz presented the 2020-2021 Audited Financial Statements for approval. It was noted that factors impacting the previous year’s budget included lower enrollment compared to spring projections, the implementation of a new funding model that included a weighted moving average per student calculation, and funding for COVID-19 to recover additional costs for subs, new technology and the implementation of the Home Plus Learning Program. For the 2020-2021 year, the division posted a total accumulated surplus of $10,424. This includes a surplus of $486,870 in Instruction, a deficit of $1,152,127 in Operations and Maintenance, a surplus in Transportation of $449,322, a surplus of $197,386 in System Administration and a surplus in External Services of $8,125. Auditors, MNP LLP, indicated no issues with the audit process and provided a clean audit opinion. The full financial statements and audit opinion can be found in the board meeting agenda package.</p><p>The board passed two motions related to the audited financial statements:</p><ul><li>That the Board of Trustees of Prairie Rose Public Schools approve the net transfer of $133,675 from Unrestricted Operating Reserves to Restricted Operating Reserves. Further, it approves the net transfer of $26,918 from Unrestricted Operating Reserves to Restricted Capital Reserves. <strong>CARRIED</strong></li><li>That the Board of Trustees of Prairie Rose Public Schools approves the 2020-21 Audited Financial Statements, as presented. <strong>CARRIED</strong></li></ul><p><strong>2021-2022 Revised Budget</strong></p><p>Secretary Treasurer Ryan Boser presented the revised 2021-2022 budget for approval. Assumptions of the revised budget included no interruptions in Alberta Education funding due to COVID-19, a decrease in enrollment of 69.5 FTE students from projections, a decrease in insurance premiums and no changes to the salary grids for teachers or support staff. In comparison to the spring projected budget, the division is now forecasting a deficit of $630,195, down from $733,873 for a difference of $103,678. This amount includes an instructional surplus of $128,373, a deficit of $918,747 in Operations and Maintenance, a surplus of $153,360 in Transportation and a surplus of $6,819 in External Services. It was noted that unlike previous years, System Administration (previously called Board and System Administration) is a separate grant, rather than a maximum percentage of overall expenses. The full budget can be found in the board meeting agenda package.</p><ul><li>That the Board of Trustees of Prairie Rose Public Schools approves the 2021-22 Revised Budget, as presented. <strong>CARRIED</strong></li></ul><p><strong>Annual Education Results Report</strong></p><p>Superintendent Reagan Weeks presented the Annual Education Results Report for approval. The report is now separate from the annual Education Plan and focuses on five new domains in connection with the new assurance model. The new domains include; Student Growth and Achievement, Teaching and Learning, Learning Supports, Governance and Local Context. It was noted that overall results are really strong in Prairie Rose and reflect the excellent efforts of staff, students and communities who have worked hard to provide and participate in unique learning experiences, despite the challenges related to COVID-19. The complete Results Report can be found in the board agenda package.</p><ul><li>That the Board of Trustees of Prairie Rose Public Schools approves the 2020-21 Annual Education Results Report, as presented. <strong>CARRIED</strong></li></ul>

<p>The Prairie Rose Public Schools Board of Trustees will be holding their next public meeting on November 23, 2021, at 12:45 PM. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the meeting will be streamed live.</p><p>The meeting agenda can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M8ausPsSe9nUKMaAxzulKi8w0RKXMzcd/view?usp=sharing">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M8ausPsSe9nUKMaAxzulKi8w0RKXMzcd/view?usp=sharing</a></p><p>The meeting will be held online and can be accessed here: <a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NDcwYWRiMWQtZTIxNS00MGM3LWEzYTYtYzhkN2JiM2M2MTdk%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22c1a7f361-4369-4e63-af8a-db541e2c097b%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22f7324c65-36e2-49e7-bfab-e0b3d9aa4a5d%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d&amp;btype=a&amp;role=a">Join the Online Meeting</a><br><i>Once you click the link, click cancel (on the pop up), watch on the web instead, join anonymously</i></p>

Great job WPS. Students played their final games against Jenner School. Thank you Nicole Skappak for refereeing, thanks to the Bindloss Hall board for the facility, thanks to the coaches, the parents and the players. A great season of play.

Thank you parent council for our hot lunch today. Yummy.

<p>Each year Prairie Rose Public School students participate in the annual bus poster safety contest as part of Bus Safety Week (Oct 17-23) in Alberta. This year's theme was 'Bus Rules Rock'! Winners from kindergarten to grade 6 are selected locally and then all entries are sent for judging at the provincial level. Congratulations to the following students for being selected as the Prairie Rose grade level winners.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Kindergarten</strong><br>1st place: Noah V - Bow Island Elementary<br>2nd place: Adelle K - Bow Island Elementary<br>3rd place: Kennedy R - Bow Island Elementary</p><p><strong>Grade 1</strong><br>1st place: Brogan E - Schuler<br>2nd place: Cooper C - Bow Island Elementary<br>3rd place: Jordan M - IF Cox</p><p><strong>Grade 2</strong><br>1st place: Sadie E - Seven Persons<br>2nd place: Keller T - New Brigden<br>3rd place: Lincoln V - Bow Island Elementary</p><p><strong>Grade 3</strong><br>1st place: Julia K - Foremost<br>2nd place: Jade H - Jenner<br>3rd place: Blaze H - Foremost</p><p><strong>Grade 4</strong><br>1st place: Dawn S - Senator Gershaw<br>2nd place: Briar W - Oyen Public<br>3rd place: Omnima R - Ralston</p><p><strong>Grade 5</strong><br>1st place: Hadley V - Oyen Public<br>2nd place: Mila W - Senator Gershaw<br>3rd place: Maddox M - Oyen Public</p><p><strong>Grade 6</strong><br>1st place: David H - Prairie Mennonite<br>2nd place: Sara F - Prairie Mennonite<br>3rd place: Jake R - Prairie Mennonite</p>

Due to strong winds, freezing rain and blowing snow, school will be cancelled today at Warren Peers, New Brigden, South Central and OYEN Public. Stay safe and warm everyone.

<p><strong>1. Ralston School Presentation</strong></p><p>Ralston School principal Stacey Nunweiller provided the board with an update on what is happening at the school. Some of the highlights include community consultation to develop a new mission and vision for the school, a community building project (as many of the students who attend Ralston School come from out of the country), and the implementation of new strategies to address parent and student concerns from the assurance survey that took place in the spring of 2021. One of the strategies included focus on student voice which involved extending the student council to include a representative from each classroom from grades JK-9. Principal Nunweiller also spoke about the new Ralston School Prairie Rose Possibility project called Learning from the Land. A <a href="https://sites.google.com/d/14gBkPIeg37nccEYw0emI7KTImX-QhZen/p/1fv1AjB51VmiJd7xPTZdbaba">website</a> has been created outlining the project in detail. The full presentation can be found in the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-FXOvzHq2L3LCDZci2P-Z_sS9ftfgyyl/view?usp=sharing">November 9, 2021 Agenda Package</a>.</p><p><strong>2. Prairie Rose Possibilities</strong></p><p>Superintendent Reagan Weeks presented a report to the board outlining unique learning opportunities and programs across the school division. In total, Prairie Rose has a total of 28 projects that have been started with approximately 1,527 students participating across the division. The full list of projects can be found in the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-FXOvzHq2L3LCDZci2P-Z_sS9ftfgyyl/view?usp=sharing">November 9, 2021, Agenda Package</a>.</p><p><strong>3. Committee Structures</strong> - item was tabled.</p><p><strong>4. COVID-19 Tabled Policy</strong></p><p>Deputy Superintendent Mark Heinricks presented an overview of the data collected by the school division related to vaccination rates of staff by employee groups, the letters sent to school division’s by the Minister’s of Education and Health and the ATA, the CMOH Health Order, legal considerations related to the implementation or lack thereof of a proof of negative COVID test or vaccination policy, and details on what other boards in the province have done to address the Ministers’ request.&nbsp;</p><p>Trustee Lois Bedwell put forward a motion that would direct administration to develop a policy that would require staff who work directly with students to be double vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.&nbsp;</p><p>A second motion was put forward by trustee Shauna Vanderspruit to table the motion by trustee Bedwell. That motion was defeated 3-4.</p><p>The board discussed the implications of the motion put forward by trustee Bedwell including; the ability for staff to test, vaccine hesitancy, legal implications and board liability, potential insurance costs, clarification related to what is meant by ‘staff’ and a possible timeline for implementation. The motion passed 4-3. A recorded vote was requested.</p><ul><li>For: Hogg, Cursons, Bedwell, Rooks</li><li>Against: Haraga, Dennis, Vanderspruit</li></ul><p>Trustee Vanderspruit put forward an additional motion asking for administration to draft a letter reminding the government that the mandate for school boards is to make decisions for students regarding education, and that health decisions should remain the purview of the Ministry of Health. Further, the letter will include a request for financial assistance for boards to cover costs incurred when implementing a rapid testing program in schools. The motion was carried unanimously.</p><p>A letter has been shared with stakeholders with further clarification of the decision: <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LPB6IlUth_r49I408jB74tItdGpDuAe8">Policy Decision Letter</a></p>

<p>The Prairie Rose Public Schools Board of Trustees will be holding their next public meeting on November 9, 2021, at 12:45 PM. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the meeting will be streamed live.</p><p>The meeting agenda can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-FXOvzHq2L3LCDZci2P-Z_sS9ftfgyyl/view?usp=sharing">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-FXOvzHq2L3LCDZci2P-Z_sS9ftfgyyl/view?usp=sharing</a></p><p>The meeting will be held online and can be accessed here: <a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YmZhZGM2ODctZDVhNi00Zjk5LThhNWItZjMzODJmNGRlNGVk%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22c1a7f361-4369-4e63-af8a-db541e2c097b%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22f7324c65-36e2-49e7-bfab-e0b3d9aa4a5d%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d&amp;btype=a&amp;role=a">Join the Online Meeting</a><br><i>Once you click the link, click cancel (on the pop up), watch on the web instead, join anonymously</i></p>