The search continues for a representative for Ward 1 representing the Oyen, New Brigden, Acadia Valley and Jenner area schools. The nomination deadline has now been extended until September 26th at noon. For clarification, this ward does not include parts of Cypress County, as the boundary is the Cypress County/Special Areas border. Ward boundaries can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13OZpY9MBQMDOIvwu7Asghtgf-0EQ6U0k

How to Be Safe on the Farm? Grade 1-6 students engaged with Ray Hoppins today to discuss being safe on the farm. Great sharing and discussions. Be Safe, Play Safe and It Can Happen to Me were the main topics. Thank you for sharing with us Mr. Hoppins.

<p>The Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) Board of Trustees gathered with staff and community partners at Desert Blume Golf Course on September 23, 2025, to celebrate organizations whose support has made a lasting difference for students across the division. Five honourees were recognized for their significant and sustained contributions to education, each aligning with PRPS’s three guiding goals: <strong>Ignite Minds</strong>, <strong>Forge Futures</strong>, and <strong>Kindle Hearts</strong>.</p><p><i>“These organizations demonstrate the true power of community partnerships,” said Trustee Shauna VanderSpruit. “Their generosity, mentorship, and innovation are shaping opportunities for students today while opening doors for tomorrow.”</i></p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><h3><img class="image_resized" style="width:35.08%;" src="/images/d764d996-4bc6-4a96-8b7a-e63b4768b83c?fingerprint=ppb20251217025133" alt="Shortgrass Ranches IMAGE"></h3><h3>Short Grass Ranches</h3><p>Short Grass Ranches, led by Craig Lehr, has been a driving force behind Irvine School’s Agriculture Discovery Centre. Over the years, the Lehr family has donated six home-raised steers with a value of approximately $13,000 to fuel hands-on agricultural learning and generate funds for program expansion. This past year, Craig visited classrooms, shared his expertise on feedlot management, and welcomed students to the Short Grass facility. There, students selected livestock for projects and gained first-hand knowledge of low-stress cattle handling systems. His approachable mentorship inspired students to quote him in their final presentations, a clear sign of the impact he has had on their learning and career aspirations.</p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><h3><img class="image_resized" style="width:35.01%;" src="/images/5e29e5bd-9eb1-46e5-8de4-0cd928536455?fingerprint=ppb20251217023111" alt="Cypress Fire IMAGE"><img class="image_resized" style="width:35.02%;" src="/images/8d2bb8eb-dad4-4829-9edb-427e18679908?fingerprint=ppb20251217023859" alt="BI Fire IMAGE"></h3><h3>Cypress County Fire Services and Bow Island Emergency Services</h3><p>The South Alberta Fire Academy, one of PRPS’s most innovative career pathway programs, owes much of its success to the vision and commitment of Cypress County Fire Services and Bow Island Emergency Services. By working alongside PRPS, they have created an authentic training environment where high school students gain certifications, build confidence, and prepare for futures in emergency response. Students have learned directly from active-duty firefighters, engaged in live fire simulations, and experienced what it means to step into a role of service. This partnership has strengthened student learning while also providing a critical bridge between education and industry.</p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><h3><img class="image_resized" style="width:35.01%;" src="/images/cfb2c800-696a-455d-8217-ff285177aaf5?fingerprint=ppb20251217024952" alt="Deerview Mts IMAGE"></h3><h3>Deerview Meats</h3><p>Community spirit and resilience define the contributions of Perry and Chris Deering of Deerview Meats. Since founding the business in 2006, Perry has persevered through challenges, including a devastating flood, to build a thriving business rooted in generosity. Through tours, product donations, and support for events, Deerview Meats has influenced countless students across the division. Their involvement in agriculture and 4-H has provided students with opportunities to connect classroom learning to real-world practice. By hosting charitable events that benefit PRPS, Perry and Chris continue to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to education and community wellbeing.</p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><h3><img class="image_resized" style="width:35.01%;" src="/images/b0c3992c-7581-47f9-a953-f8c974be9385?fingerprint=ppb20251217024502" alt="Western Tractor IMAGE"></h3><h3>Western Tractor</h3><p>Western Tractor has been an essential partner in the AgPro: Machinery and Technology program at Irvine School since 2023. Since the program started, hundreds of students have had the opportunity to learn about sales, service, and operations in agricultural machinery directly from Western Tractor staff. Students explore career pathways while gaining hands-on experience with the latest technology driving modern agriculture. Each year, the company refines and improves its involvement to ensure the program continues to evolve. Their dedication to student success is a strong example of how industry and education can work together to provide meaningful learning that ignites curiosity and fosters career readiness.</p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>The PRPS Board of Trustees extends sincere gratitude to these organizations for their outstanding contributions. Their leadership and commitment reflect the heart of Prairie Rose’s vision to <strong>Kindle Hearts, Ignite Minds, and Forge Futures</strong>, ensuring students have the support, opportunities, and inspiration they need to succeed.</p>

<p>The Desert Blume Golf Course was alive with community spirit on September 11 as golfers, sponsors, and supporters gathered for the inaugural Yuill Family Foundation Golf Classic. The event combined a premier day of golf with generosity and purpose, raising funds for two organizations making a significant impact in southern Alberta: Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) and the Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation (WCPHS).</p><p>The Golf Classic marked the first major fundraising tournament for the Yuill Family Foundation, with organizers emphasizing their commitment to supporting programs that build opportunity and strengthen communities.</p><p>For Cori Cuthbertson, administrator of the Yuill Family Foundation, Prairie Rose stood out as a natural partner for the Foundation’s first tournament. “The reason that we chose these two organizations today is that we really like the work that Prairie Rose is doing, and that they’re answering the call of what this community needs and what southeastern Alberta requires,” said Cuthbertson. “We like that the kids are actually coming out of here with some real, tangible skills, and I think they’re making school fun again.”</p><p>Cuthbertson added that pairing Prairie Rose’s innovative academies with the hockey scouting community created a unique synergy. “With the hockey scouts, these are the guys that are seeing the up-and-coming players and also seeing some of the challenges they have. A lot of them are former Tigers, Calgary Flames, and others who know the value of sport in youth development. It just made sense to support both groups together this year.”</p><p>Members of the Yuill Foundation Advisory Committee echoed the excitement. Heather Lemeshuk, an advisory committee member, shared how impressed the board was after touring Prairie Rose’s academies. “We’ve had the pleasure of touring the collegiate building in Medicine Hat and looked at the aviation program, the Hockey Academy, and the Baseball Academy,” said Lemeshuk. “The board is just very excited that these kinds of programs are going on here in our city. Preparing students for future employment at the high school level is really an initiative that’s thinking outside the box, and we give great praise to the management of the school district.”</p><p>She emphasized that the Foundation, with its deep roots in Medicine Hat and surrounding rural areas, is proud to strengthen local education and community opportunities. “We’re very pleased to be a part of this community and strive to make it a better place for our citizens to live.”</p><p>For Prairie Rose School Division, the recognition carried special meaning. Superintendent Reagan Weeks expressed her gratitude for being chosen as one of the inaugural beneficiaries. “I feel so fortunate to be here today for what I think is going to be an annual golf tournament for the Yuill Foundation,” Weeks said. “Prairie Rose is one of the fortunate recipients from the proceeds of this tournament, and we are truly grateful for the Foundation’s belief in our students and programs.”</p><p>The proceeds from the event will support Prairie Rose’s growing suite of career-focused academies, including aviation, agriculture, hockey, baseball, fire, rodeo, and trades. Each of these programs is designed to provide students with real-world skills and pathways to success after graduation.</p><p>Alongside the fundraising, participants enjoyed the unique hospitality of the Golf Classic, with on-course activities, sponsor engagement, and the chance to connect with community leaders and special guests. The atmosphere at Desert Blume reflected the Foundation’s vision: a day that was about more than golf, built instead around generosity, connection, and long-term impact.</p><p>With the success of its inaugural year, the Yuill Family Foundation Golf Classic is already being seen as a new tradition for the region. By bringing together sport, education, and community, the Foundation is setting a strong precedent for future events.</p><p>For Prairie Rose, the day was not only about fundraising but also about recognition of the innovative programs students are engaged in every day. “This is about more than one event,” said Weeks. “It’s about believing in our students and their futures.”</p>

Storm Chaser Chris Chittick presented to WPS,OPS,NBS, ARC and SCHS on Friday. He shared information about tornadoes, hurricanes, and safety. Great video clips. Thank you SCHS for hosting.

<p>The next Prairie Rose Public Schools board meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the PRPS Division Office in Dunmore starting at 12:45 p.m.&nbsp;</p><p>Board Meeting Agenda Package: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OH02srd4nDhhJgUaNHitZSuWp9USYwtu/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OH02srd4nDhhJgUaNHitZSuWp9USYwtu/view?usp=drive_link</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

A fabulous first day back at WPS. Many smiles,some laughs and lots of stories about summer. We organized, talked and walked today. Reconnecting with each other. #kindlehearts Looking forward to a year filled with new experiences and learning opportunities.

<p><strong>Dunmore, AB</strong> - At a special public meeting held on August 25, 2025, the Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) Board of Trustees approved wage and benefit increases for non-unionized support staff and bus drivers, effective September 1, 2025.</p><p>The Board motions included the following:</p><ul><li>A 6% wage increase for non-unionized support staff.</li><li>A 3% wage increase for PRPS bus drivers.</li><li>An increase of $75 to the Health/Wellness Spending Account for non-unionized support staff.</li><li>A directive for administration to undertake a market wage grid review for non-unionized support staff to ensure wages remain comparable within the education sector.</li></ul><p>“The Board of Trustees recognizes the essential work of our support staff, whose contributions directly impact the success of our students,” says PRPS Board Chair Lois Bedwell. “Our decision reflects the importance of providing fair compensation, but also the need to remain competitive with other school divisions across Alberta. Attracting talent to work in our jurisdiction is a priority to ensure we have thriving and supported school environments.”</p><p>In addition to providing compensation for staff, PRPS has also prioritized support for students in classrooms. From 2022 to 2025, allocations for student support in schools increased from $2 million to nearly $3 million dollars. This number includes 114 Educational Assistants who work directly with students. Other added PRPS student directed supports include:</p><ul><li>Students who meet criteria for a severe behavioral code have one to one support.</li><li>Students with a severe medical code have at minimum 2:1 support.</li><li>A Resilience Strategist has been added to work with our most complex students and their families.</li><li>A designated Student Support Advocate works directly with students and families facing barriers to attendance.</li><li>The Student Wellness Counsellor (formerly FSLW) team has been increased by 0.2 FTE.</li><li>Occupational Therapy contracted hours have been doubled.</li><li>PRPS has partnered with the PALIX foundation to foster positive childhood experiences in our schools for all students using models such as the Brain Story and the Resilience Scale.</li></ul><p>These investments reflect the division’s commitment to ensuring students receive the support they need, while also highlighting the importance of retaining and attracting skilled staff through fair and competitive compensation. The approved support staff increases were built into the previously&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AC5yd1a6o7OFh__kythL8r0MuO7DzCLw/view">approved 2025–2026 operating budget</a>, which remains balanced. The decision also responds to the reality of rising costs of living in southeast Alberta and across the province, and aligns with compensation trends for education support staff in other Alberta school divisions.</p><p>For media inquiries:</p><p>Angela Baron<br>PRPS Director of Communications<br>403-527-5516 ext. 2319<br><i>[email protected]</i></p>

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools is proud to announce that Cara Motz has accepted the position of Principal at I.F. Cox School in Redcliff, Alberta.</p><p>Cara brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the IF Cox community, having previously served as a classroom teacher, Inclusive Learning Teacher, and acting administrator at the school. She is known for a student centered leadership style and collaborative approach, with a strong background in inclusive education, early learning, and staff development.</p><p>In her current role as Student Experience Liaison for Prairie Rose Public Schools, Cara coordinates services and supports for students with complex needs, leads professional development, and supervises Educational Assistants across the division. Her experience also includes curriculum planning, instructional coaching, and overseeing early learning programming. Leadership roles at both urban and rural schools, including time as acting principal at Jenner School, have focused on building inclusive school cultures that support learning and belonging for all.</p><p>She holds a Master of Education in School Leadership and Administration from Gonzaga University, where she completed a thesis on self regulation strategies for engaging students in writing. Cara’s commitment to continuous professional growth is reflected in certifications in SIVA, VTRA, and trauma informed education, along with training in UFLI and structured literacy practices.</p><p>Please join us in congratulating Cara on this new role. The IF Cox School community will benefit from the experience, care, and dedication she brings to school leadership.</p>

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools is pleased to announce that Lana Cross has accepted the position of Principal at Jenner School, a K to 9 school serving the community of Jenner and surrounding area.</p><p>With a wide range of experience in both elementary and junior high education, Lana brings a deep commitment to student engagement, inclusive learning, and school leadership. Currently teaching Language Arts and CTF Options at Parkside Junior High in Redcliff, she has also taught at Senator Gershaw School, Irvine School, and several others across the region. Her background includes leadership roles such as Home Economics Department Lead and organizer of various student activities and programs.</p><p>In addition to a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University, Lana holds a Bachelor of Human Ecology from the University of Manitoba, and is currently pursuing a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of Alberta. Additional qualifications include certification under the Alberta Leadership Quality Standard and ongoing work toward the Superintendent Leadership Quality Standard. Her professional learning reflects a strong focus on curriculum design, literacy, student wellness, and instructional leadership.</p><p>Known for creativity, organization, and a relationship centered leadership style, Lana is dedicated to building a positive and engaging school culture where all students feel connected, supported, and empowered to succeed. Her energy and passion for education will be a strong asset to the Jenner School community.&nbsp;</p><p>Please join us in congratulating Lana on this new role. We look forward to the experience, vision, and care she will bring as Principal of Jenner School.</p>

<p>In the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering shop within South Alberta Collegiate (SAC) magic happens in the form of airplane builds. All South Alberta Flight Academy students have scheduled time within their weekly schedules for plane builds but when the aircraft is nearing completion, instructor Harry Jaeger puts in extra time during the evenings and weekends to get the plane fly ready.&nbsp;</p><p>During plane build sessions, the atmosphere in the shop is calm with nothing rushed and all tasks completed at a measured pace. On the evening of May 26, Grade 11 students Claire Courty and Daxton Rieder joined Jaeger to continue with the finishing touches on the second student-built Vans RV12. The students worked on their own as much as possible, consulting with Jaeger when needed. The first task of the evening was to add the exhaust system to the engine and then Courty and Rieder spent the remaining time preparing the radiator and oil cooler by installing mounting brackets.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>When not needed by the students, Jaeger was trimming to fit the tail fairing and the stabilator – a stabilizer and elevator combined into one moving part – so they wouldn’t rub up against each other. All pieces for the RV12 come rough cut and require slight modifications at times to fit together.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>By the evening of June 12, when 2025-26 incoming Flight Academy students and their parents attended a welcome barbeque at SAC and had a chance to tour the shop, the RV12 was nearing completion. Jaeger stated the plan is to continue with the fine details of engine installation and electrical hookups in addition to properly fitting the fibreglass pieces for the engine cowling, which covers the engine and provides the aerodynamic shape behind the propeller. Once the fibreglass pieces are fitted, Jaeger intends to paint them in the new teal Eagle Butte colours so there is an easy differentiation between the original RV12 aircraft and the second one.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The final step while the plane is at the shop will be to install the propeller before loading the aircraft on a trailer and transporting it in multiple trips to the hangar at the Medicine Hat Airport. Vans RV12 planes are designed to have the wings as removable components for ease of transportation. Once at the hangar, the wings will be reinstalled and ground testing will commence, which involves engine performance runs, calibration of all systems, taxi testing of all the systems, along with brake and steering tests at high speed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“The use of a runway will be required for high-speed taxi testing, which will put the plane just below the threshold of flight,” explained Jaeger. “At that point, to confirm the aircraft handles properly, heavy braking is applied to ensure the aircraft can be controlled on the ground at high speeds.”&nbsp;</p><p>If no issues are encountered, the ground testing will take about a week. Even though the school year will be officially over, Flight Academy students will be invited to join Jaeger for ground testing if they are interested. Once the testing is complete, all access panels will be removed to prepare the RV12 for final inspection by the MDRA (Minister’s Delegate for Recreational Aircraft) where the plane should receive a temporary certificate for airworthiness.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“I would like to be able to say the ground testing, final inspection and first flight will be completed towards the middle to end of July, weather permitting. It’s not something that can be rushed because if I think we are there, I realize there is something that isn’t quite the way it is supposed to be. We take no chances, we would rather take a delay than rush something through knowing it’s not going to be right,” concluded Jaeger.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>This year has brought new and exciting things to Prairie Rose School Division (PRSD), from building a new school in Redcliff, to putting Prairie Rose buses on the road and kicking off the first year of the new School of Trades. As the division continues to grow and evolve, of highest importance is always providing the best education for students while ensuring they arrive to school in a safe and timely manner. Superintendent Dr. Reagan Weeks feels fortunate to work with staff members who consistently go above and beyond for the students and families the division serves and continues to feel very fortunate to work with Prairie Rose.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The new Parkside School in Redcliff will be a replacement school for Grades 7 to 9. “We are thrilled about that,” stated Superintendent Dr. Reagan Weeks. “We’ve been moving along through the process and have awarded a contractor for the site assessment, which should be done soon. It’s really exciting as we think about the kind of school we are going to create to provide kids with an upgraded experience.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>In discussion with the Redcliff community and staff members, areas of emphasis for the new school include ensuring there is space to meet the needs of students pursuing their CTF options courses, whether that be culinary, a shop, or a large open space for drones and robotics. Another important feature for both students and the community is gym space.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“We are excited to partner with the Town of Redcliff to ensure we have the kind of facility that serves the needs of all community members. Our goal is to have the school built as soon as possible. With the accelerated program the Alberta Government has launched, we are hopeful we will be able to move much quicker because of that initiative,” said Weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Building an internal transportation company was not something Weeks anticipated PRSD having to do. “Rural transportation is very complicated,” explained Weeks, “we are travelling over one million, perhaps as close to two million, kilometers a year over roads that are rarely utilized and over vast differences. 29,000 square kilometers is a huge area to cover. When you take all those challenges into account, along with the priority that we have students arrive safely and in as timely manner as possible, we are pretty excited about how the year has gone.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>This year, PRSD was fortunate to secure enough drivers to bring all students to school and more buses have been ordered for next year to add additional routes. It’s been a massive undertaking for the division with a steep learning curve. Being responsive to parents and community members continues to be a high priority with feedback being used to design the best transportation system possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The new School of Trades was launched this year in partnership with Medicine Hat College. The program has received enthusiastic response from all communities PRSD serves, with students from Foremost School, Senator Gershaw School in Bow Island, South Central High School in Oyen and Eagle Butte High School in Dunmore taking part.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“The program has been transformational for many students and is already full for next year with a waiting list forming. The enthusiasm and support we’ve had has been fantastic and we are very grateful to our partner, Medicine Hat College, for creating the kind of experience students are really excited about,” stated Weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Additionally, there has been tremendous response from the business community to support the students in the program, which is critical for it to work. “It’s not a small commitment, because the students are still learning and the businesses have lots of work to accomplish themselves. We don’t take that for granted and are super grateful and thankful for the mentorship they’ve provided as we look forward to next steps,” said Weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools is pleased to announce that Sterling Hamilton has accepted the position of Vice-Principal at Parkside Junior High School in Redcliff starting the 2025/2026 school year.</p><p>Sterling brings with him a strong background in both instructional leadership and student-focused programming. He currently serves as the Physical Education Lead Teacher at Crescent Heights High School in Medicine Hat, where he has played a key role in outcome-based assessment, professional development planning, and supporting student wellness. His leadership has extended beyond the classroom through roles such as Wellness Champion, Teacher Welfare Committee Co-Chair, and regional representative for the Health and Physical Education Council.</p><p>Sterling holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education, graduating with honours in 2023. He also holds a Bachelor of Education with a major in Kinesiology and a minor in Social Studies from the University of Lethbridge. Notably, his teaching career began in part at Parkside Junior High during a practicum, where he taught multiple subjects including Math, Health, and Physical Education.</p><p>Sterling is known for working well with others and creating learning environments where all students feel included and supported. He has strong experience in coaching, adapting curriculum to meet student needs, using different assessment strategies, as well as building a positive school culture.</p><p>Please join us in congratulating Sterling on his appointment. We are excited to welcome him to the Parkside School community and look forward to the leadership, passion, and energy he will bring.</p>

<p>Ryker Hollingsworth knew the race for valedictorian of Foremost School was close. He and another classmate, who Hollingsworth is good friends with, were unsure which of them would receive the top honour. “We’ve always been neck and neck. I think we were both trying pretty hard because we were competing with each other,” said Hollingsworth, who added his friend might be the lucky one because he doesn’t have to give a speech at graduation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>When asked what motivates him to get high grades, Hollingsworth said, “I push myself because I feel like I owe it to all the people around me who have helped me so much to do my best. I feel like if I didn’t try my best that it would be a waste of a good opportunity.”&nbsp;</p><p>Raised on the family farm near Etzikom, Hollingsworth is cognizant the transition to post-secondary education will be a significant one. He’s already been accepted into the engineering program at Lethbridge University.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“I think one year closer to home will be better for the transition. It will be a big difference between here and the big city of Edmonton.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Having always been interested in mechanics, Hollingsworth is leaning toward mechanical engineering but knows this might change during his first year of studies and wants to keep his options open before making a final decision prior to his second year. He chose engineering because he would prefer to build new things rather than fixing what already exists.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>While he enjoys playing many sports, including volleyball and baseball, hockey is his first love and he’s been playing the game for as long as he can remember. “It’s the fast pace, in other sports you don’t really get that. The best memories you can make are in the dressing room and at away tournaments. It’s just so fun to be part of a team. I’ll miss it a lot,” concluded Hollingsworth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prairie Rose School Division (PRSD) was fortunate to receive a Community Initiatives Program Project-Based Grant just prior to Christmas. The grant was used to purchase an LED media wall that was installed in the gymnasium at Eagle Butte High School (EBHS) during the Easter break in April. During May, staff were trained on how to use the media wall and by the time a division-wide professional development (PD) day was held on June 6, it was fully operational.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“We’ve had the opportunity to have a district-wide PD-day so far and utilized the new screen to present all the information, particularly about our three-year strategic plan that is coming into effect next year,” said Vice-Principal and Athletic Director at EBHS Lyall Foran. “What I’ve noticed is that it is so much more engaging and easier to see. When we are trying to do any kind of visual presentation at the gym, it’s definitely better for us as it’s easily visible and catches everybody’s attention. One’s eyes are drawn to it as soon as they enter the gym and it’s a great feature to have.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>While all sports played in the gym are done for this academic year, Foran says there will be a series of spring and summer basketball camps along with open sessions for volleyball where the media wall will be utilized. “I am looking forward to seeing its potential put to use once we get into our volleyball season come fall,” stated Foran.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Dr. Reagan Weeks, Superintendent of PRPS, presented the three-year strategic plan at the division-wide PD-Day on June 6.&nbsp;</p><p>“One of the most exciting things about the screen, aside from the visual impact, is it can be seen clearly from every angle,” explained Weeks. “When there is a very large audience, one of the things that can always be challenging is the visuals are unable to be seen by everyone.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The media wall was used during the first session of the PD-day to present the process used by the executive team to create the new strategic plan. Following that, the strategic plan was unveiled, and those present were walked through all the next steps, goals, and dreams that are in place for the PRPS vision going forward.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“It’s also something that is going to be used daily for students, everything from sports to showing highlight reels of students excelling. Additionally, the screen will be used during academic awards ceremonies and student assemblies. It offers the chance to celebrate in a visual, high impact way, and we feel very fortunate to have been a successful recipient of the Community Initiatives Program Project-Based Grant. It’s exciting for students to have the kind of facility that makes them feel like they are important and where they are able to showcase what they are doing,” concluded Weeks.</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools is expanding into honey production and education this year. Eleven bee hives are being established at Neubauer Farms with plans to establish hives at several schools next year. Ten bee packages recently arrived from New Zealand and were loaded into brood boxes on Saturday night, May 10th. The last hive was established using a swarm of bees master beekeeper Sheldon Hill rescued a week ago and donated to Prairie Rose Honey.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>It took four days for the bee packages to reach Neubauer Farms, first on a plane from New Zealand to Vancouver and then driven into Alberta by Scandia Honey. As May 10 was an exceptionally hot day for early May, the bees could not be loaded into the brood boxes until the sun was setting, and the temperature was starting to cool.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“The bees needed to come from New Zealand due to the heavy colony collapse sustained throughout Canada and the United States over the past winter, with some beekeeper losing up to 90% of their bee colonies. &nbsp;The reason for the collapse is not yet fully understood,” stated Nichole Neubauer. “For that reason, there is high interest in importing bees from other countries as North American beekeepers will not have any extra bees to sell.”&nbsp;</p><p>This is a critical time for establishing the hives for Prairie Rose Honey, the bees need to be situated in the deep brood box and settle before the queen is released into the hive, which occurred three days after the bees were loaded. Hill and Neubauer will pull frames next week to determine if the queen is laying eggs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“This is pivotal as the entire future of the bee colony revolves around the queen’s ability to lay lots of eggs, thousands and thousands of them,” explained Neubauer. “Once the hive is established, the queen starts filling frames with brood and capped brood.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Capped brood are those eggs that have hatched into the larva stage – the bee life cycle is egg, larva, pupa and adult – and bees cap the hexagon of honeycomb until the larva matures and hatches out of the comb to join the hive.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“We need to see these bees increase their numbers so they can go out and forage to bring back pollen and nectar to the hive so they can ultimately make honey, said Neubauer.” The packages don’t contain a large number of bees, so it is important to give them every chance to be successful. Sheldon (Hill) will be feeding them simple syrup – a sugar and water mixture – in a free flow, nonstop supply until spring takes off and there is an abundance of flowering plants available.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Currently, there are some early spring flowers available, primarily fruit trees and various shrubs, but bees require an incredible volume of flowers to make even a small amount of honey. Once the hives are well established and the bee colony has increased in numbers, a flow hive will be added on top of the brood boxes. Flow hives enable the extracting of honey without disturbing the bees as the hive doesn’t need to be dismantled to access the frames. Flow hives are designed to be placed directly on top of the brood box and will be the way Prairie Rose Honey is harvested this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>