<p>Two mathlete teams from Eagle Butte High School, the Denominators and Casual Mathletes, competed at the Totem Torus Math Competition in Edmonton on Thursday, April 11. The teams drove up the day before and got to spend time together as a group at the mall during the evening. The teams were made up of those students in the Grade 12 calculus class who wanted to attend the competition.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Questions could be from every grade level between 7 and 12 with a solo competition where a calculator was allowed, a team portion in groups of six solving 25 questions in 45 minutes without calculators and then a relay in groups of three, where the previous person’s answer corresponds to the next person’s question.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“They choose harder questions because they wanted to challenge you, but they wanted something that anyone in each grade could solve,” said Arabella Allen. “It wasn’t questions from the curriculum, just trying to think out of the box.”&nbsp;</p><p>The student’s scores compared well with other public-school students from across Alberta, but Allen stated they’d gone for the experience and not to win. After graduating this year, Allen plans to go to Carleton University for the aerospace engineering program.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“I didn’t study at all or review anything, I probably should have and I likely would have done better,” said Jordan Vandor who will attend the University of Alberta for mechanical engineering in September. “I went for fun, it’s not for marks so it’s easier to do because there isn’t that stress of having to get it right. The relays were fun, the solos were better than the team ones, that was the worst one. I’m retired now, I’m a one-hit wonder.”&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

<p><i>In the photos: South Eastern Alberta Search and Rescue (SEASAR) present to students on how to stay safe in the outdoors. The Medicine Hat Rattlers running team put students through a warm up exercise.&nbsp;</i></p><p>---</p><p>For Education Week 2024, Margaret Wooding School has been doing different activities. Inspirational video clips of student speakers or famous people the students would know about were played in each class during the morning. The video was followed by a discussion led by the teacher. “A reflective process on the video they watched and to think about their own living and who they are and their own growth along with setting goals,” explained Principal Craig Corsie. &nbsp;</p><p>Representatives from South Eastern Alberta Search and Rescue (SEASAR) came to the school to present to the Outdoor Education class, one of the options students can sign up for that run on Wednesday afternoon. &nbsp;</p><p>“We learned a lot about what to do if you are lost in the woods,” said Lilly, who signed up for Outdoor Education because she likes plants and finds being outside in nature relaxing. Classmate Hailynn also joined the option because she likes being outside in Nature, with the coulee are by the river one of her favorite places. &nbsp;</p><p>The girls helped each other remember the top four strategies to use when in the wilderness: to tell a parent where you are going, stay put and hug a tree (if lost), stay warm and dry, and lastly to listen to the search and rescue people who respond to the call. &nbsp;</p><p>“It’s an expert voice and good content for the kids,” explained teacher Robyn Harrington, “with just starting a new term, it introduced being in the outdoors and how to keep safe. The students get a certificate for it as it’s an accredited course across Canada. SEASAR is a community-based group that potentially kids might be interested in down the road to connect with and possibly volunteer with,” explained Harrington. “One of the girls in the class, her mom volunteers with search and rescue and I didn’t know that.”</p><p>When asked if there was anything they wanted to add, Lily said, “they taught us how to put on these tinfoil blanket things to keep warm.” Hailynn jumped in to say, “and they also taught us to get lots of big branches and make an X, an SOS or an arrow pointing to where you are,” added Hailynn.</p><p>Each morning, the school has been playing a game of bingo just for fun. Different clubs at the school were showcased, with the coach and four student athletes from the Medicine Hat Rattlers running team coming to the school to demonstrate stretches, warm up exercises, and running games to students of the Margaret Wooding running club. The Rattlers also brought some swag with them to pass out to the students, including balls, mini-sticks and lanyards. &nbsp;</p><p>Josh, Peyton, and Nash are all members of the running club and agreed the games were the best part. All joined the club because they like running, with Josh and Peyton preferring short-distance competitions. Nash prefers running in a group because it’s more fun and said he likes a mix of both short and long-distance running. &nbsp;</p><p>“There was this one game where everybody was it, but to tag someone you had to tag them below their knee and when you get out, all the people you tagged are back in,” explained Josh.</p><p>Nash added, “they taught us this warmup where everyone lies on their stomachs and someone runs between them and the person you were next to, after you’ve done a full lap, you lie down back beside them, and they have to get up and do the same thing.” &nbsp;</p><p>This is the second year the Rattlers have visited the running club. “We got to do a bit more because it was outside. Yesterday, we had to shift things because we had to be inside (due to the rain and snow), but it was still fun. Another thing they did at the end was field some questions from the kids and they had a chance to talk about what it’s like to be a Rattler,” concluded Harrington, who supervises the running club. &nbsp;</p><p>Education week culminated in the Margaret Wooding Learning Exhibition, which ran throughout the school day and then again in the evening, making it a long day for students and staff. On Friday, Corsie said everyone was going to take a breath and have some relaxation time to acknowledge all the hard work everyone put in to make the 2024 Education Week and the Learning Exhibition successful. &nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer</p>

<p><i>In the photos: Parents, school leaders, and PRPS trustees get a hands on experience with vermicomposting during the recent Council of School Councils meeting.</i></p><p>-----</p><p>On Tuesday, April 9, the Council of School Councils had their spring meet up at Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) division office. Representatives from the parent councils of Bow Island Elementary, Burdett, I.F. Cox, Margaret Wooding, Parkside, Ralston, Schuler, Seven Persons and Warren Peers schools were in attendance. The evening started off with a supper before moving into the activity for the evening. Roxanne Doerksen of TRAD Worm Industries joined the meeting with enough supplies for attendees to pair up and create a functional vermicomposting bin.&nbsp;</p><p>“This was an activity they could learn that the students can do at schools. We are hearing lots about schools building outdoor learning areas. This is the time of year with it being spring and this is curriculum related so why not get the elementary students engaged? The compost can be used in outdoor or flower gardens they are building in the schools,” said organizer of the evening Trustee Patty Rooks. “There is lots of cross-curricular learning here that can be taken back to teachers and it’s a great way to get parents engaged with those teachers where they can show them what they are learning and possibly volunteer in the classroom. You never know what may transpire between what we’ve created here with the parent councils, the parents and the school community.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>At the last meeting in fall 2023, the activity was chair yoga and the PRPS therapy dogs were brought in. A discussion took place about resources available in the schools, such as Family School Liaison Workers (FSLWs). “The aim was to get the word out because the more our parents know and can share with their councils, the more they can engage parents and utilize the resources we have and just engage the whole community so much better,” explained Rooks.&nbsp;</p><p>After the activity there was a short break before Karen Blewett, Community Development Officer with Alberta Arts Culture and Status of Women, gave a presentation on designing effective meetings with a focus on creating agendas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Rooks feels lucky that the PRPS Board gave her free reign to design the Council of School Councils meetings. The purpose of the meetings is to engage all parent councils from across the district and have them come together to have a learning opportunity. Rooks wanted to create a format that was engaging with topics and activities those in attendance could take back to their schools. She also wanted to enhance, improve and/or build upon their knowledge by providing them with tips and strategies, particularly those schools with new councils.&nbsp;</p><p>It was a good turnout with representatives from schools who have never attended the meeting in the past. “I’ll be honest, it can be scary to come to a new meeting you’ve never been to before, but I’m proud of them for coming and picking up on those tips. I’ve watched them throughout the night engaging with other parents and asking for some feedback. That’s what tonight is about as well, is talking to your peers and learning how they are successful or not successful,” concluded Rooks.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer</p>

<p>Alberta Education is conducting a province-wide survey to gather input from parents and staff about the impacts of cellphones in schools. Feedback on the topic is being accepted until May 3, 2024.</p><p>Link to the survey: <a href="https://your.alberta.ca/cellphones-in-schools/survey_tools/en">https://your.alberta.ca/cellphones-in-schools/survey_tools/en</a></p><p><strong>Background:</strong> In Alberta, and in many other places across the world, student cellphone use is increasing. Cellphones have the potential to be powerful teaching aids that, when used appropriately, can improve learning outcomes. But there are significant risks and concerns with inappropriate cellphone usage. They can be a distraction to students in the classroom and disrupt a student’s learning and can impact student safety through bullying or harassment.</p><p>The purpose of the survey will be to gather feedback on the following topics:</p><ol><li>What concerns about student cellphone use in schools does your organization have?</li><li>What does your organization see as the benefits of student cellphone use in schools?</li><li>What concerns do you have about potential restrictions on student cellphone use in schools?</li><li>What benefits do you see with potential restrictions on student cellphone use in schools?</li><li>What concerns do you have about province-wide restrictions around student cellphone use in schools?</li><li>What benefits do you see in having province-wide restrictions around student cellphone use in schools?</li><li>Is there anything the department should be aware of if school authorities were asked to amend their codes of conduct to restrict cellphone use in schools?</li><li>Is there anything the department should be aware of if school authorities were asked to adopt or approve goals and standards to restrict cellphone use in schools?</li><li>If the department requires school authorities to amend codes of conduct or adopt/approve goals and standards related to cellphone use, how much lead time is required to make this happen?</li><li>Ontario and Quebec have exceptions to their cellphone use restrictions (unless authorized by a teacher for educational purposes; for health and medical reasons; or to support special education needs.) Would you support similar exceptions if a cellphone restriction were implemented? Are there other exceptions to be considered?</li><li>Are there any other considerations regarding cellphone use in schools that should be considered in developing a policy?</li><li>Is there anything else you would like to share about cellphone use in schools?</li></ol><p><i>Note: This survey is being distributed on behalf of Alberta Education. Prairie Rose Public Schools does not have any input into the questions or access to the results. Questions regarding participation can be sent to Alberta Education&nbsp;</i><a href="https://www.alberta.ca/education-guide-alberta-education-contacts"><i>https://www.alberta.ca/education-guide-alberta-education-contacts</i></a></p>

MWS LEARNING EXHIBITION - 2024 Dear parents and family members of MWS students, This Thursday, April 18, MWS will be hosting our second annual Exhibition of Learning. This is a terrific opportunity for students to be able to showcase some of their research, organization and development skills that they have been learning at school, while also having the chance to practice their presentation skills. We invite all parents and family members to join us at MWS in order to view their child’s work, as well as tour around to see some of the work created by other students. Our students have been working very hard over the last couple of months and are excited to share their learning. Throughout the school day, students will have the opportunity to present their project to other students. Parents and family members are welcome to join at these times if they would like to. There will also be an opportunity for parents and family members to come to the school between 3:30 – 6:30 to view the projects if that works better for their schedule. This year we will be dismissing all students at the end of the school day, and students will only return to the school that evening if they are with a family member that they are presenting to. Please see below for our schedule for the day to determine what would be the best time for you to visit the school. 10:05 – 11:20 – Grade 6 students presenting 12:00 – 1:15 – Grade 5 students presenting 1:40 – 2:40 – Grade 4 students presenting 2:50 – student dismissal 3:30 – 6:30 – students are welcome to return to the school with parents or family members to share their project We will also be hosting our annual book fair at the same time as our Learning Exhibition is going on. Guests and students are welcome to tour the book fair which will be held in the project room while they are visiting the school. Our amazing School Council will also be providing snacks and refreshments to visitors to the school between 4:30 and 6:30. Please be sure to pop by the school kitchen and say hi to these fantastic supporters of our school. Have a terrific day everyone. Mr. Corsie

<p>In the photos: Sophia Wever, Wellness Committee leader. Students taking part in a Painter Girl session. Students are playing a version of jacks using rocks which is an Indigenous team building game.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>---</p><p>As the oldest member of the Wellness Committee at Senator Gershaw School, Sophie Wever became the leader of the group. The idea for the committee sprang out of the annual leadership conference Wever and fellow members of the leadership group at the school attended back in November 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;“We took away from that day and planned it all out,” explained Wever.&nbsp;</p><p>“Every year they do the healthiest school cup and plan out what the school will do to be healthy. It’s not a competition, just how they ensure we are having good wellness in our school as that is becoming a more popular thing in Alberta. We like to take away from that day because it gives us a bunch of ideas and gets us thinking of things we could do in our school.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The Wellness Day, which took place the day before Easter weekend, was split into 40-minute sessions with time for breaks between each one. Healthy protein and how a healthy diet can affect one’s wellness was covered with students making protein balls in the home economics room. Representatives from Miywasin Centre were in the gymnasium for Indigenous team building games. Ever Active Schools were running yoga sessions, and Painter Girl offered the chance for students to discover some creative fun. Teachers and staff also got to take part with members of the Wellness Committee leading them in a variety of activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The Wellness Committee is composed of elementary and junior high students at the school, who were supported by teachers and school administration along with the parent advisory council.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“It’s all elementary and junior high run and that is what we wanted to do because it brings more opportunities for the younger kids to be in our Wellness Committee in our school,” said Wever. “I was a little nervous at the start but after we had our intro and we went over everything, I’m excited now. We’ve done so much planning and scheduling with our group that it’s surreal we actually made it happen. It’s wonderful, I’m so happy now, it turned out great. The last week was crazy, I had surgery on my knee in February. We were going to have our wellness day in February, but due to that we changed it around. It’s been chaotic for sure, but it’s coming to play really well.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The biggest challenge for the committee was planning the schedule for Wellness Day and creating groups that account for differing student characteristics and having enough variety so there was at least one thing each student would find enjoyable. Each group was composed of 30 students and feeding them all also had to be taken into account.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“For my wellness, it’s been great because I get to see how much the kids love it. They came in this morning and were excited about what group they were in and all the fun stuff they get to do. That has been satisfying for me and how I get to make someone’s day and see them excited about it and it makes me so excited. I am a scheduler and I loved scheduling this day,” stated Wever.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>She hopes Wellness Day will become a yearly event at Senator Gershaw and is hopeful the younger students on the committee, some in Grade 4 who were responsible for making posters, will continue on. “It’s really nice to see they want to keep doing it too,” said Wever. “I’m so glad it all worked out and I’m so thankful for everyone that has been helping because I was raised that when you put the hard work in, good things come. After seeing this and putting all my hard work in, and we get to see all the kids enjoying it, it’s such a good feeling, that feeling of achievement.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Other members of the Wellness Committee at Senator Gershaw include Makaya Porteous, Mila Wever, Leah Pinchin, Gage Hintz, Henson Oldenzijl, Spencer Kramer, Lacey Thacker, and Evan Veilleux.&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

Puppies!!!! MWS students were fortunate enough to have attentive reading buddies this morning. What a great program! #kindlehearts

Thursday’s Tasty Treat Strawberry and Banana smoothie 🍓🍌 (made with peach mango juice )

Congratulations to our monthly award winners and honor roll recipients. Thanks to all the parents that were able to join us. #forgefutures

Congratulations to our monthly award winners and honor roll recipients. Thanks to all the parents that were able to join us. #forgefutures

Margaret Wooding is looking for volunteers for their upcoming casino in May. If you would like to help out, feel free to contact myself or the school and we will be in touch on which shift and positions are available. TIA

Please have a look at our April newsletter. A paper wcopy will be coming home today as well. Have a terrific day everyone.

<p>The April 9, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda Package can be found here: <a href="https://www.myprps.com/news/april-9-2024-public-board-meeting-1712590434996">April 9, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda</a></p><p>---------</p><p><strong>Eagle Butte High School Presentation</strong></p><p>Eagle Butte High School administration, which included principal Rocheal Howes and vice principals Greg Elgie and Lyall Loran, provided trustees with an overview of the school and programming options. It was shared that school staff have broken out into groups and, during PD days, brainstorm opportunities to enhance learning under the four PRPS education goals of ignite minds, forge futures, kindle hearts and First Nations Métis Inuit. Some examples shared include an upcoming field trip to Blackfoot Crossing, where Treaty 7 was signed, a new team of Mathletes who are headed to Edmonton to compete in a Math competition, Alumni Day, where the school invited several former students to speak to students about their current careers, a collaboration between the STEM class and Elkwater to use drones to geo map a section of land, and regular Spirit Days and events where students celebrate accomplishments and promote Talon pride. It was also noted that the school is projecting an enrollment increase for the 2024-2025 year from 497 to 550 students. This will be the highest enrollment count for the school since it opened in the 1990s. The full presentation can be found in the April 9, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda package.</p><p><strong>Executive Report Highlights</strong></p><ul><li>The PRPS Executive team attended the Special Areas Advisory Meeting. The Oyen and area revitalization report was provided at the meeting. The report can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i5iLquthIysuHcUbsSralyDc43ncdm5t/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i5iLquthIysuHcUbsSralyDc43ncdm5t/view?usp=drive_link</a></li><li>Parkside Jr High School will be hosting an open house on April 11th where the public can come and provide input on the design and layout of the school modernization. The event takes place from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. More information about the project can be found here: <a href="https://www.myprps.com/parkside-jr-high-school-modernization-project">https://www.myprps.com/parkside-jr-high-school-modernization-project</a></li><li>The Transportation RFP closes on Friday, April 12th at noon. A public tender opening will take place at the office immediately following. More information and requirements can be found here: <a href="https://www.myprps.com/bus-transportation-rfp">https://www.myprps.com/bus-transportation-rfp</a></li></ul><p><strong>Finance Update</strong></p><p>Finance Controller Candice Hintz provided a fiscal update to the board which represents spending and revenues for 60% of the school year, or 50% of the fiscal year. It was shared that PRPS is expecting revenues to come in $1,263,606 higher than budgeted, while expenses are expected to increase by $1,326,513. The difference will be an increased overall deficit of $62,907 from ($167,381) to ($230,288). The full financial update can be found in the April 9, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda package.</p><p><strong>Upcoming Trustee Meetings:</strong></p><ul><li>ASBA Zone 6 - April 17th</li><li>PSBAA - April 11-12th</li><li>RCASB - June 2nd Calgary</li><li>COSC Meeting with PRPS School Councils - April 9th @ Division Office</li></ul>

<p><i>In the photos: Home Plus student Brynnley Wikkerink of Bow Island completes a Fairy Garden project as part of her homeschooling.</i></p><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) Home Plus Learning Network currently has just under 50 students enrolled. Most of the programming is a parent-choice model, primarily home education directed by the parent(s). Two options are available, one is to follow a 22-outcome model from K-12 and the other is to follow the Alberta Education curriculum. With the second option, the parents are funded to buy all the resources and are responsible for the education of their child(ren).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Home Plus is more involved in the learning process with the online program where software platforms, such as Seesaw or Google Classroom, are populated with learning materials and education is guided at home. Each student has regular virtual check-in meets with Home Plus where successes and concerns can be shared.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Distance learning is also an option, with some students attending school while living in other countries or long-distance sailing with their parents. Outside of assessment and marking, there isn’t a component for teacher time with distance learning, thus it is more suitable for students who are able to work independently,&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Additionally, there are five students who currently have in-person programming with Home Plus. This is for students who aren’t attending a regular school but require an in-person experience and their schedule, along with if they also have blended online learning, depends on the needs of the student and schedule of the parents.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“There are so many different family circumstances out there and this can fit around various scenarios,” said Principal Carol Carlson.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Home Plus staff are very attuned to mitigating students feeling isolated. “Many home-ed parents bring that up,” stated Carlson. “At the same time, because they are so aware of it, they do a beautiful job of getting their kids involved in things in the community. Many of those kids are in 4-H, sports, their parents have memberships at the Y, or they go to music lessons. They are doing so much and there is an opportunity for them to be around other kids. It inspires what we try to do to support that.”&nbsp;</p><p>Michelle Kuzik is the Behaviour Education Assistant with Home Plus and compiles a regular newsletter that outlines all the events and age-appropriate activities available in the community.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“I take the extra time to do the legwork and put it all on an easy document along with a calendar for them to see. We also update what we are doing in school so they can get involved on some of the projects or research going on (such as for Passion Projects),” added Kuzik.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Her role supports unique learning where Kuzik finds strategies and ways to strengthen weaknesses or enhance strengths to build student’s confidence and self-awareness so they can move forward. Kuzik meets with most of her students daily, but the schedule is constantly changing depending on their needs. Some require more support than others and there is often shyness to overcome when there has been in-person learning and a student is now moving to home learning.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“We often support them more in the beginning to get them into a routine,” said Carlson. Helping students establish routines and walking them through how to start their day is a key aspect when joining Home Plus. “Even for online learning, you still start your day with your regular things, whatever that looks like in their household, to stay balanced,” added Kuzik.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Learn more about the Home Plus Learning Network: <a href="https://www.myprps.com/home-plus-learning-network">https://www.myprps.com/home-plus-learning-network</a></p><p>&nbsp;By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

Thank you to the Southern Alberta Cliffers basketball program for their donation of sports equipment to help our students. Look out neighbours!

MWS is having a book sale during next week's Education week. There is a live and an online portion. Here is some information about the online book sale for next week.

We are looking forward to next week's book fair!

Thanks to a donation from within our community of 200 pairs of iso eclipse glasses, MWS students were able to safely view the partial eclipse today. And the weather cooperated too! Science is fun. Thanks to those parents that were able to join us. #igniteminds.

<p>The April 9, 2024, PRPS Public Board Meeting will take place at the Prairie Rose Public Schools Division Office starting at 11:45 a.m. The meeting is only available in-person.</p><p>The complete agenda package can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/13GvNDHmqrOryjMLmMHl1vY95AKERdq_l/view?usp=drive_link">April 9, 2024 Board Meeting Agenda</a></p>