<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>

There is still room for more kids to sign-up for this great summer program........

The grade 6-9 kids got to spend the last 2 days of the school year with a fantastic trip to Cypress Hills along with Ralston School. They enjoyed mini golf, two nights of swimming, rock climbing, the “treetop drop” ziplining, mantracker, evening fires and plenty of downtime to toss a football or play basketball. Special thank you to Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Beck for all of their help. #kindleheart #myprps #forgefutures #IgniteMinds

Well, we wrapped up our last day with a whirlwind of activities! Our Grades 6-9’s finished up their camp-out at Cypress Hills, our Grades 1-5 spent the morning at Strathcona water park, and we all joined together for a final awards ceremony before early dismissal. Thanks to our wonderful students and parents for an another awesome year at Schuler School! #kindleheart #myprps #forgefutures

See below for updated poster with times....

"Our students had a fantastic time stepping back in time at Heritage Park today! From a train and paddlewheeler ride, to enjoying the antique midway and candy store. It was a day filled with fun! Thanks also to all the parents who joined us for the day. #kindleheart #myprps

<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>

The Grade 1/2 class got to adopt a pet for their last day of school gift from Mrs. Farion!! What a great idea!! #kindleheart #myprps

Today the staff and students, and School Council, celebrated Mrs. Maier, as she is retiring after over 20 years at Schuler School. Her patience, kindness, and wonderful sense of humour will be greatly missed next year. We wish her all the best as she embarks on a new journey in her life. #kindleheart #myprps

Thank you so much to Constable Wilke from our Redcliff RCMP detachment for taking time out of her busy schedule to teach our kids the D.A.R.E. program. She came out yesterday to hand out awards for their essays and give them each a dare T-shirt. #kindleheart #forgefutures #myprps

<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>

Prek & Kindergarten Orientation Day was a hit! #myprps #kindleheart

Here’s some more winners from the Kiwanis track day!! Walker received 1st place in 7/8 relay race Sloan received 2nd in 9/10 200metre 4th in 9/10 400metre 1st in 9/10 relay race #kindleheart #myprps

Thanks to Kiwanis for hosting their Track & Field Day yesterday. We had some families take their kids and we want to share their results! Tyson got 3rd in 11/12 - running long jump Emitt got 4th in the 9/10 - 50m sprint Aria got 3rd in the 7/8 - 50m sprint Grace placed 2nd in 200m 7-8 girls, 6th in 100m and 12th in ball throw. Everleigh finished 1st in 9-10 year old 50m and 200m. We even had a Schuler 2 relay teams. One which consisted of Sloan, Emitt, Everleigh & Aria whom placed first in their age category! Sloan, Walker, Grace, Macey & Olivia also represented Schuler in the relay! Thanks to all the parents who took the time to take the kids!🙌 #IgniteMinds #myprps #kindleheart

First we would like to thank CNRL for the fabulous free BBQ lunch they provided. There was an abundance of food and it tasted FANTASTIC! Second, thanks to our students and teachers for all of the hard work they did all year to culminate today at our Exhibition of Learning. They did a great job! Finally, thanks to our parents, family and community members who came today to see the great learning that is happening here at Schuler School! We have had a very busy week at our school and we just want to thank everyone for taking time out of their busy days to show their support for all of our events! #myprps #forgefutures #kindleheart #igniteminds #

Kindergarten video… #myprps #kindleheart

Thanks to Ms. Hein for the wonderful Kindergarten graduation today. #kindleheart #myprps #forgefutures