All parents – Connection Matters with Dr. Jody Carrington 7 to 8 pm “Our kids are okay only if those of us holding them are okay.” Join Dr. Jody Carrington – speaker, author, game changer – as she delivers her powerful message through humour and realism, understanding the importance of attachment and connection during these challenging times. https://vimeo.com/555429907

We are very excited to get our Rodeo Club up and running starting this Thursday, June 3rd. Due to us not being able to run because of COVID restrictions, we will not be charging a fee this year. Students who have already paid will be reimbursed. The remaining dates for the year are: Thursday, June 3rd (Raylee Edwards, Barrells and Clark Hughson, Roping) Tuesday, June 8th Thursday June 17th Barrel practice will be starting at 5:30 so we ask that horses are saddled and ready to go by then. Roping will be starting at 6:30. Please park trailers on the North side of the arena (rink side). We ask that horses do not go in the ball diamond. Don't forget your helmet and rope (if roping). Please contact Corey at the school if you have any questions. See you all Tomorrow-don’t forget the hot weather gear. Along with a water bottle and a hat, sunscreen and bug repellent will make the evening a success!

A nice leisurely math class in the sun! #vitaminD #mathanywhere #outdoorclassroom

Salsa garden 🪴 is growing! Can’t wait for some yummy tastes in September! #growfood #wholefoods #agricultureeducation

We are so very proud of this young man. Talk about the "cherry on top" of a most excellent high school career. Congratulations Jordan, you've earned this. #FalconPride #foremostfinest #physicsfuture #speech #grad2021

We are so pleased to introduce Russell Hillyer to our Foremost School community! Russell will be joining our staff in August 2021. He will be teaching high school math & science. Please welcome him! #welcome #numbersguy #newfalcon #foremostfinest

<p>This past weekend the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops Indian Band) announced that a mass grave of 215 children had been found on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. Of particular sadness, was the absence of no markers and no signs of respect for any of these young children who were left to be forgotten.&nbsp;</p><p>While we cannot change history, we can acknowledge this dark part of our Canadian past by acknowledging these young lives as part of ongoing Truth and Reconciliation efforts. Starting at noon today (May 31, 2021), Prairie Rose Public Schools will join school jurisdictions across the country in lowering the flags at all school facility locations for 215 hours to represent each of the children who were found. All flags will remain down until noon on Wednesday, June 9th.</p><p>Throughout the operation and existence of residential schools in Canada (1880-1997), it is estimated that 150,000 children were taken from their families and sent to school to “assimilate them” to Canadian society. The Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is one of many indigenous communities who have received funding through the Missing Children Project to locate the burial places of children who died while attending these residential schools. Since the project began, more than 4,100 children who attended residential schools have been identified.</p><p><strong>References:</strong><br>Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc confirms the discovery of a mass grave containing 215 children: <a href="https://tkemlups.ca/wp-content/uploads/05-May-27-2021-TteS-MEDIA-RELEASE.pdf"><strong>https://tkemlups.ca/wp-content/uploads/05-May-27-2021-TteS-MEDIA-RELEASE.pdf</strong></a><br>Missing Children Project: <a href="https://tkemlups.ca/wp-content/uploads/05-May-27-2021-TteS-MEDIA-RELEASE.pdf"><strong>http://www.trc.ca/events-and-projects/missing-children-project.html</strong></a><br>A History of Residential Schools in Canada: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/a-history-of-residential-schools-in-canada-1.702280"><strong>https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/a-history-of-residential-schools-in-canada-1.702280</strong></a></p>

The SAHA Main Street cafe player of the week is Anderson Kurtzweg. Andersen is an incredible athlete and leader in our academy. He shows up to class everyday with a positive attitude and strong work ethic. Your determination and commitment to improvement is inspiring to watch. Keep up the amazing work, Anderson!

Don't forget! Store closes Monday! Get your #purplengold gear before it's too late! #paintthevillagepurplengold #foremostpride #schoolspirit #FalconPride

Have you ever wondered how the mouth of an insect works? Just ask a Foremost grade 2/3 student! They can not only tell you, but demonstrate it too! 🐝🐛🦋🪳🪲🪰🦗🐞 #bugs #creepycrawlies #science

Stacy Wiebe Hammel has been our advocate since 2017. Her shoes will be very difficult to fill. We thank you for your service, Stacy, and wish you all the best in the future. #finestinforemost #goodbyes #FalconPride #missyou

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools board chair Stuart Angle would like to inform the public and Prairie Rose staff that he has accepted the resignation of fellow board member Stacy Hammel who has served as a trustee representing the area of Foremost and Forty Mile since 2017.</p><p>“Serving as school board trustee has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” says Hammel. “I have appreciated the opportunity to serve my community and represent all students in Prairie Rose Public Schools. &nbsp;As trustees it is our job to look at the system as a whole and bridge community needs with division-level approaches. From this experience, I take away a whole new appreciation for the work school staff do and the decisions that are required as part of overall school operations.”&nbsp;</p><p>“Stacy has brought a fresh perspective and approach to the Prairie Rose board,” says Angle. “While I understand and respect her decision to step down at this time, her contributions will be missed. On behalf of the entire board, I’d like to wish her all the best.”</p><p>The next municipal and trustee election date is set for October 18, 2021. &nbsp;As per the Education Act, Prairie Rose School Division is not required to hold a by-election.</p>

<p><strong>Trustee Resignation</strong><br>Secretary Treasurer Ryan Boser informed the board that Ward 6 (Foremost and County of Forty Mile) trustee Stacy Hammel has submitted her resignation from the board, effective immediately, due to personal reasons. Trustee Hammel was thanked for her contributions over the past four years and her dedication to students. Trustee Lucille Hertz suggested that a letter be sent to Stacy Hammel from the board thanking her for her service.</p><p><strong>Jenner School Presentation</strong><br>Jenner School principal Kirby Stensrud gave a presentation to the board highlighting a number of learning initiatives taking place at the rural K-9 school. It was noted that the school has focused on literacy for their primary school goals, emphasizing building comprehension, creating opportunities that create life connections, and developing a passion for literacy and reading across the grades. Some initiatives at each division level were also shared that focus on leadership and healthy lifestyle projects, using technology to build and create, and promoting attitudes of respect and kindness across the school community. &nbsp;It was noted that while COVID-19 has required outside the box thinking, the school has been able to successfully keep students engaged and excited about learning. It was also shared that the school was excited about their approved Prairie Rose Possibilities project that will support bringing outside experts to the school to focus on CTF options such as carpentry, electrical, mechanical, outdoor education, etc. The full presentation can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/135NVcp5iY2qeCpi7fMtaWG1Kqjq4sP8B/view"><strong>https://drive.google.com/file/d/135NVcp5iY2qeCpi7fMtaWG1Kqjq4sP8B/view</strong></a></p><p><strong>FNMI Presentation</strong><br>FNMI Coordinator Kameko Ballantyne provided an update to the board about the work being done in Prairie Rose to support Status First Nations, Non-Status, Métis or Inuit (FNMI) students and promote indigenous learning. In the 2020-2021 year, 94 students in Prairie Rose self-identified as FNMI which is an increase from previous years. It was noted that while some planned FNMI learning activities for the current year needed to be moved online or cancelled due to COVID-19, many initiatives were still able to take place across the division. Some of these included; Digital Orange Shirt Day, the distribution of literacy books to Prairie Rose schools without indigenous library resources, online learning opportunities through Canadian Geographic and Truth and National Centre for Reconciliation, FNMI learning kits for schools that include dreamcatcher and soap sculpture projects, and the introduction of indigenous social media influencers to students. &nbsp;More details regarding FNMI learning in Prairie Rose can be found here: <a href="https://fnmiprrd8.weebly.com/"><strong>https://fnmiprrd8.weebly.com/</strong></a></p><p><strong>Education Plan</strong><br>Superintendent Roger Clarke presented the 2021-2022 Education Plan for approval. The plan outlines four goals to evaluate student and division success. These goals include PRPS students are successful (literacy and deeper learning), PRPS is well governed and managed, and First Nations Metis and Inuit students in PRPS are successful. It was noted that this past spring the division sent out assurance survey’s to parents, students and staff to gather local context and gauge satisfaction in a number of areas. The results from the surveys were used to help build the plan and are highlighted in the report. &nbsp;The full presentation can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/135NVcp5iY2qeCpi7fMtaWG1Kqjq4sP8B/view"><strong>https://drive.google.com/file/d/135NVcp5iY2qeCpi7fMtaWG1Kqjq4sP8B/view</strong></a></p><p><strong>2021-2022 Budget</strong><br>Secretary Treasurer Ryan Boser presented the 2021-2022 Preliminary Budget for approval. The budget includes the following assumptions; back to normal operations in the 2021-2022 year, equivalent operational funding as the current year from Alberta Education, a decrease in enrolment by 9.0 FTE students, no change to support or certified staff grids, and an increase in insurance premiums of 15%. Overall, the division is forecasting a deficit budget for the 2021-2022 school year of $733,873, with revenues for the year of $51,443,598. Of the total budget, 72% is allocated to Instruction, 13.35% to Plant Operations and Maintenance, 10.40% to Transportation, 4.20% to Board and System Administration, and 0.04% to External Services.&nbsp;The complete budget document can be found here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/135NVcp5iY2qeCpi7fMtaWG1Kqjq4sP8B/view"><strong>https://drive.google.com/file/d/135NVcp5iY2qeCpi7fMtaWG1Kqjq4sP8B/view</strong></a></p><p><strong>Other Items:</strong></p><ul><li>The board approved spending $867 to support their continued membership in the Alberta Rural Caucus.</li></ul>

Fitness Centre update! We have a floor! This place is looking top notch already! We are so excited to get in here and sweat! #fitinforemost #exercise #training #hockeyandbeyond

You asked, and the Junior High Student Union delivered! Show us your Purple and Gold! Available to ANYONE to order - please click here: https://foremostschool.itemorder.com Let's paint the village in purple and gold! ONLY UNTIL MAY 31 #FalconPride #purpleandgold #showyourspirit

We are so proud of Britten, and his fantastic science project! Good luck this week at the Canada Wide Science Fair! We are ALL cheering you on! #foremostfinest #passionforscience #reallifescience #falconpride

We are breaking ground today! Our school farm carries on with the hard work of Mrs. Williams and some machine power loaned to us by the Kurtzweg family. So exciting! #springplanting #foremostfarmprogram #teachagriculture #playinthedirt🌱🦋❣️

<p>Superintendent Roger Clarke is pleased to announce that Lisa Lindsay has accepted the position as principal of Schuler School, following the move of current principal Kerry Watson to the Irvine vice principal position at the end of the 2020-2021 school year.</p><p>Lisa Lindsay comes to Prairie Rose with an extensive education background having worked as a teacher, school leader, and in student services and mental health for the past 30 years. Her most recent experience has been as vice-principal at the Dr. Roy Wilson Learning Centre in Medicine Hat from 2015-2020 and as the Mental Health Services Facilitator and Palliser Adolescent Service Administrator for the past seven months. In addition to a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta, she also has a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary.&nbsp;</p><p><i>“I am grateful for the opportunity to join the team at Prairie Rose Public Schools and look forward to getting to know the students, staff, and community of Schuler. This is not my first time working for Prairie Rose, as I spent six years teaching at Seven Persons School many years ago. I am excited to return to rural education and look forward to working alongside the Schuler community to develop innovative programs and opportunities for students.” ~ Lisa Lindsay</i></p><p>Lisa Lindsay will officially assume the role of principal at Schuler at the end of the current school year, effective August 25, 2021.</p>

<p>At the May 11, 2021, public board meeting the Prairie Rose Board of Trustees joined other school boards in the province and voted against participating in the draft K-6 curriculum pilot this fall.</p><p>The decision came following a report from an 18 member Prairie Rose teacher review committee who examined the four core subject areas of Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science of the draft curriculum. The report provided a thematic analysis of the core subjects with a lens on five areas including; progression and continuity, competencies, assessment (Bloom’s Taxonomy), age appropriateness, and content load.</p><p>While the committee did find some areas of strength in the proposed&nbsp;curriculum it was noted there were concerns that could not be overlooked. This included things such recognized areas where gaps in learning would likely occur, student comprehension,&nbsp;and the challenge&nbsp;for&nbsp;teachers to be ready for the fall. The committee's recommendation was to not participate in the draft K-6 curriculum pilot. Superintendent Roger Clarke expressed his appreciation to the volunteer teachers who were part of the localized review&nbsp;as they provided&nbsp;significant&nbsp;expertise, knowledge and experience to the process.&nbsp;</p>

<h1>Board Meeting Highlights</h1><p><strong>1. Margaret Wooding School Presentation</strong><br>Principal Craig Corsie and Vice Principal Eli Merrick spoke about the assurance data survey results obtained in March 2021 and how staff reviewed&nbsp;the data and developed goals and strategies to address potential challenges. It was noted that overall the school received very positive results from staff, parent and students in terms of feeling supported and cared for by school staff. Areas identified for growth were broken into student and parent categories. While still quite positive, it was shared that students expressed some concern about safety on the bus, student behaviour, learning expectations, and that their voice matters. Parents also identified bus safety, discipline, communication and learning expectations. Recommendations staff developed stemming from the results included; increased opportunity for student voice, increase parent and community awareness of school programs and what they are learning, and create opportunities for student to engage in learning that ignites their creativity and passions. A number of strategies were also shared to accomplish and evaluate&nbsp;the newly developed goals.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>2. Curriculum Review and Decision</strong><br>Superintendent Roger Clarke shared an overview of the process Prairie Rose Public Schools took to examine the draft K-6 curriculum. A total of 18 teachers participated in an internal review process examining the four core subjects of math, science, social studies and language arts. The five lenses the committee used for review included; progression and continuity, competencies, assessment (Bloom’s Taxonomy), age appropriateness and content load. The committee recommendation was not to pilot the curriculum as it has been proposed for implementation in the fall of 2021. It was noted the volunteer teachers who participated have been teaching the current curriculum for many years and their opinion and expertise is appreciated and highly valued. The board agreed with the recommendation from the committee echoing similar concerns have been expressed in their local communities. &nbsp;The board voted unanimously to not participate the draft K-6 curriculum pilot this fall.</p><p><strong>3. Irvine Riding Arena</strong><br>A motion was put forward asking Prairie Rose to financially supporting the building of an indoor riding and agriculture arena in Irvine. The proposal asks Prairie Rose to contribute $300,000-$500,000 for the construction of the facility and be responsible for the monthly operating expenses of utilities, water and gas. In exchange, Prairie Rose would have unlimited use of the facility and be able to provide several new programming options for students. The board voted to table a decision until they have an opportunity to further review and consider the future implications for Prairie Rose.</p><p><strong>4. Other Items:</strong></p><ul><li>The board approved the revised 2021-2022 Monitoring Schedule, as presented.</li><li>The board approved numerous policy changes to reflect the new name of Prairie Rose Public Schools.</li><li>The board approved the deletion of the June 29, 2021 public board meeting, due to the New Brigden School consultation meeting being moved until August 30, 2021.</li><li>The board approved the change of date for the June 8, 2021 board meeting to June 9, 2021.</li></ul>