<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>

<p>On May 4, 2021, the Alberta Government announced additional public health measures due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases across the province. In addition to a number of public health orders related to social gatherings, worship services and businesses, there were also new restrictions placed on school jurisdictions that will affect all Prairie Rose students.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=780944289E67F-AB21-1393-1723D64CDEC6F61D"><i>Read the full announcement from the Government of Alberta: Stop the Spike</i></a></p><p>Starting Friday, May 7, 2021, all students in grades kindergarten to grade 12 will move to <i>Scenario 3 Learning from Home</i> until May 25, 2021.</p><p><strong>How does this announcement impact my child(ren)?</strong></p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="2"><h4><strong>Who is not impacted by this announcement?</strong></h4></td></tr><tr><td><strong>May 7, 2021 - May 25, 2021</strong></td><td>Daycare programs at Oyen Public and IF Cox will continue to operate in-person.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>May 7, 2021 - May 25, 2021</strong></td><td>Junior kindergarten (JK) programs will continue to operate in-person. There will be no bus transportation for JK students.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>May 7, 2021 - May 25, 2021</strong></td><td>Hutterite colony schools will continue to operate in-person classes.</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><h4><strong>Important Dates</strong></h4></td></tr><tr><td><strong>May 7, 2021 - May 25, 2021</strong></td><td>Before and After School programs are cancelled.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Students in K-6</strong><br><strong>Friday, May 7, 2021</strong><br><strong>&nbsp;</strong></td><td>Students in K-6 will participate in an online orientation with their teachers on Friday, May 7, 2021. Teachers will connect directly with families regarding details for this day. The first day of class instruction for grades K-6 will be Monday, May 10, 2021.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Students in 7-12</strong><br><strong>Friday, May 7, 2021</strong><br><strong>&nbsp;</strong></td><td>Online classes begin.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>All Students JK-12</strong><br><strong>Friday, May 21, 2021</strong><br><strong>&nbsp;</strong></td><td>School Improvement (PD) Day. No school for students.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>All Students JK-12</strong><br><strong>Monday, May 24, 2021</strong><br><strong>&nbsp;</strong></td><td>Statutory holiday. No school for students or staff.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tuesday, May 25, 2021</strong></td><td>All Prairie Rose students in K-12 return to in-person classes. <i>This date is subject to change based on direction from Alberta Education.</i></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>Exceptions related to learning from home will ONLY be considered based on student needs and supports, and connectivity issues. All exceptions will be evaluated on a case by case basis and will only be considered in extenuating circumstances. Please contact your school principal if you have any questions or concerns. Should an exception be made, bus transportation will be provided.</p><p><strong>What are the educational expectations of students during the two-week learning from home timeline?</strong></p><p><strong>High School Students</strong><br>Students are expected to attend classes via Google Meets throughout the school day just as they would if they were in the school. Teachers will be teaching and marking attendance daily and completion of assignments is expected. Principals can make some adjustments for non-core subjects and to accommodate schedules for schools that have more than high school grades. Minimum instructional time for each Google Meet is 40 minutes per class. Teachers are able to have longer classes as the schedule permits.</p><p>Please remind your students of their responsibility during the two-week at-home learning period and why it is important they stay engaged. Instruction will continue to progress during this timeframe and students who do not stay current will fall behind their peers and may be in jeopardy of not passing their courses. If your home does not have reliable internet connectivity, please contact your school principal to discuss alternative learning options.</p><p><strong>Junior High Students</strong><br>Instruction will focus on the four core subjects (Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies) each day. Students are expected to attend classes via Google Meets throughout the school day just as they would if they were in the school. Teachers will be teaching and marking attendance daily and completion of assignments is expected. Minimum instructional time for each Google Meet is 40 minutes per class. Teachers are able to have longer classes as the schedule permits.</p><p>Please remind your students of their responsibility during the two-week at-home learning period and why it is important they stay engaged. Instruction will continue to progress during this timeframe. For students who do not have access to reliable internet, technology devices, or due to cultural norms, teachers will provide paper package materials and contact the home twice a week over the two-week learning at home period to provide support and monitor progress.</p><p><strong>Grades 4-6</strong><br>Teachers will be scheduling a minimum of two Google Meets per day focusing on literacy and numeracy. Student expectation of learning time is greater than 80 minutes per day, but schools have the discretion of making age-appropriate decisions related to learning expectations. Minimum instructional time for each Google Meet is 40 minutes per class. Teachers are able to have longer classes as the schedule permits.</p><p>Please talk with your child about the importance of staying connected and engaged during the two-week at-home learning period. Instruction will continue to progress during this timeframe. For students who do not have access to reliable internet, technology devices, or due to cultural norms, teachers will provide paper package materials and contact the home twice a week over the two-week learning at home period to provide support and monitor progress.</p><p><strong>Kindergarten - Grade 3</strong><br>Where possible, teachers will connect with students via Google Meets each day focusing on literacy and numeracy instruction. For kindergarten, this will be a minimum of one 30 minute class per day. In grades 1-3, there will be a minimum of two 30 minutes classes each day.</p><p>For students who do not have access to reliable internet, technology devices, or due to cultural norms, teachers will provide paper package materials and contact the home twice a week over the two-week learning at home period to provide support and monitor progress.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>How can I help my child be successful at home?</strong><br>There are many ways parents can help their children be successful through the transition to Scenario 3 Learning from Home. Here are a few ways we encourage parents to help support their children:</p><ul><li>Have a conversation with your child about expectations of the learning from home model.</li><li>Establish a routine.</li><li>Have your student ready to learn in the morning by making sure they get up on time, are dressed, eat breakfast and are ready to learn when class begins.</li><li>Set up a space for learning, not in their bedroom, without distractions.</li><li>Explain the importance of using their Chromebook cameras and keeping it on during class time, as face to face instruction supports learning engagement.</li><li>Take an active approach in engaging your child’s teacher to inquire about your child’s progress.</li><li>Have a conversation with your child at the end of each school day to check in on progress and determine whether they are feeling successful.</li></ul><p><strong>Will grade 12 students be required to write diploma exams?</strong><br>All diploma exams for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year remain optional. The decision to write diploma exams resides with students and their families. Students will receive an exemption if they choose not to write an exam, however, if an exam is written it will continue to be worth 30% of their final mark. This decision carries through until the end of August 2021.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>How else will schools be impacted by the recent announcement?</strong></p><ul><li>There will be no reduction in staffing and all employees will continue to work. This includes all teachers, support staff and bus drivers (as required).</li><li>Bus transportation will continue for any students with an approved exception for in-person learning. Bus drivers will be in touch with impacted families to coordinate pick up and drop off times.</li><li>Allocated supports will continue such as EA assistance, speech, counseling, etc. These services will just be provided in different ways. Your school will be in touch with you to discuss options.</li><li>We want resources in the hands of students. Schools will work with students to ensure they have books, technology, and other resources to be successful at home.</li><li>Information and details related to academy programs or school clubs will be communicated directly to impacted families through their designated program facilitator.</li></ul><p>We acknowledge this transition to <i>Scenario 3 Learning from Home</i> is not optimal for some families, but we will get through this. Our staff understands how important it is to keep students moving forward with their learning and Prairie Rose is committed to ensuring this happens. As parents, I encourage you to continue to support your child and be engaged with their learning. COVID-19 may keep us from being in one building, but we will continue to learn together. I would like to thank each of you for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate this challenging year.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, May 4, 2021, Prairie Rose Public Schools was informed by Alberta Health Services of a positive case of COVID-19 connected to Burdett and Margaret Wooding schools. Close contacts were identified and a total of 28&nbsp;students and 6&nbsp;staff and have been placed into quarantine. The positive case puts Burdett School and Margaret Wooding School on Alert status.</p><p>Those who are required to isolate will continue to be supported by the school through online and remote learning methods. Siblings and family members of close contacts are not required to self-isolate, however they are asked to monitor for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. &nbsp;Out of respect for privacy and in accordance with AHS guidelines, we cannot disclose personal details about the positive case.&nbsp;</p><p>Burdett and Margaret Wooding schools remain open to in-person learning and we are working closely with Alberta Health Services to ensure necessary measures are in place to protect students and staff. We continue to focus on preventing the spread of COVID-19 and have directed our custodian team to conduct enhanced cleaning protocols of the school. This additional cleaning will focus on areas where the individual was present along with our continuous attention to high touch areas and surfaces throughout the facility.</p><p>We also remind all families to monitor for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 using our <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/12oedZgsqwxJlmL6yMMLlR86E4PeuvGMG/view"><strong>Student Illness Guide</strong></a> and keep students who are sick away from school. Our <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Thp-h3EVTfnZtwr9iWECN619iNYVQfHg/view"><strong>COVID-19 Close Contact Guide</strong></a> outlines the process of identifying close contacts in schools and what to do if you have been around someone who tests positive for COVID-19.</p><p>For more information about positive COVID-19 cases in school please read <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_rBenG-RvBSK0VHIFft3kVNnSa6ObevW/view"><strong>COVID-19 in Schools (K-12) Settings.</strong></a></p>

<p>After working with students and families for 31 years, Prairie Rose Public School Superintendent Roger Clarke has announced his retirement from the Superintendent’s role, effective November 1, 2021.</p><p>Roger Clarke joined Prairie Rose in August 2017 following a long career as a teacher and superintendent with Fort Vermilion School Division. His wealth of experience as an educator and leader has made a significant impact on the quality of education and programming offered to Prairie Rose families over the past four years. This has included the expansion of options for students such as the South Alberta Hockey Academy, the Dave Rozdeba Flight Academy, rodeo clubs and programs, agriculture and fine arts initiatives, a partnership with Medicine Hat Public Schools and the Medicine Hat College with the Coulee Collegiate program, the Badlands Cre8tions entrepreneurial program at Eagle Butte High School and many more.&nbsp;</p><p>“Over the past four years, Prairie Rose has been fortunate to learn and grow under Roger’s guidance,” says Prairie Rose Board Chair Stuart Angle. “Roger understands the challenges, but also the benefits, of living in rural Alberta and has led our board to explore new and exciting opportunities for children. The board thanks Roger for his passion and leadership excellence and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”</p><p>“The decision to retire presents many mixed emotions,” says Clarke. “The need to spend time with elderly parents is a significant driver and has played a major part in altering the life plan for my wife and I. Since moving to Southern Alberta in 2017, I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to be part of the Prairie Rose family. Prairie Rose staff are passionate about inspiring and teaching children. This is evident across the division and I am incredibly proud of what I see happening in our schools. I have also been fortunate to work with an exceptional executive team, group of school leaders, central office staff and board of trustees, who work tirelessly to make these creative ideas come to life. I know they will continue to explore and implement amazing learning opportunities for students and families in Prairie Rose. We really only have the limits we as adults create. Thank you all for joining me in being positive difference makers for kids!”</p><p>The Prairie Rose School Division board of trustees will begin the process of selecting a new Superintendent of Schools immediately with a transition of the leadership position this fall.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Medicine Hat Public Schools, Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education and Prairie Rose Public Schools representing school jurisdictions in Medicine Hat and surrounding areas in southeast Alberta have collaborated to request government prioritize school-based staff, as essential workers, to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.</p><p>Together, the three boards strongly encourage the Alberta government to immediately offer vaccinations to school staff. Alberta’s schools have been expected to operate at 100% capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic, posing unavoidable increased health risks for staff who do not have the option to work from home. While our schools &nbsp;vigilantly follow the public health guidelines, our education K-12 facilities &nbsp;are the most densely populated buildings throughout the school day. Given this circumstance, our staff deserve the opportunity to access an extra layer of protection vaccines provide.</p><p>Based on the province’s current vaccination roll out plan, it is estimated that approximately 30-35% of school staff, unless they are immune compromised, will not get vaccinated until after the end of June. &nbsp;We are deeply concerned that school-based staff have not been prioritized for vaccinations. Providing the COVID-19 vaccination will minimize significant costs associated with staff replacement and help to avoid disruption to student learning. Additionally, with no approved vaccine for those under the age of 16, staff vaccinations would provide additional protection for all students and their families.</p><p>School-based staff play a vital role in providing high quality education to students, as such, deserve to be protected by the COVID-19 vaccination. &nbsp;Further, keeping schools open Is one of the key elements of maintaining the economy of the communities we serve. Having children in school facilitates parents being able to go to work and keeps business flowing. We strongly urge the government of Alberta to take action immediately and prioritize COVID-19 vaccinations for school-based staff.</p>

<p><strong>1. Procedures related to the April 13, 2021, notice of motion to close New Brigden School</strong></p><p>Moved by L. Bedwell to delay the New Bridgen School procedure until the 2021-2022 school year.</p><p>Board members speaking in favour of the motion included L. Bedwell, L. Hertz, and S. Hammel. Reasons for delaying the motion included the timeframe for potential closure, ability to provide appropriate online community consultation in a remote rural area where internet connectivity is limited, added workload on administrative and school staff who are managing through a pandemic, and stress on the families and students who were completely unaware a notice of motion for closure was coming.</p><p>Board members who spoke against the motion included G. Dennis, P. Cursons, S. Angle and C. Hogg. Reasons for continuing forward with the current timeline of June 2021 were related to facility and maintenance costs, a timeline for consultation and decision-making that meets Education Act guidelines, and the challenges of putting a possible school closure on a newly elected board of trustees following the October election. It was noted that a Special Meeting could be held later in June to extend the timeline for consultation.</p><p>The motion was defeated by a vote of 3-4. A recorded vote was asked for by L. Hertz.</p><ul><li>In favour: L. Bedwell, L. Hertz, and S. Hammel</li><li>Opposed: G. Dennis, P. Cursons, S. Angle and C. Hogg</li></ul><p>Moved by C. Hogg that a public board meeting be scheduled for June 29, 2021, to discuss the motion for closure of New Brigden School. CARRIED.</p>

<p>From an early age, Brittney Peters knew that she loved being around children. Growing up in the Mennonite culture, Brittney was part of a large family and often spent time caring for her younger siblings. She loved to watch them grow and cherished the milestones they reached as they learned about the world around them. However, it wasn’t until she was much older that education became a priority in her life.</p><p>As is common in most Mennonite families, education was not emphasized as a priority. In most cases students attend school until the end of grade 9 and then move on to enter the work environment to help support their family. Brittney’s path started out much the same until she began housekeeping for a lady in Schuler who began talking with her about other possibilities for her future.</p><p>“I don’t even think she needed her house cleaned,” says Peters. “Her house was always spotless. I think having me there provided her with the opportunity to have the conversation about education and to push me in the right direction.”</p><p>Unlike others in her family, Brittney made the decision to give high school a try. Only weeks before her grade 10 year she registered at Eagle Butte High School. It was a decision that changed the path of her life and led her to a career in the education field.&nbsp;</p><p>“Grade 10 was kind of out of bounds for me”, says Peters. “I didn’t even know if it was even an option. I was living at the women's shelter at the time, and in order to avoid talking about my feelings in group sessions, I kept myself busy with school in the day and work at night. I ended up being really inspired by the teachers who took the time to get to know me and understand my background and where I came from. Their support really encouraged me to pursue this journey.”</p><p>Peters recalls entering high school without the skills to use technology or write an email. A teacher at the school took the time to work with her to learn these skills which gave her the confidence to carry forward beyond high school and obtain her education degree.</p><p>“When I saw the position open up at Burdett I was ecstatic”, says Peters. “I wanted to be there. I wanted to be that person that could push those kiddos who didn’t get pushed.”</p><p>“Brittney really strives to make good connections with her parents and students,” says Burdett principal Cheryl Rebmann. “As we are a mainly Mennonite school, Brittney’s background and ability to speak in German with her families is invaluable. As a young and enthusiastic teacher, Brittney is eager to implement new strategies, tools, and ideas that she believes will be well received by our community.”</p><p>In addition to teaching grades 1 and 2, Brittney Peters also teaches elective programs to the junior high students at Burdett School. This gives her the opportunity to have the same conversations with her students that the lady from Schuler and her high school teachers had with her.</p><p>“I love my junior highs”, says Peters. “I tell them. You might not know if you want to go to high school today. You might not know if you want to go tomorrow. You might not even know by the end of the year. I didn’t even know until two weeks before I went. But keep that door open. Three years is not a long time to keep that door open for yourself.”</p><p>The Edwin Parr Teacher Award is presented annually by the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) to six exceptional first-year teachers from across the province of Alberta. Each spring, Alberta school divisions nominate and recognize one outstanding teacher who will represent them at the zone awards ceremony. The Prairie Rose Public Schools board of trustees would like to congratulate Brittney and wish her luck at the Zone 6 awards event taking place in May.</p>