Junior High students in the AgPro program worked with students from Irvine School - PRSD8 for a visit to the Prairie Rose Honey Apiary today. Students eagerly got to work, coached by skilled beekeeper, Sheldon Hill. The day’s agenda included removing accumulated wax and propolis from the hives and feeding the bees sugar water. Prairie Rose Public Schools sweetpurehoney.ca #forgefutures #igniteminds #kindlehearts

The bottle calves have arrived. Thank you so much to the Agriculture Discovery Center (ADC) from Irvine School - PRSD8 for loaning us the calves until they go to market in mid October. Thank you to Nicole from Neubauer Farms for transporting the animals and feed. This allows the students to gain excitement and see some joy out of all the work they have being doing with the farm. #igniteminds #forgefutures #kindlehearts #challenge #care Prairie Rose Public Schools

A great option at Ralston School - PRSD #8 this year is robotics through the VEX program with Mr Levesque. Students have started their robotics journey by building their very first robot, the Basebot! This hands-on project introduces them to the fundamentals of robotics. From here, they’ll learn how to design, build, and code more advanced creations, developing problem-solving skills and teamwork along the way. Grade 4–6 students are building the Supercar. This project helps them get comfortable with the building process and practice following detailed instructions. As they work, students are learning the names and functions of the pieces in their robotics kits. This foundation will prepare them for more advanced builds where they’ll begin exploring coding and programming. VEX is another example of the great hands on learning experiences and terrfic option classes. #igniteminds #forgefutures #kindlhearts Prairie Rose Public Schools

<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>

Social 4/5 were using primary sources today to learn about life during World War 2. What a great way to incorporate literacy and authentic learning to discover history. #igniteminds #challenge #communicate Prairie Rose Public Schools

Grade 3 science and Mr Carrier worked with ooblick to show how some items can be both a solid and a liquid. #igniteminds #challenge #create Prairie Rose Public Schools

Grade 1/2/3 and Mrs Bergquist were busy learning “Les Couleurs” in Francais today. Students played a game of connect four and had to say the correct couleurs as they played. Engaging lesson. #igniteminds #communicate #connect #challenge Prairie Rose Public Schools

A huge thank you to PSP Suffield for putting on an excellent Terry Fox Run. Students ran either a 2.5 kilometer/5 kilometer/10 kilometer race. Everyone was then treated to burgers and hotdogs. What a great day and way to carry on the dream of Terry Fox. #kindlehearts #forgefutures #challenge #contribute #care Prairie Rose Public Schools

<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>

Thank you to CFB Suffield Military Family Resource Centre for the donation of the stroller to the daycare program. #kindlehearts #care Prairie Rose Public Schools

Thank you to Lt Langen from CAF for speaking to the Jr High students about reconciliation and doing a smudging. Great learning experience with so much to think about. #igniteminds #forgefutures #kindlehearts Prairie Rose Public Schools

JK/K and Mrs Stanton are using the “Squiggle While You Wiggle,” program which introduces handwriting. Such a valuable skill for students to learn and what a terrific start these students are getting. #igniteminds #create #communicate Prairie Rose Public Schools

Great literacy in action with Mrs Forbes and the JK/K class during library. Students were very engaged and excited. #igniteminds #kindlehearts #communicate Prairie Rose Public Schools

Thank you to Murray for the great lesson today on Vermicomposting and Red Wiggler Worms. Thank you to Mrs Rose and Murray for sharing their worms with Ralston School - PRSD #8 Mr Carrier did a lesson with grade 3 last week and today grade 1/2/4/5/6 got their lesson. Next up will be learning about the worms under the microscope, doing experiments to see if the casting soil grows better over ordinary soil, and how effective is the “tea” as fertilizer? This will happen with Mrs Duchscherer during farm option. So many engaging activities to come out of the Vermicomposting Kit. Thank you to Nichole from Neubauer Farms for creating the kit. #igniteminds #kindlehearts #forgefutures #challenge Prairie Rose Public Schools

Grade 1/2/3 students completed a PWIM (picture/word/induction/model) around two owls in an old building today. The picture was taken on the FARM and will be used for this year’s, “Take One Picture” project. Students and Mrs Rose also investigated what type of owls were in the picture. Great engaging lesson. #igniteminds #kindlehearts #forgefutures #create #communicate #challenge Prairie Rose Public Schools

A huge thank you to Patti Forbes and Janice Richardson for coming and teaching the junior high students how to make homemade apple pies. The pies were delicious and students now have a life long skill. #kindlehearts #forgefutures #care #contribute Prairie Rose Public Schools

Great first volleyball practice tonight. Girls showed lots of hustle and enthusiasm. Excited to see the improvement and progress. #challenge #forgefutures Prairie Rose Public Schools

A big thank you to Robert Schmunk for donating our first three round bales to feed the steers coming in the fall. Your support of the Ralston School and Community Small Farm is appreciated. #kindlehearts #forgefutures #care #challenge Prairie Rose Public Schools

Thank you to Mrs Linda Duckington who is providing music lessons for students at the school. We are very excited and grateful for her to share her knowledge and love of music with the students. #igniteminds #forgefutures #kindlehearts Prairie Rose Public Schools

A great new program at Ralston School - PRSD #8 in Prairie Rose Public Schools this year is the daycare and Pre/Post care initiative. A huge thank you to Mrs Stanton and her team of Mrs Gibson, Mrs Jenkins and Mrs Rance for all the great work they are doing with the daycare and Pre/Post care. This is in addition to the already full time Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten program. What a great way to get children learning and heading in the right direction. #igniteminds #kindlehearts #forgefutures #connect #communicate #care