<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) received a letter from the Honourable Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women, in late December informing them that&nbsp;the division will be awarded a Community Initiatives Program Project-Based Grant. PRPS applied for the grant earlier this year to assist in the purchase of a LED media wall for the gymnasium at Eagle Butte High School (EBHS).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“We are so appreciative for this grant money,” stated Principal of EBHS Rocheal Howes, “it is going to mean so much for all our athletes and Phys-ed students. Additionally, our entire student body will benefit from having a media wall, which we can use during assemblies, pep rallies, and other school-wide events.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Greg Elgie, who is a Vice-Principal at EBHS, along with the coach for the senior girls volleyball team, said it will be exciting to have the capability of instant replays at games and during practices. “We will use it for practice and game feedback as well as during games and presentations,” explained Elgie. “On senior nights we always have clips of the athletes for fans to see and during games the fans can rewatch the play that just happened. During practices it will be beneficial because if we have a drill we are working on, I can record and put it up on the screen for instant feedback. With the media wall, it will be more interactive, and we can get right back to continuing to work on the drill.”&nbsp;</p><p>Elgie added the team presently must go to a classroom to watch a video and break down a play or drill, then return to the gym to continue practicing. With the media wall available onsite, it will be more efficient in practices for instant feedback. The media wall will also provide the ability for the team to review a previously played game during practice.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Vice-Principal and Athletic Director at EBHS Lyall Foran is always looking for different ways to increase what they can do at the school during athletic events. “Having the capability to promote and showcase our athletes on a continuous basis and to have the live video replay to really engage the fans will make a huge difference for us and increase our capacity as a host anytime we are having an event here. We are really looking forward to that and increasing our capabilities as a whole school. The feedback received thorough instant video replays, along with using it to showcase our sponsors, student athletes and promotional pictures, will add a vibrant flair to our gym,” said Foran.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Grade 11 student Autumn Klaiber is a member of the EBHS senior girls volleyball team and is looking forward to the installation of the LED media wall in the gymnasium at EBHS. “Hat High and Crescent Heights have a one and it’s really nice because they have a big screen with the live streams playing that is a bit delayed, so if someone missed something they can still see the play.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Klaiber feels the media wall provides a different experience for the team and fans. “It’s much more professional and it’s also nice because it provides video footage that can be used to submit to colleges, which is handy. I think it will help improve my game because volleyball is all about form, so getting to view myself during a play helps me see what I am doing wrong and will really help our team improve.”&nbsp;</p><p>This is her second year playing on an EBHS volleyball team and Klaiber was also on junior high teams. “I’ve been playing volleyball my whole life as everyone in my family played, so I was brought up into the sport. I love that it is a team sport, and I get to play with others, it’s not just an individual thing and we have to work together.”</p>

<p>Additional information can be found in the January 14, 2025, Board Meeting Agenda package: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gQJ5UU6d8ubt7QD0pe4d-QiEn9eb8cxP/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gQJ5UU6d8ubt7QD0pe4d-QiEn9eb8cxP/view?usp=drive_link</a></p><p><strong>Burdett School Presentation</strong></p><p>Principal Scott Raible presented an update on the progress and initiatives at Burdett School, which primarily serves a Mennonite community. The presentation highlighted the school’s efforts under three themes: Kindling Hearts, Forging Futures, and Igniting Minds.</p><p>Under Kindling Hearts, Raible shared how the school is fostering connections with parents and the community. Students performed a bilingual Christmas concert in German and English, breaking the tradition of separate performances. Other activities include fun hair days, drama productions, and a new music program with performances shared in Bow Island and Burdett. Fitness Fridays, regular therapy dog visits, monthly reading challenges, and a unique program where students teach parents UFLI (a literacy program) further illustrate the school’s commitment to engagement.</p><p>In the area of Forging Futures, the school introduced a new cooking program and two leadership teams while also recognizing students who exemplify integrity and positive character traits. Basketball has become a significant highlight, with most students in grades 6-9 participating on teams and enjoying loud and enthusiastic support at games.</p><p>Under the theme of Igniting Minds, Raible discussed the school’s creative academic initiatives. Students raised funds to bring a speaker from the Eagle Butte Observatory and create their books using Book Creator. Library “book tastings” are further sparking an interest in reading. Under the direction of teacher Angie Angle, STEM is also a big hit with the students. Using Thinking Classrooms and applied learning projects in science and math has greatly increased student enthusiasm for learning.</p><p>Looking ahead, the school has plans to add more hands-on learning opportunities. With approval from the County of 40 Mile, a fully enclosed chicken coop with ten hens will be introduced in March. The school has also been approved to establish honey bee hives and is exploring the possibility of adding cutter bees to their program.</p><p>Learn more about what’s happening at Burdett School by following them on Facebook:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/burdettschool">&nbsp;https://www.facebook.com/burdettschool</a></p><p><strong>AgPro Courses</strong></p><p>Nichole Neubauer presented an update on the new AgPro courses, introduced the Prairie Rose Honey project, and shared her vision for establishing a South Alberta Agriculture Academy for high school students.</p><p>The AgPro program focuses on preparing students to become agriculture professionals by connecting them with industry experts and exposing them to diverse career opportunities within the field. Students can enrol in courses such as AgPro Beef, AgPro Crops, AgPro Machinery and Technology (in collaboration with Western Tractor), AgPro Event Planning, and Farm Safety. A new AgPro Business course is also in development, where students will present their projects in a “Dragon’s Den”-style format.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>A Community Foundations Grant is funding the creation of video resources to make the AgPro content more accessible. These videos will allow the program to reach classrooms and school divisions that cannot visit the physical sites featured in the curriculum.</p><p>The Prairie Rose Honey project, a new initiative led by Nichole in collaboration with Sheldon Hill (former owner of Sweet Pure Honey), aims to teach students all aspects of beekeeping. This includes building frames and boxes, caring for bees, harvesting honey, and producing items like candles and lip balm.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Looking ahead, Nichole envisions a South Alberta Agriculture Academy for high school students. The academy would provide hands-on education in areas such as agricultural business, crop and animal sciences, and the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment. The program would prepare students for immediate employment after graduation by partnering with industry experts. Central to this vision is the creation of a multifunctional building designed to support various agricultural pathways, addressing an education gap that currently exists.<br>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Staff Wellness Update</strong></p><p>Tammy Toews, Manager of Human Resources, presented the Wellness Accountability Report, emphasizing the guiding principles of care, fostering connections, and promoting healthy and safe work environments.</p><p>Tammy began by reviewing Extended Disability Benefit (EDB) claims, which are considered long-term leave and fall under Occupational Health and Safety’s EL#14. This policy encompasses both physical and psychological well-being, including mental health.</p><p>With an increase in EDB claims, the focus has shifted toward improving workplace culture. Initiatives include proactive collaboration with school leaders, gathering employee feedback, partnering with the Horizon School Division, and conducting HEARTcare planning discussions and new teacher orientations. Additional efforts include sharing wellness bulletins with staff, providing ongoing resources and updates from ASEBP, and supporting school-based wellness activities.</p><p>A significant development is the implementation of ASEBP’s new sick leave program, which took effect on January 1, 2025. The program has demonstrated improved employee outcomes through active case management and medically supported return-to-work plans. These strategies have been shown to reduce EDB claims, and Tammy expressed optimism that Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) will see similarly positive results.</p><p><strong>Student Wellness Update</strong></p><p>Greg Godard, Division Psychologist, began his presentation by announcing the change of the title Family School Liaison Worker (FSLW) to School Wellness Counsellor (SWC). The division now has seven SWCs supporting schools across PRPS, alongside a school psychologist and a mental health professional dedicated to the South Alberta Hockey Academy.</p><p>In their roles, SWCs provide individual counselling to help students normalize, stabilize, and regulate their emotions while offering coping strategies to help them thrive despite challenging circumstances. Group sessions are also held for students facing similar issues, fostering peer support and helping them realize they are not alone. Additionally, PRPS offers free parent training to strengthen parent-child attachment, with an upcoming online session available to parents.</p><p>A new Crisis Response Manual, developed by Godard, was distributed to all PRPS schools in September. The manual provides guidance on addressing crises or traumatic events. Its purpose is to help schools ensure that students feel safe and supported, facilitating open conversations that promote emotional regulation, stabilization, and normalization.</p><p>Data from September to December 2024 revealed three main wellness concerns among students: anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and family-related issues. Emerging concerns in the PRPS student population include anxiety, overuse of screens, reversed family hierarchies (where children, rather than parents, exert control), and a growing trend of students self-diagnosing, often inaccurately. Godard recommended the book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, which examines the impact of social media since 2012 and the decline in free play among children. The book also offers practical solutions to address these challenges.</p><p><strong>Financial Update</strong></p><p>Finance Controller Candice Hintz presented the Financial Accountability Report as of November 30, 2024. Funding from Alberta Education exceeded projections by $543,270, attributed to grant adjustments, increased enrollment, and the receipt of a Dual Credit Grant, Digital Assessment Grant, and Community Grant.</p><p>Additional staffing led to increased salary expenses, with certified staff salaries rising by $45,453 and non-certified staff salaries by $147,751. While total expenses are over budget by $497,795, the overall expected deficit has decreased, reflecting improved financial positioning despite the higher costs.</p><p><strong>Other Items:</strong></p><ul><li>The board approved changes to Policy GP #5 – Board Committees.</li><li>The board approved Introduction to Educational Assistant 35 as a locally approved course for school use.</li></ul>

Hockey academy students continue to learn and develop skills on the ice during sessions along with having fun through full ice and small area games. #forgefutures #challenge Prairie Rose Public Schools

Thank you to Mrs Kannekens from Prairie Rose Public Schools who was out at Ralston School to help grade 1/2/3 students learn how to operate Minecraft Education. Mrs Kannekens will be back again to continue on with the learning that was already established. #igniteminds #forgefutures #challenge #create

<p>The January 14, 2025, PRPS Public Board Meeting will take place at the Prairie Rose Public Schools Division Office starting at 12:45 p.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/1gQJ5UU6d8ubt7QD0pe4d-QiEn9eb8cxP/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gQJ5UU6d8ubt7QD0pe4d-QiEn9eb8cxP/view?usp=drive_link</a></p>

The school is preparing for our annual Jump Rope for Heart fundraising and active living drive. Jump is an inclusive event that encourages all students to get moving in their way whether by jumping, dancing, wheeling, or hula hooping. This initiative helps students discover new and exciting ways to stay active while learning healthy habits to keep their hearts and brains healthy, ultimately reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke later in life. Our school aims to expand this event by inviting various entities from the Ralston community, including BATUS, CAF, MFRC, PSP, and BFBS, to join us in this active living initiative. We invite everyone to participate in jumping rope every day from January 13 to February 14. Some challenges are posted to inspire participation, each group is welcome to set goals. Also, we would like to invite all community members not part of the above groups in this initiative to join us on January 27 for a series of competitions. This day will be an opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate, and compete in a fun and engaging way. As an additional incentive for our fundraising efforts, if the school meets its $2,000 goal, Mr. Duchsherer will wear a wig the Junior High students provided for three days. Additionally, if we reach this goal, Mr. Carrier and Mr. Duchsherer will organize a fun afternoon event for the school. Moreover, if the community raises over $5,000, Mr. Carrier will shave his head to a buzz cut. Here are the skipping goals of the school by grade level. To give an idea for your own goals: - JK/K: 25 skips - Grades 1-3: 50 skips - Grades 4-6: 100 skips - Junior High: 150 skips - Staff: 10 minutes of consistent skipping per day Monday, January 13 This day marks the kickoff of our month-long Jump Rope for Heart campaign. Donations can be made at the school's event website, https://jumpropeforheart.crowdchange.ca/81207. Challenges will commence on this date and continue until February 14. Monday, January 27 This will be our community Jump Rope for Heart event. We plan to use the PSP Gym in the afternoon for a community gathering and friendly competition centered around jump roping as a fun way to promote physical activity. In this assembly, we will update everyone on the status of donations and the daily challenges. Students, staff, and community members will participate in the following competitions: - Longest time skipping without a mistake - Longest time skipping on one foot without a mistake - 30-second trick performance - Skipping relay races - Long rope skipping (groups of six) - Long rope (most skippers) Friday, February 14 This date marks the conclusion of the Jump Rope for Heart drive. We will hold an assembly to review our achievements and determine who met their challenges. This will also be when we decide if Mr. Duchsherer will wear a wig and if Mr. Carrier has a date with the clippers. If you'd like to join us, please don't hesitate to contact Mr. Carrier through the following email. [email protected] Thank you in advance for your support with this event. I look forward to a month filled with fun activities! #kindlehearts #forgefutures #contribute #care Prairie Rose Public Schools

Exciting news. Ralston School students will be playing in the 1st annual Ralston Stanley Cup. Students are divided on different teams according to grade levels and will compete during noon hours for their chance to get their name etched on the Ralston Stanley Cup. Parents are welcome to attend and watch the games played between 12:40-1:00 (during the lunch recess). The schedule and list of teams can be found in the pictures. The winning teams will have the chance to play against the staff and some special guests in the final game on Thursday, February 13 from 12:40-1:00. Watch for the results as the games are completed. #kindlehearts #forgefutures #challenge Prairie Rose Public Schools

Busy morning of writing in the grade 5/6 classroom with students working on both compound and complex sentences through writing prompts. Grade 3/4 students continued their work around different “Figures of Speech,” with similes, metaphors and hyperboles. #igniteminds #forgefutures #create #challenge Prairie Rose Public Schools

<p>On Wednesday, December 11, Irvine School held their third annual Miracle Market. The goal this year was to have 4,000 donated items for students to choose from when selecting gifts for others.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“On the Miracle Market Day, every student comes in and they are able to purchase items for their parents or siblings or their grandparents,” explained Principal Trent Rayner. “We have over 25 parents who act as elves and they wrap the gifts. The students are so excited when they get these presents for others, they learn the sense of giving as they aren’t buying for themselves.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Feedback from parent council regarding the Miracle Market was positive, with stories about how grandparents had tears of joy upon receiving the gifts and how enthused children were to be giving a gift they selected and paid for to their family members.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Despite how much work it is to run and organize the Miracle Market, Rayner said, “it is totally worth doing. For the most part, people donate anything they think people could use or would like.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>A large range of items are donated to the school in the week prior to the Miracle Market. Drop off times were during parent-teacher interviews in early December, but gifts were already being donated ahead of that date.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The market was open for the whole school day on December 11 with the younger grades going in first. “The Grade 9s take the Grade 1 students around the market first and help them select gifts. They will ask them what their parents do and other questions to help them select the best gifts to give,” stated Rayner.&nbsp;</p><p>Any gifts that don’t get used are donated to Seven Persons School, who will hold their own Miracle Market. This year, for the first time, anything left over from Seven Persons is being transported to Schuler School so they can also have a market this year. “It is now being shared between schools within Prairie Rose,” explained Rayner.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Money raised from the Miracle Market is being used to put together Christmas hampers for families who need some extra support over the holiday season. Last year, five hampers were delivered to families in the community. The hampers contained a turkey, fruit and vegetable trays along with a selection of other holiday food. Additionally, there were Christmas napkins, plates and other items, such as tea towels.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>During the last week of school, on Wednesday December 18, before the winter break, the school had their second annual Christmas dinner with all the fixings for the entire school. Irvine School has just over 400 students and, along with feeding staff and volunteers, it is a massive undertaking.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“We did it last year and it was really good,” stated Rayner. “I brought it to parent council and heard stories about multiple students saying they were so excited because they’d never had a turkey dinner before. It takes between 25 and 30 volunteers with some precooking turkeys and hams and bringing them into the school. We have huge community support to get the dinner organized, cooked and served.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Again, the youngest students were served first with each subsequent grade following. The students took the meal back to their classroom and ate together with their friends and teacher.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

Great afternoon of Christmas Activities for students and families. Kids made clay ornaments, ginger bread houses, solved Christmas clues and completed Christmas crafts. #kindlehearts #create #care #myprps Prairie Rose Public Schools

Door decorating is complete at Ralston School. Next up is to decide the winner. It is going to be a tough decision. #kindlehearts #create #myprps Prairie Rose Public Schools

JK to grade 3 field trip to Police Point Park today. Students did den building, an elf hunt and an outdoor fire. Students and staff had a wonderful time. #igniteminds #kindlehearts #forgefutures #challenge #care @prairierosesd8

<p>The Young at Heart Reading Program at Seven Persons School started up in early October of this year. Every other Tuesday afternoon, volunteers, primarily grandparents within the community, come to the school for about an hour and read with or to students from kindergarten through to Grade 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Debbie Penner, who at one time was the librarian at Seven Persons School, was part of the early discussions to begin the group. “The idea was for grandparents to come and read with young children to help with literacy and to encourage reading, which is always a fundamental good thing, but also to work at the community aspect of things. In a small town, it’s really good for young kids to have that connection with older people within the community,” explained Penner. “It builds relationships, but also accountability for young kids. It’s a good idea for small communities to do this kind of thing. We have lots of activities at the hall and churches, so these kids will run into members of the community.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Those who are interested can sign up for the days they are available. When they arrive at the school, volunteer's check-in with reception to find out what classroom and grade they’ve been assigned to. Some come each time and go to the same classroom, building stronger relationships with those students. Generally, about six volunteers show up, allowing there to be at least one or two readers in each of the grades.&nbsp;</p><p>“We do whatever the teacher wants, which we love. We will read with the kids or read to the kids, it can be one on one, small groups or the whole class. We don’t have to plan anything, we are just there to facilitate and help the teacher,” said Penner. “I think it is going very well. It’s for grandparents to get involved in the school, many of us have grandkids here. It’s been very successful, and I think the teachers find it a good thing too.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Margaret Cook is another volunteer who arrives regularly for the Young at Heart Reading program. Originally from England – although she left 28 years ago, she still has a marked accent – students get to hear slightly different stories from her. “We talked about wartime last time I was here and that was good. My mum was 11 years old when war broke out so I can tell them about rationing with no candy, sugar, bananas or pineapple,” said Cook. “My grandchildren are more grown up now, the youngest is 13, and I love reading to kids and I love little kids. I’ve been with the Grade 2 class, and they are so much fun. They are very attentive, have lots to say, are well behaved and polite. It’s been a pleasure.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Great day at Ralston School with the Christmas Lunch for students and guests and then a skating party for grades 1-9. The JK/K students went to play in the soft play area. A big thanks to Prairie Rose Public Schools Division Office staff who came to help with supervision and skate tying. #kindlehearts #care #myprps

Upcoming Spirit Days at Ralston School

<p><strong>Experienced US Baseball Coach and Mentor to Spearhead New Academy at Eagle Butte High School</strong></p><p>Having experienced great success with the current Badlands Badgers Baseball Academy in Oyen, Prairie Rose Public Schools will be adding another competitive baseball program to the roster. Starting in the fall of 2025, Eagle Butte High School will launch the South Alberta Baseball Academy.</p><p>“The Badgers program was the first academy program offered by Prairie Rose,” says Director of Enhanced Programming for PRPS Darren MacMillan. “Over the years the Badgers have had great success in developing players who have gone on to play collegiate ball in the US. Having a program out of Eagle Butte would have benefits for both teams.”</p><p>Unlike other high school academy sports programs such as hockey, no academy league with official standings exists for baseball. Teams often have to travel long distances just to compete with other schools who offer competitive baseball options. MacMillan hopes that adding another competitive team to the region will support the growth of baseball in the area and possibly result in establishing an academy league in the future.</p><p>“It is a challenge to offer baseball year-round in a country where the weather impacts access to facilities,” adds MacMillan. “In Oyen we are incredibly lucky to have “The Barn” which is a massive 13,000 square foot indoor training facility, and now with the addition of the South Alberta Collegiate building by the airport we have removed one of the bigger obstacles around offering a competitive baseball program.”</p><p>Spearheading the new program will be Marc MacMillan who has an extensive baseball resume in the southern US market. His experience includes Head Coach at Charleston Southern University, Assistant Coach and Director of Operations at the University of Mississippi, and Associate Head Coach at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Additionally, Marc operates Marc MacMillan Baseball, which provides training camps for children to learn and grow their baseball skills.</p><p>“I am looking forward to being part of this new opportunity to grow baseball at the high school level in southern Alberta,” says Marc MacMillan. “Even though I have lived in the southern US most of my life, I have family in the Medicine Hat and Milk River regions. When I was asked to coach and develop this new program for the South Alberta Baseball Academy, it was my chance to reconnect with my Canadian roots and bring home what I have learned from my time building competitive baseball players in the US market.”</p><p>Earlier this year Prairie Rose Public Schools announced the partnership with the Mavericks baseball organization (WCBL) to develop baseball fundamentals in students from grades 4 - 9. Led by head coach and program director Greg Morrison, the Mavericks School of Baseball now operates at four PRPS schools with 52 students enrolled.</p><p>------</p><p><strong>Other Links and Information</strong></p><p>Badlands Baseball Academy: <a href="https://baseballacademy.myprps.com/">https://baseballacademy.myprps.com/</a></p><p>Marc MacMillan: <a href="https://www.csusports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/marc-macmillan/215">https://www.csusports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/marc-macmillan/215</a><br><a href="http://www.cmac23camps.com/Staff">http://www.cmac23camps.com/Staff</a></p><p>Mavericks School of Baseball: <a href="https://www.myprps.com/news/the-mavericks-and-prairie-rose-partner-to-launch-new-school-of-baseball-this-spring-1704825660121">https://www.myprps.com/news/the-mavericks-and-prairie-rose-partner-to-launch-new-school-of-baseball-this-spring-1704825660121</a><br><a href="https://www.myprps.com/news/mavericks-school-of-baseball-is-back-on-the-field-20241003214848">https://www.myprps.com/news/mavericks-school-of-baseball-is-back-on-the-field-20241003214848</a></p>

Well done to the JK/K class, Mrs Paul and Mrs Stanton on putting together a fantastic Christmas Concert. For 3/4/5 year olds the show was amazing. #kindlehearts #forgefutures #create #challenge #myprps Prairie Rose Public Schools

Well done to the junior high class and Mr Carrier on raising $117.27 at the Christmas Market and $83.50 at the bake sale today. The money will be donated to the Veteran’s Food Bank. #kindlehearts #care #contribute #myprps Prairie Rose Public Schools

<p>Parkside Junior High School in Redcliff has a multitude of electives for students to choose from. Throughout the year, all students at the school can select six different electives from over 30 options in a variety of categories, which include fine arts, forging futures, sports, and technology. Under forging futures, one of the options is work experience, which is only open to Grade 9 students.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Vice-Principal Janet Kraft explained, “the students have lots of different opportunities, but one of them is going over to I.F. Cox School to support kids from kindergarten through to Grade 3, maybe working with students, reading to them, or helping them with projects. They might also be helping the teacher in the classroom with marking assignments or creating bulletin boards. There are lots of different ways they are involved at I.F. Cox, and we are thankful to have them so close to us so we can make this program successful.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>A new term of electives began in late November with seven students enrolled in work experience. Jake Druar is assigned to the Grade 1 class at I.F. Cox with teacher Leslie Beaudoin, who taught Druar when he was in Grade 1. Druar signed up for this elective because he enjoys meeting new people and finds younger kids fun to be around. As a goalie on the U15AAA hockey, he already has experience mentoring young players.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“I really like working with kids and wanted to get some experience in the workforce,” stated Druar. “I have a couple of younger siblings, and I do some on-ice work with younger goalies.”&nbsp;</p><p>Beaudoin enjoys having previous students back in her classroom. “It’s very exciting and I love Jake. He knew all the cool music from hockey so I used to always giggle when Jake would sing. He would sing the coolest songs, ones I knew. He would be writing and singing ACDC, it was so funny.”&nbsp;</p><p>Adrianna Eremenko felt the work experience elective was a good opportunity and she enjoys interacting with kids. “I babysit and have younger cousins that I see all the time. They are fun to be around, and I like hanging out with them,” said Eremenko. “I wanted to make an impression and be able to meet new people and spend time with younger kids, colouring with them, doing something fun, helping them read, or other activities.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Teacher Candace Robbins at I.F. Cox School, who has had several work experience students in her classroom throughout the years the elective has been running, said, “I love it. It’s a great way for the schools to connect and for those older students to come and interact with the younger ones at I.F. Cox. They love coming back to the school they attended for their early grades and engaging with their previous teachers, seeing the spaces again and remembering those good feelings of being here. They are like mentors, I find my students love seeing the Parkside students come over, some are brothers and sisters or cousins or they see them on their hockey team, so they already have that connection, and that mentorship really helps them learn and grow. They support us in an academic way, or a social emotional way. It's more like a peer group than an adult, so they feel a closer bond.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer</p>

JK/K read the story, “The Dinosaur That Pooped Christmas,”and had a chance to practice rhyming words and vocabulary development while enjoying the silly story. #igniteminds #challenge #myprps Prairie Rose Public Schools