<p>For Foremost School valedictorian Kaelyn King, high school has been about much more than academics. It has been a journey of learning how to balance responsibilities, serve others and make the most of every opportunity that comes her way.</p><p>As she prepares to graduate, King says one of the most important lessons she learned throughout high school is that success is rarely achieved alone.</p><p>“High school taught me that there are people out there that want to help you, but you just have to let them,” she said.</p><p>Looking back, King says she will miss the close connections that come with attending a small K to 12 school and being part of a tight knit rural community.</p><p>“I'll miss the close, small town K to 12 school that our community shares,” she said.</p><p>Growing up on a farm near Foremost, King learned early how to balance a busy schedule. Throughout high school, she participated in hockey, badminton, softball, volleyball and track and field, often spending long hours travelling to practices, games and competitions. Those experiences helped her develop strong time management skills while teaching her the importance of commitment and perseverance.</p><p>Leadership became a natural extension of those experiences. King serves as president of the Short Grass Forage Beef Club, where she helps mentor younger members and contribute to the growth of the club and the community it serves. She has also spent several years coaching mini basketball, helping young athletes learn the fundamentals of the game and build confidence before entering junior high sports.</p><p>Her commitment to service extends beyond athletics. During her spare periods this year, King volunteered in a Grade 2 classroom, supporting students with their learning and helping wherever she was needed. She also works as a lifeguard in Foremost and volunteers with the community's annual Vacation Bible School, where she leads activities and helps create positive experiences for younger children.</p><p>“Use your passion in the service of others, and it will become your purpose,” she said.</p><p>That desire to help others also influenced her future career plans. This fall, King will attend Medicine Hat College to begin a science transfer program before transferring to the University of Alberta to pursue a degree in dental hygiene. She was drawn to the profession because it combines hands-on work with the opportunity to make a positive difference in people's lives, while also providing flexibility for the future.</p><p>“I like hands-on stuff, and I thought dental hygiene would be a good fit overall for me,” she said.</p><p>Starting post secondary education close to home was also an intentional choice. After spending her entire life in a small rural community, King wanted the opportunity to gradually adjust to college life before making the transition to a larger university setting.</p><p>As Foremost School's Class of 2026 prepares for commencement, King hopes graduates will remember the people who helped them along the way and continue using their talents to make a difference in the lives of others.</p><p>“Go build a life worthy of the people who helped you get here,” she said.</p>

<h3><strong>Board Highlights: June 4, 2026</strong></h3><p><strong>2026–2027 Budget Approval</strong><br>Budget Summary: <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13UCvEXm2EMG64Oi0sZ3mMGp0xM71iQVp">https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13UCvEXm2EMG64Oi0sZ3mMGp0xM71iQVp</a></p><p>Trustees approved a balanced budget for the 2026–2027 school year totaling approximately $94 million. The budget reflects increased provincial funding, projected enrollment growth, and continued investment in student learning and support services.&nbsp;</p><p>The division will see an increase of approximately $4.86 million in provincial operational funding and is based on projected enrollment that is approximately 95 funded full-time equivalent (FTE) students higher than originally budgeted for 2025–2026. Provincial funding increases include enhancements to base instruction, specialized learning supports, English as an Additional Language programming, transportation, and operations and maintenance, along with new funding for class size reduction and classroom complexity.</p><p>Instruction remains the division's largest area of investment, with approximately $73.6 million allocated to support student learning. The budget includes an increase of approximately 12.6 teacher FTEs and 17 FTE support staff positions, continued expansion of student wellness services, dual credit programming, and technology investments including Chromebooks, interactive touch boards, and network infrastructure upgrades. The instructional budget includes a surplus of $202,756.</p><p>Operations and maintenance revenues are budgeted at $8.82 million. Increased provincial funding and lower projected utility costs help offset rising wage and insurance expenses, resulting in a budgeted surplus of $29,847. Transportation revenues are budgeted at $7.93 million. Rising fuel, staffing, and service costs, along with continued route expansion, result in a budgeted deficit of $202,778.</p><p>The Board and System Administration budget totals approximately $3.2 million and includes system leadership, governance, and division-wide support services. The budget includes a deficit of $8,393, which remains within provincial funding guidelines.</p><p>Overall, the division is projecting a balanced budget for 2026–2027 while maintaining reserve levels within Alberta Education limits and continuing to invest in programs and services that support student success across Prairie Rose Public Schools.</p><p>------------------</p><h3><strong>Board Highlights: June 9, 2026</strong></h3><p>Additional information can be found in the June 9, 2026, Board Meeting Agenda package found here: <a href="https://www.myprps.com/news/june-9-2026-public-board-meeting">https://www.myprps.com/news/june-9-2026-public-board-meeting</a></p><p><strong>Occupational Health and Safety Accountability Report</strong></p><p>Trustees received the annual Occupational Health and Safety Accountability Report, which highlighted ongoing efforts to maintain safe learning and working environments across Prairie Rose Public Schools.</p><p>Highlights included annual safety inspections at schools and worksites, emergency response planning, first aid training for 63 students, staff, and bus drivers, and improvements to electronic incident reporting processes. The division also reported 25 staff injuries and 158 student injuries during the year, with most incidents classified as mild to moderate. Continued improvement in workplace injury rates resulted in Prairie Rose receiving a 5% reduction in Workers' Compensation Board premiums.</p><p>Future priorities include strengthening compliance with updated legislation, expanding staff training opportunities, and continuing to enhance health and safety practices across the division.</p><p><strong>Executive Report</strong></p><p>Trustees received updates on several initiatives and activities taking place across Prairie Rose Public Schools.</p><ul><li data-list-item-id="e19d4907911a5616bdb81bbea5b91a992">Eight students from Foremost School recently travelled to Golden, British Columbia, to participate in the EV Challenge, where they designed, built, and raced an electric vehicle using a modified golf cart frame. The team earned three third place finishes, and all participating students received scholarships. The project was supported by Wally's Welding and provided students with a hands-on opportunity to develop technical, problem solving, and teamwork skills. Watch the video: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18eybsssoF/">https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18eybsssoF/</a><br>&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="e7eb0aad960bfaec722e17b0f38572224">Planning continues for the new Redcliff K–9 replacement school. OTA Architects has been hired as the project's bridging consultant, with a kickoff meeting scheduled for June 18. Trustees heard that a school design has already been selected to support future growth and flexibility, while a larger gymnasium has also been approved by the government. Using a template design is expected to help accelerate the planning process.<br>&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="eb0dce0dac7a0749150d3f4348aac5425">Students from the South Alberta Collegiate and South Alberta Hockey Academy recently welcomed residents from a Bow Island seniors residence to the South Alberta Collegiate facility. Visitors participated in flight simulator activities, learned about aviation, and took part in recreational activities alongside students. The event created meaningful opportunities for intergenerational learning and community connection.<br>&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="ea20ea55bdee3e6b8c5368158e5aef086">Construction is now underway on the Yuill School of Agriculture following final permit approvals. Trustees also received an update on the upcoming August 8 fundraising and community event, which will help support the development of the facility and celebrate the project's progress. A new project website has also been launched at Yuill School of Agriculture.</li></ul><p><strong>Education Plan Approved</strong></p><p>Trustees approved Prairie Rose Public Schools' 2025–2030 Education Plan, Unleash Potential, which continues to guide division priorities over the next five years.</p><p>The plan continues to build around the three strategic priorities: Ignite Minds, Forge Futures, and Kindle Hearts. Key initiatives include strengthening instructional practices across all schools, expanding career pathway programming in agriculture, aviation, trades, and community services and health, and increasing student wellness and specialized learning supports.</p><p>The plan also introduces a division-wide Portrait of a Graduate and commits to ensuring all high school students have access to post-secondary application support, job interview preparation, internships, and mentorship opportunities. The plan reflects extensive engagement with students, staff, parents, school councils, trustees, and community partners.</p><p><strong>Board Planning Cycle</strong></p><p>Trustees approved the annual Board Planning Cycle for the 2026–2027 school year. The planning cycle serves as a roadmap for Board meetings throughout the year, ensuring key reports, accountability updates, budget discussions, and governance responsibilities are scheduled in advance. While the calendar provides structure for Board oversight, it remains flexible and can be adjusted as needed to address emerging priorities and opportunities.</p><p><strong>First Nations, Métis and Inuit Accountability Report</strong></p><p>Trustees received the annual First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) Accountability Report, which highlighted ongoing efforts to support student success, strengthen Indigenous education, and advance reconciliation across Prairie Rose Public Schools.</p><p>The report noted that Prairie Rose currently serves 158 self-identified First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, including 82 Métis students, 73 First Nations students, and 3 Inuit students. In addition, 41 FNMI students also receive specialized learning supports through Alberta Education coding.</p><p>Trustees reviewed student achievement data, which showed strong results in several areas. FNMI students achieved a 79.3% acceptable standard on Diploma Exams, exceeding the provincial FNMI average of 77.5%. Prairie Rose also reported a 3-year high school completion rate of 89.5%, significantly higher than the provincial FNMI average of 59.8%, while the FNMI student dropout rate remained at 3.4%, compared to the provincial average of 5.2%.</p><p>The report also highlighted continued work to strengthen Indigenous education through land acknowledgements, curriculum integration, staff learning, and initiatives aligned with Alberta's Teaching and Leadership Quality Standards. These efforts support student achievement while helping all students develop a greater understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, perspectives, and contributions.</p><p><strong>Student Experiences Accountability Report</strong></p><p>Trustees received the 2025–2026 Student Experiences Accountability Report, which highlighted the extensive supports and services available to students across Prairie Rose Public Schools.</p><p>The division currently provides student support through 124 educational assistants, 14.4 learning support teachers, 10 student wellness counsellors, 3.4 speech-language pathologists, therapy assistants, psychology services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and specialized contracted supports. During the year, speech and language services supported 340 students, completed 70 new assessments, and conducted 121 early childhood screenings.</p><p>Student wellness and psychological services continued to play an important role in supporting student success. During the year, the team completed 80 Level B assessments, 41 psychoeducational assessments, participated in 17 Assessment of Risk to Others (ARTO) reviews, and supported 23 intervention self-harm assessments. Student Wellness Counsellors provided services to 555 students across the division, with the highest utilization occurring at Eagle Butte High School, Margaret Wooding School, Akram Jomaa Campus, and Irvine School.</p><p>The report also highlighted continued growth in specialized programming and supports, including the successful launch of the CASA Classroom, expanded hippotherapy programming, intensive support spaces for students with complex needs, and new partnerships focused on student wellbeing and resilience. Future priorities are aimed at strengthening behavioural support, increasing professional learning opportunities, and expanding specialized services to meet the increasing complexity of student needs across the division.</p><p><strong>Senator Gershaw School Field Trip</strong></p><p>Trustees approved a high-risk field trip for 19 Grade 5 students from Senator Gershaw School to participate in an aviation learning experience in Medicine Hat. Students will take part in 20-minute flights through Super T Aviation, aviation-related ground activities, and a visit to Red Rock Coulee.</p><p>The field trip supports the Grade 5 Science curriculum, specifically the study of forces in air and flight. Students will have the opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world aviation experiences while exploring how flight principles are applied in practice.</p><p><strong>Locally Developed Courses</strong></p><p>Trustees approved several locally developed courses for continued implementation in PRPS schools. Courses include Aviation Structures 15-25-35, Introduction to Educational Assistant 35, Speech and Debate 15-25-35, and Competencies in Math 15.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Accolades</strong></p><ul><li data-list-item-id="ed2dcd32f923785afdb47d7c7ad5dbd5c">Trustees recognized the accomplishments of staff, students, and community members across Prairie Rose Public Schools.<br>Superintendent Reagan Weeks was congratulated on being named the recipient of an Inspire Award for Women in Business and on receiving an Honorary Degree from Medicine Hat College in recognition of her contributions to education, leadership, and the community.<br>&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="efded1cdad1e7d2bc8caade9344b57090">Trustees extended congratulations to the Prairie Rose graduating classes of 2026 and expressed appreciation to the teachers, support staff, school leaders, and families who helped support students throughout their educational journey.<br>&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="e2728e474d98df50a30c75e95759f4526">The Board recognized the work of the Advocacy Committee for coordinating the annual Trustee Awards program, which celebrates student achievement, leadership, and contributions across the division.<br>&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="ec5c8cb41a13e381db6e978c5c3aba851">Seven Persons School was recognized for receiving a science education grant that provided students with new learning opportunities and hands-on science experiences.</li></ul><p><strong>Trustee Reports</strong></p><p>Trustees provided updates from provincial and regional trustee associations.</p><ul><li data-list-item-id="e3e4678b1bb1e360c209c69c83a5fa785">Trustee Patty Rooks and Superintendent Reagan Weeks attended the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Spring General Meeting. The event included a fireside chat featuring former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and participation from Alberta's Minister of Education. Trustees also discussed proposed bylaw changes, approved the association's budget, and participated in professional learning sessions focused on governance and advocacy.<br>&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="e7a36b3bc7eb4357d8bec1cd1e225c318">The Rural Caucus of Alberta School Boards met prior to the ASBA conference, where trustees participated in discussions focused on advocacy priorities, emerging issues in rural education, and opportunities to strengthen the collective voice of rural school divisions.<br>&nbsp;</li></ul>

<p>Prairie Rose Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Rachelle Ulmer as Vice-Principal of Eagle Butte High School, beginning the 2026–2027 school year.&nbsp;</p><p>Ulmer brings extensive experience in educational leadership and a strong commitment to fostering positive school cultures built on relationships, collaboration, and student achievement. She currently serves as Division Principal with Medicine Hat Public School Division, where she provides leadership for the Palliser Adolescent Support Program and supports system-wide initiatives focused on staff development and organizational growth.</p><p>“I am thrilled to be joining the Eagle Butte High School family as Vice-Principal,” says Ulmer. “Throughout my career, I have been passionate about building positive relationships, supporting student success, and creating meaningful learning experiences. I look forward to working with the incredible staff, students, and families at EBHS as we continue to build on the school's tradition of excellence and help students discover their own roots and wings.”</p><p>Ulmer holds a Master of Education from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta. She brings more than 20 years of experience in education, including leadership roles as Principal and Vice-Principal at Webster Niblock School. Throughout her career, she has led school improvement initiatives, supported effective instructional practices, and fostered collaborative professional learning environments. She is widely respected for her thoughtful leadership, commitment to continuous improvement, and ability to build strong connections within school communities.</p><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools welcomes Rachelle to the Eagle Butte High School community and looks forward to the leadership, experience, and community perspective she will bring to the school as she supports students, staff, and families in the years ahead.</p>

<h3>Provincial investment strengthens southeastern Alberta's growing aerospace sector while expanding skilled trades opportunities in Calgary</h3><p><strong>DUNMORE, AB</strong> - Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) has secured more than $3.6 million in provincial Collegiate funding to expand career focused learning opportunities and support workforce development initiatives in southeastern Alberta and Calgary.</p><p>More than $1.8 million will support the continued growth of the South Alberta Collegiate and South Alberta Flight Academy, including new pathways in Aircraft Structures, Avionics Technology, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), Aviation Safety and Security, and advanced flight training. The expansion builds on Prairie Rose's established aviation programming and further strengthens southeastern Alberta's growing reputation as a hub for aviation, aerospace, and drone technology.</p><p>The investment brings together education, industry, and post secondary partners to help develop the skilled workforce needed to support Alberta's aerospace sector. Students will benefit from hands-on training, dual credit opportunities, industry recognized certifications, and direct connections to high demand careers.</p><p>"This investment is about more than expanding programming," said Reagan Weeks, Superintendent of Schools. "It supports a broader regional vision that connects students with emerging opportunities in aviation, aerospace, and drone technology while helping build the skilled workforce needed for the future. We are grateful to the Government of Alberta for its continued support of this vision."</p><p>“We are proud to partner with Prairie Rose Public Schools to create pathways that connect students with in-demand careers,” said Morgan Blair, Dean of the School of Business &amp; Continuing Education and School of Trades &amp; Technology at Medicine Hat College. “Together, we are helping students gain hands-on experience and explore future opportunities in trades, agriculture, aerospace, and other growing sectors.”</p><p>An additional $1.85 million has been awarded through a collaborative Collegiate initiative involving Prairie Rose Public Schools, the Calgary Board of Education, and Palliser School Division. Prairie Rose's Calgary campuses will benefit from expanded skilled trades programming and enhanced pathways connected to SAIT.</p><p>"These investments ensure students have access to relevant, hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for success after graduation," said Patty Rooks, Chair of the Prairie Rose Public Schools Board of Trustees. "By working alongside industry, post-secondary institutions, and regional partners, we are creating opportunities that strengthen communities, support Alberta's workforce needs, and help students build successful futures."</p><p>Prairie Rose Public Schools values its partnerships with SAIT and Medicine Hat College. Together, these collaborations help students explore career pathways, earn advanced credentials, and transition confidently into post secondary education and the workforce.</p>

A huge thank you to all the students at Parkside who helped put together the wonderful Cozy Cube, created by the students of Eagle Butte, for our CSC room. We are incredibly grateful for all of your efforts and the pride you took in bringing this project to life. Well done, everyone! 👏🏻☺️

This year we had 13 athletes that qualified for the Zone Track & Field Meet. There were 10 athletes that went to Zones to compete. It was a great day of competition with some very competitive events. These are the athletes that finished in the top six to gain points for the school. - Nash Davis finished 3rd in the U16 Boys 1500 meter race and 4th in the U16 Boys 800 meter race. - Weston Haselback placed 5th in the U14 Boys 800 meter race. - Jayden Armstrong finished 6th in the Triple Jump.

Max Thielen of Parkside won the Junior Achievement investment strategies program for term 4 for all of Canada! Max was 1st out of 3126 teams in Canada with a total portfolio of 463 888.00. In 13th place for all of Canada was Parkside's Blade Schriener with a total portfolio of 190 618.00. In 70th place was Haysten Beich with a total portfolio of 135 605.00 Mr. Bray would like to extend Congratulations to all of the winners and participants! We all learned more about investing!

https://canva.myprps.com/pjnewsletterjune2026

<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(62, 62, 62);font-family:articulat-cf, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px 0px 1.5rem;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">The next Prairie Rose Public Schools board meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the PRPS Division Office in Dunmore <strong style="box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1;">starting at 10:30 a.m. (NEW TIME)</strong></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(62, 62, 62);font-family:articulat-cf, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px 0px 1.5rem;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">Board Meeting Agenda Package: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1po3WHcQobO5X_tnO85l4x5KvQ-one79D/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1po3WHcQobO5X_tnO85l4x5KvQ-one79D/view?usp=drive_link</a></p>

Last night we celebrated a special milestone as our Grade 9 students reached the end of their journey here at Parkside. What a fantastic evening it was-filled with laughter, memories, and yes, even a few tears. A huge thank you to Harmony Hall for once again providing us with an amazing venue, and to JF Catering and Jeff for another outstanding buffet meal. We would also like to recognise our incredible staff, especially Mrs. Getz, Mr. Sloan and Ms. Prosser, for their countless hours of hard work, dedication, and planning that went into making the evening a huge success. A special thank you goes to our Grade 9 Farewell Student Committee, who selected the them and worked hard to create the beautiful table decorations that helped make the night memorable. To our Grade 9 graduates: thank you for the memories, the laughs, and the impact you've had on our school community. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you and wish you all the very best for the future, wherever your next chapter may take you.

https://forms.gle/xfUBA3LJd3ESyPAG7

Parkside had 21 athletes compete this year at the Medicine Hat Junior High City Track and Field Meet. It was a warm day and the athletes gave it their all. We had a school record 5 First Place finishes in a year. We also took the top three finishes in the Triple Jump. Here are the athletes that made it to the Zone Track and Field Meet on Tuesday June 2nd. Peyton Chaffer U13: 4th-200m; 3rd-Triple Jump Hailynn Thurrott U13: 4th-Triple Jump; 3rd-Javelin Halle Borle U16: 3rd-Triple Jump Connor Ceh U 14: 4th-Shot Put; 4th-Discus Weston Hasleback U14: 4th-800m Noah Angle U16: 4th-200; 3rd-Triple Jump Jayden Armstrong U16: 3rd-Long Jump; 2nd-Triple Jump Mason Bryksa U16: 1st-Triple Jump: 1st-Discus Cooper Conway U16: 3rd-100m Nash Davis U16: 3rd-400m; 2nd by .0028 seconds; 1st-1500m Weston Dorn U16: 4th-Long Jump Fynnley Gething U16: 1st-High Jump Noah Pollok U16: 1st-Shot Put A great year of track accomplishments

Parkside Art and Drama students had a great time at the Kaleidoscope Fine Arts celebration yesterday at the Esplanade. Our drama students enjoyed a workshop in the morning and then performed a scene from Mean Girls in the afternoon show in front of a packed house! Our Parkside band played in both the afternoon show and the evening show. A big congratulations to many of our art students for having their work on display and to a few for winning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the Junior High category. #parksideartside #parksidedrama

<p>For Senator Gershaw School valedictorian Luc Vos, high school has been a reminder of how quickly time passes and how important it is to appreciate the moments along the way.</p><p>As graduation approaches, Vos says one of the biggest lessons he has learned throughout high school is the value of perseverance.</p><p>“Whether I'm working on math or writing an essay or something, you always gotta go back and make your edits, check for mistakes,” he said. “That way you can end up with something that's worth handing in in the end.”</p><p>Looking back, the relationships built with teachers, friends and family are what stand out the most.</p><p>“Life goes faster than you think,” he said. “Remember to cherish all the good memories you make.”</p><p>Vos credits many of his favorite high school memories to the simple moments shared with friends and family, whether spending time together outside of school, helping out at home or joking around with classmates during the school day. Those everyday interactions, he says, often became some of the most meaningful parts of the high school experience.</p><p>A strong interest in math and science helped shape both his academic interests and future plans. Physics became one of his favorite subjects during high school because it combined problem solving with understanding how the world works. He says he especially enjoyed being able to visualize concepts and understand the science behind them.</p><p>This fall, he will attend the University of Lethbridge to pursue a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology, with plans to eventually attend medical school and pursue a career in surgery.</p><p>“My uncle is an orthopedic surgeon up in Edmonton right now,” Vos said. “I've kinda always just been interested in being able to help people out and to care for them.”</p><p>While excited about the independence that comes with post secondary life, including living on his own, he says support from family, friends and his church community will continue to play an important role as he begins the next chapter. Having a strong support system, he added, gives him confidence as he prepares to transition from high school into university life.</p><p>As Senator Gershaw School's Class of 2026 prepares for commencement, Vos hopes graduates take time to appreciate the friendships, memories and experiences that helped define their high school years.<br>&nbsp;</p>