Prairie Rose Possibilities - The Podcast

Starting with beautiful pictures, students from 3 PRPS schools worked with seniors in their communities, sometimes at care facilities, to write stories. The story of this BRAND NEW Prairie Rose Possibilities project is sure to warm your heart! District Instructional Lead Kelli-Ann Nixdorf has helped each group publish a book of the stories - Foremost High School, Senator Gershaw grade 9s, Eagle Butte High School grade 11s - they are now all published authors!

Here's another new Prairie Rose Possibilities Project focusing on Robotics. Lead teacher Jeff Buckle introduces our newest Possibilities project for students in grades 4-6 as they gear up to kick off next school year. Margaret Wooding is a grade 4-6 school located in Redcliff, Alberta with about 170 students.

Listen in as we check in with Wade Carrier, one of the Ralston teachers involved in Ralston School's Learning from the Land project. Students are learning about plants - from a brand new greenhouse to a community garden to field trips to unique Southern Alberta locations.  So much to learn for the Ralston students - most are new to the Prairies! Listen to earlier updates at 1.07  and 2.05 and 3.05

Teacher leader and coach,  Jaime Didychuk from Warren Peers School in Acadia Valley, tells about taking students to Archery Nationals for the first time and about how the skills necessary for competition also grow student archers in so many other ways. Listen in to previous episodes at 1.14 and  2.11 and 3.11 and 4.03.

Principal Jason Duchscherer updates us on projects and skills for students as part of the Quad-School project around Agriculture in the northern part of our district. Schools are located in and around Oyen, Alberta: Oyen Public School, South Central High School, and Warren Peers School from Acadia Valley and New Brigden School Listen in to previous episodes at 1.05 and  2.02,  3.07 and 4.12.

 Listen in as Foremost principal Corey Steeves outlines successes, iterations and how the soon-to-arrive greenhouse kit will bring growth to the  Foremost FARM (Foremost Agriculture Resource Model) project.  Listen in to previous episodes 1.03  and at 2.08,  3.12 and 4.05

We catch up with Warren Peers School Maker Space teacher leader Kirsten McCurdy. We talk about how the maker mindset is impacting learning in other subjects and the quest to find meaningful projects. Warren Peers is a district leader for participation in the Alberta Skills Challenge opportunities and Kirsten explains how other schools can get involved. Listen to past Makerspace updates at ⁠1.13 ,  2.01⁠ and ⁠3.04 and 4.01.

Check out this brand new Possibilities project led by Ralston School Science teacher, Jocelyn Encinas.  She explains how using VEX robotics across the grades at Ralston will eventually lead to robotics programs at other schools. Ralston School is a K-9 school in Prairie Rose Public Schools with approximately 70 students from the families stationed at Canadian Forces Base Suffield.

Teacher-leader Lynnette Copeland tells how the Outdoor Leadership program in Junior High at Seven Persons School has evolved over the seasons.  She explains how leadership skills gained in this course benefit the school community as students show informal leadership and take on leadership roles within the school and beyond into the community.  Listen to previous episodes at 1.15, 2.16, and 4.08.

Learn more about REIN - Rodeo and Equine in the North - one of our multi-school Prairie Rose Possibilities in the North with students from Warren Peers School, Oyen Public and South Central High School. Third-year student Cade Wilson updates us on the variety of skills that students and their horses have learned over 3 years in the program. Listen in to previous episodes at 1.11 and  2.03 and 3.10 and 4.07

Seven Persons is one of our larger K-9 schools in Prairie Rose Public School Listen in as teachers in the Seven Persons Academy of the Fine Arts update us on this opportunity for grade 4-6 students to take a deep dive and explore the Visual and Performing Arts. Teachers Mrs. Drew (Drama) and Mrs. Molin (Music) review some of the great performance opportunities students have had this year, and how they have grown in their confidence and skill as performers. Listen to earlier updates at Episode 1.12  and 2.10 and  3.03 and 4.02.

Introducing another NEW Prairie Rose Possibilities Project! We chat with Seven Persons School kindergarten teacher and project lead, Natasha Finnie, about this upcoming project which will set Kinder students in beautiful southern Alberta landscapes to learn and interact with nature. Seven Persons Schools is a K-9 School in Prairie Rose Public Schools with

Principal Scott Angle provides an update on the multiple growing spaces at both Bow Island Schools - Senator Gershaw and Bow Island Elementary. We discuss how to keep projects alive when the “champion” moves on. Listen in to previous episodes 1.06  and at 2.06,  3.13 and 4.09

Join principal Simon Moreton as we discuss how the PMAS (Prairie Mennonite Alternative School) Prairie Rose Possibility Project brings new cultural, trades and educational experiences to students from low-German-speaking Mennonite families. Listen to earlier updates at 4.04 and Episode 3.02,  Episode 2.07 and Episode 1.02

Located near the Alberta -Saskatchewan border, Irvine is our K- to grade 9 Prairie Rose school with a farm on the edge of the playground. Listen in as the project co-ordinator Nichole Neubauer updates us on all of the exciting aspects of this farm. In the spring and summer, this site is alive with livestock, buzzing with bees, and growing all sorts of fruits and vegetables in the garden and greenhouse. During the fall and winter, students participate in agriculture industry option courses that occur at places like the John Deere dealership or the local feedlot. And beyond that, the ADC is involved in creating agriculture-based learning activities for students in near-by Medicine Hat and beyond to Southern Alberta. Listen in to previous episodes at 1.10 and 2.14, 3.09 and 4.11.

Jenner School is located an hour north-west of Medicine Hat and is one of our smallest schools with 28 students from K-9. Principal Kirby Stensrud gives an update about how the Prairie Rose Possibilities project benefits her Junior High students - all 6 of them- and tells us about the project that will be the ultimate community contribution and collaboration for 2024. Listen to earlier updates at episodes 1.01, 2.04,  3.01 and 4.10

IF Cox is a JK-3 School of almost 300 students in Redcliff, Alberta. They have one of our new Prairie Rose Possibility Projects called TNT, which stands for Try New Things.

South Central High School Biology expert Sarah Hagens tells us about the popular "Know & Grow" option which is seeding important horticulture skills for students as part of the Quad-School project around Agriculture in the northern part of our district. Agriculture in the North is a project that encourages collaboration in agricultural endeavours between our four north schools: Oyen Public School, South Central High School, Warren Peers School and New Brigden School. Listen in to previous episodes at 1.05 and  2.02 and 3.07.

Our ADC farm champion and spokesperson Nichole Neubauer tells us about exciting community partnerships and opportunities for students to build skills in leadership, communication, collaboration and critical thinking. The huge new vermicomposting system is now up and running and Nichole tells us how students from K-9 are able to contribute to this project. Located along the Trans Canada highway, Irvine is a K-9 school with 325 students. Listen in to previous episodes at 1.10 and 2.14 and 3.09.

We chat with principal Kirby Stensrud as she updates us on the exciting options and trades courses that Junior High students are able to experience. Jenner School is a rural Alberta K-9 school with fewer than 30 students; their Prairie Rose Possibility includes providing diverse learning opportunities for “electives”. Listen to earlier updates at episodes 1.01 and 2.04 and 3.01.

The Senator Gersahw Greenhouse is one of our longest-running Prairie Rose Possibility projects. Spread between two neighbouring schools in Bow Island, Principal Scott Angle outlines many of the growing opportunities in the past and new pilot project opportunities into the future.  Listen in to previous episodes 1.06  and at 2.06 and 3.13.

Seven Persons School is offering a somewhat different version of Outdoor learning this year with an increased focus on Leadership for these grade 7 and 8 students. Listen in as lead teacher Lynnette Copeland gives us some of the highlights of their year - from camping to community gardens. Located about 20 minutes west of Medicine Hat on Highway #3, Seven Persons is a K-9 school with about 260 students. Listen to previous episodes at 1.15 and  2.16

REIN (Rodeo & Equine in the North) has students from 4 Prairie Rose Schools: Warren Peers School, Oyen Public School, South Central High School and New Brigden School A group of equine-loving students in the North of Prairie Rose come together every Tuesday afternoon for several hours of riding and learning about horsemanship.  School principal and REIN leader Lora Fletcher-Wilson comes to us live from the Crossroads Arena floor as we chat about the improvement these students have made.  Listen in to previous episodes at 1.11 and  2.03 and 3.10.

Listen in as we check in with, Jocelyn Encinas, one of the Ralston teachers involved in Ralston School's Learning from the Land project as she tells about all sorts of ways that Learning from the Land fits into curriculums and makes for memorable field trips. Ralston is a K-9 School with 85 students. Most students are visiting Alberta and Canada for a few years as their parents serve at Canadian Forces Base Suffield or British Army Training Unit Suffield. Listen to earlier updates at 1.07  and 2.05 and 3.05.

Is there a greenhouse on the way? Listen in as Foremost principal Corey Steeves outlines successes, iterations and future goals of the Foremost FARM (Foremost Agriculture Resource Model) project.  Listen in to previous episodes 1.03  and at 2.08 and 3.12.

Join principal Simon Moreton as we discuss how the PMAS (Prairie Mennonite Alternative School) Prairie Rose Possibility Project brings new cultural, trades and educational experiences to students from low-German-speaking Mennonite families. As a result of these opportunities, higher percentages of students are continuing on to high school. Listen to earlier updates at Episode 3.02,  Episode 2.07 and Episode 1.02.

Teacher leader and coach,  Jaime Didychuk, talks about archery as a growing sport, especially in Alberta schools with small populations. Listen in as she tells us how archery is growing in Southern Alberta and how students are fine-tuning their skills in this life-long activity. Listen in to previous episodes at 1.14 and  2.11 and 3.11

Listen in as teachers in the Seven Persons Academy of the Fine Arts update us on this opportunity for grade 4-6 students to take a deep dive and explore the Visual and Performing Arts. Teachers Mrs. Drew (Drama) and Mrs. Molin (Music) review some of the great performance opportunities students have had this year, and how they have grown in their confidence and skill as performers. Listen to earlier updates at Episode 1.12  and 2.10 and  3.03

Season 4 of Prairie Rose Possibilities starts with Warren Peers School Maker Space teacher leader Kirsten McCurdy. We talk about some of the achievements in the Maker Space realm this school year and how the maker mindset is impacting learning in other subjects. Listen to earlier Warren Peers MakerSpace updates at 1.13 and  2.01 and 3.04.

Principal Scott Angle provides an update on the multiple growing spaces at both Bow Island Schools - Senator Gershaw and Bow Island Elementary -including the SGS Greenhouse which the envy of other “growing” programs! Listen in to previous episodes 1.06 and at 2.06.

Salsa. Watermelon. Hydroponics. Listen in as Foremost principal Corey Steeves outlines successes, iterations and future goals of the Foremost FARM (Foremost Agriculture Resource Model) project. Foremost is our only K-12 school in Prairie Rose School District and is the furthest south geographically in our vast school district. Listen in to previous episodes 1.03 and at 2.08.

Teacher leader and coach, Jaime Didychuk, talks about archery as a growing sport, especially in Alberta schools with small populations. Listen in as she tells us how archery is growing in Southern Alberta. Listen in to previous episodes at 1.14 and 2.11

Learn more about REIN - Rodeo and Equine in the North from school principal and rodeo alumni Lora Fletcher-Wilson as she updates us on one of three Prairie Rose Possibilities projects that involve horses. This Prairie Rose Possibilities Project operates in conjunction with four schools: Warren Peers School from Acadia Valley,AB; Oyen Public School and South Central High School from Oyen, AB; and New Brigden School. Listen in to previous episodes at 1.11 and 2.03.

Learn from project lead Nichole Neubauer about how the Irvine Agriculture Discovery Center is using the cold winter months to expand programming around agricultural career opportunities, farm safety, community connections and more accessible curriculum connections. Irvine School is a K-9 school with approximately 360 students. Is is located just minutes from the Saskatchewan border along the Trans Canada Highway. Listen in to previous episodes at 1.10 and 2.14.

Listen in as Foremost teacher and Rodeo Academy facilitator Michelle Cowie tells about the genesis of the Rodeo Academy and some of the exciting big next steps as it shifts from Club to Academy. Foremost is the only K-12 school in Prairie Rose and has approximately 150 students. Listen in to previous episodes at 1.04 and 2.15

Drones. Worms, Chicks. Greenhouses. Careers… Listen in as principal Jason Duchscherer fills us in on exciting developments with the Quad-School project around Agriculture in the northern part of our district.. Schools that contribute to this project include Oyen Public School and South Central High School; New Brigden School; and Warren Peers School in Acadia Valley. Listen in to previous episodes at 1.05 and 2.02.

Program Lead, Linda Kraft, from Irvine School's Equine Interaction program gives an update on a significant shift that has happened in the project for this school year. Irvine School is a K-9 School located in a town along the Trans Canada Highway - about 15 minutes from the Saskatchewan border Listen to earlier updates at 1.16 and 2.13.

Listen in as we check in with, Lisa Dixon, one of the Ralston teachers involved in Ralston School's Learning from the Land project as she tells about specific cross-curricular learning opportunities that she is connecting to Science “wetlands curriculum”... in the middle of the prairies! Ralston School is a K-9 school located just off the Trans Canada Highway about 45 kilometres west of Medicine Hat. The majority of the students at this school are from military families who serve at the British Army Training base nearby. Listen to earlier updates at 1.07 and 2.05.

We chat with Warren Peers School Maker Space teacher leader Kirsten McCurdy and discuss the importance of cultivating cognitive flexibility, as shown in the 4 goals of this Makerspace: flexibility, persistence, communication & craftsmanship. Lots of updates about how this program has grown since last year. Warren Peers is a K-9 school located in Acadia Valley, Alberta with approximately 45 students in triple-graded classes. Listen to earlier updates at 1.13 and 2.01.

Listen in as teachers in the Seven Persons Academy of the Fine Arts update us on this opportunity for grade 4-6 students to take a deep dive and explore the Visual and Performing Arts. Seven Persons is a K-9 School located in Southern Alberta along Highway #3. Listen to earlier updates at Episode 2.10 and 1.12.

Join principal Simon Moreton as we discuss how the PMAS Prairie Rose Possibility Project brings new cultural, trades and educational experiences to students from low-German-speaking Mennonite families. Prairie Mennonite Alternative School is the only Prairie Rose School located within Medicine Hat City Limits; its population is made up of students from low-German-speaking Mennonite families, many who are new to Canada. Listen to previous project updates at Episode 2.07 and Episode 1.02.

We're excited to kick off Season 3 by talking to principal Kirby Stensrud as she updates us on the exciting options and trade courses that Junior High students are able to experience. Jenner School is a rural Alberta K-9 school with fewer than 30 students; their Prairie Rose Possibility includes providing diverse learning opportunities for “electives”. Listen to earlier updates at episodes 1.1 and 2.04.

Listen in as Lynnette Copeland, Junior High teacher at Seven Persons School (K-9) talks about a Prairie Possibilities project that features a partnership with Outward Bound to teach students the resiliency that comes with surviving in nature. Students Ryder and Justin tell us about some of the skills they've learned and the challenges they've overcome.

Listen in as Foremost School (K-12) principal, Corey Steeves gives an update on one of two Prairie Rose Possibilities projects at Foremost School: the Foremost Rodeo Club. Foremost is a Prairie Rose K-12 public school in Southern Alberta with about 150 students.

Farmer Nichole takes us through some of the exciting things happening as the animals move into Irvine School's Agriculture Discovery for the first time this spring and as the garden is established with trees and watering systems. This episode will include updates on other aspects and learning curves during the first year of this ambitious Prairie Rose Possibilities Project.

The Irvine Equine Interaction Program is one element of the Irvine School Equine Program. Listen in as Education Assistant Keri Gold tells about her experience with students in the program. We hear a student perspective from Hayden who went from reluctant to willing participant. Irvine School is a K-9 School in Prairie Rose with approximately 350 students. Listen to the first episode about the Equine Program at Episode 1.16

Listen in as Sarah Hagens tells how the new Junior Badgers school baseball program fits with other programs. Dyson & Kailyn fill us in on the value of being able to practice their favourite sport at school. Listen to the first chat about Junior Badgers Baseball in Episode 1.08.

Lead teacher Jaime Didychuk provides an update on the recent tournament successes of our district's only archery team and students Mackenzie, Reese, and AJ add their thoughts about competing as archers.

Listen in as lead teacher Kameko Ballantyne tells us what the multi-site Jr/Sr High Art Institute is currently working on and what exciting things are coming up. We will learn how the students are growing in their peer critique and hear from a South Central High School art student, Maddie. Listen to their first installment at episode 1.9.

Seven Persons Academy of the Fine Arts is geared for grades 4 to 6 students as they get to learn deeply in music, art and drama. The three lead teachers in the Academy tell us what exciting things they are working on and some shifts they have made along the way. Students Jack, Ben and Nixon give us their take on learning in the Academy of Fine Arts. Listen to their first podcast in episode 1.12.

Mrs. WIlliams is the Foremost Garden expert. She leads us into the F.A.R.M. plans for spring. Students Daina and Vaera explain some of the student roles in the garden project. Listen to their first installment at episode 1.3.