<p>The Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) is a short walk, less than five minutes, from Ralston School, which the school uses for all Phys. Ed. classes. Not only does the facility have a large-sized gym – with two volleyball courts and a full-sized basketball court – but there are also three weight training areas, a mid-sized pool, and a squash court. Additionally, there is an area with multiple stationary bikes and a CFMWS instructor is available each week to take the hockey academy students through a spin class. To top it off, there is a classic-style movie theatre the school can request to use.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Across the green from the CFMWS is the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), which houses a four-lane ten-pin bowling alley, and a public library, which is part of the Shortgrass Library System and has a multitude of resources available for use.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Another two-minute walk from the MFRC is the Ralston Arena, which students in the hockey academy use on Monday and Wednesdays. Unfortunately, one of the dehumidifiers went out this year and the students weren’t able to use the arena until mid-November.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“They love hockey here,” said Principal Jason Duchscherer. “It is a passion, and this is the first year for the hockey academy. It’s separate, it’s not with the Willie Desjardin Hockey Academy. Teacher Wade Carrier had the idea to start an academy at Ralston because the British military, many of the Canadian military and some Suffield families were interested in an academy being created. It was proposed last year, and this is the first year it is running at Ralston School.”&nbsp;</p><p>Some of the students enrolled in the academy are just learning how to skate while others are already playing hockey. “We’ll have a big range in ability. Monday and Wednesdays are ice times, and they get in-class exercise with the instructor from the CFMWS on Fridays and then on Tuesdays and Thursdays they join regular Phys. Ed. class. This was supposed to start at the beginning of October but because of the ice issue, today is the first day. The kids have been waiting and waiting,” explained Duchscherer.&nbsp;</p><p>The last time teacher Sonia Stanton was in Britain, she bought some fancy pens, and the school has implemented a handwriting program this year. When they are ready, students will write a letter to Superintendent Reagan Weeks who will judge each letter and if she thinks they have met the standard of handwriting, one of the pens along with a Pen License will be presented to the student at the monthly school assembly.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“We haven’t had anyone who has written to Reagan yet, but we are getting close,” stated Duchscherer. “We are bringing handwriting back as recent research states a student without it is concentrating so hard on writing notes, they are missing some of the material coming. All that cognitive load is focused on writing because they haven’t developed those skills. Hopefully, this month we’ll have someone ready to write to Reagan. It’s not so much the topic or sentence structure being focused on for the letters, but the penmanship.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Junior High students will soon be given the opportunity to learn about working at BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) Radio, which is beside the MFRC. Radio presenter Melissa Davies said they will be able to talk about, “what is going on at school, who is having birthdays or anything else. We’ll work on a script, and they will also get a chance to work at the desk and play with the faders.”&nbsp;</p><p>“The school would really like to thank the base for everything they’ve done. Even when we go swimming with the Grades 1 to 3, there are not enough lifeguards to watch all the kids, there are about 20 students in the pool, so some of the soldiers will come down and swim with the kids. They are family oriented and school focused,” concluded Duchscherer.&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

Senator Gershaw would like to congratulate Elise Thacker , Landon Guenther and Ward Murray for being named as All-Stars in the SEZVL this past season. All 3 participated in the All-Star game at Medicine Hat College. Elise and Landon were named as Second team all-stars while Ward was named as a First team all-star.

This week's parent/guardian update! Quick reminder BIE Christmas Market is on Wednesday this week, Grades 4-6 will have the opportunity to participate in it. If you have good quality used items to donate please deliver them to BIE Monday or Tuesday! Have a great weekend!

<p>Earlier this semester, staff and students at Foremost School, along with some parent volunteers, put together a greenhouse. Some students were part of the project for the whole day and others participated as classes allowed. On the initial day of the project, the frame went up and most of the panels.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“It was a good learning process,” said Principal Stuart Shigehiro. “We had to do line locates and get a permit from the village and students learned the proper process from this initiative. One of the biggest issues was reading instructions, everyone just wants to build it because they all know how to build. There were a few hiccups on the way, but we overcame them and got it up.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Grade 5 student Gus Haraga and Grade 6 student Hayden Stryker were part of the group who participated for the whole day. “It was pretty interesting to build, and I learned the step-by-step process,” stated Hayden Stryker.&nbsp;</p><p>“It was fun to build,” added Gus Haraga. “I struggled with the instructions at times and stepped back to watch (the older students) and then when I knew what I was doing, I would catch back up again.”&nbsp;</p><p>The school occasionally has meetings with high school students and staff to generate ideas, which is where the plan to build a greenhouse originated. “The entire school will participate,” explained Shigehiro. “The younger students will help with watering and planting. The construction kids will build the irrigation unit. It is a whole school initiative.”&nbsp;</p><p>A staff member suggested growing bedding out plants in the greenhouse. The school was looking for a way to use the greenhouse that encompassed all their goals and outcomes but did not involve having to staff it over the summer. The plan is to hold a celebration event sometime in the spring next year where the bedding out plants will be sold.&nbsp;</p><p>Trustee for the Foremost area Nancy Haraga said, “I’m so proud of the students that took part in the build of the greenhouse. The Grade 9 boys shop class built the project with the help of Tyler Haraga guiding them in the right direction. At one point I think we all thought we had Ikea instructions. The instructions were hard to understand, but the boys managed to put their thinking caps on and pivot their way of thinking. Huge shout out to AgroPlus for helping us fund the project with $8,000 the school won through a Winfield United and Ag Retails contest, which donates money to small communities. Excited to watch the kids get their hands dirty!”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Outside the greenhouse there are some raised flower beds that aren’t used much because the deer eat anything grown in them. Shigehiro explained they intend to reclaim some of the beds and convert them into benches so the area can be used as an outdoor classroom.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Coming up next month, Foremost School will be holding a holiday carnival. “We are changing it up, it used to be a concert each year, so we decided to hold a holiday carnival where there will be games and activities throughout the school,” said Shigehiro. “Some classes are going to perform live singing and others will prerecord their performance that will be running on TVs around the school.”&nbsp;</p><p>Shigehiro is hoping the entire community will participate in the carnival, which will be a more interactive event than a concert. “We are going to do the carnival every other year because many people love the traditional Christmas concert, so we’ll rotate between them.” The inaugural Foremost School holiday carnival will be held on December 19 starting at 10 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Also happening in December is Skills Exploration Day. The younger students who are taking shop will be presented with an issue and will need to create a project around it. “They won’t know the issue; it could be water conservation or something else. They find out about it that day and they must create a project to help solve the issue being presented,” stated Shigehiro.&nbsp;</p><p>Eight high school students at Foremost who enrolled in the School of Trades have been travelling into Medicine Hat once every two weeks to learn how to weld at Medicine Hat College. “They love it. They love their gear, their hard hats and boots, overalls and learning how to weld. Some of the certificates they get, like confined space, some of the larger boys didn’t like that so much, but everything else they are really enjoying,” said Shigehiro.&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

South Eastern Zone Volleyball League All-Star Game is at Medicine Hat College on Tuesday, December 3rd. Two representatives from SGS will be there! Congratulations Elise and Ward - come cheer them on next week!

🎤✨ High School Field Trip: An Inspiring Experience with Shane Koyczan! ✨🎤 Our high school students had the incredible opportunity to attend a live performance by the renowned spoken word poet, Shane Koyczan. Known for his powerful storytelling and thought-provoking messages, Shane’s words left a lasting impression on our students, sparking conversations about self-expression, empathy, and resilience. 🎙️💬 Thank you to InterAct Theatre for providing our students this experience. This field trip was more than just a performance—it was a chance for students to explore creativity and communication in new and meaningful ways. We’re so proud of how they engaged with Shane’s art and brought those reflections back to the classroom to help ignite minds and kindle hearts

<p>This past September, Seven Persons School added a nature element to the existing Kindergarten program. On scheduled Fridays, two or three each month, the class ventures to natural areas in Medicine Hat and the surrounding region. Teacher Natasha Finnie obtained her Forest and Nature practitioner certificate through Child Nature Alliance of Canada (childnature.ca), who offer an outdoor five-day in-person course along with a one-year online component, to teach the skills to offer the program safely and successfully.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“The premise is to open the walls of the classroom and let nature act as the primary educator with me there to facilitate learning opportunities,” explained Finnie. “The intent is not to take our existing classroom and simply move it outside, but to create a new learning experience where curricular outcomes are met in an organic way sparked by the curiosity of the students.”&nbsp;</p><p>The idea for Wondering Wolves Nature Kindergarten came to Finnie during her time off after welcoming her second baby. Her eldest, who was three at the time, was exhibiting developmentally appropriate, yet frustrating behavioural issues. After delving into the research to nurture her son’s development, she discovered being outdoors in the natural environment were recurring themes.&nbsp;</p><p>“The research brought me to the idea that children today, and our society as a whole, are being deprived of the natural world and its benefits to human development and well-being. We began dedicating more of our days to being outdoors and the results for all of us were amazing.” &nbsp;</p><p>This got Finnie thinking about her day-to-day experiences in the classroom, and she wondered how she could incorporate more outdoor time into her classroom activities. “The research kept indicating that the real benefits of being outdoors come from children being given unstructured time to engage their natural curiosities about the world around them in a natural environment.” &nbsp;</p><p>When the class was at Police Point Park, they went on a short walk before stopping for a snack and playtime. On the walk, lots of spontaneous questions came from the students about the shape of the trees, the wildlife in the park and the river. After the snack the students enjoyed a period of unstructured play, either singly or in groups, and used the natural elements to enhance their experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“We look for places that offer untouched natural landscapes for the kids to engage in, but we also need infrastructure such as washrooms and a contingency plan for inclement weather. Kin Coulee has the kitchenette we rented and at Police Point they had a couple of hours in the theatre room,” said Finnie. “We are also teaching them how to be outdoors and what kind of clothing is going to be the most comfortable in certain types of weather.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>She created a gear guide for families on how to dress for different weather and sends out a memo a few days before the program. The memo has the forecast along with appropriate gear to dress their child in so they will be comfortable.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“If they aren’t comfortable, they won’t enjoy the day and it’s also a huge safety concern. We always have extra stuff as well should the kids lose anything. We do a bag and gear check before we come out to ensure they have what they need,” stated Finnie. The day the group went to Police Point Park started out colder than anticipated and many of the students weren’t wearing outer pant wear. Finnie and Educational Assistant Sarah Widmer ensured each one was wearing snow pants, along with warm shoes, coats, hats, and gloves before getting on the bus. They also brought a tub of extra gear with them to the park so children could remove layers or add new ones as required.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

<p><br>The agenda package for the November 26, 2024, public meeting can be found here: <a href="https://www.myprps.com/news/november-26-2024-public-board-meeting-20241125154420">https://www.myprps.com/news/november-26-2024-public-board-meeting-20241125154420</a></p><p>---------</p><p><strong>1. Seven Persons School Presentation</strong></p><p>Seven Persons School Principal Catherine Usher provided an overview of a project the school has been piloting alongside the PRPS Student Experiences team. The project focuses on developing social and emotional skills in children to help students build self-awareness, empathy, resilience and strong interpersonal relationships. The Second Step Program addresses growth mindset and goal setting, emotional management, empathy and kindness, problem-solving, and bullying and harassment. Using Dessa assessments, students complete a check-in three times a year. For those students who score below 40, the team follows up with a secondary assessment to determine where the student needs more support. Additional details can be found in the board agenda package.</p><p><strong>2. Dual Credit Programs</strong></p><p>Sherry Craven with South Alberta High School shared a presentation about dual credit programs offered in PRPS and students earning graduation credits and work experience through this option. Dual credit also means the credits students receive can often be allocated toward a college, university or apprenticeship program. The option to take dual credit is available for high school students and can consist of a single course, certificate program or part of a larger PRPS program. Currently, PRPS has 50 students enrolled in the School of Trades, 18 in Health Care Aide, two in the Veterinary Technician’s Assistant Certificate program, 18 in Aircraft Systems I, and six in a single online course. Taking dual credit in high schools has several advantages, including earning post-secondary credits early, cost savings, exposure to career paths, hands-on experience, increased engagement and motivation, scholarship opportunities and customized learning options. Learn more about dual credit in PRPS online:<a href="https://www.myprps.com/dual-credit-programs">&nbsp;https://www.myprps.com/dual-credit-programs</a></p><p><strong>3. Audited Financial Statements</strong></p><p>Finance Controller Candice Hintz presented the 2023-2024 Audited Financial Statements for approval. Total revenues for the 2023-2024 year totalled $60,502,963, up from $55,697,369 in the 2022-2023 year. Expenses for 2023-2024 totalled $60,158,855, resulting in a surplus of $344,108. Overall, PRPS was presented with a clean audit from MNP with no recommendations.</p><p>Key financial factors impacting the 2023-2024 budget:</p><ul><li>Enrolment was 3,049.5 FTE, an increase of 74 FTE from estimated.</li><li>The transportation grant is now a targeted grant and can only be spent on transportation. Therefore, any unused funds are to be recorded as deferred revenue.</li><li>With Bus Route RFP’s coming in significantly higher than expected, the decision was made to provide our own bussing transportation for a portion of our routes starting in 2024/25.</li><li>An increase in enrolment resulting in increased revenue</li><li>South Alberta Flight Academy was granted collegiate school status for the 2024/25 school year. In the 2023/24 year, costs related to the startup were incurred.</li></ul><p>The Board approved the Audited Financial Statements as presented. A second motion was also passed to approve the net transfer of $180,514 from Unrestricted Operating Reserves to Restricted Operating Reserves. The complete audit report can be found in the board agenda package.</p><p><strong>4. PAT and Diploma Results</strong></p><p>Assistant Superintendent Boyd Craven presented the spring 2024 results for information. At the provincial assessment testing (PAT) level, the division is trending above the provincial average in all subjects at the Acceptable Standard and upward compared to the 2023 results at the Standard of Excellence. The results could have been stronger at the diploma exam level, coming closer to the provincial average or slightly below. The division will be doing a deeper review of the diploma results. Some possible reasons for the lower diploma results include loss of learning continues to be noticeable in students who were in junior high during pandemic and online learning, PRPS encourages more students to participate in the testing compared to the provincial average, and PRPS tends to encourage students to take 30-1 level courses who may have previously been advised to stream down to 30-2 classes. The division will continue to support and work with the schools to provide time and support to close student gaps in learning. The complete results can be found in the board agenda package.</p><p><strong>5. Annual Education Results Report</strong></p><p>Superintendent Reagan Weeks presented the 2023-2024 Annual Education Results Report for approval. The report highlights the results from the accountability survey, the PAT and diploma results, and commentary on the results. Overall, it was noted that PRPS has a very positive ‘report card,’ with 8 of the 12 measures listed as high or very high. The full report is required to be posted on the PRPS website and can be found in the board agenda package.</p><p><strong>6. Redcliff Capital Plan</strong></p><p>At the public board meeting on November 26, 2024, the Prairie Rose Public Schools Board of Trustees passed a motion changing the Capital Plan request from a modernization of the current Parkside Jr High School to a new school facility located in the new Eastside Subdivision development of Redcliff. Having received construction funding for the Parkside Jr High School modernization project in early October as part of the&nbsp;<i>School Construction Accelerator Program</i>, the Board voted to adjust the project after consultation with Alberta Education and based on input from the Town of Redcliff. The town has until August 31, 2025, to have all the required servicing and subdivision complete. Additional information about the project change can be found in the release on the PRPS website:<a href="https://www.myprps.com/news/school-accelerator-program-results-in-changes-to-the-parkside-jr-high-school-construction-project-20241127154815">&nbsp;https://www.myprps.com/news/school-accelerator-program-results-in-changes-to-the-parkside-jr-high-school-construction-project-20241127154815</a></p><p><strong>7. Cell Phones and Social Media</strong></p><p>The Board approved&nbsp;<i>A313—Use of Personal Mobile Devices and Social Media in Schools,&nbsp;</i>which must be in place by January 1, 2025, as per the Ministerial Order on cell phone use in schools. The procedure outlines how PRPS schools will be required to manage the use of personal student cell phones in their buildings, including how non-compliance will be handled for those students who do not comply. The approved policy can be found in the board agenda package.</p><p><strong>8. Other:</strong></p><ul><li>Trustee Candidate Criminal Record Checks that are no older than 60 days old will be required for any trustees running for office. The bylaw passed all three readings.</li><li>ASBA/ PSBAA/ Rural Caucus - No reports.</li></ul>

<p>At the public board meeting on November 26, 2024, the Prairie Rose Public Schools Board of Trustees passed a motion to change the capital project request for a modernization of the current Parkside Jr High School to a new school facility located in the new Eastside Subdivision development of Redcliff.&nbsp;</p><blockquote><p><i>Approved Motion: That the Board of Trustees of Prairie Rose Public Schools request a change in the Redcliff Capital Project to the design and construction of a new school to be located on the Eastside Subdivision of Redcliff as per the Eastside Area Structure Plan.</i></p></blockquote><p>In early October, PRPS received construction funding for the modernization of Parkside Jr High School. Later that month, the province announced the&nbsp;<i>School Construction Accelerator Program</i>, and the board engaged in conversations with the Town of Redcliff, Alberta Education, and Alberta Infrastructure to investigate the possibility of a new school instead of the modernization. Based on those conversations, it was determined that a modification to the plan could be beneficial to all parties.</p><p>“This change in plans provides mutual advantages,” says Redcliff Trustee Pam Cursons. “Prairie Rose will be able to provide students with the benefits of a new school, and avoid the need to find a place for students during the 2025-2026 school year when construction was scheduled. Redcliff Council benefits by developing a new area of the town and attracting new families to the community.”</p><p>As is outlined in the&nbsp;<i>School Construction Accelerator Program</i> requirements, the Town of Redcliff is responsible for completing the servicing to the new school location which includes subdivision, road construction and utilities. As this work has not yet been started, the Town will require time to get this infrastructure in place before construction can begin at the new site. The estimated timeline for completion of that work is August 31, 2025.</p><p>“Understandably some in the community will be disappointed by the project delay and the extended time required to get the servicing in place,” says Chief Financial Officer Ryan Boser. “However receiving funding for a new junior high school means Redcliff will have a state of the art new learning facility for students designed with the priorities identified by the Redcliff community. These include a larger gymnasium, spectator seating, the ability to host tournaments, and enhanced CTS learning space for science, trades and additional options courses."</p><p>Additional information will be shared with the Redcliff community once it is available. The change of request will not impact the current grade configurations of the three Redcliff schools, however Prairie Rose has asked that the new junior high school built under specifications to ensure future growth can be accommodated in Redcliff.</p>

📐🏘️ Grade 5 Develops Trading Post Blueprints! 🏘️📐 Our Grade 5 students had the incredible opportunity to work with Grenner Veilleux from Jayco builders as part of their trading post project! With guidance from this special guest, students learned how to develop detailed blueprints for their own trading posts, exploring essential concepts like planning, design, and functionality. ✏️📜 This hands-on activity allowed students to combine critical thinking and collaboration, while connecting their learning to real-world skills. A huge thank you to our guest for inspiring our young learners and helping us ignite minds as they brought history and innovation to life! #igniteminds

<p>The November 26, 2024, 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/14JeKUqpBvxtHBdrjulTK7oBZ6dB5SlSd/view?usp=drive_link">https://drive.google.com/file/d/14JeKUqpBvxtHBdrjulTK7oBZ6dB5SlSd/view?usp=drive_link</a></p>

This week's parent/guardian update. Have a great Sunday!

🤝🎉 Building Connections: Kindergarten & Grade 5 Social Games! 🎉🤝 Yesterday, our Kindergarten and Grade 5 students came together for a morning of fun and connection through social games! From laughter-filled activities to teamwork challenges, these games were all about fostering collaboration and building meaningful cross-grade relationships. 🌟🎈 It’s heartwarming to see our older students mentor and encourage our younger ones, helping to kindle hearts and create a stronger school community. These moments remind us how important it is to support one another and learn together. ❤️ #kindlehearts #buildingcommunity

<p>Students at Seven Persons School (SPS) in Grades 7 through 9 who choose to take the option in construction and mechanics now have a new shop to learn in. Previously, the class was taught in a one and half car garage that was unheated and not insulated. This year they moved over to the old firehall in Seven Persons and, with money raised by the SPS Parent Council and some funds from Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) division office, the shop is now in operation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The building is divided into two bays and one side is being used for the construction part of the option and the other side for mechanics. Teacher Mark Resch and the students in the two classes have been setting the shop up since September while also working on new projects. Along with purchasing new equipment and tools, along with installing some new wiring in the building, all items from the old shop were moved over. Recently purchased was a hydraulic lift for the maintenance side and a tire change machine along with a balancer will be arriving shortly.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>On the construction side there were some recently completed projects, such as some cat houses and a septic tank cover, along with some new projects in progress. Other students were helping to set up and organize the shop by hanging tools and small equipment on boards or cleaning up the work areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“It says mechanics and construction, but they have the flexibility to choose what they want to do,” explained Resch. “The students tend to have an idea of what they would like to work on and then we build it.” Resch is hoping everything is set up by May 2025 and then he plans to start a welding module, explaining the courses are an introduction to various trades for the students.&nbsp;</p><p>Toby Fisher is in grade 9 and has taken shop all three years because he enjoys it and said he is considering enrolling in the School of Trades next year. He and Grade 7 student Jaxon Arnal were working on getting a carburetor out of an ancient International 55 ride on mower. “It’s basically all I do at home,” stated Fisher, “you kind of figure it out yourself. If you take something apart and figure out how it works, it’s self-explanatory.”&nbsp;</p><p>Arnal explained someone was taking the lawnmower to a scrap yard near where he lives and agreed to let him have it for $10. “We got it home that night and it started right up, but then it started to power down, so we have to take out the carburetor,” said Arnal.&nbsp;</p><p>Chanel Bergen is also in Grade 9 and has taken the shop option since her Grade 7 year. She wants to train to be a vet tech after high school but also wants to live on a farm. &nbsp;“I grew up on a farm and it’s something I enjoy. My friends are in this option, so I do it with them. Sometimes we build things for us and sometimes for other people when they order it. This is the second septic tank cover we’ve built.”&nbsp;</p><p>Trustee Graeme Dennis initially brought the idea of a new shop for SPS to the board. “I am excited for the students of SPS with this shop and learning facility. The shop program will allow students to get a hands-on start with an early experience into many of the different trades. This is a win for students as they will be able to enter a separate building which will allow them to have that true working shop experience. Students’ safety is extremely important in any shop environment and the larger dedicated space will certainly help keep students safe. The Seven Persons Community (via fundraising), Hydraco Industries (who helped outfit the entire shop),&nbsp;and Cypress County (with the building) has certainly helped PRPS make this shop for the school a reality. PRPS can’t express thanks enough to all that have helped bring this shop to life for student learning.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer&nbsp;</p>

This week's parent/guardian update. Have a great week!

🏒⚽️ Jersey Day at Senator Gershaw: Celebrating Our Love for Sport! ⚽️🏒 Today, students and staff proudly wore their favorite jerseys to show our school spirit and support for School Sport Canada’s Jersey Day! From hockey and soccer to basketball and beyond, each jersey represents our shared passion for sports, teamwork, and school pride. Oilers, Flames, and Leafs fans all co-existed successfully throughout the day, proving that we can all work together! 🏀⚾️✨ Sport builds character and collaboration, helping us learn resilience, discipline, and respect on and off the field. We’re so proud to celebrate this day with our community, uniting as fans, athletes, and supporters of all things sport. #kindlehearts

<p>Two years ago, Tracy Frank, Vice Principal at I.F. Cox School, started a program called TNT, Try New Things. The options program runs twice a year for six weeks on Friday afternoons and allows the students to select from 12 different courses.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“We’ve just started our first session now and then we do another one in the spring,” explained Principal Linda Asham. “We ask the teachers to do something they are excited about and would love to share with their students. We have karaoke this time, I’m doing puppetry, we’ve got basketball, a mixed-media class along with some other crafts.”&nbsp;</p><p>Each six-week session could offer some of the same options as last time along with some different ones. “We’ve now, with the new classes we’ve implemented, we have about 40 different options we’ve offered since the start of the program,” stated Frank.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Asham brought in some borrowed hand puppets for the students to play with on the second week of the fall program. The students each took one of the puppets and there was some play time amongst the tables. Keira and Daxton both wanted to be in the class because they like puppets. “I like playing with them and you can act with them,” said Keira who likes to try giving them different voices.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Students in the Pixel Art class were learning that a pixel is a picture element and watched a short, fun video created by Cosmo and Friends before beginning a project. The week prior, students had learnt about using a grid and creating a picture on it. This week, they needed to pay attention to the different rows and columns so they could recreate a picture using the coloured blocks, to represent pixels, on a grid board.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Grade 2 student Reese enjoys using the different coloured blocks and building the picture on the grid. Ashlynn wanted to take Diamond Art and was put in Pixel Art instead but is enjoying the process of making pictures.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>In coding, the students were split into four groups. One group was on the floor working with an electronic centipede they were coding to make it remain on the carpeted area. A second group was at a table where they were creating a maze for a mouse to navigate, and the third group was working with tablets where the login process was taking longer than expected.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Logan and Alexa wanted to take coding because neither had done it before. “I wanted to do coding because I thought it was interesting,” added Daniella “and I’ll learn lots of stuff.”&nbsp;</p><p>All TNT options are provided by staff at the school, allowing them to share with classes activities they enjoy. It also enables community members to become involved, broadening the horizons of the students. Additionally, the classes are cross-graded, helping to build leadership skills in the older students as they provide support to the younger ones. More information about TNT can be found at <a href="ifcox.myprps.com/tnt-try-new-things">ifcox.myprps.com/tnt-try-new-things</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>By Samantha Johnson, Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer</p>