Ralston School brings hands-on learning to students 

Posted on December 18, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

By Kassidy Hart
Prairie Rose Public Schools
Social Media & Engagement

Ralston School has launched the Ralston School and Community Small Farm, a hands-on learning program designed for students from junior kindergarten to Grade 9. The new initiative allows students to explore agriculture, sustainability, and food production while engaging with the local community.

Farm Manager Dana Duchscherer has led the program from the ground up, working with staff, students, Canadian Armed Forces, BATUS and Ralston Community to design a corral system, garden spaces, and a chicken coop. Students are currently completing lessons in composting, with future learning focused on hydroponics, soil studies, bees, chickens, and the grow-a-burger program. Five students also had the opportunity to take part in the AgPro program, where they worked hands-on with Western Tractor. Students will also explore a module based on beef production and soil/land management.

“We will be working with all grade levels so students can experience each part of the farm,” explained Duchscherer. “They will help care for animals, learn new skills, and take on meaningful responsibilities. Our motto is ‘farm fresh, fork ready,’ which means we are trying to teach the kids how their food gets from the garden, pasture, or field to their actual plates.”

The FARM program will include animals such as chickens, bees, sheep, goats, and calves. Students will rotate through daily chores including feeding, watering, and egg collection. In addition to animal care, students help maintain the farm garden. A community garden space is also planned, which families and residents will eventually help cultivate alongside students, but it is still under development.

Lyra Ionescu, president of the FARM program, shared her excitement about the program. “My favourite part of this opportunity is being able to experience many things I probably wouldn’t be able to do without this, such as driving tractors and learning all the sciences that go on behind farming,” she said.

For students attending Ralston School through Defense Children’s Services, the FARM program provides unique learning experiences that can be difficult to access due to frequent relocations. Sonia Stanton, a Defense Children’s Services teacher, explained the value for her students.

“It gives our students experience in agriculture, business, technology, and design,” said Stanton. “Our students move often, so having a chance to build real skills and confidence while they are here is extremely meaningful. You can see how proud they are of the work they are doing.”

Ralston School Principal Jason Duchscherer also highlighted the importance of community partnerships that have supported the FARM program, including contributions from Gas City Kiwanis Club, Defense Services, the Ralston Community Association, and Irvine School.

“This truly is a community project,” Duchscherer emphasized. “Our students are already gaining valuable life skills, and the possibilities for this program continue to grow.”