Prairie Rose Public Schools reflects on 2025 and looks ahead to 2026

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

As 2025 draws to a close, Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) is celebrating a year of growth, innovation, and resilience, while setting its sights on the years ahead. Superintendent of Schools, Reagan Weeks, shares insights into the division’s accomplishments, ongoing projects, and future goals.

One of the standout achievements of 2025 was the launch of the “5 in 5” strategy, a curriculum initiative designed to enhance learning outcomes across the division. This approach focused on vertical curriculum mapping, ensuring that foundational skills at younger grades seamlessly build toward mastery in later years.

“This initiative was really well received by our educators,” Weeks says. “It clarified learning expectations and fostered deep conversations among teachers about how students learn best.”

PRPS also made significant strides in expanding its agriculture programming, offering students hands-on opportunities to explore the industry. At the junior high level, the division’s Ag Pro coursework integrates Career and Technology Studies (CTS) outcomes into agriculture studies, providing students with real-world experiences.

“Students have the opportunity to do internships at Western Tractor, where they learn about the mechanics and advanced technology of modern farm equipment,” explains Weeks. “Operating a tractor today is as complex as it gets, with impressive screens and technology. Students also gain experience working with sales teams, managing inventory, and understanding all aspects of the business.”

The program culminates in a mock job interview, allowing students to receive valuable feedback and prepare for future careers.

The division’s commitment to agriculture doesn’t stop there. Plans are underway to expand programming at the high school level.

“This through line is really important,” Weeks notes, “and we’re excited to continue developing these opportunities.”

PRPS’s dedication to serving its 10 municipalities was evident in its efforts to foster relationships with local governments and businesses. The Trades Education program, launched in partnership with Medicine Hat College, saw overwhelming participation, with 120 students exploring nine different trades.

“The response from our rural communities has been incredibly positive,” Weeks shares. “These hands-on experiences are helping students discover their passions and potential career paths.”

 Weeks also notes how PRPS provides opportunities that cater to students’ interests, aiming to spark excitement about education and its possibilities.

“We’ve had to work harder to do that since COVID, but we’ve seen positive responses,” says Weeks. “There’s a lot of proactive work that can be done to celebrate what’s going well and bring joy into the classroom. We continue to look for ways to develop that spark in every single student we serve.”

Additionally, Prairie Rose has introduced innovative supports for student well-being, including hippotherapy, which involves working with horses.

“We’ve seen incredible moments, like students who previously had very little language saying their first words,” Weeks says. “The impact on both the students and their families is profound.”

These initiatives, alongside traditional supports like occupational therapy, reflect the division’s commitment to ensuring students feel supported, excited about school, and prepared for their futures.

PRPS is gearing up for several exciting projects in 2026, including the design phase of the new school in Redcliff. The state-of-the-art facility will accommodate 375 students and feature spaces for trades, music, and culinary arts.

Another project, set to open in the fall of 2027, is the Yuill School of Agriculture. This will offer students in Grades 10 through 12 a unique blend of classroom learning and hands-on agricultural experience. A partnership between PRPS and Neubauer Farms, the school aims to cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders by providing certifications, dual credit courses, and practical training in areas like crop and livestock management, agri-business, and agricultural technology. Supported by a $725,000 investment from the Government of Alberta and a generous contribution of land and funding from the Yuill Family Foundation, the project reflects a shared commitment to education, youth development, and the future of Alberta’s agri-food industries.

“This project is about creating meaningful connections between learning and real-world application,” smiles Weeks.

As PRPS reflects on a year of progress, Weeks takes a moment to thank the division’s dedicated staff.

“From bus drivers to custodians, teaching staff to office administrators, everyone has worked tirelessly to enhance learning opportunities for our students.”

Looking ahead to 2026, Weeks shares a message of gratitude and optimism: “We’re grateful to work in the communities across Southeast Alberta. Prairie Rose will continue to look for ways to serve students optimally, and we welcome feedback to make 2026 even better.”