Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

Education Week May 1-5 “Learning is a

Journey”

1

Hot Lunch: Fruitas Wraps & Smoothies

2

3

4

Family Literacy Evening

Lakeside Leisure Centre Brooks

4-8 p.m.

5

Town Cleanup

6

7

8

Hot Lunch: Meatballs with

Mashed Potatoes

9

Gr. 9 L.A.

Achievement Test

10

Soup &

Sandwich at Seniors’ Centre

11

Gr. 6 L.A.

Achievement Test

12

Appreciation Tea 1:30 p.m.

13

14

Happy Mother’s Day

15

Hot Lunch: Pizza Bun with

Veggies

16

17

18

19

No School

Lieu Day

20

21

22

No School

23

24

Community Club Appreciation

6:30 p.m.

25

26

Gr. 3/4 Field Trip to Head

Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

27

Brooks Composite High

School Graduation

4:00 p.m.

28

29

Hot Lunch: Taco in a Bag

30

31

Grasslands Sings!

Griffin Park 7:00 p.m.

IMPORTANT DATES IN JUNE:

June 2—Duchess Track Meet Gr. 4-6

June 3—Rolling Hills Ag. Society Dinner Auction

June 7-9—Jr. High Camping Trip

June 12—Hearing Screening

June 21 – ECS-Gr. 2 Calgary Zoo Field trip

June 23—Grade Nine Graduation

June 28—Family Picnic

June 30—Last Day of School

WELCOME, MR. O’LOONEY

Rolling Hills School would like to welcome Mr. Gavin O'Looney, who will be teaching at our school for the remainder of the school year. He will be covering literacy in E.C.S. and math, science, health and P.E. in Jr. High.

Mr. O'Looney was born and raised in Ireland, and has worked and spent time in England and Australia. We look forward to getting to know Mr. O'Looney and listening to stories of his adventures!

Please join us in welcoming Mr. O'Looney to our school and community.

APPRECIATION TEA

At 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 13, the school will host an Appreciation Tea for our seniors and everyone who has volunteered in the school this year.

Tea and desserts will be served, with special entertainment by our students. A small token of our appreciation for your support and volunteer efforts this year!

REGISTER FOR KINDERGARTEN!

Do you have a little one at home who is ready to come to school? E.C.S. helps children develop skills in language arts, science,

math, social studies, and fine arts.

Equally important are the socialization skills students learn, including following directions, communication, sharing with others, and developing decision-making skills. It is an important step to prepare them for grade one.

Drop in to the office anytime from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Children must be five years old by December 31, 2017, to register for ECS.

Bring your child’s birth certificate with you so it can be copied at the time of registration. Can’t wait to see you in the fall!

FAMILY LITERACY NIGHT

Grasslands Public Schools will be hosting the 4th Annual Family Literacy Night on Thursday, May 4, 4:00—8:00 p.m. at the JBS Canada Centre (formerly Lakeside Leisure Centre). The theme this year is “Bringing Literature to Life”.

The evening will include a free family BBQ, main stage performances, Scholastic Book Fair, celebrity readers, community service booths, and local authors. This is a FREE event and everyone is encouraged to attend.

PROVINCIAL ACHIEVEMENT TESTING

The Provincial Achievement Tests (P.A.T.), are standardized exams given to all grade 6 and 9 students in the province. Part A of the Language Arts exams will be given in May. This is the written component.

Part B of the exam is the multiple choice comprehension portion, and it will be written in June. Combined grades will write similar exams on the same dates as scheduled P.A.T.’s.

May 9: Gr. 7-9 Language Arts Part A

May 11: Gr. 5-6 Language Arts Part A

June 19: Gr. 5-6 Language Arts Part B

June 20: Gr. 5-6 Math

June 22: Gr. 5-6 Social Studies

June 23: Gr. 5-6 Science

June 26: Gr. 7-9 Social Studies

June 27: Gr. 7-9 Language Arts

June 28: Gr. 7-9 Math

June 29: Gr. 7-9 Science

Students will have regular classes in the morning and exams in the afternoon.

SPEECH AND HEARING MONTH

May is Speech and Hearing month. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists around the world will be raising awareness

and promoting the important role speech, language, and hearing play in our daily lives. One in six Canadians has a speech, language, or hearing problem.

Did you know:

A child’s vocabulary upon entering school is a prime predictor of school success or failure.

Watching TV does not improve a child’s vocabulary or communication skills; there is no substitute for conversation when it comes to learning to talk.

Early language abilities are directly related to later reading abilities.

It is projected that the number of adults with low-literacy skills in Canada will increase from 12.4 million in 2006 to 15 million by 2031.

Stuttering is not caused by parenting practices, a bad scare or psychological trauma.

At least 30% of people suffer loss of language (aphasia) after a stroke.

85% of people with Parkinson’s disease have voice, speech and/or swallowing difficulties.

The opportunity to communicate is a basic human right. Read more about the International Communication Project (ICP) at www.communication2014.com.

This year, Speech Pathologists for Grasslands Schools will be conducting free universal hearing screenings at all the rural schools in June, and Brooks schools in September. Parents will ONLY be notified

if their child’s results require further follow up and consultation from the audiologist.

A MESSAGE FROM

ALBERTA TRANSPORTATION

A quarter million Alberta students start and end their day with a ride on a school bus. But children aren’t the only ones who need to be taught about school bus safety, because most injuries happen before or after the bus ride.

Motorists need to respect the flashing lights on a school bus, which create a safety zone for children around the vehicle, and are often the children's only defense when they get on or off the bus.

Motorists should remember the following when approaching a school bus:

Watch out for alternating flashing amber lights, which means a school bus is slowing to stop where students will either be getting on or off the bus.

Slow down and STOP when the school bus activates its alternately flashing red lights. This means you must stop whether you are approaching an oncoming bus or following one. The only exception to this rule is when the bus is on the opposite side of a two-way highway that is physically divided by a median.

Proceed only when the red lights on the bus have stopped flashing.

Watch for school buses loading and unloading children, even if the lights aren't flashing.

Watch for children crossing the road.

When travelling in school and playground zones, drivers must pay attention to the posted signs. These areas in Rolling Hills have a speed limit of 30 km/hour from 8:00 a. m. until one hour after sunset SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

The fine for passing a school bus with its red lights flashing is $402 and six demerit points. This INCLUDES when buses are parked at the school (even though they are pulled off to the side of the road).

Drivers CANNOT make a U-TURN behind or in front of the buses. This is VERY dangerous and bus drivers are obligated to report you to the police and you WILL be charged.

GRASSLANDS BOARD BITS

Grasslands School Board Trustees have made some key appointments for the district. Scott Brandt, who was Deputy Superintendent, has been hired to take over the position of Superintendent as of August.

The Board has also hired two assistant Superintendents. Board Chair Vic Budz said, “We wanted people who are team players, who are committed to building strong relationships, and who can effectively support the development, articulation, and execution of a clear shared vision. We believe we have two such persons in Sean Beaton and Rhae-Ann Holoien. Beaton is well known in the district while Holoien comes with a wealth of education experience in Saskatchewan school divisions and the Alberta Ministry of Education.”

May is a busy month in the Grasslands School District. Education Week is May 1st to 5th , with the theme this year, “Learning is a Journey.” Most of the schools have activities and events planned for Education Week. Look at the school websites for details.

Another highlight of Education Week is the Family Literacy Evening planned for Thursday, May 4th, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, at the Flex Hall.

The Grasslands School Board Trustees wish all the best to the many students in the district who will be celebrating high school graduation in May and June. Rosemary School Graduation is Friday, May 5th . Duchess Graduation is Saturday, May 13th. Bassano School Graduation is Saturday, May 27th. That same day is the Brooks Composite High School Graduation. Sunrise School Graduation is on Friday, June 2nd .

The Board of Trustees and staff are putting together the budget for the next school year. The budget has to be approved by the board by the end of May and sent to Alberta Education for approval.

The date and time of all Grasslands School Board meetings are posted on Grasslands’ website, along with the agenda for upcoming meetings and minutes from previous meetings.

HEAD SMASHED-IN BUFFALO JUMP

The grade three/four class will be heading to Head Smashed-in Buffalo Jump near Fort Maclead on Friday, May 26. This field trip

and the programs offered complement the Alberta Education Curriculum.

Where the foothills of the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains, you will discover one of the world's oldest, largest, and best preserved buffalo jumps. The Jump bears witness to a method of hunting practiced by native people of the North American plains for nearly 6,000 years.

In 1981, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated Head-

Smashed-In Buffalo Jump as a World Heritage Site placing it among other world heritage monuments such as the Egyptian pyramids, Stonehenge and the Galapagos Islands.

This archaeological site, known around the world, preserves the remarkable history of the Plains People through the millennia. Because of their excellent understanding of the regional topography and bison behaviour, the native people were able to hunt bison by stampeding them over a cliff.

This is an amazing field trip and EVERYONE should visit Head Smashed-in Buffalo Jump at least once! Thanks to Cookie Connection, our students will enjoy this field trip for free!

Upcoming Field Trips:

June 7-9: Jr. High Camping Elkwater

June 21: ECS-Gr.2 to Calgary Zoo

SAVE THE DATE—A NIGHT AT THE OPERA WITH MIA DROST & JUANITA FAAS

The Community Club Appreciation Night will be held on Wednesday, May 24, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy a special evening out at the opera and enjoy world renowned local talent. Mia Drost will perform five opera arias, accompanied by Juanita Faas. Each aria will include a short introduction so the audience will understand the piece before it is performed.

Mia Drost is a very talented opera singer. She has a Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Music, attended summer music programs in NYC and Italy, auditioned and performed in many locations in Europe, including three major roles. Mia was also featured on Dutch television! We are so fortunate to have such incredible talent in our community.

Juanita Faas was classically trained on piano as a youth then trained in jazz for four years while attending Anderson University in Indiana. In 2005 her latest CD “Attitudes” was nominated for four Canadian Christian music awards. “I was born and raised in Medicine Hat AB Canada. Piano lessons started at age five. Throughout the 1980’s and 90’s I was a church pianist, music teacher, member in several bands (Christian and secular), ballet, vocal and choral accompanist.”

Do not miss this opportunity to see Mia and Juanita perform.

Also, bring a memento from your mother, father or grandparents with a short write-up about its meaning to you. Desserts will be prepared and served by the Kohlmans. There will also be fruit and gluten –free choices.

The evening will offer an opportunity for the ladies to sit back and relax, and leave the serving and cleaning to someone else! Reps will be calling to confirm your attendance. We hope you can join us for this special evening.

TOWN CLEAN-UP

Our students will be out and about in the community on Friday, May 5, to do the town cleanup. They will cover areas throughout the hamlet, including ditches of the highway at the end of town. Please slow down and use extra caution.

Students will NOT be cleaning garbage and debris from personal property. Please do your part to keep our community looking beautiful. Thank you.

LONG WEEKEND

We finally received some spring rain, which helped to give a fresh, clean glow to everything. The grass is turning green, the trees are budding out, and the bees are buzzing. Bring on the long weekend!

Students in Grasslands will enjoy a four-day weekend this month. May 19 is a Lieu Day, and May 22 is the Victoria Day holiday. Get out and enjoy the sunshine!

GRASSLANDS SINGS!

Grasslands Sings! is a mass choir featuring over 200 students from various schools from the division. This year, the choir will include students in grades seven to nine.

Students practice at their own schools and the huge group comes together for the first time on the day of the performance! That evening, they join on the stage of Griffin Park Theatre in a mass choir and perform in front of a packed crowd!

Everyone is invited to attend the performance at Griffin Park Theatre on Wednesday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m. Get there early to get a good seat as this is always a full house. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.

AG. SOCIETY FUNDRAISER

The Rolling Hills Ag. Society will be hosting a Dinner Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, June 3, at the Rolling Hills

Community Hall. They will be serving beef on a bun, coleslaw, beans, fresh vegetables and ice cream.

Tickets are only $10 each, family of 6 $50, children 3 and under free. PLEASE PRE-BUY tickets if possible. Tickets will be available at the door but pre-purchasing would be greatly appreciated.

This is a family event. There will be supervised kids’ activities in the multi-purpose room from 5-8 p.m. There will be no liquor served until the start of the dance.

Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

Supper 5:30—7:30 p.m.

Kid’s Activities 5:00—8:00 p.m.

Silent Auction 5:00—8:00 p.m.

Live Auction 8:00 p.m.

Family Dance 8:30 p.m.

Featured items include a signed and framed Alexander Ovechkin jersey, a signed Sutter hockey stick, and a signed Jaromir Jagr jersey.

There will also be a 50/50 draw. Tickets are available from Ag. Society directors, Rolling Hills Golf Course, and Rolling Hills Agencies.

To donate handmade, handcrafted or NEW items, please contact Darby at 403-362-3216.

For tickets or information about the fundraiser, contact Michele at 403-964-2350.

Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. If you can help out, please call Darby or Michele.

Thank you for supporting this important community fundraiser!

WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?

The Rolling Hills Ag. Society is a very valuable organization in our community. We were established in 1975 as a nonprofit charity and have an active board of 17 people. We are always looking for fresh ideas and welcome new members.

Our present board is comprised of: President – Darby Lester, Vice President – Tracy Hemsing, Secretary – Tammy Hillmer, Treasurer – Michele Hemsing, Directors – Wayne Daniels, Bruce Ferris, Darcy Hemsing, George Hemsing, Andrew Lester, Leonard Lundquist, Allan Patterson, Ben Payne, Chad Skrove, Tamara Skrove, Harme Stikker, Dale Marzolf, and Jelmer Tilma.

The Ag Society does not solely operate and maintain the local arena. Our sponsorship benefits the whole community.

The Ag Society plays a big part in all of the following events:

Pet vaccination clinic Farmer’s market Grade 9 grad First aid courses Farm safety & adult education

courses Kids’ Hockey Encounters with Canada Baseball windup Re–establishment of Community Cookies Oyster Fry RV sewer dump Community fireworks The Ag. Society is an avenue to receive matching government grants for local capital projects. We were involved with the building of the park camp kitchen and planting the trees, the expansion of the community hall, the funding for the 75th history book, and our most recent grant was for The Firm.

We employ local people in our arena kitchen which is the only place in town providing regular food services in the winter months and is one of the main gathering places for neighbors to meet. In the summer, we hire 2 students to maintain our arena building and campground area. If anyone is interested in joining our Ag. Society board – please contact Darby Lester at 403-363-3216.

FARMERS’ MARKET

The Rolling Hills Farmers’ Market will start soon. Vendors need to complete the application form prior to selling anything.

Please contact Pat MacKinnon at 403-964-2133 or Connie at 403-964-2411 for the application form and more information.

The Farmer’s Market will start on June 7th, and will be held every Wednesday throughout the summer.

This is a great place to pick up bedding plants, strawberry plants, fresh produce, homemade baking, handmade crafts, and so much more!

SOUP & SANDWICH

This month’s Soup and Sandwich lunch at the Senior’s Centre will be held on May 10. Drop in 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. for delicious homemade soup, sandwiches and desserts.

GOLF COURSE IS OPEN!

The Rolling Hills Golf Course is open and the greens are looking great! League play: Mondays—Jr. Golf & Adult Golf lessons, Tuesdays—Ladies, Wednesdays—Men’s, Thursdays—Couples.

Jr. golf will be held each Monday from May 8 to June 19. This is open to anyone six years of age and up. Cost is only $20 for all classes. Register by May 5.

Adult golf lessons—if you have never tried golf or if you are interested in improving your game, sign up for adult golf lessons. Lessons will be held on Mondays with golf pro Breda Friedrick. Cost $20-25/lesson. This will ONLY run if there is enough interest, so please contact the golf course to sign up.

The kitchen is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Delicious homemade burgers, soup and more! For more information or to book a tee time, call the golf course at 403-964-2380.

THE FIRM HAS “BEEFED UP”

For those of you who thought The Firm didn’t have enough weights to satisfy your inner Schwarzenegger come check us out now! New equipment has been purchased with a grant we received. We listened to what people told us and added to our selection of weights.

Try out the half cage, the great selection of medicine balls, and a high tech recumbent bike! There is a new flat screen TV, with a full complement of workout CDs that target all parts of the body.

The price is right as well! Only $20 for a month, $100 for six months, or a yearly membership for $200.

To join The Firm call:

Krista — 403-363-4174 Lacey — 403-363-3450 Lois — 403-363-2266

PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Public Library is open Monday and Wednesday evenings 7-9 p.m., and Wednesdays 9-11 a.m. and 1:30-330 p.m.

Get more from your library! Your FREE membership gives you full borrowing privileges, use of Wi-Fi in the library, and access to all of our online services. This includes online newspapers from Library PressDisplay, ConsumerReports.org, and access to ebooks and LibraryToGo (Overdrive). You will also have full access to a broad collection of books, CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Ray movies in our catalogue.

Place holds, renew books, search for items, all from the comfort of home using your FREE library membership.

Visit http://rollinghills.shortgrass.ca/ and click on the tab Books and More to see all we have to offer.

For more information, call the Rolling Hills Public Library at 403-964-2186 (leave message).