

NSO Weekly News
January 30-February 3, 2024
Sherwood Park - Fort Saskatchewan - Vegreville
We hope everyone had a wonderful weekend enjoying fabulous weather. As we close in on the end of semester 1, we need to remind folks to return outstanding textbooks to their designated campus. Please return all textbooks to your teacher to avoid potential textbook replacement costs. Your support getting all items returned is greatly appreciated!
On January 29 & 30 we will be completing course starts for full-time students in 30-level diploma courses. On Wednesday, January 31 there is no school as EIPS has a professional Learning day scheduled for staff. On February 1 & 2 we have scheduled course starts for full-time students in 10 & 20 level courses. Semester 2 starts on February 1.
If you have questions regarding scheduled courses for semester 2, please connect with our guidance counsellor, success coaches or administration to make adjustments.
We appreciate the opportunity to engage, interact, and support all families. Our Next Step vision is to create a community of learners who embody the virtues of acceptance, flexibility, individualization, respect, and responsibility. We are excited you are part of our alternative learning environment. Have a great week! #gogreen Mr. B. Spady Principal & Mrs. K. Porter Assistant Principal
Student Password Reset and Enhancements
Starting Thursday, February 1 the Division’s student password policy will require student passwords to be at least 10 characters long and include a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols for added security. This change will be prompted on their next login on or after February 1, whether using a Windows PC or Chromebook. This update is vital for enhancing student cybersecurity and aligning with current best practices. Students requiring assistance with password resets should visit the school office, where staff have access to a student password reset tool.
Upcoming events
January 29 Physics 30 Diploma
January 30 Science 30 Diploma & last day semester 1
January 30-31 Ribbon Skirt and Shirt Workshop at Fort Saskatchewan High
January 31 Professional Learning day-NO School
February 1 Semester 2 starts
February 6 Next Step Sherwood Park Open House 6-7 p.m.
February 7 Early dismissal (2:15 p.m.) & EIPS Ribbon Day when staff and students are encouraged to wear their ribbon shirts and skirts
February 7 Student Discover Your Future Information Session 6 p.m.
February 8-21 EIPS Returning Student Registration
February 8-9 Teachers' Convention- No School
February 10 Lunar New Year
February 13 Next Step Fort Saskatchewan Open House 6-7 p.m.
February 14 Valentines Day
February 15 National Flag Day
February 17 Random Acts of Kindness Day
February 19 Family Day- No School
Returning Student Registration for 2024-25
EIPS is conducting online returning student registration process to confirm student registrations for the 2024-25 school year. Families of all current students—except Grade 12 students—must complete the process to confirm the school their child plans to attend in the 2024-25 school year or advise the Division of their plans not to return to EIPS. The 2024-25 returning student registration takes place February 8-21. One contact will receive the Returning Student Registration Form link through Permission Click on February 8. For more information, contact the school office at 780-464-1899 (SPO) or 780-992-0101 (FSO).
Complete the Alberta Education Assurance Survey
Once again, Alberta Education is surveying teachers, students and families through its annual Alberta Education Assurance (AEA) Survey. The survey gathers feedback on the quality of education provided by school authorities and their schools, which they then use to help understand how they’re doing and plan for the future.
Throughout February, all Next Step students are completing the survey online at the school. Student participation is voluntary and completely anonymous. Students are assigned a random username and password to ensure survey responses aren’t linked to any individual student. The survey doesn’t take long to complete and is done within the school day during regular class time.
Additionally, parents and guardians of students are also asked to take a survey online. Alberta Education has mailed families information about the survey directly. As with the student and teacher survey, it’s anonymous and asks questions about your school experiences. If you have a child in these grades, we encourage you to participate. The survey deadline is March 1, 2024.
Results from the AEA Survey are provided to Elk Island Public Schools each spring. The Division then uses the data to inform its four-year education plan, school education plans and strategies for continuous improvement. Each fall, the results are also shared with EIPS families and school communities in the Division’s Annual Education Results Report.
RELATED INFORMATION
AEA Survey: Information for parents and guardians
AEA Survey
Assurance and Accountability: Alberta’s K-12 education system
School Advisory Council
Our next hybrid meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27 at the Sherwood Park campus. We hope you can join us in-person or virtually. Meeting starts at 6 p.m. Regular attendance is not required. Please check out our school calendar and NSO Weekly News for scheduled School Advisory Council Meetings.
Next meeting: April 23, May 28 TBD
Parent Resources
Cannabis: Get to know more about cannabis and explore the effects that early use of cannabis products can have on a young person’s life, then have a conversation with your child.
https://www.drugfreekidscanada.org/drug-spotlights/cannabis/
Health Education and Learning Website: www.ahs.ca/heal is a resource aimed at providing families easily accessible, reliable information about common minor illness and injuries in children. This resource offers general information about the causes, symptoms and home management options for common minor illnesses and injuries, and when to seek medical care.
Parent Support Hub: is safe virtual space for parents, guardians and families to get guidance and support. This free service is available 24/7 for anyone who is concerned about the use of substances by a young person in their life.
https://www.drugfreekidscanada.org/support/supporthub/
Vaping: Vaping’s popularity among youth has grown significantly over the past five years – and there is a lot of concern that this increase may have a negative impact on the overall health of young people. https://www.drugfreekidscanada.org/issues/vaping/
Teaching Sexual Health: For up to date, evidence based information and strategies for parents to deliver effective sexual health education https://teachingsexualhealth.ca/
Our Vision
Next Step envisions itself as not just an educational institution, but a vibrant community of learners deeply committed to virtues that go beyond the classroom. Here's a brief overview of the core values that make up the vision:
Acceptance- We strive for a diverse and inclusive environment where every student, parent, caregiver, and staff member feels accepted, irrespective of their background, beliefs, or circumstances. We believe that learning is most effective when everyone feels like they belong.
Flexibility- Understanding that each learner is unique, we aim to offer flexible learning and a range of teaching methodologies to cater to individual needs. Whether through elective courses, extracurricular activities, or personalized learning paths, flexibility is at the heart of our educational approach.
Individualization- Building on the concept of flexibility, we focus on personalized education. Our staff are committed to identifying each student’s strengths, and areas for growth, allowing for a more tailored educational experience while maintaining a high academic standard. This individual attention ensures that every student is equipped with the tools they need to succeed both academically and personally.
Respect- In our community, respect is mutual. Staff, students, caregivers, and parents are encouraged to show respect for each other's ideas, feelings, and contributions. We believe that open dialogue, grounded in respect, fosters a rich learning environment where complex issues can be discussed and dissected.
Responsibility- While our staff are committed to providing the best educational experience possible, we also encourage students, caregivers and parents to take responsibility for their learning journey. This includes active participation in school activities, regular communication with staff, and a commitment to personal and academic growth.
For parents, caregivers, and families, becoming a part of the Next Step community means joining a network committed to these virtues. Together, we work toward providing an educational experience that values the uniqueness of each student, respects the input of each community member, and prepares learners for a future full of possibilities.
Hours of Operation
Students, parents, and caregivers can access our campus locations during the following times:
Monday 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.Tuesday 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Wednesday 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Thursday 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Next Step Outreach
Email: nextstep@eips.ca
Website: eipsnextstep.ca
Phone: 7804641899
Twitter: @eipsnextstep