NSO Weekly News

We hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend! Monday is instructional day #61 of 83 or 74% of the semester is complete. Short week ahead as all EIPS schools are closed May 16-20. Tuesday all students on campus from 11-11:30 a.m. will be participating in our Moosehide Campaign walk to end violence against women and children.

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

On Tuesday, May 14 we will be conducting a joint campus activity in Sherwood Park supporting the national Moosehide Campaign.

11:00: SPO/FSO staff, students and families start the walk

11:30: Staff and students arrive back at SPO and go to SAL cafeteria where Individual smudge will be provided, as well as refreshments.

11:45–12:00: Family gathering Program will start

12:30–2:30: FAVES performance and connection with families

As we approach the end of the school year, many students have not yet set up their myPass account. myPass is an Alberta Education service that allows high school students to have direct access to their educational information including;

We encourage all Grade 10-12 students to sign up for myPass. Our Guidance Counsellor will guide you through the process of signing up. Please check in with Elli when on site next or email: elli.hansen@eips.ca or call 780-410-2952.

May 13 ELA 9 Provincial Achievement Test Part A 9:00 a.m.

May 14 Moosehide Campaign Walk at SPO 11 a.m.- 2:45 p.m.

May 16-17 School Closure

May 20 Victoria Day - No School

May 30 to June 5- Graduation Gown pick up

June 1-2 Diploma Exam Prep ELA 30-1 & Social 30-1 Register

June 4 Graduation luncheon 11:30 a.m.

June 5 Early dismissal 2:10 p.m.

June 6 Next Step Graduation 2:30 p.m. Shell Theatre (DOW Centre)

June 7 Grade 9 Farewell

June 8-9 Diploma Exam Prep ELA 30-1 & Social 30-1 Register

June 11 ELA 30-1/2 Part A Diploma 9:00 a.m.

June 12 Social Studies 30-1/2 Part A Diploma 9:00 a.m.

June 13 Grade 9 Math Part A PAT 9:00 a.m.

June 15-16 Diploma Exam Prep Math 30-1/2, Bio 30, & Chem 30 Register

June 17 *Last day of regular class instruction

June 17 Math 30-1/2 Diploma 9:00 a.m.

June 18 ELA 30-1/2 Part B Diploma 9:00 a.m.

June 18 Grade 9 Math Part B PAT 9:00 a.m.

June 19 Social Studies 30-1/2 Part B Diploma 9:00 a.m.

June 19 Grade 9 Social Studies PAT 9:00 a.m.

June 20 Biology 30 Diploma 9:00 a.m.

June 20 Grade 9 Science PAT 9:00 a.m.

June 21 National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 22-23 Diploma Exam Prep Physics 30, Science 30 Register

June 24 Chemistry 30 Diploma 9:00 a.m.

June 25 Physics 30 Diploma 9:00 a.m.

June 26 Science 30 Diploma 9:00 a.m. & end of semester 2

June 27 Last operational day

Courses are designed for preparing students to write their Grade 12 diploma exams. The material presented is based on a 12-hour schedule over a weekend. Courses will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a half-hour break for lunch. Courses will be offered at Salisbury Composite High School (20 Festival Way) in Sherwood Park. Students can only register for one review course each weekend. Cost is $125 per course, $75 for Science 30. Register at https://www.eipsnextstep.ca/

June 1/2 (ELA 30-1 & Social 30-1)

June 8/9 (ELA 30-1 & Social 30-1)

June 15/16 Math 30-1/2, Biology 30, Chemistry 30

June 22/23 Physics 30

June 22 Science 30

For questions reach out to nextstep@eips.ca or 780-992-0101.

Red Shirt Day takes place on May 29—the Wednesday of National AccessAbility Week. Red Shirt Day is when people across Canada come together and wear red in schools, workplaces and spaces everywhere to create a visible display of solidarity and show their support for persons and families who are living with disabilities. We encourage staff, students and community stakeholders to wear red in support of accessibility and inclusion on this day and start a conversation about ability.

Support is available from AHS Addiction & Mental Health. Resources and services, such as Mental Wellness Moments, Text4Hope or AHS’ mental health online sessions can help you or someone you know. If you need more support, reach out; call the mental health helpline at 1-877-303-2642.

Get Help Now

• Emergency – 911

• Addiction Helpline – 1-866-332-2322
• Mental Health Helpline – 1-877-303-2642

Important Phone/Text Numbers

• Community Resources – 211 Alberta
• Crisis Text Line - Text CONNECT to 741741
• Family Violence – Find Supports – 310-1818
• Health Link – 811
• Income Supports – 1-866-644-5135
• Indian Residential School Survivors and Family, IRSSS – 1-866-925-4419
• Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
• MyHealth.Alberta.ca: List of Important Numbers
• Physician & Family Support Program - 1-877-767-4637
• Talk Suicide

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.

Students, parents, and caregivers can access our campus locations during the following times:

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.

Email: nextstep@eips.ca
Website: eipsnextstep.ca
Phone: 7804641899
Twitter: @eipsnextstep