

NSO Weekly News
April 22-27, 2024
Sherwood Park - Fort Saskatchewan - Vegreville
We hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! Monday is instructional day #47 of 83 or 57% of the semester complete. We continue the process of confirming course selections and planning for September 2024. This is an ongoing process that will continue into May. If you have questions please reach out.
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
High School students are required to check in and meet with their instructor(s) weekly. It is recommended that multiple check ins occur each week to ensure successful completion of academic course work. Students not adhering to the weekly check in schedule or failing to engage in the learning process will be removed from their course.
School Advisory Council
Our last hybrid meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 23 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. Tentative agenda is below. Virtual link: Join HERE
Parent Teacher Student Conferences
The second round of Parent Teacher Student Conferences are scheduled for April 24 & 25 . You can sign up via the booking tab on the eipsnextstep.ca website or via Conference Sign Up link.
- Sherwood Park join Wednesday, April 24 in person, virtually or by phone to speak with our staff from 5:00 to 7:30 pm.
- Fort Saskatchewan join Thursday, April 25 in person, virtually or by phone to speak with our staff from 5:00 to 7:30 pm.
Conversations regarding student support, academic progress or check ins can happens at any time. Please feel free to reach out to staff throughout the semester should questions or concerns arise.
Upcoming events
April 23 World Book Day
April 23 School Advisory Council 6 p.m. Virtual link: Join HERE
April 24 Administrative Professionals’ Day
April 24 Parent Teacher Student Conferences (SPO) 5-7:30 p.m. Register HERE
April 25 Parent Teacher Student Conferences (FSO) 5-7:30 p.m. Register HERE
May 1 Early dismissal 2:10 p.m.
May 3 Professional Learning Day- No school
May 5 Red Dress Day honours the memories of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls Red Dress Day
May 6 Bus Driver Appreciation DayMay 6-11 Mental Health Week
May 10 Bear Witness Day
May 12 Mother's Day
May 13 ELA 9 Provincial Achievement Test Part A
May 14 Moosehide Campaign Walk
May 16 Moose Hide Campaign Day
May 16-17 School Closure
May 20 Victoria Day - No School
May 29 Red Shirt Day
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
Diploma Exam Prep registration opens April 22
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.
Minister’s Youth Council
The Minister’s Youth Council (MYC) consists of about 40 junior and senior high students with diverse interests, identities, backgrounds and perspectives from all regions of Alberta. Students on the council provide their perspectives on a number of education topics.Students are members of the Minister’s Youth Council for a 10-month term that aligns with the school year. During the school year, the council attends three meetings.
Are you in junior or senior high and between the ages of 14 and 19 (as of September 1, 2024)?
Are you able to commit to three weekends during the school year? Meetings will be held either virtually or in Edmonton during the fall, winter and spring. Apply online today to be a part of the Minister’s Youth Council! The deadline for applications is April 30, 2024.
AHS Addiction & Mental Health Resources
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
EIPS Annual Education Results Report
Every year, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) publishes an Annual Education Results Report, which outlines the Division’s Four-Year Education Plan, opportunities for growth and how it’s supporting students to achieve the best possible outcomes. Read through this year’s EIPS Annual Education Results Report 2022-23 and discover how EIPS fosters learning environments for all students to learn, grow and thrive—and why it matters.
May Spotlight: the EIPS Annual Education Results Report: Overview. Learn about EIPS’:
· mission and belief statements
· Alberta Education Assurance Measures results
· successes and challenges;
· four-year education plan;
· plus, more.
RELATED INFORMATION
EIPS Four-Year Education Plan: 2022-26
EIPS Three-Year Capital Plan: 2025-28
Compassion Connects: Mental Health Week runs May 6-12
Mental Health Week takes place May 6-12. To mark the week, Next Step has a series of activities and lessons planned for students, all centred on Mental Health Week’s theme, “Compassion Connects.” We all have the capacity to be compassionate, and we know that doing so can make an enormous difference.
Collectively, students will learn about community-based mental health care champions, programs and communities while showcasing the importance of securing universal mental health care, what it can look like and how mental health care can be expressed and nurtured, such as within art, music and dance. In addition to school activities, students and staff can also share messages about their personal journey on various social media platforms using the hashtag #CompassionConnects.
For more information:
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