NSO News & Information

Monday, April 28 is Instructional day #51 of 84 or 61% through semester 2.

As we step into the final stretch of the school year, we are reminded of the power of perseverance. As the saying goes, "Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." Every small step your child takes is leading to remarkable growth — and we are proud to walk alongside them on this journey.

A few important reminders for the weeks ahead:

• School Advisory Council Meeting – Our final meeting of the year is coming up on Tuesday, April 29. We encourage all families to join us in-person or virtually as we celebrate this year's successes and look ahead to future goals. Your voice makes a difference!

• No School for Students on Friday, May 2 – Our staff will be engaged in a Professional Learning Day, working together to review and strengthen our School Education Plan for 2025-26. This planning ensures we continue to meet the needs of every learner with excellence.

As always, thank you for your ongoing support. Together, with each small step, we are making incredible strides. -Principal Mr. B. Spady, Assistant Principal's Mrs. D. Bennett & Mrs. K. Porter

Please be advised to follow all designated parking signs at the front of the school and at Festival Place. These lots are patrolled by Strathcona County Bylaw Enforcement, and you could be subject to a ticket if parked illegally. Students are welcome to park in the front of the school and in Festival Place during the school day. At times, Festival Place will be closed to students during the dance festival season. We strive to communicate these changes as they arise. As responsible drivers, the onus is up to you to drive and park responsibly.

Additionally, on April 28 Salisbury Composite High will be a Federal Election Polling station. As such, parking will be limited throughout the day and there will be increased foot traffic around the facility. Your cooperation is appreciated!

Our last hybrid meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29 at 5 p.m.. We hope you can join us! Meeting starts at 5 p.m. at our Sherwood Park campus. Regular attendance is not required. Please check out our school calendar and NSO News & Information for scheduled School Advisory Council Meetings. Tentative agenda will be added below. Join the conversation at: https://meet.google.com/wbg-xbda-djb

The Page Program is more than a job. It’s an opportunity for high school students in Alberta to learn first-hand about the Legislative Assembly. They gain work experience, career insights and valuable job skills such as communication, problem solving and leadership while supporting the Legislative Assembly when it is in session. Session typically runs February to June and October to December, during which time Pages work at least three shifts per week Monday to Thursday.

Must be 15 years old and entering grades 10, 11 or 12 as a full-time student. Legislative Assembly of Alberta: Page Program – deadline April 30

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. Cost is $125 per course, $75 for Science 30 (1 day session). Students/families will register via PowerSchool Parent Portal. If you have questions regarding Diploma Exam Prep sessions, please reach out to nextstep@eips.ca or 780-464-1899. Register

May 31-June 1 (ELA 30-1 & Social 30-1)

June 7-8 (ELA 30-1 & Social 30-1)

June 14-15 Math 30-1/2, Biology 30,

June 21 Science 30

June 21-22 Chemistry 30 Physics 30

The next provincewide test of the wireless public alert system will take place at 1:55 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7. During the test, an alert sound will go off on compatible cellphones with a message letting the user know the sound is part of a test and there’s no need for concern. Learn more

Apr 27 to May 4: National Volunteer Week

Apr 28 Federal Election (Salisbury is a polling station)

Apr 28 Strathcona County Youth Market 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Agora

Apr 29 School Advisory Council 5 p.m.

May 2 Staff Professional Learning -No School for students

May 5-11 Mental Health Week

May 5 Bus Driver Appreciation Day

May 5 National Day of Awareness of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Red Dress Day

May 5 Cinco de Mayo

May 7 Early dismissal 2:10 p.m.

May 7-8 Skills Canada Competitions (Edmonton EXPO Centre)

May 10 Bear Witness Day

May 11 Mother's Day

May 14 Educational Assistant Appreciation Day

May 15 Moose Hide Campaign Day

May 19 Victoria Day-No School

May 28 Red Shirt Day

May 29 Grade 9 ELA PAT Part A

May 31-June 1 Diploma Exam Prep (ELA 30-1/SS 30-1) Register

June 4 Early dismissal 2:10 p.m.

June 6 Graduation Ceremony 2:30 p.m. DOW Centre Fort Saskatchewan

June 7-8 Diploma Exam Prep (ELA 30-1/SS 30-1) Register

June 11 ELA 30-1/2 Part A Diploma

June 12 Social 30-1/2 Part A Diploma

June 12 Grade 9 PAT ELA Part B

June 13 Grade 9 PAT Math Part A

June 13 Grade 9 Farewell Salisbury Theatre 4:15 p.m.

June 14-15 Diploma Exam Prep (Math 30-1/2, Bio 30) Register

June 15 Father's Day

June 17 Math 30-1/2 Diploma

June 17 Grade 9 PAT Math Part B

June 17 Last Instructional Day- Grade 10-12

Please connect with your Graduation contact at your location to review your courses, share your plans for next school year, and pick up your Grad 2025 T-shirt!

• Sherwood Park – Sara Wood (sara.wood@eips.ca) Success Coach
• Sherwood Park – D’Anne Bennett (danne.bennett@eips.ca) Assistant Principal
• Fort Saskatchewan – Janet Clarkson (janet.clarkson@eips.ca) Success Coach
• Vegreville – Carlin Adams (carlin.adams@eips.ca) Family School Liaison Worker
• Fort Saskatchewan & Vegreville – Krista Porter (krista.porter@eips.ca) Assistant Principal

We look forward to celebrating your Graduation on Friday June 6, 2025!

Our Student Success team at Next Step is designed to maximize school engagement, increase academic success and enhance social, emotional and physical well-being for students.

Sherwood Park: Success Coach for grade 8-11 kevin.mackinnon@eips.ca email (Jen Martinez is away till May 30) and direct line 7804102948 (student/family strategies & community connections) & Success Coach for grade 12 & R12 Sara.Wood@eips.ca email and direct line 7804102942 (student/family strategies & community connections)

Fort Saskatchewan: Success Coach for grade 8-12 Janet.Clarkson@eips.ca email and direct line 7804103981 (student/family strategies & community connections)

Vegreville: Family School Liaison Worker Carlin.Adams@eips.ca email and direct line 7804103989 (student/family strategies & community connections)

Guidance Counselor: email Elli.Hansen@eips.ca and direct line 7804102952 (educational support and accommodations)

At Next Step, we believe that consistent engagement in learning is key to academic success. Students who do not actively participate in their course for a period of 30 days will be withdrawn from the course. Should a student wish to reengage, they will be required to meet with our Student Success team to discuss their commitment and develop a plan to ensure future success. As we say at Next Step Outreach, "small steps are still progress," and we are here to support every step of your journey. This policy ensures students remain committed to their learning, while also providing them with the necessary support to reengage effectively.

Appropriate use of personal communication devices contributes to the safety and security of students and staff, minimizes risk to personal wellbeing and disruption to instruction, and protects personal privacy and academic integrity. As such, personal devices are expected to be out of sight during instructional time.

Students may not access a PCD unless given permission by the teacher for a specific educational task or purpose. PCDs shall not be on the student unless the use is for: a diagnosed medical condition; or an identified inclusive-educational need.

From a security perspective, the most important function of an exterior door is for protection from the elements and to control entry for building security. All exterior doors will be locked, and opened only for student and visitor access during designated school entry times and special events. Students who arrive when doors are locked, as well as parents/caregivers and visitors, will be welcomed into the office after ringing the doorbell/video-monitored intercom entry system. All visitors must sign in and out of the school and follow the visitor protocol.

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.

The Division, and Next Step are committed to ensuring all members of the school community are provided with welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments that respect diversity and foster a sense of belonging. EIPS encourages all students, staff and families to review the procedures to understand and practice the conduct expected throughout the Division.

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
X: @eipsnextstep