NSO Weekly News

As we prepare for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, we kindly request that current grade 12 families confirm your child's registration at Next Step, if you have not already done so. All current grade 8 to grade 11 students have already been confirmed through the EIPS Returning Student Registration process. This helps us ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place for a successful academic year. If you have any questions, please email nextstep@eips.ca or contact the school (Sherwood Park) 780-464-1899 or (Fort Saskatchewan) 780-992-0101 to speak with school staff further.

We look forward to another successful year at Next Step working with students and families!

We hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend. Oiler playoff hockey fever is upon us! As of Monday there are only 16 instructional days remaining in semester 2. Graduation 2024 ceremony is right around the corner on June 6. Grad gown pick up takes place May 30 to June 5.

As we approach the final five weeks of this school year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve been on together. This year has been filled with growth, learning, and countless achievements, and we are immensely proud of our school community.

To our students, you have shown remarkable resilience, determination, and enthusiasm. Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, and you should be proud of all you’ve accomplished. As we enter these last weeks, let’s maintain that positive momentum. Keep pushing forward, stay focused, and remember that every effort you make brings you one step closer to your goals.

To our families, thank you for your unwavering support and partnership. Your involvement and encouragement are crucial to our students’ success. As we approach the end of the school year, your continued support is more important than ever. Together, we can help our students finish strong and celebrate their achievements.

These final weeks are an opportunity to excel, to showcase all that we’ve learned, and to prepare for the next steps in our educational journeys. Let’s embrace this time with energy and enthusiasm, knowing that we are all working together towards a common goal. We are grateful to be part of such a vibrant and dedicated community. Let’s make these last six weeks the best yet, full of learning, growth, and celebration.

The results are now available for the 2023-24 EIPS Annual Feedback Surveys: For Parents and Caregivers and For Students conducted in March. Thank you to all families and students who took the time to share their feedback with the Division. The surveys included a series of questions related to the three priorities outlined in the EIPS Four-Year Education Plan: 2022-26 (Year 2).

• Priority 1: Promote growth and success for all students
• Priority 2: Enhance high-quality learning and working environments
• Priority 3: Enhance public education through effective engagement

The overall Division results represent close to 1,900 responses from parents and caregivers and more than 2,000 responses from grades 9 and 12 students across the Division. The Parent and Caregiver survey results for Next Step have helped us identify the following areas of strength:

• My child's encouraged to do their best. Top 2 categories 99% (Strongly agree 82.75%, Agree 16.09%)
• How satisfied are you with the quality of education your child's receiving at school? Top 2 categories 95% (Strongly satisfied 70.45%, Satisfied 25.00%)
• How satisfied are you with the quality of teaching at your child’s school? Top 2 categories 97% (Strongly satisfied 75.00%, Satisfied 21.95%)
• How satisfied are you with the leadership at your child's school? Top 2 categories 98% (Strongly satisfied 78.41%, Satisfied 19.32%)
• School staff care about my child. Top 2 categories 99% (Strongly agree 80.46%, Agree 18.39%)
• Has the quality of education your child's experienced improved, stayed the same or declined in the past three years? Improved 73.56%
• The school keeps me informed about my child's progress and achievement. Top 2 categories 96% (Strongly agree 70.59%, Agree 25.88%)

The Student survey results for Next Step have helped us identify the following areas of strength:

• At school, my individual learning needs are met. Top 2 categories 99% (Strongly agree 64.29%, Agree 34.29%)
• At school, I'm encouraged to do my best. Top 2 categories 99% (Strongly agree 75.00%, Agree 24.29%)
• How satisfied are you with the quality of education you're receiving at your school? Top 2 categories 96% (Strongly satisfied 59.85%, Satisfied 36.50%)
• How satisfied are you with the quality of teaching you're receiving at your school? Top 2 categories 96% (Strongly satisfied 63.97%, Satisfied 32.35%)
• The staff at my school care about me. Top 2 categories 99% (Strongly agree 70.07%, Agree 25.55%)
• Has the quality of education you experienced improved, stayed the same or declined the past 3 years? 70.80% Improved
• I can openly and honestly communicate with teachers, staff and students at my school. Top 2 categories 96% (Strongly agree 61.94%, Agree 34.33%)

The feedback gathered in the survey will help our school and the Division measure its progress toward meeting the priorities and goals outlined in the EIPS Four-Year Education Plan and develop strategies to better serve students and the wider community moving forward. Annual Feedback Survey Results: Division

May 28 Fort Saskatchewan Indigenous Family Gathering 6 p.m.

May 30 to June 5- Graduation Gown pick up

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

June 3-7 Pride Week

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

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.

Have you recently moved or has your contact information changed? Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) encourages families to review their information the Division has on file to ensure it’s up to date. Using the Student Information Update available through the PowerSchool Parent Portal, families can review their information on file for each student—including addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, parent and guardian information, emergency contacts, medical details and other related information—and submit any updates needed.

NOTE: Only submit updates for the changes that have already taken place. If you’re moving this summer, you’ll submit the necessary updates through the Student Information Update after you’ve moved at the start of next school year. The form is open—for current-year updates—until June 14 at noon. It will reopen for families at the start of next school year

Register today for EIPS Summer School. The program, organized through Next Step, offers more than 40 senior high courses. Students can earn credits, upgrade marks, lighten workloads or finish pre-requisite courses. Learn more about EIPS Summer School 2024—including 2024 course offerings, registration, important dates and more.

Courses are designed for preparing students to write their Grade 12 diploma exams. Courses will be offered at Salisbury Composite High School (20 Festival Way) in Sherwood Park. 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.

Planning to use Student Transportation in the 2024-25 school year? If so, make sure your child is registered so Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) can plan routes and send your child a bus pass before the first day of school. All students who indicated needing transportation services through the returning student or new student registration processes are now registered. Those families have also received tentative route schedules and invoices—fees are due June 30, 2024.

For those students who did not indicate needing transportation services during the registration process and want to now register, contact EIPS’ Student Transportation office at 780-417-8151.

For more information about EIPS Student Transportation, visit www.eips.ca/transportation.

NOTE: Families can pay fees online using the PowerSchool Parent Portal. To pay in-person, visit the EIPS Student Transportation building during its office hours—Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on non-school days.

Is your child graduating from or leaving EIPS at the end of the school year? If so, they must ensure any information they want to retain from their school cloud accounts is downloaded onto a personal device before leaving.

Google account – Students must download any wanted content before August 6—download files either individually or in bulk using Google Takeout.

Microsoft account – Students must download any wanted content from their OneDrive account before August 6.

After Aug. 6, 2024, EIPS will deactivate the account.

As we approach the end of the school year, many students need to 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;

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.

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