NSO News & Information

Hey all, Happy New Year and welcome to 2025! As we begin this fresh chapter, let us embrace the promise that each new year brings: opportunities to grow, learn, and achieve. Remember, “small steps are still progress”—and every step brings us closer to our goals.

We are excited to welcome our students back to their learning journeys! A quick reminder of some key dates as we transition into the second half of the school year:

• Last instructional day: Friday, January 17. Students need to complete remaining course materials by this date.
• Textbook returns: Please ensure all textbooks are returned to the school by Friday, January 24.

Let’s work together to make the most of these next couple weeks. If you or your student have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to our staff for guidance and support. Thank you for your ongoing commitment and support of your child’s education. Here’s to a year filled with growth, learning, and small steps forward. Wishing you all a wonderful 2025!

Principal Mr. B. Spady, Assistant Principal's Mrs. K. Porter & Mrs. D. Bennett

As we approach the end of Semester 1, reminder all textbooks need to be returned by Friday, January 24, 2025. Ensuring all books are returned on time helps us prepare for Semester 2 and keeps resources available for everyone. Any unreturned or damaged textbooks after this date may result in replacement costs being charged to your account.

Textbooks can be returned to the front desk or directly to your teachers during regular school hours. If you have any questions or concerns about your returns, please don’t hesitate to contact the office for assistance. Let’s make sure we finish Semester 1 on a high note by getting all textbooks returned on time! Thank you for your attention and cooperation.

To help you make an informed decision about senior high, EIPS is hosting a Division high school information night. All EIPS students in grades 8 and 9 and their families are invited to attend to learn more about the senior high program. The session will provide information about senior high courses, instruction, programming and extracurricular opportunities throughout the Division, as well as details about diploma requirements and various career path options.

Date: Jan. 13, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Location: The Park Church, 1 Brower Drive, Sherwood Park

Jan 8 Early dismissal 2:10 p.m.

Jan 11-12 Diploma Exam Prep Session #1 (ELA, SS, Math)

Jan 13 EIPS High School Information Session 6-7:30 p.m. (The Park Church)

Jan 14 ELA 30-1/2 Part A Diploma

Jan 15 Social 30-1/2 Part A Diploma

Jan 15 Fort Saskatchewan campus Open House 6-7:30 p.m.

Jan 16 SAFRON Jr High presentations

Jan 17 Math 30-1/2 Diploma

Jan 17 Last Instructional day

Jan 18-19 Diploma Exam Prep Session #2 (Bio, Chem, Physics)

Jan 20 ELA 30-1/2 Part B Diploma

Jan 20 Fort Saskatchewan Family Night 6 p.m.

Jan 21 Social 30-1/2 Part B Diploma

Jan 22 Biology Diploma

Jan 22 Sherwood Park campus Open House 6-7:30 p.m.

Jan 23 Chemistry Diploma

Jan 24 Physics Diploma

Jan 24 Bell Let's Talk Day

Jan 25 Diploma Exam Prep Session #3 (Science 30)

Jan 25-26 Intermediate First Aid

Jan 27 Science Diploma

Jan 28 School Advisory Council 5 p.m.

Jan 29 Professional Learning Day-No classes

Jan 30 Semester 2 starts

Feb 5 Early dismissal 2:10 p.m.

Feb 6-7 Teachers' Convention- No Classes

Feb 10-23 EIPS Returning Student Registration

Feb 13 Vegreville campus Open House 6-7:30 p.m.

Feb 17 Family Day- No Classes

At Next Step, we are committed to providing flexible and personalized learning pathways to support the unique needs of all students. We invite you to join us at one of our upcoming Open House events to learn more about how we can help ignite the spark of lifelong learning in your child.

Our Open House events offer a wonderful opportunity to meet our dedicated staff, explore the wide range of alternative learning programs we offer and ask questions about how we can support your student's success.

Upcoming Open House Dates:

• Fort Saskatchewan Campus: Wednesday, January 15, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Sherwood Park Campus: Wednesday, January 22, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Vegreville Campus: Thursday, February 13, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Whether you're looking for flexible scheduling, personalized learning plans, or a fresh start, we are here to help. Come and discover why so many families choose Next Step to support their educational journey. We look forward to welcoming you and answering your questions. Remember, at Next Step Outreach, "small steps are still progress."

These courses prepare students to write their Grade 12 diploma examinations. Courses run for one or two weekend days and will take place at Salisbury Composite High in Sherwood Park. The cost is $125 per course—except Science 30 at $75. For more information, contact nextstep@eips.ca or call 780-464-1899. Registration

• January 11 and 12: ELA 30-1, Social Studies 30-1, Math 30-1 and Math 30-2
• January 18 and 19: Biology 30, Chemistry 30 and Physics 30
• January 25: Science 30

There will be a virtual Grad informational meeting for parents and students on March 11 at 6 p.m. At this time we will review all things related to graduation (important dates, grad portraits, ceremony times, grad gown pick up, etc.)

• Grad portraits are scheduled for April 15 & 16, 2025
• Graduation ceremony is June 5, 2025 at Festival Place in Sherwood Park.

What is Kickstand Connect? A walk in clinic with trained professionals and a safe space for group sessions for Albertans aged 12-25 and their parents or caregivers.

What are the services at Kickstand Connect?

• Walk in mental health and/or substance use counselling
• Walk in peer support
• Walk in employment services
• Groups and workshops

Visit their website by clicking Fort Saskatchewan Operated by The Bridge - Kickstand

With the winter season in full effect, we have a few reminders for families:

• Ensure students have clothing appropriate for expected weather conditions.
• If weather conditions are bad enough to impact student transportation, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) advises families directly, as well as posting on social media and eips.ca as early as possible.
• Decisions regarding bus cancellations are guided by an EIPS administrative procedure that states, “school bus service may be suspended…when there is a forecast or current temperature of -40 C, including wind chill factor, in one or more regions.”
• Other reasons for suspending or delaying school bus services include adverse weather and poor road conditions.
• When school bus services are suspended, schools remain open to students.

For more information, contact EIPS Student Transportation at 780-417-8151.

The Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) returning student registration process for 2025-26 takes place Feb. 10-24, 2025. Through the online form, all families will confirm the school and program their child will attend next year or advise the Division if they aren’t returning. For students who want to attend a non-designated school next year, these requests must be submitted through the returning student registration process—acceptance is based on available space.

On February 10, the parent/guardian on file in PowerSchool identified as the Permission Click contact for each pre-kindergarten to Grade 11 student will receive an email through Permission Click with a link to the form. If your family hasn’t received any Permission Click forms this school year, contact the school office so we can investigate any technical issues before registration season.

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.

Guidance Counselor (all students) Kevin.MacKinnon@eips.ca email and direct line 7804102952 (educational support and accommodations)

Sherwood Park: Success Coach for grade 8-11 Jennifer.Martinez@eips.ca email 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)

Indigenous Bursaries – There are many bursaries on the Government website from all over Canada.

Alberta

Indigenous Career Award - $2000 per term, maximum $4000 per academic year. https://studentaid.alberta.ca/scholarships/indigenous-careers-award/

https://aboriginalfutures.com/scholarships-bursaries/ . There are many more which apply to 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year post-secondary students.

• Tip: Use the Activities List Organizer to streamline the process.
• Check Deadlines: Many major university awards have early deadlines.
• Find Resources: Register on scholarship platforms. These allow you to create a profile with specific parameters that meet your needs.

Tip: Look at these platform websites for expert advice on How to Find and Win Scholarships.

o Scholartree

o Scholarships Canada

o Yconic

Scholarships to investigate:

• Ayn Rand Essay Contests
• Amount: up to $10,000
• Criteria: See website
• Link: Ayn Rand Essay Contests
• Dates: Multiple dates
• TD Scholarships for Community Leadership
• Amount: up to $70,000 over 4 years
• Criteria: Demonstrated community leadership
• Link: TD Scholarships for Community Leadership
• Josephburg Ag Society Scholarships (Local)
• Amount: 4 awards of $1,500
• Criteria: Parents must be members of Josephburg Ag Society given first priority, academic achievement, community involvement
• Link: Josephburg Ag Society Scholarships
• Elk Island Local No. 28 Scholarship Application Form (Local)
• Amount: Varied
• Criteria: Child of an Elk Island Teacher accepted to the Faculty of Education in an accredited institution, high level of achievement
• Link: Information provided by Local No. 28 ATA
• School nomination
• Fort Sask Lions Club - The Lions Legacy Scholarship (Local)
• Amount: $1,000
• Criteria: Satisfy entrance requirements at post-secondary institution, demonstrate leadership (letter), letters of recommendation, transcript of marks
• Link: Fort Sask Lions Club - The Lions Legacy Scholarship
• Edmonton Community Foundation
• Amount: Up to $10,000
• Criteria: See website for multiple scholarships
• Link: Edmonton Community Foundation
• Strike Western Canadian Scholarship
• Amount: $2,000
• Criteria: Promotion of inclusion, open to all students living in Western Canada
• Link: Strike Western Canadian Scholarship
• RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth
• Amount: Up to $10,000
• Criteria: Indigenous youth, satisfy entrance requirements at eligible post-secondary institutions, requiring financial assistance, maintain full course load
• Link: RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth
• Softball Alberta Scholarships
• Amount: $500+
• Criteria: Various criteria; student athletes going on to postsecondary education
• Link: Softball Alberta Scholarships
• Pipeline Contractors Association of Canada Student Award Program
• Criteria: Applicant must be a son, daughter, or ward of a person whose principal income is derived from the pipeline construction industry, proof of full-time enrollment in a program leading to a diploma or degree
• Link: Pipeline Contractors Association of Canada Student Award Program
• Alberta Blue Cross Scholarship
• Amount: $750-$1,000
• Criteria: Member of a First Nation or band, or have Inuit, Métis or Indian status, residents of Alberta for the past 12 months, have not received this scholarship before
• Link: Alberta Blue Cross Scholarship
• RBC Royal Bank Scholarships
• Criteria: Please see website for multiple opportunities
• Link: RBC Royal Bank Scholarships
• John Hasselfield Endowment Foundation
• Amount: $400
• Criteria: Student presently enrolled in an Alberta public school, provide written essay, letter of reference from a non-family adult, Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Link: John Hasselfield Endowment Foundation

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
Twitter: @eipsnextstep