NSO News & Information

Tuesday, June 17 is the last Instructional day for High School Students.

As we enter the final stretch of the school year, we want to take a moment to express our sincere appreciation for your support and involvement throughout the year, and especially during our 2025 Graduation celebration last week at the DOW Centre. It was a powerful and emotional event, filled with pride and purpose. Thank you for helping make that milestone moment so meaningful for our students.

As of Monday, we are down to just 7 instructional days remaining. While the year may be wrapping up, learning and engagement remain strong — especially with Part A Diploma Exams and our Grade 9 Farewell fast approaching. Every day still matters, and we are encouraging all students to finish strong.

A quick reminder: All textbooks and novels must be returned by Friday, June 20 to your child’s teacher or the front office. Any missing or damaged materials may result in replacement charges.

As always, thank you for being a vital part of our school community. As our school motto reminds us: "Small steps are still progress."

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

As we approach the end of the school year, we kindly remind all students to return any school-issued textbooks, novels or materials by Friday, June 20. Books may be returned directly to your child's teacher or to the front office. Please note that missing or damaged books may result in a replacement cost being applied. We encourage students to double-check their backpacks, vehicles, and at-home study areas to ensure all materials are accounted for.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain our resources for future learners.

The surveys included a series of questions related to the three priorities outlined in the EIPS Four-Year Education Plan: 2022-26 (Year 3).

• 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 survey results for Next Step have helped us identify the following areas of strength from the Parent and Caregiver Survey:

• My child's encouraged to do their best. 100% top 2 boxes (72.45% strongly agree, 27.55% Agree)
• How satisfied are you with the quality of education your child's receiving at school? 97% top 2 boxes (70.10% strongly agree, 26.80% Agree)
• How satisfied are you with the quality of teaching at your child’s school? 97% top 2 boxes (72.16% strongly agree, 24.74% Agree)
• There is open and honest communication within my child's school. 97% top 2 boxes (69.47% strongly agree, 27.37% Agree)

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

• At school, I’m encouraged to do my best. 99% top 2 boxes (82.01% strongly agree, 17.27% Agree)
• How satisfied are you with the quality of education you’re receiving at your school? 98% top 2 boxes (66.67% strongly agree, 31.16% Agree)
• How satisfied are you with the quality of teaching you’re receiving? 98% top 2 boxes (78.26% strongly agree, 19.57% Agree)
• I can openly and honestly communicate with teachers, staff and students at my school. 94% top 2 boxes (74.07% strongly agree, 19.26% Agree)

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
Annual Feedback Survey Results for Parents and Caregivers: Next Step Outreach
Aggregate Feedback Survey Results 2018-2025 for Parents and Caregivers: Next Step Outreach
Annual Feedback Survey Results for Students: Next Step Outreach
Aggregate Feedback Survey Results 2020-2025 for Students: Next Step Outreach

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

June 18 ELA 30-1/2 Part B Diploma

June 18 Grade 9 PAT Social Studies

June 19 Social 30-1/2 Part B Diploma

June 19 Grade 9 PAT Science

June 20 Biology 30 Diploma

June 21-22 Diploma Exam Prep (Chemistry 30, Physics 30, Science 30) Register

June 21 National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 23 Chemistry 30 Diploma

June 24 Physics 30 Diploma

June 25 Science 30 Diploma & last day of semester

June 26 Last Operational Day

July 7-31 Summer School

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 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