NSO Weekly News

We hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Monday, January 22 is the last day of regular course instruction. On January 29 & 30 we will be booking individual course starts for full-time students in 30-level diploma courses. February 1 & 2 we will be scheduling course starts for full-time students in 10 & 20 level courses. Semester 2 starts February 1.

If you have questions regarding scheduled courses for semester 2, please connect with our guidance counsellor, success coaches or administration to make adjustments.

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

Our next hybrid meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 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. Join Meeting HERE

Next meeting: February 27, April 23, May 28 TBD

January 22 Math 30-1/2 Diploma & Last day of regular class

January 23 ELA 30-1/2 Part B Diploma

January 23 School Advisory Council 6 p.m. Join Meeting HERE

January 24 Social 30-1/2 Part B Diploma

January 25 Biology 30 Diploma & Bell Let's Talk Day

January 26 Chemistry 30 Diploma

January 27 Diploma Exam Prep Session Science 30

January 29 Physics 30 Diploma

January 30 Science 30 Diploma & last day semester 1

January 30-31 Ribbon Skirt and Shirt Workshop at Fort Saskatchewan High

January 31 Professional Learning day-NO School

February 1 Semester 2 starts

February 6 Next Step Sherwood Park Open House 6-7 p.m.

February 7 Early dismissal (2:15 p.m.)

February 7 Student Discover Your Future Information Session 6 p.m.

February 8-21 EIPS Returning Student Registration

February 8-9 Teachers' Convention- No School

February 10 Lunar New Year

February 13 Next Step Fort Saskatchewan Open House 6-7 p.m.

February 14 Valentines Day

February 15 National Flag Day

February 19 Family Day- No School

Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) will once again conduct an online returning student registration process to confirm student registrations for the 2024-25 school year. Families of all current students—with the exception of graduating Grade 12 students—must complete the process to confirm the school their child plans to attend in the 2024-25 school year or advise the Division of their plans not to return to EIPS. The 2024-25 returning student registration takes place February 8-21.

One contact for each current student will receive the Returning Student Registration Form link through Permission Click on February 8. To review the contacts listed for each student, refer to the Student Information Update available through the PowerSchool Parent Portal. For more information, contact the school office at 780-464-1899 (SPO) or 780-992-0101 (FSO).

REMINDER: Starting Feb. 1, 2024, the Division’s student password policy will require all grades 4-12 student passwords to be at least 10 characters long and include a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols for added security. This change will be prompted on their next login on or after February 1, whether using a Windows PC or Chromebook. This update is vital for enhancing student cybersecurity and aligning with current best practices. Students requiring assistance with password resets should visit the school office, where office staff have access to a student password reset tool.

Cannabis: Get to know more about cannabis and explore the effects that early use of cannabis products can have on a young person’s life, then have a conversation with your child.

https://www.drugfreekidscanada.org/drug-spotlights/cannabis/

Health Education and Learning Website: www.ahs.ca/heal is a resource aimed at providing families easily accessible, reliable information about common minor illness and injuries in children. This resource offers general information about the causes, symptoms and home management options for common minor illnesses and injuries, and when to seek medical care.

Parent Support Hub: is safe virtual space for parents, guardians and families to get guidance and support. This free service is available 24/7 for anyone who is concerned about the use of substances by a young person in their life.

https://www.drugfreekidscanada.org/support/supporthub/

Vaping: Vaping’s popularity among youth has grown significantly over the past five years – and there is a lot of concern that this increase may have a negative impact on the overall health of young people. https://www.drugfreekidscanada.org/issues/vaping/

Teaching Sexual Health: For up to date, evidence based information and strategies for parents to deliver effective sexual health education https://teachingsexualhealth.ca/

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