

NSO Weekly News
December 11-16, 2023
Sherwood Park - Fort Saskatchewan - Vegreville
We hope everyone had a terrific weekend! As of Monday there are only 20 Instructional days remaining in semester 1, for non-diploma courses. For Diploma writers, there are only 12 Instructional days until ELA 30-1/2 Part A exams and 13 instructional days until Social 30-1/2 exams.
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
Upcoming events
December 11 Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster & 20 Instructional days left to complete assessments
December 14 SPO Christmas Potluck lunch 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
December 18 15 Instructional days left to complete assessments
December 21 Winter Solstice
December 23 Christmas Break starts
January 6-7 Diploma Exam Prep Session (ELA & Social)
January 8 Classes resume & 10 Instructional days left to complete assessments
January 10 ELA 30-1/2 Part A Diploma
January 11 Social 30-1/2 Part A Diploma
January 15 EIPS High School Info Night 6 p.m.
January 20-21 Diploma Exam Prep Session (Math, Bio, Chem Physics)
January 22 Math 30-1/2 Diploma & Last day of regular class
January 23 ELA 30-1/2 Part B Diploma
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 31 Professional Learning day-NO School
February 1 Semester 2 starts
Cybersecurity Update: Important information for families
As part of EIPS’ ongoing commitment to maintaining a secure and effective digital learning environment for students, the Divison is implementing an important update to its cybersecurity protocols Jan. 19, 2024.
Enhanced Location-based Security for Student Accounts Starting Jan. 19, 2024, access to student user accounts—used for platforms like PowerSchool, Brightspace and Google—will be limited to within Canada's geographical boundaries. This change is an essential step in strengthening our cyber defenses and ensuring the digital safety of students.
What Does This Mean for You and Your Child? Location-limited Access: Your child's account will be accessible only when they’re physically located in Canada. This includes all activities related to their schoolwork, such as submitting assignments, accessing study materials or sending EIPS account emails. Seamless In-country Use: While in Canada, students will experience no change in how they access and use their accounts. The process remains as straightforward and user-friendly as always. PowerSchool Access for Parents and Caregivers: This change will NOT impact parent and caregiver access to PowerSchool during periods of travel.
Why This Change? The safety and privacy of students are paramount. This location-based access control is a proactive measure to prevent unauthorized access to students' accounts and protect sensitive information from potential cyber threats. Questions? For more information, contact the school office at 780-464-1899. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter. Together, we can ensure a secure and thriving digital learning environment for all students.
Share Your Thoughts on Budget Planning for 2024-25
Alberta Education allocates funds to school boards to fulfill their delegated responsibilities of providing education programs for students in kindergarten to Grade 12. As part of Elk Island Public Schools’ (EIPS) commitment to stakeholder engagement and to continue allocating resources according to local priorities, the Division conducts an annual budget planning survey to seek input from staff, families Grade 12 students and community partners.
The survey is voluntary, anonymous and takes about 3 minutes to complete. The survey questions suggest possible budget areas for EIPS to focus its resources, which align with the Division’s current Four-Year Education Plan. If you believe there are other areas where the Division should concentrate its resources, you can also indicate what these are. EIPS will consider all budget planning input to guide future decision-making. Survey closes Dec 20, 2023 COMPLETE THE SURVEY NOW
Returning Student Registration: 2024-25
Mark your calendars! Returning student registration for the 2024-25 school year will take place February 8-21, 2024.
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. Additionally, students who want to attend a non-designated school need to make that request through the returning student registration process—acceptance is based on available space. Watch for more details in the new year.
Young Women in Trades & Technologies (YWITT)
Student Discover Your Future Information Session Feb 07 2024 6- 8:00 pm
This event looks to bring together parents, students and employers to address some of the misconceptions about young girls going into the skilled trades. We will have mentors and employers at the event that support young women entering and being successful in their careers. Throughout the night will be hands on activities, and you will get to hear directly from the women in these different industries and meet their employers who are committed to our YWITT mission to provide young women with the opportunity and confidence to explore career options in non-traditional skilled trades and technologies.
Young Women in Trades and Technologies Spring Camp: Edmonton March 25-28, 2024
Are you ready to discover your passion! Join our free in-person YWITT Camp for female Edmonton youth in grades 10-12. This year we will be accepting 6 female youth to participate in our four day camp. During the camp, students will have the opportunity to explore several careers in the skilled trades, gain hands on experience, talk with female mentors who are working in the field, and connect with other young women with similar interests.
Grad 2024 Information
Hello 2024 Grads and families! Thank you to those who were able to attend the Grad 2024 Parent and Student meeting. For those who were unable to attend, attached is the presentation. Please reach out to us with any questions.
Has your contact information recently changed?
Have you recently moved or has your contact information changed? Using the Student Information Update available through the PowerSchool Parent Portal, families can review the current 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 later this school year, you’ll submit the necessary updates to your information through the Student Information Update after you’ve moved. If you have questions about the form or any trouble with your Parent Portal account, contact the school office at 780-992-0101.
Indigenous Resource for students
Are you a Grade 11 or 12 Indigenous student who needs some extra help with schoolwork? We’ve got you covered. Indspire’s Rivers to Success program is offering FREE personalized online tutoring!
This program is designed to help you overcome obstacles, build confidence, and reach the next stage in your educational journey. Whether you need help with math, science, English, or any other subject, dedicated tutors are here to assist you. You can choose from a wide variety of tutors.
Parent Resources
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/
Our Vision
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.
Hours of Operation
Students, parents, and caregivers can access our campus locations during the following times:
Monday 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.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.
Next Step Outreach
Email: nextstep@eips.ca
Website: eipsnextstep.ca
Phone: 7804641899
Twitter: @eipsnextstep