We hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Monday is Instructional day #22 of 85 or 26% of the way through semester 1, for non-diploma courses. Reminder short week as there is no school on Friday, October 6 (Staff Professional Learning) and Monday, October 9 (Thanksgiving). Wednesday, October 4 is early dismissal and bussing due to monthly Staff meeting. Sites will close at 2:00 p.m., 2:15 p.m. for Junior High.

Our Next Step vision is to create a community of learners who embody the virtues of acceptance, flexibility, individualization, respect, and responsibility.

High School students are required to check in and meet with their instructor(s) weekly. It is recommended that multiple check ins occur each week to ensure successful completion of academic course work. Students not adhering to the weekly check in schedule or failing to engage in learning process will be removed from their course.

Have a great week! #gogreen Mr. B. Spady Principal & Mrs. K. Porter Assistant Principal

Register: Young Women In Trades and Technologies Discovery Night - Careers The Next Generation (careersnextgen.ca)

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/

Immunize Alberta: www.immunizealberta.ca provides information about vaccines and vaccine preventable diseases along with frequently asked questions.

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/

The health and safety of staff, students and visitors is a top priority. Continue to reinforce the following hygiene habits to protect everyone from spreading respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.

• Stay home if you’re feeling sick.
• Wash or sanitize your hands often.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces regularly.
• Wear a mask if you get sick or develop symptoms while at school or work.

As per Alberta Health guidelines, staff, students, and visitors who have symptoms of respiratory Illness or test positive for COVID, should stay home until:

• symptoms have improved,
• they feel well enough to resume normal activities, and
• they have been fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications.

For anyone who has a respiratory illness or has tested positive for COVID, it is recommended that they wear a mask for a total of 10 days from the onset of symptoms—even if the symptoms have resolved or improved—when in indoor settings with other individuals.

As we navigate this school year together, we would like to emphasize a few important guidelines to ensure that our Sherwood Park campus remains a productive and conducive environment for learning:

1. Regular Check-ins with Teachers: Engaging with your teachers is a key component of your academic success. Please make it a priority to check in with them regularly. They are here to assist you and ensure you're aligned with your coursework and goals.
2. Maximize Campus Space: We have limited space on our campus, so if you're choosing to work here, please dedicate your time to your course materials. This not only aids in your academic progression but also ensures that every student can make the most of our facilities.
3. Mindful Social Behavior: We understand the need for breaks and social interactions. However, we encourage students to maintain an academic focus while on campus. If you choose to hang out socially, use your phone for extended periods, or engage in activities that disrupt others' learning experiences, you may be asked to leave.
4. Movement around Salisbury: For our full-time students, please be aware that hanging out or roaming the hallways of Salisbury during regular class hours is not permitted. Additionally, the upstairs area at Salisbury is strictly out of bounds for students. We ask for your cooperation in respecting these boundaries.

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.