We hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Busy week ahead prior to November break. Monday is Instructional day #45 of 85 or 53% of the way through semester 1, for non-diploma courses. On Friday, November 17 all teaching staff at our Fort Saskatchewan and Sherwood Park campuses will be at an Outreach Conference in Edmonton. As such, there will be only be substitute teacher access at Next Step on that day.

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 the learning process will be removed from their course.

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

Parent session at Sherwood Heights Junior High on Wednesday, November 29 at 6:30pm.

We will be hosting ADHD Edmonton’s President Rachel Rogers who is a psychologist that specializes in supporting families with children managing ADHD. Rachel has worked with Edmonton Public Schools as a teacher, counselor, and Psychologist on multidisciplinary teams and is a wealth of knowledge to parents.

Rachel will be talking about the history of neurodivergences, what is ADHD and the brain, will briefly talk about the role of medication, multimodal treatment, strategies, and self-regulation. She will also talk about ADHD Edmonton and the supports available (there’s a lot!) and finish with Q&A to address questions. Held in person at Sherwood Heights Junior High and virtual. Please Register HERE

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.