NSO Weekly News
April 15-20, 2024
Sherwood Park - Fort Saskatchewan - Vegreville
We hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable weekend! Monday is instructional day #42 of 83 or 51% of the semester complete. We have started the process of confirming course selections and planning for September. This is an ongoing process that will continue into late May. If you have questions please reach out.
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
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.
Upcoming events
April 15-20 National Volunteer Week
April 15-19 Education Week
April 15 Social 30-1/2 Diploma Part B & Bio 30 Diploma (Quarterly)
April 16 Chemistry 30 & Science 30 Diploma (Quarterly)
April 17 Physics 30 Diploma (Quarterly)
April 18 Quarter 4 starts
April 22 Earth Day
April 23 School Advisory Council 6 p.m. Virtual link: Join HERE
April 24 Administrative Professionals’ Day
April 24 Parent Teacher Student Conferences (SPO) 5-7:30 p.m. Register HERE
April 25 Parent Teacher Student Conferences (FSO) 5-7:30 p.m. Register HERE
May 1 Early dismissal 2:10 p.m.
May 3 Professional Learning Day- No school
May 5 Red Dress Day honours the memories of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls
May 6-11 Mental Health Week
May 12 Mother's Day
May 13 ELA 9 Provincial Achievement Test Part A
May 14 Moosehide Campaign Walk
May 16-17 School Closure
May 20 Victoria Day - No School
June 5 Early dismissal 2:10 p.m.
June 6 Next Step Graduation 2:30 p.m. Shell Theatre (DOW Centre)
June 7 Grade 9 Farewell
Education Week April 15-19
The school is not just a building in the neighbourhood, it is the foundation of the community. The first Alberta School Week (Education Week) was held December 2–8, 1928. Now, Education Week is from April 15-19, but the purpose remains the same. Education Week celebrates the importance of education and the remarkable things happening in Alberta schools.
Education Week is an excellent opportunity to advocate for public education and to:
- Illustrate the important role that schools play in communities
- Assure taxpayers that public funds are being put to good use
- Invite the public into classrooms for first-hand experiences
- Highlight the partnership between teachers, parents and students
- Celebrate the contribution that all staff and volunteers make in the school.
Parent Teacher Student Conferences
The second round of Parent Teacher Student Conferences are scheduled for April 24 & 25 . You can sign up via the booking tab on the eipsnextstep.ca website or via Conference Sign Up link.
- Sherwood Park join Wednesday, April 24 in person, virtually or by phone to speak with our staff from 5:00 to 7:30 pm.
- Fort Saskatchewan join Thursday, April 25 in person, virtually or by phone to speak with our staff from 5:00 to 7:30 pm.
Conversations regarding student support, academic progress or check ins can happens at any time. Please feel free to reach out to staff throughout the semester should questions or concerns arise.
School Advisory Council
Our last hybrid meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 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. Tentative agenda is below. Virtual link: Join HERE
A big THANK YOU to EIPS Volunteers
National Volunteer Week takes place April 14-20. On behalf of the Board of Trustees at Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS), I want to extend my most heartfelt thanks to all EIPS volunteers. Every time you’ve contributed, whether it was helping on a class field trip or planning a school event for families to enjoy, you were there at a moment when we needed you. Students needed you, staff needed you, the community needed you—and you answered the call. These are moments that matter and are ones that make a difference in a student’s experience at their school.
So, thank you again for being there. Without you, EIPS would not be what it is today, and schools wouldn’t be able to do all the wonderful things they do. This National Volunteer Week, I encourage everyone to celebrate the hundreds of volunteers and thousands of hours put into supporting student growth and achievement at schools across the Division.
Cathy Allen Chair, EIPS Board of Trustees
Diploma Exam Prep registration opens April 22
Courses are designed for preparing students to write their Grade 12 diploma exams. The material presented is based on a 12-hour schedule over a weekend. Courses will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a half-hour break for lunch. Courses will be offered at Salisbury Composite High School (20 Festival Way) in Sherwood Park. Students can only register for one review course each weekend. Cost is $125 per course, $75 for Science 30. Register at https://www.eipsnextstep.ca/
June 1/2 (ELA 30-1 & Social 30-1)
June 8/9 (ELA 30-1 & Social 30-1)
June 15/16 Math 30-1/2, Biology 30, Chemistry 30
June 22/23 Physics 30
June 22 Science 30
For questions reach out to nextstep@eips.ca or 780-992-0101.
Minister’s Youth Council
The Minister’s Youth Council (MYC) consists of about 40 junior and senior high students with diverse interests, identities, backgrounds and perspectives from all regions of Alberta. Students on the council provide their perspectives on a number of education topics.Students are members of the Minister’s Youth Council for a 10-month term that aligns with the school year. During the school year, the council attends three meetings.
Are you in junior or senior high and between the ages of 14 and 19 (as of September 1, 2024)?
Are you able to commit to three weekends during the school year? Meetings will be held either virtually or in Edmonton during the fall, winter and spring.
Apply online today to be a part of the Minister’s Youth Council! The deadline for applications is April 30, 2024.
EIPS Annual Education Results Report
Every year, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) publishes an Annual Education Results Report, which outlines the Division’s Four-Year Education Plan, opportunities for growth and how it’s supporting students to achieve the best possible outcomes. Read through this year’s EIPS Annual Education Results Report 2022-23 and discover how EIPS fosters learning environments for all students to learn, grow and thrive—and why it matters.
April Spotlight: enhancing public education through effective engagement
· Rules of Engagement: Using a collaborative approach to improve student achievement and success
· Driving change: Strengthening public education through Board advocacy
RELATED INFORMATION
EIPS Four-Year Education Plan: 2022-26
EIPS Three-Year Capital Plan: 2024-27
Did you know?
Alberta Reserves are accumulated surplus funds that may be designated to a school, department or priority. The Board of Trustees approves the transfer of funds to and from reserves and has a yearly plan on how those reserves are used—to the benefit of students. EIPS identifies high-demand areas and uses its operating reserves for initiatives like student learning, new curriculum work, consultant support, mental health initiatives, technology upgrades, public-health best practices and other one-time projects. Operating reserves are also used to furnish and equip new schools and classrooms. With its capital reserves, EIPS replaces ageing equipment, purchases technology, modernizes and expands student learning spaces, and funds emergent capital needs.
Learn more:
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