NSO Weekly News
November 27-December 2, 2023
Sherwood Park - Fort Saskatchewan - Vegreville
We hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend! Monday is Instructional day #55 of 85 or 65% of the way through semester 1, for non-diploma courses. For Diploma writers, there are only 22 Instructional days until ELA 30-1/2 Part A exams and 23 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!
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
School Advisory Council Meeting Nov. 28
Our next hybrid meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 28 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
Please see agenda below. Next meeting: January 23, February 27, April 23
Upcoming events
November 28 School Advisory Council 6pm Join meeting HERE
November 29 Saffron Protecting Teens from Online Sexual Violence 6 p.m.
December 1 Grad clothing order due
December 5 FSO Christmas lunch 12-1 p.m.
December 6 Early Dismissal (Staff Meeting)
December 11 Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster
December 21 Winter Solstice
December 23 Christmas Break starts
Protecting Teens from Online Sexual Violence Nov 29
Saffron is presenting an upcoming event for parents and professional caregivers, “Protecting Teens from Online Sexual Violence.” The training will be co-delivered by the Saffron Centre and Strathcona County RCMP. It will be held in the Council Chambers in Sherwood Park starting at 6 pm and ending around 8:30 pm, on November 29, 2023.
The training is for persons aged 18 and older who are parents, caregivers or professionals working with children. Topics include but are not limited to location settings, photo-sharing apps, sexting practices among teens, online grooming behaviours, and exposure to pornography. Our goal is to provide resources with accurate information and prevention strategies to help keep teens safe online. Attendance is free, and refreshments will be provided. Registration
Grad 2024 Information & clothing order!
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.
Please note that orders for Grad Wear hoodies ($52) and sweatpants ($42) will be accepted until Friday, December 1. We anticipate orders to be delivered to the schools prior to the Christmas break. Orders placed after December 1 will go through Entripy directly and shipping charges will be applied. You can find the ordering instructions for Grad Wear here.
Need Work Boots?
If any students need work boots (steel toed) but cannot afford them, please contact Janet 780-992-0101. We can get them a pair of very gently used ones for free. email janet.clarkson@eips.ca
Navigating ADHD: Parent Presentation
Parent session at Sherwood Heights Jr High on Wednesday, Nov 29 at 6:30pm hosting ADHD Edmonton’s President Rachel Rogers who is a psychologist that specializes in supporting families with children managing ADHD. Rachel has worked with 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 Jr High and virtual. Please Register HERE
Accountability Assurance Review
Please see attached document for complete summary of results measures linked to our School Goals and strategies utilized.
Alberta Education Assurance Survey Results 2022-23
- The percentage of teachers, families and students satisfied with the overall quality of basic education. (SPO 92.9%, FSO 87.2%, VGO 81.9%) AB average 88.1%
- The percentage of teachers, families and students indicating their school has improved or stayed the same in the last three years. (SPO 88.7%, FSO 81.5%, VGO 95.0%) AB average 75.2%
- The percentage of teachers, families and students who agree students are engaged in their learning. (SPO 92.5%, FSO 83.3%, VGO 81.9%) AB average 84.4%
- Percentage of teacher and parent satisfaction that students demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for lifelong learning. (SPO 78.1%, FSO 85.7%) AB average 80.4%
- (SPO) I am proud of my school 97% +30% from last year
- (FSO) I am proud of my school 94% +11% from last year
- (SPO) I would recommend my school to a friend 100% +29% from last year
- (FSO) I would recommend my school to a friend 99% +3% from last year
EIPS Parent/Caregiver Survey Results 2022-23
- Percentage of families who agree they are satisfied with the opportunity to be involved in decisions at their child’s school. (66% Strongly Agree, 29% Agree) compared to 2021-22 (27% Strongly Agree, 45% Agree)
- Percentage of families who agree the school keeps them informed about their child’s progress and achievement. (66% Strongly Agree, 29% Agree) compared to 2021-22 (36% Strongly Agree, 55% Agree)
- Percentage of families who agree there is open and honest communication within their child’s school. (82% Strongly Agree, 12% Agree) compared to 2021-22 (36% Strongly Agree, 55% Agree)
- The percentage of families who agree school staff care about their child. (87% Strongly Agree, 9% Agree) compared to 2021-22 (27% Strongly Agree, 55% Agree)
- The percentage of families who agree their child is taught the knowledge skills and attitudes necessary to be successful in life. (49% Strongly Agree, 43% Agree) compared to 2021-22 (8% Strongly Agree, 50% Agree)
- The percentage of families who feel their child has an understanding of First Nations, Métis and Inuit culture and history. (23% Strongly Agree, 70% Agree) compared to 2021-22 (9% Strongly Agree, 82% Agree)
EIPS Student Survey Results 2022-23
- The percentage of students, in grade 12 who agree they feel the staff at their school care about them. (75% Strongly Agree, 20% Agree) compared to 2021-22 (33% Strongly Agree, 27% Agree)
- The percentage of students, in grade 12 who agree their school encourages learners to be responsible, respectful and engaged citizens. (47% Strongly Agree, 46% Agree) compared to 2021-22 (27% Strongly Agree, 33% Agree)
- The percentage of students, grade 12 who agree their school supports them in preparing for life beyond high school. (27% Strongly Agree, 67% Agree) compared to 2021-22 (27% Strongly Agree, 27% Agree)
- • The percentage of students, grade 12 who agree they are learning the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to succeed in life. (27% Strongly Agree, 68% Agree) compared to 2021-22 (13% Strongly Agree, 47% Agree)
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.
Reviewing and updating the form ensures the school and Division have the most up-to-date information regarding your child. Your review is especially important as the Division prepares for 2024-25 registration processes beginning in the new year.
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