Purpose – Drew Charter School serves as a key component of the cradle-to-college pipeline within the holistic East Lake neighborhood revitalization. Appreciating our unique status as a mixed-income school, Drew Charter School’s primary purpose is to provide an excellent education to all children living in the Villages of East Lake so that each student reaches his or her full potential and is launched on a pathway to health, impact and prosperity.

Vision – Drew Charter School students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and passion to create positive change in the world.

Mission – Drew Charter School is an exemplary, innovative education community that empowers all students to achieve their full potential.

Shout-outs to:

Seniors Chris McCrary, DeGreer Harris, Ivy Diamond and Niara Botchwey (pictured above) for being admitted early to Georgia Tech and receiving their acceptances in person directly from Georgia Tech admissions [Be sure to watch the video linked here]!
Senior Joseph Daniel for truly advocating for himself and persevering through what could be seen as a major roadblock. He made it through and will be the victor in the end; Joseph you have made us proud!!!
Sophomores Alana Cason and Jabari Freeman for being citywide winners in the visual art category for the PTA Reflections contest!
Sophomore Maddox Gates, who placed third in the novice division at a recent national circuit debate competition that included 500 contestants!
Freshmen Marcus Adams, Jonathan Cooper, Kalani Lickteig, Cody Johnson, Ethan Crosby, and Jayden Causey for finishing their Innovation presentation project before we even started working on it in class! Way to be on top of the new semester!
The JV and Varsity Boys Basketball Teams for their wins over Fulton Leadership Academy on Friday and particularly the Varsity Team who scored 104 points!
The Sophomore Class of 2021, who celebrated their Homecoming spirit win with a dress down day and pizza party on Wednesday!
Ms. McKenize and the JA/EA ELA literacy coaches for working on vertical plans for literacy at Drew!
The CCR team for planning the mock ACT two weekends ago!
Mr. Harris’ PE and Health classes for connecting and planning with 7th Grade Life Science and the Biggest Loser Competition for their collaborative PBL project!
Mr. Prince for inviting one of his former students and several other current Spelman students to come in and work with students on applying for scholarships before break!
Ms. Williams for arranging the Biggest Loser competition to encourage staff to be healthy and fit! Also to Nurse Graves for helping her expand this project down to the EA!
Ms. Allen for an awesome PrBL assignment in Algebra 2 that involved virtual reality glasses, roller coasters, and analyzing polynomials functions!
Our very own Athletic Director Tracy Edwards who will be inducted into the Minnesota High School Basketball Hall of Fame on March 26, 2019!!! (click the link to read more)
Mr. Prince and Mr. Wynn for their entry event field trip to Atlanta City Hall to observe their Transportation Committee meeting on Wednesday!
Ms. Bryant for organizing the Drew’s Big Bowl fundraiser for our STEAM program!
Mr. Robinson for going above and beyond in the chemistry classroom! He is consistently helping all students and has come in to other class periods during his planning period to help students with the material!
Dr. Morgan for receiving the Eagle Award at Staff Meeting and for all of her hard work supporting our seniors!

Calendar:

Week of: 01/14/19 – 01/20/19

01/21 | BMON

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day [No School]

01/22 | A TUES

Flex Time –
- Extended-Learning (Math, Social Studies, Spanish)
- Study Hall [Cafeteria and Fourth Floor Learning Commons]
- Practice Gym (9th Grade priority)
- ACT Prep (11th Grade)
4:30 – JV Boys Basketball vs Our Lady of Mercy [Home]
6:00 – Varsity Basketball vs Our Lady of Mercy [Home]

01/23 | B WED BLAZER DAY

State Beta Convention
Flex Time –
- Clubs: Peer Leadership Group B, Academic Decathlon, Cheer Club, Creative Writing Club, Debate Team, Gay-Straight Alliance, Math Mentors, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Spanish Language and Culture Club
- Study Hall [Cafeteria and Fourth Floor Learning Commons]
- Main Gym
- ACT Prep (11th Grade)
5:30 – JV Boys Basketball vs Washington [Home]

01/24 | A THUR

State Beta Convention
Flex Time –
- Extended-Learning (ELA, Science, Pathways)
- Study Hall [Cafeteria and Fourth Floor Learning Commons]
- Practice Gym (10th Grade priority)
- ACT Prep (11th Grade)
4:15 – 5:30 – Sports Physicals
6:00 – Winter PTA Meeting [Theater]

01/25 | B FRI

State Beta Convention
Engineering Field Trip
1:30-2:20, Flex Time – Advisory
6:00 – Varsity Basketball vs. Elite Scholars [Senior Night]

Other Upcoming Events

1/26 –
- 10:00 – JV Boys Basketball @ Washington HS
- 1:00 – Varsity Basketball vs. Stockbridge [Home]
1/28, Flex Time – Clubs: Peer Leadership Group A, Beekeeping, Debate, Football, Gay-Straight Alliance, Student Government Association
1/30, 1:30-2:20 – Advisory
1/31 – Women in STEM Events [Scheduled TBA]
2/1 – Half-Day for Parent Conferences
- 1:00-1:30 – Grade Level Information Sessions [All families invited]
- 1:30 – Group Conferences [Selected families]
2/4-2/8 – National School Counseling Week
2/6, 5:30 – FAFSA Next Steps Event for Seniors and Parents
2/7-2/8 – 6th Annual Drew’s Got Talent
2/9, 10:00-1:00 – Summer Camp Expo
2/10-2/13 – Junior College Tour [North Carolina]
2/14 – Sophomore Dress Down Day
2/15, Flex Time – Spring Sports Pep Rally
2/16 – GHSA State Dance Invitational
2/18-2/22 – Winter Break/Inclement Weather Days
2/27, Flex Time – SA Beta Club Induction

Announcements:

SA PTA Parent Gatherings – On January 17th, we hosted our monthly PTA Senior Academy Parent Gathering on the topic of “Student Portfolios.” These gatherings typically occur every third Thursday of the month, alternating between 8:15 am and 5:00 pm. Our next Gathering will be held on Thursday, February 28th at 8:15 am (not the third Thursday due to the Winter Break).
- If you were unable to attend, a recording of the Gathering is available here.
- The website referenced during the presentation where you can see examples of student portfolios from Animas High School is linked here.
- The video of a student defending her portfolio is available here.
- Do you have a suggestion for a future Parent Gathering topic? Please email our PTA Vice President, Wanda Ray or please complete this form.
Lottery Application Window for New Students Opens February 1^st –If your student has a sibling who is interested in attending Drew, the lottery application window for potential new students is from February 1, 2019 – April 30, 2019. The online application will be available on Drew’s website beginning February 1, and all qualifying applications will be included in the lottery on May 9^th. Please note that the lottery is for potential new students only; all current Drew students will have the opportunity to re-enroll in March (more details to come). Additional lottery information can be found at www.drewcharterschool.org/enrollment. Please contact the Enrollment Team at 404-450-0567 or admissions@drewcharterschool.org with any questions.
Sports Physicals – It is required that ALL students interested in participating in Drew Athletics for Spring sports and summer workouts have a current physical on file. Physical forms will be located outside the main office. Complete pre-participation physical forms, with Parent/Guardian signature prior to arrival. *Physical provided by Dr. Alvarez, MD The cost is $30. Location: Drew Yates Campus Dance Studio
Reminder: Lunch Balances – Please take a moment to check your student’s lunch balance at www.MySchoolBucks.com. Any student who owes money, will need to bring cash to pay for lunch until their balance is cleared. Outstanding balances can be paid down and money can be added to students’ accounts on this website. More information is available in this letter.
Reminder: Yearbook – You can now purchase 2018-2019 [PreK–12th grade] Drew Yearbook , 160 color pages, hardback, $35 online until March 29, 2019 at this link: https://bit.ly/2vU6jex Any questions? Contact: Ms. Isbell
Drew Parents Got Talent – Advanced Tickets at eddiesattic.com: $15 for one set / $25 for both sets Adults only…no kids = ).
- Eddie’s Attic
  Thursday, March 21, 2019
  Two sets: 7:30 p.m. / 9:30 p.m.
- For more information about attending or performing” for Drew parents got talent, add this email: DrewParentsGotTalent@gmail.com
Summer Expo – This event will allow you to speak to representatives from summer programs and plan ahead for your student’s summer! Learn about application deadlines and potential financial aid! Programs for all ages from pre-school – 8th grade, in all areas of interest, in all price ranges will be present! Some of the programs will even be accepting registrations on site!
- The Drew Charter PTA’s 5th Annual Summer Program Expo
- Saturday, February 9, 2019
- 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- in the Upper Campus Cafeteria
Scholarship Opportunity – The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes celebrates inspiring, public-spirited young people from diverse backgrounds all across North America. Established in 2001 by author T.A. Barron, the Barron Prize annually honors 25 outstanding young leaders ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive impact on people, their communities, and the environment. Apply Here WHAT WINNERS RECEIVE$10,000 Award – Winners each receive $10,000 to be applied to their higher education or to their service project.
Young Heroes Materials – Each winner receives a signed copy of The Hero’s Trail by Barron Prize founder T.A. Barron, along with a copy of Dream Big, our documentary film profiling several former Barron Prize winners. Winners also receive our Young Heroes Activity Guide and Bibliography.
Networking Opportunities – Winners are given the opportunity to connect with other Barron Prize honorees through our Young Heroes online forum.