Shoutouts
- To the Boys Varsity Basketball team for starting their season 3-0 with 3 wins over the holiday break.
- To Officer Shannon for her promotion to Sergeant with APS and to Symara Ford for her attendance at the pinning ceremony!
- To Roderick Thomas for being announced the 2020 Youth of the Year for Camp Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club – see article here!
- Thank you to all the social/emotional counselors in EA, JA, & SA for all of their hard work in supporting students with navigating mental health!
- To the homecoming team for all the work and effort put into the execution of a Virtual Homecoming!
- To the 10th grade team for having 400+ participants involved in their 10th grade entry event!
- To Luciana Gresham, David Kurt, and Sarah Diaz for their efforts in putting together an excellent PBL Showcase, especially for the creative interactive and vibrant activities for the younger participants; which kept them engaged!
- To the CCR Team for meeting student needs through their dark times and putting effort each day!
- To Wilder for always showing up and giving her best to SWD students even when she does not feel her best!
- Thank you to all who assisted with Senior Pictures and all the help to seeing that day come to fruition!
- To Christina Hood, Sarah, Everette, & Khadija for facilitating great collaboration lessons between Advanced Composition and Forensic Science!
- To Camille Irvin for her great work ethic, positive attitude and always being on time to every single class!
- To Byron Darnton for taking his weaving and dyeing works into the far yonder beyond expectations!
- To Quindarius Grimes for trying many different options to solve a problem and for staying in touch via Google Classroom over the weekend!
- To Olivia Pearson and River Davis for overcoming adversity, persisting, and getting it done!
- To Trisha and Winsome for their timely and detailed feedback for students on each part of their Odyssey Essays!
- To our winners of game night Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Harper, and Mrs. Irvin!
New Opportunity [Week of 12/07]
The HYPE College and Career Readiness Expo
- Tuesday, 12/8, 1pm – 6pm
- OPEN TO EVERYONE
- Register at Eventbrite
- Email info@gethype.org with any questions
This virtual event will have multiple opportunities for students to engage with each other, as well as attend live virtual sessions presented by speakers from Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Georgia Tech, Delta Community Credit Union, Spelman College and more! You can pop in and out, come for the one workshop that you are most interested in, or stay and enjoy everything that we have to offer.
Check out the agenda and flyer [see respective links], then register your students via Group Registration on our Eventbrite, and join us for an afternoon that will benefit both teacher and student.
- This event is open to everyone! While we know that you’ll only have students “in class” for part of the event, we expect that they’ll want to stay tuned in for the entire lineup and for the chance to win prizes!
E-Learning Notices
Senior Academy Virtual Learning Guide
Dear Drew Community,
As we continue school in our virtual learning environment this quarter, we want to focus on mental health awareness and self-care in our community. Mental health is central to our overall health and well-being. We recognize the many challenges that accompany sustained virtual learning and the potential negative impact virtual learning has on the mental health of students and families. It is important that we continue to highlight mental health and positive ways to support students and families during this pandemic, especially as we head into the holiday season.
Per our school-wide communication, we will offer programming for parents along with students to directly address mental health. Senior Academy will incorporate this programming into our Wednesday schedule to better serve students and families. Please see the Wednesday schedule below:
| Time | Wednesday Programming |
| 8:30 | NO CLASS/MEDITATION |
| 9:00 -9:50 | The following optional activities are available to students: –Virtual Field Trips –Principal’s Corner –Counselor’s Corner –Optional Activities |
| 10:00 – 10:50 | SMALL GROUPS/1:1 (SELECT STUDENTS) |
| 11:00 -11:45 | ADVISORY/CLUBS |
| 11:45 – 12:15 | LUNCH |
| 1:00 – 3:00 | The following are available to students: – COUNSELOR SESSIONS [scheduled] – Small Groups/1:1 sessions (as needed) – Study Skills [Required for select students] |
Please note that this schedule does not include class rotations. The first available session is at 9:00 and optional for all students. We ask that all students attend their scheduled small group sessions (if selected) and scheduled advisory/club time at 11:00. This week we will also honor our students work and efforts. In collaboration with EA’s theme of PBL, 10th graders will be holding their PBL showcase – see info here.
During the afternoon session, counselors will be holding drop in sessions for students. Please remember that Drew’s counseling team is always available to assist you and your student. Please feel free to reach out directly as needed. Social emotional counselor contact information is listed below:
- 9th and 11th- rob.richardson@drewcharterschool.org
- 10th and 12th: tara.davis@drewcharterschool.org
- Dean of CCR: rachel.weaver@drewcharterschool.org
As we enter the holiday season, we hope that these targeted support opportunities will proactively assist in addressing many of the critical mental health and wellness needs of our Drew community. We strongly encourage you and your family to participate in offered activities and access available resources. ~ K. Myers
For more details on virtual instruction please click the link below:
- In this document you will find FAQs and Answers on the structure of virtual learning and resources to assist you and the student while in a e-learning environment
- SENIOR ACADEMY VIRTUAL PARENT GUIDE
- Click Here for the following:
- STUDENT GUIDELINES
- Virtual Schedule [Updated 10/26/2020]
- Zoom Best Practices- Click Here
- STUDENT GUIDELINES
- Attendance Notice to Drew Families during Virtual Learning
- Click Here for the following:
- SENIOR ACADEMY VIRTUAL PARENT GUIDE
Google Classroom Training for Families
- The links below will show you various settings and information for navigating Google Classroom
Guardian Announcements from Drew
Updates from Teachers!
Teachers at each grade level have compiled a few general notes for you in regards to updates related to their classes.
The link holds the updates for each grade level and it is organized by grade level, 9th-12th. General Grade Level Class Updates
Please feel free to reach out to your grade level counselor should you have general questions about your student and/or need to connect for support.
- Rob Richardson (9th & 11th, rob.richardson@drewcharterschool.org)
- Tara Davis (10th & 12th, tara.davis@drewcharterschool.org)
If you missed the information from the last Principal’s Coffee please see the slideshow below:
Typically, high school is the time when young Eagles are maturing and are prepared to fly on their own. Encourage this independent practice. They will still need the watchful eye to guide them in their development and learning. Please do so during breaks and refrain from interrupting live instruction for the benefit of the students and teachers. The slideshow will include some additional ways you can support your learner in the virtual environment.
- – Slideshow Presentation Here
The next meeting will be on
WEDNESDAY [12/16]
Uniform Needs
Announcements from
ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The Parent C.A.F.E. is hosted by APS
The Parent C.A.F.E is designed for Guardians of students with disabilities
General Activity Updates
hOSTED ON Smore, Click the Link above
Message from JA/SA Media Center Specialist
Greetings,
Please view The Eagle’s Nest Media Newsletter for upcoming events and online resources for literacy/researching.
- Social Emotional Learning Resources
- Galileo (password: lever)
- Reading Counts/Beanstack (Student ID num/Drewcharter3)
- EPIC Digital books ( Mrs. Ricks class code dvc1703)
- Check out the Top Readers for the Month
- Media Services Bitmoji classroom 7iy2jsh
Intent to Play [In Relation to All Sports]
| I recognize that this is a difficult time for parents and students. The level of uncertainty is troubling and at times can feel overwhelming. I encourage you to contact our counselors if you or your student need support. You can also receive support via a free, confidential Crisis Text Line, with trained Crisis Counselors, by texting SHARE to 741741. (This is a national resource that is available 24/7). |
Drew Opportunity Fund
While COVID-19 put a wrinkle in our plans to sell a special, 18-month celebration calendar in honor of Drew’s 20th birthday, we’ve recently received several inquiries indicating that there is still interest!
The school holidays/breaks indicated in the calendar may no longer be correct, but the artwork provided by students and staff is still spot-on. The perfect addition to brighten up anyone’s home or office!
Calendars can be purchased here for $10 and all proceeds will benefit the Drew Opportunity Fund.
- Purchased calendars can be picked up every Monday from 2 – 4:30 p.m. at the Elementary Academy.
- Full Link if needed: https://app.etapestry.com/cart/DrewCharterSchoolInc/default/index.php
- BUY HERE
Mark your calendar to give Drew a “high five” on #GivingTuesday, December 1, to raise funds and awareness for the Drew Opportunity Fund.
HOW? IT’S EASY!
- Make a one-time or monthly donation of $5.
- Encourage 5 friends or family members to make a gift.
- Post a photo of yourself, or your student(s), holding a sign listing 5 reasons why you support Drew. Be sure to tag us!
When you give Drew a high five you give a hand up to our school community. Your support allows us to meet the ever-changing needs of our students, teachers, and families. Let’s keep up the great work. #WeAreDrew
The Drew Opportunity Fund is currently assisting families with varying needs during this difficult time. If you, or a Drew family you know, could use some assistance please fill out the Family Support Assessment: https://forms.gle/RT9m1BRWLomLinSr5.
This form is confidential and the responses will only be shared with our social worker and student support teams. Drew is here for you. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out. #WeAreDrew
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE DREW OPPORTUNITY FUND
Donations are tax-deductible and donors will be listed on the Drew website. Please continue to support the Opportunity Fund–we are making a difference. Make a secure, online donation here.
Calendar
Week of 11/30- 12/06
**QUARANTINE WEEK**
ALL CAMPUSES WILL BE VIRTUAL
Monday
11/30
| 8:30-9:40 | 1st Period |
| 9:50-11:00 | 2nd Period |
| 11:05-11:35 | Break/Lunch |
| 11:40-12:50 | Break and/or small groups [for selected students] |
| 1:00-2:10 | 3rd Period |
| 2:20-3:30 | 4th Period |
| 2:00 – 5:30 | [Please note the time change] Nutrition pick up – Location: Lower campus [Drew Elementary Campus] |
Tuesday
12/01
| 8:30-9:40 | 1st Period |
| 9:50-11:00 | 2nd Period |
| 11:05-11:35 | Break/Lunch |
| 11:40-12:50 | Break and/or small groups [for selected students] |
| 1:00-2:10 | 3rd Period |
| 2:20-3:30 | 4th Period |
| 3pm | Maker Space Office Hours – Zoom makerspace hours! Tuesday will be office hours where students can ask questions and get help –> bit.ly/DrewMAKE |
Wednesday
12/02
| Time | Wednesday Programming |
| 8:30-9:00 | NO CLASS/MEDITATION |
| 9:00-9:45 | The following optional activities are available to students: –Virtual Field Trips –Principal’s Corner –Counselor’s Corner –Optional Activities |
| 10:00-10:50 | -1oth Grade PBL Showcase -SMALL GROUPS/1:1 (SELECT STUDENTS) |
| 11:00-11:45 | CLUBS |
| 11:45-12:15 | Lunch |
| 1:00 – 4:00 | The following are available to students: – COUNSELOR SESSIONS [scheduled] – Small Groups/1:1 sessions (as needed) – Study Skills [Required for select students] |
days
hours minutes seconds
until
Principal’s Coffee
Zoom Link here
The next Virtual Parent University will be held on Wednesday, December 2nd at 12:30-1:00 pm and 5:30-6:00 pm. Please join us as we discuss ways to navigate the holidays.
- Meeting ID: 658 735 0006
- Passcode: 253647
- REMAINING SESSIONS FOR THE SEMESTER:
- Hope Regimen with Dr. Vonnetta West – 12/9 12:30-1:00 pm
- Easy Ways to Serve During the Holidays – 12/16 12:30-1:00 pm and 5:30-6:00 pm
Thursday
12/03
| 8:30-9:40 | 1st Period |
| 9:50-11:00 | 2nd Period |
| 11:05-11:35 | Break/Lunch |
| 11:40-12:50 | Break and/or small groups [for selected students] |
| 1:00-2:10 | 3rd Period |
| 2:20-3:30 | 4th Period |
| 3pm | MakerSpace Office Hours The zoom links can be found here–> bit.ly/DrewMAKE |
Friday
12/04
| 8:30-9:40 | 1st Period |
| 9:50-11:00 | 2nd Period |
| 11:05-11:35 | Break/Lunch |
| 11:40-12:50 | Break and/or small groups [for selected students] |
| 1:00-2:10 | 3rd Period |
| 2:20-3:30 | 4th Period |
12/05| Saturday
- N/A
- Please note access to the school building will NOT be available. Security have been advised to not allow access to outsiders until further notice [inclusive of staff].
12/06| Sunday
- N/A
- Please note access to the school building will NOT be available. Security have been advised to not allow access to outsiders until further notice [inclusive of staff].
Upcoming Events:
- Week of 12/07-12/13
- 12/08 – The HYPE College and Career Readiness Expo [1-6pm]
- Register at Eventbrite
- 12/09- 6pm- Prospective Parent Night
- 12/11 – Lantern Parade Homecoming Week Kickoff
- 12/08 – The HYPE College and Career Readiness Expo [1-6pm]
- Week of 12/14 -12/20 Homecoming Week
- 12/14
- Final Exam/Project
- Homecoming Event
- 12/15
- Final Exam/Project
- 12/16 – Monthly Principal’s Coffee [12PM]
- Homecoming Event
- 12/17
- Final Exam/Project
- 12/18
- Final Exam/Project
- Homecoming Event
- 12/14
- 12/21-01/04- HOLIDAY BREAK
- 01/05-01/08- **QUARANTINE WEEK – ALL CAMPUSES WILL BE VIRTUAL**
- Please note teachers operating in a hybrid capacity will not have access to the building during quarantine week(s)
- 01/05-01/08- **QUARANTINE WEEK – ALL CAMPUSES WILL BE VIRTUAL**
- 01/15- Family ID
- 01/18 – MLK DAY
- 01/20 – Monthly Principal’s Coffee [12PM]
Check this out!
The Decatur Maker Space is building desks for students – nothing fancy (see photo) but very functional. Here is a link to the article. https://decaturmakers.org/building-free-desks-youth/
- They will be making two kinds, a folding desk and a non-folding desk. If you know of a student who needs a desk to learn from home, please pass this link along.
- Complete the application link for one here –> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_qTEVn_DYByEN_UkVf10ffymS5p2yJtjlzI09VcKDlmGFaw/viewform
THIS IS NOT SPONSORED BY DREW AND WE DON’T HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS PROCESS.
Household Resources
Free meals available to ALL children in the District – Including Drew Students – Through December 31, 2020
| The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced an extended waiver which allows free meals to all children (ages 1-18) in communities designated as areas of community eligibility. The entire state of Georgia has been declared an area of community eligibility through Dec. 31, 2020. The weekly 5-day meal kits (5-breakfast meals and 5-lunch meals) will still be available for pick up at Drew’s Elementary Academy each Monday between 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. However, between now and December 31st families no longer need to pre-order their meals through MySchoolBucks. You can simply show up during distribution hours to receive meals. Upon arrival at Drew during the pick-up window, you will simply state how many meal kits you need for children between ages 1 and 18, and they will be provided. Alternatively, now through December 31, Drew families may also pick up the free weekly meal kits at any of these 14 other school distribution sites throughout the district on Mondays – See here for more info. |
Wifi and Internet Resources
Please see the Xfinity flyer above and information to internet access at a deep discount with Comcast–> CLICK HERE .
PTA UPDATES
The PTA Needs YOU!
This year, more than ever, Drew teachers and families need our support!
What do the PTA dues and fundraising efforts pay for (especially during the 2020-21 school year)?
● Teacher Appreciation Gifts
● Donations to The Opportunity Fund – which supports Drew families
● Teacher and Classroom Grants – for projects enhancing student learning
Some past examples include:
Leveled library with cart to be shared across a single grade level
Class set of guitars
iPads/Chromebooks for use within a specific classroom
Beekeeping materials and bees
Drones for a robotics club
Materials and choreography for a choral performance
This support for our students, teachers and families would not be possible without your membership!
Join or renew today! www.drewcharterschoolpta.com
Other Concerns
Support the Drew PTA at Amazon Smile:
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/58-2577634
Order through Amazon Smile link, and Amazon will make a
donation to the Drew PTA.
Uniform Concerns!
Portal for Paying for Nutrition/Lunch Fees
Portal for Paying for Drew Events, Dues, Field Trips, etc..
Update for Students:
Senior Academy Blog 