I hope you had a beautiful weekend and are prepared for this final week of school. This week is homecoming week, so I hope everyone is prepared to have a ton of fun and get involved
— K.Myers
Shoutouts
- To Ms. McCoy for coming to talk to the National Honor Society seniors about the NHS Scholarship and assisting them with any questions regarding the application!
- To the National Honor Society seniors for their hard work on their NHS scholarship applications!
- To Vaqeuriayah Fennell for always being proactive regarding her work in geometry!
- To Coach Bennett for creating a family synergy with our undefeated boys basketball team!
- To the new inductees of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica and to the SHH officers who put together a wonderful virtual induction ceremony!
- To Daniel Hayes, Chava Rhodes, Joseph Feliciano-Nieves, Justin Coley, Destinie Johnson, Brock Bowden, Jasmyn Shoutout to Braziel, Destiny Williams, Ven Jackson, Ja’Kobe Strozier, and Alexis Banks for being outstanding group leaders!
- To Mr. Davis for jumping in to help support Debate Team members prepare for their speech tournament!
- To Azha Mosley and Kashawn Myers for being two of three high school students to make to the final round of the first AUDL Argumentative Speech Bowl!
- To Kashawn Myers for being awarded top speaker!
Drew Reopening Update
Dear Drew Parents/Guardians:
| I hope that you, your students and families are well and that during these difficult times you were able to take time together to be thankful during the Thanksgiving break. I also want to thank you for your flexibility and support as we have navigated this pandemic and virtual learning together as a community. I know that virtual learning has required you to make tremendous changes in your lives, which can be challenging and stressful. I also recognize that since we left our buildings in March, we have been on a long rollercoaster ride of potential returns and extensions of virtual learning. For our staff these shifts have been stressful as we attempt to balance our deep desire to see our students face to face with the concern of minimizing risks for all members of our community. I know that has been challenging for you as well, and it is in that context that I wanted to provide an update on our timeline for returning to in-person learning. Yesterday evening Atlanta Public Schools (APS) announced that it is postponing a transition to in-person learning for the district until January 25th, 2021. As we have communicated in the past, Drew is not permitted to implement a less restrictive learning model than the district. As such, Drew will continue operating under a full virtual instructional model for students until at least January 25th, 2021. We are currently evaluating the most appropriate instructional model to implement beyond that date. Before school closes for the upcoming winter break, we will update families on our plans. In the meantime, we hope you and your family continue remaining healthy and safe. We’ll be in touch soon. Peter McKnight Drew Head of School |
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:
- Dean of CCR: rachel.weaver@drewcharterschool.org
- 9th and 11th- rob.richardson@drewcharterschool.org
- 10th and 12th: tara.davis@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.
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)
Help All Our Drew Families Have a Happy Holiday!
Every year, the Drew PTA’s program, the Eagle Giving Tree, provides support to Drew families through the holidays with gifts from our own Drew community. This year, the Drew PTA and the Drew Opportunity Fund have teamed up to take the Eagle Giving Tree virtual to continue this important program for Drew families.
- In lieu of collecting physical items, we are asking for donations to allow Mr. Rashid and his team to purchase needed holiday gifts.
- To contribute, click here and choose “Eagle Giving Tree” in the Fund section.
- Donations will be accepted through December 20.
- Questions? Email the PTA’s Parent Resources co-chairs: Maggie (maggiels@bellsouth.net) or Heather (heatherkanderson@hotmail.com)
Thank you for helping to make all of our families’ holidays a little merrier and brighter!
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]
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
| We understand and 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.
Intent to Play [In Relation to All Sports]
Uniform Needs
Calendar
Week of 12/14- 12/20
“House Party” Homecoming
Monday
12/14
| 8:30 – 9:40 | 1st Period – 1A midterm, summative assessment or project presentation |
| 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 – 3A/3MWF midterm, summative assessment or project presentation |
| 2:20-3:30 | 4th Period |
| 3:45 | Kickoff Trivia Raffle [Zoom Link] |
| 2:00 – 5:30 | [Please note the time change] Nutrition pick up – Location: Lower campus [Drew Elementary Campus] |
Tuesday
12/15
| 8:30 – 9:40 | 1st Period – 1B midterm, summative assessment or project |
| 9:50 – 11:00 | 2nd Period |
| 11:05-11:35 | Break/Lunch |
| 11:40 | SPIRIT WARS Cohort 2024/9th Grade Cohort 2022/11th Grade |
| 1:00-2:10 | 3rd Period – 3B/3TTH midterm, summative assessment or project |
| 2:20-3:30 | 4th Period |
| 3:30 | ROYAL LUNCHEON |
| 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
12/16
Review Day
| 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 | -SMALL GROUPS/1:1 (SELECT STUDENTS) |
| 12pm | Monthly Principal’s Coffee |
| 11:45-12:15 | Lunch |
| 1:30 | AWARDS SHOW [ZOOM LINK] *UPDATED* |
| 3PM | TENNIS INTERST MEETING [ via ZOOM, See Flyer Above for Details] |
| 5:30 | Virtual Parent University – Easy Ways to Serve During the Holidays Join Zoom Meetings Meeting ID: 658 735 0006 Passcode: 253647 |
days
hours minutes seconds
until
Principal’s Coffee
Zoom Link here
Thursday
12/17
| 8:30 – 9:40 | 2A/2TTh midterm, summative assessment or project |
| 9:50 – 11:00 | 4A/4TTh midterm, summative assessment or project |
| 11:05-11:35 | Break/Lunch |
| 11:40 | SPIRIT WARS Cohort 2023/10th Grade Cohort 2021/12th Grade |
| 2:00-4:00 | Senior Photo Pick up |
| 3pm | MakerSpace Office Hours The zoom links can be found here–> bit.ly/DrewMAKE |
| 6pm | BASEBALL INTEREST MEETING [ZOOM] |
Friday
12/18
| Half Day – Exams or Final Project Presentations 8:30 – 9:40 – 2B/MWF midterm, summative assessment or project 9:50 – 11:00 – 4B/4MWF midterm, summative assessment or project | |
| 11:05-11:35 | Break/Lunch |
| 1:00-4:00 | DJ PARTY ROOM TRIVIA GAMES 90’S SITCOMS |
12/19| 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].
12/20| 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].
Holiday Break
12/21 – 01/04
| 12/21-01/04- HOLIDAY BREAK **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- Students Return to School
Upcoming Events:
- 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 – Grades Available
- 01/09
- 1pm: Homecoming Game [Paideia] – This event will be streamed
- 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
FRESH & FESTIVE PTA FUNDRAISER
Decorate for the Holidays and Support Drew at the same time!
Shop online for fresh garland, wreaths and more…
and 15% of your purchase goes to the Drew Charter PTA.
Includes FREE direct shipping, so it makes a great gift for loved
ones across the country! Order by 12/13 for Christmas delivery.
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 