Welcome back from break!

I hope that everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable break. Thank you for a memorable 1st semester. I truly enjoyed being engaged with students and families. I am definitely looking forward to getting started with 2nd semester and creating lasting memories.

Please be sure to take a look at our calendar – as a reminder we will have an alternate schedule next week to ensure staff and parents have an opportunity to vote in Tuesday’s runoff election.

Tuesday, January 5:

• Attendance will be taken in Advisory first thing in the morning
• Any synchronous (live) instruction will occur between 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 6:

• A full instructional day due to the adjusted schedule of January 5th
• Students will follow their M, T, Th, F schedule

— K.Myers

Shoutouts

• To the new inductees of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica and to the SHH officers who put together a wonderful virtual induction ceremony!
• To the Homecoming Committee for putting together a creative, thoughtful, and engaging virtually experience for the 2020-2021 School Year!
  • To Ms. Simmons for having a ton of momentum and energy with her visionary events! That coupled with Ms. Stokes and Ms. Diaz for being amazing contributions to the logistics/organization when executing awesome events!
  • To Dr. Allen for picking up extra leg work to assist with Homecoming and aiding in the production.
  • To Mrs. Gresham and Mr. Davis for hosting…to Ms. Wilder and Ms. Mays for singing and dancing
  • To Kamea Alleyne, Eleanor Jones, Amira Davis, and Alani Andrews for the awesome job hosting the Homecoming Awards Show!
  • To Mr. Davis, Ms. Abdur-Rahman, Kyhel Eaton, Frederick Mitchell, and Koryniah Varner for their epic performance at the Homecoming Awards Show!
• To the 9th grade team and all of the 9th grade students for submitting amazing PBL projects! 
  • Their trailers were more like short films! There were love stories, interviews, action-packed adventures, and cliffhangers! They had bearded dragons, original music, original animation, dancing tigers, dangerous chemicals, helicopters, explosions, evil baby bosses, a rebellion, and mermaids! The class of 2024 is going to save the world!!!
• To Ms. Wilder who came up to senior picture day and passed out gifts to her senior advisory.
•  To Dr. Kurt for bringing in guest artist Zipporah Camille Thompson, specifically for students; they completed textured textiles and he created an opportunity for the students to use creative textures!
• To Patrick Hall for being a energetic and valued piece to the Community Forum for the 11th grade!
• Last semester, we had several Drew Chorus students participate in our District V Honor Chorus. 
  • We had two students participate in the 4th – 8th grade choir
    • Chloe Rockmore and Annabelle An
  • 5 to participate in the high school choir
    • Tyrese Robinson, Calliope DeChant, Jillian Loux, Simon Renjifo, and Christian Aycock  
  • Below are the youtube links for the final products.  See if you can spot our Drew students!!  
    • 4^th-8^th Grade Choir – https://youtu.be/rUr0jaQLGhY
    • High School Choir – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKoJa5Eq6Sk

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 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

Senior Academy Virtual Learning Guide

Dear Drew Community, 

As we plan to begin the this semester in a virtual format, we will resume instruction in a way that maintains our commitment to wellness and quality instruction. Therefore Wellness Wednesdays will reflect a combination of targeted virtual instructional time and consistent wellness programming and support.

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

~K. Myers

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• 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
    • Attendance Notice to Drew Families during Virtual Learning

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• The links below will show you various settings and information for navigating Google Classroom
  • Video: Parent Orientation Presentation- click here 
  • Slides from Video- Parent Orientation to Google Classroom Presentation- click here

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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)

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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

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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

— Click Here to See Full Schedule —

The Media Services Eagle’s Nest

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 code – 7iy2jsh

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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).

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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!

1. Make a one-time or monthly donation of $5.
2. Encourage 5 friends or family members to make a gift.
3. 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.

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Week of 01/04- 01/11

**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

	SCHOOL CLOSED – Instruction begins 01/05
2:00 – 5:30	[Please note the time change]  Nutrition pick up – Location: Lower campus [Drew Elementary Campus]
	Counseling Resources, see information below: Dean of CCR: rachel.weaver@drewcharterschool.org  9th and 11th- rob.richardson@drewcharterschool.org 10th and 12th: tara.davis@drewcharterschool.org Media Center Resources, see information below: Google Classroom Code – 7iy2jsh [Students only have access]

BE SURE TO VOTE TODAY, if you haven’t had an opportunity to participate in Early Voting!

Counseling Resources, see information below: Dean of CCR: rachel.weaver@drewcharterschool.org  9th and 11th- rob.richardson@drewcharterschool.org 10th and 12th: tara.davis@drewcharterschool.org Media Center Resources, see information below: Google Classroom Code – 7iy2jsh [Students only have access]

• Tuesday Schedule –
  • 8:30-9:30 Advisory
  • 9:40 – 10:30 Virtual Field Trips
  • 11:00 – 12:00 Small Groups or 1:1 Intervention as needed
  • 12:00 -3:00 Teacher Planning

Counseling Resources, see information below: Dean of CCR: rachel.weaver@drewcharterschool.org  9th and 11th- rob.richardson@drewcharterschool.org 10th and 12th: tara.davis@drewcharterschool.org Media Center Resources, see information below: Google Classroom Code – 7iy2jsh [Students only have access]

Monthly Principal’s Coffee [COMING SOON ON 01/25/2021]

• Wednesday Schedule
  • 8:30-9:40 1st period
  • 9:50-11:00 2nd period
  • 11:05-11:35 Lunch
  • 11:40-12:50 Break and/or small groups
  • 1:00-2:10 3rd period
  • 2:20-3:30 4th period

Reminder

Monthly Principal’s Coffee Zoom Link

Zoom Link here

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Counseling Resources, see information below: Dean of CCR: rachel.weaver@drewcharterschool.org  9th and 11th- rob.richardson@drewcharterschool.org 10th and 12th: tara.davis@drewcharterschool.org Media Center Resources, see information below: Google Classroom Code – 7iy2jsh [Students only have access]

• Thursday Schedule
  • 8:30-9:40 1st period
  • 9:50-11:00 2nd period
  • 11:05-11:35 Lunch
  • 11:40-12:50 Break and/or small groups
  • 1:00-2:10 3rd period
  • 2:20-3:30 4th period
  • 5:30 Varsity Soccer Interest Meeting

Counseling Resources, see information below: Dean of CCR: rachel.weaver@drewcharterschool.org  9th and 11th- rob.richardson@drewcharterschool.org 10th and 12th: tara.davis@drewcharterschool.org Media Center Resources, see information below: Google Classroom Code – 7iy2jsh [Students only have access]

• Friday Schedule
  • 8:30-9:40 1st period
  • 9:50-11:00 2nd period
  • 11:05-11:35 Lunch
  • 11:40-12:50 Break and/or small groups
  • 1:00-2:10 3rd period
  • 2:20-3:30 4th period

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01/09| 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].

• 1pm: Homecoming Game [Paideia] – This event will be streamed
  • 1:00pm Varsity Girls
  • 2:30pm Varsity Boys

01/10| 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].

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Upcoming Events:

• 01/15- Family ID Closes
• 01/18 – MLK DAY
• 01/20 – Monthly Principal’s Coffee [12PM]

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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.

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Wifi and Internet Resources

Please see the Xfinity flyer above and information to internet access at a deep discount with Comcast–> CLICK HERE .

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PTA UPDATES

CLICK HERE TO JOIN PTA TODAY!

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

Uniform Concerns!

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Portal for Paying for Nutrition/Lunch Fees

Portal for Paying for Drew Events, Dues, Field Trips, etc..

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Update for Students: