I hope that everyone had a restful and relaxing weekend. I am positive that everyone is taking today to recognize and continue to keep the dream of Dr. King alive. As you engage in virtual or social distanced activities, please be safe.
Thank you for being a part of our Drew family. We look forward to a four day week of instruction starting tomorrow. Before you get into this week’s calendar, be sure to take some time to reflect on some of the highlights from this week as well as those that may not be mentioned here.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Have an amazing, life-changing week!
From Drew’s Athletic Director
Shoutouts
- To Drew Boys and Girls basketball teams for their wins on Saturday vs. CSK & B.E.S.T Academy!
- To Ja’Kobe Strozier for being the first Junior and third Drew Basketball player to reach 1000pts!
- To Nicholas Russell, Tyrese Robinson, London Almond, Imani Harris, & Eric White for their commitment to class and hanging in there with their teacher during technical difficulties!
- To Dailyn Minter who was recently celebrated at the Posse Awards Ceremony!
- To Heather Stokes for thoughtfully creating a discussion space and protocol for Geometry students to discuss the attack in D.C. last week!
- To everyone that participated in Q3 material distribution this past Friday!
- To Ms.McIntyre for the staff meeting presentation on how to incorporate math into STEAM discussions in various content areas!
- To Emily Isbell for her assistance, feedback, and collaboration with Courtney Bryant for the STEAM discussion with staff!
STEAM Highlight of the Week
Our campus has been certified as a STEAM School twice so far… The Elementary Academy earned this recognition in 2017 and the Junior Academy earned the recognition in 2018 from the Georgia Department of Education.
This important designation was created to recognize institutions committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. The certifications confirm Drew’s position as a statewide leader in innovative education. Of course, the marathon continues- Drew’s Senior Academy is also in the process of earning this certification next!
We began pre-COVID and with new systems in place the process has resumed. This section will highlight student work which will be submitted for STEAM CERTIFICATION. Please note, ALL SENIOR ACADEMY students will have a portfolio displayed for this certification, for additional support or to work with the STEAM on this portfolio please reach out to ….
Portfolios Mission:
Students will have a collection of their work and thoughts that will remain in their hands throughout their life. Portfolios can be used for college entrance applications, job applications, and scholarship applications.
Portfolio Tip for the Week:
Hide pages that are blank! While editing your website, go to the pages tab, tap on the three vertical dots that are right next to the page you want to hide and select “Hide from navigation” from the drop down menu.
See the link above for an example of a well structured portfolio
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 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.
In a “blended learning model” each student will have an opportunity to work with a teacher or independently. Each student will either have a mandatory content review/check for understanding/assessment/pre-teaching or will be meeting directly with a teacher during that time for testing/small group support. Support will be available for students by content on alternating weeks.
9:00 – 9:45 Math Review/Support/Assessment (alternating weeks with SS)
10:00 – 10:45 ELA Review/Support/Assessment (alternating weeks with Science)
Teachers will be available to facilitate instruction and/or answer questions during the aforementioned specified 45-minute period.
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
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)
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 [01/27]
**CORRECTION AS OF 01/13/2021, adjustment for inaguration**
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 code – 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 01/18- 01/24
Monday
01/18
| 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] Maker Space Activities : Checkout the STEAM Initiatives/Opportunities, visit the calendar on their page by following this link –> bit.ly/DrewMAKE |
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday
01/19
| 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] Maker Space Activities : Checkout the STEAM Initiatives/Opportunities, visit the calendar on their page by following this link –> bit.ly/DrewMAKE |
- Tuesday 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
Wednesday
01/20
| 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] Maker Space Activities : Checkout the STEAM Initiatives/Opportunities, visit the calendar on their page by following this link –> bit.ly/DrewMAKE |
| Monthly Principal’s Coffee [COMING SOON ON 01/27/2021] |
- 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
days
hours minutes seconds
until
Principal’s Coffee
Monthly Principal’s Coffee Zoom Link
Zoom Link here
Thursday
01/21
| 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] Maker Space Activities : Checkout the STEAM Initiatives/Opportunities, visit the calendar on their page by following this link –> bit.ly/DrewMAKE |
- 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
Friday
01/22
| 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] Maker Space Activities : Checkout the STEAM Initiatives/Opportunities, visit the calendar on their page by following this link –> bit.ly/DrewMAKE |
- 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
01/23| 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].
01/24| 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:
- January 25th, 2021 – TENTATIVE HYBRID REOPEN DATE
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
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
Shop and Support Drew at the same time!
Shop online for anything… 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!
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 