Shoutouts
- To Andrew Botchwey (10th) and Chanel Harris and Myah Crowell (11th) who have made it to the state semifinal round for Governor’s Honors Program in Engineering! Good luck on your upcoming interviews!
- To Ms. White for your hard work and guidance through the Governor’s Honors Program for Engineering process with the talented students mentioned above! This is amazing!
- To Afiya Cave, Kayla White, Sydney Berenson, Chanel Harris, and Lilian Martin for finishing and submitting artistic entries for the virtual Beta Convention!
- To all Beta members who completed academic competitions in the virtual Beta Convention this past week!
- To Coach Davis for supporting Ms. Heaggans and for stepping in to cover Coach Harris’ classes!
- To the UNDEFEATED Boys Basketball Team!
- To the 10th grade class for their upcoming debuts of all the Literature book covers, check them out on IG @lit4lit !!
- To Tara for facilitating Life Skills Classes as a new component to our Drew students!
- To Miram for her extensive support to the Early College students and undergoing consistent COVID testing to ensure our students are successful!
- To Ms. Gresham for her positivity even through the bumps of using a new software while virtual!
- To Ms. Allen for clarifying dues and assisting with documentation!
- To Mr. Richardson and Mr. Hinson for working hard to assist students who have difficulty connecting into their virtual classes!
- To Ms. Diaz for creating a Google Classroom friendly summary of student announcements! See the link here.
- To the 9th grade teachers for being an amazing team…especially for stepping up to the plate and completing tasks even when given the task at the last minute!
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:
Joseph does a great job of featuring his Independent Studies. This really helps the audience get to know his interests outside of traditional classes. He also does an excellent job of describing his project with pictures and paragraphs. One thing he could do to improve (most students could do) would be to make sure his Google Sheets document on the page is viewable to those outside the Drew domain. To check to see if you have made things viewable, sign out of all accounts or ask a friend or family member that does not attend Drew to check out your pages to see if all content is visible.
See the link above for an example of a well structured portfolio
Drew Reopening Update
Dear Drew Parents/Guardians:
I hope you and your family are well. Last month, I sent a reopening update indicating that we would continue monitoring public health data in considering a transition from a fully virtual instructional model. Based on recent health data, Drew Charter School has made a decision to start a phased transition to a hybrid instructional model for students starting March 1st.
As previously communicated, we identified a three-week downward trend of new COVID-19 cases reported in Fulton and DeKalb counties, as measured by the 7-day moving average, as our primary decision-making factor. Data released today by the Georgia Department of Public Health capped an improving three-week trend in new cases. In addition, official CDC forecasts are also projecting a continued decline in new COVID-19 cases in the weeks ahead. This data, coupled with recent research and recommendations indicating that schools can reopen with strong mitigation strategies, informed our decision to shift instructional models.
Drew’s Hybrid Model, which is optional for students and remains conservative, will consist of a weekly schedule where students participate in two days of in-person learning on campus and three days of virtual learning. Below is the timeline for Drew’s phased transition to hybrid learning:
Phase 1 – Week of March 1st:
Pre-K, K, 1st, 2nd, 6th, 9th and 12th grade participating students return to campus
Phase 2 – Week of March 8th:
3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, 10th and 11th grade participating students return to campus
Note: Drew Charter School will observe a Virtual Quarantine Week April 12th – April 16th (the week after Spring Break). All instruction will be virtual that week.
The success of our Hybrid Model will require that all participating families and students commit to safety and health protocols that reduce the spread of COVID-19. This includes following a mask mandate where all students and staff will wear masks on campus, practicing social distancing, washing hands regularly, and staying home when ill.
We must all diligently work to protect everyone in our community. As such, students who repeatedly and willfully do not follow health safety protocols will have to be referred back to virtual learning.
All families must opt for their students to participate in the Hybrid Model or to remain in the Virtual Model by completing the following Intent to Return Survey:
All Drew families are required to complete the Intent to Return Survey by February 12th, at 5:00pm.
• Families who do not submit the survey by the February 12th deadline will automatically remain in the virtual option.
• Families who choose not to transition to hybrid learning will remain under a virtual instructional model. Pending staffing, space and other considerations, there may be a second opportunity for families to opt in to hybrid learning in April.
Decision-Making Resources
We realize that making a decision to return to in-person learning amid the current pandemic is not easy. With this in mind, we offer the following two resources to assist your family in making an informed decision:
• The Returning to Campus Website Page offers information about what to expect with Drew’s Hybrid Model and overviews safety and health measures in place to protect our school community. To view, click below or directly on Drew’s website:
• A Virtual Family Town Hall will be scheduled for next week to share more about Drew’s Hybrid Model. Details will be sent soon. (A recording of the session will be available for families unable to attend the live session.)
As the pandemic continues, we know there are many factors families must consider to determine the best option for their children at this time. With our expansion to two instructional models, know that we are taking extraordinary steps to limit risk and create an engaging environment for your student. Whether you opt to remain virtual or participate in the hybrid model, rest assured that every member of our staff is committed to providing quality learning experiences for your student. Thank you for your continued support, engagement and flexibility. Most importantly, thank you for the opportunity to work with your students!
For the Love of Drew,
Peter McKnight
Head of School
E-Learning Notices
Senior Academy Virtual Learning Guide
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 [03/17]
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 02/08- 02/15
Black History Month
Monday
02/08
| 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 |
- Monday 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
- *Meal Pick up for the Week**
Tuesday
02/09
| 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
02/10
| 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 03/17/2021] |
- Wednesday Schedule-
- 9:00 Social Studies Review/Support/Assessment (next week will be Math)
- 10:00 Science Review/Support/Assessment (next week will be ELA)
- 11:00
- Celebrating Black Women & Unsung Heroes Talk with Dr. Tiyi Morris [Zoom Instructions]
- 12:00 – Break
- 1:00 – 3:00
- Office Hours/ Planning
- Small Groups
- 1:1 Support
- Planning Time
Reminder
days
hours minutes seconds
until
Principal’s Coffee
Monthly Principal’s Coffee Zoom Link
Zoom Link here
Thursday
02/11
| 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
- 12:30 Senior Academy Town Hall [Zoom Link]
- 1:00-2:10 3rd period
- 2:20-3:30 4th period
Friday
02/12
| 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
02/13| 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].
02/14| 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 2/15 – 2/21 – Black History Month
- 02/15
- PD Day- [No School for Students]
- East Lake Family YMCA/Healthy Connections Blood Drive [Flyer w/Details for Event, Click Here]
- 02/16
- 9th Community Forum [11am-12pm]
- 11th Community Forum [11am-12pm]
- 02/17- @1pm Black Lives Matter: Then, Now and Forever [Zoom Instructions]
- 02/18
- 10th Community Forum [11am-12pm]
- 02/19
- 12th Community Forum [11am-12pm]
- 02/15
- 02/22- 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 