Shoutouts

• To Kayla White who has advanced to the Finals of the AUDL Spring 2021 Argumentative Speech Bowl!
• To Gerald Tiller for taking the initiative to go beyond the minimum and keeping up with everything 2nd semester!
• To everyone who assisted in Targeted Intervention!
• To the 9th Grade teachers and student leaders for planning and presenting a wonderful Black History Month program for the 9th Grade Community Forum!
• To the 11th Grade Team and CCR for supporting students in virtual SAT Prep classes!
• To Senora Might for always proactively reaching out for student information and updates!
• To Shameka Williams for always being an advocate for teachers and students!
• To Ms. Abdur-Rahman for creating an engaging unit review for US History students!
• To Rachel and the CCR team for the SAT Prep work!
• To Ms. Wilder for continued support and understanding with her colleagues!
• To the 11th grade team for being supportive of new staff!
• To the amazing Black History month program team for providing a space to share new information while exposing so many people to new facts and perspectives!
• To Ms. WebsterWhyte and Ms. Green for reaching out to students to follow up on the success of our Drew students!
• To Beth White for all of her work to prepare students for the application process for InvenTeam
  • If you are interested in coming to our invention showcase, here is the link: https://mit.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEpde2srDsrE91cD8R9QAYvK1FKWH_m0bwn
  • The event is hosted by Lemelson-MIT and is a public event, Monday February 22nd at 6:30 pm.
• Ms. Cain for the planning the appearance of a Representative from the Democratic Party and for providing the students with a first hand account of the process President Biden completed! It was a very thought provoking event!
• To Don and Julie for preparing the building for staff and all their hard work!
• To Dr. Anderson for guiding the fine arts team regarding facilitating curriculum especially with transitioning learning through a virtual format!

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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 team on this portfolio please reach out to ….

• courtney.bryant@drewcharterschool.org or alisha.hester@drewcharterschool.org

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/Kudos to add or mirror in your Portfolio:

This week’s Portfolio Highlight is- Mylan Lowe has done a great job on the entry page of her portfolio. The entry page gives us an idea of her personality and what is important to her. Remember to occasionally go in and update information–or add information on your pages that does not need to be updated. Mylan just needs to get content on the other pages

CONGRATS Mylan Lowe!!!!

See the link above for an example of a well structured portfolio

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 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.

• Families who chose 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: Return to Campus Webpage

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

Principal Coffee REMINDER:

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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

• General Activity Announcements
  • Media Center
  • Athletics
• Guardian Resources
  • Drew Procedures
    • How to correct attendance, who should I talk to for Senior Activity concerns, and more.
    • Uniform Information
  • E-Learning Notices/Resources
  • Support Services and Resources
    • Counselor Contact Information
    • Social Worker Contact Information
    • COVID-19 Surveys/Forms
      • Return to Campus Webpage
• Drew Opportunity Fund

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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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Week of 02/22- 02/28

Black History Month

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 – HYBRID REOPEN DATE
  • 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**

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

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- Picture Day [Staff/Students]
  • 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 Advisory
  • 12:00 – Break
  • 1:00 – 3:00 
    • Office Hours/ Planning
    • Small Groups
    • 1:1 Support
    • Planning Time

Featured Speakers:

• Representative Park Cannon, Georgia House of Representatives
• Nse Ufot, New Georgia Project
• Fenika Miller, Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium & Black Voters Matter
• Sharlene Bates, Founder, My Vote is Hip Hop
• Madison Crenshaw, Organizer, Buckhead for Black Lives

This event is free and open to the public. Register: www.chisholmleadershipacademy.org/blackhistory

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] 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
  • 3:00 9th and 12th Parent Meeting (for families Returning to Campus) – Zoom

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

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02/27| 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].

02/28| 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:

• Week of 03/01 – 03/07 – Phase 1 Students Return
• Week of 03/08 – 03/14 – Phase 2 Students Return
  • 03/12 – STEAM Workshop Day

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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: