| Start Date | Grade | Cohort |
| March 1st | PK, 1, 2, 6, 9, 12 | AA (A-J) |
| March 4th | PK, 1, 2, 6, 9, 12 | BB (K-Z) |
| March 8th | 3,4,5,7,8,10,11 | AA (A-J) |
| March 11th | 3,4,5,7,8,10,11 | BB (K-Z) |
Shoutouts
- To Boys basketball team for advancing to the third round of the State Playoffs!
- To Mr. Leaphart for providing commentating during the boys state playoff basketball games!
- To all of our athletic coaches for their diligence and commitment to ensure students have access to an outlet while in the pandemic!
- To Mason Alleyne, Jaylon Butler, Niles Holt, and Samaya King – who have been chosen as finalists to interview for the (MS)^2 summer STEAM residential program!
- To Facilities for working diligently to ensure Drew is ready for the switch to the Hybrid Transition!
- To the Tech team for their responsiveness and engagement with staff and families!
- To Christina for assisting a colleague!
- To Ms.Tafari for building relationships so quickly and lending her help to the Seniors!
- To Mr. Mayfield for awesome collaborative work and lending support for events with the 10th grade team!
- To Advisory teachers who reminded students about pictures and were the illustrious photographers!
- To Hannah page for her expertise and hands-on approach with the data we need; the quick turnaround and efficiency are key components in this transition into Hybrid model!
- To everyone who participated in COVID testing!
As a culmination of Black History Month celebrations at Drew Charter School, we would like to share three virtual performances that showcase the instruction of our Performing Arts teachers and the hard work of our students from all three academies.
- Below, you will find the link to “Life Every Voice and Sing” (the Black National Anthem) performed by our JA harp students. The culminating video showcases all JA harp students!
- Brand New Day: Brand New Day 2 – 022521 1742 ET.mp4 – Google Drive
- Also, please find the link to the dance performance to “Brand New Day” from “The Wiz.” This video features excerpts from Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, and dancers from all three academies.
- Lift Every Voice and Sing: Lift Every Voice and Sing by the Urban Youth Harp Ensemble – YouTube
- Finally, we present a performance of “Young Gifted and Black” featuring dancers from JA/SA.
- Young Gifted and Black: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FFReYqjxby8uYtkSKNF3nRVH0tP8lzxT/view?ts=60390792
We celebrate the work of our students under the direction of Ms. O’Roark (JA Harp), Ms. White-Mitchell (EA Dance), and Ms. Alston-Davis (JA/SA Dance).
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 team 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/Kudos to add or mirror in your Portfolio:
Recap So Far!
See the links and explaniations below for examples of a well structured portfolio
- Week 1 – Make sure your homepage is engaging with interesting pictures and a compelling story–your story! This is the first thing people see when they go to your page and it needs to capture their attention. Christian does this with amazing pictures and we learn a lot about Christian via his pictures and written summary. Finally, just make sure everything on the page is complete–sections that are unfinished also say something about you!
- Week 2 – Make sure your homepage is engaging with interesting pictures and a compelling story–your story! This is the first thing people see when they go to your page and it needs to capture their attention. Christian does this with amazing pictures and we learn a lot about Christian via his pictures and written summary. Finally, just make sure everything on the page is complete–sections that are unfinished also say something about you!
- Week 3 – Including samples of your work and writing about the process is very beneficial to your portfolio. Be sure to check out this students “Academics” tab where her 10th grade projects and Engineering work is located. Make sure that you have work samples on your “Academics” pages. Hide pages in the menu that are empty.
- Week 4 – 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.
- This week’s Portfolio Highlight is Israel Doby. Israel does a great job of showcasing his personality with an awesome home/front page. The information and photos featured are unique to him. Israel also does a great job of hiding pages in the navigation tabs up top that do not have any information yet. The only pages Israel features in the menu are pages that have content. Israel could improve by renaming his portfolio his name (in the upper left corner) and by developing more content. Things like a resume or brag sheet would be great! Israel–nice work!
- 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!
Drew Reopening Update
Dear Drew Parents/Guardians:
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:
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]
Directory for More Resources
- General Activity Announcements
- 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
- Drew Procedures
- Drew Opportunity Fund
| 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). |
Uniform Needs
Calendar
Week of 03/01- 03/07 : Phase 1 Students Return
Women’s Empowerment Month
- Drew Charter School will be closed for all students on Monday, March 15th, and Tuesday, March 16th. There will be no classes on those two days.
- During that week (Wednesday through Friday, March 17th – March 19th)
- Drew will operate under a Virtual Quarantine Schedule. All instruction will be virtual on those three days.
- Parents will have the opportunity to participate in **Virtual Parent/Teacher Conferences**
- On Tues., 03/16 & Wed., 03/17. Sign up information coming soon.
Please remember that students reporting for in-Person Learning should be in UNIFORM and to
Note: Please follow instructions for the drop off & pick up of students who report for In-Person Learning.
an email from Hannah Page was sent with important Hybrid cohort information for your student.
If your student is scheduled to participate in Hybrid starting March 1st and the email was not received, please email Ms. Page at HANNAH.PAGE@DREWCHARTERSCHOOL.ORG immediately.
Monday
03/01
| 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 : 9th and 12th students return
- 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
03/02
| 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
03/03
| 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 Math Review/Support/Assessment (next week will be Social Studies)
- 10:00 ELA Review/Support/Assessment (next week will be Science)
- 11:00
Clubs[Cancelled] - 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
03/04
| 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
Friday
03/05
| 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
- 12:00- 10th and 11th Parent Meeting (for families Returning to Campus) – Zoom
- 11:40-12:50 Break and/or small groups
- 1:00-2:10 3rd period
- 2:20-3:30 4th period
03/06| 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].
03/07| 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 03/08 – 03/14 – Phase 2 Students Return
- 03/12 – STEAM Workshop Day
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 