Start Date	Grade	Cohort
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

• Drew Senior Academy students did well at the Atlanta Regional Science Fair Awards Ceremony. Every student we entered was placed! We salute the efforts of these students and wish them the best as they continue their personal journey in Science exploration! Congrats to:
  • 10th graders, Cheyenne George and Andrew Botchwey earned Bronze!
  • Seniors, Toren Mosley and Samuel Cooper earned Silver!
• To Evyn Harris, Jordan McCrary, Taylor Lipscomb, and Jala Staples for their speaking roles during College Success Class!
• To Roderick Thomas for his engaging questions during the College Success guest speaker series!
• To Daniel Hayes for his outstanding scholarship and achievement in US History!
• To Destiny Williams for her promptness and attention to detail!
• To Kate Drueke for her hard work on APUSH assignments outside of class!
• To the entire 11th grade staff and students included for their collaboration and project engagement!
• To Tonya Ricks for sharing tremendous resources and quickly assisting Ms. Garner in finding the teaching edition of a class book!
• To everyone participating in the first week of Hybrid learning!
• To Coach St. Clair, Coach Bennett and the entire basketball team and staff for an amazing and historic basketball season!
• To the boys tennis team on their win this past week!
• To everyone who participated in COVID testing!

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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).

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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:

The home page makes quite a statement as the student shares some of the highlights of her experiences as a Drew student. This along with the images, engage the viewer to dig deeper and explore the other pages. Kimela has done a great job of hiding pages that lack content and making sure all content is visible to outside viewers. A suggestion would be to keep adding to your Learning Journal, even if there is not an assignment to do so! Keep up the good work!

Congrats Kimela Fongeh!!!

SEE THE LINK ABOVE FOR AN EXAMPLE OF A WELL STRUCTURED PORTFOLIO

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 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 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

Current Student Re-enrollment for the 2021-2022 School Year

Re-enrollment for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year will take place March 15 – 31^st. Parent/guardians of current rising 1^st -12^th graders are required to complete an online re-enrollment form during this window to:

• 1) confirm their student’s intent to return to Drew next school year, and
• 2) review/update current information on file for their student.

Parents/guardians will receive an email on March 15 with a unique link to the online re-enrollment forms for the Drew students in their household.

Please note: students currently in the Cox Pre-K Program should submit a 2021-2022 lottery application by April 30^th to be considered for kindergarten and do not complete re-enrollment.

Due to Drew’s current operating status, only students in transition grades (rising 6^th and rising 9^th) as well as any student who has moved and requires an address update will be required to submit current proof-of-residency documents as a part of their re-enrollment. For these students, there will be an option to upload proof-of-residency documents when completing the online re-enrollment form. Electronic submission is encouraged, however if a parent/guardian is unable to or opts not to submit documents electronically, Drew will hold an in-person document collection window the week of April 19^th.

Thank you for your cooperation in completing your student’s 2021-2022 re-enrollment. This information helps us determine how many seats to offer during our 2021-2022 lottery and ensure we have accurate, up-to-date information for all students.

Additional re-enrollment information can be found here. Please contact the Enrollment Team at enrollment@drewcharterschool.org or 404-450-0567 with any questions.

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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 {Updated for Week of 3/08}
  • 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).

Click Here for Slides

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Week of 03/08- 03/14 : Phase 2 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.

Also 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.

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 : All 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**

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-
  • 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 Clubs
  • 12:00 – Break
  • 1:00 – 3:00 
    • Office Hours/ Planning
    • Small Groups
    • 1:1 Support
    • Planning Time

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

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- STEAM Workshop Day at all Academies
  • 1st period
    • 8:30-9:10 TEDdy Talk
    • 9:15-9:50 Session
  • 2nd period
    • 9:55-10:30 Session
    • 10:35-11:10 Session
  • 11:15-11:50 Lunch 9th and 10th 
  • 11:55-12:30 Lunch 11th and 12th
  • 12:40-1:30 3rd period
  • 1:35-2:25 4th period
  • 2:25-3:15 STEAM Day (Ryan Kilgore Sax)
  • 3:20-3:50 Dismissal

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03/13| 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].

03/14| 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].

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Upcoming Events:

• Week of 03/15 – 03/21 – Virtual Instruction Week
• 03/15 – NO SCHOOL
  • online re-enrollment forms sent via email
• 03/16 – NO SCHOOL
  • Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences
• 03/17
  • Virtual Parent/Teacher Conferences
• Week of 3/22 – Algebra Benchmark
• Week of 3/29 – US History, American Lit, and Physical Science Benchmarks
• 04/05-04/09 [Spring Break]
• 04/12-04/16 – Virtual Quarantine Week, All instruction will be virtual that week. 
• 05/22- Graduation
• 05/28- Last Day of School

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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: