Shoutouts
- To Kimela Fongeh for winning 1st Place in Creative Writing and Lilian Martin for winning 2nd place in Fiber Arts at the virtual Beta Convention!
- To Courtney and the STEAM Team for coordinating and facilitating another eventful STEAM DAY!
- To Destinie Johnson for her journalism internship!
- To Kentrell Rollie for outstanding critical thinking in US History!
- 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 the boys tennis team on their win last week!
- To Evyn Harris, Jordan McCrary, Taylor Lipscomb, and Jala Staples for their speaking roles during College Success Class!
- To Coach St. Clair, Coach Bennett and the entire basketball team and staff for an amazing and historic basketball season!
- To all of our amazing presenters that came to spend time and share moments with our students!
- To all teachers that participated in STEAM Day either presenting to students or hosting sessions – we are truly appreciative!
- To Ms. Mayes for featuring live guest speakers during her classes in order to encourage and motivate students as authors and speakers!
- To ALL of the face-to-face teachers who have made students feel safe and welcomed during the first 2 weeks of hybrid learning!
- To the Boys Tennis team for their continued success and advancing to 2-0!
- To our golf and soccer teams on their respective wins!
- Honorable Mention to ALL staff who readily step in to assist covering colleagues when they are out!
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:
Niles Holt has done a great job of showcasing his 9th grade work, especially his Engineering work. Something he could do to improve would be to add more images throughout the site. The site needs more of Niles’ personality. Keep up the good work Niles.
SEE THE LINK ABOVE FOR AN EXAMPLE OF A WELL STRUCTURED PORTFOLIO
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.
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
Presentation of Parent Meeting for Hybrid Reopening
RE-ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
Current Student Re-enrollment for the 2021-2022 School Year
Re-enrollment for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year will take place March 15 – 31st. Parent/guardians of current rising 1st -12th 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 30th to be considered for kindergarten and do not complete re-enrollment.
Due to Drew’s current operating status, only students in transition grades (rising 6th and rising 9th) 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 19th.
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.
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
- Media Center {Updated for Week of 3/15}
- 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
- 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 03/15- 03/21: Virtual Instruction Week
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 this 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.
- Teachers are reaching out to specific families at this time. If you wish to have a meeting at a later date reach out to the respective teacher to make arrangements.
Please remember that students reporting for in-Person Learning should be in UNIFORM
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.
Monday
03/15
| 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
- NO SCHOOL
- online re-enrollment forms sent via email
- *Meal Pick up for the Week**
- NO SCHOOL
Tuesday
03/16
| 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 |
- NO SCHOOL
- Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences
- [Grade Level Teachers are targeting specific families for conferences, if you still wish to check in with teachers send an email to the respective teacher to make further arrangements, at a later date.]
- Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences
Wednesday
03/17
| 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-
- Virtual Parent/Teacher Conferences
- [Grade Level Teachers are targeting specific families for conferences, if you still wish to check in with teachers send an email to the grade level counselor for further arrangements, at a later date.]
- 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
- 12:00 – Break
- 1:00 – 3:00
- Office Hours/ Planning
- Small Groups
- 1:1 Support
- Planning Time
- Virtual Parent/Teacher Conferences
Reminder
days
hours minutes seconds
until
Principal’s Coffee
Monthly Principal’s Coffee Zoom Link
Zoom Link here
Thursday
03/18
| 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
03/19
| 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 |
- 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
03/20 | 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].
03/21| 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 03/22 – 03/28 –
- Week of 3/22 – Algebra Benchmark
- 3/22 – 12 Grade Community Forum
- 3/24- Junior SAT Administration at Drew
- Week of 03/29 – 04/04
- Week of 3/29 – US History, American Lit, and Physical Science Benchmarks
- COLLEGE AND CAREER WEEK!
- 3/31 Women’s Empowerment & History Month Panel [12pm-1pm]
- Week of 04/05 – 04/11
- 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
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 