On September 7th, our Senior Academy was awarded the honorary STEAM Certification banner by State School Superintendent Richard Woods. Drew’s Senior Academy is now the first high school in the state to be officially certified as a STEAM School by 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. Drew’s Senior Academy received the “whole school” designation, which certifies that the entire student population is engaged in STEAM learning and confirms Drew’s position as a statewide leader in innovative equity-focused education. We are now STEAM certified from K-12!
Morning Drop-Off /Afternoon Pick-Up:
Please exercise cause to help keep everyone safe during morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups.
Please obey crossing guards and school police officers directing traffic
Please stop behind the crosswalk, leaving plenty of room for pedestrians to cross
Decrease your speed
Avoid passing other vehicles that are stopped for pedestrians
Remain focused on the road and avoid distracted driving
Check side mirrors and blind spots before making a right-hand turn
Allow bicyclists to pass you before turning left at an intersection
Leave at least 3 feet of distance between your vehicle and the bicycle when passing
Exercise caution and drive slowly near bicyclists, particularly children
Look in your side mirrors before opening your car door
Here’s how it will work:
The month of September will be broken into “attendance weeks,” starting with September 6th. Teachers, students, and parents who follow Drew’s School Attendance/Tardy Policies will qualify for a raffle ticket each week. Drawings will take place each Monday for prizes. Teachers who take attendance according to school policy, students who have complied with attendance policies, and parents/guardians who get their children to school daily and on time will be eligible for prizes! Prizes include gas cards, gift cards, grocery gift cards, movie tickets, etc. Please note following the attendance policy means you are complying with the procedure, even if that means staying home when you are sick, quarantining when required, or having an excused absence/tardy. Those who make it through all four weeks will be eligible for a special social at the end of the month. You won’t want to miss it!
Based on the current CDC guidance regarding local COVID-19 Community Levels, we will lift our mask requirement for visitors and staff. This change is based on the most current CDC guidance and information regarding transmission levels for Dekalb and Fulton counties, which can be viewed here. Since both Fulton and DeKalb counties are at a medium Community Level, masks are strongly recommended but not required for students, staff, and families on Drew’s campus.
As we continue to interact in ways that feel more like our pre-pandemic environment, it’s important to remember that we all have different perspectives about relaxing our mitigation practices. Please respect and support one another as we move forward.
Thank you for continuing to provide the best possible learning experience for our students. Take care, and we look forward to seeing you on Monday.
If your student has been testing with Viral Solutions over the past few weeks, they are already in the system and there is no need for them to opt-in again.Stay safe!
For details and access to other resources related to COVID-19 > > > See Here
Please note: Returning to campus tests must be conducted no earlier than 2 days from when you plan to be present on campus, please submit test results via the link above if using external testing site.
PTA Announcements
Drew PTA is thrilled to be a 2022 grant recipient of the Kirkwood Wine Stroll and Kirkwood Business Owners’ Association!
Please come out to sample wine, local food & music – and most importantly, to support the community that supports Drew!
Did you know it only costs $10 to become a PTA member and support our school?
Your member dues help us provide more programs and fun activities for Drew teachers, families, and students. We’re looking forward to hosting more in-person events this year, so every contribution makes a difference.
The support and assistance of a room parent is invaluable!
Become a liaison who can provide extra support to our fantastic teachers. As a PTA representative, you’ll communicate teacher grants and classroom wish-list opportunities, as well as upcoming PTA community events.
If you have questions or require additional information, please contact Uso Sayers at usosayers@gmail.com.
PTA EAGLE NATION
PARENT EQUITY COMMITTEE
Drew Families, the Parent Equity Committee (PEC) members, would like to invite you to join us on Wednesday, September 14th @6pm for dinner and orientation. Come learn more about the work of the PEC and consider joining us as a member.
We will be able to offer childcare for families, but we ask that you please use the QR Code to register for the event so that we can best account for attendance and childcare needs. The orientation will be held in Yates Cafeteria on the JA/SA campus.
DREW COMMUNITY PICNIC
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The PTA is looking for volunteers to help plan a Drew community event on October 22nd. It would require 1-2 hours of work per week, with most hands on deck the day of event. Please email ptadrew@gmail.com.
Seeing Whiteness helps white people notice and explore our personal racial journeys while recognizing how racism is socialized within our communities. This six-session program (1.5 hours/week via Zoom) offers a learning circle experience that creates space for self-focus, reflection, and action practices to build skills and stamina on one’s anti-racist journey.
Seeing Whiteness for Anti-Racist Action will be starting for Drew’s parents in September and is available on a sliding scale. Fill out the interest form here.
R E M I N D
Be sure to follow on REMIND for real time updates regarding testing information/updates.
To Sign up for REMIND click the respective link(s) BELOW:
Mrs. Klein and Mrs. Simmons for their equity work this summer with the iChangeCollaborative project and for their presentation on Radical Rubric Review last week to the cohort!
Ms. Seegars for her engaging Algebra tutorials during Power 45!
Ms. Lowe for always exuding positive energy and a smile to staff and students!
Ms. Garner for curating and sharing her weekly newsletter with parents to update them on all of the fun and learning happening in Physical Science and Physics. See links here and here!
Courtney Bryant for all of her effort, facilitation, and input to ensure that each Academy received STEAM certification!
Kimela Fongeh and Christian Aycock for presenting their portfolios during this week’s presentations!
All the engineering students, performing arts students, and instructors for thier participation in this week’s ceremony!
Gavin Chapman, Benjamin Harper, Sage Harrison, Imari Ricks, Melvin (Sancho) Hodges, William Causey, Sidney Gaines, and Brooklyn Caruth for representing their class!
Mr. McKnight, Dr. Kuhlman, Chairwoman Longino, East Lake Foundation, Superintendent Herring and everyone that continously supports Drew and our commitment to students!
Superintendent Woods and his office for their support and presentation!
Senior Academy teachers and staff for their continuous effort and feedback to ensure to students and families have what they need!
The girls volleyball team on their continued success and efforts!
Coach St. Clair for his commitment and accomplishments with Drew as well as his new endeavors as a college basketball coach!
Mr. Bennett for being announced Head Basketball coach for our Varsity boys!
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.
Senior Academy Blog 