The Drew Board of Directors invites you to join them at a Meet and Greet on Monday, September 26, at 8:30 am, in the Drew Center for the Arts (Yates Campus). Board Chair Shannon Longino and members of the Board are pleased to provide a chance for Drew’s parents and guardians to meet and visit with those representing the school, especially with the new board officers and board members. This is an opportunity to put names with faces and see the work that supports our students and families of Drew Charter School.
Immediately following the Meet and Greet, the Drew Board of Directors Meeting will be held at 9:00 am in the Drew Center for the Arts.
Parking for both events will be available in the lot near the Second Avenue entrance, and guests should follow the sidewalk that wraps behind the main building to access the Center for the Arts.
We hope you can join us!
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!
Young Adult author Lamar Giles is coming to share his latest novel, “The Getaway”. Students that wish to purchase a copy of the book may complete the order form and return it to the Media Center before September 21st. NO CHECKS
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
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 usoAsayers@gmail.com.
G C S A
The Georgia Charter School Association (GCSA) is looking for parents interested in becoming Charter School Champions. Learn more about their program here.
Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
ADL Training and Registration
In partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Drew is excited to offer our parents A World of Difference anti-bias training. As a leading provider of anti-bias education, ADL’s A World of Difference series provides both onsite and online anti-bias training.
ADL’s anti-bias training and materials are designed to:
· Promote respectful, inclusive, and safe learning environments and communities
· Build an understanding of the value and benefits of diversity
· Improve intergroup relations
· Eradicate antisemitism, racism, and all forms of bigotry
· Encourage personal responsibility in the promotion of justice and equity
We will kick off our first in-person training on September 20th, 5:30-7:30 PM, in the Yates Theater (Upper Campus). Due to the number of ADL trainers, space is limited to 30 parents. We will also offer a virtual option on October 26th, 5:30 – 8:00 pm. Please use the QR code to complete the registration form.
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:
Every Senior Academy teacher that continues to exude a positive attitude and build relationships with students highlighting our ups and navigating solutions in challenging situations!
The Drew Ambassadors and Peer Mentors for representing the Senior Academy at the HJ Russell Future Fest!
Emily Cusick and Charisse Richardson for facilitating the leadership field trip!
Mrs. B for being available and supportive in the coordination of several off campus events!
Mr. McCall for implementing small groups during Study Skills!
Mrs. Stokes and Mr. Mayfield, for great collaboration during station teaching – both teachers implemented an exemplar lesson providing opportunities for all students to actively engage in the lesson!
Ms. McIntyre for the stellar work she does to support students!
Ms. Gresham for her calming and caring professionalism!
Ms. Jess/JB and Ms. Jessica for the positive influence they have already had in Senior Academy!
Ms. Fernandez for her dedicated work not only as a member as SA but also to assist with the instruction of JA students this year!
Mr. Lonnie for effectively dealing with carpool always being so cheerful and acknowledging us all each day!
Dr. Pinder, Dr. Harris, & Ms. Hudson for a great Dreamers & Achievers Kick Off Event!
Ms. Richardson for donating uniforms to the senior academy!
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 