APS Celebrates Record Graduation Rates!
We are thrilled to share fantastic news regarding our graduation rates! The Georgia Department of Education released the official data, and we are proud of what our students have accomplished. Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is celebrating a historic graduation rate of 86.6%. This marks the district’s highest all-time graduation rate and is the first time the district has surpassed the state’s rate by 2.2 percentage points. Additionally, we are delighted to report that Drew Charter School’s Senior Academy achieved a remarkable graduation rate of 98.4%. We thank our dedicated students, supportive families, and exceptional educators who make these remarkable outcomes possible. We look forward to working together as we strive to graduate and equip all students to be college, career, and life-ready.
Thank you for being part of our Drew Community!
Follow-Up to the Conversation with the Head of School
📣 ICYMI: Exclusive Conversation with Our Head of School! 🎥
In case you missed it, we had an insightful conversation with our Head of School, Mr. Peter McKnight, last month. This is a fantastic opportunity to catch up on what was discussed and gain valuable insights into the future of our school.
📹 Watch the Video: https://www.youtube.com/live/D1WdGbkwVm0?feature=shared
Mr. McKnight shared exciting updates, plans, and valuable information about Drew.
Stay informed and engaged with our school community by watching the video. Thank you for being a part of our Drew Community, and we look forward to your continued support and involvement.
Here is the link for ordering yearbooks this year.
Seniors and their parents or loved ones can also use the same link to purchase Senior Ads.
Price Guide
| Yearbooks | Yearbook Ads (class of 2024 only) |
| Now thru 11/10/23 are $40 | Full Page Ad $125 |
| 11/11/23 thru 1/10/24 are $45 | Half Page Ad $75 |
| 1/11/24 thru 4/10/24 are $50 | Quarter Page Ad $45 |
Please contact Ms. McKenzie-Brown if you have any questions alicia.mckenzie@drewcharterschool.org
Calling all students! Share your thoughts on our school nutrition program! Your voice matters. Participate in our school nutrition survey and help us make your Drew Dining experiences even better. Your feedback shapes our menu!
Link to survey: https://forms.office.com/r/2DJ9gyhcQ8
Free & Reduced-Price Meal Application
THE FREE & REDUCED-PRICE MEAL APPLICATION WINDOW IS NOW OPEN!
APPLY BEFORE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023
We are now recognized as a School Food Authority by the GA Department of Education, which administers the USDA National School Breakfast Program and the School Lunch Program for the State of Georgia. These programs provide funding to subsidize the cost of school meals for eligible families.
Participation in Drew Dining is not free for all students. All families are required to pay for school meals. However, we highly encourage all families, regardless of annual household income, to apply for the free or reduced-price meal benefit once a year, even if you don’t plan to participate in Drew Dining.
The grace period for all families with current free or reduced status will end effective November 13, 2023. Regardless of status, all families must apply on or before this date to continue receiving free or reduced-priced meal benefits.
Please start your application process at https://www.mymealtime.com/Apps
For instructions on how to create an account and navigate the application process, please click here.
STEP UP
Safety Reminders
Please exercise caution 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
Recently, Atlanta Public Schools (APS), in partnership with the City of Atlanta, adopted the School Zone Speed Safety Camera Program, and the program has launched within Drew’s school zone. Please click here to learn more about the school zone speed safety camera program in APS.
Thank you for your attention and commitment to the safety of our Drew Community.
EAGLES, IT’S TIME TO GET IN SHAPE
This year we’re getting in S.H.A.P.E. and reviving our Senior Academy norms. By getting into S.H.A.P.E we plan to:
Seek to Understand Others – show empathy for differences and serve others
Honor Trust – show integrity and honesty
Act Responsibly – good judgement, good decisions, and be accountable
Present Professionally – uniform on properly and take pride in how your presentation
Evaluate Self – build skills to regulate and deal with emotions
This year we all will work together to focus on S.H.A.P.E. – ing up for the school year.
Encourage students to join the Media Services Google classroom: 7iy2jsh.
Highlights:
National Native American month
Accelerated Reader Leaders
HRRB Book titles
Drew Eagle Book Club
Step Up- Sister giving
Galileo
Thanksgiving receipes
SOAR Advisory Reading Program
HRRB video
Happy Reading,
Tonya Walker Ricks
Charles R. Drew Charter School
Junior and Senior Academy
Media Specialist
470-355-1200 Ext 1017
Book Buddies
Drew Opportunity Fund
Do Good, Shine Bright!
Support the Drew Opportunity Fund
https://www.drewcharterschool.org/support-drew
Did you know that you could double (or even triple!) your donation to Drew Charter School? Many companies will match charitable donations made by their employees. See if your workplace offers a matching gift program here.
Donate now: https://bit.ly/DrewOpportunityFund
Show Your Eagle Pride
Drew Charter is excited to announce the launch of a sponsorship banner program!
In addition to showcasing your Eagle Pride to the thousands of people who visit our campus every year, you get the good feeling of knowing you are supporting two important programs: Drew Athletics and the Drew Opportunity Fund.
And sponsorships are 100% tax-deductible!
Interested? Learn more about our banner program here.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR
PTA COMMITTEE MEMBERS & CHAIRS
The PTA is looking for volunteers to join all committees as well as chairs for the following committees:
· Community Engagement
· Fundraising
· Health, Wellness, & Safety
· PTA Grants
· Room Parents
Please email ptadrewpresident@gmail.com if you’re interested in volunteering in any capacity!
JOIN OR RENEW TODAY
For more info on PTA volunteer opportunities:
We look forward to seeing you there!
East Lake Early Learning Survey
We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the East Lake Foundation (ELF) that directly impacts our community. ELF is embarking on a vital project to understand and address the early learning needs of the East Lake community, and they need your help!
The East Lake Foundation Early Learning Center Community Innovation Survey is your chance to make your voice heard and contribute to a brighter future for our children. This quick survey is designed to project the early learning needs of our community, particularly for families with children aged five and under.
Here are some important details:
· Each person who successfully completes the survey will be eligible for a weekly raffle for a chance to win a $250 gift card.
· The survey is quick and user-friendly, taking less than 5 minutes to complete, depending on your proficiency with technology.
Your participation in the survey will create a brighter, more educational future for the youngest members of our community. Your input matters! Let’s make a difference together!
Link to survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LP6WGQG
- 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:
- Mr. Bennett for shared a student-created screen recording demonstrating how to log in to Infinite Campus!
- Ms. Cain, Ms. Lester, and the 10th Grade Team for coordinating their PBL entry event at No Mas Cantina!
- Mr. Alford for implementing new strategies to increase engagement!
- Terra Gay, Leslie Schaffer and all the students that participated in the Voting Panel this past week!
- Students on the Panel: Delen Frazier, D’Anjelo Taylor, and Beli Infatry-Johnson!
- Erin Howard who was selected to serve as a Youth Ambassador for 21st Century Leaders!
- Bryson Bowden and Vaqueriayah Fennell for doing a wonderful job representing Drew as emcees of the East Lake Foundation’s Party on the Green Fundraiser!
- Ms. Kinsley Ray consummate coworker, always willing to help in any way – she is extremely considerate and helpful and a extremely compassionate, supportive and calming presence for her Geometry support students!
- Mrs. McIntyre, Mr. Copp, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Laster-Wood, Mrs. Shavis, Mrs. Ray, Mrs. Price, Mr. Menesse, Mrs. Martino, Mrs. Ballard and all the other SA support staff provide an essential layer of support and guidance that is invaluable. They take the time to get to know the personality of each of their students and go the extra mile to meet them where they are and encourage them upwards and onwards!
- Mr. Bennett for shared a student-created screen recording demonstrating how to log in to Infinite Campus!
- Ms. Cain, Ms. Lester, and the 10th Grade Team for coordinating their PBL entry event at No Mas Cantina!
- Mr. Alford for implementing new strategies to increase engagement!
- Sunshine Committee for putting together an Ice Cream celebration for staff birthdays July – November!
- Mrs. Lester, Mr. Meneese and the entire Homecoming committee for their continued efforts to prep for Homecoming week
- Dr. Allen, and Mr. Rob for being a constant for the Senior Academy and providing students with opportunities to be recognized!
- Each and every person that went out the way to wish me a Happy Birthday – it was absolutely memorable and very much appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
- Every Senior Academy teacher and staff member that continues to build relationships with students and contribute to positive school culture!
Principal Coffee for 2023
New Dates
Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (click here to join)
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (click here to join)
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (click here to join)
Recordings/Presentation/& Zoom Link Here:
Calendar of Events (below):
Week of 11/13/2023 – 11/17/2023
CANCELED GAMES
RESCHEDULED GAMES
To Wear or Not To Wear? (use link to uniform policy below)
| Counseling Resources, see information below: Dean of CCR: rachel.weaver@drewcharterschool.org 9th and 11th- takiedra.white@drewcharterschool.org 10th and 12th: rob.richardson@drewcharterschool.org Click here to learn more about IEP and 504: MTSS/504 Chronicles Vol 1, Issue 5 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
11/13/2023
| 9th/10th Grade Schedule | 11th/12th Grade Schedule |
| 1st- 8:20-9:50 | 1st- 8:20-9:50 |
| 2nd- 9:55-11:25 | 2nd- 9:55-11:25 |
| Lunch- 11:30-12:00 | 3rd-11:30-1:00 |
| 3rd- 12:05-1:35 | Lunch 1:05-1:35 |
| Advisory – 1:40-2:25 | Advisory – 1:40-2:25 |
| 4th- 2:30-4:00 | 4th- 2:30-4:00 |
TUESDAY
11/14/2023
| 9th/10th Grade Schedule | 11th/12th Grade Schedule |
| 1st- 8:20-9:50 | 1st- 8:20-9:50 |
| 2nd- 9:55-11:25 | 2nd- 9:55-11:25 |
| Lunch- 11:30-12:00 | 3rd-11:30-1:00 |
| 3rd- 12:05-1:35 | Lunch 1:05-1:35 |
| Advisory – 1:40-2:25 | Advisory – 1:40-2:25 |
| 4th- 2:30-4:00 | 4th- 2:30-4:00 |
WEDNESDAY
11/15/2023
| 9th/10th Grade Schedule | 11th/12th Grade Schedule |
| 1st- 8:20-9:50 | 1st- 8:20-9:50 |
| 2nd- 9:55-11:25 | 2nd- 9:55-11:25 |
| Lunch- 11:30-12:00 | 3rd-11:30-1:00 |
| 3rd- 12:05-1:35 | Lunch 1:05-1:35 |
| Advisory – 1:40-2:25 | Advisory – 1:40-2:25 |
| 4th- 2:30-4:00 | 4th- 2:30-4:00 |
THURSDAY
11/16/2023
| 9th/10th Grade Schedule | 11th/12th Grade Schedule |
| 1st- 8:20-9:50 | 1st- 8:20-9:50 |
| 2nd- 9:55-11:25 | 2nd- 9:55-11:25 |
| Lunch- 11:30-12:00 | 3rd-11:30-1:00 |
| 3rd- 12:05-1:35 | Lunch 1:05-1:35 |
| Advisory – 1:40-2:25 | Advisory – 1:40-2:25 |
| 4th- 2:30-4:00 | 4th- 2:30-4:00 |
FRIDAY
11/17/2023
| 9th/10th Grade Schedule | 11th/12th Grade Schedule |
| 1st- 8:20-9:50 | 1st- 8:20-9:50 |
| 2nd- 9:55-11:25 | 2nd- 9:55-11:25 |
| Lunch- 11:30-12:00 | 3rd-11:30-1:00 |
| 3rd- 12:05-1:35 | Lunch 1:05-1:35 |
| Advisory – 1:40-2:25 | Advisory – 1:40-2:25 |
| 4th- 2:30-4:00 | 4th- 2:30-4:00 |
days
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THANKSGIVING BREAK
Drew Charter School Senior Academy Blog 