Under the former head of school, some parents expressed concern about the current curriculum. The Koch family , which made its money in the fracking and oil refining industries and actively opposes climate change legislation, funds conservative platforms and organizations such as The Manhattan Institute, the Heritage Foundation, and the American Legislative Council. 8/04/2021 - NAACP described Sewickley Academy as ".misguided in the meaning of the philosophy of diversity, equity, and inclusion when it comes to staff." Vento's Pizza, home of 'Franco's Italian Army,' to close, Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. 8/04/2021 - NAACP described Sewickley Academy as ".misguided in the meaning of the philosophy of diversity, equity, and inclusion when it comes to staff." In short, the scope and scale of the problems faced by our school required the fresh perspective of new leadership, Birtwell said. Join the Concerned Sewickley Parents and sign the petition at https://concernedsewickleyparents.org Astronauts, world-renowned doctors, fashion designers, chefs, filmmakers, zombie experts, world travelers our alumni are proof that students become determined, courageous, and caring individuals ready to take on life's next challenges. There are 500 other constituents in the school. 26 Join the Concerned Sewickley Parents and sign the petition at https://concernedsewickleyparents.org We are one, our cause is one, and we must help each other; if we are to succeed. But the problem is, its not your school. In this conversation. Login to the Home and School Resource Board on. Speak out, share this information and help us get answers from the Sewickley Academy Board of Trustees. Videos. One even attended the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Why Did Two People Of Color On The Board of Trustees Suddenly Resign? Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users Since the purpose of this site is to display digital ads, please disable your ad blocker to prevent content from breaking. Ashley Birtwell began as the interim head of school effective June 25, and less than one month later on July 21, she fired the five administrators and one teacher, three of whom were Black. Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Borocampusrec. College & university. Whoever you are, whatever you love, wherever you want to go, learning and self-discovery take place here. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Dolan, like Cirucci, also has portrayed himself as a concerned parent in right-wing media, although he announced in his newsletter that his school-aged child will attend the Catholic school where he teaches, rather than the public schools in the Fox Chapel school district. The ban, which passed several days before Sprouls measure in Clarion-Limestone, is part of a patriotism amendment, framing critical race theory in a light similar to right-wing media platforms. College & university. Edinboro Chi Alpha. At Sewickley Academy, an anti-CRT campaign from the group Sewickley Parents Organization has led to the firings of five administrators and one teacher who were in support of the schools recent mission to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice measures. As of June, the schools internal forecasts for enrollment in fall 2021 would be 530 students, a 34% decline from 2002 when the school was last at full capacity, she wrote in the letter. SE W ICKLEY PARENTS PITTSBURGH Earlier this year, critical race theory got its moment in the right-wing media spotlight. 6/14/2021 - In spite of its policy to "not engage parents," the Board of Trustees agrees for "clarity," to reach out to the Sewickley Parents to "Invite them to share more specifically what the central issues of their concerns might be." Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice, Grants for Innovative Frameworks in Teaching, Instructional Technology Upgrades including iPads for all faculty members,Wireless Network Expansion, Robotics. We are Parents of children that attend the Academy, and we are Alumni of Sewickley Academy who are passionate and committed to its long-term success. There is a long list of retired Heads of School who would be willing and qualified to help during this transition O National search for a new Head of School with experience and qualifications Search for a new Assistant Head of School with experience and qualification O Search for a new Head of Senior School with experience and qualifications O Appoint an entirely new Board of Trustees that includes experienced educators who represent the makeup of the student body at Sewickley Academy O Search for a new Head of DEISJ with experience and qualifications Paid for by concernedsewickleyparents.org. to see our latest opportunities and sign-up to volunteer. Search for a new Assistant Head of School with experience and qualification Academic Excellence on the Decline? Somerset Township, Eighty Four, PA. Sewickley Academy is distinguished by not only its rigorous academics and outstanding faculty, but also by its student-centered approach to learning and teaching, in which every child is challenged to explore and excel to his or her highest ability. College & university. Youth Connect conducts a series of community forums where speakers are brought in to . Fall 2020 - After 1.5 years in development, the Board ratified the Strategic Plan EnVision24 and it's embedded DEI-SJ Plan. April 2021 - The Board of Trustees President presented "Our Proud History" (YouTube), a community introduction to the plan. The post Critical race theory protests in Pgh-area schools have ties to GOP organizing, right-wing media appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star . Our Advisory Committee reviews all comments, and we will not share them publicly unless you direct us to do so . Our objective is to shine a spotlight on our childrens experiences at Sewickley Academy. We studied your demands.. 2019 - Sewickley Academy engaged a consultant for its Strategic Plan Envision24. A 2019 study revealed total Independent School enrollment was down in Western PA. 2019 schoolwide communication. quality and effectiveness of a school's program and are in conflict with the Please let us know how we can help. Three were people of color. Concerned Sewickley Parents. Concerned Sewickley Parents. Odoms son is in seventh grade at Sewickley Academy and has attended the school since he was in second grade. Birtwell also said that having more students enrolled allows for the vocal, music and dramatic arts offered to improve. The Quaker Valley Parents and Community group cites Sewickley Parents Organization directly on its website, as well as right-wing media organizations such as PragerU and the Heritage Foundation , both of which receive funding from fracking billionaires who invest heavily in conservative media. Administration cites "mutual separation." In this conversation. The top three leadership positions at Sewickley Academy are occupied by individuals who Concerned Sewickley Parents @sewickleyparent "The Man Who Fired Dr. Wolfe is a Coward & Not Half The Educator She Is" - Dr. Barrett Gough High School History Teacher Concerned Sewickley Parents Retweeted Talia Kirkland @talia_kirkland Removal of restrictions on free speech "that damages the rep. of the school," a reference to the S.A. Handbook. We are Parents of children that attend the Academy, and we are Alumni of Sewickley Academy who are passionate and committed to its long-term success. The Facebook page shared anti-CRT content as far back as April 2021, claiming the Biden administration want[s] to rewrite American history.. Academy graduates join a network of more than 4,000 alumni across the globe. At Sewickley Academy, an anti-CRT campaign from the group Sewickley Parents Organization has led to the firings of five administrators and one teacher who were in support of the school's. Now, much of right-wing media has moved on to protesting mask mandates in schools and criticizing the American withdrawal from Afghanistan. 2019 - Sewickley Academy engaged a consultant for its Strategic Plan Envision24. Western PA. Administration cites "mutual separation." To learn more about this business and its most recent offers. NAIS Principles of Good Practice. 2014-2021 - 19 professional development workshops were conducted to strengthen the faculty, and define an incremental and sustainable path forward." April 2021 - The Board of Trustees President presented "Our Proud History" (YouTube), a community introduction to the plan. Working with the Board, the Administration and the Community ensure Sewickley Academy: A strong focus on academic fundamentals unencumbered by divisive social or political doctrine, Engagement of parents in the selection and adoption of curriculum, Recruitment of diverse students of high potential regardless of background, A continued strategy for robust diversity and inclusion that encourages curiosity and dialogue, A campus environment that fosters authentic free expression with a path for students and parents to report restrictions anonymously, Hiring and retention of faculty and administrators based on proven track records of professional and academic excellence. Fergusons youngest child graduated high school in 2019 , but it is unclear whether they attended the local public school. In your petition, you demand that several actions be taken by Sewickley Academy's Board of Trustees and Head of School. Follow the link to read our updated Privacy Policy, At ceremonial swearing-in, Pa. Rep. Deluzio says hell be a fighter for western Pa., Poll confirms worrying spike in antisemitism | Thursday Morning Coffee, What Norfolk Southerns accident reports say about the company and industry, A Norfolk Southern policy lets officials order crews to ignore safety alerts, Quaker Valley Parents and Community group, large sums of money from Koch-related networks. More. Paid Advertisement CONCERNED SE W ICKLEY PARENTS What Is Happening at Sewickley Academy Affects The Whole Community The Sewickley Academy Board of Trustees Needs to Answer the Following: Why Were Six Senior Leaders Fired (Including All Of The (3) Most Senior Leaders Of Color)? Cirucci did not mention, however, that she is the executive administrator for state Rep. Bob Brooks, R-Westmoreland, and in charge of constituent outreach for the conservative lawmaker, whose district lies just outside of Gateways boundaries. The school has been experiencing a steady decline in enrollment since 2002, when it had 804 students. Get the Facts: Does Sewickley Academy Teach Critical Race Theory? The Parent Programming Chair actively participates with Youth Connect, a group of concerned adults from a variety of schools and organizations in the Sewickley area who are working to provide the information, resources, and support our young people need to avoid risky behaviors and enjoy their teen years. O Appoint an entirely new Board of Trustees that includes experienced educators who Albums. hoped-for outcomes that are developmentally appropriate, and thoughtfully conceived." Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users Now, this appears to be part of the growing national debate over the teaching of critical race theory a view of history seen through the lens of racial discrimination and its impact. Sewickley Academy .Celebrates differences, and educates students that every individual is a valued member of our community." The parents of We are concerned that this is a hostile environment and our students will be ostracized," the group said. Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users Paid for by ConcernedSewickleyParents.org We promise we will never sell your information or spam your email. Paid Advertisement Is Sewickley Academy's Academic Excellence on the Decline? Edinboro University Psychology Department. Religious Organization. Ashley Birtwell has replaced him on an interim basis. We're concerned about the impact this will have on the teaching of history and race. concerns might be." Make all future Board of Trustees meetings open to all Sewickley Academy parents and alumni. But a spokesperson for a group now calling itself Concerned Sewickley Parents said they'll meet with Birtwell next week to demand the administrators' reinstatement. Members plan to meet with the administration Friday at 1:00 pm to address the unexpected and numerous changes immediately before the start of the school year. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved. Those involved in Pittsburghs anti-CRT campaigns have been congressional staffers to Republican elected officials such as U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and involved in previous attack ads against local Democrats such as U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb, D-17th District. Through these volunteer efforts, our funds are used to enhance student life and support faculty, staff, and administration of Sewickley Academy: Interested in volunteering with Sewickley Academy's Home and School Association? Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sewickley Academy alumni Stephen Nesmith ( Pittsburgh City Paper photo). "No. Concerned Sewickley Parents outraged over recent siege of power at the school; dismissal of key administrators and faculty, and the diminution of the equity and Inclusion plan. In April 2021, however, parents at Sewickley Academy received an email about the plan. Birtwell said the dwindling student enrollment has prompted existing students to leave for other schools, which affects the student experience. If they want to make sure we teach both sides, and allow excuses. Founded in 1838, Sewickley Academy is Pittsburghs oldest independent coeducational school. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 6/1/21 - Sewickley Parents, an anonymous group, circulated an anonymous letter to Sewickley Academy families that many recipients found threatening. Does Sewickley Academy Teach Critical Race Theory? July 23, 2021 / 6:55 PM high marks in 2019 for it's DEI-SJ plan. Will the Academy Confirm Today That They Intend to Move Forward With the Original DEI-SJ Plan as Adopted/Ratified in April 2021? Our Mission - Sewickley Parents Organization Our Mission Working with the Board, the Administration and the Community ensure Sewickley Academy: A strong focus on academic fundamentals unencumbered by divisive social or political doctrine Engagement of parents in the selection and adoption of curriculum In Western PA. 2019 schoolwide communication @ ; Suggested users 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. all Rights.. Required the fresh perspective of new leadership, Birtwell said the dwindling student has... At the U.S. Capitol 's program and are in conflict with the Please let us know how can! 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