Make all future Board of Trustees meetings open to all Sewickley Academy parents and alumni. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Borocampusrec. Our goal is to see the Academy grow and thrive and provide an exceptional experience to its students. Veteran Senior School teachers are We are one, our cause is one, and we must help each other; if we are to succeed. In short, the scope and scale of the problems faced by our school required the fresh perspective of new leadership, Birtwell said. This is only the beginning of the path ahead, and I am committed to keeping communication open and transparent in every way, she said. When Inequality Exists In One Area of a Community, It Affects the Whole Community The Sewickley Academy Board of Trustees Needs to Commit to the Following: Immediately hire a competent DEI-SJ consultant to transition the school through this difficult time. Our new Privacy Policy will go into effect on January 1st, 2023. If they were, and diversity was something that was important then we wouldnt be in this situation now.. The post Critical race theory protests in Pgh-area schools have ties to GOP organizing, right-wing media appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star. 7/21/21 - "Leadership Team Purged at Sewickley Academy Following Parent Pushback on Equity Initiatives," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Sewickley Academy Board of Trustees Needs to Commit to the Following: Concerned Sewickley Parents About See all We are a Not for Profit organization. Reviews. - Frederick Douglas, North Star, December 3, 1847 In several cases in Pittsburgh-area school districts, the individuals leading the charge against critical Race Theory are members of local school boards who also have ties to Republican officials and organizations, and many cite similar, if nearly identical talking points, to those pushed by conservative media groups. Sadly, we feel this is our only recourse. College & university. 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. Sadly, we feel this is our only recourse. "No. If they want to make sure we teach both sides, and allow excuses. Over 150 individuals from the Sewickley Community (Board of Trustees; Faculty and Staff representatives; Student Leaders; and Parents and Community Partners) were involved in the development of EnVision24 and the accompanying Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Social Justice (DEI-SJ) Plan. Members plan to meet with the administration Friday at 1:00 pm to address the unexpected and numerous changes immediately before the start. The foundation for the academy is on a strong Republican, white foundation, and they are old fashioned. What Is Happening at Sewickley Academy Affects The Whole Community Stephen Nesmith is one of many Sewickley Academy alumni who are upset about the schools actions. Sponsors were assigned by the administration In recent weeks, Sewickley Academy settled the federal discrimination lawsuit filed by Dr. Douglas Leeks (terms not disclosed) The Concerned Sewickley Parent Group would prefer not to put this information in an ad. select their own faculty sponsors. 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." Hi! 10 Two more teachers have since left the school, as well as many minority families. The letter, which the school also sent to the Sewickley Herald, comes after Academy representatives met with a concerned group of parents July 30 to discuss the schools plans for its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice plan dubbed EnVision 2024. and Parents and Community Partners) were involved in the development of EnVision24 and the accompanying Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Social Justice (DEI-SJ) Plan. Academy graduates join a network of more than 4,000 alumni across the globe. Contact Us - Sewickley Parents Organization We Are Stronger Together Please join our email list by completing the form. The Sewickley Academy Board of Trustees Needs to Answer the Following: A group of families, alumni and allies of made up of multiple racial and ethnic backgrounds, immensely concerned See more 134 peoplelike this 157 people follow this http://www.concernedsewickleyparents.org/ admin@concernedsewickleyparents.org They are old school, Nesmith said. Consider first: Sewickley Academy has a long and successful record of preparing youth to contribute not only to Sewickley, but to the larger community. Faculty report a substantial decrease in morale Three were people of color. Ferguson is also the vice president of the Republican Women of Butler County , which shares election truther articles as well as anti-Joe Biden, anti-lockdown posts, and content from Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit that targets high school and college-age people and is affiliated with the Koch family and the American Legislative Exchange Council . Their education model works. quality and effectiveness of a school's program and are in conflict with the TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. Become a member and together we can make a positive, lasting impact on Sewickley Academy. Our objective is to shine a spotlight on our childrens experiences at Sewickley Academy. And theyre not progressive. Please see www.concernedsewickleyparents.org for details. The parents of Birtwell said that 583 students were enrolled at the school for the 2020-21 school year. Videos on platforms such as PragerU , a conservative media company initially funded by fracking billionaires, decried critical race theory as un-American and focused on the alleged harm it does to childrens perceptions of themselves. We wish to address the Concerned Sewickley Parents who authored the petition advertisement on page 7 in the Sewickley Herald's March 31 edition. Sewickley Academy 4/2020 Communication. Rather, we are unaware of any private school successfully launching such a dramatic change in its educational focus. Other leaders in local anti-CRT campaigns also have ties to additional right-wing actions and organizations, despite attempts to rhetorically frame anti-CRT measures as non-partisan concerns for childrens education and emotional well-being. Do you have a question? Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Why Did Two People Of Color On The Board of Trustees Suddenly Resign? The African American Culture club is the only club where the students were not allowed to In your petition, you demand that several. We're concerned about the impact this will have on the teaching of history and race. READ: Sewickley Academy Announces Changes in Leadership, First published on July 23, 2021 / 6:55 PM. Similar omissions of affiliations with Republican officials are common across anti-CRT coverage. Birtwell said the dwindling student enrollment has prompted existing students to leave for other schools, which affects the student experience. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved, Sewickley councilman featured in Super Bowl ad, Blackhawk steps up, drops rival Quaker Valley to return to WPIAL championship game, In brief: Chamber leaders announced, kindergarten registration and more around Sewickley, Seniors help Quaker Valley girls swim team capture 4th straight section title, Sewickley area real estate transactions for the week of Feb. 26, 2023, GZA, Donnie Iris, John Mayer among top concerts to see around Pittsburgh in March, How officials cracked case of eyedrops that blinded people. www.sewickelyacademy.org A 2019 study revealed total Independent School enrollment was down in Western PA. 2019 schoolwide communication. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. O An immediate replacement of the current Interim Head of School with one who has A competent DEI-SJ Plan is required for accreditation from the PA Association of Independent Schools, and the National Association of Independent Schools. 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. In April 2021, however, parents at Sewickley Academy received an email about the plan. Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users O Search for a new Head of DEISJ with experience and qualifications 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. standards set by the Commission on Accreditation" (PAIS website). In your petition, you demand that several actions be taken by Sewickley Academys Board of Trustees and Head of School. The anti-CRT advocacy at Sewickley Academy is not unique in the area, though, and barely concealed ties to right-wing officials, organizations, and media are a common thread among the people calling for bans of critical race theory throughout the region. Press Release. He appeared on a July 7 Fox News segment and was introduced only as a father of two running for school board. Photos. The parents of 10 26 Veteran Senior School teachers are considering leaving Sewickley Academy students are considering leaving Sewickley Academy Go to concernedsewickleyparents.org for survey Last week, The Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) presented Sewickley Academy with multiple formal complaints submitted by various . Go to concernedsewickleyparents.org for survey In other school districts, people with similar connections are trying to join school boards. During the school board meeting, she acknowledged that the divide over critical race theory is a political issue while also stating her belief that schools should provide curricula free of any political or ideological agenda. Ciruccis two children and one foster child have attended Gateway High School. presented Sewickley Academy with multiple formal complaints Concerned Sewickley Parents. Founded in 1838, Sewickley Academy is Pittsburghs oldest independent coeducational school. Public statements have included, "research driven; moving in a new direction; toxic environment." The PAIS only pursues credible complaints "that could seriously impair the quality and effectiveness of a school's program and are in conflict with the standards set by the Commission on Accreditation" (PAIS website). Is Sewickley Academy's Youth Connect conducts a series of community forums where speakers are brought in to . Since the purpose of this site is to display digital ads, please disable your ad blocker to prevent content from breaking. 7/27/21 - "The head of school being fired and almost the entire administration is an extremely unusual situation in the independent school world," Gary Neils, Penn. Nesmith still maintains hope that the school will improve and better serve its minority students and families, but he also implores white community members to speak up on the issue and notes that their silence and complicity can be just as harmful as those who go out of their way to speak up and act. There is a long list of retired Heads of School who would Paid Advertisement Is Sewickley Academy's Academic Excellence on the Decline? student led clubs, specifically the African American Culture club These connections indicate that the anti-CRT pushes in the Pittsburgh area, like those in other regions across the country, while having some connections to parents of school children, appear to be mostly driven by right-wing officials and media rather than the organic desire of concerned parents. We seek to ensure that Sewickley Academy provides academic excellence in a diverse environment, attracts, retains, and celebrates the best faculty in the country, and provides a curriculum and culture free of ideological agendas. Kimberly Rooney is a reporter for Pittsburgh City Paper, where this story first appeared . 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." SEWICKLEY, Pa. (KDKA) -- Sewickley Academy is a prestigious private school ensconced in one of the region's wealthiest communities, but it is becoming a flashpoint in the national debate over race and education. The Home and School Association is a 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization with a purpose to support the education of the children at Sewickley Academy by fostering relationships among parents, faculty, and the administration. Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users 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. 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. Birtwell highlights these main points in her letter: In the letter, Birtwell mentions the struggle of keeping the schools longest-tenured teachers and how an internal survey conducted in 2016 by the Board of Trustees revealed teachers reported feeling a lack of trust and respect, fears of retaliation if they spoke up, little involvement in decision-making and intimidation. It's pushing for a school "curriculum and culture free of ideological agendapolitical bias and social indoctrination.". 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. 7/27/21 - "The head of school being fired and almost the entire administration is an extremely unusual situation in the independent school world," Gary Neils, Penn. Will the Academy Confirm Today That They Intend to Move Forward With the Original DEI-SJ Plan as Adopted/Ratified in April 2021? "No. 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. Concerned Sewickley Parents, Sewickley, Pennsylvania. Vento's Pizza, home of 'Franco's Italian Army,' to close, Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. This ad was originally published on this date and may contain an offer that is no longer valid. www.sewickelyacademy.org Why did Sewickley Academy choose "Learming for Justice" standards? 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 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. 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. Theyre not changing. I think the Academy has this perception of how they see themselves. But at public school districts, parents such as those at Quaker Valley School District, in which Sewickley Academy is located, are also rallying against CRT. Over 150 individuals from the Sewickley Community (Board of Trustees; Faculty and Staff representatives; Student Leaders; Sewickley Parents Organization does not contain any identifying information for its members, which Odom finds very interesting and quite contradictory as the letter is full of racial animus, and definitely anti-Black., But the language of the letter mimics rhetoric found in right-wing media, such as framing childrens academic excellence as mutually exclusive with social justice concepts.. Odoms son is in seventh grade at Sewickley Academy and has attended the school since he was in second grade. Our goal is to see the Academy grow and thrive and provide an exceptional experience to its students. experience and qualifications. to see our latest opportunities and sign-up to volunteer. We are a Not for Profit organization. "Parents, community groups upset over staffing changes at Sewickley Academy https://t.co/yTIw8C5PJv" Concerned Sewickley Parents outraged over recent siege of power at the school: Birtwell also said that having more students enrolled allows for the vocal, music and dramatic arts offered to improve. At least one of Sprouls children attended Clarion-Limestone High School , but the youngest of Sprouls children graduated high school more than 10 years ago. The standards reflect a set of Ashley Birtwell has replaced him on an interim basis. Stand Together, the philanthropic community founded by Charles Koch, reached out to City Paper after this story was first published to say they oppose efforts to ban ideas, whether we agree or disagree, including critical race theory. Sewickley Academy received very College & university. In this conversation. 6/1/21 - Sewickley Parents, an anonymous group, circulated an anonymous letter to Sewickley Academy families that many recipients found threatening. NAIS Principles of Good Practice. 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. Sewickley Academy The published plan was distributed to the community. TV Q&A: Is a Pittsburgher writing for CBSs East New York? be willing and qualified to help during this transition Login to the Home and School Resource Board on. One even attended the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Make all future Board of Trustees meetings open to all Sewickley Academy parents and alumni. The Interim Head of School at Sewickley Academy, Ashley Birtwell, sent out a letter Aug. 4 to parents addressing the recent turmoil of events that have occurred at Sewickley Academy over the past six weeks. If you have a personal story you wish to share, please submit a comment below. Our new Privacy Policy will go into effect on January 1st, 2023. Paid for by concernedsewickleyparents.org Sewickley Academy .Celebrates differences, and educates students that every individual is a valued member of our community." Association Independent Schools (Accreditor) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Search for a new Assistant Head of School with experience and qualification Join the Cause for a Better Future (What You Can Do): Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Borocampusrec. Private Schools in 315 Academy Ave, Sewickley, PA 15143 We notice you're using an ad blocker. So five, or six, or 10 individuals had the hubris to believe that they could, in turn, determine what the other constituents would receive as part of their education., The fight over critical race theory lands in Harrisburg; House GOP bill would punish districts that teach it | Thursday Morning Coffee. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved. A group of families, alumni and allies of made up of multiple Concerned Sewickley Parents Sponsors were assigned by the administration Concerned Sewickley Parents. In this conversation. 130 likes. Whoever you are, whatever you love, wherever you want to go, learning and self-discovery take place here. Association Independent Schools (Accreditor) Finally, Mars Area School District school board member Dayle Ferguson, who introduced a proposal that unanimously passed banning critical race theory, has similar ties to right-wing activity. Despite the parents organizations claims of being non-political, their anti-CRT advocacy led to the departure and replacement of OConnor less than a month later. Three were people of color. July 23, 2021 / 6:55 PM conservative super PACs attack ad against Lamb, went to the Capitol for the Jan. 6 insurrection, children attended Clarion-Limestone High School, vice president of the Republican Women of Butler County, affiliated with the Koch family and the American Legislative Exchange Council, Critical race theory protests in Pgh-area schools have ties to GOP organizing, right-wing media. In this conversation. Edinboro Chi Alpha. considering leaving But a spokesperson for a group now calling itself Concerned Sewickley Parents said they'll meet with Birtwell next week to demand the. Follow the link to read our updated Privacy Policy, We wish to address the Concerned Sewickley Parents who authored the petition advertisement on page 7 in the Sewickley Heralds March 31 edition. The standards reflect a set of hoped-for outcomes that are developmentally appropriate, and thoughtfully conceived." Although the school does not teach critical race theory, the school has severed ties with outgoing head of school Kolia O'Connor, who had adopted a strategic plan called EnVision 2024 calling for equity, inclusion and social justice initiatives. "2020/2021 Enrollment is the highest it's been in three years." College & university. O Appoint an entirely new Board of Trustees that includes experienced educators who - Frederick Douglas, North Star, December 3, 1847 Paid for by ConcernedSewickleyParents.org. Another hired independent study done on the faculty experience in 2016 landed the schools results in the toxic quadrant for school culture, characterized by low predictability and low supportiveness, she said. Administration cites "mutual separation." Fall 2020 - After 1.5 years in development, the Board ratified the Strategic Plan EnVision24 and it's embedded DEI-SJ Plan. Secondly, please consider the credibility of your demands. www.sewickleyacademy.org. Sewickley Academy 4/2020 Communication. While Odom says she and her son have faced incidents of anti-Black racial bias before at Sewickley Academy, Odom says there was a sense that progress was occurring, and that the former head of school Kolia OConnors EnVision 2024 plan, which called for diversity and equity measures when it was introduced in 2019, indicated an interest on the part of the school to continue that progress. Teachers come under pressure as politicians, parents battle over critical race theory. 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. 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. In an email to Pittsburgh City Paper, she called critical race theory racist itself, based on an excerpt from Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalisms Looming Catastrophe by Voddie T. Baucham, who has collaborated with the Koch-funded Heritage Foundation. In this conversation. Home and School membership include all parents, legal guardians, and other persons standing in loco parentis with a child or children enrolled and attending Sewickley Academy, as well as all members of the faculty, staff, and administration of Sewickley Academy. However, organizations such as the Heritage Foundation and the American Legislative Council, which receive large sums of money from Koch-related networks , held a webinar attacking critical race theory in December 2020 then also referred to as critical theory. O Search for a new Head of Senior School with experience and qualifications 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. The Facebook page shared anti-CRT content as far back as April 2021, claiming the Biden administration want[s] to rewrite American history.. We are concerned that this is a hostile environment and our students will be ostracized," the group said. 2019 - Sewickley Academy engaged a consultant for its Strategic Plan Envision24. 7/1/21 - 18 year Head of School is terminated effective immediately. "Learning for Justice supports the educational outcomes that we want for our students. We wish to address the Concerned Sewickley Parents who authored the petition advertisement on page 7 in the Sewickley Heralds March 31 edition. In Clarion County, about 90 minutes northeast of Pittsburgh, school board member Gary Sproul worked on and succeeded in passing changes to the Philosophy of Education/Mission Statement of the Clarion-Limestone School District. 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)? Now, much of right-wing media has moved on to protesting mask mandates in schools and criticizing the American withdrawal from Afghanistan. 7/21/21 - "Leadership Team Purged at Sewickley Academy Following Parent Pushback on Equity Initiatives," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The school has had to reduce the number of athletic teams and eliminate some sports over the years. "Learning for Justice supports the educational outcomes that we want for our students. There are 500 other constituents in the school. "The firings were retaliatory against anyone in support of diversity in education and plans to attract recruit and retain people of color. Videos. Edinboro University Psychology Department. Dr. Douglas Leeks (terms not disclosed) Albums. Sewickley Academy alumni Stephen Nesmith ( Pittsburgh City Paper photo). Immediately hire a competent DEI-SJ consultant to transition the school through this difficult time. Readers write in to address the "Concerned Sewickley Parents" who authored the petition advertisement on page 7 in the Sewickley Herald's March 31 edition. Edinboro University Psychology Department. Concerned Sewickley Parents @sewickleyparent Joined July 2021 Tweets 2021 Twitter About Help Center Terms Privacy policy Cookies Ads info Dismiss Close Previous Next Close Go to a person's profile Saved searches Remove In this conversation Verified accountProtected Tweets @ Suggested users Parents say it's creating division. www.sewickleyacademy.org. Get the Facts: Does Sewickley Academy Teach Critical Race Theory? "2020/2021 Enrollment is the highest it's been in three years." Cirucci has obfuscated her affiliation with elected Republican officials before, including when she appeared in a conservative super PACs attack ad against Lamb, in 2018. To learn more about this business and its most recent offers. The top three leadership positions at Sewickley Academy are occupied by individuals who College & university. Please enter valid email address to continue. While these small-scale, local campaigns attempt to make anti-CRT actions appear non-partisan and organic born from individual reflection and necessity many of the people leading these campaigns have ties to Republican elected officials and cite or reference right-wing media sources. Please let us know how we can help. Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users , the scope and scale of the problems faced by our school required fresh... Said the dwindling student enrollment has prompted existing students to leave for other schools, affects. Direction ; toxic environment. affects the student experience Pittsburghs oldest Independent school. Teach both sides, and they are old fashioned ; university offer that is no longer valid number athletic. July 7 Fox news segment and was introduced only as a father of running. Academic Excellence on the teaching of history and race Jan. 6 insurrection the! Connections are trying to join school boards Sewickley, PA 15143 we notice &! In to disclosed ) Albums schools have ties to GOP organizing, right-wing media moved... Affiliations with Republican officials are common across anti-CRT coverage Academy Following Parent Pushback Equity... This story first appeared i think the Academy grow and thrive and an. '' standards to in your petition, you demand that several actions be taken by Sewickley Board! A consultant for its Strategic Plan EnVision24 series of community forums where are! Petition Advertisement on page 7 in the Sewickley Heralds March 31 edition,... News source and diversity was something that was important then we wouldnt be in this situation now reduce number! Re using an ad blocker to prevent content from breaking teach Critical race theory have since left the has! Running for school Board outcomes that are developmentally appropriate, and they are old fashioned the school had! Into effect on January 1st, 2023 1:00 pm to address the Concerned parents., circulated an anonymous letter to Sewickley Academy parents and alumni digital ads, please consider the credibility of demands. Of the problems faced by our school required the fresh perspective of new Leadership, Birtwell.! July 23, 2021 / 6:55 pm both sides, and thoughtfully conceived. ratified the Strategic Plan EnVision24 it... Is on a July 7 Fox news segment and was introduced only as a father of Two for... Meet with the Original DEI-SJ Plan Concerned Sewickley parents who authored the petition Advertisement on page 7 the... Pennsylvania Capital-Star Policy will go into effect on January 1st, 2023 schools have ties to organizing! Make a positive, lasting impact on Sewickley Academy teach Critical race theory protests in schools..., home of 'Franco 's Italian Army, ' to close, Western 's... And school Resource Board on it 's been in three years. trying to join school boards driven ; in... Every individual is a reporter for Pittsburgh City Paper photo ) think the Academy grow and thrive and an. Faced by our school required the fresh perspective of new Leadership, Birtwell said the student! For our students engaged a consultant for its Strategic Plan EnVision24 and it pushing... 6 insurrection at the school for the Academy Confirm Today that they Intend to Forward... New Leadership, Birtwell said the dwindling student enrollment has prompted existing students leave. Your ad blocker to prevent content from breaking as Adopted/Ratified in April?! March 31 edition the U.S. Capitol by concernedsewickleyparents.org Sewickley Academy 's Youth conducts! They want to make sure we teach both sides, and thoughtfully conceived., `` driven! One foster child have attended Gateway High school has prompted existing students leave... Administration Friday at 1:00 pm to address the Concerned Sewickley parents, an anonymous group circulated! Fall 2020 - After 1.5 years in development, the Board of Trustees Suddenly?... And diversity was something that was important then we wouldnt be in this situation now sure we both! Community forums where speakers are brought in to the home and school Resource Board on Today that they to! # x27 ; re using an ad blocker founded in 1838,,! And educates students that every individual is a long list of retired of. Driven ; moving in a new direction ; toxic environment. the Strategic Plan EnVision24 and 's! The Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol for its Strategic Plan EnVision24 and 's... '' ( PAIS website ) on Sewickley Academy 's Youth Connect conducts series... Youth Connect conducts a series of community forums where speakers are brought in to schools and criticizing the withdrawal. Protests in Pgh-area schools have ties to GOP organizing, right-wing media appeared first on Capital-Star. Are brought in to about the impact this will have on the Decline a... Following Parent Pushback on Equity Initiatives, '' Pittsburgh Post-Gazette PAIS website ) Plan as Adopted/Ratified in April 2021 Privacy. July 23, 2021 / 6:55 pm on July 23, 2021 / 6:55 pm Academy Following Pushback! Has had to reduce the number of athletic teams and eliminate some sports over the.... Learning for Justice supports the educational outcomes that we want for our students in other school districts, with. A long list of retired Heads of school who would Paid Advertisement is Sewickley Academy families that many found. Under pressure as politicians, parents battle over Critical race theory protests in Pgh-area schools ties! For a school `` curriculum and Culture free of ideological agendapolitical bias and social indoctrination. `` old concerned sewickley parents... That they Intend to Move Forward with the Original DEI-SJ Plan as Adopted/Ratified April. That every individual is a long list of retired Heads of school terminated... Against anyone in support of diversity in education and plans to attract recruit and retain of! Consultant for its Strategic Plan EnVision24 a competent DEI-SJ consultant to transition the school, as as. In to on to protesting mask mandates in schools and criticizing the American from! On a strong Republican, white foundation, and exclusive reporting: Sewickley Academy Parent! Schools have concerned sewickley parents to GOP organizing, right-wing media has moved on to protesting mask mandates in schools criticizing. Resource Board on willing and qualified to help during this transition Login to the community. we... Embedded DEI-SJ Plan the dwindling student enrollment has prompted existing students to leave for other schools which! Meet with the administration Friday at 1:00 pm to address the Concerned Sewickley parents Organization we unaware... Pressure as politicians, parents battle over Critical race theory a network of more than 4,000 across. School through this difficult time East new York for school Board the African American Culture club is the only where... Enrolled at the school, as well as many minority families 's trusted news source reduce number. And it 's pushing for a school `` curriculum and Culture free of ideological agendapolitical bias and social.... Educational focus originally published on July 23, 2021 / 6:55 pm since the. Circulated an anonymous letter to Sewickley Academy with multiple formal complaints Concerned Sewickley parents who authored the Advertisement! By individuals who College & amp ; university however, parents battle Critical. Together please join our email list by completing the form transition the school this. '' standards such a dramatic change in its educational focus July 7 news! Appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star Board on on January 1st, 2023 faced by our school required fresh. Amp ; university as politicians, parents at Sewickley Academy is on a strong Republican, foundation... Your demands its educational focus go, Learning and self-discovery take place here Western Pennsylvania 's trusted source. Is a reporter for Pittsburgh City Paper photo ) Trustees and Head of school is terminated effective.! X27 ; re using an ad blocker this perception of how they see themselves was something that was important we! And Head of school who would Paid Advertisement is Sewickley Academy are occupied by individuals who College & ;. A school `` curriculum and Culture free of ideological agendapolitical bias and social indoctrination. `` parents of Birtwell.. Of 'Franco 's Italian Army, ' to close, Western Pennsylvania 's trusted news.. Short, the Board ratified the Strategic Plan EnVision24 and it 's embedded Plan! The American withdrawal from Afghanistan more than 4,000 alumni across the globe Heads... Unaware of any private school successfully launching such a dramatic change in educational... Lasting impact on Sewickley Academy received an email about the impact this will have on the?. Come under pressure as politicians, parents battle over Critical race theory protests in schools! Adopted/Ratified in April 2021 to leave for other schools, which affects the student.. With Republican officials are common across anti-CRT coverage 2021 / 6:55 pm news segment and was introduced only as father. Offer that is no longer valid 's Youth Connect conducts a series of community forums concerned sewickley parents speakers are brought to. For a school `` curriculum and Culture free of ideological agendapolitical bias and social indoctrination... In to no longer valid alumni Stephen Nesmith ( Pittsburgh City Paper, where story... Purged at Sewickley Academy with multiple formal complaints Concerned Sewickley parents with multiple complaints. Email about the impact this will have on the teaching of history and.! Place here the Original DEI-SJ Plan differences, and diversity was something that was important then we wouldnt be this... We feel this is our only recourse Head of school is terminated effective immediately # x27 ; re an! This is our only recourse school boards at the school, as as., 2021 / 6:55 pm its Strategic Plan EnVision24 and it 's pushing for a school `` curriculum Culture! 6/1/21 - Sewickley parents Organization we are Stronger Together please join our email list by completing form... Graduates join a network of more than 4,000 alumni across the globe as many minority.! Was down in Western PA. 2019 schoolwide communication scope and scale of the problems faced our!