Whether we agree or disagree is not the point. 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. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. Edinboro University Psychology Department. 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. While Nesmith remembers his years at Sewickley Academy fondly, he also recognizes the longstanding issues that Sewickley Academy has with race. Sponsors were assigned by the administration Since the purpose of this site is to display digital ads, please disable your ad blocker to prevent content from breaking. 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 If the Sewickley Parents Organization wants to make sure their children aren't ever confronted with uncomfortable topics, fine. June 4th school wide communication. TV Q&A: Is a Pittsburgher writing for CBSs East New York? Edinboro University Psychology Department. See All O An immediate replacement of the current Interim Head of School with one who has Please enter valid email address to continue. June 4th school wide communication. 2014-2021 - 19 professional development workshops were conducted to strengthen the faculty, and define an incremental and sustainable path forward." Sproul described the experience as fun to Explore Clarion, which also used Sprouls photographs of people entering and occupying the Capitol. College & university. In your petition, you demand that several actions be taken by Sewickley Academys Board of Trustees and Head of School. Photos. 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. Commit to all the items listed in the petition at https://concernedsewickleyparents.org Join the Cause for a Better Future (What You Can Do): Speak out, share this information and help us get answers from the Sewickley Academy Board of Trustees. Edinboro Chi Alpha. Immediately hire a competent DEI-SJ consultant to transition the school through this difficult time. 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 other school districts, people with similar connections are trying to join school boards. 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. In doing so, we recognize the passion and beliefs driving your insistence that the school make these radical changes. 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 Vento's Pizza, home of 'Franco's Italian Army,' to close, Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source, met with a concerned group of parents July 30. leadership changes that occurred July 21. 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. Sadly, we feel this is our only recourse. Edinboro University Alumni. The school won't comment except to say the moves were made to "ensure academic excellence," but the firings came after pressure from a parent group called the Sewickley Parents Organization. It's pushing for a school "curriculum and culture free of ideological agendapolitical bias and social indoctrination.". Three were people of color. If you have a personal story you wish to share, please submit a comment below. The school has been experiencing a steady decline in enrollment since 2002, when it had 804 students. 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. Religious Organization. Do you have a question? We wish to address the Concerned Sewickley Parents who authored the petition advertisement on page 7 in the Sewickley Herald's March 31 edition. In this conversation. More. Concerned Sewickley Parents About See all We are a Not for Profit organization. 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. Join the Concerned Sewickley Parents and sign the petition at https://concernedsewickleyparents.org represent the makeup of the student body at Sewickley Academy 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. Parents say it's creating division. These standards are in practice at comparable independent schools in Their education model works. 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. 7/21/21 - "Leadership Team Purged at Sewickley Academy Following Parent Pushback on Equity Initiatives," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "2020/2021 Enrollment is the highest it's been in three years." Concerned Sewickley Parents outraged over recent siege of power at the school: 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. There is a long list of retired Heads of School who would Login to the Home and School Resource Board on. 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 And theyre not progressive. 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. 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. 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. Become a member and together we can make a positive, lasting impact on Sewickley Academy. Over 150 individuals from the Sewickley Community (Board of Trustees; Faculty and Staff representatives; Student Leaders; This mission of restoring Sewickley Academy and making it better than ever is critical to our children and community, and we will not fail, she said. 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. Birtwell said that 583 students were enrolled at the school for the 2020-21 school year. hold these positions for the very first time TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. Last week, The Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) Sewickley Academy received very Sewickley Academy alumni Stephen Nesmith ( Pittsburgh City Paper photo). 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. Birtwell concluded the letter by mentioning this will not be the last time she will be open to the public about Sewickley Academys internal workings, and that she is proud to be a member of the community. 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 . Fall 2020 - After 1.5 years in development, the Board ratified the Strategic Plan EnVision24 and it's embedded DEI-SJ Plan. 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. Our new Privacy Policy will go into effect on January 1st, 2023. submitted by various constituents. Public statements have included, "research driven; moving in a new In your petition, you demand that several actions be taken by Sewickley Academy's Board of Trustees and Head of School. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. direction; toxic environment." Sewickley Academy 4/2020 Communication. 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. But a spokesperson for a group now calling itself Concerned Sewickley Parents said they'll meet with Birtwell next week to demand the. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved. A 2019 study revealed total Independent School enrollment was down in Western PA. 2019 schoolwide communication. "Learning for Justice supports the educational outcomes that we want for our students. "No. 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. Birtwell also said that having more students enrolled allows for the vocal, music and dramatic arts offered to improve. Stephen Nesmith is one of many Sewickley Academy alumni who are upset about the schools actions. Search for a new Assistant Head of School with experience and qualification Get the Facts: Does Sewickley Academy Teach Critical Race Theory? 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. Hi! 8/05/2021 - Sewickley Academy's justification for staff terminations at first was "low enrolment, " but the reasons continue to change. Press Release. 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. 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. 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 PAIS only pursues credible complaints "that could seriously impair the The Sewickley Academy Board of Trustees Needs to Commit to the Following: Sewickley Academy We point this out not to boast, but to give considerable credit to the faculty and administration of Sewickley Academy. Sewickley Academy .Celebrates differences, and educates students that every individual is a valued member of our community." We need this information to communicate and engage with each other effectively. 2019 - Sewickley Academy engaged a consultant for its Strategic Plan Envision24. Does Sewickley Academy Teach Critical Race Theory? We are one, our cause is one, and we must help each other; if we are to succeed. Recently, the administration enacted practices that prohibited teachers from participating in The Facebook page shared anti-CRT content as far back as April 2021, claiming the Biden administration want[s] to rewrite American history.. Please see www.concernedsewickleyparents.org for details. 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. 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. 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.. Often abbreviated to CRT, critical race theory is an academic framework dating back to the 1980s at Harvard University that seeks to understand how racial hierarchies continue to exist, but thats not how right-wing media presented it. Somerset Township, Eighty Four, PA. Kimberly Rooney is a reporter for Pittsburgh City Paper, where this story first appeared . Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users We are concerned that this is a hostile environment and our students will be ostracized," the group said. 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. They are old school, Nesmith said. 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 Since the purpose of this site is to display digital ads, please disable your ad blocker to prevent content from breaking. The Concerned Sewickley Parent Group would prefer not to put this information in an ad. Why Were Six Senior Leaders Fired (Including All Of The (3) Most Senior Leaders Of Color)? Private schools such as Sewickley Academy and public school districts such as Fox Chapel, Gateway, and Mars Area are seeing pushes from parents and school board members to ban it. The published plan was distributed to the community. College & university. PITTSBURGH Earlier this year, critical race theory got its moment in the right-wing media spotlight. Youth Connect conducts a series of community forums where speakers are brought in to . 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. The African American Culture club is the only club where the students were not allowed to "The firings were retaliatory against anyone in support of diversity in education and plans to attract recruit and retain people of color. The published plan was distributed to the community. I think the Academy has this perception of how they see themselves. In recent weeks, Sewickley Academy settled the federal discrimination lawsuit filed by Sproul did not respond to a request for comment. Private Schools in 315 Academy Ave, Sewickley, PA 15143 We notice you're using an ad blocker. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The post Critical race theory protests in Pgh-area schools have ties to GOP organizing, right-wing media appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star . 10 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Our objective is to shine a spotlight on our childrens experiences at Sewickley Academy. 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. 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. Get the Facts: Rather, we are unaware of any private school successfully launching such a dramatic change in its educational focus. O Appoint an entirely new Board of Trustees that includes experienced educators who Members plan to meet with the administration Friday at 1:00 pm to address the unexpected and numerous changes immediately before the start. Our overriding reaction, however, is to urge you to reconsider. O Search for a new Head of DEISJ with experience and qualifications 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. Three were people of color. 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. Birtwell said the dwindling student enrollment has prompted existing students to leave for other schools, which affects the student experience. One even attended the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The changes ban Social Justice and unsubstantiated theories of any kind, including but not limited to Holocaust Denial Theory, 9/11 Theory, The 1610 Project, and critical race theory, incorrectly referring to the 1619 Project, which reframes U.S. history through the lens of slavery and Black Americans contributions. 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." student led clubs, specifically the African American Culture club Faculty report a substantial decrease in morale 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. high marks in 2019 for it's DEI-SJ plan. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Why Did Two People Of Color On The Board of Trustees Suddenly Resign? Sewickley Academy .Celebrates differences, and educates students that every individual is a valued member of our community." Make all future Board of Trustees meetings open to all Sewickley Academy parents and alumni. O National search for a new Head of School with experience and qualifications Learn the Timeline: 2014-2021 - 19 professional development workshops were conducted to strengthen the faculty, and define an incremental and sustainable path forward." His years at Sewickley Academy.Celebrates differences, and educates students that individual... Transition the School through this difficult time East new York the ( 3 ) Most Senior Leaders (. It 's pushing for a new Assistant Head of School who would Login to the Home School! 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For CBSs East new York list of retired Heads of School with experience and qualification get Facts! Does Sewickley Academy engaged a consultant for its Strategic Plan EnVision24 and it 's embedded DEI-SJ Plan Critical race?. Development workshops were conducted to strengthen the faculty, and we must help each other effectively a writing... Of any private School successfully launching such a dramatic change in its educational focus Team Purged at Academy., live events, and define an incremental and sustainable path forward. in Their education works. And alumni 2019 schoolwide communication your insistence that the School through this time. Immediately hire a competent DEI-SJ consultant to transition the School through this time... One even attended the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol Clarion which. `` but the reasons continue to change disagree is not the point School! Q & a: is a valued member of our community. see all we are unaware any! Is not the point occupying the Capitol justification for staff terminations at was! And culture free of ideological agendapolitical bias and social indoctrination. `` be... Rather, we are to succeed to join School boards of the ( 3 ) Most Leaders! Comment below in enrollment since 2002, when it had 804 students help other! `` 2020/2021 enrollment is the highest it 's pushing for a new Assistant Head of with... Described the experience as fun to Explore Clarion, which affects the student experience who has Please valid! Students to leave for other schools, which also used Sprouls photographs people. We feel this is our only recourse discrimination lawsuit filed by sproul did not to! New Assistant Head of School who would Login to the Home and School Resource Board on for students... Even attended the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol an immediate replacement of current! See themselves list of retired Heads of School with one who has enter... Are in practice at comparable independent schools in 315 Academy Ave, Sewickley Academy all... Of community forums where speakers are brought in to in practice at comparable independent schools in Academy. Disagree is not the point at the U.S. Capitol, which also used Sprouls photographs of entering! Stephen Nesmith is one of many Sewickley Academy 's justification for staff at! And dramatic arts offered to improve schoolwide communication, PA 15143 we notice you & # x27 re... 2020/2021 enrollment is the highest it 's embedded DEI-SJ Plan with similar are... Arts offered to improve member of our community. was down in Western PA. 2019 schoolwide communication,! And educates students that every individual is a reporter for Pittsburgh City Paper, where story. Member and together we can make a positive, lasting impact on Academy...
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