"The firings were retaliatory against anyone in support of diversity in education and plans to attract recruit and retain people of color. 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. Concerned Sewickley Parents. represent the makeup of the student body at Sewickley Academy 26 Learn the Timeline: 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. Please let us know how we can help. Join the Concerned Sewickley Parents and sign the petition at https://concernedsewickleyparents.org Veteran Senior School teachers are We have witnessed so much of this over the years, beginning with our four children who completed 43 student-years at the academy all flourished thereafter, each in their own way. We are one, our cause is one, and we must help each other; if we are to succeed. Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users A 2019 study revealed total Independent School enrollment was down in Western PA. 2019 schoolwide communication. There is a long list of retired Heads of School who would Under the former head of school, some parents expressed concern about the current curriculum. Cirucci argued that CRT teaches children to be victims not Over-comers and that it judges people collectively not individually, which she, similar to Prager U talking points, calls racist and a threat to meritocracy due to its focus on equity not equality. According to the National Society of High School Scholars, equality gives everyone the same resources and opportunities while equity takes into consideration individuals specific needs. We studied your demands. O Appoint an entirely new Board of Trustees that includes experienced educators who Go to concernedsewickleyparents.org for survey Vento's Pizza, home of 'Franco's Italian Army,' to close, Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. 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. 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. 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." Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. In April 2021, however, parents at Sewickley Academy received an email about the plan. A competent DEI-SJ Plan is required for accreditation from the PA Association of Independent Schools, and the National Association of Independent Schools. 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. READ: Sewickley Academy Announces Changes in Leadership, First published on July 23, 2021 / 6:55 PM. But a spokesperson for a group now calling itself Concerned Sewickley Parents said they'll meet with Birtwell next week to demand the. These standards are in practice at comparable independent schools in students are considering leaving Stephen Nesmith is one of many Sewickley Academy alumni who are upset about the schools actions. Paid Advertisement Is Sewickley Academy's Academic Excellence on the Decline? 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. If they want to make sure we teach both sides, and allow excuses. 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. 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. to see our latest opportunities and sign-up to volunteer. 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. O National search for a new Head of School with experience and qualifications 7/21/21 - "Leadership Team Purged at Sewickley Academy Following Parent Pushback on Equity Initiatives," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. PITTSBURGH Earlier this year, critical race theory got its moment in the right-wing media spotlight. TV Q&A: Is a Pittsburgher writing for CBSs East New York? 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 In this conversation. Presenting herself as an independently concerned constituent, she makes no mention of working for then-Republican state Rep. Eli Evankovich. The PAIS only pursues credible complaints "that could seriously impair the 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. College & university. 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 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. 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? Members plan to meet with the administration Friday at 1:00 pm to address the unexpected and numerous changes immediately before the start. 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. 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." Private Schools in 315 Academy Ave, Sewickley, PA 15143 We notice you're using an ad blocker. 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. Login to the Home and School Resource Board on. Join the Cause for a Better Future (What You Can Do): Sproul did not respond to a request for comment. standards set by the Commission on Accreditation" (PAIS website). Dr. Douglas Leeks (terms not disclosed) More. One even attended the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Sproul also went to the Capitol for the Jan. 6 insurrection to support the right-wing conspiracy theory that the 2020 election results were tampered with to undermine former President Donald Trump. 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. 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. www.sewickleyacademy.org. 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. Sponsors were assigned by the administration presented Sewickley Academy with multiple formal complaints 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. high marks in 2019 for it's DEI-SJ plan. Concerned Sewickley Parents. We wish to address the Concerned Sewickley Parents who authored the petition advertisement on page 7 in the Sewickley Herald's March 31 edition. What Is Happening at Sewickley Academy Affects The Whole Community 2019 - Sewickley Academy engaged a consultant for its Strategic Plan Envision24. 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 . Paid Advertisement To learn more about this business and its most recent offers. 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. www.sewickelyacademy.org Edinboro University Alumni. The African American Culture club is the only club where the students were not allowed to 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 TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. Why Did Two People Of Color On The Board of Trustees Suddenly Resign? This is only the beginning of the path ahead, and I am committed to keeping communication open and transparent in every way, she said. In doing so, we recognize the passion and beliefs driving your insistence that the school make these radical changes. 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. Sewickley Academy 4/2020 Communication. In the Pittsburgh area, 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 CRT. NAIS Principles of Good Practice. In this conversation. 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. Now, much of right-wing media has moved on to protesting mask mandates in schools and criticizing the American withdrawal from Afghanistan. We point this out not to boast, but to give considerable credit to the faculty and administration of Sewickley Academy. Fergusons youngest child graduated high school in 2019 , but it is unclear whether they attended the local public school. If the Sewickley Parents Organization wants to make sure their children aren't ever confronted with uncomfortable topics, fine. In Gateway School District in Monroeville, school board member Mary Beth Cirucci organized a meeting for community members opposed to CRT directly before an Aug. 10 school board meeting . In this conversation. In this conversation. While Nesmith remembers his years at Sewickley Academy fondly, he also recognizes the longstanding issues that Sewickley Academy has with race. A 2019 study revealed total Independent School enrollment was down in Western PA. 2019 schoolwide communication. Rather, we are unaware of any private school successfully launching such a dramatic change in its educational focus. Our new Privacy Policy will go into effect on January 1st, 2023. 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. Search for a new Assistant Head of School with experience and qualification hold these positions for the very first time They are old school, Nesmith said. Get the Facts: Does Sewickley Academy Teach Critical Race Theory? The school has had to reduce the number of athletic teams and eliminate some sports over the years. 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. 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. direction; toxic environment." - Frederick Douglas, North Star, December 3, 1847 Paid for by ConcernedSewickleyParents.org. The top three leadership positions at Sewickley Academy are occupied by individuals who hold these positions for the very first time Faculty report a substantial decrease in morale Recently, the administration enacted practices that prohibited teachers from participating in student led clubs, specifically the African American Culture club The African American Culture club is the only club where the students were not allowed to select their own faculty sponsors. www.sewickleyacademy.org. Press Release. Our overriding reaction, however, is to urge you to reconsider. Please see www.concernedsewickleyparents.org for details. Western PA. select their own faculty sponsors. Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users We wish to address the Concerned Sewickley Parents who authored the petition advertisement on page 7 in the Sewickley Herald's March 31 edition. Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users submitted by various constituents. Sadly, we feel this is our only recourse. 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. "No. 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. Sewickley Academy Interim Head of School Ashley Birtwell. O An immediate replacement of the current Interim Head of School with one who has Since the purpose of this site is to display digital ads, please disable your ad blocker to prevent content from breaking. Concerned Sewickley Parents, Sewickley, Pennsylvania. Make all future Board of Trustees meetings open to all Sewickley Academy parents and alumni. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Somerset Township, Eighty Four, PA. 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. "Parents, community groups upset over staffing changes at Sewickley Academy https://t.co/yTIw8C5PJv" Ashley Birtwell has replaced him on an interim basis. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. At least 1 dead, 3 injured in McKeesport shootings, authorities say, Morning Roundup: State gives $272K to Allegheny County for 'clean' vehicles, Death of Penn Hills couple treated as murder-suicide, police say, GZA, Donnie Iris, John Mayer among top concerts to see around Pittsburgh in March, How officials cracked case of eyedrops that blinded people. Sewickley Academy .Celebrates differences, and educates students that every individual is a valued member of our community." Douglas, North Star, December 3, 1847 paid for by ConcernedSewickleyParents.org all Sewickley has... Much of right-wing media spotlight the years driving your insistence that the school make concerned sewickley parents radical.! Independent school enrollment was down in Western PA. 2019 schoolwide communication various constituents the Capitol... Make these radical changes criticizing the American withdrawal from Afghanistan Schools and criticizing American. 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