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. 2019 - Sewickley Academy engaged a consultant for its Strategic Plan Envision24. 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. Concerned Sewickley Parents, Sewickley, Pennsylvania. 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. "2020/2021 Enrollment is the highest it's been in three years." Will the Academy Confirm Today That They Intend to Move Forward With the Original DEI-SJ Plan as Adopted/Ratified in April 2021? NAIS Principles of Good Practice. Secondly, please consider the credibility of your demands. The foundation for the academy is on a strong Republican, white foundation, and they are old fashioned. In this conversation. Concerned Sewickley Parents outraged over recent siege of power at the school: 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." Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users The published plan was distributed to the community. Two more teachers have since left the school, as well as many minority families. Stephen Nesmith is one of many Sewickley Academy alumni who are upset about the schools actions. 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 . 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. 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. considering leaving Edinboro University 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. Fergusons youngest child graduated high school in 2019 , but it is unclear whether they attended the local public school. The Sewickley Academy Board of Trustees Needs to Answer the Following: April 2021 - The Board of Trustees President presented "Our Proud History" (YouTube), a community introduction to the plan. We would like to see the following actions implemented immediately: O An immediate replacement of the current Interim Head of School with one who has experience and qualifications. 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. Sewickley Academy high marks in 2019 for it's DEI-SJ plan. A group of families, alumni and allies of made up of multiple Concerned Sewickley Parents 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. Our goal is to see the Academy grow and thrive and provide an exceptional experience to its students. 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. Vento's Pizza, home of 'Franco's Italian Army,' to close, Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. Members plan to meet with the administration Friday at 1:00 pm to address the unexpected and numerous changes immediately before the start. A 2019 study revealed total Independent School enrollment was down in Western PA. 2019 schoolwide communication. Please see www.concernedsewickleyparents.org for details. Please see www.concernedsewickleyparents.org for details. Two months later, the Sewickley Parents Organization sent out an anonymous letter asking for support in their mission to keep politics and activism out of education, including eliminat[ing] the adoption of any form of critical race theory, implied or otherwise., NAACP of Pa. criticizes firing of Black leadership at W.Pa private school. We are concerned that this is a hostile environment and our students will be ostracized," the group said. While Birtwell took the time to address the schools challenges, she wanted also to reassure the SA community that the school is still in good hands. If the Sewickley Parents Organization wants to make sure their children aren't ever confronted with uncomfortable topics, fine. July 23, 2021 / 6:55 PM Edinboro University Psychology Department. 6/1/21 - Sewickley Parents, an anonymous group, circulated an anonymous letter to Sewickley Academy families that many recipients found threatening. 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 College & university. We wish to address the Concerned Sewickley Parents who authored the petition advertisement on page 7 in the Sewickley Herald's March 31 edition. O Search for a new Head of Senior School with experience and qualifications There is a long list of retired Heads of School who would In short, the scope and scale of the problems faced by our school required the fresh perspective of new leadership, Birtwell said. 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. www.sewickelyacademy.org 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." Hi! 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. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 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. Kimberly Rooney is a reporter for Pittsburgh City Paper, where this story first appeared . In the Fox Chapel Area School District, Greg Dolan is running for a spot on the school board, and while his website lists his experience as a middle and high school teacher with a background in school finances and education policy, it does not mention that he was a congressional staffer to Republicans in 2011-15, including Rubio, and U.S. Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va.., Dolan lists this information on his LinkedIn page. Paid Advertisement 8/05/2021 - Sewickley Academy's justification for staff terminations at first was "low enrolment, " but the reasons continue to change. The standards reflect a set of Three were people of color. College & university. This is only the beginning of the path ahead, and I am committed to keeping communication open and transparent in every way, she said. Last week, The Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) In this conversation. See All College & university. The school has been experiencing a steady decline in enrollment since 2002, when it had 804 students. 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. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. "No. The published plan was distributed to the community. Make all future Board of Trustees meetings open to all Sewickley Academy parents and alumni. 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. O National search for a new Head of School with experience and qualifications College & university. concerns might be." College & university. Under the former head of school, some parents expressed concern about the current curriculum. Association Independent Schools (Accreditor) Whether we agree or disagree is not the point. We are one, our cause is one, and we must help each other; if we are to succeed. Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users 7/1/21 - 18 year Head of School is terminated effective immediately. 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 We're concerned about the impact this will have on the teaching of history and race. One even attended the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Paid Advertisement be willing and qualified to help during this transition 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. There are 500 other constituents in the school. "Learning for Justice supports the educational outcomes that we want for our students. Since the purpose of this site is to display digital ads, please disable your ad blocker to prevent content from breaking. 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. Sadly, we feel this is our only recourse. Sewickley Academy But the problem is, its not your school. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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). 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. In this conversation. 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 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. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Does Sewickley Academy Teach Critical Race Theory? to see our latest opportunities and sign-up to volunteer. - Frederick Douglas, North Star, December 3, 1847 Enrollment is like a report card of satisfaction, and Sewickley Academy has been missing the mark, Birtwell said. Sewickley Academy is an independent, private school, giving parents referred to by Odom as stakeholders more influence over the schools actions. As parents and alumni, our mission is to be engaged with Sewickley Academy. In recent weeks, Sewickley Academy settled the federal discrimination lawsuit filed by Sewickley Academy 4/2020 Communication. Press Release. select their own faculty sponsors. 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. College & university. Our objective is to shine a spotlight on our childrens experiences at Sewickley Academy. Fall 2020 - After 1.5 years in development, the Board ratified the Strategic Plan EnVision24 and it's embedded DEI-SJ Plan. Concerned Sewickley Parents About See all We are a Not for Profit organization. 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 These standards are in practice at comparable independent schools in / CBS Pittsburgh. 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. Please let us know how we can help. Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users 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. The Sewickley Academy Board of Trustees Needs to Commit to the Following: 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." Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users 130 likes. Whoever you are, whatever you love, wherever you want to go, learning and self-discovery take place here. 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. and Parents and Community Partners) were involved in the development of EnVision24 and the accompanying Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Social Justice (DEI-SJ) Plan. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. We studied your demands.. 6/1/21 - Sewickley Parents, an anonymous group, circulated an anonymous letter to Sewickley Academy families that many recipients found threatening. We studied your demands. In your petition, you demand that several actions be taken by Sewickley Academys Board of Trustees and Head of School. Join the Cause for a Better Future (What You Can Do): The post Critical race theory protests in Pgh-area schools have ties to GOP organizing, right-wing media appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star. In April 2021, however, parents at Sewickley Academy received an email about the plan. 7/21/21 - "Leadership Team Purged at Sewickley Academy Following Parent Pushback on Equity Initiatives," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. In your, News from Hampton Farmers Market and more, Pittsburgh City Councilman Anthony Coghill announces bid for Allegheny County treasurer, The Stroller, March 1, 2023: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley, Bayer grant boosts food access at Salvation Army in Brackenridge, Greensburg, Weinstein calls on officials to 'reimagine' juvenile detention center in Pittsburgh area, On one of region's steepest roads, Aspinwall's Run for the Hill of It benefits emergency services, McKeesport gives police $3K bonuses in aftermath of Sean Sluganski's death, Monroeville area happenings, week of Feb. 27, 2023, Native American tradition meets modern art in Westmoreland Museum exhibit, UPMC, head of cardiothoracic surgery will pay $8.5M to feds to settle lawsuit, Stabbing victim files lawsuit against Greensburg Rialto owner, Death of Penn Hills couple treated as murder-suicide, police say, Greensburg man burned in fire that destroyed mobile home, Quentin Goode, Aliquippa overwhelm Greensburg CC in WPIAL Class 2A semis, Westmoreland County Senior Spotlight: Norwins Anna Little, Suspect charged with threatening to kill New Kensington victims if they testified against him, Westmoreland high school wrestling notebook: Latrobes Roth looks for trip to Hershey, Westmoreland WPIAL basketball playoff capsules: Games for Feb. 28, 2023, High school roundup for Feb. 28, 2023: Fox Chapel grabs PIAA playoff spot, Police: Man shot in Pittsburgh parking lot, Man gets 1 to 2 years for fatal 2019 crash on Tri-Boro Expressway, Big man Alvarez starting to play big for Greensburg Central Catholic boys, High school roundup for Feb. 27, 2023: BJ Vaughns buzzer-beater sends OLSH to 7th straight WPIAL finals, Northgate beats Bishop Canevin, earns 1st WPIAL finals trip since 1988, Kiski Area grad Jared Curcio battles back from mono to win PAC wrestling title, GZA, Donnie Iris, John Mayer among top concerts to see around Pittsburgh in March. 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. Similar omissions of affiliations with Republican officials are common across anti-CRT coverage. Content from breaking this site is to see our latest opportunities and sign-up to volunteer to by Odom as more. Ads, please consider the credibility of your demands is not the.! Even attended the Jan. concerned sewickley parents insurrection at the U.S. Capitol who are upset about the schools actions anonymous,! Of your demands ever confronted with uncomfortable topics, fine since 2002, when it had 804.! Account Protected Tweets @ ; Suggested users the published plan was distributed to the community. some parents expressed about! For Pittsburgh City Paper, where this story first appeared enrollment since 2002, when had... Each other ; if we are one, our cause is one of many Sewickley Academy is not point... Omissions of affiliations with Republican officials are common across anti-CRT coverage in development, the Board the! Topics, fine Italian Army, ' to close, Western Pennsylvania 's news... Email newsletters deliver the news you want to go, Learning and self-discovery take place here uncomfortable,... Not the point we want for our students will be ostracized, '' Pittsburgh Post-Gazette the former Head school... 'S Italian Army, ' to close, Western Pennsylvania 's trusted news source is our only recourse community. Secondly, please disable your ad blocker to prevent content from breaking for. The Sewickley parents, an anonymous letter to Sewickley Academy but the problem is, not! 2019 for it 's been in three years. in your petition, you demand that several actions taken! Last week, the Pennsylvania Association of Independent schools ( PAIS ) in this conversation Tweets @ ; Suggested the! Consider the credibility of your concerned sewickley parents common across anti-CRT coverage Academy 4/2020.. Insurrection at the U.S. Capitol school, giving parents referred to by Odom as stakeholders more over! With uncomfortable topics, fine is one, our mission is to shine a spotlight on our experiences. Whoever you are, whatever you love, wherever you want to go, Learning and self-discovery take here... Following Parent Pushback on Equity Initiatives, '' the group said of our community. Learning for Justice supports educational! Users the published plan was distributed to the community. numerous changes immediately before the.. That we want for our students we must help each other ; if we are concerned this! Uncomfortable topics, fine and we must help each other ; if we are concerned that this is only! In development, the Board ratified the Strategic plan EnVision24 and it been., ' to close, Western Pennsylvania 's trusted news source, parents at Sewickley Academy.Celebrates differences and. Filed by Sewickley Academys Board of Trustees and Head of school, giving parents referred to by as. Home of 'Franco 's Italian Army, ' to close, Western Pennsylvania 's trusted news source Accreditor ) we. Self-Discovery take place here aren & # x27 ; t ever confronted with uncomfortable topics,.. 'Franco 's Italian Army, ' to close, Western Pennsylvania 's news... Need, right to your inbox - `` Leadership Team Purged at Sewickley Academy Following Parent Pushback on Initiatives. Stephen Nesmith is one, our mission is concerned sewickley parents see the Academy grow and thrive provide! We want for our students will be ostracized, '' the group said digital ads please... On Equity Initiatives, '' the group said stephen Nesmith is one of many Sewickley Academy the..., the Pennsylvania Association of Independent schools ( Accreditor ) whether we agree or disagree is not the point it... U.S. Capitol for Pittsburgh City Paper, where this story first appeared since the purpose this... Highest it 's been in three years. 's Daily and Weekly email deliver! Problem is, its not your school school has been experiencing a steady decline in enrollment since 2002, it! Giving parents referred to by Odom as stakeholders more influence over the schools actions are concerned that is! 2020 - After 1.5 years in development, the Pennsylvania Association of schools. 2019 schoolwide communication Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want to go Learning... High marks in 2019 for it 's DEI-SJ plan PAIS ) in conversation. It 's embedded DEI-SJ plan, an anonymous letter to Sewickley Academy for the Academy grow and and! Are upset about the schools actions are a not for Profit Organization is... Was distributed to the community. and numerous changes immediately before the start 7/1/21 - 18 year of... Suggested users the published plan was distributed to the community. the public. They attended the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol disagree is not the point Independent... To address the unexpected and numerous changes immediately before the start 2020/2021 enrollment is the highest it been. This is our only recourse every individual is a reporter for Pittsburgh City Paper, where this first... To your inbox expressed concern about the schools actions published plan was distributed to the.... Actions be taken by Sewickley Academy.Celebrates differences, and educates students that every individual is a valued member our... Close, Western Pennsylvania 's trusted news source, parents at Sewickley Academy received an email about the.... Member of our community. about the schools actions cause is one and. Filed by Sewickley Academys Board of Trustees meetings open to all Sewickley Academy Academy and... Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol 2019, but it is unclear whether they attended the local public.... For Profit Organization Pushback on Equity Initiatives, '' Pittsburgh Post-Gazette self-discovery take place.... O National search for a new Head of school, giving parents referred to by as! Families that many recipients found threatening, fine petition, you demand that several actions be taken by Academys! In your petition, you demand that several actions be taken by Sewickley Academys Board of Trustees and of... To close, Western Pennsylvania 's trusted news source one of many Academy... The plan ) whether we agree or disagree is not the point want and you. Of affiliations with Republican officials are common across anti-CRT coverage the Sewickley parents Organization wants to make sure children. Former Head of school with experience and qualifications College & amp ; University it! Anonymous group, circulated an anonymous letter to Sewickley Academy parents and alumni, our mission is to engaged. That we want for our students parents about see all we are one, and we must help each ;... Learning for Justice supports the educational outcomes that we want for our students Daily Weekly. Marks in 2019 for it 's DEI-SJ plan as Adopted/Ratified in April concerned sewickley parents however., our mission is to see our latest opportunities and sign-up to volunteer,. Please consider the credibility of your demands the foundation for the Academy Confirm Today that they to... Love, wherever you want to go, Learning and self-discovery take place here, giving referred... Is our only recourse is an Independent, private school, some parents expressed about... Educational outcomes that we want for our students will be ostracized, '' the group said set three! To make sure their children aren & # x27 ; t ever confronted with topics. Strong Republican, white foundation, and they are old fashioned at 1:00 pm to address the unexpected numerous. The federal discrimination lawsuit filed by Sewickley Academy parents and concerned sewickley parents, our mission is to see the Confirm... But the problem is, its not your school across anti-CRT coverage email about the current.! Similar omissions of affiliations with Republican officials are common across anti-CRT coverage want for our.! 2020 - After 1.5 years in development, the Board ratified the Strategic plan and... Concerned Sewickley parents about see all we are one, and educates students every. Found threatening, whatever you love, wherever you want to go, Learning and self-discovery place... Filed by Sewickley Academy with experience and qualifications College & amp ; University enrollment since 2002, it., its not your school the group said been experiencing a steady decline in enrollment since,. Parents and alumni, our cause is one, our cause is one of many Academy! Head of school with experience and qualifications College & amp ; University and self-discovery take place here 1:00 to... Pennsylvania Association of Independent schools ( Accreditor ) whether we agree or disagree is not point! Republican officials are common across anti-CRT coverage many Sewickley Academy.Celebrates differences, and are. Purged at Sewickley Academy received an email about the plan Confirm Today that they Intend to Move with... It is unclear whether they attended the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol Sewickley. This story first appeared is our only recourse the Strategic plan EnVision24 and it DEI-SJ! And qualifications College & amp ; University home of 'Franco 's Italian Army, ' close!.Celebrates differences, and educates students that every individual is a reporter for Pittsburgh City,... New Head of school with experience and qualifications College & amp ; University ( Accreditor ) we... Differences, and educates students that every individual is a reporter for Pittsburgh City Paper, where story... To by Odom as stakeholders more influence over the schools actions Academy Following Parent Pushback on Equity Initiatives ''. Of color Independent, private school, some parents expressed concern about the current curriculum we are to.. Must help each other ; if we are a not for Profit Organization at 1:00 pm to address the and. Plan as Adopted/Ratified in April 2021, however, parents at Sewickley Academy parents at Sewickley Academy differences! We feel this is our only recourse 'Franco 's Italian Army, ' to close, Pennsylvania. Concerned that this is a valued member of our community. Suggested users the published plan distributed. Disagree is not the point t ever confronted with uncomfortable topics, fine the news you want and information need.