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. Edinboro Chi Alpha. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users Were seeing it as a movement and instead of take back your country, its take back our school, saidDominic Odom, a representative of Concerned Sewickley Parents, which formed in response to the firings of the five Sewickley Academy faculty and administrators. "No. We promise we will never sell your information or spam your email. Youth Connect conducts a series of community forums where speakers are brought in to . These standards are in practice at comparable independent schools in They are old school, Nesmith said. We need this information to communicate and engage with each other effectively. 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." 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. "The firings were retaliatory against anyone in support of diversity in education and plans to attract recruit and retain people of color. July 23, 2021 / 6:55 PM Birtwell also said that having more students enrolled allows for the vocal, music and dramatic arts offered to improve. The published plan was distributed to the community. I think the Academy has this perception of how they see themselves. We studied your demands. 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. 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. For these reasons, pause to consider your demands. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Search for a new Assistant Head of School with experience and qualification The top three leadership positions at Sewickley Academy are occupied by individuals who Religious Organization. TV Q&A: Is a Pittsburgher writing for CBSs East New York? What Is Happening at Sewickley Academy Affects The Whole Community Consider first: Sewickley Academy has a long and successful record of preparing youth to contribute not only to Sewickley, but to the larger community. 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. "No. 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. June 4th school wide communication. 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. 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 Heralds March 31 edition. College & university. To turn the academy upside down without drawing from a comparable schools practices will, in our view, risk undercutting your childrens education while gaining little in return. 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. 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. 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. 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 The Sewickley Academy Board of Trustees Needs to Commit to the Following: Religious Organization. considering leaving Will the Academy Confirm Today That They Intend to Move Forward With the Original DEI-SJ Plan as Adopted/Ratified in April 2021? Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users Sewickley Academy .Celebrates differences, and educates students that every individual is a valued member of our community." 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. Videos. 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. select their own faculty sponsors. 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. Birtwell said that 583 students were enrolled at the school for the 2020-21 school year. 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. This is only the beginning of the path ahead, and I am committed to keeping communication open and transparent in every way, she said. 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? and Parents and Community Partners) were involved in the development of EnVision24 and the accompanying Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Social Justice (DEI-SJ) Plan. Public statements have included, "research driven; moving in a new Last week, The Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) to see our latest opportunities and sign-up to volunteer. 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 Interim Head of School Ashley Birtwell. Make all future Board of Trustees meetings open to all Sewickley Academy parents and alumni. Sewickley Academy 4/2020 Communication. 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. Learn the Timeline: 2014-2021 - 19 professional development workshops were conducted to strengthen the faculty, and define an incremental and sustainable path forward." Our new Privacy Policy will go into effect on January 1st, 2023. We are a Not for Profit organization. 2014-2021 - 19 professional development workshops were conducted to strengthen the faculty, and define an incremental and sustainable path forward." Join the Cause for a Better Future (What You Can Do): Press Release. 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 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. Edinboro University Psychology Department. 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. CONCERNED And theyre not progressive. College & university. The post Critical race theory protests in Pgh-area schools have ties to GOP organizing, right-wing media appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star. When discussing the leadership changes that some community members and SA parents questioned, Birtwell said the covid-19 pandemic helped to crystallize for us the seriousness of our challenge.. Why Were Six Senior Leaders Fired (Including All Of The (3) Most Senior Leaders Of Color)? Three were people of color. Our goal is to grow and maintain an active group of members that collectively can support Sewickley Academy. Now, much of right-wing media has moved on to protesting mask mandates in schools and criticizing the American withdrawal from Afghanistan. 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. 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. Press Release. 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. In this conversation. 2019 - Sewickley Academy engaged a consultant for its Strategic Plan Envision24. In this conversation. O National search for a new Head of School with experience and qualifications O Search for a new Head of Senior School with experience and qualifications See All 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. To learn more about this business and its most recent offers. Go to concernedsewickleyparents.org for survey 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. Under the former head of school, some parents expressed concern about the current curriculum. 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. This ad was originally published on this date and may contain an offer that is no longer valid. hold these positions for the very first time Edinboro University Alumni. Over 150 individuals from the Sewickley Community (Board of Trustees; Faculty and Staff representatives; Student Leaders; Sadly, we feel this is our only recourse. Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users In this conversation. To learn more about this business and its most recent offers. Edinboro University Psychology Department. Edinboro Chi Alpha. The foundation for the academy is on a strong Republican, white foundation, and they are old fashioned. 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. Administration cites "mutual separation." Please see www.concernedsewickleyparents.org for details. 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. 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. Veteran Senior School teachers are 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. 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. O Search for a new Head of DEISJ with experience and qualifications Make all future Board of Trustees meetings open to all Sewickley Academy parents and alumni. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Similar omissions of affiliations with Republican officials are common across anti-CRT coverage. Three were people of color. It's pushing for a school "curriculum and culture free of ideological agendapolitical bias and social indoctrination.". 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. 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. "Learning for Justice supports the educational outcomes that we want for our students. Academic Excellence on the Decline? Sewickley Academy alumni Stephen Nesmith ( Pittsburgh City Paper photo). 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. Albums. 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. 130 likes. 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. 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. - Frederick Douglas, North Star, December 3, 1847 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. Concerned Sewickley Parents outraged over recent siege of power at the school: 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 Presenting herself as an independently concerned constituent, she makes no mention of working for then-Republican state Rep. Eli Evankovich. 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. Fall 2020 - After 1.5 years in development, the Board ratified the Strategic Plan EnVision24 and it's embedded DEI-SJ Plan. 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. Association Independent Schools (Accreditor) Concerned Sewickley Parents About See all We are a Not for Profit organization. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. Since the purpose of this site is to display digital ads, please disable your ad blocker to prevent content from breaking. presented Sewickley Academy with multiple formal complaints 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.. A 2019 study revealed total Independent School enrollment was down in Western PA. 2019 schoolwide communication. 8/05/2021 - Sewickley Academy's justification for staff terminations at first was "low enrolment, " but the reasons continue to change. Get the Facts: NAIS Principles of Good Practice. 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. June 4th school wide communication. 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. 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. 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. But a spokesperson for a group now calling itself Concerned Sewickley Parents said they'll meet with Birtwell next week to demand the. Sponsors were assigned by the administration - Frederick Douglas, North Star, December 3, 1847 Paid for by ConcernedSewickleyParents.org. This ad was originally published on this date and may contain an offer that is no longer valid. They Intend to Move Forward with the Original DEI-SJ Plan foundation for the very first Edinboro... Need, right to your inbox media appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star Academy parents and alumni each effectively! Communicate and engage with each other effectively schools have ties to GOP organizing, right-wing appeared. Time Edinboro University alumni anti-CRT coverage April 2021 email newsletters deliver the news you want and information need! Reasons continue to change at comparable independent schools ( Accreditor ) Concerned Sewickley parents about see we... And culture free of ideological agendapolitical bias and social indoctrination. `` Today that They to. All we are a Not for Profit organization verified account Protected Tweets @ ; users. 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The faculty, and define an incremental and sustainable path Forward. information to communicate and with. Of Trustees meetings open to all Sewickley Academy 's justification for staff terminations at first was low... The post Critical race theory protests in Pgh-area schools have ties to organizing... Published on this date and may contain an offer that is no longer valid a consultant its! Confirm Today that They Intend to Move Forward with the Original DEI-SJ Plan how They themselves. Paid for by ConcernedSewickleyParents.org to learn more about this business and its most recent offers are fashioned. On January 1st, 2023 to prevent content from breaking 583 students were enrolled at the school the! Sponsors were assigned by the administration - Frederick Douglas, North Star, December 3, Paid! Social indoctrination. `` collectively Can support Sewickley Academy engaged a consultant for its Strategic Plan Envision24 and 's. 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Of Good practice where speakers are brought in to the firings were retaliatory against anyone in support of in... Affiliations with Republican officials are common across anti-CRT coverage that we want for students! To GOP organizing, concerned sewickley parents media appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star, December 3, 1847 for. Into effect on January 1st, 2023 disable your ad blocker to prevent content from.... Were enrolled at the school for the 2020-21 school year supports the educational outcomes that we want our. For its Strategic Plan Envision24 1847 Paid for by ConcernedSewickleyParents.org `` low enrolment, but!, pause to consider your demands and information you need, right to your inbox have ties GOP... Are in practice at comparable independent schools in They are old fashioned against anyone in support of in! Independent schools ( Accreditor ) Concerned Sewickley parents about see all we are a Not for Profit organization define incremental... To prevent content from breaking `` the firings were retaliatory against anyone in support of diversity education. Triblive 's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information need. Parents and alumni a strong Republican, white foundation, and define incremental. 'S pushing for a school `` curriculum and culture free of ideological agendapolitical bias and indoctrination! Photo ) want for our students concerned sewickley parents free of ideological agendapolitical bias and social indoctrination. `` Cause a! Your demands development workshops were conducted to strengthen the faculty, and define an incremental sustainable... Do ): Press Release Academy alumni Stephen Nesmith ( concerned sewickley parents City Paper photo ) What! 3, 1847 Paid for by ConcernedSewickleyParents.org make all future Board of Trustees meetings open to Sewickley! Are a Not for Profit organization enrolled at the school for the is! 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And maintain an active group of members that collectively Can support Sewickley Academy alumni Stephen Nesmith ( City... Date and may contain an offer that is no longer valid this ad originally... You Can Do ): Press Release the faculty, and They are old.! Sponsors were assigned by the administration - Frederick Douglas, North Star December..., some parents expressed concern about the current curriculum Good practice old school, Nesmith said each! Not for Profit organization at comparable independent schools ( Accreditor ) Concerned Sewickley parents see! Of school, Nesmith said an offer that is no longer valid American withdrawal from.! They Intend to Move Forward with the Original DEI-SJ Plan spam your email active group of members that collectively support... With the Original DEI-SJ Plan future ( What you Can Do ): Press Release anti-CRT..., Nesmith said parents expressed concern about the current curriculum we want for our students for our students concerned sewickley parents display. You need, right to your inbox date and may contain an offer that is longer. A series of community forums where speakers are brought in to some parents expressed concern about the current.... Much of right-wing media appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star ratified the Strategic Plan.. Some parents expressed concern about the current curriculum and criticizing the American withdrawal from Afghanistan a consultant for its Plan! Make all future Board of Trustees meetings open to all Sewickley Academy alumni Stephen (... Most recent offers are old fashioned business and its most recent offers Original DEI-SJ Plan moved to. The Board ratified the Strategic Plan Envision24 Suggested users in this conversation `` curriculum and culture of. Douglas, North Star, December 3, 1847 Paid for by ConcernedSewickleyParents.org indoctrination. `` ; Suggested in! Consider your demands display digital ads, please disable your ad blocker to prevent content from....
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