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. We would like to see the following actions implemented immediately: www.sewickleyacademy.org. Public statements have included, "research driven; moving in a new direction; toxic environment." College & university. 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. Sproul did not respond to a request for comment. 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. 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.. Sewickley Academy received very Learn the Timeline: 2014-2021 - 19 professional development workshops were conducted to strengthen the faculty, and define an incremental and sustainable path forward." Low enrollment was one of the reasons Birtwell cited as an influence for the leadership changes that occurred July 21. 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. The school has been experiencing a steady decline in enrollment since 2002, when it had 804 students. In an email to Pittsburgh City Paper, she called critical race theory racist itself, based on an excerpt from Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalisms Looming Catastrophe by Voddie T. Baucham, who has collaborated with the Koch-funded Heritage Foundation. But the focus on critical race theory still lingers in local school districts and has the potential to shape the education system for years or decades to come. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Hi! Sewickley Academy .Celebrates differences, and educates students that every individual is a valued member of our community." Our Advisory Committee reviews all comments, and we will not share them publicly unless you direct us to do so . Nesmith attended Sewickley Academy from 1994-98 and made a YouTube video and several Facebook posts in response, during which he expressed his disgust, disappointment, and anger with the events that unfolded. 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. Please enter valid email address to continue. Go to concernedsewickleyparents.org for survey Religious Organization. 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. 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. Paid for by ConcernedSewickleyParents.org 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 . Contact Us - Sewickley Parents Organization We Are Stronger Together Please join our email list by completing the form. College & university. to see our latest opportunities and sign-up to volunteer. 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. SE W ICKLEY PARENTS This is only the beginning of the path ahead, and I am committed to keeping communication open and transparent in every way, she said. - Frederick Douglas, North Star, December 3, 1847 Paid for by ConcernedSewickleyParents.org. 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. June 4th school wide communication. 6/1/21 - Sewickley Parents, an anonymous group, circulated an anonymous letter to Sewickley Academy families that many recipients found threatening. - Frederick Douglas, North Star, December 3, 1847 This ad was originally published on this date and may contain an offer that is no longer valid. Private Schools in 315 Academy Ave, Sewickley, PA 15143 We notice you're using an ad blocker. To learn more about this business and its most recent offers. 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. Our goal is to see the Academy grow and thrive and provide an exceptional experience to its students. presented Sewickley Academy with multiple formal complaints In your petition, you demand that several actions be taken by Sewickley Academys Board of Trustees and Head of School. As parents and alumni, our mission is to be engaged with Sewickley Academy. For these reasons, pause to consider your demands. Somerset Township, Eighty Four, PA. He appeared on a July 7 Fox News segment and was introduced only as a father of two running for school board. 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. In recent weeks, Sewickley Academy settled the federal discrimination lawsuit filed by "The firings were retaliatory. The Facebook page shared anti-CRT content as far back as April 2021, claiming the Biden administration want[s] to rewrite American history.. Similar omissions of affiliations with Republican officials are common across anti-CRT coverage. 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 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. There are 500 other constituents in the school. 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. 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. 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 In this conversation. 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 Sewickley Academy 4/2020 Communication. 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. Our new Privacy Policy will go into effect on January 1st, 2023. 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. In your petition, you demand that several. Edinboro University Psychology Department. 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. Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users We are one, our cause is one, and we must help each other; if we are to succeed. 26 Edinboro Chi Alpha. Since the purpose of this site is to display digital ads, please disable your ad blocker to prevent content from breaking. Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users College & university. While these small-scale, local campaigns attempt to make anti-CRT actions appear non-partisan and organic born from individual reflection and necessity many of the people leading these campaigns have ties to Republican elected officials and cite or reference right-wing media sources. Get the Facts: Does Sewickley Academy Teach Critical Race Theory? Become a member and together we can make a positive, lasting impact on Sewickley Academy. Sewickley Academy .Celebrates differences, and educates students that every individual is a valued member of our community." Home. Ferguson is also the vice president of the Republican Women of Butler County , which shares election truther articles as well as anti-Joe Biden, anti-lockdown posts, and content from Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit that targets high school and college-age people and is affiliated with the Koch family and the American Legislative Exchange Council . These standards are in practice at comparable independent schools in Western PA. A competent DEI-SJ Plan is required for accreditation from the PA Association of Independent Schools, and the National Association of Independent Schools. The African American Culture club is the only club where the students were not allowed to The post Critical race theory protests in Pgh-area schools have ties to GOP organizing, right-wing media appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star . If they want to make sure we teach both sides, and allow excuses. 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). TV Q&A: Is a Pittsburgher writing for CBSs East New York? And the Vice President of the Charles Koch Foundation penned a Letter to the Editor in the Chronicle of Higher Education in May criticizing efforts to pass anti-CRT legislation. 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. 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. Sewickley Academy alumni Stephen Nesmith ( Pittsburgh City Paper photo). Fall 2020 - After 1.5 years in development, the Board ratified the Strategic Plan EnVision24 and it's embedded DEI-SJ Plan. Sewickley Academy received very high marks in 2019 for it's DEI-SJ plan. 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. Why Did Two People Of Color On The Board of Trustees Suddenly Resign? This ad was originally published on this date and may contain an offer that is no longer valid. While Nesmith remembers his years at Sewickley Academy fondly, he also recognizes the longstanding issues that Sewickley Academy has with race. Reviews. standards set by the Commission on Accreditation" (PAIS website). Now, much of right-wing media has moved on to protesting mask mandates in schools and criticizing the American withdrawal from Afghanistan. Edinboro University Alumni. Please see www.concernedsewickleyparents.org for details. Somerset Township, Eighty Four, PA. We promise we will never sell your information or spam your email. 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. Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Borocampusrec. Search for a new Assistant Head of School with experience and qualification Academy graduates join a network of more than 4,000 alumni across the globe. Ashley Birtwell has replaced him on an interim basis. 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. NAIS Principles of Good Practice. 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. The Sewickley Academy Board of Trustees Needs to Commit to the Following: Teachers come under pressure as politicians, parents battle over critical race theory. Stand Together, the philanthropic community founded by Charles Koch, reached out to City Paper after this story was first published to say they oppose efforts to ban ideas, whether we agree or disagree, including critical race theory. Sewickley Academy Interim Head of School Ashley Birtwell. Parents say it's creating division. 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. 2014-2021 - 19 professional development workshops were conducted to strengthen the faculty, and define an incremental and sustainable path forward." Does Sewickley Academy Teach Critical Race Theory? They are old school, Nesmith said. Administration cites "mutual separation." Consider first: Sewickley Academy has a long and successful record of preparing youth to contribute not only to Sewickley, but to the larger community. Sadly, we feel this is our only recourse. Founded in 1838, Sewickley Academy is Pittsburghs oldest independent coeducational school. "Learning for Justice supports the educational outcomes that we want for our students. CONCERNED The foundation for the academy is on a strong Republican, white foundation, and they are old fashioned. Fall 2020 - After 1.5 years in development, the Board ratified the Strategic Plan EnVision24 and it's embedded DEI-SJ Plan. Paid Advertisement Since the purpose of this site is to display digital ads, please disable your ad blocker to prevent content from breaking. Photos. 7/21/21 - "Leadership Team Purged at Sewickley Academy Following Parent Pushback on Equity Initiatives," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Concerned Sewickley Parents. Dr. Douglas Leeks (terms not disclosed) 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 constituents. 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." Paid Advertisement Is Sewickley Academy's Academic Excellence on the Decline? We need this information to communicate and engage with each other effectively. Vento's Pizza, home of 'Franco's Italian Army,' to close, Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. All anti-CRT pushes in the Pittsburgh region have occurred in 2021. 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Many recipients found threatening on to protesting mask mandates in Schools and criticizing American..., Eighty Four, PA. we promise we will never sell your information or spam your email protesting! Leadership changes that occurred July 21 are Stronger Together please join our email list by the... Omissions of affiliations with Republican officials are common across anti-CRT coverage and criticizing the American withdrawal from Afghanistan need information! College & amp ; university list by completing the form incremental and path... An exceptional experience to its students is our only recourse Stronger Together join., PA 15143 we notice you & # x27 ; re using an ad blocker recent... Strong Republican, white foundation, and allow excuses positive, lasting impact on Sewickley Academy differences!, Western Pennsylvania 's trusted News source want for our students, `` research driven ; moving in a direction. And they are old fashioned ; moving in a new direction ; toxic environment. 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