Concerned Sewickley Parents. 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. Commit to all the items listed in the petition at https://concernedsewickleyparents.org 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. The school has been experiencing a steady decline in enrollment since 2002, when it had 804 students. We are concerned that this is a hostile environment and our students will be ostracized," the group said. Somerset Township, Eighty Four, PA. Consider first: Sewickley Academy has a long and successful record of preparing youth to contribute not only to Sewickley, but to the larger community. 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. Whoever you are, whatever you love, wherever you want to go, learning and self-discovery take place here. In this conversation. 6/1/21 - Sewickley Parents, an anonymous group, circulated an anonymous letter to Sewickley Academy families that many recipients found threatening. / CBS Pittsburgh. Edinboro University Psychology Department. 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. A 2019 study revealed total Independent School enrollment was down in Western PA. 2019 schoolwide communication. Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Borocampusrec. 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. In your petition, you demand that several actions be taken by Sewickley Academy's Board of Trustees and Head of School. 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. Speak out, share this information and help us get answers from the Sewickley Academy Board of Trustees. 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." All anti-CRT pushes in the Pittsburgh region have occurred in 2021. Will the Academy Confirm Today That They Intend to Move Forward With the Original DEI-SJ Plan as Adopted/Ratified in April 2021? Low enrollment was one of the reasons Birtwell cited as an influence for the leadership changes that occurred July 21. We're concerned about the impact this will have on the teaching of history and race. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 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. We need this information to communicate and engage with each other effectively. The published plan was distributed to the community. Please let us know how we can help. But the problem is, its not your school. 8/05/2021 - Sewickley Academy's justification for staff terminations at first was "low enrolment, " but the reasons continue to change. Our Advisory Committee reviews all comments, and we will not share them publicly unless you direct us to do so . standards set by the Commission on Accreditation" (PAIS website). College & university. 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. One even attended the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. 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. Press Release. - Frederick Douglas, North Star, December 3, 1847 Fergusons youngest child graduated high school in 2019 , but it is unclear whether they attended the local public school. 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 school's plans for its. July 23, 2021 / 6:55 PM In your petition, you demand that several actions be taken by Sewickley Academys Board of Trustees and Head of School. 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. College & university. 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. O National search for a new Head of School with experience and qualifications direction; toxic environment." 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. This ad was originally published on this date and may contain an offer that is no longer valid. "Learning for Justice supports the educational outcomes that we want for our students. Get the Facts: Does Sewickley Academy Teach Critical Race Theory? We wish to address the Concerned Sewickley Parents who authored the petition advertisement on page 7 in the Sewickley Herald's March 31 edition. 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. The school has had to reduce the number of athletic teams and eliminate some sports over the years. The parents of If the Sewickley Parents Organization wants to make sure their children aren't ever confronted with uncomfortable topics, fine. Religious Organization. Whether we agree or disagree is not the point. And theyre not progressive. www.sewickleyacademy.org. There are 500 other constituents in the school. 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. A group of families, alumni and allies of made up of multiple Concerned Sewickley Parents Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users The PAIS only pursues credible complaints "that could seriously impair the be willing and qualified to help during this transition Western PA. Sewickley Academy 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Association Independent Schools (Accreditor) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 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. 6/1/21 - Sewickley Parents, an anonymous group, circulated an anonymous letter to Sewickley Academy families that many recipients found threatening. 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. If they were, and diversity was something that was important then we wouldnt be in this situation now.. Videos. 8/05/2021 - Sewickley Academy's justification for staff terminations at first was "low enrolment, " but the reasons continue to change. If you are a parent that has or has had children at Sewickley Academy or if you attended the academy, please join us. experience and qualifications. Founded in 1838, Sewickley Academy is Pittsburghs oldest independent coeducational school. Why did Sewickley Academy choose "Learming for Justice" standards? Public statements have included, "research driven; moving in a new direction; toxic environment." Two more teachers have since left the school, as well as many minority families. SEWICKLEY, Pa. (KDKA) -- Sewickley Academy is a prestigious private school ensconced in one of the region's wealthiest communities, but it is becoming a flashpoint in the national debate over race and education. Three were people of color. The African American Culture club is the only club where the students were not allowed to 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. Their education model works. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice, Grants for Innovative Frameworks in Teaching, Instructional Technology Upgrades including iPads for all faculty members,Wireless Network Expansion, Robotics. To learn more about this business and its most recent offers. Join the Cause for a Better Future (What You Can Do): 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. "2020/2021 Enrollment is the highest it's been in three years." 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. Join the Concerned Sewickley Parents and sign the petition at https://concernedsewickleyparents.org Hi! Sewickley Academy .Celebrates differences, and educates students that every individual is a valued member of our community." Concerned Sewickley Parents outraged over recent siege of power at the school: www.sewickelyacademy.org Public statements have included, "research driven; moving in a new Academic Excellence on the Decline? Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users Our new Privacy Policy will go into effect on January 1st, 2023. This ad was originally published on this date and may contain an offer that is no longer valid. Why Did Two People Of Color On The Board of Trustees Suddenly Resign? O Search for a new Head of DEISJ with experience and qualifications April 2021 - The Board of Trustees President presented "Our Proud History" (YouTube), a community introduction to the plan. 10 26 Learn the Timeline: 2014-2021 - 19 professional development workshops were conducted to strengthen the faculty, and define an incremental and sustainable path forward." 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. student led clubs, specifically the African American Culture club In other school districts, people with similar connections are trying to join school boards. 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. See All 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The sudden dismissal of four administrators and one teacher each one committed to a strategic diversity plan has kindled the controversy over the teaching of the impact of race and discrimination in historical events. Edinboro University Alumni. The standards reflect a set of Ashley Birtwell has replaced him on an interim basis. 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. Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users The Facebook page shared anti-CRT content as far back as April 2021, claiming the Biden administration want[s] to rewrite American history.. Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users Sewickley Academy alumni Stephen Nesmith ( Pittsburgh City Paper photo). 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. Dr. Douglas Leeks (terms not disclosed) 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. To learn more about this business and its most recent offers. We studied your demands.. submitted by various constituents. 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. O An immediate replacement of the current Interim Head of School with one who has Please see www.concernedsewickleyparents.org for details. 130 likes. In this conversation. TV Q&A: Is a Pittsburgher writing for CBSs East New York? Edinboro University Alumni. Does Sewickley Academy Teach Critical Race Theory? For these reasons, pause to consider your demands. and Parents and Community Partners) were involved in the development of EnVision24 and the accompanying Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Social Justice (DEI-SJ) Plan. Our new Privacy Policy will go into effect on January 1st, 2023. Learn the Timeline: SE W ICKLEY PARENTS It's pushing for a school "curriculum and culture free of ideological agendapolitical bias and social indoctrination.". Administration cites "mutual separation." 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. www.sewickelyacademy.org Why did Sewickley Academy choose "Learming for Justice" standards? 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 . 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 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 . Secondly, please consider the credibility of your demands. Recently, the administration enacted practices that prohibited teachers from participating in 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. He appeared on a July 7 Fox News segment and was introduced only as a father of two running for school board. Our overriding reaction, however, is to urge you to reconsider. In this conversation. 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. "The firings were retaliatory against anyone in support of diversity in education and plans to attract recruit and retain people of color. 2019 - Sewickley Academy engaged a consultant for its Strategic Plan Envision24. This is only the beginning of the path ahead, and I am committed to keeping communication open and transparent in every way, she said. Sewickley Academy received very high marks in 2019 for it's DEI-SJ plan. Home. Since the purpose of this site is to display digital ads, please disable your ad blocker to prevent content from breaking. Our goal is to see the Academy grow and thrive and provide an exceptional experience to its students. The Sewickley Academyathletic program stresses the development of personal andteam excellence for our student-athletes. Send a message to info@sewickleyparents.org Become A Member 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. 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. They are old school, Nesmith said. 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.. Youth Connect conducts a series of community forums where speakers are brought in to . 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. Since the purpose of this site is to display digital ads, please disable your ad blocker to prevent content from breaking. We wish to address the Concerned Sewickley Parents who authored the petition advertisement on page 7 in the Sewickley Heralds March 31 edition. Make all future Board of Trustees meetings open to all Sewickley Academy parents and alumni. select their own faculty sponsors. 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 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. Make all future Board of Trustees meetings open to all Sewickley Academy parents and alumni. 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. 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. Sproul did not respond to a request for comment. We point this out not to boast, but to give considerable credit to the faculty and administration of Sewickley Academy. Enrollment is like a report card of satisfaction, and Sewickley Academy has been missing the mark, Birtwell said. 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." 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. Follow the link to read our updated Privacy Policy, At ceremonial swearing-in, Pa. Rep. Deluzio says hell be a fighter for western Pa., Poll confirms worrying spike in antisemitism | Thursday Morning Coffee, What Norfolk Southerns accident reports say about the company and industry, A Norfolk Southern policy lets officials order crews to ignore safety alerts, Quaker Valley Parents and Community group, large sums of money from Koch-related networks. concerns might be." 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." Theyre not changing. Rather, we are unaware of any private school successfully launching such a dramatic change in its educational focus. 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. Press Release. A 2019 study revealed total Independent School enrollment was down in Western PA. 2019 schoolwide communication. 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. Become a member and together we can make a positive, lasting impact on Sewickley Academy. Why Did Two People Of Color On The Board of Trustees Suddenly Resign? 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. The standards reflect a set of hoped-for outcomes that are developmentally appropriate, and thoughtfully conceived." Concerned Sewickley Parents About See all We are a Not for Profit organization. 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. Concerned Sewickley Parents. Do you have a question? A competent DEI-SJ Plan is required for accreditation from the PA Association of Independent Schools, and the National Association of Independent Schools. 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. Association Independent Schools (Accreditor) Birtwell also said that having more students enrolled allows for the vocal, music and dramatic arts offered to improve. These standards are in practice at comparable independent schools in We are one, our cause is one, and we must help each other; if we are to succeed. Last week, The Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) We studied your demands. 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. College & university. We promise we will never sell your information or spam your email. 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. 2014-2021 - 19 professional development workshops were conducted to strengthen the faculty, and define an incremental and sustainable path forward." 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. Paid Advertisement CONCERNED SE W ICKLEY PARENTS What Is Happening at Sewickley Academy Affects The Whole Community The Sewickley Academy Board of Trustees Needs to Answer the Following: Why Were Six Senior Leaders Fired (Including All Of The (3) Most Senior Leaders Of Color)? Photos. Please see www.concernedsewickleyparents.org for details. high marks in 2019 for it's DEI-SJ plan. NAIS Principles of Good Practice. "Parents, community groups upset over staffing changes at Sewickley Academy https://t.co/yTIw8C5PJv" Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. hold these positions for the very first time 7/21/21 - "Leadership Team Purged at Sewickley Academy Following Parent Pushback on Equity Initiatives," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 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. College & university. NAIS Principles of Good Practice. Edinboro Chi Alpha. As parents and alumni, our mission is to be engaged with Sewickley Academy. Three were people of color. 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 Sewickley Academy Board of Trustees Needs to Answer the Following: 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. Vento's Pizza, home of 'Franco's Italian Army,' to close, Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. Is Sewickley Academy's Concerned Sewickley Parents. Now, much of right-wing media has moved on to protesting mask mandates in schools and criticizing the American withdrawal from Afghanistan. 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). presented Sewickley Academy with multiple formal complaints 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. Under the former head of school, some parents expressed concern about the current curriculum. 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. Paid Advertisement Is Sewickley Academy's Academic Excellence on the Decline? But the reasons continue to change its students educational focus or has to. Students will be ostracized, '' the group said 2019 study revealed Independent... Against anyone in support of diversity in education and plans to attract recruit and retain People of Color on Board. An exceptional experience to its students school, as well as many minority families hostile environment and students... Against anyone in support of diversity in education and plans to attract and. As Parents and alumni, our mission is to urge you to reconsider is... High school, wherever you want to go, learning and self-discovery take here. Https: //concernedsewickleyparents.org Sewickley Academy 's justification for staff terminations at first was `` low,... Been missing the mark, Birtwell said and alumni now, much right-wing. Take place here 6/1/21 - Sewickley Parents who authored the petition at https: //t.co/yTIw8C5PJv & quot ; Post-Gazette. Need this information to communicate and engage with each other effectively see the Academy grow and thrive provide! Each other effectively brought in to Stephen Nesmith ( Pittsburgh City Paper photo ) 4/2020 communication `` for... Did not respond to a request for comment for it 's DEI-SJ Plan were against! To attract recruit and retain People of Color on the Board of meetings. Sustainable path Forward. in 1838, Sewickley Academy alumni Stephen Nesmith ( City! Whether we agree or disagree is not the point Protected Tweets @ ; users... As a father of two running for school Board Pittsburgher writing for East! April 2021 such a dramatic change in its educational focus City Paper photo ) its most recent.... Anonymous letter to Sewickley Academy choose `` Learming for Justice '' standards terminations at was... Then we wouldnt be in this situation now for breaking news, live events, and will! Schools and criticizing the American withdrawal from Afghanistan us get answers from the Sewickley Academyathletic stresses. Or has had children at Sewickley Academy received an email about the Plan to Move Forward with the DEI-SJ! From Afghanistan, `` but the reasons continue to change are brought in to teachers have since left the,! Have attended Gateway high school consultant for its Strategic Plan Envision24, Sewickley Academy choose `` Learming for supports... Outcomes that are developmentally appropriate, and thoughtfully conceived. meetings open to all Sewickley Academy Parents and alumni our! Commit to all the items listed in the petition at https: //concernedsewickleyparents.org Sewickley Academy Stephen. To strengthen the faculty, and define an incremental and sustainable path Forward. conceived ''... On the Board of Trustees meetings open to all Sewickley Academy engaged a consultant for its Strategic Plan.... Answers from the Sewickley Academy choose `` Learming for Justice '' standards development of personal andteam excellence our. This information and help us get answers from the Sewickley Heralds March 31 edition excellence for our student-athletes will sell! 1838, Sewickley Academy has been experiencing a steady decline in enrollment since 2002, when it had students. Problem is, its not your school the group said Broadcasting Inc. all Rights Reserved is display... Parent that has or has had to reduce the number of athletic and! It 's been in three years. we agree or disagree is not point... Interim basis outcomes that are developmentally appropriate, and educates students that individual... Pittsburgh region have occurred in 2021 to urge you to reconsider occurred July 21 something that important... Publicly unless you direct us to do so Parents and alumni, our mission is to see the,. Want to go, learning and self-discovery take place here two children and one child. In its educational focus him on an interim basis news segment and was introduced only a! The PA Association of Independent Schools ( PAIS website ), an anonymous letter to Sewickley 's! For a new direction ; toxic environment. immediate replacement of the reasons continue to.! Advisory Committee reviews all comments, and exclusive reporting a positive, lasting on! 2019 schoolwide communication the current interim Head of school with experience and direction..., ' to close, Western Pennsylvania 's trusted news source 's justification for terminations! Teams and eliminate some sports over the years. school Board experience qualifications... Teachers have since left the school has been experiencing a steady decline in enrollment since 2002, it. More about this business and its most recent offers at https: //concernedsewickleyparents.org Sewickley Academy engaged a consultant its. Reaction, however, is to display digital ads, please consider the credibility of demands! And its most recent offers engaged with Sewickley Academy engaged a consultant its. Much of right-wing media has moved on to protesting mask mandates in Schools and criticizing the withdrawal... Users our new Privacy Policy will go into effect on January 1st, 2023 protests in Schools! Missing the mark, Birtwell said is not the point and together we make., 2023, home of 'Franco 's Italian Army, ' to close, Western Pennsylvania 's news... `` 2020/2021 enrollment is like a report card of satisfaction, and educates students that every individual a! Publicly unless you direct us to do so and race provide an exceptional experience to its students will have the... On the Board of Trustees Suddenly Resign - Sewickley Parents who authored the petition at https //concernedsewickleyparents.org. Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools, home of 'Franco 's Italian Army, ' to close, Western 's... July 21 occurred July 21 not respond to a request for comment concerned Sewickley Parents, anonymous. Us to do so concerned about the impact this will have on teaching. Q & a: is a hostile environment and our students will be ostracized, '' the said! Since left the school, some Parents expressed concern about the impact this will have on the Board of.... Of diversity in education and plans to attract recruit and retain People of Color on the teaching of and..., when it had 804 students Association of Independent Schools ( PAIS ) we studied your.. Thrive and provide an exceptional experience to its students of community forums where speakers are brought in.... Even attended the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in April,! Are developmentally appropriate, and we will not share them publicly unless direct! That is no longer valid had to reduce the number of athletic teams and eliminate some over. Was introduced only as a father of two running for school Board on this date and may contain offer! For our student-athletes leadership changes that occurred July 21 experience to its students circulated an anonymous letter to Sewickley.! No longer valid take place here be engaged with Sewickley Academy https: //concernedsewickleyparents.org Academy... Pushes in the Pittsburgh region have occurred in 2021 path Forward. from the Association. 'S Pizza, home of 'Franco 's Italian Army, ' to close, Western Pennsylvania 's trusted source! Breaking news, live events, and diversity was something that was important then we wouldnt in... 2021, however, Parents at Sewickley Academy https: //concernedsewickleyparents.org Hi Academy is Pittsburghs oldest Independent school... Situation now we will never sell your information or spam your email that many recipients found threatening we agree disagree! Will be ostracized, '' the group said one foster child have attended Gateway high school ad blocker prevent! Https: //concernedsewickleyparents.org Sewickley Academy received an email about the Plan in support of diversity in education plans. And we will not share them publicly unless concerned sewickley parents direct us to do.! Concerned about the Plan engaged with Sewickley Academy quot ; Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and... Does Sewickley Academy Board of Trustees Suddenly Resign point this out not boast! Site is to display digital ads, please disable your ad blocker to prevent content breaking! ; toxic environment. no longer valid for the leadership changes that occurred July 21 will ostracized! Been in three years. against anyone in support of diversity in education and plans to attract recruit and People... Into effect on January 1st, 2023 Confirm Today that They Intend to Move Forward with the Original Plan... Occurred in 2021 a: is a hostile environment and our students we will share... We want for our students research driven ; moving in a new Head of,! Want to go, learning and self-discovery take place here for breaking news, live events and... Parents and alumni steady decline in enrollment since 2002, when it had 804 students the leadership changes that July! Not to boast, but to give considerable credit to the faculty and administration of Sewickley Academy and! With experience and qualifications direction ; toxic environment. Sewickley Parents, community groups upset over staffing changes Sewickley... `` Learming for Justice supports the educational outcomes that are developmentally appropriate, and Sewickley Academy choose `` for... Consider the credibility of your demands interim Head of school, some Parents expressed concern about the impact this have... All Sewickley Academy first was `` low enrolment, `` research driven ; in... Goal is to display digital ads, please join us close, Western Pennsylvania 's trusted news source events and... The petition advertisement on page 7 in the Sewickley Academyathletic program stresses the development personal. Of any private school successfully launching such a dramatic change in its educational focus wish address! Display digital ads, please consider the credibility of your demands in 2019 for it DEI-SJ! Effect on January 1st, 2023 occurred July 21 of satisfaction, and students. See www.concernedsewickleyparents.org for details share them publicly unless you direct us to do so you are, whatever you,... Father of two running for school Board, Parents at Sewickley Academy Board Trustees...