Show Your Support! #BackPACS

Passport Academy Charter School: Charter Renewal ​

June 21, 2024

The Passport Academy Charter School (PACS) charter is set to expire June 30, 2024 (please see accompanying background article).

As we are in the early stages of the renewal process, we want to ignite a call to action for our partners, parents, students and families to join together and collectively showcase support for our school so we can positively impact the future charter decision.

As we are in the initial stages of the 2024 renewal process, it is important to call out that next school year (2024-2025) will resume as scheduled and planned. It is also important to note that we are optimistic that our charter will ultimately be renewed.

Here’s how you can help!

  1. Attend the upcoming Pittsburgh Public Schools’ (PPS) Board of Education public hearing featuring public comments on the charter renewal!
    1. Dates/Times: ​
      1. June 24, 2024; 6 p.m.: Virtual meeting (ZOOM link); option to attending in person at PACS, Floor 2, Room X (933 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15222)
      2. Public comment will be accepted from (a) residents of the District, (b)) anyone having registered a legitimate interest in a contemplated action of the Board, (c) anyone representing a group in the community or District, (d) any representative of a firm eligible to bid on materials or services solicited by the District, (e) any District employee, or (f) any District student
    2. Other things to know:
      1. This meeting requires registration for public comment here until noon on June 24, 2024: https://pghboe.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3l0voKQUjcvUZka; live stream here: link
      2. We recommend wearing PACS gear to showcase support.
        1. Please reach out to Principal Oliphant at joliphant@passportacademycharter.org for PACS apparel
      3. When providing public comment:
        1. Please be prepared to share personal stories of impact made possible by the PACS community.
        2. While all attendance is helpful to demonstrate the strength of our community, we strongly encourage individuals to take advantage of the opportunity to speak on behalf of our school.
        3. Please speak respectfully in support of our school at the appropriate time as designated by the agenda. Each speaker will be limited to three minutes of testimony.
        4. Let the school board directors you elect know why you support our school and tell them that you’re counting on them to support your future.
    3. Sign our online form to showcase your support:
      1. We will plan to bring printouts to demonstrate how many people support the renewal of the charter.
  2. Show your support on Social Media
    1. Switch your profile photo on social media:

b. Update your Facebook cover photo:

c. Create a social media post encouraging your friends to sign the petition.

Sample Post Copy: {I /MY CHILD /MY FRIEND} attend(s) Passport Academy Charter School. [insert positive experience/influence]. This school brings so much to our community, offering individualized plans for success to students that have previously dropped out of school. That’s why I am supporting the renewal of its charter. Please showcase your support and sign the petition for charter renewal so we can showcase what the PACS community means to the Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Board of Education. https://forms.gle/BdfnwXLyxbo7PtHt7. #BackPACS

Assets will be available in an online newsroom; link also coming soon.

3) Write a letter of support to the PPS Board showcasing how PACS has positively impacted your family while urging them to vote for renewal of the charter.

  1. Emails:
    1. Gene Walker, President: gwalker1@pghschools.org
    2. Devon Taliaferro, First Vice President: dtaliaferro1@pghschools.org
    3. Tracey Reed, Second Vice President: treed1@pghschools.org
    4. Sylvia Wilson, wilson1@pghschools.org
    5. Sala Udin, sudin1@pghschools.org
    6. Yael Silk, ysilk1@pghschools.org
    7. Emma Yourd, eyourd1@pghschools.org
    8. Jamie Piotrowski, jpiotrowski1@pghschools.org
    9. Dwayne Barker, dbarker1@pghschools.org

____________________________________ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Sample email:

Dear Pittsburgh Board of Public Education,

My name is [NAME], and I wanted to share why Passport Academy Charter School [plays an integral role in my life/child’s life] as you consider charter renewal. [Personalized and detailed statement(s) on the importance of PACS].

As you prepare for the upcoming public hearings and charter renewal vote, please consider the value PACS brings to our community and the positive impact it will have on current students and future generations. [You all are valued members of the community.]

Kind regards,

NAME

________________________________

We will continue to update you on ways to support this important effort in our newsroom and on social media.

Thank you for your support! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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About Passport Academy Charter School | 2024 Charter Renewal

You're not like everyone else. Neither are we.

No matter what's gotten in your way, at Passport Academy Charter School (PACS), we'll work with you to create an individualized plan for both high school and postgraduation success—to college, to a vocational program, or straight to a career that fits who you are. Our students gain:

  • Tuition-free schooling that's part of Pittsburgh Public School system
  • A flexible schedule that works with your job, your family, and your life
  • An individualized learning approach to meet your personal needs
  • Support from passionate, professional Pennsylvania-certified teachers
  • The opportunity to graduate with a high school diploma that meets all state requirements

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