Earlier this year, Pittsburgh Public Schools engaged a consultant from Boston to create a consolidation plan which controversially proposes the closure of 14 schools, including the iconic Friendship School. This plan leaves the treasured school and community space permanently shuttered, displacing students and potentially leading to blight and decline in our neighborhood. Why the Friendship Montessori School Matters: The Friendship School, which sits in the heart of the Friendship neighborhood, is currently home to the PPS Montessori PreK-5 program; a thriving, vibrant school community. Built in 1899, the school is an architectural gem and designated historic landmark. The building, designed for quality education, is filled with functional beauty and charm that makes it an ideal Montessori learning environment. Many of the students walk and bike to school, but families come from across the district to be a part of the highly sought-after Friendship Montessori school community. Moreover, the school grounds are a vital gathering place, utilized by residents, sports teams, community groups, churches, and more. The beloved play park, built by Friendship Community Group, serves as a public amenity and a testament to the strong community involvement that surrounds the school. The Case for Preservation: While we acknowledge that maintaining a historic building poses challenges, we firmly believe that the Friendship School is worth the investment. Closing this school would not only displace a tight knit family of students but also deprive the community of a vital resource. Instead of viewing it as an expense to cut, let’s see it as an opportunity—an opportunity to maintain the vitality of our district and our community. We urge Pittsburgh Public Schools to explore grant opportunities and engage with potential funders to secure the necessary resources for renovation and accessibility upgrades. The Friendship School can meet the standards for a healthy, equitable school environment while continuing to serve as a cherished community space. Through our network of architects, engineers, attorneys and grant writers, the Friendship Community Group is committed to assisting PPS in any way necessary to achieve this goal.  Join Us in Saving Friendship School! The Friendship School is not just a school building; it is the beating heart of our neighborhood. Sign this petition to demand that the school board abandon the plan to close the Friendship School and commit to investing in its future! Together, we can ensure that this iconic landmark continues to serve our community for generations to come.

For too long, the voices of Indigenous people have been pushed to the margins of history books and distorted into harmful stereotypes. This book finally allows history to be told to our children and families across the Country with balance and perspective that can only come from the very people who derive from it. History should never be censored and certainly never reclassified as fiction. When we understand our past and can tell it with a fair and open mind, we become more compassionate and free to move forward in a better way. 

Online harassment and cyberbullying are pervasive issues that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. While I was fortunate enough to secure a restraining order, many individuals are not equipped with the knowledge or support to navigate such legal steps. The existing legal framework is often ineffective, leaving victims feeling powerless and vulnerable. Pew Research Reports indicate that 41% of Americans have personally experienced some form of online harassment.  I am urging lawmakers to implement stricter laws specifically addressing online harassment and cyberbullying. These laws should include clear definitions, penalties, and legal recourse for victims. Establish dedicated resources for those affected by cyberbullying, including access to mental health support, legal advice, and reporting mechanisms that are easy to navigate. Require social media companies and online platforms to take proactive measures in monitoring, reporting, and addressing instances of cyberbullying. This includes better reporting tools and transparency in how they handle cases of harassment. Facilitate partnerships between tech companies and law enforcement agencies to ensure swift action is taken against serious cases of online harassment, protecting victims and holding offenders accountable. By signing this petition, you are joining me and countless others in advocating for a safer online environment. Your support is crucial in pushing for legislative changes that will protect individuals from the harms of online harassment. Together, let’s ensure that no one has to endure what I and many others have experienced.

Hurricane Helene and the upcoming Hurricane Milton have caused significant damage to our county. Many of our schools have been used as shelters an evacuation zones, leaving us with little time to complete assignments or properly absorb information. An extension would allow us to learn and set us up for success truly.

MacBride Hall and by extension the University of Iowa is making a conscious choice to make the lives of their disabled students more difficult, and have made no effort to correct their discriminatory inaction. Help us put their feet to the fire, and spread the word. MacBride is the tip of the iceberg: many accessible entrances, bathrooms, elevators, and even evacuation plans demonstrate a clear lack of desire to truly accommodate disabled students. Our mission across our time here at Iowa is to hold the whole of the University accountable for their numerous violations of disabled rights.

It is important for the ninth graders to participate in my campaign, as it is unjust that we are excluded from the highschoolers' recreational activities despite being acknowledged as members of the school community. By rallying others to our cause, we can convey to the higher authorities that our desire for inclusion is not isolated but rather a collective sentiment. Together, we can effect change and secure our rightful participation in a broader array of activities at the highschool.

Without financial support, Tisha's ability to return to law school may be at risk, despite her strength and resilience in the face of immense hardship. This campaign is not just about helping one person but about advocating for fairness and ensuring that students in similar situations have a path forward.

Students should feel that their bodies are not ground for discrimination or bias. Also, students should also feel comfortable on campus knowing that teachers are being held accountable for issuing false dress code violations willy nilly. 

Dr. Rouhollah Aghasaleh’s only crime was to stand with students in the face of police violence from the administration at the time. Dr. Aghasaleh was a voice for peace and reason throughout the process and the overall occupation was actually safer due to their presence. Standing with Palestinians that are the victims of genocide and standing with students in the face of police violence and injustice are also not crimes. We do not believe that it is right to indefinitely suspend ANYONE in this way. Please do the right thing and bring Dr. Aghasaleh back to campus! In the time that they have been gone, they have continued to do teach-ins at no charge because they are truly that committed to, and passionate, about education.  

We care about this issue because it affects our entire community. Our children are so precious and it is so important to keep them safe. We want them to feel safe and be safe. The fact that the students are learning about this threat through their friends doesn’t feel right. They should not have to be burdened by the fears associated with this type of threat. It is important for this to be addressed head on. We believe the BCSD needs to put out a statement.

We need to change the direction of this project before it’s too late to save taxpayer money and keep our children safe. 

Why Recess Matters: • Boosts Cognitive Function: Recess provides a mental break that sharpens focus and enhances learning, leading to better academic performance. • Develops Social Skills: Unstructured playtime is essential for practicing cooperation, negotiation, and conflict resolution—skills crucial for their future success. • Improves Emotional Well-being: Physical activity during recess helps reduce anxiety, manage stress, and promotes overall happiness, which is particularly important as students face increasing academic pressures. • Promotes Physical Health: Regular play during recess combats childhood obesity and supports a healthy lifestyle, setting the foundation for lifelong well-being. • Increases Attendance Rates: Schools that prioritize recess see better attendance and more engaged students, leading to a more vibrant and effective learning environment. Recess is essential for the holistic development of our children. We believe that every student at Manhattan Charter School deserves the benefits of daily recess. By reinstating recess for 5th-grade students, we can better support their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. We respectfully request that the administration take immediate action to restore this critical part of the school day for our 5th graders.