Acclaimed Documentary Addresses Stresses Placed on Students

What is the toll we place on our children to succeed?

Avon Lake PTA Council is hosting a free screening of the acclaimed documentary, Race to Nowhere, on Monday, Feb. 20 in Avon Lake High School’s Performing Arts Center. 

PTA Council president and mother of four, Stacy Jantz, said after seeing the film, she felt Avon Lake parents could benefit from also seeing it.

“The movie is about the pressures educators, parents and most importantly children are under to achieve at the highest possible level,” Jantz said. “The film asks, ‘at what cost?’ As a parent of four unique individuals, this film spoke to me.”

Jantz said the PTA Council decided to show it after realizing the pressure Avon Lake students are under.

“We believe it will speak to many of the parents in our community,” she said.  “It is powerful and thought provoking. First thing I wanted to do after seeing it, was hug my kids.”

The film features the heartbreaking stories of young people across the country who have been pushed to the brink, educators who are burned out and worried that students aren’t developing the skills they need, and parents who are trying to do what’s best for their kids.

“Race to Nowhere points to the silent epidemic in our schools: cheating has become commonplace, students have become disengaged, stress-related illness, depression and burnout are rampant, and young people arrive at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired,” the film’s website states. “Race to Nowhere is a call to mobilize families, educators, and policy makers to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens.”

Seats to the screening can be reserved (recommend, but not required) at http://rtnavonlakeoh.eventbrite.com/. More information is available on the Avon Lake screening at https://www.facebook.com/events/357413784287047/?ref=ts. The screening begins at 6:30 p.m.

While the film is geared toward parents, students seventh grade and older are also invited. There will be a panel available after the screening to answer questions and/or initiate a dialogue.