Schools
Wilmington Takes Part in 'Race to Nowhere' Screening Thursday Night
High school students to facilitate discussion after the viewing of the film.
The Wilmington School Department is teaming up with Burlington and Bedford schools to offer a screening of the movie “” Thursday evening at 7 p.m. in the Fogelberg Performing Arts Center at .
The film was directed and produced by former attorney and mother of three, Vicki Abeles. The documentary provides a vivid account of the state of the American school system which, the filmmakers contend, has created a high pressure culture that can cause numerous unintended negative consequences for children.
The film documents the depression and enormous pressure that students feel in their race for academic success, according to Reel Link Films. which presents the film.
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" ... 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 Race To Nowhere website states.
After the viewing, there will be an open discussion lead by high school students from Burlington and Wilmington. Burlington Superintendent Eric Conti and Wilmington Superintendent Joanne Benton will be in attendance.
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At the school committee meeting, Conti noted that the screening is meant to spark conversation.
“We are not going to solve all the world’s problems on Thursday night,” he said. ”But we will start the conversation and I encourage people to attend.”
School Committee member Kristen Russo agreed. Russo has viewed the film and said it made a powerful statement.
“I found myself reflecting on it for several days after.”
Russo encouraged all parents and community members to come to the viewing and join in the discussion.
“It’s important for parents to sit back and think about what message we are giving our children,” added Russo. “It’s really an hour worth your time.”
Tickets can be purchased online for $10 at Buy tickets online at http://www.racetonowhere.com/epostcard/4465, and are also available at the door for $15 each.
