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Weston residents are invited to join in a discussion Monday, April 4, on topics raised by the educational documentary, "Race to Nowhere."
"We're leaving it open-ended. We're giving the community a chance to come out and discuss their feelings about the film," said Kristin Ferrara, director of Weston Youth Services.
The event will be at 7 p.m. Monday at the Community Room of the Weston Library. Local mental health professionals will be in attendance to help guide the conversation. Ferrara said she hopes residents will discuss their personal experiences as well as hear from other parents and come up with strategies to help students.
"Adults and youth get a message from their peers that's helpful and makes a bigger impression than listening to a professional speak," said Ferrara.
"Race to Nowhere" is a documentary that illustrates the competitive pressure to succeed and how that pressure can produce overwhelmed students with a lack of motivation. More than 150 people attended two screenings of the movie Tuesday, March 22. Ferrara said she received positive feedback after the screenings.
Based on the feedback, Ferrara said the following topics may be discussed on Monday: lack of freedom and overscheduling; lack of sleep leading to health issues; amount of homework; internal stress and pressure; stress and pressure from peers, school or other outside sources; and stress and pressure from nonacademic activities.
This event is open to the public. Registration is available at www.westonyouthservices.org. For more information, contact Kristin Ferrara at 203-222-2585 or email her at KFerrara@westonct.gov.
How do you relate to "Race to Nowhere?" Email me at shenry@mainstreetconnect.us.
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