Chantilly High to Screen Education Documentary

Chantilly High has joined hundreds of other schools and organizations nationwide in a grassroots campaign to spread the word about the devastating effects a high-pressure educational system can have on students and teachers.

Instead of pamphlets and protest marches, Vicki Abeles is using a documentary film as the focal point of her call for school reform. In Race to Nowhere, Abeles explores the intersection between health and education, noting the increasing numbers of students with stress-related illnesses, depression and suicidal thoughts or actions.

Franklin Middle School, Rocky Run Middle School and Chantilly High School have joined forces to coordinate a screening of the film at Chantilly High School this Thursday, Feb. 10 followed by a panel discussion moderated by Robin Lady, Director of Student Services at Chantilly High School.  The panel will also include a teacher, Nikki Lehman, a counselor, JP Sosua, and a school psychologist, Doug Lipp. 

“We want to get the message out to not just parents, but teachers and coaches and policy makers,” said Marcia Pickett, PTA President of Franklin Middle School and organizer of the event. “Anyone that has anything to do with education, to understand that maybe the way we’re going about this is not the best thing to do for our kids.”

Abeles was inspired to make the film when her own 12-year-old daughter was diagnosed with a stress-induced illness. She started talking to everyone -- experts, parents, teachers and students nationwide – and realized the problem was epidemic. So she picked up a camera for the first time to do something about it.

“As a mother, I experienced the stress firsthand and realized that no one was talking about it,” said Abeles. “I saw kids who were anxious, depressed, physically ill, checking out, abusing drugs and, worst case, attempting suicide. I felt compelled to speak out about this crisis by making a film and giving a voice to the students, teachers, and parents."

"I wanted to expose a deeper truth about our education system," continued Abeles. "We are graduating a generation of robo-students, unable to think and work independently, creatively and collaboratively.”

In today’s society, performance demands are high. College admissions requirements are becoming more and more stringent and well-meaning adults are pushing students into honors and AP classes, as well as extra-curricular activities in an attempt to help them secure any future they might want.

“I’m sure every parent watching the movie will, at some point, see their kids, see themselves,” said Pickett. “That’s just our culture now; it’s hard not to get caught up in it. As parents, we want to do the best for our kids, but sometimes you have to step back and say is this really the best thing for my child?”

“The bottom line: we need to get to root of problem.  Figure out what that is and do something about it. Hopefully this movie starts that conversation and gets people asking questions.”

The screening will begin at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $15 at the door, or $10 in advance, available at rtnchantillyhighschool.eventbrite.com/.