Tolland Screening of 'Race to Nowhere' Scheduled for Thursday

How are the pressures of homework, after-school activities and the school testing culture affecting American kids?

These are some of the questions that will be addressed during the Tolland screening this Thursday of 'Race to Nowhere,' a documentary on the cultural pressures facing American students.

The Tolland PTO groups are hosting the screening at Tolland High School at 7 p.m., which will be followed up with a panel discussion on education issues. Superintendent William Guzman, the four Tolland school principals, Curriculm Director Kathryn Eidson, Guidance Director Corinne Lorenzet and two Tolland High School students will be present for the panel discussion, according to TEPTO President Karen Moran.

Moran said that the documentary questions if the current educational and cultural system prepares kids for college and the work force.

"Kids are just spitting out information for tests and are not ready when they head to college," Moran said, listing one of the many subjects the documentary covers, including overscheduling of students, increases in anxiety disorders and sports injuries in kids and more.

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Moran said that the PTO groups were eager to show the movie again after hearing positive feedback from its first screening two years ago.

'Race to Nowhere' was purposely distributed for community screenings to encourage conversation, according to the documentary's website.

Child care during the event is available for families, and spots can be reserved by contacting Moran at 860-559-3066 or at 4morans@gmail.com.

Tickets are $10 online and $15 at the door.