Producer of Acclaimed Education Film Coming to Village to Discuss Extreme Stress on Students

Impressed with Ridgewood's response to the education film exploring the extreme pressures students face in high-performing school districts, mom-turned producer Vicki Abeles will be holding a discussion of her breakout documentary Race to Nowhere on Feb. 28.

School board member Laurie Goodman said nearly 600 in the Ridgewood community turned out to view the film in December when .

With such a strong response to the first film showing in Ridgewood, Abeles said she'd be there in person to foster a dialogue with the community to peer into what she calls a weighty, high-pressure culture for high-achievement districts "that has invaded schools and the lives of children, creating unhealthy, disengaged and stressed-out youth."

Abeles has told Ridgewood school officials and HSA representatives that she's most curious to hear the thoughts and experiences of RHS students when it comes to the expectation that they must overachieve. Parents and teens are both highly encouraged to attend the event.

The district took a greater focus on social and school pressures in the fall. Three RHS students or recent graduates have lost their lives in as many years–some community members have said Ridgewood should more closely examine how hard it pushes its children.

The film is free to the public and will be held at the Ben Franklin Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 28. It's just one of the many discussions the district has had with the public on bullying or school pressures since the school year started.