Everyone has been racing to somewhere.

Students at Glen Rock High School watched the movie Race to Nowhere, and discussed the issues brought up by the film in their health classes.

“The film was seen by parents and Mr. Arlotta wanted all students in the high school to watch it and discuss the issues in the health classes” said, Ms. Zimmerman, GRHS physical Education teacher.

Race to Nowhere is the film about how much stress that American students feel to be ahead in the school and the movie questions the need for homework.

Racetonowhere.com describes the movie as follows: “Race to Nowhere is a film that calls us to challenge current thinking about how we prepare our children for success. This film brings communities together to spark dialogue and galvanize change in America’s schools.”

In this film, students, parents, teachers, and experts raise their voices, declaring that the way of educating in America should be transformed.

Now, GRHS is asking their students for their opinions about this problem. Ms. Zimmerman said it is a great way to start a conversation with students about their own stressors and how to manage them.

The big question here is should our methods of education be changed dramatically?

Alex Mallinas, a junior, said. “I think there should be less tests because they are not fair measure of knowledge.” Eryn Darcy, also a junior, agreed with her. “They[the tests] do not [present] knowledge.”

Based on the heartbreaking stories from students who are under pressures by over-scheduling, a burden of homework, and lots of extracurricular activities outside schools, Race to Nowhere reveals the dark side behind the America’s educating system and actual life of American students.

However, many students believe it is exaggerated.

Eryn said, “Definitely [It is exaggerated].” She said it would be the absolute worst case and not present normal.

Alex added, “It is not possible to get six hours of homework”.

In fact, most students in Heath:6 said they get about one or two hours of homework every day.

Ms. Zimmerman said, “I guess the film is alluding to the question “Why” people are so driven to achieve success and how people define success; and the residual effects on a teen’s development and outlook on life. Are teens forced to run on a treadmill, getting nowhere, while the increasing the demand for excellence at all costs overpowers them? And what would happen if they got off the treadmill?”

“…it depends on your attitude,” said Alex Mallinas.