Harbor Country Day School views A Race to Nowhere

ST. JAMES, NY, December 19, 2010

This Week's Letter from the Head of School
December 1, 2010 -- Letter from Chris Pryor
Race to Nowhere - An Inspiring Film; An Urgent Message

Last month I had the pleasure of attending the 2010 annual Head�EUR s Conference for the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). We had an all-star line-up of dynamic and engaging speakers for three days, which included two of my favorites: Pat Bassett and Ned Hallowell. While Pat Bassett spoke eloquently on the subject of trends for school leaders to ponder and Ned Hallowell reminded us all of the importance of connections with one another, I think it was the viewing of Race to Nowhere that caught my attention more than anything else. Not for the reason that you might think�EUR�

Race to Nowhere, a film directed by Vicki Abeles, was thoughtfully prepared, expertly filmed, riveting to watch, and at times, downright saddening. Her purpose was to galvanize change and bring communities together toward making today�EUR s education for children more meaningful, purposeful and mostly doable. Yes, doable. The film was clearly presenting a case that today�EUR s high standards for educational excellence are making the daily routine of our students just plain unbearable and eventually unsuccessful. We met stressed teens, depressed teens and parents who felt helpless.Race to Nowhere exemplified high-test scores and the college application process as the root cause that drives many students into a never-ending circle of frustration. In fact, the film followed several students and their families and it was truly difficult to watch. In one horrific example of a teenage girl committing suicide, the viewer saw the devastating effects our educational culture can have on a child.

Certainly the film captured my attention in regards to the fast pace, high stress that seems to rule the lives that many teens in this country are leading. However, the spotlight on how we in independent schools are doing many things well was more to the point and more relevant to our lives in independent schools. And for me �EUR" it was powerfully affirming.

Often our school�EUR s missions refer to the raising of the whole child, which includes cherishing childhood, questioning the world around us, solidifying our sense of self, and cultivating a student�EUR s emotional intelligence. To do this correctly, there are certain times when educators must insist that students unplug, close the books, and connect with one another. This means not placing test scores at the center of our universe but raising children in an environment where we teach a sense of balance and that test scores are understood to be one element of a very complicated and complex profile of a student. At Harbor Country Day, and many independent schools across the country, we dedicate time to learn about others and ourselves. We dedicate time to learn about philanthropy. We dedicate time to community service. We dedicate time to slow down and be thoughtful. We connect. We teach students to think critically, be creative and we aspire to instill a love of learning. We promote a healthy life-style and teach students to seek a better a sense of balance.

I do not wish to take anything away from this film �EUR" it is remarkably well done and sends a message we all must heed. I chose to focus on the positives and the schools that are preparing our students well for a Race to Somewhere.

Christopher Pryor