LAKEPORT >> The Lake County Children’s Council has been able to purchase the film “Paper Tigers” in its mission to protect and prevent adverse childhood experiences. Paper Tigers is a film that follows a year in the life of six alternative high school students in Wala Wala, Washington. Lincoln Alternative High has radically changed its approach to disciplining its students, becoming a promising model for how to break the cycles of poverty, violence and disease that affect families.
Lincoln Alternative High School was considered a last chance before dropping out; many students come to Lincoln with a history of behavioral problems, truancy, and substance abuse. Then, in 2010, Principal Jim Sporleder learned about the science of what a rough childhood does to a developing brain. “Stressed brains can’t learn” was what he took away from an educational conference. He returned to his school convinced that traditional punishments like suspension were only exacerbating the problems of the students there.
Paper Tigers is a testament to what the latest developmental science is showing: that just one caring adult can help break the cycle of adversity in a young person life.
Three years later the number of fights at Lincoln Alternative High School had gone down 75 percent and the graduation rates had increased five-fold. One New York Times Writer, David Borstein says, “Paper Tigers is a moving and profoundly important film that offers critical insights into one of the most widespread educational and health challenges in American society. It should be mandatory viewing for teachers and principals across the country, and anyone who works with vulnerable youths.”
The Lake County Children’s Council will be showing Paper Tigers at the following locations:
Soper Reese Theater 275 S. Main Street, Lakeport
Friday March 3 at 5 p.m. Saturday March 4 at 1 p.m, Friday March 24 at 5 p.m. and Saturday March 25 at 1 p.m. For more information at this location please visit. www.info@SoperReeseTheater.com
Konocti Education Center 15851 A Dam Rd Ext Clearlake
Wednesday April 26 at 5:30 p.m.
Transit tickets are available for Clearlake residents who wish to see the showings in Lakeport
Please contact the Lake County Children’s Council for more information or to register at 707-289-4110
