U P P E R A R L I N G T O N S C H O O L S P R E S E N T S
America to me
Upper Arlington Schools is proud to be the first school district in Ohio to host community screenings and discussions for America to Me, a 10-part documentary series filmed at Oak Park and River Forest High School in suburban Chicago.

America to Me offers an in-depth look at the effects of race, equity, culture and privilege on educational opportunities in a well-resourced suburban community.

Through this opportunity, we hope to encourage the important discussions in our community that are directly tied to our district's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in our new 2019-2022 strategic plan.

We will offer weekly screenings and facilitated discussions of the first five episodes from October 21 through November 18 and the final five episodes from January 13 through February 10. We invite parents/ guardians, high school students and community members to join us for any or all of this free 10-part series.

If you are unable to attend one or more of the screenings and are interested in viewing episodes, the full America to Me series is available for paid download on iTunes and Amazon Video.
Images courtesy of Participant Media

U P P E R A R L I N G T O N S C H O O L S P R E S E N T S

America to me

Each screening will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a facilitated discussion beginning at approximately 7:30 p.m. All events will be held in the Hastings Middle School auditorium, 1850 Hastings Lane.
* Please note that the content and language of these episodes is not geared for younger audiences. These screenings are not recommended for students younger than high school age.

Episode 1: What's the Big Deal About Oak Park?
The school year begins at OPRF for Grant, Tiara, Charles, Terrence and Ke’Shawn; controversy over a Black Lives Matter assembly still reverberates as the school confronts years of racial inequities.

Episode 3: There Is No Pain That Compares to the Struggle
Kendale wrestles to become a starter; Chanti wrestles with emotional trauma; Jess takes on the principal; senior Jada takes on a teacher; OPRF's football team has a big game and a score to settle.

Episode 5: I Don't Have to Think About Being White
White students Caroline and Brendan join the story; Jada's film draws mixed reviews; Terrence's grade hangs in the balance; Christmas lights up Kendale's home, while Ke'Shawn's family may lose theirs.
Episode 2: Stranger in a Room
Teacher Jess Stovall intervenes in Ke'Shawn's academic struggles; his mother shares her own troubled history at OPRF; senior Kendale and junior Chanti grapple with identity; the Homecoming dance is very special for Grant.

Episode 4: There's Nothing Funny About Race!
Jada's conflict with a teacher grows more intense; Ke'Shawn's run-in threatens his grade; Grant pursues love; Terrence loves Halloween much more than school; Charles and Chanti audition  for the poetry slam team.

Episode 6: Listen to the Poem!
Jada clashes with junior Diane over her new film; Brendan recalls a racially charged basketball past; Tiara and the cheerleading squad go for the gold; Charles' poetry slam team faces an epic challenge.
Episode 7: Tsunami of Privilege
Jess Stovall gives her all to engage Ke'Shawn, whose situation has turned dire; Kendale fights to advance in the playoffs, while star  teammate Gabe faces unexpected challenges; Terrence rebounds with his mother's help.

Episode 8: Nothing Can Hold You Down
Chanti discovers a devastating truth about her grandparents; Brendan's parents make him an offer he can't refuse; Caroline's anxiety exacts a heavy toll; Kendale and his team pursue their dream for the ultimate victory.
Episode 9: The Invisible T Shirt
Kendale goes on a college visit, while Terrence goes to court; Tiara and her mother fall out over grades; Jess pushes the administration to adopt her teacher support program; prom arrives and Kendale's mother loves it.

Episode 10: America Will Be ...
It's now or never for Tiara in chemistry; Terrence looks to the future; Caroline wrestles with perfection, while OPRF grapples with imperfect leadership; Kendale, Jada and Gabe celebrate graduation.