'Paper Tigers' documentary showing

Sisters School District will host a screening of "Paper Tigers," a film that captures the pain, danger, beauty, and hopes of struggling teens and teachers armed with new science and fresh approaches that are changing lives for the betters.

The documentary, directed by James Redford and produced by Karen Pritzker, will be shown at Sisters High School auditorium on Friday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m. This is a free event open to the public. (The film is not recommended for younger audiences.)

Doors will open at 6 p.m .; light refreshments will be offered and there will be information on available resources from local service agencies.

"Paper Tigers" follows a year in the life at Lincoln Alternative High School in Walla Walla, Washington, which has radically changed its approach to disciplining students, and in the process has become a promising model for how to break the cycle of poverty, violence, and disease that affect families.

The film follows six troubled teens over the course of one year. The students were considered drop-outs with a history of behavioral problems, violence, truancy, and substance abuse.

With the motto "stressed brains can't learn" Lincoln High School principal invited his staff and students to learn about Adverse Childhood Experiences Study which shows that stressful events during childhood like divorce, domestic violence, and mental illness increases the risk of problems such as addictions, suicide, heart disease, and failure in young adults.

"Paper Tigers" is a testament to what the latest developmental science is proving: One caring adult can change the cycle of adverse and harsh conditions for a young person.

The film is not rated; contains profanity.

For more information on "Paper Tigers" visit www.PaperTigersMovie.com or call Brook Jackson at Sisters Middle School, 541-549-2099; Becky Stoughton at Sisters Elementary School, 541-549-8981; or the Sisters FAN office at 541-519-0155.