Venue: Jewish Educational Alliance
Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 7:30 pm

Before 1960 Weequahic High School in Newark, New Jersey, was known as one of the top schools in America. By 2000 it was one of the most violent schools in the 12th most dangerous city in the country. When Ron Stone took over as principal in 2001, gangs ruled the school. Crime and shootings were commonplace and during his first month on the job he watched students engage in a mass brawl in every hallway.

Stone knew his work was cut out for him and devised an unconventional plan to realize his vision of turning the school around. He started by working with the gangs and establishing the school as a no-violence zone. He then partnered with the committed alumni association -- comprised of mostly older Jewish and younger African American alums -- to raise funds for programs and college scholarships that helped transform the gang culture of the school to one of discipline and performance.

Director: Beth Toni Kruvant
84 min. Urban, Documentary
English

2010 Film Festival Sponsors

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The Daughters of Joan and Murray Gefen
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Southern Motors - The Kaminsky Family
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Peggy and Harold Yellin
Sylvia Yellin
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