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This event is a Core Conversation at the 2019 Pittsburgh Humanities Festival. See the full Core Conversation lineup here.

Today, in classrooms throughout the U.S., while students practice Math, English, Technology and Science, they also practice survival skills, escape paths and how to fend off attackers. Often, active-shooter drills and school lock downs are not announced. Students and teachers never know if this drill is the real thing or another run-through. Drill or real, students and teachers know an active shooter could be in their hallways, cafeteria or a classroom next door.

This conversation will include a screening of the short film “A New Normal” followed by a discussion with Len Caric, the film’s producer, and Dr. Kathleen Graczyk, Director of Student Services at Shaler Area School District, who will discuss her experience surrounding lockdowns in the district and combating the effects of lockdown trauma.

Len Caric is the producer of "The New Normal." He has produced three documentary movies since starting AmericanArk Films in 2010 and has presented at Pittsburgh and Nappa Valley Film Festivals. He teaches Entrepreneurship at the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University.

Dr. Graczyk is the Director of Student Services at Shaler Area School District, and experienced lockdowns during her time in the district. She has conducted doctoral research at the University of Pittsburgh and collaborated with students and staff to create a district-wide Mental Health Task Force that involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of lockdown trauma.