It’s been celebrated on The Oprah Winfrey Show, spotlighted in Entertainment Weekly and now the criticially acclaimed and controversial documentary Waiting For “Superman” is making its debut in St. Louis.
As we all know, many public school systems across the country are in upheaval, threatening the success of today’s children. To put a face – or five faces, in this instance – to this troubling situation, Oscar-winning director Davis Guggenheim introduces viewers to a group of students whose opportunities for achievement are at a crossroads.

Through Waiting For “Superman,” moviegoers join five schoolchildren of various ages as they and their families struggle to find the best options for their education. We get an inside peek at their goals and dreams, the challenges they face and the sacrifices their caregivers are making to help them thrive. Is winning the charter school lottery the only shot at success for these children or is there another “Superman” waiting in the wings to save them?
This is your chance to see the movie that is stirring debate among public school and charter school proponents – catch Waiting For “Superman” when it opens this Friday, Oct. 8, at the Plaza Frontenac Cinema. In an interesting scholarly tie-in, you can also pick up a copy of the participant guide, a book called Waiting for "Superman": How We Can Save America's Failing Public Schools.
By Nicole Plegge, Lifestyle Blogger for SmartParenting
Metro East mom Nicole Plegge has written for STL Parent for more than 12 years. Besides working as a freelance writer & public relations specialist, and raising two daughters and a husband, Nicole's greatest achievements are finding her misplaced car keys each day and managing to leave the house in a stain-free shirt. Her biggest regret is never being accepted to the Eastland School for Girls. Follow Nicole on Twitter @STLWriterinIL
March brings a very special kind of tropical madness to the Butterfly House in Faust Park! Thousands of breathtaking Blue Morpho butterflies take up residence to welcome spring.
Stop in and have some fun in the indoor pool at the Lodge of Des Peres with your little one at this drop-in swim time for kids up to age 6. No pre-registration is needed; Water Waddlers is open to residents and non-residents of Des Peres.
Science Tots is designed for children ages 18 to 36 months. The class provides opportunities to support brain development and learning. Toddlers and their grown-ups will explore STEM topics through songs, stories, hands-on exploration and play.
Bring your little ones for a "fin"tastic story time complete with a craft/experiment and a light snack before heading to the pool for Little Splashers swim time!
LEGO Club at the St. Louis County Library is a free opportunity for kids to gather and have fun building with LEGO bricks. LEGOs are provided.