Eighth graders put forth much effort
and ingenuity as they planned a Mix It
Up Day in the school, making informative
and persuasive posters, banners and
public service announcements to
persuade peers and seventh graders to
take part in the activity. Their efforts were
rewarded when 160 students pledged
to move out of their comfort zones and
participate in a Mix It Up Day during
lunch on December 13th in the cafeteria.
Willing participants were randomly
assigned to tables by the teachers. Table
tents with ice breakers were placed
on tabletops to provide a starting
point for conversation. Though a little
uncomfortable in the beginning,
most students admitted it was fun to
get to know someone new, and the
conversation flowed easily after a few
minutes.
The students who organized the Mix
It Up Day identified the cafeteria as
a place in school where divisions are
clearly drawn. When students interacted
across social boundaries, biases and
misperceptions fell away, promoting
a healthy and welcoming school
environment.