Learning about others over lunch

Hamburg — A nationwide program adopted by the Hamburg School gave junior high students a forum to learn about others. Mix-It-Up Day, sponsored by the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Teaching Tolerance program, aims to reduce prejudice among youth and improve inter-group relations in schools. At the Hamburg School students in the cafeteria were asked to take a new seat for the day on Nov. 10 with students from a different grade and age group. Conversation starters lead by the Hamburg School Peer Leaders were used to encourage all students to talk to one another. The children were asked to look for what they share in common. “I actually had fun talking with someone who I never would have talked to if it wasn’t for Mix-It-Up Day,” said seventh-grader Alex Shucai. Students found out they had more in common with the children in other grades than they thought they did. “I think we should Mix-It-Up every day,” said Amadeus Daigle. “When we meet new people and get to know them, there will be less arguing.”

Today we had an opportunity to improve our school climate by creating social connections that would not have occurred without the format of Mix-It-Up Day. Kerri Yezuita Hamburg School guidance counselor