West eighth graders learn to 'Mix It Up' and get ready for high school

Counselors at West Middle School recently hosted their third "Mix It Up Lunch" with eighth graders in the building.

The event brought in students from Kennedy High School's Link Crew to help facilitate the activity and get eighth graders ready for the transition to high school. The Link Crew discusses issues important to that transition and gives eighth graders a chance to talk to high school students about what to expect when they make that jump.

The "Mix It Up Lunch" is designed to break eighth graders out of their regular social circle and promote new friendships and relationship.

"Mix It Up" was designed by a group of teen activists that wanted to challenge social boundaries in their schools and communities. It is part of a national campaign launched by Teaching Tolerance. 

Surveys launched by that organization showed that the cafeteria is a place where divisions are most clearly drawn. They then launched the idea of designating a day each year to ask students to move out of this "comfort zone" and connect with someone else during their lunch break. 

Those interactions can reduce prejudice and misconceptions. There are plenty of different models and examples to emulate. 

For more about the "Mix It Up" program, see the Teaching Tolerance Web site at www.mixitup.org.