Edison Intermediate School Breaks Down Social Barriers On Mix It Up Day

Students at Edison Intermediate School in Westfield participated in a full day event on November 21 – the national Mix It Up Day -- joining more than three million other students across the country to help break down social barriers.

“Mix It Up is a positive step that schools can take to help create inclusive school communities and learning environments,” explained EIS Guidance Counselor Kerri Webster. Along with counselors Kimberly Lisnock and Lori Demuro, Ms. Webster advised the student-run event hosted by the school’s Student Government Association and TLRNC (Teens Learning Respect ‘N Compasion).

The day included group discussions on why students should be motivated to get to know people “on the inside,” a viewing of a movie with an inspiring message, and lunch periods at which students were asked to move out of their comfort zone and sit with someone new during which TLRNC members led ice breaker activities. “Cafeterias are the focus of Mix It Up because that’s where a school’s social boundaries are most obvious,” stated Webster.

After lunch, the entire student body of sixth, seventh and eighth graders and staff participated in team building games designed to encourage, unify, and strengthen relationships throughout the school.

The day ended with a parting gift – a pencil – with a reminder to “Do the ‘write’ thing. Pay it Forward. Pass on Kindness.”

Reflecting on the event, Principal Matthew Bolton, stated, “This important event combines fun with a powerful message of inclusiveness, respect, and tolerance. It is our hope that our students ended the day with an uplifted spirit, a celebration of our differences, the acceptance of our shared experiences and a new friend or two.”

Photo Caption - Students at Westfield’s Edison Intermediate School participated in Mix It Up Day on the nationwide Mix It Up Day. Student activities included moving out of their comfort zone to sit with someone new during lunch. Enjoying meeting new friends are (l-r) Deborah Obiajulu, Helen Chinn, Giavanna Schifando, Quinn Gimblette, Mary Weber and Raaka Mukhopadhyay.