Mix It Up at Lunch Day is almost here, and on Nov. 10, 2009, schools across the country will be participating in the national day. On this one day, students will be asked to abandon their usual seat in the cafeteria, cross through social boundaries and sit with someone new.
I’ve watched with great anticipation as schools added themselves to the Mix It Up map daily. My favorite part has been reading the e-mails from teachers and students sharing reasons why Mix It Up is important to them and their schools.
One of these e-mails stands out for me. It was from a teacher who watched as a group of students -- students who were well on their way to being the “in” group -- were all mingling together when another student, who has autism, was coming down the hall way. The students began laughing and a student remarked, “she is retarded.”
An individual in the group quickly came to the defense of this student. This lone student said her classmate was not “retarded,” she had a disability. She told her classmates they should not call anyone a name. Just because someone isn’t like you, the student said, does not mean you treat them mean.
Shared experiences such as this one keep me hopeful that a student’s simple act of courage can spread from a small group of students. The teacher who shared this story also shared that her school would be added to the Mix It Up Map.
While the idea may be simple, it requires courage from teachers and students. The lessons learned from this day are valuable and students and teachers will continue making a difference in their schools throughout the year.
On Nov. 10, 2009, students and teachers will make a bold declaration that they will work toward creating a school environment that is welcoming of all. They will promise to promote inclusion and not exclusion.
Are you looking for ways to plan the day in your school? It’s not too late to add your school to the map and download your materials for the annual Mix It Up at Lunch Day.
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