West Islip's mix-it-up day
Mix It Up Day - a time during which interaction across group lines in schools can help reduce prejudice and improve intergroup relations - was held in both of West Islip's middle schools. The day was used to encourage new friendships and reduce the possibility of bullying. Surveys conducted by those who run Mix It Up Day revealed that some students nationally are quick to put people into categories, with a high percentage identifying school caf- eterias as the setting where social boundaries are most clearly seen. At Beach Street Middle School, students entering the cafeteria received tickets for the tables they were to sit at during lunch. Halfway through the event, music was played so that the youngsters could participate in karaoke. Among the tunes was
Why Can't We Be Friends? by Smash Mouth. Co-ordinator and teacher Denise Ciangetti reports, "There was such high energy in the cafeteria that even the staff got involved with the singing."
Shown in the top photo is Denise Ciangetti, center, with some of the students. Shown in the middle photo are students from Udall Road Middle School with teachers and co-coordinators Kim Crouch and Ciangetti. Shown in the photo at left, is teacher and co-coordinator, Elaine Herman holding papers that were dsitributed. The coordinators are hosting Character Education sessions and advising Rachel's Club, an off-shoot of Rachel's Legacy, a national program that promotes kindness to each other.
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