Windsor elementary students joined millions of other students around the world to help break down social and racial barriers by participating in Mix It Up Day.
Staff at Bell Elementary asked students to connect and play with someone new at recess, by finding other students with the same color bracelet. Students were encouraged to find similarities between themselves and their new recess buddies.
“Studies have shown that interactions across group lines can help reduce prejudice. When students interact with those who are different from them, biases and misperceptions are reduced. We celebrated Mix It Up Day to allow students an opportunity to make new connections, friendships, and show kindness to others. It was wonderful to see students break out of their comfort zones and connect with new ‘Bell Buddies,’” said Bell Elementary school counselor Lori Fisher.
The goal of Mix It Up Day is to have all students feel included, welcomed, and accepted at school. At Palmer Elementary, two grade levels at a time went out for recess. Teachers gave each student a different color bracelet.
“Children then had to find a partner from the other grade with the same color bracelet and play with them during recess,” said Palmer Elementary school counselor Sandra Tredo.
Windsor’s three elementary schools took part in Red Ribbon Week in conjunction with Mix It Up day. At Palmer, students watched a video about Red Ribbon Week, took classroom “Healthy Selfies,” and sent postcards with their favorite healthy choices to students throughout the building.
Weeks Elementary is participating in Red Ribbon Week for the second straight year. Students signed a Red Ribbon banner, pledging to oppose bullying and stay drug free.
“We hung the banner in the school last year, and the students saw it every day as a reminder to stand against bullying and make good decisions. The kids feel like they are part of the school community,” said Weeks Elementary school counselor Liz Sharkan.
Weeks will hold its Mix It Up lunch on Halloween.