"National Mix It Up Day" helps stop division in school

Fonda-Fultonville Middle School joined 2883 schools across the nation on "National Mix It Up Day" on Tuesday, Nov. 10.

"Mix It Up Day"  is a simple call to action: take a new seat in the cafeteria. By making the move, students can cross the invisible lines of school division, meet new people and make new friends. "Mix it Up at Lunch Day" helps students become more comfortable interacting with different kinds of people.

To make the day more fun, students were encouraged to:

• participated in a poster contest (1st prize—$20 gift card)

• sign the "I support 'Mix It Up Day'" pledge cards and banner

• took a new seat during their lunch period

• joined in a game during lunch to win prizes.

Students thrive—socially and academically—in schools that are inclusive. Yet, for far too many students, schools are hotbeds of exclusion. Social scientists have long maintained that contact between diverse groups helps alleviate tensions and reduce prejudice. Mix It Up seeks to break down the barriers between students and improve intergroup relations so there are fewer misunderstandings that can lead to conflicts, bullying, and harassment. The lessons learned during lunch on Nov. 10 will help promote social border crossing all year long.

Community businesses pitch in to help

The Fonda-Fultonville Middle School Character Education Committee thanks the local businesses who supported this effort through their generous donations. They include:

• Twin Pine Family Chiropractic

• Nancy Persse Langdon, State Farm Insurance

• A & L Tools (Mac Tools)

• NBT Bank - Fonda

• Dunkin Donuts - Fultonville

• McDonalds - Fultonville

• Lions Club

• Jackson & Betz Funeral Home

• TJ's Pizza

• Sorrenti's

• Subway - Fonda

• Checkers Out Speedway

• Fonda-Fultonville Lions Club

• Sand Flats Orchard

• Jacksen & Betz Funeral Home

• Kelli’s Kuts

• A Cut Above

• Mary Kay- Jodie

• Arlene’s Handcrafted Handbags

• Checkers Out Speedway

• Walmart of Gloversville