EIS Students to Participate in 'Mix it Up Day'

Students at Edison Intermediate School will join fellow students throughout the country on Friday as they participate in “Mix it Up Day,” an event focused team building, respect, tolerance and more.

Mix it Up Day is dedicated to breaking down social barriers to create inclusive learning environments.

The activities planned are to improve inter-group relations so there are fewer misunderstandings that can lead to conflicts, bullying and harassment. 

“Just as important as the common core and academic skill acquisition is the affective development of students,” according to the district. “Social/emotional skills like self-awareness, effective communication, teambuilding and trust are just as crucial to the “whole child.”      

Guest speaker, Dr. Mykee Fowlin, a psychologist and actor, will conduct a presentation at 10:15 a.m.

“It is our hope that our students will leave his performance with an uplifted spirit, celebration of our differences, and the acceptance of our shared experiences,” Edison Guidance Counselor Kimberly Lisnock said.

Students will also be asked to sit with someone new at lunch in order to get out of their comfort zone. The EIS Teens Learning Respect ‘N Compassion (TLRNC) members will host discussions and games during lunch periods.  Studies have shown that when students interact with those who are different from them previously held biases and misperceptions can fall away, according to the district.

After lunch, students will participate in team building games and following the morning presentation students and teachers will discuss Fowlin’s presentation.

For more information, contact Kimberly Lisnock at klisnock@westfieldnjk12.org.