On Thursday, 5/16/19, we had Mix It Up Day in the cafeteria during lunch.  Students were intentionally placed at different seats and tables across teams.  There were conversation starters provided on pages at each table and students were encouraged to talk to someone new.  Students consistently identify the cafeteria as a place in their school where divisions are clearly—and harshly—drawn. So we asked students to move out of their comfort zones and connect with someone new over lunch. It’s a simple act with profound implications that we encourage educators to include in year-round efforts to promote healthy, welcoming school environments. 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 can fall away.  (https://www.tolerance.org/mix-it-up)