NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
April 15, 2013 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204
National Honor
Quail Summit Designated Mix It Up Model School
DIAMOND BAR, CA-- Quail Summit Elementary has been named a Mix It Up Model School for its exemplary efforts to foster respect and understanding among students and throughout campus during the 2012-13 school year.
Quail Summit is among 63 schools from across the country receiving the honor by the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Teaching Tolerance program. The announcement was made on April 9.
Fifth grade Teacher Erin Ruhl organized the lunchtime event that included a cross-age scavenger hunt and frozen treats held on October 16, 2012.
“It was wonderful watching the students enjoying the process of making new friends while having fun during the scavenger hunt. The Mix It Up at Lunch Day is a great lesson in celebrating and enjoying one another!” Ruhl said.
“The students had so much fun as they worked together and made new friends at the same time,” said Principal Dr. Alysia Hobbs-Odipo.
The Mix It Up Model Schools met five criteria: They each hosted a Mix it Up at Lunch Day in 2012 or 2013; they included different members of the school’s community – cafeteria staff, aides, administrators, teachers or students – in organizing the event; they followed up with at least two additional Mix It Up-related programs or events on campus; they publicized Mix It Up at Lunch Day or celebrated inclusiveness with posters, announcements and other media; and their event was seen by students and school officials as a success
“We are delighted to recognize each of these schools,” said Teaching Tolerance Director Maureen Costello. “Mix It Up Model Schools have found innovative ways to create a school environment where respect and inclusiveness are core values. They serve as examples for other schools hoping to instill these values in their students, faculty and staff.”
For more than a decade, Mix It Up Day has provided students across the country with an opportunity to move out of their comfort zones and connect with someone new over lunch. It’s a simple act with profound implications as studies have shown that interactions across group lines can help reduce prejudice. Many schools plan activities for the entire day, and some use the event to kick off a yearlong exploration of social divisions. Last year more than 3,000 schools took part in the event.
The 2013 National Mix It Up at Lunch Day will be held on Oct. 29. A list of the model schools can be found at http://www.tolerance.org/mix-it-up/model-schools.
Shown:
Quail Summit staff and parents teamed up for the Mix It Up event held on October 16, 2012.
Mix It Up provides an opportunity for students to make new friends and have fun at the same time.
Quail Summit students had fun and made new friends during a successful Mix It Up Day. The school has been named a 2013 Mix It Up Model School for its exemplary efforts to foster respect and understanding among students and throughout campus during the 2012-13 school year.
Students worked in cross-age groups during the Mix It Up Day scavenger hunt.
Quail Summit students enjoyed a frozen treat during the Mix It Up event.