West hartford residents Lauren Heidenis ’19 and Adam Theodorou ’20 joined other students in the activity intended to foster inclusiveness.

Submitted by Stacy Routhier, Watkinson School

West Hartford residents Lauren Heidenis ’19 and Adam Theodorou ’20 participate in Mix it Up at Lunch Day. Submitted photo

“Since 2002, Teaching Tolerance Mix it Up at Lunch Day program has helped millions of students cross social boundaries and create more inclusive school communities.”

On Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014, Watkinson Middle School in Hartford, along with schools nationwide, participated in the national Mix it Up at Lunch Day. Everyone sat in different lunch groups and had conversations about peace and kindness.

Research found that this event helps students become more comfortable interacting with different kinds of people, helps them make new friends across group lines and fosters school spirit and unity. Students also constructed one Middle School Tree of Kindness on the wall in the Watkinson dining room.

Watkinson School is Hartford’s oldest independent day school serving students in grades 6-12/PG.  Their next open house is Dec. 12, at 9 a.m.