Dubuque Students “Mix It Up”

By Katie Wiedemann, Reporter

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Oct 18, 2011 at 6:01 PM CDT

Story Updated: Oct 18, 2011 at 6:16 PM CDT

DUBUQUE, Iowa — Being out of your social comfort zone can be difficult for adults and even harder for some Dubuque students. But students at Jefferson Middle School are trying to “Mix-It-Up.”

It’s an unusually quiet day in the Jefferson Middle School cafeteria. For some, the conversations just aren’t flowing like other days.

Before the lunch hour teachers randomly assigned students to cafeteria tables. It’s part of a national program to battle bullying. Teachers pulled students away from their usual friendship groups. Instead students sat with people they may have never talked to before.

Jordan Schueller said, “I didn’t know what to say because I’ve never talked to them before.”

Lauren Horaney said, “it was just plain out awkward and stuff. ”

Others say they tried to make the most of it. “We talked about what’s our favorite pizza and what we want to do after school,” said David Campbell.

“Even though we may have our differences, there’s no need to bully someone about that,” said Guidance Counselor Intern Andrea Duggan,

So what’s next? Some students want to “mix it up” once each month. Others said they just want to sit with their friends.

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