Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 28, 2012)
News De La Salle Students Learn about Diversity with ‘Mix It Up’ By Myles Glover Peer Leader at De La Salle North Catholic High School, Class of 2013 S ince America is a very diverse nation, the average person would think that our school system would be even more diverse. For most schools, especially private schools, that is not the case. Howev- er, at De La Salle North Catholic High School, we pride ourselves on the diversity of our school. We embrace all nationalities, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month, and Asian and Pacific Islander Month. Just a few weeks ago, we had our Third Annual Mix It Up Week. By defini- tion, Mix It Up Week helps students foster respect, understanding, and inclusivity in our school by learning how to celebrate our differ- ences and discover what unites us. During Mix It Up Week, we had many activities planned. For two days in a row, we had an extra hour- long period added to our schedule. During that time, the school was “mixed up” by gender, school year, and racial and ethnic background and put into different class- rooms. There, the groups participated in activities that were specifically designed for encouraging discussion about differences and making students see their classmates in a new, positive way. During one activity called “Where the Wind Blows,” participants played a game similar to musical chairs. When someone mentioned a characteristic (such as “speaks a different language at home” or “works an after-school job”) everyone who had that characteristic needed to find a new spot in a circle. This game helped to show common- alities and shared experiences. Another activity was called “Silent Conversation.” Groups were shown thought-provoking images and, instead of speaking out loud, people wrote back and forth about what they thought was going on in the photo. The pictures were about issues affecting young peo- ple today, such as body image or bully- ing. Also throughout the week, during lunch, we had class- es that taught different things about diversity. For example, our school history teacher, Mr. Peter Myers, taught students how to tie a bow tie in order to teach ways to be unique. To make Mix It Up Week even more awe- some, we played Michael Jackson’s famous song “Black and White” as our school bell and passing period bell. To make Mix It Up Week even more awesome, we played Michael Jackson’s famous song ‘Black and White’ as our school bell and passing period bell Myles Glover, center front, and other De La salle students in a Mix It Up Week activity around personal identity. In addition, during one of the Mix It Up days, we had a visit from two special guests, students from the Catlin Gabel School Diversity Committee. They came during the week to observe, so that, hope- fully, they can do something similar at their school. As De La Salle North does so well, we welcomed them with open arms and made their experience special, suggesting tips and even offering to be a part of their Mix It Up Week. Mix It Up Week helped students, faculty and staff address misconceptions about dif- ferent groups and understand the realities and dreams of different people. Since we are a small community, it had the effect of bringing the school together and helping us all to realize that we can be friends and be together as one big family. Fire Food continued from page 9 ing, grilling, boiling baking, all of the above. I mix up the vegetables, so I’m not eating broccoli every day. And let’s face it; anxiety is probably just as bad for you. I’m really pas- sionate about food, music and lifestyle. And life is to be enjoyed. So I will always go by what my grandmother said, “All things in moderation at all times.” TSN: Do your children like to cook? RM: I have three girls, aged 5, 4 and 1. One of them right now has a really keen interest in cooking. The youngest one right now is always up on Page 10 The Portland Skanner the counter, watch- ing everything I’m doing. So she’s real- ly focused on it. I showed them won- tons the other day, the know how to do that now. They know how to crack eggs and make an omelet. Or if I’m making pancakes and I leave out an ingredient, they will remind me, “You November 28, 2012 forgot the sugar.” So I know they are absorbing the stuff I’m showing them. If they are more interested in color- ing while I’m cooking I let them color, but if they want to learn how to do something they are definitely there. TSN: So you already shot your Portland show? RM: Yes, I came to Portland. I’d already been to Seattle, and the region, but I’ve always heard that Portland was a really interesting city. When I arrived I really loved Portland and quickly decided that it is one of my favorite cities in America. We went to Ned Ludd, and that was great. I got to eat his food. Roger Mooking with barbecue made out of an ocean buoy
