Hey! Are you all right? How are you?

Maybe we occasionally take these amicable questions for granted, but what if we paused and really listened to the person asking them (instead of just hearing him or her - which is something automatic we do anyways)? Social dynamics are complex and navigating them can be challenging, however, relying on good questions can be a great way to navigate diverse social settings, and create lasting bonds with others.

So why bring this up in a museum environment? Inclusion and belonging are important for emotional well-being and social connections, but they also have a positive impact on academic achievement. When students feel welcome and included, they are more likely to perform better academically. In this way, the MuseOn aims to become a catalyst for human connections; a pathway for healing, listening, and accepting the differences that we all have.   And the plus side is that if this experiment bears fruit, will not only affect the student’s academic achievements but will create a school community framework that will cultivate a community environment that enables inclusion, belonging, and justice. 

The exhibit consists of a series of activities and experiences that are focused on dissolving social boundaries and encouraging social connections. This exhibit is a collective effort headed by several people within the EARJ community, consisting of counselors, student support services and learning support professionals, psychologists, principals, assistant principals, our drama teacher, sign-language teachers, and our museum curator. All of us working together in tandem, so we can pave the way for a framework for a school community where belonging and inclusion are central.