Whitemarsh Elementary School students rock socks on World Down Syndrome Day
Whitemarsh Elementary School students rock socks on World Down Syndrome Day
Whitemarsh Elementary School students celebrated the differences that make everyone unique as part of their observation of World Down Syndrome Day, which is marked on March 21.
Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that can cause varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and medical issues. World Down Syndrome Day is recognized on the 21st day of the third month of the year because it is representative of the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome. Along with learning these facts, students and teachers marked the day by wearing mismatched socks. This has become a symbol of the day since chromosomes can resemble socks when magnified.
Kindergarteners from Susan Hope's class, second-graders from Alyssa Uhrik's class, and students from Stephanie Brennan's Life Skills Support class joined together on March 21 to hear a story from Whitemarsh Elementary School parent Michelle Viall. Ms. Viall is mother to second-grader James, who has Down Syndrome and is in Ms. Brennan's class, and Owen, who is a kindergartener in Mrs. Hope's class. Mrs. Viall visits annually on World Down Syndrome Day to spread awareness.
She read "You Are Enough: A Book About Inclusion," which was written by Down Syndrome advocate and actress Sofia Sanchez. Following the reading of the book, students took some time to make their own colorful socks using markers and their imagination. Just like each student, the pairs of socks were all very unique.
