EHPS students and staff wore mismatched socks on March 21 to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. This day is celebrated every year on March 21st because people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of their 21st chromosome. Because the chromosomes look like mismatched socks, our students and staff were encouraged to wear these colorful socks to show their support and create awareness.
Martha Adams, an O’Connell School parent and member of the Down Syndrome Association of CT, has encouraged and assisted her children’s schools to celebrate in previous years. This year, she worked with the EHPS Pupil Personnel Services Department to recognize this day districtwide.
“To see our East Hartford school community recognize and celebrate WDSD district wide meant more than I can fully express! For me it meant being seen, being heard, it meant that students with Down syndrome, and other diversely abled students, are valued, that their stories are important and worthy of telling and hearing. It meant to me that EHPS wants to help break down stereotypes and build up a community that fosters awareness, inclusion, kindness, and equity,” said Adams.
The Down Syndrome Association of CT also donated age appropriate books about Down syndrome to 8 of our schools this year.
"Thanks to parent advocates our district was more involved this year with World Down Syndrome Day than in previous years. It was truly an amazing opportunity to raise awareness and we are excited about future opportunities to expand involvement for this important event to celebrate our amazing students," said Director of Pupil Personnel Services Dr. Craig Outhouse. "While we are blessed to have organizations like the Down Syndrome Association of Connecticut in our corner, parents like Martha Adams are the true heroes as they dedicate countless hours to help teach our staff and students about kindness, inclusion, and how differences are something to be celebrated versus feared. I’m so proud to work alongside so many amazing staff, students, and parents that make our district special."
On April 16, Dr. Outhouse and the Pupil Personnel Services Department recognized O'Connell School for its outstanding participation on World Down Syndrome Day and presented students and staff with a plaque.
View more photos from World Down Syndrome Day below.