World Down Syndrome Day
Join us on March 21, 2024
World Down Syndrome Day
Need Translation? | ¿Necesita traducción? | Precisa de tradução?
ENGLISH: Need translation? Just click "Translate" at the top of your screen!
ESPAÑOL: ¿Necesita traducción? Haga clic en "Translate" (traducir) en la parte superior de la pantalla.
PORTUGUÊS: Precisa de tradução? Clique em “Translate” (traduzir) no topo da tela!
Rock Your Socks - March 21st
March 21: World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) takes place annually on March 21st. Why? Because it's the 21st day of the 3rd month which signifies the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
Chromosomes are shaped “like socks” and people with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome. So, on this day, people all over the world wear colorful, attractive, wild, or mismatched socks on WDSD to get noticed. This also inspires conversation, so when people ask you about your socks you can tell them, “I’m wearing them to raise awareness of Down syndrome”.
Join us on March 21st for a special ROCK YOUR SOCKS day across Framingham Public Schools!
Our 'ROCK YOUR SOCKS' event is a celebration of everything that makes all of us different, and yet the same. Staff, Students, and even Caregivers are invited wear your brightest and boldest (or mismatched) socks to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day! #LotsOfSocks #WorldDownSyndromeDay
Some facts or conversation starters for kids include:
- Down syndrome is not a disease. You can’t catch it.
- People with Down syndrome have had Down syndrome since before they were born. They will always have Down syndrome.
- People with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome in each of the cells in their body. These chromosomes are very tiny, but carry important information that affects how we grow.
- No one knows why some people have this extra chromosome.
- Most children with Down syndrome will be able to do the things that other children do. They might just take longer to learn how.
- Children with Down syndrome like to play and to have friends.
- Children with Down syndrome like to help out, to learn and to be good at what they do.
- Children with Down syndrome like to have a turn, even if their turn looks a little different.
- Since the 1970s, public schools are required by law to provide a free and appropriate education to children with Down syndrome.
- While behavior, mental ability, and physical development varies from person to person, many individuals with Down syndrome grow up to hold jobs, live independently, and enjoy various recreational activities.
Sources: https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-down-syndrome and https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/sites/default/files/file/information-childcare-providers-toolkit/04-infoforkids.pdf
iNight Presentation Interview
iNight Presentation: Down Syndrome
In this student interview captured during Elementary iNight, Graisa is joined by sister Kaltrina to talk about her independent study project. The project explains Down Syndrome, the daily struggles that people with Down Syndrome face, ways that classmates can support them, and even introduces a product idea that would make their lives just a little bit easier.
Many thanks to Graisa and Kaltrina for providing education; helping to create awareness; encouraging acceptance; for leading by example through kindness; and also for living your life with passion. You are an inspiration!
#Embracingdifferences #Inspiringfutures
Coloring Pages
❤️💙🖤🤎💚🤍🧡💜💛
.
.
If you are looking for a classroom or at-home activity, you can download and print these coloring pages:
World Down Syndrome Day - Odd Socks Coloring Sheet
World Down Syndrome Day - Coloring Sheets
.
.
❤️💙🖤🤎💚🤍🧡💜💛
Support Entrepreneurs with Down Syndrome
Minding My Own Business: Entrepreneurs with Down Syndrome
In Minding My Own Business (2022), we go behind the lens with photographic card maker Andrew Bingham (Through Andrew’s Eyes), glam up with Anu Sarma (Lovebirds by Anu), and discover the recipe to Zamaan Jivraj’s success (The Granola Kid). Andrew, Anu, and Zamaan, along with those who support them in their endeavours, provide both inspiration and practical tips for getting a thriving small business up and running.
Read Alouds
A Special Video
The mission of the Framingham Public Schools is to educate each student to learn and live productively as a critically-thinking, responsible citizen in a multicultural, democratic society by providing academically challenging instructional programs taught by highly-qualified staff and supported by comprehensive services in partnership with our entire community. For news, updates, and announcements, follow Framingham Public Schools (@FraminghamPS) on Facebook and (@framinghamschools) on Instagram. You can also join the conversation using #FraminghamSchools.