St. Anthony de Padua Catholic School will be participating in World Down Syndrome Day this Thursday.  Students are encouraged to wear crazy socks :)  

 

Below is some background information to share with your students on why we are doing what we are doing.   

 

World Down Syndrome Day occurs on March 21st of each year to raise awareness of what Down syndrome is and how people with Down syndrome play a vital role in our community. It occurs on 3/21 in honor of the three sets of the 21st chromosome that cause Down syndrome. First observed in 2006, World Down Syndrome Day was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2012.

 

Typically, people are born with two sets each of 23 chromosomes. This "extra" 21st chromosome is what leads to the features and conditions that are common in people with Down syndrome, including distinctive facial features, shorter stature, and cognitive delays. Down syndrome is a randomly occurring genetic condition that presents in equal rates across all races, ethnicities and economic classes. People with Down syndrome, when supported by their families and communities, can live happy, productive and fulfilling lives.

 

One way that people celebrate World Down Syndrome Day is to wear crazy socks because under a microscope, chromosomes kinda look like crazy socks...