Students wore “Lots of Socks” to create awareness about Down syndrome on March 23.
They wore “Lots of Socks” at Whitman Elementary School on Friday, March 23, as the staff and students recognized World Down Syndrome Day. WDSD is held annually on March 21, but with Wednesday being a snow day, Whitman moved its recognition to Friday.
In an effort to create awareness about Down syndrome, as well as inclusion and acceptance, staff and students were encouraged to wear “Lots of Socks” — especially brightly colored, long, printed socks, one sock or three socks — to symbolize three chromosomes.
Down syndrome is a genetic condition occurring when a baby is born with three copies of chromosome 21 rather than the usual two. The extra 21st chromosome causes children with Down syndrome to be at an increased risk for certain medical conditions, share similar physical features and results in some degree of cognitive delay. Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition and is seen once in every 691 babies in the United States.
