Hilltop 'Rock Your Socks' Celebrates World Down Syndrome Day
Hilltop 'Rock Your Socks' Celebrates World Down Syndrome Day
Lorrie Ham
Lauren Singsank's kindergarten class at Hilltop Primary School.
Hilltop Primary School wore their craziest mismatched socks and participated in activities designed to raise awareness and celebrate the differences in all of us to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. Students celebrated “Rock Your Socks” on March 18 instead of March 21, due to Spring Break.
Kindergarten teacher Lauren Singsank’s initial goal with the celebration was to invite awareness and begin these important conversations with her young students, but it blossomed to represent how differences make us special.
“My daughter, Eliza, was born in May 2019 with a surprise birth diagnosis of Down syndrome,” said Singsank. “Since the moment she was laid in my arms, I was determined to make the world a kinder and more welcoming place for her.”
Eliza, who will be seven in May, spent the day in her mom’s classroom, where students loved her! Older students who met Eliza when they were in Singsank’s classroom also stopped in to visit, making Eliza the queen of the day.
“My students learn that while we might have differences from each other, there are so many things that we have in common,” said Singsank.
Having students wear silly socks originally started because socks represent the shape of chromosomes and to celebrate that extra special addition of the 21st chromosome. Singsank planned a variety of activities for her students to learn more about Down syndrome. Kindergartners read books about inclusion, created kindness projects, and most importantly played.
Singsank said celebrating World Down Syndrome Day is one of her favorite days of the year. While adults are often hesitant to talk about disabilities, Singsank tries to make it her mission to teach both kids and adults that the word disability is not a scary word.
“Let's encourage our kids to ask questions and invite new friends for playdates and birthday parties,” said Singsank. “Let's encourage and truly teach our kids how to be kind, rather than just assuming that they will know how to on their own.”
World Down Syndrome Day is marked each year on March 21, beginning in 2006. The 21st day of March was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome. World Down Syndrome Day is observed to create awareness about Down syndrome.