Immaculate Conception students celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Day

Students in Ronna Coventry’s prekindergarten class invited some special guests to their school.

The Civiello and Douglass families visited Immaculate Conception Elementary School and immediately noticed hallways decorated with colorful sock pictures and students wearing crazy socks in support of Down Syndrome Awareness Day. The entire student body showed support by making a donation to wear jeans and crazy socks to school. More than $600 was collected for Down Syndrome Awareness Day and donated to Tuscarawas County Special Olympics.

Kimmy Civiello, Chance’s mother, read “You Are Enough” by Margaret O’Hair and Sophia Sanchez, a book about inclusion. The story teaches children to be more inclusive, accepting and kind. Students enjoyed listening to the story and talking with Chance and Jaxon about the things they enjoy. Jaxon, who is in preschool, likes many of the same things they do, including The Wiggles, Mickey Mouse, music and dancing. The students also were excited to see medals Chance has won in sports such as swimming and baseball. Many also recognized Chance from volunteering in the school cafeteria, where he hands out milk.

Nicole Douglass, Jaxon’s mother, explained that people with Down syndrome have three copies of the 21st chromosome, which is why March 21 marks World Down Syndrome Awareness Day. She said people wear unique or mismatched socks because they resemble a pair of chromosomes. When people notice the socks, it opens the door to conversation, education and advocacy, she said.

Douglass told the children that when they see someone who may look different, whether a person has Down syndrome, uses a wheelchair or wears braces on their legs, it is OK to talk to them and ask questions. She said they are like everyone else and want friends and acceptance.

The visit was filled with learning, smiles and new friendships for the children and emotion, information and support for the adults. Teaching children about acceptance, empathy and pride in themselves and others is important. At this age, children already seem willing to accept and help others, and with more exposure, that spirit can continue.

We all are enough.