Genet Elementary School students and staff participated in Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day on Friday. The global awareness day is observed on the 21st day of the 3rd month of the year and was selected to signify the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome.

Genet students and staff wore mismatched, brightly colored socks to school. The socks represent the shape of a chromosome when seen from a karyotype, while the fun and bright colors grab attention and make it easy to spread the word.

Special Education Teacher Liz Corey coordinated the event at Genet and shared resources, coloring pages and reading passages with her colleagues earlier in the week so they could incorporate them into lessons.

“We came together as a school to honor the beauty of diversity and the power of inclusion,” said Ms. Corey. “Students with Down syndrome bring incredible abilities and unique perspectives to our community, and it was the perfect chance to remind everyone that every student deserves respect, love, and the chance to shine.”