HULL — Superintendent Judith Kuehn, Director of Student Services Kristen Ryan and the Hull Public Schools Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) are pleased to share that students in the Hull Public Schools participated in activities this week in honor of World Down Syndrome Day.
Held annually on March 21 (to represent the uniqueness of having three of the 21st chromosome, which leads to Down syndrome), World Down Syndrome Day raises public awareness, promotes inclusivity, encourages advocacy, and supports the wellbeing of those living with Down syndrome worldwide.
Hull students and staff celebrated the day in a number of ways, including wearing colorful and mismatched socks. The creative socks are commonly used to represent the unique look of the three chromosomes.
Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day is something that has a personal connection to the Hull Public Schools. The district put on the activities in part with two families in the district with children who have Down syndrome — Addy and Quinn — who are both in the preschool program.
The theme of this year’s World Down Syndrome Day was inclusion, and high school and middle school students took part in discussions around this topic this week.
At the elementary level, students worked on a special sock project with preschoolers that involved cutting shapes and pasting them onto socks to work on fine motor skills. Library volunteers also read books to classes to raise awareness for Down syndrome.
“We thank all of the students, their families and staff members who helped mark this year’s World Down Syndrome Day,” Director Ryan said. “The theme of inclusion is one we strive to promote every day within our district, and this was an opportunity for our students to take those discussions and apply them in a real and meaningful way.”
To learn more about World Down Syndrome Day, click here.
About Hull SEPAC
The Hull Public Schools SEPAC is a group of parents and educators who work together on behalf of children in Hull with special education needs and provide support for their families. Anyone interested in learning more can follow the group on Facebook, or email HULL_SEPAC@town.hull.ma.us.
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