SCHOOL NEWS
World Down Syndrome Day, March 21, is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The date, being the 21st day of the third month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down Syndrome.
Down syndrome (or Trisomy 21) is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. Chromosomes are “packages” of genes in the body. They determine how a baby’s body forms and functions as it grows. Around one in every 800 babies will be born with Down Syndrome. It occurs naturally– there is no known cause–and usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues.
On March 21, some of the Crissey staff wore colorful/mismatched socks to raise awareness for Down Syndrome. The concept comes from the chromosomes, which are shaped like socks.
Information taken from worlddownsyndromeday.org. Visit the site for more information.
