Children and adults throughout the Massapequa School District found the wackiest pairs of socks in their drawer, pulled them up high and proudly sported them to school on March 20. Rock Your Socks day is an annual event to support World Down Syndrome Day.
This year’s global theme was “Together Against Loneliness.” World Down Syndrome Day promotes inclusivity and is observed on March 21 to highlight the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome. In Massapequa, Rock Your Socks day was held in partnership with SEPTA.
East Lake Elementary School raised awareness about Down syndrome as students and staff were encouraged to wear fun, colorful or mismatched socks for all to see. The student council also held a collection drive for new pairs of socks for children and adults. There was a donation box in the lobby for two weeks, with socks going to the St. Rose of Lima Church parish outreach center.
Second grade teacher Christine Marshall’s students colored paper socks, discussed inclusivity and wrote about what it means to be a good friend. In Denise Sicignano’s class, children went on a scavenger hunt to find the second sock for each pair, then donated those to the sock drive. Giana Ahern’s fourth graders used colorful markers to decorate white socks with symbols and designs to represent their individuality.
Unqua Elementary School students and staff also rocked crazy socks on March 20. The student council collected money for the Fallon Rae Sunshine Legacy Foundation, in honor of a former student with Down syndrome who passed away. The foundation aims to keep her light shining and support causes that reflect her joy, love and strength.