Berlin Community School (BCS) hosted a celebration on March 21 of World Down Syndrome Day, an annual observance that advocates for the rights, inclusion and well-being of individuals with the syndrome.
This year’s event – the school’s fifth – saw nearly all BCS students participate, thanks in large part to the efforts of a fifth-grader with the syndrome, Ellie Leadley.
Ellie inspired her classmates and teachers with her dedication and positivity. With more than 135 orders placed for the signature mismatched socks that symbolize the uniqueness of individuals with Down syndrome, Ellie took charge of counting money and delivering those socks to her peers and teachers.
“I feel happy,” she said, “because I see everyone with my socks and all the friends I have.”
World Down Syndrome Day is an opportunity to educate students about inclusion and acceptance. Marisa Schuenemann, who teaches special education for grades five through eight and organizes the BCS celebration, emphasized the growing impact of the initiative.
“Every year when we do this, I get nervous, and every year it gets bigger,” she noted. “The message we want to send out is acceptance and showing our support for people with different abilities. Every year, it gets a bit more positive.”
Teachers at BCS incorporated educational discussions into their lessons, using the day as a platform for meaningful conversations.
“It was a good opportunity for a ton of conversations,” explained Sydnie Opizzi, a K-2 teacher. “Students were asking what the socks are for, and it gave them an opportunity to talk about it and look at the board.”
Susanne Ruhf, who teaches grades two to five, noted the impact on the wider school community.
“It’s a good conversation for the community,” she observed, “and Ellie’s family is very involved and appreciative of everything we do here.”
Ellie’s personal aide, Amy Keller, highlighted the support her client gets from her peers.
“The students rally around her so much,” she said.
The success of the event was evident not just in participation, but also funds raised. This year’s take is close to $1,000, proceeds that will go toward support for individuals with Down syndrome and an increased awareness. Among contributors was Ellie herself.
“I teach social studies, and Ellie happens to be in my class,” Opizzi said. “We teach this because it’s important to be aware, so Ellie is in charge. She designed the socks, counted the money and packed orders with her friend, Esther.”
To commemorate the day, a massive banner featuring Ellie’s picture was created. The end result of the observance is to continue fostering a culture of inclusion and understanding, not only for Down syndrome, but also the embrace of kindness community support.
