North Country Road Middle School in Miller Place recently used their voices to advocate for the rights, inclusion and wellbeing of individuals with Down Syndrome during World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) on March 21, 2019. Together, students at NCRMS dressed up in blue and yellow to raise awareness and sold bracelets to fundraise for the cause.
“This small but immensely impactful initiative—spearheaded by Student Government—helps instill in our students a sense of empathy and understanding, two characteristics that are immensely valued throughout the District,” said Dr. Marianne Cartisano, superintendent of Miller Place School District.
NCRMS’s Student Government spearheaded the initiative under the direction of Nicole Farley and Mara Healey. The group of students set up a table and rotated shifts to sell blue and yellow bracelets to their peers and staff members in the building—all proceeds donated to the cause.
World Down Syndrome Day is a global awareness day that began in 2006. The date for WDSD—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.
For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us.