If you’re looking to learn about Down syndrome, just ask one of Jennifer Shugrue’s 18 Pre-K students. Shugrue, a teacher at Stadium Elementary School organized a Down Syndrome Awareness Day event for the national celebration on March 21. She asked students to dress in yellow and blue, which are the colors associated with Down Syndrome Awareness.

Shugrue created a presentation for her students, telling them that just like some people are born with blonde hair or brown hair – or even different eye colors – some people are born with 46 chromosomes and others with 47. Shugrue’s students then went to other classrooms within Stadium Elementary and educated their peers on the topic and how they can be good friends to those with Down syndrome.

Stadium also raised money to support Down Syndrome awareness and donated all proceeds to the Rhode Island Down Syndrome Society which is an organization that offers parents support, information and advocates in the service system and in the community. The school asked families to donate $1, and Shurue said some families decided to give even more. As of March 23, Principal Cheri Sacco said the school raised $175.

Shugrue and Stadium’s physical education teacher Justin Cahoone took Down Syndrome Awareness Day one step further and created an inclusion week – similar to a spirit week – within the school. Tuesday was ‘differences make a difference’ day where students could come to school with crazy hair and showing off their favorite charity with a shirt or item. Wednesday’s focus was thinking of ways to help others in school and at home. For this, individuals wore their favorite team jersey. As for mix it up Thursday, students not only mixed up outfits, but were encouraged to sit and play with different friends. Friday ended with including all friends in school, and students wore a shirt with their favorite slogan, message or word on it.

Overall, the inclusion week’s goal is to include all types of people and be respectful and kind.

Other schools within the district celebrated Down Syndrome Awareness Day, including Hugh B. Bain Middle School and Woodridge Elementary School.