A.D. Ibarra
-Glass Elementary

    Did you know that Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21 in the development of a human embryo?
     Down syndrome is the most common chromosome abnormality in humans, occurring in about one per 1000 babies born each year.
     When the students in Alejandra Lechler Ruiz' class were told they were going to study the disorder and learn why two of their classmates are different, but not abnormal, Ruiz and her colleagues, Cindy Sanchez and Claudia Martinez decided they were going to take on the challenge of taking Down Syndrome awareness to the next level and spend a week on the subject leading up to World Down Syndrome Day.
     Officers Hazel Diaz and Joe De La Garza along with Zumba instructors Lisa and Patty of the Zumba Academy on Del Rio Blvd. also got involved and the brainchild of the Glass Elementary self-contained unit began to take shape as the students enjoyed a day filled with exceptional cardio, learning, awareness and a whole lot of fun!
     "It was a very educational experience for our staff, students and the student body overall," said Cindy Sanchez, who informed The News Gram of the very special event for very special kids, "We incorporated the disorder into our science lessons and it was an educational aspect of their 'reading aloud' time."
     They also spoke to administration and encouraged the student body to show awareness to their two classmates who have Down Syndrome by wearing mis-matched socks as this was designated as the symbol for the cause and many of the Falcon student body did just that by donning their mis-matched socks on that day.
     March 21 has been designated as World Down Syndrome Day due to the significance of that 21st chromosome which is more special than those of a normal human being and we should see that in the eyes of these kids who are just as special and can learn to do many things a normal child can including read.
     A very special PowerPoint presentation honoring the two young ladies was shown to all who attended bringing the entire activity to a warm and fitting end.
     So next time you see a child or adult with Down Syndrome, remember that they deserve the best that our schools can give and can be just as productive as any child in school.