Thursday, October 1, 2026
On March 21, students throughout the Rockville Centre school district celebrated World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD). Many special events took place in the schools including South Side Middle School’s campaign “Spread the word to end the word,” an effort to have all students pledge not to use the “R” word. At Covert, teachers held an assembly that taught students what Down Syndrome is and that such individuals can do extraordinary things, while in South Side High School, students from the CORE class taped a short presentation for the Morning News show that aired on March 21.
Another event that took place that day was the WDSD “Building Our Future” Conference at the United Nations and South Side High School graduate and ACDS Group Home resident Michael Brennan spoke about changing societal attitudes toward Down Syndrome. “Michael Brennan was articulate, poised, and made an impact on all those attending World Down Syndrome Day at the United Nations. He certainly represented the CORE I class at South Side High School and his hometown of Rockville Centre with pride. It was very exciting for us to watch one of our graduates posing for pictures with adoring fans!” said South Side high school teachers Joyce Avellino and Steve Smaldone.
This year marked the 7th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day but for the first time it was officially observed by the United Nations. March 21st was chosen as the date for WDSD, to represent the extra chromosome that those with Down Syndrome have.
