A pair of Ridgeview Elementary School teachers are being recognized for their efforts in making an inclusive environment leading to World Down Syndrome Day.
The parents of Colton Weber — a student with Down syndrome at the school hailing from Cropsey — nominated Andrea Nunamaker and Brent Harms, a paraprofessional and fourth grade teacher, respectively, at the Colfax-based school.
Both have received Community Inclusion Awards for their efforts from the Central Illinois Down Syndrome Organization [CIDSO].
CIDSO, a Normal-based nonprofit, allowed the parents to nominate the teachers. World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on the 21st day of the third month because of the triplication [trisonomy] of the 21st chromosome that causes Down syndrome.
“One of the blessings with this is we're in a great school district that wants to work with us and make sure that we're doing everything for the best for Colton,” said Kim Weber, Colton’s mother.
“To have somebody recognize the work effort and learning that I've put in is important to me also as a paraprofessional, because paraprofessionals don't get recognized I don't feel all as much as everybody else does, and so I find this incredibly special and important, and I'm very grateful for it,” said Nunamaker.
She has been working with Colton for seven years, since he was 3 years old.
“He had to start coming here to go to school and got placed with Nunamaker and the two of them just, their hearts bonded,” said Rob Weber, Colton’s father. “And you could just see that it was almost like another mom for Colton, and she just took off with him and has done so much to make his life better and and we've also seen that in reverse.”
Both Harms and Nunamaker agreed it is not just themselves who make for an inclusive environment. In addition to many other staff members that do so, Colton’s classmates also let him know he belongs.
“When he's in my class, he sits by me and he brings a lot of joy because he just — when he sits by me, he gives me fist bumps and he laughs all the time and he does a lot of fun stuff,” said Brooks Dockenmeyer, one of Colton’s classmates who helps him throughout the day.
Though Colton himself was a bit shy around the microphone, his parents said they are very appreciative of how everyone at Ridgeview makes their son feel — and vice versa.
“It's not only Colton learning, it's the other kids learning, too, so that the future generations will understand that while these kids are they they have a disability, they're still people, and they're they're able to function,” said Rob Weber.
Ways to commemorate World Down Syndrome day include wearing blue and yellow or “crazy” mismatched socks.
“Just to recognize it. And it makes people ask questions as well,” said Kim. “I've got friends sending me pictures of their crazy socks and tagging me on Facebook, and it just brings awareness to Down syndrome.”
“And you know, everybody sees Colton, and they just see he's such a joy to be around most of the time. He has a little stubborn streak every once in a while. But you know, it's just, it's fun to have a day that recognizes these kids and just how special they are.”
Others receiving the Community Inclusion Award include: Colleen Curran, general manager of Evergreen Racquet Club in Bloomington; Cherrie Baker, direct service professional at Homes of Hope in Normal; and Brianne Harmer, associate pastor of students with special needs at Eastview Christian Church in Normal.
