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S.P. Morton Elementary School’s library was recently enriched with many books that focus on Down Syndrome, disability awareness, acceptance, kindness, gratitude, bullying and more.

A Franklin City Public Schools news release noted that these books were presented on April 24 by Eliese DeGroff, who teaches eighth grade science, earth science and ecology at Franklin High School.

Available to receive the books were SPM Library Media Specialist Janice Askew and SPM Principal Dr. Jennifer Tindle.

DeGroff was accompanied by one of her sons, Michael, who has Down Syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21. This condition develops when a third copy of the 21st chromosome occurs.

The teacher said that last year her family had collected books in recognition of World Down Syndrome Day, which is March 21, and donated those to the school library; this year they wanted to do the same. While her goal was to collect 21 books, she ended up with 32.