Springfield School District addresses Sonya Massey, community violence
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Springfield School District is speaking out on Sonya Massey’s death and community violence with a statement on social media.
On Facebook, district officials said that as students return to school, they recognized the fact that the community “has faced yet another horrific and preventable death that will forever shape all of our lives.” At the latest district board meeting, those present held a moment of silence to honor Massey and her family. Officials said they also paused to honor the memory of students who have suffered at the hands of gun accidents and violence in the community.
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“This is reprehensible and sadly becoming all too familiar,” officials said. “On behalf of District 186, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sonya Massey. As our community continues to process and heal from this senseless death of one of our parents, we are committed to standing with our community partners to provide support, restorative conversations and continue to create learning opportunities that provide hope and individual determination for each student that we serve during the school year, after school and throughout the summer months.”
Officials went on to say that they greatly appreciate the response of the community, the events that district board members have already participated in and will participate in, and the outpouring of support across the city as the district addresses families’ needs.
“We encourage our community to continue showing compassion and offer helping hands and hearts to our fellow neighbors in their time of need. It is through our collective strength and unity that we will navigate this challenging time and create lasting change.”
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