The Annunciation parish and school community is resuming some of its on-campus activities following a mass shooting that left two children dead and injured 17 people, one of whom is still hospitalized.
“We have spent the past weeks preparing for a safe, supportive resumption that is focused on healing and connection,” Annunciation stated in a Sunday news release.
Amidst the heaviness of tragedy, Annunciation announced that school programming centering “support, connection and play” will be available Tuesday through Thursday for students of all grades, according to the release.
“Annunciation wants its neighbors to know how blessed they feel by the love and support surrounding them on all sides,” the release said. “As we continue to lift up Harper Moyski and Fletcher Merkel, and to pray for Sophia Forchas and all our injured community members in their recovery, we recognize the natural interest in the timetable for the reopening of our school.”
On Wednesday, August 27, a gunman shot through the windows of Annunciation Catholic School during the school’s first week, during Mass. 18 people were injured; two children, Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, were killed during the shooting; and one child remains in serious condition.
Following the shooting, Minnesota community members have continuously gathered to mourn those lost and create environments that foster support and togetherness. Many people and students have also advocated for legislative action on gun control.
This week, the Washburn Center for Children and the Minnesota Department of Education will be on campus at Annunciation Catholic School to offer resources and support to students and staff.
A visible security presence will remain on campus throughout the week, the release stated.
“As we experience next week, we will have a better sense of our next steps for the weeks ahead,” the release said. “When we have firm plans for the week of September 22nd and beyond, we will share those first with our families, staff, and then update others.”
Staff and school leaders will not engage in interviews for press events during this time. Members of the press are asked not to visit the campus this week.
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