Dear Fellow Supporters,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request your support in this time-sensitive matter for my daughter, Cayla Thompson, who is facing a court hearing on November 4th, 2024, at 9:00 AM at the Will County Courthouse in Joliet. This court date stems from an unfortunate incident in which Cayla was arrested for trespassing while advocating for the safety of her daughter, Cy’anna. On Friday, September 13th, 2024, Cy’anna was purposely struck in the face with a rubber band by a classmate while students were left unattended by their teachers at Laraway Community Consolidated School District 70C (located in Joliet, IL.).

Cayla immediately contacted the school superintendent upon learning of her daughter’s injury. However, the superintendent initially showed a lack of urgency in addressing the matter, stating he would call my daughter on Monday. Cayla insisted that the superintendent contact the offending student’s mother that same Friday. Despite her proactive request, Cayla still had not heard from the superintendent by Monday morning, prompting her to go to the school to ensure her daughter’s safety. While trying to resolve this serious matter, Cayla was arrested, further hindering her ability to advocate for her children’s well-being and education.

The superintendent’s proposed solution, as outlined in an email sent to me on September 17th, included moving my granddaughter to different classes and imposing a “No Contact Order” between the two students to their teachers. However, my daughter and granddaughter have not been advised of the details of this “No Contact Order”. Further clarification and a copy of the "No Contact Order" was requested on September 19th, but this information has yet to be provided to my daughter.

Simply moving Cy’anna to different classes does not address the root of the problem. Disciplinary actions are meant to address the behavior of the student who caused harm and typically include corrective measures such as suspension, warnings, or detention. In this case, it seems the burden has been placed on Cy’anna (the victim) rather than holding the offending student (the aggressor) accountable for her actions.

Even though the offender is a minor, the intentional harm inflicted on my granddaughter could be considered battery under Illinois law, which defines battery as knowingly making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature or causing bodily harm to another person.

A conviction for trespassing could result in up to 365 days in jail for Cayla, placing immense mental, emotional, psychological, and financial hardship on her and her family. This would also disrupt Cayla's ability to care for her children and unjustly punish a mother who was merely trying to protect her daughter.

Cayla is seeking justice by holding all responsible parties accountable, including the offending student, the classroom teachers, the school administrators, and the responding and arresting police officers who refused to write the police report for my daughter although she called them to the school once the superintendent refused to assist her and told her no one else was available to assist her. Their actions, or lack thereof, have contributed to the harm suffered by both Cayla and her daughter.

As of now, my granddaughter and her siblings have not attended school since September 16th. On October 10th, Cayla was notified by the school principal, Mr. Aaron Ventsias, that her children would be dropped from enrollment if they did not return by October 17th. Cayla has requested a meeting, with all parties involved, to be held October 15th to resolve the situation but is still waiting for a response. In the meantime, she has been actively seeking legal representation and advocacy for both herself and her daughter.

In addition to accountability, Cayla is seeking for the trespassing charge to be dropped. She also wants assurances that her children’s safety will be prioritized and that their education will not be further disrupted.

Below is the latest letter I sent on behalf of Cayla:

“Good Afternoon,

I am writing on behalf of my daughter, Cayla Thompson, in her continued efforts—fully supported by me—to resolve the incident that occurred on September 13th, 2024, involving (offending student) and my granddaughter, Cy’anna Thompson. Our priority is to ensure that Cy’anna, along with her siblings, can return to a learning environment where they feel safe and are able to focus on their education.

I respectfully request a meeting to be held on Tuesday, October 15th at 1:30 PM. I ask that the meeting include (offending student) and her parent(s), Cy’anna, her mother Cayla Thompson, Mr. Dillinger, his teacher’s aide, your office administrators, district board members, and the regional superintendent. The purpose of this meeting is to fully and appropriately address the issue between (offending student) and Cy’anna, and to establish measures that will ensure the continued safety of my granddaughter and her siblings, Creed and Cherish Thompson, who also attend Laraway.

I would also like to emphasize that Cayla is seeking the following actions from the school administrators at Laraway Elementary:

1. Parental Meeting & Counseling: A meeting between the parents of (offending student) and Cy’anna White, with a requirement for (offending student) to receive behavioral counseling. In addition, (offending student) should be reassigned to different classes that are not shared with Cy’anna and receive at least a 3-day suspension.

2. Reversal of Unexcused Absences: The reversal of unexcused absences for Cy’anna, to be excused in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the school handbook (as previously communicated to Mr. Salmieri, the principal, assistant principal, and dean of students).

3. Dropping the Trespassing Charge: The dismissal of the trespassing charge against Cayla Thompson, as this charge obstructs her ability to effectively engage in, support, and advocate for her children’s education and safety.

4. Reinstatement to Student Council: That Cy’anna be reinstated to the student council.

5. No Contact with Siblings: That (offending student) also be prohibited from communicating or engaging with Cy’anna’s siblings, Creed and Cherish Thompson.

6. Apology from Laraway Administration: A sincere apology from the Laraway administration staff for their inappropriate and unprofessional handling of the matter involving Cayla and Cy’anna.

It is important to note that Cayla’s requests are both fair and just, given that (offending student’s) actions were intentional and may be considered assault or battery under Illinois law. Addressing these incidents appropriately is crucial to ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.

Additionally, I want to express concern about the lack of supervision at the time of the incident. Neither the classroom teacher, Mr. Dillinger, nor the teacher’s aide were present when (offending student) struck Cy’anna in her face with a rubber band. This absence violated the required student-teacher ratio and created an unsafe environment for the students. Had the proper supervision been in place, this situation might have been prevented.

Furthermore, it is crucial that a safety plan be implemented for all students at Laraway Elementary School. Students, including my grandchildren, Cy’anna, Creed, and Cherish, should never be left unattended. In the event that Cy’anna or any other student is bullied or bothered by another student, Cy’anna must have a designated staff member she feels comfortable approaching. Additionally, she must be allowed to contact her mother or me immediately and not be questioned outside of the presence of her mother so we can be involved in handling the situation and ensuring her safety.

Due to the above concerns, Cayla is also requesting the following additional actions:

1. Supervision Review and Accountability: A formal review of the lack of teacher supervision during the incident, with appropriate measures to ensure staff accountability for maintaining the required student-teacher ratio at all times.

2. Student Safety Plan: Implementation of a clear safety plan for Cy’anna and her siblings, ensuring they are not left unattended. The plan should include a designated staff member whom Cy’anna can trust and approach if another bullying or threatening situation occurs, and a clear protocol for notifying her mother or me promptly.

These requests are made in the best interest of Cy’anna, Creed, Cherish, and all students at Laraway Elementary to ensure they are in a safe, supervised, and supportive learning environment.

I appreciate your prompt attention to my request and look forward to your response.
Thank you

Ms. Clarrisa Charles”

We are now seeking individual and group of supporters to sign this petition and share in solidarity for justice for Cayla and Cy’anna in hopes the school administrators will grant my daughter’s requests. We also humbly appreciate supporters showing solidarity in other meaningful ways including but not limited to, attending the court hearing on November 4th at the Will County Courthouse 100 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL. at 9 am and referring or offering legal representation. Your presence and support would not only provide moral support for Cayla and Cy’anna but also send a strong message to the court and school administration that the community stands with her in demanding justice and accountability.

If you are able to attend the hearing or would like to support in other ways, please reach out to justiceforcayandcy@gmail.com. Your support means the world to us during this difficult time.

Thank you for considering this request, and we deeply appreciate any assistance you can offer.

Sincerely,

Ms. Clarrisa Charles

Email: justiceforcayandcy@gmail.com