Needham Teen Organizes Candlelight Vigil for Newtown

An estimated more than 125 people attended a candlelight vigil to remember the victims of Newtown, CT held in Needham on Monday.

  On a cold, wet night, a large group of people stands out on a field holding vigil by candlelight, illuminating a small patch of grass around them. It is a gesture of support, and a literal way to bring light into some darkness. Needham 16-year-old Jackie Arrondo planned one such Vigil for Newtown over the weekend. On Monday, a group of over 100 headed to Memorial Field for the vigil.  "These people needed to see there was support out there for them, in this tragedy that they were going through. So I took the initiative to go out and do something." Arrondo explained, "I didn't want to stand back and be like 'these people are upset and they're going through a hard time. Let them do it alone.' You should have people to support you no matter…

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Is Now the Time to Talk Gun Control?

Does the massacre at Newtown, CT, signal the need for a political debate on gun regulations?

Before officials had even held their first press conference Friday, Facebook was abuzz with status updates about the Newtown, CT, massacre. The statuses were split between those sending their condolences and those asking if the country would finally deal with the issue of gun control. Some fought back, asking for respect and mourning before political debate began. Others remained fierce in their belief that stricter gun control regulations would have prevented such a mass killing, saying the victims were shot multiple times and with semi-automatic weapons, according to Fox News. The guns were not illegal and were, in fact, owned by the shooter's mother. Among them were a semi-automatic .223 caliber bushmaster rifle and two handguns. Those …

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Jeffrey Tanner

3:55 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

I don't want Education to become the center topic of this issue; No one would blame the mother or child or the fact she's teaching young children while her son opened fire at her place of Business .... The NRA isn't blaming the President nor should they. They'd be better of conceding and helping "US" find domestic tranquility and equal justice.   more ›

Talking To Your Kids About the Newtown Tragedy

A message from Needham Youth Services about talking to kids after the incident in Newtown, Conn. PBS also has strategies for talking and listening to your children about the news.

Talking To Your Kids About the Newtown Tragedy

A message from Needham Youth Services about talking to kids after the incident in Newtown, Conn. PBS also has strategies for talking and listening to your children about the news.

[Update: Dec. 16] The Jon Mattleman, Youth Services Director sent out a message over the weekend with his advice on talking to kids about the tragedy in Newtown over the weekend. School Superintendent Dan Gutenkast also sent a message shortly afterward.  The following message is from Jon Mattleman, Needham Youth Services Director: The tragic shooting in Newtown, Connecticut has not only impacted their community, but has touched the nation.  While we have not learned all of the details, we know enough to understand that this was shocking and incredibly sad….even President Obama has a difficult time discussing this when he addressed the nation yesterday. I write with specific interest in assisting you in how to talk to your children about …

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Message from Needham Superintendent on Newtown Shooting

Needham Superintendent Dan Gutekanst sends a message to parents following the events in Newtown today.

The following message was sent by Needham Superintendent Dan Gutenkast today: Dear Needham Families: I am at a loss for words this evening as I write to express both grief and outrage over the tragic and senseless loss of innocent children and the adults who cared for them in Newtown, Connecticut.  Like you, I am in shock over this abominable crime, especially knowing it occurred during what should be a peaceful, joyful, and holy season for so many of our families.   Needham's principals and I met late this afternoon to check in with one another and discuss appropriate plans for the return of students to classes next Monday morning and throughout the week.  I would like to share the following information: Finally, let me take this …

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