After Sandy Hook - How You Can Help Newtown Teens

Local voice Karen Egert tells residents about the grassroots group of Newtown residents called Newtown Action Alliance.

Crisfield Comments on Proposed School Panic Button, Introduces Option for District

Millburn's Superintendent Dr. James Crisfield comments on the new bill proposed by Democratic Assemblyman Ralph Caputo to install panic buttons in schools; also suggests district option for increased safety.

As a step to increase student safety statewide, Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, D-Belleville, introduced a bill last week that would require schools to install a silent panic alarm to alert police of a potential life-threatening emergency. The Essex County assemblyman said that it makes sense to link a panic button from schools to local law enforcement. Millburn's School District Superintendent Dr. James Crisfield agreed. He added, "If it enhances communication between schools and police I'd be in favor of doing it." The bill comes almost a month after the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., that left 26 dead, including 20 children. Following the event, many schools across Essex County have addressed the issue of their students' safety. At Monday's Board…

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Giants Pay Tribute to Victims of Newtown Shooting

Families, friends of those killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School usher team onto field.

NORTH JERSEY — More than 200 students from Sandy Hook Elementary School were among 400 people from Newtown, Conn., who formed a tunnel for New York Giants players to run through as they took the field Sunday for their final home game of the 2012 season. A little more than two weeks after a 20-year-old gunman stormed into the Connecticut elementary school and killed 26 people, including 20 children, families, classmates and neighbors of the dead were bused to MetLife Stadium and given tickets to the contest by the Giants. The group of Newtown residents received high-fives and handshakes from the athletes as they entered the field. The students and their families then made a ring around the field, holding hands with Giants and Philadelphia …

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How to Talk With Children About Tragedy

Validate children's feelings and talk about safety.

  Friday's tragic school shooting in Newtown, Conn. has left many parents asking how to handle discussing events like this with children.  Kristina Silvestry, MA, Counselor and Director of Berkeley Heights, NJ-based Peace of Mind Counseling and Wellness Center, said it's very important that first and foremost children feel safe. "Find out what they've heard and then really validate their feelings," Silvestry said.  Silvestry advises against making dismissive statements such as "Everything's going to be fine." "You never want them to feel that they're wrong for feeling what they're feeling," she said. "You have to give them time and let them process it. Let them ask questions and parents can pull upon things like their faith or other coping…

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