Newtown Community Support Night To Help Students, Families Process Tragedy

NEWTOWN, PA — Families and children can gather at a Community Support Night hosted by a Newtown church Wednesday, following the devastating shootings of two children last week.

Jeffrey Tini, 13, and Nelson Tini, 9, died Friday at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia after being on life last week. They were found in their beds with gunshot wounds to their heads, authorities said, and were not expected to recover.

Their mother, Trinh Nguyen, has been charged with first-degree murder.

"Jeffrey attended eighth grade at Newtown Middle School, and Nelson attended third grade at Sol Feinstone Elementary," wrote Susan Elliott, substitute superintendent of the Council Rock School District where both boys attended. "We are deeply saddened to lose two of our Council Rock students and will miss them greatly."

Grace Point, a church in Newtown, will host a Community Support Night on Wednesday between 6:30 and 8:30, offering sessions divided by middle school students, elementary school children, and elementary and middle school parents.

The session for middle school students will involve games of kickball and 9-square, as well as a "heart-to-heart message of hope" activity to help students process their feelings.

Elementary-aged children can participate in a kid-friendly gathering of other games and activities. The church said these youngest kids "will not be discussing the tragedy; just having fun!"

Parents of these students can attend a session called "Walking Your Child Through Grief & Tragedy," led by speaker Jennifer Peck-Nolte.

Peck-Nolte is a counselor and educator who works to support people in social-emotional learning and school leadership, according to a news release.

Students and their families will meet at 592 Washington Crossing Road in Newtown. More information about Grace Point is available online.

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