After teen's death, Arlington schools make counselors available

By Brock Parker, Town Correspondent

Arlington Public Schools will make counselors available to students and parents Wednesday after the body of a 16-year-old girl was found in Hall’s Pond Monday.

Arlington schools are currently on spring break, but Superintendent Kathleen Bodie sent out a letter today saying counselors will be available at the Ottoson Middle School Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to listen to student concerns.

Bodie said the 16-year-old girl was a former student of Arlington Public Schools and has two younger siblings in the school system.

Arlington Police Chief Fred Ryan said police suspect the 16-year-old girl’s death was a suicide, but the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the exact cause of death. Her family had reported her missing at 10 a.m. Monday and Arlington Police traced her cell phone signal to Menotomy Rocks Park. Police temporarily closed the park for the search before finding her body about 12:30 p.m. Monday.

Bodie said in her letter today that the school district is saddened to learn of the girl’s death, and extended “heartfelt sympathy to her family.”

“Many children have been or will be affected by this news, so we encourage you to be especially sensitive and prepared to offer support to your child during this time,” Bodie said in her letter to parents. “Over the next few days, encourage your child to express his/her feelings. Listen attentively. You may see behavior changes, loss of concentration, physical complaints, or regression.''

Counselors will also be available at Arlington schools next week when students return from spring break. If parents need additional support, Bodie suggested they contact their child’s pediatrician or the Arlington Youth Counseling Center at 781-316-3255.