PARKLAND, FLA. (WSVN) - The roads around Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School reopened Monday, allowing students and family members to return and mourn the 17 victims killed there in a school shooting last week.

Mourners could be seen leaving behind balloons, flowers and notes in memory of the victims in front of the school. Seventeen crosses and Stars of David with hearts, one for each victim, could be seen on the fence outside of the school.

For many of the students, this is the first time they have been to the school since the tragedy occurred.

“It’s hard to see your school wrapped in crime scene tape,” said sophomore Charlotte Dixon. “That’s where I was, and that’s where I should be tomorrow, but I’m not going to be.”

However, Dixon’s mother, Jill Dixon, believes going to the school can be part of the healing process.

“This is the worst thing anyone has to do,” she said. “They’re kids. It’s terrible.”

Although the roads have opened, when the school itself will reopen remains unclear. Some students said they are ready to return to school.

“I just want to see all my teachers. I just want to see my principal, I want to see all my friends, to come all together as one,” said student Brianna Ramirez.

The district said they hope to have faculty and staff back by the end of the week and the students back by next week.

“I think the school needs to be torn down, and they need to build a new school,” said Jane Boudlal. “I can’t imagine a teacher or another child walking into that.”

Marjory Stoneman Douglas principal Ty Thompson also addressed his students and the community saying that when the school does reopen, they will begin the healing process together.

“I promise you, I will hug each and every one of you, as many times as you need, and I will hold you as long as you need me to, for all 3,300 of you, and your families, and we will get through this together.”

Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox