Originally published November 3, 2014 at 5:24 PM | Page modified November 3, 2014 at 5:42 PM

MARYSVILLE After 10 emotional days weighed down by tragedy, grief and loss, Mondays reopening of Marysville-Pilchuck High School amid support from hundreds of community members was called an important step in the right direction.

It feels really good to be back at school, said a sophomore, Jordan Reynolds, shortly after re-entering the school. People are upbeat. Not in a happy way, but just in an appreciation of each others company.

Today was a good day in Marysville, said Becky Berg, superintendent of the Marysville School District. She said the students had lots of time to be together, and to hug, and to cry, and to begin the processing of this event together.

Hot chocolate, doughnuts and roses greeted students on their return to the school in which freshman Jaylen Fryberg opened fire with a handgun on Oct. 24, fatally wounding three 14-year-old girls and seriously injuring two male students before killing himself.

About 85 to 90 percent of students attended the abbreviated day Monday, Berg said, with regular classes to resume Tuesday.

Its really weird ... coming back to school and not being able to see those people, said student Michael Stope, 17.

But beginning the healing process is necessary, said Strope. Gesturing toward a fence lined with bouquets, balloons, stuffed animals and messages of support, he said, I dont think we could have done it any better than this.

A third student, Karina Gavrilchik, 15, said the school didnt feel the same, due especially to an unsettling feeling near the cafeteria, where the shootings occurred.

Doors to the cafeteria were closed and its windows were papered over, she said. Students ate in the gym, where a lunch of sub sandwiches, salad, breadsticks and pizza was provided.

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Marysville students return amid grief, outpouring of support