BAILEY, Colo. -- Five days after the Bailey community was struck with tragedy, the teachers and staff of Platte Canyon High School and Fitzsimmons Middle School returned to their classrooms Monday for the first time since the shooting at the high school.

Teachers said their job now is to restore a sense of normalcy after a very sad period and welcome their students back with open arms.

Last Wednesday a gunman took six girls hostage in a classroom for hours before ultimately shooting and killing himself and 16-year-old Emily Keyes.

"Our No. 1 concern is her family and the other victims in last week's tragedy and the support they are getting," said athletic director Jim Owsiany.

Some student athletes also returned to the high school Monday to resume football practice.

"We're all just working and planning on what we need to do to get our kids back up on their feet," said Owsiany.

On Wednesday, students will be allowed back in classroom to pick up items left behind and to speak with their teachers. Students are encouraged to bring their parents.

Regular class schedules will resume for students Thursday.

"Our students and staff continue to grieve and heal. I thank all of you in our Bailey community and the broader community across the country for your support," said superintendent Jim Walpole in a statement Sunday.

A teacher was asked Monday what she wanted her students to know during this sad time. She replied, "Tell them we love them."

Mrs. Smith, the teacher whose classroom was taken over by the gunman, also returned to school Monday. She said she did not want to take a leave of absence and said the best thing for her is to be back in the classroom with her students.

The rescheduled home football game is set for Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. The game will be dedicated to Emily Keyes and her family.