Danvers Schools Ready to Offer Counseling, Answer Questions as Students Return Monday

As students return to school on Monday, school administrators and staff are prepared to offer counseling and answer questions about this past week's terror-filled and tragic chain of events.

In many instances, parents say they've tried to shield their young children from the graphic and violent images that started Monday with the Boston Marathon bombing and abated slightly Friday night when police finally caught the second suspect.

In the days between, victims have lost their limbs, five people have died, there have been wild gun battles, explosions and armored vehicles and officers patrolling the Boston area.

And there have also been waves of celebration -- Friday night after 19-year-old Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was taken alive -- and praise for public safety officers and the first responders who courageously ran into the pandemonium last Monday afternoon to help the victims.

"On behalf of the Danvers Public Schools, I extend our caring thoughts for recovery and healing to all those who were affected by the tragic events at the Boston Marathon," said Superintendent Lisa Dana in a message that went out to the entire district Sunday afternoon.

"This past week has been very difficult for the Greater Boston community. To support our school community in transitioning back to school, our administrators, counseling staff, teachers and support staff will be available at each school and are prepared to support those who are having difficulty coping with the situation," Dana said. 

She says staff will continue to monitor and provide support as needed to students and their families.