Parents preparing their students to return to school - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

On Monday, parents will have the tough task of sending their kids back to school.

When students return, it will be under different circumstances than when they headed in on Friday. Local schools will have their counselors available to students.

The National Association of Psychologists suggests making time to talk to your children about the tragedy.

Reassure them that they will be safe when they go back to class. Maintain a normal routine, and keep your explanations age-appropriate.

"Sometimes kindergarten students really have a hard time comprehending what's even happened, whereas a sophomore or junior may have some memories of another event, et cetera, or they've experienced a tragedy themselves. So, you really adjust and vary by the age level," said Dr. Dan Ryan, superintendent of Sioux City Diocese.

Ryan says teachers and other school employees have a good handle on who comes in and out of their building, but he says they have to stay alert. 

Dr. Paul Gausman, Sioux City's superintendent of public schools, says disaster drills have taught teachers to quickly put classrooms into lockdown. He says they also know how to deal with intruders.