Three Woodmore Elementary School students remain in critical condition at Children's Hospital from last Monday's tragic bus wreck - down from an earlier five. Two are in fair condition.
School officials said at an afternoon press conference that 85 percent of Woodmore students were back at school on Monday. That is 292 students out of 346.
Woodmore Principal Brenda Adamson-Cothran said, "We are trying to get back to normal." She said the process was aided by 15 counselors, five therapy dogs, hundreds of teddy bears, and thousands of hugs."
She added, "It was a good day for our kids."
Interim Supt. Dr. Kirk Kelly said he could not comment on bus driver Johnthony Walker, noting there are investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Chattanooga Police.
Walker is due in court on Tuesday morning on six counts of vehicular homicide, reckless endangerment and reckless driving.
Six children died in the crash on Talley Road in Brainerd.
Dr. Kelly, referring to the crash as "horrific," said school officials "are humbled by the generosity and outpouring of love by the community."
He said donations should not be taken to the school, but to the nearby New Monumental Baptist Church at 901 Woodmore Lane. It is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. to accept the donations for the families.
The Woodmore Fund is being handled by the Community Foundation and the United Way with 100 percent going to the families, it was stated.
"Let me say again, that we have been deeply touched by the overwhelming generosity of our community in the wake of this horrific tragedy,” said Dr. Kelly