POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Monday is a big day for students at Kathleen Middle School in Lakeland as they have been out of class since the tornado damaged it more than a week ago as Tropical Storm Nestor blew over the Florida peninsula.

Major repairs have been ongoing to the main school and a big tarp on the roof of the school, a lot of construction equipment and and temporary fence around the property can still be seen.

Teachers last week moved into their new portable classrooms for what will likely be the remainder of this school year.

As students return to class, it will be a slow week of learning as this school gets back on its feet.

School administrators started the day on Monday by stopping by each classroom to have an open dialogue with students about what happened. 

Students shared stories of hiding from the tornado with their families and cleaning up their damaged homes. 

School leaders also emphasized today is about starting fresh and moving forward, which for some teachers has been an emotional experience. 

"You know, Kathleen gives you a comfy, homey feeling, you know? You feel very at home and that building is historic and it just felt comfortable. It felt like home and now you feel like your transitioning to a new place. It's almost like moving to a new location. And we're trying to transition and trying to get that feeling back and I'm sure it will come back and the portable will feel like home soon — it's just not there yet," 8th grade reading teacher Yolanda Webster said. 

8th grader Taylor Raymond said, "Everybody came around to help and stuff. It brings the community together and makes it good for everybody to know that we have somebody to help us."

Nearly 250 students will continue the school year in portable classrooms.  

Crisis counselors were at the school on Monday to help teachers and students deal with any emotional issues and to get back on their feet.

School officials also said the five school days missed last week will be waived.