LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Schools across the country as well as here in Kentucky did their part to show support for the Sandy Hook victims.

Parents, students and community members gathered Monday morning outside of Seton Catholic School holding signs for the teachers and students. "A lot of the teachers are coming back this morning with heavy hearts," explains event organizer, Bobbi Silver, "I wanted to do something to let them know we appreciate them."

Monday morning was the first time students and staff members returned to school since Friday's tragedy. "this affects everyone," explains Silver, "every parent in America, in the world, can feel the pain those parents are feeling in Connecticut. We want our teachers to know we appreciate everything they do, we appreciate them protecting our kids day in an day out. For my kids, school is a second home and I don't want that to change."

More than a dozen people gathered outside of the school, many young students chanting "we love our teachers!"

"I think this was a pleasant surprise for many of the teachers here, a lot of them walked in with a smile on their face and tears in their eyes. I think our message got through and I'm happy we did it."

Many of our viewers also posted on our WKYT Facebook page that they dressed their kids in green in white today, the colors of the Sandy Hook Elementary School. "This is something that has and will affect many of us for years to come, I just hope the teachers knows that we truly appreciate them."