Medford Schools Had 'Very Good' Day Monday

Monday was the first day back at school for students in Medford since the bombings at the Boston Marathon a week earlier, and things went smoothly according to the city's top school official.

Medford Public Schools Superintendent Roy Belson said the schools "had a very good day," and he was unaware of any kind of issues or incidents at any of the city's schools.

The bombings claimed the life of 2001 Medford High School graduate Krystle Campbell, who was laid to rest Monday.

Belson said counseling services were available to students Monday, but he didn't know if they were utilized at all.

When the funeral procession for Campbell drove past Medford High on Winthrop Street on its way to the Oak Grove Cemetery, Belson said about 100 students were escorted outside, offering "a kind of salute" for Campbell.

He added that high school administrators, staff and students were meeting Monday to coordinate school efforts for fundraising and memorializing Campbell.

As for how discussion of the bombings were dealt with in classrooms, Belson said teachers were encouraged to handle it how they saw fit.

"The teachers handled it individually," Belson said. "We gave out some materials, to give people guidance. We obviously discouraged teachers from getting into the gory stuff. But we wanted the students to know we're a strong city. While we're saddened by the loss, there's a unity that's felt when a community comes together."