MONROE, Conn. (AP) - An open house is being held at a repurposed school for students who attended Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown.

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The open house is scheduled for today at a former middle school building in nearby Monroe. Workers and teachers have been getting the space ready, painting, moving furniture and recreating classroom spaces.

Some families have already visited the school ahead of the start of classes on Thursday. The children have not attended school since a gunman killed 20 of their classmates and six adults in a Dec. 14 rampage.

Counselors say it's important for children to get back to a normal routine and for teachers and parents to offer sensitive reassurances.