A candlelight memorial is planned for tomorrow between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the Waianae High School cafeteria for Asa Yamashita, the school's 43-year-old reading strategies coach who was murdered Friday.

The memorial is open to the public, said Janice Uemori, student activities coordinator. Visitors are asked to bring a candle for the vigil and a book donation for the school's Sustained Silent Reading Library, which Yamashita was instrumental in starting.

"We're trying to do something that's a little bit more public because we want to allow anyone to come in who wants to," Uemori said. "We're starting to get emails, text messages and calls from all sorts of people who are wanting to be with other people who knew and loved her."

Meanwhile, students and faculty of Waianae High School returned to their classrooms today for the first time since Yamashita was murdered.

School officials said grief counselors are on hand to speak with students or faculty who want to discuss how the tragedy has affected them.

Kat Muranaka, curriculum support staff at the school, said a memory box honoring Yamashita had been placed in the main school office in which faculty and staff members could place their written thoughts and condolences to be presented to Yamashita's husband, two daughters and other family members.

Muranaka also said members of the school alumni had made a sign saying, "We miss you Mrs. Yamashita," which was placed on the school fence for students who want to acknowledge the teacher with flowers or written sentiments.