MIRA MESA, Calif. -- Students at Sandburg Elementary in Mira Mesa were in shock and disbelief on Tuesday when they realized 31 international flags were stolen from their campus.

"It makes me feel sad and empty," said student Kathya Argueta.

The 33 flags were put up in the courtyard in May to represent the ethnicities of a diverse student body.

The school raised $2,000 through fundraisers selling cookie dough.

"It automatically sent a message of, we celebrate everybody," said school's principal, Laurie Hinzman.

Parents told 10News their students would point to the flags in pride.

"When I saw the flags, I felt like I belonged and it felt good," said Argueta.

On Tuesday, there was nothing to point at. A week ago, thieves jumped a gate, climbed the roof and grabbed the flags and poles.

The two flags that weren't taken were the American flag and the Guamanian flag. The thieves then switched the two flags, leaving the Guamanian flag in the more prominent place.

"It's a statement of disregard and disrespect of other cultures," said Hinzman.

That sentiment was echoed by students and parents alike.

"Whoever did this was callous and heartless," said parent Glenda Aceron.

For now, there is no money to replace the flags but the school's principal made this vow:

"The flags will fly again," said Hinzman.