A dead squirrel, discovered Dec. 1, was responsible for causing an unpleasant odor in Portable 1A and 1B, leading to all classes being moved.

On Dec. 5, the portables were evacuated as exterminators, wearing white hazmat suits and gas masks, searched the area to find the source of the smell come from underneath. “I first noticed it on Monday morning,” said history teacher Hanisi Accetta, whose classroom was temporarily vacated.

The decomposing squirrel was found stuck in the vent system. Once the animal was removed, exterminators plugged the entrance hole to prevent further incidents. Teachers and students were removed from their classrooms due to potential health risks. “I’m happy that the problem is finally resolved,” Accetta said.