Classes Resume Monday At Glenbrook South Following Fire: Principal

GLENVIEW, IL — Classes are set to resume Monday at Glenbrook South High School following a fire last week. School was canceled Friday following a late Thursday afternoon fire that started in the school's wood shop.

"I want to begin by thanking the Glenbrook South community for the outpouring of support we have received and the patience exhibited during the past few days," Glenbrook South Principal Dr. Barbara Georges said. "A great deal of work has been completed, allowing school to resume."

Georges said that cleaning and renovation crews removed all smoke from the building and the residual smell of smoke is minimal. She added that outside fans will continue to run to maximize fresh air circulating in the building.

According to Georges, more than 1400 students came to the building Friday to retrieve their belongings. Students who were unable to pick up their items will be able to do so on Monday, at the beginning of the school day.

Portions of the school building will be closed off for ongoing cleaning and facility repairs. Security personnel will be present in the area to assist students in accessing their classrooms, according to Georges.

Neighboring Glenbrook North remained open Friday, though students in the Academy program were not being allowed to travel to GBS.

RELATED: School Canceled Friday At Glenbrook South Following Fire

The Glenview Fire Department responded to a call of a reported fire at 3:05 p.m. Thursday at GBS's wood shop. By 3:22, the fire was deemed under control. There were no injuries, and no students, GBS staff or emergency personnel were taken to the hospital.

Details of how much damage was done on campus due to the fire have not been released. The Glenview Fire Department said in a Thursday night press release that it was assisted by Niles, North Main, Morton Grove, Elk Grove and Skokie fire departments. The last company left the scene at 6:11 p.m. Officials said no other parts of the building were damaged by the fire, which is believed to be accidental, but remains under investigation.

Georges said all after school activities and athletics will resume on their regular schedules. AP testing will also resume.

There will be some classroom changes with all wood working classes being moved. A test center has been relocated to the library. In addition, the bookstore has been relocated to the hallway outside of the test center, and will only be processing the payment of fees.

"I understand that due to the event on Thursday, students may need support. Students are encouraged to contact their school counselor or a member of the students services team," Georges said. "In addition, counseling services are available through the Glenbrook School Health Center at no cost to the student or family."