Unexpecting flooding due to burst pipe causes class cancellation

* Editors note: The flooding never reached the band room, the moving of instruments was unrelated.

On Monday, Oct. 30, students were informed as they arrived at Oswego High School that a pipe broke on the second floor and had flooded classrooms and parts of the first floor of the building.  As students arrived, the administration moved kids towards the gym and fieldhouse.

Students were confused as it might have meant that school was effectively canceled.

“I guess the best way to put it is ‘interesting’, [I] did not see it coming at all,” senior Emma Ivanov said. “I’m not totally sure what happened or why… so I’m just rolling with the punches.”

Teachers didn’t seem to know much about the situation either as the situation evolved, often not having any additional information other than the fact that a pipe burst.

Impacted classrooms included those near the security office side of the building, including science, math, and social studies classrooms.  Science teacher Pam Phelps was able to give a little more detail about the flooding as the morning situation unfolded.

“There’s some water upstairs that has flooded into at least [room] 116, … one of the chemistry rooms, [and] the downstairs math and science office in the hallway by the [Nicole] Larson [memorial] tree [mural],” Phelps said. 

When asked if they were doing anything to fix the situation or try to control it, she said, “I feel like it’s pretty extensive, so right now they probably have our custodial staff just trying to contain things.”

Another science teacher, Jamie Piper, said, “Legally we are liable for you, until your parents know what’s going on… We are responsible for your safety until [students] parents know what’s happening.” She added, “We can get a communication out to all of the parents of Oswego High School, [and] once that happens, then we can start releasing [students to go home].”

Upon arrival at school, students were directed to the main gym, cafeteria, and field house.  As students gathered in these spaces, many sat down in groups to relax or do homework.  Mostly, students were asking questions about the evolving situation.

“It’s been interesting, boring and weird because this never happens,” said sophomore Vee Driscoll, “I think we should all just go home.” 

By 8:44 a.m., students had started to be called out by parents and were seeking exit through the security office.  However, there were many delays due to the number of students wanting to be picked up. 

At 8:59 students were told that if they drove themselves to school they may leave.

As of 8:54, an email was sent out by Principal Chris Grays saying that periods 5-8 will be remote periods. 

This is the second time parts of OH have flooded; in April 2013, CBS reported on the floods due to heavy rains. At that time, the main hallway between the main gym and the athletic hallway experienced flooding through the drainage pipes.