One of my favorite songs from back in the day is Lionel Richie’s “Dancing on the Ceiling.” Honestly, that was the only explanation for finding a prom dress on the school roof. Yep, you read that right. You Can’t Make It Up!
It was late fall, and our custodian was making his usual trip up to the roof to toss down the regular inventory of dodgeballs, kickballs, and any other first-quarter recess survivors he could find. While he was up there, he also checked the drains and made sure the roof wasn’t falling apart—typical custodian hero work.
But this time, he dropped by my office with a puzzled look. “I found these on the roof. Were you having a party up there?” he asked, holding out…a soggy blue dress that looked straight out of prom 1988, a swimsuit, and a toy gun. I stared at him, then at the items, then back at him. Was he messing with me?
Naturally, my team and I went into full-on detective mode. Did someone decide to skip Goodwill and just launch their fall cleaning leftovers onto our roof? Was this a prank? A trash can tornado? We brainstormed a hundred ideas, none of them quite added up. Eventually, we shrugged it off as one of those weird one-offs. That is until spring arrived.
Once again, our fearless custodian returned from the roof—but this time, with even more random wardrobe additions: a few undergarments, a couple of mismatched socks, and yet another toy gun. Cue the eerie music—had someone been living on our roof? What was going on?!
We checked the security cameras, but the footage offered exactly zero answers. I even tried a minor stake-out, but my nerves got the best of me once nighttime noises kicked in. We even asked our eagle-eyed neighbor who noticed everything, but they were just as stumped as we were.
Have you ever had unexplainable weirdness show up at your school? Managing a school is a constant game of “What on Earth?”—from vandalism to mystery items left on the playground. But when things start appearing from nowhere, it definitely raises some questions. Who would have guessed that “lost and found” could include the roof?
Key Takeaways: Handling Strange, Unexplained Finds at Your School
Get Creative with Security Checks
Mystery items on the roof? Time to think outside the box—or outside the building. Review your security protocols, and maybe don’t write off that random rustling on the cameras at night.
Expect the Unexpected
Whether it’s toy guns, prom dresses, or just the usual recess casualties, schools are magnets for oddities. Prepare for it, keep a sense of humor, and remember, you can’t make this stuff up!
Schedule Regular Roof Checks
Ensure roof inspections happen at least seasonally to catch unusual items before they pile up or become safety hazards. Adding this to your maintenance routine can help prevent surprises and keep your facility secure.
Improve Campus Surveillance
If you have security cameras, verify they cover high-traffic outdoor areas, including entrances that could access the roof. No cameras yet? Consider adding them near the roof and along the building’s perimeter to catch anything—or anyone—out of place.
Alert Your Staff and School Community
Sometimes, the best way to solve a mystery is by crowdsourcing. Mention the items found and ask if anyone in the school community saw or heard anything unusual. Staff, students, and even neighbors can be helpful allies in solving school “mysteries.” See something, say something!
Document Odd Finds
Keep a log of unusual discoveries, including details on where and when items were found. If a pattern emerges, it’ll be easier to connect the dots. This record can also be useful if you need to report ongoing vandalism or security concerns.
Be Proactive with Safety Protocols
When unexpected items like toy guns or strange objects show up, take it seriously. Conduct a quick safety assessment to ensure there’s no ongoing risk. Reiterate safety protocols with your staff so they know how to respond if they encounter anything suspicious.
Sometimes schools attract a bit of the surreal, and just when you think you’ve seen it all, something like a prom dress on the roof reminds you —You Can’t Make It Up! But with a solid response plan, you and your team will be ready for whatever bizarre mystery lands on your doorstep…or your roof!
Jane