Hokes Bluff Middle School and Hokes Bluff Elementary School will be in session Monday, although middle school students will be attending classes in a different location as officials try to determine what caused breathing problems for 13 students and a teacher Thursday morning.

The elementary students will attend classes as normal while Hokes Bluff Middle School faculty and students are to meet in the Hokes Bluff Elementary School auditorium.

Sixth graders will stay there, and 7th and 8th graders will be transported to Hokes Bluff 1st Baptist Church.

ABC 33/40 reported that a total of 24 people from the school sought medical treatment Thursday night with five being admitted for closer observation.

Police evacuated the school on Thursday morning when several students began to hyperventilate; Principal Greg Watkins stated that the majority of the students were eighth graders and they were in a PE class during the first period of school.

The elementary school was also closed Friday as a precaution.

Etowah County School Superintendent Alan Cosby went to the school to meet with investigators – he then went to the hospital to meet with the students and teacher affected; he said at that point, physicians had found nothing.

Reportedly, Alagasco came out and checked for possible carbon monoxide and gas leaks and that proved negative; the Gadsden Fire Department Hazmat Unit checked the facility for any airborne toxins, however everything appeared to be clear.

School officials have already contacted the Alabama Department of Public Health & Emergency Management to request further assistance in investigating the incident.

(ABC 33/40)