The holiday spirit at Arlington High School took an unexpected turn this week as decorations began disappearing from classrooms and hallways and students and staff have one mischievous suspect: the Grinch.

Teachers first noticed small trees, ornaments and door decorations missing overnight. A security-camera review captured a green, furry figure moving through the building, taking festive items, school officials said.

“So I hear the Grinch has been going around stealing things from classrooms,” teacher Carla Parlum said. “And there he goes with my tree.” Parlum said the footage shows the figure removing ornaments and other decorations.

Principal Chris Davis said school administrators are aware of the incidents and are working to stop them. “We’re on it,” Davis said.

Students described playful encounters with the Grinch throughout the day, saying the character staged goofy scuffles while attempting to snatch trees and other items. Most called the incidents more comical than threatening.

“We know the Grinch is a threat, but our students can handle him because they’re the best,” Davis said.

With the Grinch still roaming the halls, school leaders said they are increasing monitoring and encouraging students to report any suspicious activity. For now, the mystery has added an unexpected, if lighthearted, twist to the holiday season at Arlington High.