August 16, 2024 Update:
Quick Facts:
- On August 1, HCPS enacted a clear bag procedure for all spectators at high school stadiums and gymnasiums as a proactive step and additional layer of security, building upon the school division’s extensive safety procedures.
- The procedure has been updated and the requirement applies – at this time – to high school football for the fall sports season and high school basketball for the winter sports season as a soft rollout. It is not in place for other events.
- Clear backpacks were added as an approved bag, and the size requirement for the clear bags has been removed.
- We have clarified that bringing chairs is allowed and eliminated the food restrictions previously identified in the procedure.
- The clear bag procedure only applies to spectators, not students and staff participating in the event.
- The updated guidance document can be found
here.
All HCPS back-to-school messages can be found
on the HCPS website.
Full Message/Details:
Dear Families,
We hope you have had a great week. We are writing today with an important update regarding the implementation of our clear bag requirement at our high school stadiums and gymnasiums.
As
we shared with you last month,
in recognition that safety is our top priority, we have enacted a clear bag procedure for all spectators at our high school stadiums and gymnasiums as a proactive step and additional layer of security, building upon our extensive safety procedures. This requirement took effect on August 1.
At Tuesday night’s School Board meeting, updated guidance was shared with the Board.
Please note the following as it relates to the implementation of this requirement:
- At this time, this requirement only applies to high school football for the fall sports season and high school basketball for the winter sports season. It is not in place for other events.
- The procedure allows spectators to carry a clear tote, clear storage bag or clear backpack to enter the venue, along with a small clutch – no larger than 5" x 7" – for privacy.
- The updated guidance document can be found here.
- The clear bag procedure only applies to spectators, not students and staff participating in the event.
We recognize that this is a change for spectators and appreciate the feedback that has been shared since the initial announcement in July. Since that time,
we have removed the size requirement of the clear bag, clarified that bringing chairs is allowed, eliminated the food restrictions, added clear backpacks as approved bags to support students wishing to attend the event if they are not able to store their bag or go home in advance, and modified the procedure to only apply to high school football and high school basketball as part of a soft rollout. Again, the update guidance can be found
here.
We will continue to evaluate the implementation of this procedure and make any adjustments that may be necessary. We appreciate your ongoing support of our efforts to provide safe environments for our community, your support of our sports teams, and for your cooperation at our high school football and basketball games this school year.
Thank you.
Hanover County Public Schools
Original July 30, 2024 Message:
What to Know:
- HCPS is enacting a clear bag requirement for all spectators at high school sponsored events at high school stadiums and gymnasiums.
- The change is consistent with established practices at collegiate and professional venues (as well as a growing number of K-12 school divisions) and builds on our extensive safety efforts.
- More details, including FAQs and the specific list of prohibited items, can be found in this guidance document.
All HCPS back-to-school messages can be found
on the HCPS website.
Full Message/Details:
Dear Families, Faculty, and Staff,
We hope you are well. We are writing to inform you of an important change for spectators at events held at our high school stadiums and gymnasiums.
The safety of our students, staff, and broader school community is our top priority as a school division. We regularly review and update our safety procedures as we work to provide environments that are safe, secure, and nurturing for all.
Building upon our extensive safety measures and in line with established practices at collegiate and professional venues (as well as a growing number of K-12 school divisions), we have adopted a clear bag requirement for all spectators attending any high school sponsored event at our high school stadiums and gymnasiums.
Please note the following as it relates to the new requirement, which takes effect on Thursday, August 1:
- Each spectator will be allowed to bring in the following:
1 clear tote bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" OR a 1-gallon clear, resealable plastic bag
1 small clutch purse for privacy (no larger than 5" x 7")
- Guests that arrive at a high school stadium/gymnasium entrance with prohibited bags or items will not be permitted to enter the venue.
- More details, including FAQs and the specific list of prohibited items, can be found in this guidance document.
Again, we take a very serious and deliberate approach to our school safety and security efforts, and greatly appreciate your support as we implement this new measure at our high school stadiums and gymnasiums.
If you have any questions, please email
[email protected].
Thank you.
Hanover County Public Schools