Following an incident of misconduct on Friday, September 9, during a home game hosted by the Newtown High School football team, the school has implemented new policies for students attending any NHS athletic event.

The alleged circumstance that prompted the rule changes included at least two students who were found to be under the influence of alcohol at a the game. Due to the severity of the situation, it required the necessity of local EMTs and police officers to get involved.

The NHS Athletics Twitter account sent out a flyer on Wednesday, September 21, reminding all students of the new procedures, which were to be in place by the following Friday's football game. The flyer informed students that there would be two police officers with breathalyzers stationed at the student gate, and that there would be no reentry after leaving the stadium. The increase in security presence and checkpoints would be followed to ensure everyone was complying with the new rules.

The post also cited additional precautionary measures that would be enforced, such as not allowing in any water bottles, backpacks/bags, or containers of any kind to be carried into the stadium area. Despite these routine protocols being new to NHS, they are commonly enforced at many public events and large venues.

When speaking about the new procedures, Newtown High School Principal Lorrie Rodrigue said, "We wanted to strengthen our policy. These are new expectations, so that we maintain a safe, orderly, and comfortable environment for everyone - for all spectators, students, athletes, musicians, dance teams, and cheer."

She assured these are small, reasonable ways that can make a big difference.

Dr Rodrigue has been working diligently with students and teachers through their advisories to get their feedback on creating a safer atmosphere at sporting events.

She made a point to meet with leaders of the Hawk's Nest, which is the student section at the school's stadium, as well as numerous other leaders in the student community. The goal was to give as many students as possible the opportunity give their opinion on the matter.

"I wanted the students to have a voice in what we can do to maintain safety at every event that we have here on campus," said Dr Rodrigue.

By listening to ideas from a variety of students, changes - such as the presale of game tickets and opening a separate entrance for students - were formed.

"I think students here are reasonable, thoughtful, fair-minded, and mature enough to understand why we are doing these things we are doing," said Dr Rodrigue. "We want to make sure students that come here for an event, like a game, feel safe and comfortable."

She also wants to make sure parents feel at ease dropping their kids off at a school event or having their child drive there and know they will not be at risk.

The new policies were in place in time for kickoff of the September 23 football game at NHS Blue & Gold Stadium. Dr Rodrigue said the event went smoothly for both students and spectators. She also explained the new rules will continue for all future sporting events.

"The support we got was incredibly positive," said Dr Rodrigue. "That's the way you make change, in a way that is going to result in maintaining safety for all students at a high school level. It's by working together and by knowing we are on the same team and that we have the student's best interest at heart."