September 2, 2024
Dear Woodland Hills Community,
As you are aware, an incident took place in the vicinity of the stadium during Friday night’s football game. Local law enforcement responded quickly, leading to an immediate suspension of the game and evacuation of the stadium to ensure everyone’s safety. The Woodland Hills School District wishes to express gratitude to local law enforcement for their quick action. We are relieved that all scholar-athletes, cheerleaders, marching band students, and attendees from both Penn Hills and Woodland Hills are unharmed.
This morning, the administrative team and multiple community stakeholders met to discuss game safety and security moving forward. Additionally, our therapists and counselors will be available on Tuesday, September 3, for anyone seeking counseling or support. We will utilize all of our Pupil Services team and counseling partners. Parents and students are encouraged to contact district administrators, building administrators, or school counselors if they need support or have any questions.
While the incident did not occur on WHSD property and did not involve our students, the administrative staff feels strongly that this is a good time to revisit our safety procedures. The following protocols will now be in place for every ticketed home athletic event moving forward:
- Student tickets will only be sold in school
- Middle School and High School students will only be allowed entry with a student ticket and a student ID (student IDs will be issued this week)
- Students from outside districts that will not be playing that evening will not be allowed entry into the stadium
- A reminder that football games begin promptly at 7 p.m. There will be no entry allowed after the first quarter – strictly enforced
- New clear bag or no bag procedure (mirroring the NFL’s practice) will be instituted for all athletic events (see attached protocol)
- All spectators must be seated or moving towards seating areas at all times. Persons congregating in open areas will be asked to move
Sincerely,
Dr. Daniel Castagna
Superintendent
Woodland Hills School District
WHSD Clear Bag/No Bag Protocols
For ALL Athletic Events:
To provide a safer environment for the public and significantly expedite fan entry into our athletic facilities, the Woodland Hills School District has implemented a protocol that limits the type of bags that may be brought into our venues. Exceptions to this policy will be made for all medically necessary items after proper inspection.
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC. This includes clear backpacks, clear fanny packs and clear cinch bags.
- No buckles, grommets/hardware or décor can be concealing any part of the bag
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziplock bag or similar)