This letter was shared with Shawnee Public Schools families on August 30, 2023.
Dear Shawnee Public Schools Families,
At Shawnee Public Schools, safety is our number-one priority. In light of recent incidents at schools across Oklahoma and to honor Oklahoma Baptist University’s existing policies, we are implementing new security procedures. These safety procedures will be in place for all SPS events beginning Friday, September 1.
We will have enhanced security measures in place, some visible and some not. Spectators will notice an increased presence of security personnel and school administrators at our gate and within the stadium. We will also have new safety procedures for spectators, allowable bags, and prohibited items. We will enforce a clear bag policy, and a limited number of clear plastic bags will be available at the gate. More details about these security procedures are below this letter.
While we are making these immediate changes at our events, please know we are reviewing all our safety procedures across the district. We will continue to review these procedures throughout the year and will communicate with you if we find it necessary to make more changes.
As you enjoy our events this week and throughout the year, our goal is for you to feel secure knowing that we are providing a safe environment for our students and our community. This Friday, we will host our home football opener against Seminole at OBU’s Crain Stadium. Gates open at 6 p.m., and kickoff is at 7 p.m. I look forward to seeing you there. Go Wolves!
Sincerely,
Dr. Aaron Espolt
Superintendent
Bag Policy
- No bags permitted unless it is a clear plastic tote bag.
- Non-transparent clutch wallets no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” are allowed.
- Bags necessary for approved medical equipment are allowed.
- Approved family care items (diapers, formula, etc.) must be included in the clear plastic tote bag.
- Explosives, firearms, or weapons
- Alcohol (in all forms)
- Bags, backpacks, fanny packs & hard binocular cases (ONLY clear bags or clutch wallets allowed)
- Balloons (unless it is part of a school-sponsored ceremony)
- Beach balls, footballs, balls, or other sporting equipment
- Coolers, containers, or ice chests
- Laser pointers
- Pets (with the exception of registered service animals)
- Loitering will not be tolerated.
- No re-entry allowed once a spectator has exited the facility.
- Students/children are to sit in the stands and shall not congregate under the stands or in other areas of the sporting complex.
- Unruly behavior will not be tolerated.