Families heading to Friday night football at James Madison or Oakton high schools this fall will pass through weapons detection screening before entering the stadium, part of a set of new FCPS policies taking effect when school starts Monday, Aug. 24.

The district announced the security changes in its Aug. 11 newsletter, alongside a device restriction that goes beyond Virginia's cellphone ban and new physical math textbooks for middle schoolers at Thoreau and other pyramid schools.

What to expect at the gate

Every spectator at FCPS varsity football games will walk through the same weapons detection technology students already use each school morning. That's new for game day.

FCPS is also enforcing a standardized bag policy at all games:

Allowed:

  • Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches
  • Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5 inches x 6.5 inches
  • Medical and diaper bags (subject to inspection)

Banned: Backpacks, purses, fanny packs, tote bags, outside food and beverages, and sporting equipment such as balls, bats or sticks.

Middle school students and younger must be accompanied by an adult who stays for the entire game. FCPS advises arriving earlier than usual to allow time for screening.

Personal devices banned during school hours

The School Board voted July 16 to prohibit students from using personal laptops, tablets, smartwatches and smartphones during the instructional day. Only FCPS-issued Chromebooks are permitted for school-related digital work.

The rule is broader than Virginia's statewide cellphone ban, which took effect July 1. As students had begun bringing personal devices to bypass content filters on school Chromebooks, the board closed that gap. School Board Chair Robyn Lady said at the July 16 meeting, according to FFXnow's coverage, "There's no firewalls. There's no way to control it."

Two exceptions apply: students whose IEP or Section 504 Plan requires a personal device as an accommodation, and students in specialized courses where a principal approves use of technology not available on standard FCPS devices.

New math textbooks at Thoreau

Students in Math 6 through Algebra 2 will open physical textbooks this year after the board unanimously approved new instructional materials on July 16. A committee of community members, administrators and teachers reviewed the selections. FCPS Parents for Intentional Tech described the adoption after the July 16 vote as part of a shift away from a previously digital-focused classroom.

Key dates

Families can find the full bag policy in the FCPS athletics bulletin.