After a hitting incident, the school's principal imposes restrictions on residents' use of HHS athletic facilities

Hopkinton Public Schools Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh announced Friday that use of Hopkinton High School's residential athletic facilities will be restricted during the regular school day due to a slapping incident earlier this week.

In an email to families and residents, Cavanaugh said the decision was made because of a hitting incident on Oct. 1. HHS Director Evan Bishop announced Tuesday morning that the school had been ordered to shelter in place after police received a call about a “suspected activist shooter” in the building.

She said the incident “distracted police, fire and school officials from their work to respond to a disturbing hoax.”

Another factor in their decision was a recent incident on Loop Road when “someone got uncomfortably close to a group of students in one of our physical education/wellness classes.”

“The schools, along with our law enforcement partners, have been reviewing these events,” Cavanaugh said. “Therefore, to better ensure student safety, we ask residents not to use the HHS athletics, tennis and basketball courts during the regular school day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.”

Cavanaugh added: “We understand this may impact people’s regular exercise routines. However, student safety must be the top priority at Hopkinton Public Schools.”

She thanked the community for their understanding of this policy change.