Effective August 21, 2023, Mesa Public Schools will implement Clear Bag Protocols for all major school gatherings, including athletic events and fine arts performances. Clear Bag Protocols are designed to enhance security measures, ensure the safety of all attendees, and streamline the entry process. Through these protocols, we aim to create a secure environment that promotes a positive experience for students, staff, and visitors. The following bags are approved for entry:
Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags not exceeding 12" x 6" x 12"
One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
Small clutch bags (no larger than 4.5" x 6.5") with or without a handle or strap
Medical bags are permitted but subject to a thorough inspection.
Guests carrying non-approved bags or items will be required to return them to their parked vehicle or dispose of them at the gate. District venues do not offer facilities to store or check personal belongings. Mesa Public Schools will not be held responsible for items left behind, lost, stolen, or damaged. The following bags are not approved for entry:
Backpacks (solid)
Large purses
Fanny packs
Camera bags
Oversized tote bags
Diaper bags
Binoculars case
Mesh bag (reusable grocery bag)
Tinted, colored, or patterned bag
Solid-colored drawstring bag
The following items are not approved for entry:
Soft or hard sided coolers, ice chests
Glass or metal containers
Outside food and beverages
Alcohol and tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and smokeless cigarettes/tobacco
Bikes, skateboards, scooters, hoverboards, longboards
Weapons of any kind, including those carried with permit
Sticks, poles or similar objects that can be used as a weapon
Fireworks, drones or laser pointers
Animals, with the exception of service animals
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the Clear Bag Protocols?
To enhance public safety and make venue access more efficient, attendees at MPS athletic events, fine arts performances, and other similar large gatherings are limited to one clear bag per person, along with a small clutch or purse for privacy. Please refer to the pictures above for images of approved vs. non-approved bags.
Why did MPS adopt these protocols?
This enhanced security measure is designed to ensure the safety of all attendees, streamline the entry process, and create a secure environment that promotes a positive experience for students, staff, and visitors.
Does my child need to have a clear bag for the school day?
The clear bag protocol is only for public events held outside of school hours. A regular backpack during school hours is acceptable. Examples of an after school public event include sports games and performing arts concerts. School events that are not open to the public, such as curriculum night, do not have a clear bag protocol.
Can I bring a blanket and extra jackets/clothing into the venue during cold weather?
Guests may bring these items when carried over a shoulder or arm. Items that are folded must be opened and inspected in order to gain entry into the venue.
What happens if I show up at the gate with a bag that is not permitted?
Guests carrying a prohibited bag will not be permitted inside the venue and will be directed to the bag to their vehicle and transfer their belongings to an approved clear plastic bag before entering the venue.
If I have certain items that I need to bring into the venue for medical reasons and they won't fit in the clear bag, what do I do?
Guests carrying medically necessary bags or equipment into a venue will be required to have their bag inspected by security.
Are all purses prohibited?
No. Small clutch purses, with or without a handle or strap, are permitted along with a clear bag.
Do I have to put everything I'm carrying into an approved bag?
No. We are limiting only the type of bags carried into the venue, not items that you normally bring to a game. Therefore, you can carry items (keys, makeup, feminine products, comb, phone, wallet, credit cards, etc.) in your pockets or jacket if you choose not to use a clear bag or clutch purse.