Heat impacts Stafford Schools Convocation at FredNats Stadium

From Stafford County Schools

Approximately 4,300 staff members from Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) gathered at 9:30 a.m. in the Virginia Credit Union Stadium for the 2022 Convocation event. Featured speaker and former SCPS employee Hamish Brewer delivered a division-wide professional development address, and a combined JROTC color guard, cheerleaders, and band members from all five high schools energized crowds before the event began.

At 11 a.m., temperatures rose to unmanageable levels. A call was made to stop the program immediately, ending the speaker early and closing the event an hour before it was scheduled to conclude. Staff were provided lunch on their way to school buses and began departing the area at 11:30 a.m.

In planning for the event, organizers provided nearly 12,000 bottles of water. Accommodations were coordinated for staff members with medical and heat fragilities. As temperatures rose, additional water was purchased and brought to the stadium. However, this event sustained approximately 80 medical contacts and 8 transports via EMS to local hospitals for staff suffering from heat illness. None of the students that attended the event required medical attention.

This event was designed to launch the school division’s new 5-Year Strategic Plan, Elevate Stafford. Stafford County Public Schools aims to inspire and empower every student so that they are prepared to excel in life. The goals of this plan are to support meaningful post-secondary outcomes, high expectations for academic performance, safe and welcoming learning environments, and investing in all staff.

SCPS realizes the value of community and the importance of giving back. At the conclusion of the event, numerous staff members provided monetary donations in support of the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank. Proceeds will go back to our kids and families in our Stafford Community. The generosity and community spirit among the school division will provide 1,041 meals in our community.