Hopkinton Public Schools Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh announced Friday that residential use of Hopkinton High School’s athletic facilities will be restricted during the regular school day in light of a swatting incident earlier this week.

In an email to families and residents, Cavanaugh explained that the decision arose because of a swatting incident on Oct. 1. HHS principal Evan Bishop announced Tuesday morning that the school was ordered to shelter in place after police received a call about an “alleged active shooter” in the building.

The incident, she stated, “called police, fire and school officials away from their work to answer to what proved to be an unnerving hoax.”

Another factor in her decision was a recent incident on Loop Road during when “someone got uncomfortably close to a group of students in one of our PE/Wellness classes.”

“The schools, along with our police partners, have reviewed these events,” explained Cavanaugh. “Accordingly, in an effort to better ensure student safety, we are asking that residents refrain from using the HHS track and fields as well as the tennis and basketball courts during the regular school day, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.”

Added Cavanaugh: “We understand this may interrupt people’s regular exercise routines; however, student safety must be paramount to all else in the Hopkinton Public Schools.”

She thanked the community for understanding this policy change.