NORWICH – The Norwich school district is changing its policies as a result of several incidents that occurred at a January dance which led to the arrest of a female student.

According to Superintendent Gerard O’Sullivan, the district was prompted to review its policies and procedures after the Winter Snow Ball, which took place on Jan. 17 in the high school cafeteria.

“I think we’re off on the right foot again,” O’Sullivan told school board members at a board of education meeting last week.

From now on, police officers will be present at each dance, the superintendent reported, and all backpacks will be checked when students arrive. The head chaperone will ultimately be responsible for controlling entry into the events, and will be given a binder to guide their actions.

Scott Ryan, Norwich High School’s dean of students, was tasked with writing the new policy and compiling the chaperone binder.