• Clear or mesh backpacks required for all secondary students


    The safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and the district has taken several steps to ensure schools are safe learning environments. Starting in the 2022-2023 school year, students in sixth through 12th grade will be required to use clear or mesh backpacks. Other bags will no longer be allowed. 

    Students will be able to carry in their backpack a non-clear pouch no larger than 5.5 inches by 8.5 inches to hold personal items, such as cellphones, money, and hygiene products.

    Our decision stems from safety recommendations made by the district’s Safety Task Force and Internal Task Force as well as feedback from students, parents, and the community. 

    We acknowledge that clear or mesh backpacks alone will not eliminate safety concerns. This is merely one of several steps in the district’s comprehensive plan to better ensure student and staff safety.

    The district has purchased and will distribute a free clear backpack to secondary students before the start of the school year.

    All backpacks not meeting the criteria outlined above will be collected and kept in the school office where the student’s parent or guardian can pick them up.  

     

    Frequently Asked Questions


     

  • How do clear or mesh backpacks contribute to safety?

  • Is there a specific size or shape for the backpack?

  • For what grades will clear or mesh backpacks be required?

  • Can the backpack be clear-colored plastic?

  • Can the clear backpack have a solid color back?

  • What if we cannot pick up the clear backpack before the beginning of the school year?

  • What if the backpack provided by the district breaks, is lost or is stolen?

  • We want to purchase additional clear backpacks, where can we get one?

  • We can’t afford a replacement backpack, can the district help?

  • How did the district decide to require clear or mesh backpacks for secondary students?

  • Who served on the safety task forces?

  • What cushioning is provided for laptops or Chromebooks?

  • Do the clear backpacks the district is providing have adequate back support and cushioned straps?