Backpack Expectations
Prior to COVID in 2020, backpacks were by and large not allowed for use in schools during the school day. COVID changed that and we have allowed the use of backpacks during the school day since our return to in-person learning.
Allowing the use of backpacks during the school day is something we have evaluated at the end of each school year. Based on the vote taken by teachers at the end of the 2024-25 school year, backpacks will not be allowed to be used during the school day for the 2025-26 school year.
Students are still allowed to bring backpacks to school. However, student use will be limited to bringing the backpack and its contents into the school building and putting the backpack into their assigned locker prior to the beginning of the school day, 8:00 AM. Backpacks will need to remain in lockers during the entire school day. Students will be allowed to go to their locker during the school day to return items to the backpack and get other items from the backpack for their next class(es). Students can get their backpacks at the end of their school day, 3:01 PM unless they need to leave the building for an appointment (etc.) before 3:01 PM.
There are two precipitating factors resulting in our return to no backpack use during the school day. One factor was students bringing inappropriate and distracting nuisance items into classrooms. A second factor was students using the backpack to secretly use electronic devices without teacher approval in classrooms.
I do expect this will be an adjustment for the student body as most students have grown accustomed to use of the backpack during the school day. This will be a necessary adjustment for students to make. Household cooperation and support is appreciated as we feel this will improve our educational environment.