Student safety is our highest priority, and we continue to evaluate our facility, procedures and practices so that we can do everything reasonable to provide the safest learning environment possible. The student practice of carrying backpacks around all day has been a concern and topic of discussion throughout this school year. We realize that sometimes changes in our procedures and practices create inconvenience for students, staff and parents, but we need everyone’s cooperation and we will work with students to overcome obstacles as they arise.
Beginning April 2, 2018 (Monday after Spring Break), backpacks will no longer be allowed in classrooms. Students who bring backpacks to school will take them directly to their locker when they arrive. Backpacks will not be carried around the building during the day. Backpacks may be removed from lockers at the end of the day and taken directly from the building. Lockers must remain locked when students are not present at the locker. We recommend that students purchase a fitted sleeve for their laptops.
We have listened to many concerns about changing this practice and will do our best to accommodate students as we implement steps to change this practice. At this time, we will make the following accommodations:
1. All students have been assigned a locker from the beginning of the school year and should have purchased a school lock (blue spool.) All lockers must be locked during the school day. Anyone who still needs a lock should get it from the main office before spring break.
2. Laptop sleeves are recommended and may be used to carry laptops to classes. These sleeves must be fitted to the laptop and can be purchased at Computers Plus or other stores where they are available. Please be sure the sleeve is fitted to the computer.
3. We understand that in some cases locker locations create a challenge for students. We do have many unassigned lockers and will allow students to request a change by signing in with Mrs. Smallwood. Mr. Wilgus will work with students in order of the request to re-assign a locker or assign an additional locker if necessary for the remainder of the school year.
4. All lockers will be re-assigned for next year for better convenience.
5. Students may carry a small pouch (no larger than 13 X 13 inches) for writing utensils and personal items.
6. Teachers will be lenient during the transition period to accommodate students who may be slightly tardy to class or forget items, but students are encouraged not to take advantage of this situation.
7. With administrative approval, students may transport items in a rolling case.
Administration and teachers are committed to doing whatever we can to make this transition with the least possible interruption of instructional time. Questions and concerns can be directed to the administrators at any time.
