Upstate District to require see-through backpacks next year

By AMANDA SHAW

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LAURENS, South Carolina (WHNS) – To increase safety, Laurens School District 55 has announced that students will be required to wear see-through backpacks starting in August.

The district said backpacks must be fully cleared. Students are still allowed to carry lunch boxes, pencil bags and non-transparent handbags, but the maximum size is 6 inches by 9 inches.

Mesh backpacks and colored transparent backpacks are not permitted. Clear backpacks may have colored straps.

Students participating in extracurricular activities may carry non-transparent bags to store items such as a band or sports equipment, but they must be placed in lockers or designated areas when entering schools.

All school backpacks in the Laurens District 55 are subject to search.

Learn more about the new district policy:

Laurens 55: safety made clear

To enhance safety measures currently in place, Laurens County School District 55 will require all students to use see-through backpacks beginning in the 2022-23 school year. Students participating in an extracurricular activity are permitted to carry non-transparent bags to store items relating to their particular activity (i.e. music, athletics, etc.). Upon entering the school, all extracurricular activity bags must be stored in lockers or designated areas. All bags are subject to search. Additionally, the maximum size of non-transparent bags students are permitted to carry during the school day, such as lunch boxes, pencil bags, and purses, will be 6″ x 9″.

Question: What are the size specifications for the transparent backpack? Answer: There are no size specifications for the transparent backpack; however, please consider the dimensions of the devices provided by the school. Chromebooks are 12″ x 8″ x 1″ and laptops are 13″ x 8.5″ x 1″.

Question: Are transparent colored backpacks allowed? Answer: No. Colored transparent backpacks are not allowed. Only fully transparent backpacks are allowed. Question: Can the backpack have colored shoulder straps? Answer: Yes. The backpack may have colored shoulder straps.

Question: Are mesh backpacks allowed? Answer: No. Mesh backpacks are not permitted. Students are allowed to use transparent backpacks only.

Question: Can the backpack have mesh pockets? Answer: Yes. Mesh side pockets are permitted on the backpack.

Question: Are monograms and logos allowed on the front of backpacks? Answer: Small monograms and logos are allowed, but should not exceed 4 inches. Larger logos, monograms or other visual design obstructions are not permitted.

Question: Can we design or decorate the backpack? Answer: No. Patterns or decorations cannot block the view inside the backpack.

Question: Will small sports/spirit bags and instrument cases, which are unclear, be allowed on campus? Answer: Yes, they are allowed, but must be stored in the music room or locker room. Students participating in an extracurricular activity are permitted to carry non-transparent bags to store items related to their particular activity (eg, band, athletics, etc.). Upon entering the school, all extracurricular activity bags must be stored in lockers or designated areas. All bags are subject to search.

Question: Are lunch boxes allowed? Answer: Yes. Non-transparent lunch boxes no larger than approximately 6″ x 9″ x 5″ are permitted to be carried.

Question: Can multiple 6″ x 9″ bags be carried? Yes. Students should limit non-transparent 6″ x 9″ bags (lunch kits, purses, pouches) to two bags, whether carried inside or outside the backpack.

Question: Are transparent bins and transparent handbags allowed? Yes. Totes, handbags and clear bags are allowed.

Question: Is this an invasion of privacy? Answer: We understand the concerns regarding the privacy of certain items contained in backpacks. Students will be permitted to carry these items in a small makeup bag or purse in the backpack. Any non-transparent pouch, purse, or lunch bag should not exceed approximately 6″ x 9″ x 5″.

Question: What about students who need to carry medical items/equipment to school? Answer: An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.

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