Clear Backpack Protocol
As a part of Richmond Public Schools’ (RPS) ongoing efforts to enhance safety for students and staff members, clear backpack requirements will be in effect for the 2024-25 School Year. This decision was made by the RPS School Board on June 3, 2024, and is a preventive safety and security measure to ensure RPS Schools are safe and productive learning environments. We would like to express our gratitude to all RPS families for your understanding as we implement this shift. We truly appreciate your patience and compassion as we work collectively to find solutions that ensure the safety and well-being of all RPS students, staff and families.
This protocol will go into place on July 1, 2024. We recognize that this impacts Summer School students and RPS200 schools most acutely. RPS is working with partners to procure donated backpacks for any student who needs one. No student will be penalized in July-August for not having a clear backpack.
A clear backpack is:
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Completely clear on all sides except the bottom
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Backpack-sized or similar: Smaller bags are permitted, but larger ones are not
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Still subject to inspection by the Care and Safety team
The only exceptions permitted are:
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A small non-transparent pouch for personal hygiene items.
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School-approved sport-specific carrying case for athletic equipment.
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School-approved instrument-specific carrying case for band equipment.
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School-approved cases for medical equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the size specifications for the clear backpack?
- Are mesh backpacks allowed?
- Can the backpack have mesh pockets?
- Can the front pocket of the backpack have a mesh organizer?
- Will backpacks with padded backs be accepted?
- Are transparent colored backpacks allowed?
- Are stripes allowed on the backpack?
- Can the backpack have colored straps?
- Are leather reinforcements on the corners of the backpacks allowed?
- Are company or trademark logos allowed on the front of the backpack?
- Will athletic/spirit bags and instrument cases, which are not clear, be allowed in RPS Schools?
- Are lunch bags permitted?
- Can multiple small bags be carried in schools in clear backpacks?
- Are clear totes, clear purses and transparent plastic bags allowed?
- Are students allowed to have a laptop sleeve in their backpack, or are they required to carry the laptop sleeve separately?
- Can I line the inside of the backpack?
- Where do I purchase a clear backpack?
- Is there a health concern related to carrying clear backpacks (exposure to plastic)?
- What about student privacy?
- What about RPS students that must carry medical items/equipment to school?
- Are staff required to carry clear backpacks?
- Are visitors and volunteers required to wear a clear back?
- Will the clear backpack policy replace metal detectors?
What are the size specifications for the clear backpack?
Are mesh backpacks allowed?
Can the backpack have mesh pockets?
Can the front pocket of the backpack have a mesh organizer?
Will backpacks with padded backs be accepted?
Are transparent colored backpacks allowed?
Are stripes allowed on the backpack?
Can the backpack have colored straps?
Are leather reinforcements on the corners of the backpacks allowed?
Are company or trademark logos allowed on the front of the backpack?
Will athletic/spirit bags and instrument cases, which are not clear, be allowed in RPS Schools?
Are lunch bags permitted?
Can multiple small bags be carried in schools in clear backpacks?
Are clear totes, clear purses and transparent plastic bags allowed?
Are students allowed to have a laptop sleeve in their backpack, or are they required to carry the laptop sleeve separately?
Can I line the inside of the backpack?
Where do I purchase a clear backpack?
Is there a health concern related to carrying clear backpacks (exposure to plastic)?
What about student privacy?
What about RPS students that must carry medical items/equipment to school?
Are staff required to carry clear backpacks?
Are visitors and volunteers required to wear a clear back?
Will the clear backpack policy replace metal detectors?
Additional Information
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Distribution: Richmond Public Schools will provide clear backpacks to all students who may need assistance with acquiring a clear backpack. Please stay tuned for information in Direct and via Remind about distribution.
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Resources: Information on acquiring clear backpacks for those in need will be available through school administration prior to the start of the school year.
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The Clear Backpack Policy does not replace existing rules regarding prohibited items on school property. Weapons of any kind, drugs, and alcohol are strictly forbidden.