The Storm

Safety Ahead of Backpacks 

by Annamarie Lyman

On the first day of school, an assembly was held first period by Central Valley Academy’s principal, Mr. Keeler. All of the standard rules and regulations regarding safety were gone over, with a focus on what is expected regarding an open campus for the junior and senior lunch period. However, one of the rules that had been introduced to the student body caused a tremendous uproar among students. Backpacks were to be left in lockers throughout the day. 

Many argued that if they didn’t have their bags, they wouldn’t be able to carry around everything that they needed for their classes. “The no backpack rule doesn’t take into account the course load some students have. Some of my books are very heavy and bulky, and I’m dropping things constantly,” said one student. 

“Kids are going to be late when they have to go back to their lockers, and teachers are cracking down on being late more now, so we’re just getting in trouble,” said another. 

Another student explained, “A lot of teachers said at the beginning of the year that we’d adjust to it quickly. I haven’t really adjusted, and I’ve dropped things plenty of times."

Others believe that while it may seem inconvenient, the no-backpack rule is important in terms of keeping everyone in the building safe. “I feel that it’s necessary because of growing threats in schools. I do understand the frustrations of being a student and trying to juggle everything you’re holding. I do understand that it’s not ideal for you all, but I believe that it is important. All in all, we do want a safe school, and we all want to feel safe,” a teacher answered when asked her opinion on the matter. 

Another teacher explained that it is very nice that she has more space without so many backpacks in her room. 

When asked for a statement regarding his opinion on the no-backpack rule, Mr. Keeler responded, “The no backpack rule really applies to two main concerns, which are health and safety.” He goes on to explain that the weight of bags that students were carrying around and the effects that it could have on their bodies was also concerning. “The size of the backpacks create a safety issue in the hallways and in classrooms.  When all students are wearing backpacks in the hallways, it adds to congestion and injuries.” He also goes on to say that while no plan is foolproof, removing backpacks from the equation reduces the risk of a weapon being brought into classrooms, and that though it may seem inconvenient, students have less supplies than in the past to carry around, so convenience is less of a concern when compared to the health and safety of the students and staff at Central Valley Academy. 

While some may find the rule unfavorable and others may see it as essential, there are some who are a bit more indifferent about it. “It is objectively annoying, but it’s just a minor inconvenience. If it’s going to stop violence in our schools then that’s the price we have to pay. A little annoyance for our safety is something we can deal with,” said a student. 

“I have no problem because all of my classes are right next to my locker. I can understand the issue for other students. It’s not really as big of a problem as people are making it out to be. You just have to learn better time management with it,” answered another when asked their opinion. 

“It doesn’t really matter that we don’t have backpacks because someone is going to be unhappy no matter what,” explained a third. 

When something changes with the start of a new year, there are many different responses. It’s important to take into account the different viewpoints some may have in regards to the no-backpack rule. It’s also important to understand that even if some may disagree with the introduction of this rule, there have been changes in the students' level of safety school wide. Regardless, many of the students of Central Valley Academy have adjusted to the rule quickly and with grace.