SOUTH RIVER – The South River Public Schools will enforce new backpack rules for South River High School students beginning in September.
“This is one of several procedures and measures the district is implementing in an overarching attempt to continuously improve our school’s safety and security,” Superintendent of Schools Sylvia Zircher said.
To carry their belongings, all high school students will have the following choices:
• Do not bring a backpack/bag to school. Students may carry their belongings throughout the day;
• Keep non-clear backpacks/bags in a locker when entering the school in the morning and leave it there all day. Administrators recommend students use a lock for their locker;
• Purchase a clear backpack/bag to carry throughout the day;
• Purchase a clear backpack from the high school ($12). Backpacks will be available for purchase at the high school beginning the first day of school. If purchasing a backpack is a financial hardship, students should see their guidance counselor or a teacher;
• Handbags for small personal items are allowed, but may not exceed 8 inches by 5.5 inches (the size of a half sheet of paper);
• Small lunch boxes are allowed.
Zircher said the memo outlines procedure, not policy, which is at the discretion of school/district administration. She said the Board of Education receives continuous updates regarding changes in such procedures.
At this time, the clear backpack procedure is only for South River High School students. For more information, visit www.srivernj.org or call 732-613-4000.
Contact Vashti Harris at vharris@newspapermediagroup.com.
