New for the 2018-2019 school year, Rock Island High School is implementing a new classroom backpack/purse policy.
Students are allowed to bring backpacks and purses to Rock Island High School, but they must be kept in the locker during the school day. Students will not be allowed to carry backpacks or purses to classrooms. Personal belongings can be carried in a pencil case.
The decision to limit the use of backpacks and purses to only BEFORE or AFTER school came about in part due to concerns regarding the size of backpacks and purses and the amount of space they take up in the classroom. Also factoring into the decision were concerns that students could carry inappropriate or illegal items in purses throughout the school day.
The change was researched and reviewed by high school administration during the 2017-2018 school year, with the plan to put the policy into effect for the 2018-2019 school year. Edison and Washington Junior High Schools already require students to put their backpacks in lockers and do not allow students to carry them to the classrooms.
Rock Island High School families will receive a newsletter as well as robo-call reminders before the first day of school on August 2.