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A Wake County middle school has backed off from its plan to bar students from bringing backpacks to school following complaints from parents.
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East Garner Middle School had initially banned the backpacks when the school year started on Monday before agreeing to phase in the change. But by Friday, Principal Sharon Fennell told families that they’re going to pause the transition as she cited the “confusion and frustration” that families are feeling.
“This pause will give us time to listen, assess what works best for our students and families, and ensure that any future changes are communicated clearly,” Fennell said in a message to families.
It’s unclear if the school will resume the plan to eliminate backpacks. The Wake County school system says it’s not aware of any district school that bans students from bringing bookbags during the school day.
East Garner Middle announced Aug. 20 on Facebook that students should not bring a backpack because the school will provide them with a free binder bag this school year. The announcement came just four days before the first day of classes.
When the first day of school arrived, some students tried to bring their backpacks. Other students left their backpacks at home only to find that the binder bags hadn’t arrived yet.
“I want to apologize for the confusion and frustration many of you experienced this week regarding our plans for student book bags,” Fennell said Friday.
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In her Friday message, Fennell said the switch to binder bags was made to help students develop strong organizational skills and to maintain a safe learning environment.
Binder bags are smaller than normal bookbags. They’re meant to allow students to carry a few items such as binders and their Chromebook.
“While our intentions were good, I recognize that we did not communicate this change as clearly or as early as we should have,” Fennell said. “I have heard from and spoken with a number of families this week, and I appreciate those of you who took the time to share your concerns, ask questions and offer feedback.”
Students will be allowed to continue to bring traditional bookbags. Fennell said that students can also use the school-provided binder bags and clear cinch sacks.
Wake was not immediately able to say how much money the school had spent on purchasing the new binder bags.
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