The following story was published in Issue 1 of The Paolite, 2017

Whether you are a student, a teacher, or a sasquatch disguised as a custodian, you have more than likely heard of the “No Backpacks” rule  in effect for most junior high students.

The rule states when a student enters a classroom, they are not allowed to have their backpacks with them. Students should only to have their Chromebook and the supplies needed for that class.

This change in the rule has high school students concerned that their prized backpacks and book bags are next.

Our staff has a variety of opinions on this new rule. A vast majority of our staff tightened the grips on their own book bags and shared negative reactions to this rule if it were to be applied to high school as well.

One staff member shared that they would hate it. “My backpack helps me carry everything and make me get to class faster.” Speed and convenience are the pivotal concerns to those opposed to the rule and its effects. Considering many high school students must travel across the street to the vocational school, outlawing backpacks would make getting to class on time more challenging.

Not all students are rushing to fight this rule.

Some of our staff feel if students didn’t carry their backpacks, they would be more organized and prepared for classes, which might be true. Some students live their lives ravaged by the big belly of the book bag, the beast which eats homework, shreds notes and ravages study guides. Perhaps if they were told not to carry it, they might be forced to be more careful about their work.

It would be great for students to always be organized, but at the same time it would be stressful to have to rush to class every passing period. The pros and cons are simply things we could work on as students to overcome and adapt to.

Overall our staff says “hands off” the high school bags. We are all just trying to get to class on time.