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Beginning with the 2022-23 school year, all bookbags (backpacks) carried by students in grades 1-12 must be clear. Clear bookbags are optional for Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten students this year. Students will carry their laptops in the school-issued, non-transparent laptop bag. RCPS will provide each student with one clear bookbag at the beginning of the school year. Students participating in an extracurricular activity are permitted to carry non-transparent bags to store items pertaining to their particular activity (i.e. band, athletics, etc.). Upon entry into the school, all extracurricular activity bags must be stored in lockers or designated areas. All bags are subject to search. Additionally, the maximum size for non-transparent bags that students will be permitted to carry during the school day, such as lunch kits, pencil bags and purses, will be 6” x 9”.
• What are the size specifications for the clear bookbag?
There are no size specifications for the clear bookbag.
• Are mesh bookbags allowed?
No. Mesh bookbags are not allowed. Students are permitted to only use clear bookbags (see example).
• Can the bookbag have mesh pockets?
Yes. Mesh side pockets are allowed on the bookbag (see example).
• Can the front pocket of the bookbags have a mesh organizer?
Yes. A mesh organizer inside the front pocket is allowed (see example).
• Will bookbags with padded backs be accepted?
No. Bookbags must have clear visibility through all dimensions excluding the bookbag bottom (see example).
• Are transparent colored bookbags allowed?
No. Colored, transparent bookbags are not allowed (see example). Only fully clear bookbags are permitted.
• Are stripes allowed on the bookbag?
No. Stripes in any location are not allowed on the bookbag (see example).
• Can the bookbag have colored straps?
Yes. The bookbag may have colored straps (see example).
• Are leather reinforcements on the corners of the bookbags allowed?
Yes. Leather reinforcements on the corners are permitted (see example).
• Are company or trademark logos allowed on the front of the bookbag?
Yes. Small company and school logos are allowed (see example), but large logos, monograms or other visual design obstructions are not.
• Will athletic/spirit bags and instrument cases, which are not clear, be allowed on campus?
Yes, however, these bags must be stored as soon as the student arrives at school. They must be placed in lockers or secured in fine arts classrooms or athletic locker rooms as designated by school instructors.
• Are lunch kits permitted?
Yes. Non-transparent lunch kits no larger than approximately 6” x 9” x 5” (see examples) are permitted to be carried.
• Can multiple 6” x 9” bags be carried in schools?
Yes. Students must limit non-transparent 6” x 9” bags (lunch kits, purses, pouches) to two bags (see examples), regardless of whether they are carried inside or outside the backpack.
• Are clear totes, clear purses and transparent plastic bags allowed?
Yes. Clear totes, purses and bags are allowed (see examples).
• Can I line the inside of the bookbag?
No. Fabric, wallpaper or any other material that conceals the contents of the bookbag is not permitted.
• Is there a health concern related to carrying clear bookbags (exposure to plastic)?
No. According to current United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) research, chemicals released by plastic bookbags / backpacks are not stored in the human body, so routine, low level exposures like touching plastic products or breathing indoor air are unlikely to cause toxicity or disease. Additional information can be found on the CDC/ATSDR website,
https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/Phthalates_FactSheet.html.
• Is this an invasion of privacy?
We understand the concern regarding the privacy of certain items contained within bookbags. Students will be permitted to carry such items in a small makeup pouch or purse within the bookbag. Any non-transparent pouch, purse, or lunch kit should be no larger than approximately 6” x 9” x 5”.