YHS implements see-through backpacks policy

Yoakum High School (YHS) recently announced a policy that requires student backpacks to be see-through to ensure the contents inside are visible for the 2022-2023 school year. 

The policy aims to emphasize student safety as a primary concern of school administrators and will be in effect by the first day of school, Aug. 17. The change only applies to high school students and is listed in detail online at YoakumISD.net.

“It's the security measure we're trying to take to (address) all avenues of safety,” said YHS Principal Maci McDonald. “So, trying to combat things where we can easily see through the backpack is the method that we're going with.”

The policy states that backpacks may be clear, translucent or mesh, as long as the contents inside are visible. Non-translucent bags for extracurricular activities must be stored in lockers or dedicated areas upon entry to the school. The maximum size for non-transparent bags carried during the school day, such as lunch kits, pencil bags and purses, will be six inches by nine inches. Exceptions are made for medical equipment.

“There are quite a few other larger schools and smaller school districts that are implementing a clear backpack policy, just to help promote safety measures at school…,” said McDonald. “Students just need to understand that their safety is our biggest concern. We want them to be safe here at school, and we're (implementing) measures to make sure that we're trying to keep them safe. That's our biggest priority.”

Although there are currently no opportunities provided by YHS or YISD to help students afford the see-through backpacks, McDonald said she was working with the counseling department on such an initiative. 

“Ultimately, we just want the kids' safety to be our top priority, and we want everyone to have confidence that safety is our top priority,” said McDonald.