DeSoto ISD bans backpacks from middle, high school students
DESOTO, Texas - DeSoto ISD is banning backpacks from all middle and high school campuses starting Monday, April 24.
DeSoto ISD says it's implementing the "no backpack" policy as a safety measure but gave zero specifics about why the rush with less than six weeks left in the school year.
That means students will have to figure out a way to carry school supplies, computers and other items around with them.
Students in grades 6-12 will still be allowed to carry a clutch the size of a sandwich bag or a pencil bag.
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Friday was the final day Nakesha Williams’ son, Ray, could bring his backpack to DeSoto High for the rest of the school year. She says she doesn't agree with the change.
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"Books, papers and pens. Things that are essential for them to have in school, they need to have the items available to them," she said. "What can you put in a sandwich bag? You can’t put your papers in there. If there are books, you can’t put books like that in there."
The district is hoping the backpack ban for the last six weeks will reduce unruly distractions and concerns and allow for a smoother remainder of the school year.
"I have stuff to bring home from my sports locker and other stuff, too," Ray said.
If students decide to bring a backpack, they must drop it off in a designated area and pick it up after the final bell.
Students also in extra-curricular activities like sports or band will also have their own separate areas for bags.
Security will also be making regular rotations in and outside of campuses.
School officials say without the backpacks, staff can put their eyes on the students without having to take the time to search through belongings.
DeSoto ISD hasn’t disclosed any weapons found on campus or unruly behavior in recent months, but neighboring districts have.
In March alone, one student was killed and another injured when police say a 15-year-old Arlington Lamar High School student brought a shotgun to campus in his backpack and shot them.
A student at Thomas Jefferson High School in Dallas was shot in the school's parking lot.
And a Fort Worth middle school student brought a gun on campus.
Following Uvalde, Dallas ISD implemented a clear or mesh backpack policy for middle and high schoolers this year.
Back in DeSoto, students left school for the weekend with backpacks for the last time this school year.
"I guess kids are sneaking weapons into their bags and stuff like that," said parent Toya Williams.
Toya understands the safety concern but also questions how her daughter will adjust.
"Carrying that stuff in hand seems difficult," she said.
In addition to the backpack ban, DeSoto ISD says campuses will also limit traffic in hallways during the school day.
The district also asks parents to pick up students as close as possible to the end of the school day.