Schools
Backpacks, Purses, Bags NOT Allowed During School Hours at Geneva High School
Policy update: Concern is about carrying illegal items. Students are allowed to carry a wallet or other similar case to carry such items during the school day.
You can carry a backpack, purse or bag to Geneva High School, but you can't use it during the school day, according to a revised policy note sent Tuesday by School District 304.
A District 304 Connects e-blast says "backpacks, purses, or bags of any kind will not be permitted during school hours. Students may use bags and purses to and from school but will be required to leave them in their lockers after the day has begun."
Personal belongings can be carried in a small strapless case, such as a wallet, make-up case, or pencil case, District 304 said.
Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The rationale?
Backpacks have been prohibited at Geneva High School for many years, but the decision to limit the use of purses to before or after school came about in part due to concerns regarding the size of purses, many of which are as large or are larger than a backpack.
Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Also factoring into the decision were concerns that students could carry inappropriate or illegal items in purses throughout the school day. Because it is recognized that students may need to carry personal items throughout the day, students are allowed to carry a wallet or other similar case to carry such items.
The high school also revised its policy on cell phones and other electronic devices.
Students are extended the privilege of possessing and using portable electronic devices on school grounds.
"However, where a quiet atmosphere is expected, such as classrooms, detention or computer labs, these devices must be powered off and may not be visible," District 304 said.
Students who violate the policy are subject to appropriate disciplinary consequences. The e-blast did not say specifically what those consequences might be.
Students are allowed to utilize portable electronic devices in the hallways during passing periods as well as in the cafeteria during lunch periods.
At a teacher’s discretion, students may be allowed to use electronic devices for educational purposes.
The policy was instituted on a trial basis during the 2011-12 school year.
"Upon seeing the educational benefits of increased access to technology, the decision was made to implement this policy on a permanent basis," District 304 said.
SOURCE: 304 Connects, a Geneva Community School District 304 subscription service
