RCPS to issue mandatory clear bookbags to students after Labor Day

CONYERS, GA – The clear bookbags that Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) students in grades 1-12 are required to carry beginning with the 2022-23 school year will be distributed after Labor Day, school officials said today(July 21).

School officials said the distribution of the free bookbags will happen a few weeks after the school year begins on Aug. 1 due to a delay in delivery.

“We were recently informed of a delay in the arrival of our shipment of clear bookbags. Unfortunately, we are not immune to the global supply chain issues causing delays in almost everything, particularly with transport and delivery,” said RCPS Superintendent Terry Oatts. “Our order was placed early last spring with a delivery date prior to the start of the school year. We have confirmation they have left the manufacturer and are on their way to us.”

Oatts said RCPS has made the clear bookbags a requirement as part of the district’s enhanced safety measures.

“Students who have purchased their own clear bookbag may use them, if they meet the specifications published on our website,” Oatts said.

Clear bookbags are optional for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students this year. Pre-K and Kindergarten students are allowed to use their own non-transparent, full-size bookbag if they wish to do so for the entire school year.

RCPS will provide each student with one clear bookbag for 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.). All extracurricular activity bags must be stored in lockers or designated areas. The clear bookbags are an added measure to enhance school safety.

Students will carry their laptops in the school-issued, non-transparent laptop bag.

Families are reminded to read through all the guidelines for the use of non-transparent bags, laptop bags and athletic or extracurricular equipment. The guidelines can be found at rockdaleschools.org and have been sent to families through the district’s rapid communication email, calling system and its social media accounts.

To view all the bookbag requirements and FAQs, visit www.rockdaleschools.org/clearbookbags.

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