Modified backpack ban at D251 middle schools, high schools
Update 09/02/21 - Jefferson County schools have modified their backpack plan from last month.
In an email to parents Friday morning, Rigby middle school principal Richard Howard says students can now use clear backpacks to transport school supplies to and from school.
But they are still banned from the halls and in the classrooms.
The entire email simply reads: Parents,
After reviewing the backpack policy, we are permitting clear backpacks to be used at Rigby Middle School to transport school materials to and from school. Backpacks may be inspected at any time by the school and are to be kept in student lockers during the school day. Backpacks will not be permitted in the halls nor in the classrooms. They will need to be kept in students’ lockers during the day. Thank you for your continued support.
They can also be inspected at any time by the school and to be kept in student lockers during the school day.
Last week, we reported students posting online videos of them using sleds, laundry baskets, and shopping carts to carry supplies.
RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) - Jefferson School District Superintendent Chad Martin said effective immediately, backpacks will no longer be allowed at Rigby Middle School, Farnsworth Middle School, and both Rigby and Jefferson High Schools.
This comes after an incident took place at Rigby Middle School Thursday.
The superintendent said in a letter around 9 a.m., a student reported to a staff member there was another student in the bathroom who was struggling emotionally. The staff member immediately went to check on the student, and upon arriving at the bathroom, the staff member saw the student had a firearm and immediately called for the School Resource Office and the school was placed on lockdown. The deputy responded to the restroom and disarmed and apprehended the student without incident.
"We ask our parents to partner with us in keeping all of our students safe. Please keep your firearms safe and inaccessible to students. If you notice changes in your student’s behavior, attire, or personality notify us so we can help your student," Martin said.
You can view the full letter below.
This morning around 9 a.m. a student reported to a staff member that there was another student in the bathroom who was struggling emotionally. The staff member immediately went to check on the student. Upon arriving at the bathroom, the staff member saw the student had a firearm and immediately called for the School Resource Office and the school was placed on lockdown. The Deputy responded to the restroom and disarmed and apprehended the student without incident.
Effective immediately, backpacks will no longer be allowed at Rigby Middle School, Farnsworth Middle School, and both Rigby and Jefferson High Schools.
We asking our parents to partner with us in keeping all of our students safe. Please keep your firearms safe and inaccessible to students. If you notice changes in your student’s behavior, attire, or personality notify us so we can help your student.
Sincerely,
Chad Martin, Superintendent
