New Rules, New Routine: Adjusting to Clear Bags and No Phones

This school year at Walnut Grove High School, students are facing two big rule changes: putting away phones during class and carrying clear bookbags. These policies were implemented by the school for safety and fewer distractions.
by Chloe Fankah and Amelia May

Chloe (School News Staff)
Initially, I thought the clear bookbags rule was a policy that would be enforced later down the road, so I was surprised to find out that it was a requirement for this school year. I do believe that it is a step in the right direction, and the good thing about this policy is that I’m able to keep my bookbag organized because everyone can see what’s going on in my bag. When it comes to the phones, I think it’s a good idea because students are more focused on class work, and can engage with peers in class because we don’t feel the need to get on our phones when we’re bored.

Amelia (School News Staff)
At first, I thought putting phones away in class was pointless, especially in case of an emergency. I’ve noticed more positives, like being more focused and actually talking to classmates. It’s even benefited my grades, though I still miss having my phone when I’m bored; it works out well. The clear backpacks feel useless. They mostly make students uncomfortable by showing off messy bags and personal items, especially for girls. The rule is supposed to improve safety, but it doesn't seem effective if athletes can still bring non-clear bags. Overall, the phone rule has had benefits, but the clear bag policy feels unfair and unnecessary.

Miss Milligan, the marketing teacher at WGHS, believes the new policies are to ensure safety and strengthen classroom engagement. Her initial thoughts on these rules were, “Heck yeah! I think it’s great, and I think it will increase our efficiency in the school building.” She continues these rules will enhance our safety because “we can see what children are bringing into school, and we ensure that children are learning and not playing on their phones,” and there’s nothing she’ll change about the rules.

Jaylah Sibbles, a senior at WGHS, shared her mixed feelings about the new clear bookbag and phone policies. She admitted that the good thing about clear book bags was that “no one will be able to hide anything that could harm anybody in school,” but she dislikes how everyone can see her belongings and feels it takes away from the fun of her senior year. At first, she thought the policy was a joke, and even now, she’s still not a big fan.

Mason Bender, a junior athlete at WGHS, thinks that the new policies aren’t necessary, but they keep the students engaged, and the bags make it so students can’t sneak things into school. When Mason first heard of the policies, he thought they were “pretty stupid.” He expressed “In an emergency, what if I need to reach my parents?” Bender mentioned feeling uncomfortable with the clear bags and wished he could just keep a normal bag.


As WG students and teachers adjust to these new policies, it’s clear that the new phone rule and clear bookbag policies are getting mixed reactions. Some see the benefits for safety and focus, while others feel restricted.