Clear Bag Guidelines

As part of our continued commitment to school safety and security, and in alignment with the district-wide implementation of weapons detection systems on all campuses, Ascension Public Schools will implement new clear backpack guidelines beginning with the 2026-27 school year.

Under the new guidelines, students at all grade levels will be required to use fully transparent backpacks. Colored, tinted, iridescent, or patterned backpacks, as well as backpacks with logos, patches, decals, or stickers that obstruct visibility of the contents, will not be permitted.

At the middle and high school level, mesh backpacks will also be allowed.

Students may continue to bring a non-transparent small hand-held clutch or privacy bag for personal items. In addition, band instrument cases and non-transparent, sport-specific athletic bags will still be permitted, but they will be subject to daily inspection.

To further support campus safety procedures, students will only be allowed to bring clear water bottles on school campuses.

These measures are designed to strengthen our efforts to prevent prohibited or dangerous items from entering our schools while also improving the efficiency of student entry onto campuses each day. Combined with our new weapons detection systems, the clear backpack guidelines will help create a smoother, faster intake process while maintaining the high level of safety our students, employees, and families deserve.

We understand this change requires preparation for families, and we are announcing the guidelines well in advance to allow ample time for planning before the start of the new school year.

The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority, and we appreciate your partnership and support as we continue working together to provide safe, secure learning environments across Ascension Public Schools.

Updated 05-28-26

Attendees are encouraged to limit the number of items they bring with them to middle and high school gymnasiums and stadiums in Ascension Public Schools for both athletic events and assembly events such as graduation. They will be able to carry (1) one of the following styles and size bags:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12” (width; depth; height)

• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)

• Small clutch bags, approximately the size of an adult hand but not larger than 4.5″ x 6.5,″ with or without a handle or strap

• An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection (ex: oxygen travel bag)

• Diaper bags are allowed as long as they are accompanied by an infant.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, non-clear fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, computer bags, camera bags, or any bag larger than the permissible size.

Prohibited Items

For the safety of our guests and employees, the following are prohibited:

• Abusive, foul, or disruptive language or clothing

• Alcohol

• Animals (except service dogs to aid guests with disabilities)

• Balls (including but not limited to football, soccer, and lacrosse)

• Bottles, cans, and beverage containers of any kind (an empty clear fillable bottle is acceptable)

• Clear bags larger than 12” x 6” x 12” (width; depth; height) and all non-clear bags larger than 6.5” x 4.5,” including purses, binoculars, and camera cases

• Coolers*

• Drones and any other unmanned remote-controlled aircraft systems

• E-cigarettes and vaporizers

• Fighting, taunting, or threatening remarks or gestures

• Fireworks, firearms, and weapons of any kind

• Intoxication or other signs of impairment related to alcohol consumption or other drug use

• Laser pointers

• Strollers and wagons

• Trespassing, soliciting, peddling, and loitering

• Video cameras (cell phones that record are acceptable)

• Any other item or action deemed dangerous or inappropriate

*Exceptions will be made for those with medical requirements and/or special needs.

All persons and/or their belongings are subject to search as a condition of entry into any event at an Ascension Public Schools middle or high school gymnasium or stadium.