Clear Backpack FAQ

Effective Monday, September 22, 2025, all 6-12th grade students in any of our schools who choose to come to school with a backpack or tote bag will be required to use a clear backpack or bag. Students may carry a small, non-clear pouch in their backpack to hold personal items, such as cellphones, money and hygiene products. 
 

No. However, student Chromebooks are 11.6" in length. 

No. However, the District reserves the right to search bags brought in by students, where the items inside are not visible. 

No. If students choose to bring a backpack it must be clear and colorless. 

No, backpacks must be completely clear, to allow staff to view what is inside.
 

No. Backpacks must have clear visibility through all dimensions excluding the backpack bottom. 

Not as long as they don’t obstruct the view of what’s in the backpack.

Yes, as long as they don’t obstruct the view of what’s in the backpack.

Yes, leather reinforcements in the corners are permitted. 

No. Colored, transparent backpacks are not allowed. 

Yes. 

Yes. Zippers can be any color.

No stickers or decor are allowed on the backpacks, other than small company and school logos are allowed, but large logos, monograms, or other visual design obstructions are not. 
 

No, items in the backpack must be visible. 

As long as the contents of the bags remain visible, personalizing the straps is acceptable. 

Yes, Small company and school logos are allowed, but large logos, monograms, or other visual design obstructions are not. 

Yes.

Yes.

Students can use a regular pencil case, as long as the pencil case does not obstruct the view of items on the backpack.

No. Students are allowed a small privacy bag. 

We understand the concern regarding the privacy of certain items contained within backpacks. Students will be permitted to carry such items in a small makeup pouch or purse. Any non-transparent pouch, purse or lunch box/bag may be subject to being searched.

An exception will be made for medically necessary items as outlined in Board policy. 

Students are encouraged to have one small non-transparent bag in their backpack. All non-transparent bags are always subject to a search. If your student needs a privacy bag, please have them ask at the office. The District has purchased a supply.

The majority of our secondary schools currently provide hygiene products in the bathrooms. In addition, the District will be providing small pouches for hygiene products for female students.

Schools are developing a plan. All non-transparent bags may be subject to search. 

For the week of Sept. 15 - 19, students who bring a regular backpack will have it checked upon arriving at school. If students take their backpack out for lunch, it will be checked again before allowing the student to class.

Starting Sept. 22 - students that bring a regular backpack will be asked to take the needed contents out of the backpack and be directed to their locker/class, and the backpack can be picked up at the end of the school day. If schools have available clear bags or backpacks, one will be provided.

Students are able to have a small opaque bag (like a small pencil case) in their clear backpacks for privacy items, including their phone.

Yes, however, they may be subject to search.

Purses are strongly discouraged, unless they are small and can fit in the backpack (size of a small pencil case). Purses, lunch boxes, totes are all subject to being searched. If your student has a need to bring items (for example medical supplies) to school that need to be carried in something other than the backpack and have questions, please have them speak with Student Services or a school administrator.  Schools have plans to address music instruments and athletic/sports bags.

If your child’s middle school currently requires students to leave their backpacks in their lockers, that has not changed.

Yes. Trapper Keepers may be subject to search.

Yes, the new safety protocol is applicable to all 6-8th grade students. Grades 4K-5 are not required to have a clear backpack. If your child’s middle school currently requires students to leave their backpacks in their lockers, that has not changed.

No.

No, at this time there is no plan to change the bell schedules.

The District always reviews damage to Chromebooks to determine if the damage was a result of student negligence. If the Chromebook is damaged through no fault of the student, there is no charge for damages.

Effective September 22, 2025, grades 6-12 students who arrive at school with a regular backpack will be asked to take the items they need and leave their backpack in the office, where it will be stored until the end of the day. Students will also be offered a clear backpack/bag.

As stated in the response above, the students backpack will be locked in the office for the day, and students will need to carry the contents, store them in their locker, or take a clear backpack/bag provided (if available).

Backpacks are not a required school supply item. As stated above, effective September 22, 2025, backpacks will be stored and returned to students at the end of the day. 

Parents are always encouraged to check their students' backpacks. 

Students are encouraged to keep their backpacks with them. If not with them, they should be stored in their lockers. A privacy pouch is approved for students to keep valuables such as ear pods, cell phones, money, etc.

The District’s policies and practices regarding theft of students' items have not changed with implementation of the backpack protocol. Students are encouraged to keep their backpacks with them, if not with them, they should be stored in their lockers. A privacy pouch is approved for students to keep valuables such as earpods, cellphones, money, etc. 

Clear backpacks are a safety enhancement to the District’s school safety protocols.

At this time the District has not placed an end date on this protocol.

If you are interested in making a donation towards the District’s purchase of clear backpacks, you can make a check out to the Green Bay Area Public School District, and either drop off or mail to: 200 S. Broadway, Green Bay, WI  54303, Attn: Amy Fish.