Backpack giveaway planned for Saturday as school's clear bag policy clarified

The Lexington City Schools have further explained the new clear-bag policy that will go into effect beginning this school year and posted examples of acceptable bags on its website. The school district has also partnered with the Cory Holt Foundation for a bookbag giveaway at Lexington Senior High School on Aug. 5

LEXINGTON – Lexington City Schools has clarified its new policy requiring clear backpacks, giving further explanations on what kinds of bags are allowed in its buildings and where parents and students can get one.

In June, Lexington City Schools reimplemented a clear-bag policy for students for the upcoming school year beginning Aug. 28, after rescinding the requirement last year.

The school district has posted examples of these bags and has included a list of retailers where they can be purchased on its website at www.lexcs.org.

This policy aims to enhance security within the schools by regulating the types of backpacks and bags allowed on school premises during the school day, read a statement by the school district.

According to the new requirement, all backpacks used by students must be made of clear plastic, vinyl, mesh or similar transparent materials. Logos, stripes, colors or other design elements are allowed as long as they do not obstruct visibility. Teachers and staff are allowed discretion in choosing their own bags.

In an effort to address medical needs or personal care items, students are allowed to bring personal items and hygiene products in a non-clear bag that is no larger than 6 by 9 by 5 inches. Students may also bring non-clear lunchboxes. All additional bags will be subject to inspection by the school administration.

Athletic bags and instrument cases are exempt from the clear backpack requirement, but they must be stored in their designated areas upon arrival at school.

The school system previously implemented the clear bag policy for athletic events, and it will remain in effect for those.

In an effort to assist those with limited resources, Lexington City Schools is partnering with the Cory Holt Foundation for a backpack and school supply giveaway at the high school bus parking from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5.

The foundation, named after Lexington Senior High School Hall-of-Famer Cory Holt, has joined forces with Elevation Church in Winston-Salem. They will be distributing clear book bags and other school supplies on a first come/first served basis. There will also be teachers' kits available.

“It is always an honor and a blessing to be able to give back to the community that has meant so much to me " Holt said in a prepared statement. "There are a lot of families struggling; everything is so expensive these days. We want to be able to provide something to relieve some of the burden, we want to help."

The event will also be a fundraiser for the foundation's annual Entrepreneur Scholarship fund, which provides scholarships to recent graduates.

Chicken plates will be available for $15 and fish plates for $10. There will be a limited number of walk-up orders for plates, so people are urged to purchase tickets prior to the event at (336) 470-9500 or (980) 406-2539.

Parents and guardians who are unable to attend the backpack give away are urged to contact their individual school administration for assistance obtaining additional resources.