A noticeable change is visible in the academic classrooms as clear backpacks are now permitted in the school. 

Backpacks and bags larger than a book have been banned in the academic wings of the school, but with students acquiring ChromeBooks last year, the administration amended the rule, permitting clear bags. 

LCHS Administrators purchased clear backpacks with school instructional money to assist students with carrying books, Chromebooks and supplies during the eight-period school day. 

Most students said they like carrying backpacks. Students said they are helpful in carrying items to different classrooms and even lunch. 

“Nobody can be sneaking around with anything dangerous,” Logan Whitcomb, freshman, said. 

“It’s handy,” Kirsten Ammons, senior, said. 

“At least we get to have them this year,” Madison Sickles, senior, added. 

Some prefer the bags to not be clear, but according to administrators, the clear backpacks help with safety concerns.  

Mr. Dustin Cogar, assistant principal, said teachers and staff members can easily glance at the bags to make sure there are not weapons, drugs or anything illegal. He thinks it was a “help” for students to be supplied a safe backpack to help with carrying supplies. 

Cogar noted that the main concern was the quality of the backpack, but he said students could use their own clear backpack if they didn’t like the quality of the free one. 

Senior Hunter Helmick agreed. 

“They’re great except they tear up every day,” Helmick said. 

Some don’t like that the backpacks are clear. Some said girls have trouble hiding feminine hygiene products. 

“Most people carry their books and a lot of girls I’ve talked to say they can’t use the bag for makeup or (feminine) products,” Gerik Walsh, sophomore, said,  

Not all students opt to carry a backpack. Instead, some bring a binder or store things inside their locker. 

“I don’t understand why it has to be clear.  It’s a hassle to have to carry that around instead of a simple binder,” Frankie Butcher, junior, said. 

For more information about backpacks, see your advisory teacher.