Penn-Trafford students returned to school facing new rules implemented as a proactive safety approach and to eliminate distractions, amidst changes in attendance requirements. 

     This school year, many students face challenges adjusting to backpack restrictions leading them to use their assigned locker. Simultaneously, teachers continue to strictly enforce the phone policy, incorporated last year, while adjusting to changes in attendance procedures.  

     Per the P-T High School Student Handbook, “students are not permitted to carry backpacks, book bags… or other carrying bags during the school day.” In addition, “All [carrying bags] must be stored in the student’s assigned locker or bag room upon arrival at school and remain there until dismissal.” 

    Previously there were no regulations regarding carrying bags throughout the school day. 

“[Administration] implemented [locker and backpack rules] as a proactive safety approach from feedback from instructors,” Assistant Principal Megan Flaherty said.  “Students were tripping over stuff in class… teachers were not able to move around the room as easily.” 

     As a result, students have been using their lockers more than in recent memory.

     Flaherty explained, “Nobody was really using [lockers], so it was a waste of space.” 

     A teacher survey concluded that keeping carrying bags out of the classroom has a direct impact on the learning environment. 

     “A lot of girls do make-up in class, so [the policy] eliminates some distractions,” she elaborated. 

     Alongside backpack restrictions, only clear pencil pouches are now permitted in the classroom. 

     “The use of clear pencil pouches was to enforce that kids can’t carry items they can conceal in their backpacks,” Flaherty said. 

     The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has also instituted new regulations regarding truancy and unexcused absences. According to the Pennsylvania Education Law Center, “habitual truancy means six or more (unexcused) absences… These absences do not need to be in a row.” 

     Moreover, due to a new district policy, students cannot claim credit for missed work as a result of an unexcused absence. 

     “Students were able to make [work] up, and [the problem] didn’t go away,” Flaherty said. “Even if you are 19 years old and you’re in school, you are still considered a child under state law and are required to have a parent note. Students can have 10 parent excuses throughout the year.” 

     One rule that is not as new for students is the cell phone policy.

     Compared to last year, when the policy was first implemented, teachers and administrators have seen an improvement in the learning environment. 

     “We conducted a teacher survey, and it has greatly impacted class participation,” said Flaherty. 

     As a result of the bookbag and locker procedures, staff are seeing more communication among students. 

     “The use of lockers is allowing students to have more socialization… It’s nice for them to use that social communication that we were lacking during COVID-19,” Flaherty mentioned.