NNPS News
Michelle Price
Executive Director of Public Information and Community Involvement
Clear Backpacks and Student IDs Required for 2024-2025 School Year
Posted: July 17, 2024
Clear Backpacks
Clear backpacks will continue to be required for all students. The school division, with financial support from the City of Newport News, will provide all students with a clear backpack at the beginning of the school year.
Parents/guardians may purchase a clear backpack initially for their child/teen if the backpack meets the school division's guidelines.
Based on student and parent input and after much research, NNPS is purchasing clear backpacks that are more durable than the ones purchased this past school year. The new clear backpack is made of stronger PVC material with a reinforced bottom and seams. The newer backpack is expected to last much longer than the previous version. If the clear backpack provided by NNPS is damaged or misplaced and can no longer be used, families will be responsible for the purchase of a replacement backpack that meets the school division’s guidelines.
Acceptable replacement backpacks must be fully clear on all sides and made of transparent plastic or vinyl material. Solid bottoms are acceptable but not required. Mesh pockets on side of the backpack are permitted as long as people are able to clearly see through the bag. Colored, transparent backpacks are not allowed; only fully clear backpacks will be permitted. The backpack may have colored straps. Logos and branding are not permitted. A small non-transparent privacy pouch will be allowed for personal hygiene items.
Recommended retailers include Amazon, Target and WalMart. Parents/guardians may purchase a clear backpack for their child/teen if the backpack meets the school division’s guidelines.
The school system is working with community partners to assist families who may need replacement backpacks.
Student IDs
All students will be required to wear a student ID every school day while on the school bus and on the school campus.
The student ID must be properly displayed throughout the school day and while attending school-sponsored activities as a spectator during on-campus athletic and club activities and events.
Student IDs will be issued to all students at the beginning of the new school year. The new IDs will replace the T-Pass, so students who ride an NNPS school bus to and from school will be able to scan their student ID as they board and exit the school bus. The new IDs may also be utilized in the cafeteria for lunch service and in the library to check out books and other materials.
All students will also be issued a lanyard and a holder for their student ID. In the event a student misplaces or loses the student ID, a temporary or replacement ID will be issued. After a replacement ID has been issued once, families may be charged a replacement fee for a new ID.