Year a new rule was introduced at Maplewood Middle School (MMS) that stopped students from carrying backpacks or bags around the school during the day. Because of this rule my friend, like other students found it very hard to manage all her school supplies as she moved from one class to another. One day while rushing to get to class on time she dropped everything on a staircase. She lost her balance. Fell, not only hurting herself but also getting in trouble for being late. This event shows the problems that the current rule causes for students safety and their schoolwork.

The rule was supposed to help with hallways and make students safer but it has caused more problems than it fixed. Without bags students must carry books, notebooks and other things in their hands. This often leads to mess in the hallways because students stop to pick up things that they dropped. These items were on the school supply list, which includes things that most classes don't even need. The list even had bags for students to carry supplies and families spent money on them.. Then they were told they could not carry them in the hallways. The security issue could have been fixed by letting students use plastic bags or backpacks. Instead the school decided it was easier for students to carry everything in their hands.

Also without bags it is easier for students to forget or lose homework and other important things. This leads to grades. Research shows that when students carry books and supplies that weigh than 10% of their body weight they can get long-term back and neck problems. Using bags and backpacks can help with this. Carrying everything in their hands also adds stress and distractions for students who should be focused on learning.

Other ways to fix the problem include making traffic patterns in the hallways or changing when students leave class. These ideas could help with hallways without putting students in danger or making them uncomfortable. Also letting students use mesh bags could fix safety issues while helping them carry their supplies better. Other schools have used rules and had good results. Maplewood Middle School should look at these examples.

We ask the school administration at Maplewood Middle School to think about this rule and consider letting students carry bags during the day. This small change could make a difference in students school life, their grades and their health.

Please sign this petition to help make Maplewood Middle School a safer and better place, for students by making this change.