In an effort to make district campuses safer for students and staff, Cy-Fair ISD officials announced in June a new policy requiring all middle and high school students to use clear backpacks during the 2018-19 academic year, which begins Aug. 27.

Additionally, the maximum size for nontransparent bags and cases—including lunch boxes, pencil bags and purses—has been set at 6 inches by 9 inches. There are no size requirements for the clear backpacks.

Mesh backpacks are prohibited under the new policy, but clear backpacks with mesh side pockets are allowed. Transparent colored backpacks and striped backpacks are also prohibited.

Students who participate in extracurricular activities, including band and athletics, can carry nontransparent bags for those activities, but they must be stored in designated areas upon entering school. Read more about CFISD’s efforts to improve safety in this month’s cover story.