Locker Policy Update for Trimester 3

Good Afternoon Charger Families, 

Our students have been doing an excellent job using their lockers consistently at lunch, and they have grown so much in their confidence with using their lockers this year!  Back in January, we shared that we were working to develop a full-day locker policy to start at the beginning of Trimester 3. Students, staff, and families have shared feedback about lockers over the course of the year, and we have developed our updated policy! 

What is our new locker policy?

You can view a copy of the poster for our new Locker Policy here, though below is a brief overview:

• Store in Locker (Before School): Students should store their backpack, lunchbox, and phone/smart devices in their locker before school starts. Exceptions will be made for students who need their phone/smart device for a medical accommodation. 
  • Musical instruments should be stored in student music lockers. 
  • Large sports bags can be stored in the Main Office before school.  
• Bring to Class: Students will carry a small bag (for example, a tote, cinch bag, laptop bag, or binder with a strap) with their class supplies. 
• Bring to Lunch: Students may bring their lunchbox and a book (if they choose to read during Half Time). 
• Bring to Charger Time (End of Day): Students will bring all of their belongings (backpack, lunchbox, class supplies, phone/smart devices) to Charger Time. This ensures they are prepared to work on assignments and ready for dismissal. 
  • Note for Wednesdays: Students will pick up their items from their lockers after period 6 and will be dismissed two minutes early for several weeks as they practice this routine. 

When does the new locker policy begin?

We will start following this policy on Monday, March 24 (the first day of trimester 3). We have lots of activities planned this week to support students with the transition and we will continue to offer support as we get started next week!

Why are we making this change? 

We believe this structured approach to locker use will help students in many ways, including: 

• Helping students develop stronger organizational skills 
• Reducing the need for students to carry heavy bags throughout the day 
• Providing more space for students and staff to move around in classrooms 
• Ensuring students can focus on learning by keeping phones and smart devices off and away during the school day 

How can I support my student with this change?

To help with this transition, we would appreciate if you could: 

• Check in with your student about which small bag they would like to use during the school day. Extra cinch bags are available in the library if your student needs a small bag to use.
• Discuss the following questions with your student to help them make a plan (we will also be working on this in Charger Time): 
  • What do I need before lunch? 
  • What do I need at lunch? 
  • What do I need after lunch? 
  • What can I leave at school? 
  • What do I need to bring home? 
• Help your student get organized for the new trimester! This is a great opportunity to sit down with your student and go through their backpack together to ensure they are only carrying what they need (we will also be spending time doing this in Charger Time). 
• Remind your student about how they can communicate with you during the school day while phones are off and away.  If your student needs to make a call, they can use the phone in the main office.  

We know it takes time to make a successful transition, and we are here to support your student along the way! Thank you for your partnership with this process and we appreciate the student, staff, and family feedback that has helped us get to this point! 

If you have additional questions about our locker policy, please contact Principal Erin Armstrong.