Does your middle schooler have a locker in Jackson Public Middle Schools? (Pearl: safety)

[darhe3425]

My middle school child does not have a locker. I've tried to address for 2 years, she'll be finished by the time school board addresses this. Does your child have a locker in middle school for storing books, coats, etc. Why do school personnel have personal space for their belongings, but our children must walk around all day with their t strapped to their backs or in their arms, causing Perhaps bodily harm or potentially lost textbooks, this is a JPS policy that is not written but is spoken by everyJPS Principal! Does any other parent feel concerned about this? No one in her school has been issued a locker!

[SassyGirl2]

Not sure I can help any. All I can tell you is when I attended JPS, many, many years ago, only students in the 7th grade and up were issued lockers. But you do have a valid concern. I can remember when, and boy were those books ever heavy. However, from the 1st through the 6th grades, we did not change classrooms like the practice of today.

[darhe3425]

My daughter is 7th grade. When I went to Parents as Partners, they said well maybe the Principal will allow your daughter to have a locker, well what 7th grader wants to be identified as different from peers in that way?

[singlemom11]

I work for JPS and the lockers are a safety concern. Easy to hide weapons I suppose. Speak to the principal and your child should be able to get a locker! Maybe identified different from peers, but it will sure be a back relief!

[darhe3425]

singlemom, that was a suggestion by one local group "speak with the principal," however my concern is that my 1 child with a locker will make a problem for her. The other thing I have a problem with is the assumption that kids will hide weapons in a locker...I find it offensive. If weapons is the argument, then what prevents them from carrying them in the backpacks, making them more accessible? Why is it fair that school personnel have locked personal space for their belongings, but not the students?

[oldenfatt]

Many schools have gone to clear or mesh backpacks for that very reason. Sounds like your child's school has had a reason to fear weapons or contraband in lockers, no matter what excuse your principal gives.

[darhe3425]

There has never been a shooting in our school had that been the case I could understand it. There have many shootings on school campuses, Pearl Ms, Columbine, and others, however some other solutions need to looked at rather than forcing children be beast of burdens carrying books, coats, all belongings all throughout the day. I don't see this as precautionary just lack of parental concern in the matter.