OXFORD, Mich. (WWJ) – Oxford Community Schools superintendent Tim Throne says all middle school, high school and Bridges students will be required to use clear backpacks when they return to school.
Classes will resume following the holiday break on Monday, Jan. 3 at all elementary and middle schools in the district, as well as Bridges High School. Officials have not yet provided a return date for Oxford High School students in the wake of the deadly shooting on Nov. 30 that left four students dead and seven other people wounded.
In an update posted to the school’s website on Wednesday, Throne said the district is implementing numerous safety measures, including the use of clear backpacks and additional law enforcement and security at every school.
“Thanks to the generosity of so many in our community, we now have enough clear backpacks so all high school, middle school and Bridges students will be provided one upon their return,” Throne said.
He noted secondary students will be required to use the clear backpacks – which are big enough to hold their Chromebooks – “for the time being.” He asked parents to not send their students to school with their regular backpacks on Monday or other school materials and noted they can “expect a clear backpack to come home with your student(s).”
Elementary students will not be required to use clear backpacks, though the district is requiring students to keep them in their lockers or cubbies for the entirety of the school day.
Throne also released a video update to parents on Wednesday:
While no return date has been set for the high school, Throne said in the message “we continue to make progress in the reconstruction of Oxford High School and we are working through the enormous number of logistics involved in our safe and soft reopening plan. We will communicate additional details early next week."
A full list of other safety measures that will be in place in the district following the holiday break can be found on the school’s website.
Throne also said the district will be holding town hall meetings on Jan. 5 and 6 to discuss safety matters.
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