Putnam City West Families and Staff,
We’re writing to send an update regarding the clear backpack requirement recently communicated to you by the school.
At Putnam City Schools, we’re all in – as one connected District. This is important for equity, performance, culture, safety, and so much more. When a safety-related requirement is being considered for any of our schools, we must review it at the District level first to ensure the change is both consistent, thoughtful, and supported by research or data. Then, when necessary, we can determine if it should be implemented across our 27 campuses.
After this review, the District decided that Putnam City West will not move forward with the clear backpack requirement at this time.
Safety is not being negatively impacted by this decision, which research supports. Therefore, we want to reassure families and staff that safety remains a top priority districtwide with a detailed and layered set of safety measures already in place, including:
Dedicated PC Campus Police and Armed Security
Advanced 24/7-monitored security cameras
Weapons Detection Systems
Secure vestibules
Clear and timely Standard Response Protocols
and more
These measures work together to protect students and staff every single day, and the District will continue to evaluate additional steps as they are needed, always with consistency and safety across all campuses at the forefront.
We recognize this update may cause some confusion after the initial messaging by PCW, and we appreciate your patience as we work together to make sure every decision reflects what is best for all of our schools.
Questions can be directed to the District Secondary Schools Office at 405-495-5200 ext. 1238.
All In,
-Putnam City Schools