BROOKLAWN MIDDLE SCHOOL 250 Beachwood Road

Eileen Hoehne, Principal Parsippany, NJ 07054

William Cleary, Assistant Principal Phone (973) 428-7551

Fax (973) 781-0309

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Over the years I have personally witnessed students falling over large backpacks or walking up staircases about to fall backwards due to the heavy load of books they are unnecessarily carrying in their backpack. The backpacks have become extremely overloaded making it almost impossible to pass in the hallways. This has become a serous safety concern in our hallways and in our stairwells and it is only a matter of time that someone will get seriously hurt.

ALL students will be required to carry their books or use STRING BACKPACKS to carry their books and items around the building. During a nine period day, their academic classes are split before lunch and after lunch. They will be able to fit the necessary books and binders for these classes because they will be required to drop off their books before lunch and return to their locker after lunch to pick up their afternoon items.

This policy is only during the school day. I do recognize that some students will want to take several books home. They can still use another type of pack to transport their books to and from school; however once they enter the building, they must take their books out of a large backpack and use the string pack during the school day.

I know many of you will have some concerns and questions. Feel free to email me with your concerns and questions and I will address them. Change can be uncomfortable and stressful but the safety of our students is my number one priority and this change is now necessary.

You can purchase a string backpack with a Brooklawn logo from our PTSA or you can purchase a string backpack from any local merchant. An order form will be posted on the BMS website if you are interested in purchasing one through the PTSA.

Thank you,

Eileen Hoehne

Principal