NEW Backpack Rules

New Backpack Requirements

Update 7-31: Thanks to a generous donation from a partner of the CISD Education Foundation, backpacks will now be included for free for elementary students with the purchase of a school supply bundle for only $7.00.

Safety of all students and staff is the top priority in Castleberry ISD. Beginning this school year, clear or mesh backpacks are required for all CISD students. Specifically, Pre-k through 2nd grade student backpacks must be made of clear material. Backpacks for 3rd through 5th grade students must be of mesh material. Student backpacks in 6th through 12th grades can be made of either clear plastic or mesh material. Any questions concerning the use of backpacks for the 2018-2019 school year can be directed to the Director of Human Resources, the Executive Director of Elementary Education, or the Executive Director of Secondary Education at (817) 252-2000.

Castleberry ISD's first priority is student safety. We recognize that the recent announcement regarding transparent backpacks may have come unexpectedly. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We are acting in the best interest of our students based off of recent developments in our government, specifically, announcements made by Governor Greg Abbott and the proposed School Safety Plan.

We are committed to making these necessary changes as hassle free for our families as possible.  In that spirit, elementary students will be able to purchase backpacks meeting these requirements along with school supplies for only $7 during on-site registration. Middle and High School families will be able to purchase Mesh backpacks meeting these requirements from their campus for $8 during on-site registration as well.

If you do not wish to purchase a backpack from the school, but are having trouble finding one, we recommend using amazon.com and looking for a backpack made of PVC with straps and a handle sewn on the back. We also realize that many of you may have questions or concerns regarding the new backpack rules. More information will be published on this page as it comes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Will Castleberry be considering other security features like metal detectors?

Answer: CISD will always consider the safety of all students. As such, all potential safety measures will be continually evaluated and considered.

Question: Will Castleberry provide these backpacks?

Answer: Parent's of elementary students can purchase a backpack meeting the requirements along with school supplies for $7 during on-site registration on August 1st or 2nd. Parents of secondary students can purchase a backpack from their child's campus at the start of school.

Question: Do lunch bags have to be transparent too?

Answer: Not this year.

Question: How will this apply to district provided containers like netbook bags?

Answer: We are transitioning to netbook bags that tightly fit their devices and leave little room for anything else. Rest assured, if you get a container from Castleberry you are in the clear.

Question: Will backpacks with padded backs be accepted?

Answer: No, backpacks must have a clear visibility through all dimensions excluding the bottom.

A backpack that has a clear front but opaque padded back with a large no symbol over it.
Question: Are transparent colored backpacks allowed?

Answer: No. Colored transparent backpacks are not allowed. Only fully clear backpacks

6 transparent but tinted backpacks arranged in a 3 by 2 grid. The colors from top to bottom, left to right are blue, neon green, pink, orange, purple, & black.

Question: Are Stripes allowed to be on the backpack?

Answer: No. Stripes in any location are not allowed on the backpack

4 clear backpacks in a grid. The two on the left are labelled no, and the two on the right are labeled yes. On the top left backpack there are stripes at the bottom of the backpack. On the bottom left backpack there are stripes at the top of the backpack. The two backpacks on the right are visually identical and have no stripes anywhere on the backpack.

Question: Can the backpack have colored straps?

Answer: Yes. The backpack may have colored straps.

3 backpacks with various colored straps.

Question: Are company or trademarked logos allowed on the front of the backpacks?

Answer: Small company logos are allowed, but large logos, monograms, or other visual design obstructions are not.

clear backpack with logo on the frontclear backpack with small castleberry logo on the front- acceptable

Question: Can we design or decorate the backpack? 

Answer: No. Much like with our rules on logos, designs or decorations can not hinder the ability to see inside the backpack.

Question: Can the backpack have a colored mesh

Answer: Yes. Only a solid colored mesh backpack is allowed.

red mesh backpack- acceptableBlue mesh backpack- acceptablemesh backpack with Minnie Mouse designs- unacceptable

Question: Will athletic/spirit bags and instrument cases, which are not clear, be allowed on campus?

Answer: Yes. However, these bags must be stored as soon as the student arrives at school. They must be placed in lockers or secured in Fine Arts classrooms or athletic locker rooms as designated by their instructors.

Question: Are lunch boxes permitted?

Answer: Yes. Non-clear lunch boxes are permitted to be carried within the backpacks.

Question: Are students allowed to have laptop bags in their backpack?

Answer: Yes. Only district issued laptop bags will be permitted in backpacks.

Question: What are the size specifications for the backpack?

Answer: There are no size specifications.

Question: But isn't this an invasion of privacy?

Answer: We understand the concern with the privacy of certain items contained within backpacks. Students will be permitted to carry such items in a small makeup pouch within the backpack or a small purse.