of course....but then we do not have much of a dress code.

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We require that all bookbags and purses say in the locker. This is our second year. We had minimal opposition. Girls are given a little extra time to go to their lockers to get what they need out of their purse. Let the teachers first tell you all the reasons why it won't work and talk through it. It will work if the staff is on board.

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We have not banned purses, but this is not an issue at our school. Most girls can conceal what they may need to have in a pocket. I think carrying a purse may draw more attention than most of the girls want.

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Our girls are allowed to keep their purses with them We do not have reasonable suspicion on any student for possession of weapons or drugs. Students may have cell phones on their possession as long as the cell phone are not active. Good luck to you.

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I allow purses, but they must be of a reasonable size and a purse, not a book bag. I had a few protests from boys until I explained "Girls have a reason to need their purse. If you can prove to me you have a similar need, I would be happy to oblige. Then I will let you carry a purse as well." I have never heard another complaint.

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Yes, we allow purses in class. Pretty tough to tell a girl she can't carry her feminine products with her. If the purse starts getting as large as a bookbag, then we restrict it to the locker, but our girls have always been reasonable about this.

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I would like you to post your responses if possible. We are changing our handbook for next year to say that anything that is big enough to carry a large textbook is not a purse, it is now a book bag. We are waiting for the firestorm next fall!

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The smart idea is to keep purses in the locker. It is no different than a book bag for the reasons you listed. When I find contraband on a female student, 9 times out of 10 it is in the purse. The only valid argument that I have heard is for feminine hygiene products. My response...."Let them get it out of their locker or that's what tampon machines are for."

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We don't allow purses in the classroom. The girls can stop by their locker on the way to the bathroom.

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Yes as long as a spiral notebook will not fit in it we call it a purse and let them carry it.

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We have them keep their purses in their lockers. They can however carry a small pencil bag with them. This seems to work. We have some kids that push us on this, but it is well worth the problems of having them in the classroom.

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I just finished by handbook meeting and this topic came up...the consensus (especially among women) is let them have their purses.

A purse is no different than a bookbag or backpack. It stays in the locker and if she needs to use the restroom it is convenient to go to her locker and get her purse at that time and return it afterwards. We don't have language for it. We just tell them to put it in the locker for safety issues - don't want anything stolen.

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I had a female teacher explain to me why girls need their purse when working on a handbook at MattoonMiddle School. Your right, sometimes that can create an issue of the other unknown items that may be concealed within the purse. Some schools will have females leave the purses outside of the classroom when dogs come into the school to search.

A shade of grey...

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We do and I don't like it but can't get mt supt to support the idea of putting them in lockers.

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We do not let them keep purses with them

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Todd - I do not allow any purses of any kind to be taken to classrooms, PE (gym), lunch, etc. Purses are to be placed in the lockers once students arrive at school.

There is such a broad definition of a "purse" these days, which means some boys would carry some kind of "storage device". I do not permit it at all for anyone.

Teachers here have voiced "concern" over girls and their need to have their monthly supply with them. I have told my teachers that naturally they need their supplies - put it in your purse in your locker. Teacher response: "How are they supposed to take care of themselves?" My response: "If they need to change [or whatever], then go to your locker, get your purse, and go to the bathroom. Put your purse back in your locker before returning to class."

It has worked. No complaints. No parent complaints.No teacher complaints.

The other day I had a couple 6th grade girls (with their new spring purses) come to lunch with them. I reminded them that purses are to be in their lockers, sent them back to their lockers, they put purses away, and returned to lunch. No problems. No parents.

Basis: 1) purses are a distraction - all kinds of toys, make-up, devices can be stored in them; 2) can conceal a weapon; 3) unnecessary

Just my two cents. Good luck.

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Our handbook states that any purses or binders must be small enough to fit under the desk. You are opening yourself up to a mess of parent complaints especially during "that time of the month" when their child NEEDS to get to the bathroom ASAP, and doesn't want to take the time to stop at their locker.

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Students are not allowed to carry purses during school. They must be kept in the lockers. We had a little whining at first, but they got used to it. It has solved a lot of problems!

We instituted a no purse policy this year. We do allow students to carry pencil cases, preferably clear. Some staff, students and counselors protested initially but it has been successful. We of course have the usuals who think the rule does not apply to them or are carrying large pencil cases. I simply search the bags and tell them to remove things like make-up and cell phones. It is then a pencil case. We will also confiscate the purse and issue disciplinary consequences if necessary.